Be brave in possession is manager’s call

BUOYED by the manner in which his Huddersfield Town took to the passing style he has been preaching in the midweek Capital Cup win, Mark Robins is expecting more of the same today against QPR.

The Terriers manager has put in a lot of work on the training pitch since the squad returned for pre-season training seven weeks ago.

Much of that has been with a view to instilling a new style among his charges and Robins, who employed a three-man defence in the 2-1 win over Bradford, believes the message is sinking in.

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He said: “I thought we were very good (on Tuesday). It was a good starting point for us because Bradford are a good side. Even though they are in the division below us, it was a good scalp for us.

“We controlled the game from start to finish and the only downside was the conceding of the goal, which came about from a very good finish from a very good player (Nahki Wells).

“We are looking forward to taking that performance into the QPR game. We want to get our first points on the board, though we know how tough that will be against arguably one of the best teams in the division.

“Regardless of who the opposition are this season, they are going to provide with us a tough test.

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“The challenge for us is to be brave in possession because we are good enough. We know we will be up against it; we are probably the underdogs in the eyes of the bookmakers.”

Gary O’Neil became the latest addition to the Rangers’ squad in midweek after signing a one-year deal following a spell training with the Londoners.

As was evident on the opening day when Sheffield Wednesday were beaten at Loftus Road, Harry Redknapp has plenty of quality in his squad and Robins is expecting a tough encounter.

He said: “The spending power they have because of the parachute payments and the players they have at their disposal makes them a threat.

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“They have a manager in Harry Redknapp who has been around a long time and is vastly experienced. I haven’t come up against him before in my managerial career and I am looking forward to playing against his team.

“They have got the likes of Joey Barton back playing for them and he is a top player. They have a wealth of experience and have players within their ranks who know how to gain promotion from the Championship. Their squad is right up there.

“But we are relishing the game. We have had a decent start, despite not picking points up at Forest, and it is important that we get points on the board as soon as possible.

“If we can perform in the manner we did on Tuesday night then we will be fine, I have no doubts about that. We are at home and it is about what we do.”