£7.5k-a-week QPR star's situation at Loftus Road debated - "I don’t think he’s up to the standard" | OneFootball

FLW's QPR Fan Pundit voices his concern on Paul Smyth

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…

Paul Smyth is a player that continues to divide opinion among Queens Park Rangers supporters, and there is a belief that the 27-year-old should primarily feature as an impact sub rather than starting games.

Before re-joining the R's in 2023, Smyth had a successful stint at Leyton Orient where he scored 14 goals in 68 appearances - but that was in League Two.

He had played under former boss Gareth Ainsworth at Wycombe Wanderers, who told the club's website upon him coming back that Smyth was "getting close to the finished article."

According to Capology estimates, Smyth earns approximately £7.5k-a-week at Loftus Road.

Paul Smyth's output for QPR is "not good enough"

FLW's QPR Fan Pundit, Louis Moir, has voiced his concerns about Paul Smyth's regular starting position at Loftus Road. The Northern Ireland international started two of the three matches he has appeared in prior to the international break.

"I’ve certainly been a critic of Paul Smyth in recent times, I get that he’s useful to have in the squad but starting games a lot, I don’t think he’s up to the standard if you really want to kick on and progress," Moir explained when discussing the winger's role at the club.During the 24/25 season, Smyth managed just one goal in 43 league appearances, scoring 0.03 goals per 90 minutes on average. His assists tally of four is slightly better, but Moir argues this still falls short of what's required from a regular starter."You look at his returns from last season, I think he got one goal in the league, one in the cup, crazy goal at Bristol City, lucky goal, and one that was put on a plate for him in the League Cup, doesn’t get many assists. Numbers wise - not good enough at all," he told FLW.

"Nuisance" Paul Smyth should be used as a squad player for QPR

Despite concerns around his stats, Moir was quick to point out his standout performance from this season that shows why he feels that Smyth should remain a member of the squad."Obviously, he is useful to have, as seen against Charlton the other week, one of the best players on the pitch. Got a goal, was a nuisance and can seemingly play on both sides now as well, which is good," Moir said.

"With his pace, trickery, ability to beat his man - I don’t think the end product will all of a sudden come now, because he’s not that sort of player but he is useful to have in the squad to bring on in certain games," Moir added.Smyth made 39 successful dribbles last season and completed 22 crosses - which backs up Moir's words on Smyth being more of a creator than finisher, even though he can play upfront when needed."Divides opinion, I’ve not been that much of a fan in terms of his output and numbers, hopefully the new manager can get more out of him. I do feel he should be coming off the bench most games and not starting," Moir concluded.

With summer signing Kwame Poku expected to return from injury after the international break, Moir's words might turn out to be true, given Karamoko Dembele - another winger - has started all four league games as well.

Poku arrived in West London for a reported £900k following a standout season for Peterborough United in 24/25, where he netted 12 goals and provided ten assists.

Smyth only has one year left on his deal, and it is a real possibility that his game time with the R's could be limited to cameos off the bench when other options are all fit.