Why Jimmy Dunne snubbed QPR exit to stay at Loftus Road - his postman gets a mention | OneFootball

Jimmy Dunne has revealed the reasoning behind why he decided to renew his QPR contract

Jimmy Dunne has extended his four-year stay at QPR after penning a new deal with the club.

The 27-year-old has been a stalwart for Rangers over the past few seasons and was named Supporters' Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year last term.

Football League World exclusively revealed that Sheffield United were keen to acquire the defender’s services in January with his deal at Loftus Road set to expire, but have been ultimately unsuccessful in their pursuit once again.

With Julien Stephan set to be appointed as QPR’s new boss, Dunne has opted to continue his stint with the West London outfit and further cement himself as one of the side’s great servants in recent time.

Jimmy Dunne reveals reason behind QPR contract extension

With concrete interest from Sheffield United, who are likely to fight for promotion next season, Rangers have done extremely well to retain Dunne’s services.

Speaking via the club website after renewing his deal, the defender highlighted his love for QPR as the main reason behind his decision.

“This feels like home. It's my club, so I'm really happy to still be here,” stated Dunne.

“I’ve got an emotional attachment to this club, which is obviously super rare in football these days. My butcher's a QPR fan, my postman's a QPR fan. I see them all the time, so I feel the emotions of the people when I'm around Chiswick or wherever I see them.

“I think that's another reason why I've grown so attached and I think I really care. So much has changed since I've been here. So many managers, so many players, but I've seen how much the fans have cared about us at our lowest points.

“I've had some amazing memories and moments at Loftus Road that I've grown attached to. It's something that you can't really describe.

“I just want to continue to enjoy the journey. I want to continue investing time and effort into that and see where I can get to.”

Dunne contract renewal huge for QPR next season

Many thought that with interest from Sheffield United, Dunne was set to end his time at Loftus Road this summer.

It would’ve been hard to blame the Irishman, as at 27 years of age, he enters the theoretical peak of his career and could’ve pursued a move that might’ve taken his career to the next level.

However, the defender has decided to stick with QPR, which is huge for the club as they prepare for next season.

It would’ve been tough for Stephan and Co. to replace the centre-half’s profile and instead can use his expertise to spearhead his defence.

Consistency at the back can pay dividends in the Championship, and keeping someone of Dunne’s quality despite interest elsewhere is a huge coup for the R’s.