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

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

 

QPR fans may have expected Taylor Richards to move elsewhere this summer, but he could yet revive his Loftus Road career.

QPR fans will be excited for the new chapter they are embarking on under the lead of Julien Stephan.

 

The Frenchman has taken the reins and is setting about making his mark at Loftus Road. He will be eager to build on the foundations laid by Marti Cifuentes, who steadied the ship after Neil Critchley and Gareth Ainsworth’s poor stints before his exit.

 

Stephan has set about making new additions to his ranks, but those within the squad will have ample chances to impress in pre-season. Many did just that in the R’s first friendly as they stormed to a 5-0 win over League One side Stevenage last week.

 

Karamoko Dembele bagged twice, star man Ilias Chair netted and winter signing Harvey Vale was among the scorers too. However, the name of Taylor Richards was perhaps the most eye-catching on the QPR scoresheet.

 

A clean slate under Stephan?

Richards initially signed on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2022 but his move to QPR was made permanent the following year. Unfortunately, since then, injuries have hampered the midfielder’s minutes both at Loftus Road and out on loan.

 

He has made just five appearances since that first campaign on loan, and a Cambridge United stint in the 2024/25 season yielded only five outings too.

 

qpr, 2023 signing could earn second QPR chance after success in rare first-team appearance

However, Richards’ rare appearance in the pre-season friendly against Stevenage at least shows he remains in the first-team thinking in West London. Additionally, it displays that he is currently fit, and in Stephan’s mind.

 

Should more opportunities arise this summer, Richards will be eager to take them like he did against the Stags. If he can, this clean slate could pave the way back for him at Loftus Road.

 

What QPR could have planned for Richards

Of course, players can feature in pre-season while still being made available for possible exits. This is not a definite sign that Richards is in the plans for QPR next season.

Read more on;https://www.sportupdates.co.uk