QPR backed for triple exit but 'mess' of a situation needs to be fixed | OneFootball

FLW's QPR fan pundit has given his reaction to the departures of goalkeepers Paul Nardi and Ben Hamer and midfielder Isaac Hayden.

It is fair to say it was a mixed first season in charge of Queens Park Rangers for Julien Stephan.

After replacing Marti Cifuentes last summer, Stephan made an excellent initial impact at QPR, and his side sat as high as seventh in the table in mid-December after a strong first half of the season.

However, the R's were unable to maintain their early season momentum, and they won just six of their final 24 games, with the last of those victories coming in early April, as they recorded an underwhelming 15th-placed finish.

After another inconsistent season came to a close with a 3-0 defeat at Ipswich Town on Saturday, the Hoops have wasted no time in beginning preparations for the new campaign, with the club announcing on Tuesday that goalkeepers Paul Nardi and Ben Hamer and midfielder Isaac Hayden will all depart when their contracts expire this summer.

Nardi spent the previous two years at Loftus Road after joining from Belgian side Gent, while Hamer arrived on a free transfer in September following his release by Sheffield Wednesday, but both found themselves behind Joe Walsh in the pecking order this season.

After having a loan spell at the club in the 2023-24 season, Hayden returned to QPR on a permanent basis in August after leaving Newcastle United, and he made 30 appearances in all competitions this season, but his minutes became limited in the latter part of the campaign.

QPR told to strengthen two key areas after triple Loftus Road departure

When asked for his reaction to the departures of Nardi, Hamer and Hayden, FLW's QPR fan pundit Louis Moir insisted it was the correct call to release the trio, but he admitted that bolstering the goalkeeper and midfield departments will be crucial this summer.

"I think the decision to not renew Nardi, Hamer and Hayden's contracts is certainly the right one," Louis told FLW.

"I think with Nardi it was just about waiting until the season was over because everyone knew he was on his way out.

"He was dropped this season, came back for a little bit, and then just did not play, he wasn't even getting in the matchday squad, so it's the right decision for him to depart.

"Hamer is the same.

"Obviously he had to come into the club, I wouldn't call it a goalkeeper crisis compared to what we had a few years ago, but we needed one to come in.

"He played a couple of games and helped out, but, ultimately, he's not going to play.

"We need a new goalkeeper now, that's for sure.

"This whole season, the goalkeeper situation has been pretty much a mess with Walsh, Nardi and Hamer playing between them.

"We just really need to sign a solid goalkeeper now, and they are bound to be better than all three of them.

"For a squad player, Hayden is not bad.

"He probably didn't look as good as he did in his first loan with us.

"I think everyone was pleased to get him back, me included, and I think he had a few good games here and there.

"I would say the only concern is that we're losing a lot of experience with the likes of Steve Cook going and now Hayden, we're going to have to sort that out this summer.

"With Hayden going and Kieran Morgan probably needing a loan, Jonathan Varane could easily go, Sam Field is probably going to go, the midfield really needs revamping.

"That's not necessarily a bad thing because I think this season has shown that we need a top midfielder next to Madsen and a bit more depth there.

"It's going to free up wages, it's going to free up a bit of the budget, and it's going to allow us to add missing pieces to the puzzle that we've been lacking this season

"With Nardi, Hamer and Hayden, it's the correct decision to let all three of them depart.

"We now need to get some experience through the door and get the signings in we've been missing.

"This season has shown that we've been lacking in certain areas, and we need depth and quality there.

"It should be an exciting summer ahead, and hopefully we can replace the experience that is now missing, as well as bringing in talented players that can help us kick on."

Julien Stephan must fix alarming QPR issue after Paul Nardi, Ben Hamer exits

In truth, it was little surprise to see Nardi, Hamer and Hayden released by QPR, and it is difficult to disagree with any of those decisions.

Despite Joe Walsh putting in a number of uncertain performances, he remained Stephan's first choice goalkeeper for much of the season, with both Nardi and Hamer failing to impress when given an opportunity.

The R's conceded a dismal total of 73 goals this season, with only bottom side Sheffield Wednesday possessing a leakier defence, so tightening his side up must be one of Stephan's top priorities ahead of the next campaign.

While it would be unfair to blame Walsh for QPR's defensive woes, having a more assured goalkeeper would no doubt help to bring some stability to a vulnerable back line, so the club must bring in an upgrade between the sticks this summer.