QPR may have claimed the Npower Championship title amidst a cloud of controversy but few can deny that Neil Warnock’s side were worthy champions.

Rangers dominated the Championship table for prolonged periods and the organisation and resilience instilled by the manager, coupled with the creativity and flair or the division’s best player, Adel Taarabt, always looked likely to steer them to the top-flight.

For a brief window, FA charges concerning the transfer of Alejandro Faurlin threatened to derail the charge on the Premier League. It wasn’t until the final day of the season that the QPR faithful could celebrate their team’s achievements with full abandon.

Having claimed the title, those fans can now look forward to a first top-flight campaign in eight seasons. With wealthy owners installed, the future would appear to be bright. A recent hike in ticket prices has dulled the summer celebrations however, while the concern that significant funds will not be made available for strengthening the squad continue to linger.

Suspicion surrounds the intentions of owners Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone but, for now, Warnock’s future at the helm looks safe. Off the field events could well threaten disruption as the season progresses however and, in Fantasy terms, QPR look to be a tricky proposition. Warnock is fond of sweeping Summer changes and, while the promoted squad will be given opportunities, we should expect a significant shift in personnel over the next few months.

The Statistics

CS = Cleansheets

Rangers were simply dominant both home and away. While Swansea edged them as far as the division’s home form was concerned, they still lost just twice on their tight Loftus Road pitch, with a goal difference bettered only by the Welsh club. They failed to score at home on just three occasions, scoring two or more goals in 14 matches.

It was the away form that proved crucial however. Impressively, Warnock’s side earned 13 clean sheets on their travels, conceding just 17 goals in the process. It was clear that Warnock found a strong balance here as, while Rangers were amongst the top scorers at home, away from Loftus Road they were more cautious. The tally of 28 goals is decent enough, but was matched or bettered by 12 other teams in the division. Indeed, Rangers drew a blank 7 times away from home, scoring two or more goals in 9 away trips.

While Fantasy managers will likely look to QPR’s attacking talent, one defensive statistic is worth considering. Rangers conceded more than one goal in just 8 matches – to put this into perspective, runners-up Norwich allowed opponents to score more than once on 17 occasions.

The Manager

Neil Warnock needs little introduction. A grizzled Championship campaigner, renowned for tendencies to become embroiled in off-field feuds, his return to the Premier League will earn a mixed reception. Certainly, things are rarely dull when Warnock is handed the oxygen of the media limelight. A handful of classic Match of the Day quotes are guaranteed but, while the quips of former boss Ian Holloway are laced with humour, Warnock is more likely to mix his post-match with thinly veiled criticism of officials and even fellow managers. It’s going to be interesting.

Having gained promotion with Sheffield United in 2006, Warnock knows his way around a relegation battle. He ultimately failed to keep the Blades afloat, but he will be hopeful of avoiding a similar fate with a Rangers side who should benefit from superior resources. With constant rumour of big-name replacements however, Warnock will be well aware that he needs to earn results early on to keep his job.

Tactically Warnock cracked it last season. A 4-2-3-1 system became the mainstay of QPR’s campaign – a formation founded on a strong centre-forward presence and, crucially, one that handed Taarabt the freedom to express his talents – he was Warnock’s wizard – the skillful tormentor of countless opponents. Taarabt will be the crucial component again and Warnock will surely begin the season with the same setup in hope that the Moroccan’s magic can translate to the big stage. Fantasy Managers are already queuing for the opening day performance.

The Promoted Squad:

Paddy Kenny – (44 starts, 24 Clean Sheets) A big favourite of Warnock, the former Sheffield United stopper was in the Championship team of the Season and looks certain to maintain the number one jersey. A real consideration as a cheap keeper option.

Bradley Orr (29 starts, 4 sub apps, 1 goal) Signed from Bristol City for an undisclosed fee, Orr enjoyed a consistent season at right-back. He has pace and will join the attack but with zero assists in 29 starts, the stats suggest little potential.

Clint Hill (44 starts, 2 goals, 1 assist) Converted to left-back by Warnock at Palace, Hill is an experienced campaigner and another favourite of the manager. He will likely be given every opportunity to show he can cope at the top level.

Kaspars Gorkss (42 starts, 3 goals, 1 assist) Runner-up in both the Player’s Player and Supporters’ Player of the Year awards, the big Latvian international is a dominant presence in the heart of the Rangers defence. Three goals last term and seven goals in his first season in English football with Blackpool, indicates that he carries a decent goal threat.

Matt Connolly (33 starts, 3 sub apps, 1 assist) A product of the Arsenal academy, Connolly’s talents have blossomed at Loftus Road since joining in 2008. He is set to start the season alongside Gorkss, although Warnock will likely be on the look out for an experienced head as back-up. Fitz Hall, another Warnock favourite, could push him for starts.

Sean Derry (45 starts) An experienced Championship campaigner, Derry was brought in by Warnock having played under him at Palace to shield the back four. A inspirational engine room leader, Derry’s tough tackling style will be tested at the top level.

Alejandro Faurlin (40 starts, 3 goals, 2 assists) A more creative influence than Derry with an eye for a pass, the Argentine’s remit is nonetheless to help guard the Rangers defence and allow the attacking players ahead of him inflict the damage.

Adel Taarabt (43 starts, 1 sub app, 19 goals, 16 assists) The mercurial Moroccan is etched on our pre-season watchlists with statistics that suggest that he will be the one true attacking force in the Rangers ranks. If QPR are to make an impact, Taarabt will be the orchestrator and executioner from both open play and set-pieces.

Tommy Smith (23 starts, 10 sub apps, 6 goals, 3 assists) The former Watford and Portsmouth forward is a proven talent at Championship level but failed to make an impact in his spell with Portsmouth in the top-flight. He seems unlikely to command regular starts next term.

Jamie Mackie (25 starts, 9 goals, 2 assists) Snatched from Plymouth Argyle, Mackie was one of Warnock’s big success stories before suffering a double tibia/fibula break that destroyed his season in January. Eight goals in the opening seven league games hinted at huge potential but MacKie will likely need time to recover full fitness, let alone adjust to the Premier League stage.

Akos Buzsaky (9 starts, 10 sub apps) The Hungarian has bags of talent but there will be doubts over whether Warnock can harness them in the same side as Taarabt. Injury robbed Rangers of his services for the bulk of last season and a bench role seems more likely next term.

Hogan Ephraim (19 starts, 9 sub apps, 3 goals, 1 assist) The former West Ham winger lost his place to loanee Wayne Routledge, suggesting that he will likely be a squad player next season. Routledge’s refusal of a three-year deal at Rangers could yet hand Ephraim opportunities if Warnock fails to recruit in this area.

Heidar Helguson (32 starts, 2 sub apps,13 goals, 5 assists) Another vastly experienced Championship campaigner, the Icelandic international will have a point to prove on his return to the Premier League. Whether he’ll be given the opportunity is another matter.

Rob Hulse (12 starts, 9 sub apps, 2 goals) Well known to Warnock having served him at Sheffield United, Hulse will be keen for another crack at top-flight football but is likely to face frustration as new recruits force him out.

The Potential Targets

Analysis of the current QPR squad suggests that Warnock will be busy in the summer. The fact that eight players were recently released from the club only compounds matters.

A big fan of striker shopping, a centre-forward with Premier League experience and pedigree will surely be top of the list for the Rangers manager. So far, however, the names put forward lack those credentials. The likes of Peterborough’s Craig Mackail-Smith, Millwall’s Steve Morison (seemingly bound for Norwich) and Watford’s Danny Graham (reportedly in talks with Swansea) all have potential but would be risky acquisitions.

John Carew is another name that has been linked with the club and he seems to fit the bill as a proven Premier League player with the ability to hold the ball up for attacking midfielders to join the charge. Getting a full season from the injury-prone Norwegian would be a big ask, though.

It’s clear that Warnock has targeted experience to aid the Rangers survival bid. Other targets being mentioned include the former Galatasaray pair Harry Kewell and Lucas Neill who are both available as free agents. It’s also being reported that the club are in talks with Hull’s Jimmy Bullard – an inspirational force from midfield who has served us Fantasy managers well in the past. Tottenham’s pairing of Robbie Keane and Jermaine Jenas are also rumoured targets.

Such experience is likely to be supplemented by loans for young talent – with Warnock a regular exponent of such deals in previous seasons. The likes of Kyle Walker, Wayne Routledge and Ishmael Miller all played their part in QPR’s promotion season and we can expect Warnock to search out similar deals in the summer.