Exclusive: QPR backed for sealing new striker agreement - it's a "good decision" | OneFootball

31-year-old striker Michael Frey has signed a new contract at Loftus Road

Queens Park Rangers striker Michael Frey has signed a new contract at Loftus Road which has been backed by Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie.

The 31-year-old striker, who finished as QPR's leading scorer last season with nine goals in all competitions, has put pen to paper on fresh terms after initially having his contract extended via a club option during the summer.

Although the club haven't revealed the length of the new contract, the Swiss forward said upon signing it, "I feel very good, I feel happiness. I feel like this is home, it's like family now."

"There have been tough times, fighting relegation, but also we have had very, very good days, beautiful days where we played very nice football," Frey added.

Last season saw Frey carry much of the goalscoring burden, particularly during Zan Celar's injury problems, which was all before the Slovenian went goalless in his first 16 appearances.

Lee Hendrie claims Michael Frey offers "something different" for QPR

Speaking exclusively to FLW about QPR's decision to tie down the experienced striker, former England midfielder Hendrie was supportive of the move, mentioning the unique attributes that Frey brings to Julien Stephan's squad.

"I think it’s a good decision because I think that squad depth is going to be big for Rangers this season," Hendrie told FLW.

"He offers something a hell of a lot different, he really does. Obviously, his physicality, he’s more of a big focal point and we’ve seen that he can score goals," he added.

So far this season, Frey has only played 13 minutes of football - coming off the bench in the R's 3-1 win away at Wrexham.

However, the striker's importance to the West London outfit extends beyond his goal-scoring record. Chief Executive Christian Noury mentioned "his battling qualities, big heart, aerial ability and relentless pursuit of improving and bettering himself and others on the pitch will be in evidence again in the coming weeks and months."

Hendrie concluded his verdict by saying, "So, yes, no surprise that he’s been offered a new deal, and as I’ve said, it’s something different when you know you get to the cold part of the season where you might need that little bit of physicality, and you might need a little bit of something where you can go and play off the front man, and he (Frey) gives that."

Michael Frey hints at promotion aims with QPR after signing new deal

Hendrie's words on squad depth reflect the R's quality striker options under Stephan's management. The arrival of Richard Kone and Rumarn Burrell has given the club much better competition for places up front, creating a scenario where Frey is likely to be used off the bench rather than start.

Regardless of the obvious competition, Frey continued to tell the R's website, " We have stayed two seasons in the league and now this season, maybe we want to have a bit more, but we have to work very hard for it."

"The aim this season is not to be fighting relegation, it's to be at the better end of the table," the Swiss ace exclaimed.

Sitting in 9th position after six fixtures, Rangers are just outside the playoff places on goal difference, suggesting the early signs under Stephan are encouraging.

Ultimately, Hendrie believes the decision to keep Frey in West London for the foreseeable future helps the club stay on the right track. Standing at 6ft 2in, the former Royal Antwerp bagsman definitely offers QPR a different dimension in attack that could prove invaluable, even if his starting minutes are limited.