QPR sign Andrew Johnson & Ryan Nelsen on Free Transfers

Queens Park Rangers boss Mark Hughes has moved swiftly in the summer transfer window to secure the services of free agents Andrew Johnson and Ryan Nelsen for next season. Both former Fulham striker Johnson and Nelsen have played under Hughes’ management during their careers; Johnson played under Hughes during his time in charge at Craven Cottage while Tottenham’s Nelsen, who is also out of contract, played for Hughes during Hughes’ tenure at Blackburn’s Ewood Park. Neslen was released by Spurs at the end of last season despite only signing for Spurs in the January 2012 transfer window.

On his transfer Johnson spoke to QPR’s website www.qpr.co.uk, saying:

“I have worked closely with Mark before and there are also players here that I have played with previously, including Bobby Zamora and Shaun Derry.”

“Those were factors in me joining, but this is a big, big club….I  have spoken to the chairman and Mark, who both have great ambition for QPR, and it is something that I wanted to be a part of.”

Meanwhile New Zealander Nelsen who spent 7 years at Blackburn told the QPR website that his history with Hughes was a huge factor in influencing his decision. Speaking about Hughes and the QPR project, Nelsen went on to say:

“I like his winning attitude. He and all his staff just have an absolute desire to win, and that’s what the Premier League is  all about. If you haven’t got that, you won’t be successful.”

‘The owners have got fantastic ambition and it’s exciting to become a part of that. There’s a real buzz about the place and it is a privilege to be here.”

Hughes is unlikely to draw the line at the signings of Johnson and Nelsen, but believes both men who are now approaching the ‘winter’ of their footballing careers, will provide valuable experience to his QPR squad and feels that the signings will benefit the younger members of the Loftus Road club in particular.

More summer transfer news here.