Mark Warburton says he is ‘excited’ about being back involved in Championship football - and is looking forward to being part of a long-term vision at QPR.
It is Warburton’s first role in football since leaving Nottingham Forest in December 2017.
And he hopes to put his experience at the City Ground and at Brentford, in the second tier, to good use, as he looks to revive the fortunes of the Hoops.
Warburton’s tenure at the City Ground lasted less than ten months and 37 games.
But he is pleased to be back involved in football and to have an opportunity to stamp his influence on another Championship club.
“It was about speaking to the owners and hearing their plans for the club and where they want it to be in three, four or five years time - and how I can hopefully play my part in reaching that vision,” said Warburton, at the official QPR press conference this morning.
“I know I have had experience at clubs in similar situations before, where we have had to build, where we have had to play young and use the academy.
“Hopefully we can bring a style of play that fans will like; hopefully we can entertain them.
“The club have had well documented problems in recent seasons, financially.
“I know exactly what we can and can’t do. The clarity is there, now it is up to us to go and do a job.”
Rangers endured a season of relative struggle, finishing in 19th place, although they were 11 points clear of relegation ultimately.
And, with budget cuts having played a part in a number of influential players being released in at the end of their contracts in recent days.
Former Reds defender Joel Lynch and Nottingham born ex-Stags defender Alex Baptiste were among those released, along with Jake Bidwell and Pawel Wszolek.
But, despite the prospect of having to work with a modest budget, Warburton says QPR will not accept average ambitions.
“You never want a squad of players to accept average. But there will be 24 teams talking about being as strong as they can be,” he said.
“It is about actions rather than words. We need to develop an environment where they can develop and improve.
“We will be active in the transfer market and we will have experience as well as youth and desire. We need to get that blend in place.
“We have to make sure the players enjoy being here every day; that they enjoy coming to work.”
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Warburton believes balance is vital when it comes to building a successful squad in the Championship.
“Balance is the key word, you need players with the physicality and experience to cope with this demanding league,” he said.
“Everyone talks about the Championship and you only had to look at the play-off game last night… You can see the quality involved at this level.
“You want that experience and you want youthful exuberance.
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“I am excited. I enjoyed meeting the owners and listening to their plans for the club. What we have to do is take the club forward.
“But every club would say the same and actions speak louder than words.”
