2023 signing could earn second QPR chance after success in rare first-team appearance: Opinion.

QPR fans will be looking forward to the next chapter under Julien Stephan’s leadership.

The Frenchman has assumed the reins and is looking to make his mark at Loftus Road. He will be eager to build on Marti Cifuentes’ foundations, which stabilised the ship following Neil Critchley and Gareth Ainsworth’s disastrous periods before his departure.

Stephan has begun recruiting new players, but those who are already on the team will have plenty of opportunities to shine throughout preseason. Many did just that in the R’s first friendly, a 5-0 victory against League One club Stevenage last week.

Karamoko Dembele scored twice, while standout player Ilias Chair and winter addition Harvey Vale also scored. However, Taylor Richards’ name was likely the most prominent on the QPR scoresheet.

A clean slate under Stephan?

Richards first signed on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2022, but his move to QPR became permanent the following year. Unfortunately, injuries have limited the midfielder’s minutes both at Loftus Road and on loan.

Since his first loan spell, he has made only five appearances, and a stint with Cambridge United in the 2024/25 season yielded only five more.

However, Richards’ rare participation in a pre-season friendly against Stevenage demonstrates that he is still considered a first-team player in West London.

Furthermore, it demonstrates that he is currently fit and in Stephan’s mind. Should further opportunities emerge this summer, Richards will be keen to seize them, as he did against the Stags. If he can, this clean slate might lead him back to Loftus Road.

What QPR might have planned for Richards.

Of course, athletes can participate in preseason while being available for potential trades. This does not necessarily imply that Richards will play for QPR next season.

Given his few appearances in recent seasons, some may believe it is preferable for him to play elsewhere if he can stay fit.

However, if Stephan can unleash the midfielder’s obvious talent and potential, he might emerge as a valuable asset in the Championship.

Stephan will analyse Richards and his Hoops group carefully before choosing what to do with them. It will be up to those players to impress in preseason to offer the new manager something to think about as the 2025/26 season begins.

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