QPR reaction given to big Steve Cook news - 'It's a shame' | OneFootball

Queens Park Rangers' FLW Fan Pundit believes Steve Cook would be a welcome addition to the R's coaching staff.

It has been a transitional campaign for Queens Park Rangers but one in which QPR supporters will be excited for next season and the possibility of sustaining a promotion challenge in the Championship.

The Hoops sit tucked in the middle-of-the-table in the second-tier after a mixed campaign in which former Stade Rennais boss Julien Stephan has got to grips with the club, league and country.

Stephan has left supporters divided but the highs of QPR’s season thus far would suggest that consistency next year will leave them in an excellent position to challenge.

They have an exciting and young squad, headlined by the likes of Ronnie Edwards, Ilias Chair and some of last summer’s signings such as Richard Kone and Kwame Poku.

Injuries and natural teething issues at the dawn of a new era at Loftus Road has held them back from a sustained tilt at the top six but next year promises to be impressive, even with suggestions the R’s have an interest in former Flamengo boss Filipe Luis, casting doubt over Stephan.

If that was to happen then it would be another summer of change at Loftus Road, with experienced defender Steve Cook set to depart the club as a player – albeit potentially not entirely.

Steve Cook has been a great servant for QPR

Following the announcement of his departure this summer, reports have now suggested that the veteran centre-back could yet stay at the club in a coaching capacity.

Given the experience and quality he has brought on the pitch, that would be a move welcomed by FLW’s QPR Fan Pundit Louis Hodson.

Louis says: “I think that Steve Cook has been just a top, top professional for us since he joined the club.

“On the pitch, off the pitch, he’s probably been one of the most important signings we have made as a club since we came back down from the Premier League, I’d say.

“It was a tough season for the club in his first year with us. He was just crucial to us surviving as a Championship club really.

“I think it was expected that he was going to depart the club this summer. He’s probably the highest-paid player at the club, so that will free up wages.

“It’s quite rare really, you see players leave and then get offered a coaching role with the club. I don’t think they’d just offer a coaching role to someone if they weren’t up to the level.

“Obviously, he’s impressed in that respect or had discussions there, so it will be pretty class to see him, working with the younger players.

“Obviously, he’s going to have decisions to make. He might still want to play football, to be fair. He might have a year or two left in him.

“It’s going to be a shame to see him leave on the playing front because he’s been ever present really, until this season when he’s not played that much due to (Ronnie) Edwards coming in and being really good at centre-half.

“You can’t knock his professionalism and just a top bloke. Like I say, it would be good to see him at the club in a coaching capacity, which is similar, but you look at the career he’s had. Every club he’s been to, fans of those clubs have said the exact same thing. Bournemouth, Forest, QPR – he’s just one of the players who doesn’t shy away from anything and shows what it means to play for a club and doesn’t hide away from things.

“It’s been a pleasure having him at the club and if he doesn’t stay at the club in any sort of capacity then I wish him well for the future wherever he goes.”

Steve Cook brings a wealth experience at QPR

Since joining Rangers back in summer of 2023, Cook has, as Louis explains, more or less been a mainstay in the side up until this more transitional campaign.

The 35-year-old Hastings-born defender has made over 100 appearances for the club in his three seasons in west London, steadying what has, at times, been a rocky ship.

His experience has proved invaluable or a young QPR side, following an impressive career across the EFL, as well as in the Premier League.

Beginning at Brighton and Hove Albion, Cook spent time out on loan with Havant and Waterlooville, Eastleigh, Eastbourne Borough and Mansfield Town before establishing himself as a key man at AFC Bournemouth.

With the Cherries, Cook gained two promotions in four seasons from League One to the Premier League before making well over 150 top-flight appearances for Eddie Howe’s side.

He left for Nottingham Forest in January 2022 and was again key in helping Forest return to the top-flight after nearly 30 years outside of the top-flight, before making a contribution to their survival in the 2022/23 campaign.

Cook has enjoyed a fruitful and impressive career and, if the time is now for him to hang up his boots, remaining at QPR will surely be welcomed by the vast majority of supporters.