QPR To Make Shock Move to Scotland
Secret plans have been made for Queens Park Rangers to join the Scottish Football League if they get relegated this season, sources close to the club have revealed.
The club, languishing in the drop zone after five consecutive losses, faces a fine of up to £50 million from the Football League if it they are relegated. However, a lifeline has been offered by Scottish football bosses anxious about falling gates due to the lack of competitive games in their top division.
High Spirits from Scottish fans in 1977 at Wembley
A deal would offer QPR owner Tony Fernandes the opportunity to avoid the looming fine and many at the club believe it could provide a short cut to the Champions League. It is also being claimed that the move would provide a substantial boost to local businesses in the W12 area as every second weekend thousands of Scottish fans would descend on Shepherd's Bush. Local publicans are believed to be enthusiastic backers of the scheme.
Earlier this month, it was revealed that the Super Hoop's losses for the financial year 2014/15 could make them liable to a crippling fine, subject to Football League ruling. The club would need to dramatically boost its revenues to continue in its present shape, but attempts to build a larger stadium in Old Oak Common are believed to have stalled completely after failing to gain the co-operation of Cargiant, who own land around the proposed site.
Consequently, it is being suggested that the club will ply its trade in the Scottish Premiership from next season. For their part, organisers of the top flight north of the border are deeply concerned by the dwindling interest in the SPL. Facing the possibility of another year without a Glasgow derby to boost revenues, they are reported to be eager to introduce a new 'flagship' club of proven quality to the league in order to stoke up excitement around Scottish football. Why QPR have been chosen for this pivotal role, having lost to the likes of Burton Albion this season, remains unclear.
The rumours, if true, are believed to be a much-needed filip for the Scottish National Party with the elections on the horizon. The idea of Joey Barton crossing the border every fortnight for away games will convince many voters to reconsider their position on the Union, latest poll data from Scallop indicates.
The area around Loftus Road, meanwhile, can expect an influx of tens of thousands of Scottish football fans over the next few years. Avril Amadan, spokesperson for the Scottish Football Supporters' Alliance, sought to allay any fears local residents might have: "Scottish fans are reknowned worldwide for their relaxed, friendly approach to the game - win, lose or draw. Anyway, who doesn't come away from a game at QPR feeling happy these days? Other than QPR fans, of course."
Queens Park FC, a Glasgow-based team who play in Scotland's fourth tier, are believed to be vehemently opposed to QPR's proposed move. They are concerned that such a switch would threaten their position as the only amateur club in Scottish football.
April 1, 2015