QPR are getting used to the unwanted fetching up on their doorstep.
Unwanted that is by clubs washing their hands of ‘bad boys’ who gain a reputation and thus a convenient excuse comes to get rid.
It was uncanny to hear Harry Redknapp offer the identical explanation about Ravel Morrison as predecessor Neil Warnock laid on Joey Barton when the ex-Newcastle man arrived looking like he was on his way to the scaffold in August, 2011.
Morrison heaves to from West Ham ready to face Yeovil rather than Uruguay in the World Cup, as was the expectation of a multi-talented midfielder just three months ago.
And how did QPR beat Premier League Fulham to the signature, albeit on loan of the 21-year-old?
Well, said Harry, leaning back in his chair: he wouldn’t be here if he was the full ticket, or to use his exact phrase 'he didn't carry baggage'.
Well, said Neil back then, Joey wouldn’t be here if he was the…etc, etc.
Barton has been what Barton was expected to be, a man for, if not all, then some seasons. Hit-and-miss in the first one, it was as well he did miss with a head-butt aimed at Vincent Kompany in the fractious last match of the 2011-12 season against Manchester City.
Totally missing the following campaign when happily exiled to Marseille, Barton has defied the odds to return a deserving hero in the Championship, even if he does sit out the next two games after picking up his 10th booking of the season on Sunday.
There's no doubt Morrison can skate this division especially under the wise old head that is Harry’s.
But hang on, I hear you say. Who was the third wayward spirit Rangers brought back into the fold as mentioned in the headline?
Adel Taarabt was cast adrift after failing to make the grade with Tottenham, and then according to fans, won Hoops the Championship single-handedly in 2011.
And who was the man in charge at White Hart Lane that allowed the Moroccan to leave?
Hopefully, Harry has got it right this time with his new Hammer.
