Amongst the many interesting stories in next season’s Championship, the big question is: Can QPR achieve the promotion that the money men will expect and new manager Iain Dowie is promising within two years, but must know, realistically, that he must achieve in one year?

There is no doubt that the men with the money will expect a quick return for their investment.

The signings are coming in dribs and drabs. Craig Ramage has joined from Newcastle and Slavia Prague goalkeeper Radek Cerny has moved in after his loan spell at Tottenham. Little known Matteo Alberti has joined the fold from Chievo Verona.

'The fact is that nothing other than at least a play-off place will be regarded as a success down at Shepherds Bush this season'


The fact is that nothing other than at least a play-off place will be regarded as a success down at Shepherds Bush this season. Since the combined fortunes of Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore came on board, along with Lakshmi Mittal, success has been the only option.

If money can buy success in the way that many accuse Chelsea after Roman Abramovich took over, then we should expect QPR to be there or thereabouts next season.

Dowie has taken the managerial hot seat after an unsuccessful spell at Charlton following the glory years of Alan Curbishley and an unsuccessful spell in difficult circumstances at Coventry City. Prior to that he had forged a glowing reputation at Oldham and Crystal Palace. He was one of the rising stars of English management and the owners at QPR must feel that he can get his career back on track.

Rumours of big-name signings are circulating and just last Sunday the News of the World said that the go-ahead has been given to sign three strikers with West Brom's Kevin Phillips, Bobby Zamora of West Ham and Wolves and Wales star Freddy Eastwood the likely targets.

The players at the club are excited about the forthcoming season. Full-back Damien Delaney, who is yet to meet Dowie, said; "I'm pleased, really pleased. He will have us organised for next year and hopefully we will go on and achieve promotion. I know quite a lot about him and what he did with Crystal Palace, Charlton and Coventry. He is a well-known manager around the Championship and everyone knows what he is about. He will build a solid Championship side and hopefully have us organised and looking right in the Championship next year."

Everyone knows that the money and the players may well be available for Rangers to achieve the promotion they want. However, without the right organisation and the right team spirit, nothing can be taken for granted. Whether Dowie is the man to provide that organisation remains to be seen.

It is 12 years since the Loftus Road club graced the top tier of English football. It is not clear whether the necessary infrastructure is in place for them to make a realistic challenge on getting back to that level and then sustaining a place with the big boys.

So QPR fans, do you expect promotion or are your ambitions less dramatic? Are you happy that the board have turned to the relatively unglamorous Dowie, or do you think the sights could have been set higher? Will you be happy for success to be bought, or will you feel dubious about the motives of the money men?