Gareth Ainsworth believes QPR have already demonstrated defensive improvement this summer despite so far only adding new keeper Asmir Begovic.
Experienced stopper Begovic arrived from Everton last week and made his debut in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at AFC Wimbledon, playing in the first half before being replaced by Joe Welsh at the break.
Only relegated Blackpool conceded more than QPR’s unwanted 71 tally in the Championship last season, something Ainsworth is determined to put right.
And the manager has already seen signs things have got better even though apart from the new keeper, fresh faces at the back remain in short supply.
Ainsworth told qpr.co.uk: “He (Begovic) looked very assured, which is what you’d expect.
“That’s going to add to us being a solid team and having some exciting players going forward.
“There is some work to do still but I don’t think we’re as open as we were last year.
“I want us to be more solid and we’re probably a little bit thin on the ground defensively. We’re working hard in that respect.
“But I’m pleased that the boys are taking on what we’re telling them.
“The Championship is going to be especially tough this year and we’ve got to make sure we’re more solid.”
QPR took an early lead through Lyndon Dykes at Wimbledon.
However, the visitors made wholesale changes at the break and throughout the second half, meaning the team which finished the game was considerably younger and inexperienced than the one which started it.
It gave Ainsworth the perfect opportunity to run his eye over some of the Hoops’ youngsters in action against senior opposition.
“The average age was probably 20 or 21 after 60 minutes,” he explained.
“Seeing those boys come through from the development squad, getting minutes in the first team in front of our fans in a serious game can only be a good thing.
“Some of them are ready, others need more work and time.
“Just as much as I saw a lot of what I liked in the first half, I learned a lot about the boys in the second half as well.
“There are certain things we need to work on, but that’s what pre-season is all about.
“Hopefully we can go into the Reading and Oxford friendlies with no injuries as we look to be ready for Watford on August 5.”
Meanwhile, QPR have paid tribute to Trevor Francis after it was confirmed this afternoon the former Rs player and manager had died at the age of 69 from a heart attack in Spain.
“Our thoughts are with Trevor’s family and friends at this difficult time,” a QPR spokesperson said.
“May he rest in peace.”
