QPR MUST NOT UNDERESTIMATE DERBY THREAT
Gavin Mahon has warned his QPR team-mates that they must not underestimate Saturday's visitors, Derby County, as he believes that Paul Jewell's side are still suffering a "relegation hangover" from last season and will be in the play-offs at the end of the season.
The 31-year-old defensive midfielder took special delight in Wednesday's Carling Cup Third Round win over Premier League Aston Villa - he is a Birmingham fan and scored an own goal when he last visited Villa Park.
But he knows that the team must now refocus on gaining promotion from the Championship, starting with victory over 20th-placed Derby, who last season became the most unsuccessful club in top-flight history.
"Derby are going through a transitional period like us, and they have brought in a lot of new faces," Mahon said. "They still seem to be suffering from the relegation hangover from last season. Sometimes that bad form does carry over into the following season.
"But everyone knows that on paper they have got a really good, solid squad, with a good manager. It is no surprise that they have picked up in the last few weeks and I think they will be in the top six come May.
"But we know our home form is key to our success. Teams have come to Loftus Road and found it very hard to play us. We have got two home games in a row now, against Derby then Blackpool, and we are going for maximum points."
Gavin Mahon has warned his QPR team-mates that they must not underestimate Saturday's visitors, Derby County, as he believes that Paul Jewell's side are still suffering a "relegation hangover" from last season and will be in the play-offs at the end of the season.
The 31-year-old defensive midfielder took special delight in Wednesday's Carling Cup Third Round win over Premier League Aston Villa - he is a Birmingham fan and scored an own goal when he last visited Villa Park.
But he knows that the team must now refocus on gaining promotion from the Championship, starting with victory over 20th-placed Derby, who last season became the most unsuccessful club in top-flight history.
"Derby are going through a transitional period like us, and they have brought in a lot of new faces," Mahon said. "They still seem to be suffering from the relegation hangover from last season. Sometimes that bad form does carry over into the following season.
"But everyone knows that on paper they have got a really good, solid squad, with a good manager. It is no surprise that they have picked up in the last few weeks and I think they will be in the top six come May.
"But we know our home form is key to our success. Teams have come to Loftus Road and found it very hard to play us. We have got two home games in a row now, against Derby then Blackpool, and we are going for maximum points."
Labels: Championship, Derby County, Gavin Mahon, Queens Park Rangers
