Published: 19 Aug 11, By Guest

With the new season barely a week old, newly promoted QPR have already had their fair share of drama and intrigue.

 

There was an uneasy stand-off last May at board level, with Amit Bhatia  stepping down in protest at the club's hefty hike in ticket prices in the wake of the club's promotion.

 

Then, there was a frustratingly quiet summer on the transfer front, with manager Neil Warnock limited to free transfers.

 

Perhaps as a consequence to that was a disastrous opening day 4-0 to Bolton, where the gap between Championship and Premier League was ruthlessly exposed – it is little wonder they are the favourites in the relegation betting stakes.

 

And with due respect to Bolton, who were poor travellers last season, the Hoops will face far trickier opponents this campaign and need to improve significantly if they are to have a hope of staying in the division.

 

That though, requires cash to spend in the transfer market, something the current owners seem reluctant to do.

 

However, yet another QPR take-over appears on the cards with Malaysian airline entrepreneur Tony Fernandes set to buy a 66% stake in the club from Formula 1 boss Flavio Briatore.

 

Fernandes, a West Ham fan who has twice tried and failed to buy the Hammers in the past, is believed to be prepared to back Warnock in the transfer market.

 

Already there is talk of a £4million bid for West Ham's Scott Parker, the sort of all-action, lead-by-example midfielder a club battling against the drop needs. Those who bet on relegation may need to think twice about tipping the Hoops if they bring the inspirational Parker in.

 

I doubt we will see a Man City style spending spree but it appears Fernandes is prepared to give