Holloway - QPR Can't Afford Marcus Stewart...Chairman Wants Younger Players

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OLLY: WE CAN'T AFFORD MARCUS
Bristol Evening Post 05 January 2006
Ian Holloway today ruled out a move for Bristol City striker Marcus Stewart. Queens Park Rangers boss Holloway expressed an interest in taking the striker to Loftus Road prior to November's deadline for loan signings. And the former Bristol Rovers manager is now looking to recruit a new forward, possibly on loan, during the January transfer window . But although Stewart is unhappy at being left out of the City side and might now consider a move in search of first-team football, his wages are a stumbling block. Holloway revealed: "I did make an enquiry about Stewart a couple of months ago, but we couldn't afford the money."There was no way we could afford to bring him here pemanently, but I did consider a loan."That will not be possible unless the money situation changes. As far as I know, that is the same, so it doesn't look like a deal will be possible."
QPR and fellow Championship club Plymouth Argyle have expressed an interest in Stewart, who is keen to retain his family base on the outskirts of Bristol.
Holloway added: "He's a magnificent player and there's no doubt about that." But my chairman seems to prefer me looking for younger players and I've lots of other options to consider. I've drawn up a list of targets that I want to show him and Stewart is not on it at present."
City manager Gary Johnson this week signed Bas Savage from Coventry on a deal until the end of the season and it looks as though the former Reading man will continue to keep Stewart out of the team.But Johnson will want to recruit another striker before allowing Stewart to depart Ashton Gate. It is understood he has a couple of targets in mind, but there are unlikely to be any new arrivals until later in the month.Johnson said: "Everyone is playing for time and keeping their options open at the moment. Nothing is going to happen in the short term and I expect most transfers to wait until the end of January." http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=145371&command=displayContent&sourceNode=145195&contentPK=13782474&folderPk=83751