The first thought that comes to mind over the allegations that Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was involved in a Telegraph sting - is why did he bother?

Here is a man who earns double a week what the average plumber earns in six months, and has enjoyed a long and illustrious career as a top flight footballer including well-paid stints at Chelsea and Leeds.

Surely, he's not wanting for a bob or two?

If the transcript of the Telegraph tapes are to be believed, Hasselbaink wanted more money for a speaking engagement because it took him away from his family during an international break.

What price quality time with your nearest and dearest? About £55k, it seems.

Before the storm: JFH greets Birmingham boss Gary Rowett

QPR will wonder what black cat they run over a decade ago, that now throws them back into the unwelcome spotlight of media headlines for the wrong reasons.

Greg Clarke was speaking about Allardyce and the England manager’s job, but the FA chairman might as well have referred to JFH when he pointed out: “people who turn up to do discuss strange deals, with strange people they’ve never met are looking for trouble…”

Another bit of the JFH Telegraph transcription which caught the eye was the opportunity to take three days off during international breaks, and supposedly give the QPR squad the same down time.

One assumes the ‘them’ in ‘I can give them Sunday, Monday, Tuesday off,’ was the players he is duty bound to improve after a winless run of six Championship games.

Sure, he has an able coaching staff to plug his absence; David Oldfield is no slouch, nor is the rest.

Second in command: David Oldfield

Even so, surely the captain should be around to make sure the ship is pointed in the right direction, especially as Rs have minimal internationals to distort training groups?

I’d pay more than a penny to hear the thoughts of chairman Tony Fernandes on his gaffer taking time off to bolster his bank balance.

Rs chiefs want to know whether there are bits in between the Telegraph quotes hitherto unseen that might yet save their manager.

If they deem he was set-up and things taken out of context, then it’s onwards and upwards.

Even then at best, Hasselbaink appears naïve. Hardy, the kind of smart, savvy boss needed to navigate shark-infested waters of modern football, say dozens of fans.

If otherwise, Rangers are looking for their 19th manager in 10 years.

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