James Perch has duly signed on the QPR dotted line to become the club’s eighth new player – thanks to the good word from Rs past and present.
The 29-year-old versatile defender admitted he was sold on a move to west London from Wigan after a persuasive word here and there.
“I know players who have played here before and they spoke about the club in good terms, so it was an easy decision for me,” he told the club’s website.
“It’s great to be here and to have my future sorted out.
“Les (Ferdinand, director of football) and the gaffer sold the club to me brilliantly.
“They showed a great desire to bring me here, and that helped make up my mind.”
Perch is only too familiar with the rigours of the Championship having grafted with Wigan that included a play-off semi-final Rangers famously won the season before last.
“It’s a tough division; it’s Saturday-Tuesday a lot of the time; there are no easy games, but we’ll front up the challenge head on and compete as best we can,” Perch added.
His three-year contract on the back of an undisclosed fee, delighted both head coach Chris Ramsey and Ferdinand.
Ramsey said: “James is a proven Championship performer, with great versatility across a number of positions.
“He can cover both full-back positions, centre-half and holding midfield, so he’ll be a real asset for us.
“He’ll add experience to a relatively young squad, so we’re delighted he’s put pen to paper.”
Ferdinand added: “We know we’re quite light on numbers in the defensive third of the pitch, so James’ arrival is welcome.
“He’s got a wealth of Premier League and Championship experience, he’s in the prime of his career, and he ticks all the boxes in terms of his quality and character.”
Perch will wear the number 24 shirt, the same number he wore at Wigan.
