The QPR star who 'reminds me' of Jamie Mackie - Julien Stephan is a fan of him | OneFootball

FLW's QPR Fan Pundit Louis draws comparisons between Paul Smyth and Jamie Mackie.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

With two goals across eight Championship appearances this season, QPR's Paul Smyth has already doubled his goal tally from last season.

With the R's starting positively under Julien Stephan, Smyth has been one of the major beneficiaries of the Frenchman's arrival at Loftus Road.

After leaving the club for Leyton Orient in 2021, the Northern Irishman made the move back to the R's in 2023, becoming an integral squad player under the guidance of Marti Cifuentes and now Stephan.

Football League World's QPR Fan Pundit Louis Moir was asked whether any members of the R's squad carry similarities with any historical icons or cult heroes, and Smyth was mentioned instantly, alongside a man synonymous with the club's Premier League years.

"Just loves playing for the club" - QPR comparison made

"I think one player who reminds me in a certain way of a cult hero is Paul Smyth - compared with Jamie Mackie," said Louis.

Playing for the club between 2010 and 2013, Mackie scored 18 times in 85 appearances for the West London club, before leaving at the end of the 2012/13 season due to the R's relegation.

Seven of these goals would come in the 2011/12 season, with QPR achieving Premier League safety in their first top-flight season since 1995. Louis was keen to outline the similarities between the former striker and Smyth.

"Mackie didn't have the pace that Smyth has, but they were both players that didn't necessarily put up big numbers, but players that chip in with the odd goal and assist, and just love playing for the club."

"Jamie Mackie returned to QPR for a second stint, just like Paul Smyth did," Louis continued. "Clearly, he loves playing for QPR, and he's a player who doesn't hide. Their ability isn't at the top level - I've been a bit of a critic of Smyth when it comes to his numbers - but in the games he's played this season, he's made a difference."

"Mackie always gave his all, chipped in with goals, and was a menace with his pressing. Smyth slightly reminds me of Mackie, particularly in his first stint."

Players cut from the Mackie-Smyth cloth are crucial for squad building

QPR secured one of the hires of the summer when they sealed the deal that saw Julien Stephan arrive at the club.

The Frenchman previously won the Coupe de France with Rennes and guided Strasbourg to a sixth-place finish. He has also proven himself as a fantastic developer of talent, with the likes of Eduardo Camavinga, Raphinha and Jeremy Doku all flourishing under his guidance.

In the current campaign's early days, his QPR side looks to have a fantastic balance between difference makers and solid professionals, as seen with the likes of Smyth, Steve Cook and Isaac Hayden.

Regardless of a squad's level, steady, hard-working figures are vital for any manager. As Adel Taarabt and Djibril Cissé provided the magic in the final third in 2012, Mackie provided the side with a different edge and balance.

When it comes to the modern-day iteration of QPR, Smyth is someone who fits that philosophy. While his numbers at the club may be more on the modest side, he is a more than reliable option to have in and around the squad, while his statistical trajectory is seemingly on the up under Stephan.