"Just arrived, see you soon mate." I sent the text before I'd even left the plane - never have been one for waiting around and I knew they would have the car waiting for me anyway. I stayed a few nights in Holland before my flight from Schiphol, which worked out well for me although I'd probably have preferred a direct route from Philadelphia.
I was right, the car was waiting, Tony wasn't in there however. "Good to hear, I'll see you when you get to Harlington, safe journey. Tony."
It was early in the morning and the journey wasn't too far at all from Heathrow, soon enough I was shaking hands with Mr. Fernandes. I knew what needed to be done already and although my stint at Fulham didn't end well I was confident that, if contract talks were positive, I was ready for the challenge.
We sat down and discussed the vision for the club; me, Tony and Les Ferdinand. QPR were currently sitting in 19th place, taking 13 points from 16 games, which quite frankly was a pathetic return considering the amount of money these players get paid. They were keen to hear my input, I told Tony and Les that I wanted to focus on cohesion and getting the lads to play as a team, no egos and no individuals - they agreed completely. Tony was adamant that he wanted to see attacking football, he wanted the game to played how it should be: on the ground.
The three of us shared our ideas together, watching video clips, discussing statistics, and after a few hours of talks the contract was out. I signed on the dotted line, a one and a half year deal lasting until June 2016. Tony had assured me that I could bring in one or two new faces in January to help, but my main tasks were simply to cut the wage bill and to keep QPR in the Premier League. He asked if I fancied heading down to the game with him, we were playing Arsenal today and although I hadn't met the team yet I asked if I could head straight into the dugout. "I wouldn't have it any other way!" - Tony was clearly happy with my enthusiasm.
On the way into Loftus Road I saw Sky Sports News on the TV: "QPR appoint René Meulensteen as manager" was running across the yellow bar. Plenty of questions later, I thought, but for now I was focused on the game - we needed three points as soon as possible and I wanted them today.
I was right, the car was waiting, Tony wasn't in there however. "Good to hear, I'll see you when you get to Harlington, safe journey. Tony."
It was early in the morning and the journey wasn't too far at all from Heathrow, soon enough I was shaking hands with Mr. Fernandes. I knew what needed to be done already and although my stint at Fulham didn't end well I was confident that, if contract talks were positive, I was ready for the challenge.
We sat down and discussed the vision for the club; me, Tony and Les Ferdinand. QPR were currently sitting in 19th place, taking 13 points from 16 games, which quite frankly was a pathetic return considering the amount of money these players get paid. They were keen to hear my input, I told Tony and Les that I wanted to focus on cohesion and getting the lads to play as a team, no egos and no individuals - they agreed completely. Tony was adamant that he wanted to see attacking football, he wanted the game to played how it should be: on the ground.
The three of us shared our ideas together, watching video clips, discussing statistics, and after a few hours of talks the contract was out. I signed on the dotted line, a one and a half year deal lasting until June 2016. Tony had assured me that I could bring in one or two new faces in January to help, but my main tasks were simply to cut the wage bill and to keep QPR in the Premier League. He asked if I fancied heading down to the game with him, we were playing Arsenal today and although I hadn't met the team yet I asked if I could head straight into the dugout. "I wouldn't have it any other way!" - Tony was clearly happy with my enthusiasm.
On the way into Loftus Road I saw Sky Sports News on the TV: "QPR appoint René Meulensteen as manager" was running across the yellow bar. Plenty of questions later, I thought, but for now I was focused on the game - we needed three points as soon as possible and I wanted them today.