Former QPR striker Kevin Gallen has claimed the club will need to recruit new forwards to be competitive under new manager Michael Beale.

The 41-year old was appointed as the new coach at Loftus Road this week having replaced Mark Warburton.

It is Beale's first foray into the world of management as a head coach following a stint with Rangers and Aston Villa as Steven Gerrard’s assistant.

 

 

 

 

It will be a big test of his credentials to go it alone to take over with the Hoops, who were fighting for promotion last season.

Expectations will be high in QPR to compete for a top six finish over the next 12 months.

But Gallen believes that recruitment will play a massive role in determining if Beale is a success at the club.

Speaking on the West London QPR podcast, the former player explained that new strikers will be needed this summer to take the team to the next level.

“I believe the recruitment has to be spot on,” said Gallen, via West London Sport.

“I said it in January and I say it every week (on the podcast) that I believe we need some strikers at the club.

“Recruitment is massive. If you get the majority of your signings right, you usually get your performances on the pitch right.”

The R's are lacking in terms of options at the top end of the field going into the summer, with just Lyndon Dykes as a senior option for Beale to choose from.

Charlie Austin will be released when his contract expires later this month, whilst it's unlikely that Andre Gray will be pursued on a permanent deal, despite scoring 10 goals in the Championship during the 2021-22 season.

The Verdict

While the current team showed that they are competitive in the Championship, recruitment will be a massive chance for QPR to make up ground on their rivals.

Beale should have good connections to help aid the club in this aspect having only just departed Villa and Rangers.

Now that Beale has been hired, it is up to the board to back him financially in the market to help him succeed.

The Englishman was credited as playing a large role in Gerrard’s backroom staff so comes with a good reputation, but he will still have it all to prove now that he is taking the lead role at a new club.