In a season of little cheer for QPR, it would be understandable for fans not to care in the slightest about what is going on in the play-offs.

Despite the minor satisfaction of seeing Reading halt rivals Fulham's hopes of a return to the top flight, very few will even have an opinion on this season's showpiece event at Wembley.

But what if i was to discuss the fact that both finalists were feeling that same feeling in the pit of their stomachs at this point last year?

This year's contenders for the richest prize in football are Reading and Huddersfield Town, two sides who enjoyed particularly demoralising seasons last time round finishing 17th and 19th respectively.

Few Royals' or Terriers' fans would have had the guts to predict a play-off final place after the torrid football they had to watch last year, and perhaps it was this "dark horse" tag which worked in their favour.

Next season's promotion race will no doubt be dominated by the usual suspects such as Derby, Sheffield Wednesday and the relegated sides Hull, Middlesbrough and Sunderland, but who's to say that QPR won't be able to find the consistency to compete themselves?

The Championship is a fascinating league in which anywhere from 12-18 teams are usually capable of building the momentum needed to push for the play-offs, with QPR being very much part of the pack.

It may not feel likely at the moment, but with the right additions, and some strong leadership, there's nothing to suggest that QPR couldn't feel the same fortune as Reading and Huddersfield next time round, and kick-start a coupon-busting promotion-chasing campaign.