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Despite having scored five goals in their past 12 league games (10 of which were lost), QPR today made one deadline day signing - and it wasn't a forward. Manager John Gregory while praising his new signing declared ..."I would have liked to have added more, but our current economic state would suggest that I had to juggle things around in the best interest of the club at this particular time." He went on to praise Chairman Paladini (although some supporters might disagree with that conclusion) "The Chairman has been tremendously supportive in both enabling me to bring the three players in, as well as shipping a few out." QPR
QPR Official Site - CULLIP SIGNS
QPR are delighted to announce the signing of experienced Nottingham Forest defender Danny Cullip.
Following his release from The Reds, the 30 year-old centre-half has penned an 18 month deal at Loftus Road and in doing so, becomes gaffer John Gregory's third signing of the January transfer window.
Cullip - whose previous clubs include Sheffield United, Brighton & Hove Albion, Brentford, Fulham and Oxford - spoke exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk moments after signing the deal.
"When the chance came up to come here, it was an easy decision to make,'' he said.
"John didn't need to sell the club to me at all. I know what QPR are about, a lot of my friends are supporters, so I jumped at the chance.
"All I can say is that I'll come in and give my all. I'm up for a fight, I enjoy a battle and hopefully we can get enough results to ensure we stay in this division.
"There are some huge games coming up and I can't wait to get started.''
Gregory was equally delighted with the signing, adding: "We needed a player with his kind of character. He's a leader, an organiser and in my opinion he's a winner.
"He's an out-and-out defender, who will help the inexperienced players that we have in the heart of our defence.''
Cullip - who is in line to make his QPR debut against Burnley on Saturday - will wear the number four shirt.
*A full interview with Danny Cullip will be available on QPR World tomorrow (Thursday). QPR
JOHN GREGORY'S COMMENTS- QPR OFFICIAL SITE - DAN'S THE MAN
Gaffer John Gregory has revealed his delight at the signing of defender Danny Cullip.
Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk after the former Nottingham Forest player put pen to paper on an 18 month contract, Gregory said: "We needed a player with his kind of character. He's a leader, an organiser and in my opinion he's a winner.
"He's an out-and-out defender, who will help the inexperienced players that we have in the heart of our defence - he will certainly assist the likes of Michael Mancienne, Damion Stewart and Sami Timoska.''
Gregory continued: "He's won play-off finals, promotions and is a real battler. I'm bringing him in not only for his defensive qualities, but also for his leadership skills.''
Despite admitting it was tough to do business, the Rangers gaffer is pleased with his January dealings, commenting: "We've had to move eight players on to bring in three fresh faces, but I'm delighted with the three we've brought in. All three of them will play a big part in our battle to survive this season.
"I would have liked to have added more, but our current economic state would suggest that I had to juggle things around in the best interest of the club at this particular time. I've always stated that we've got far too many players here - which has not been the players' fault - but I've done the best I can in very trying circumstances.
"The Chairman has been tremendously supportive in both enabling me to bring the three players in, as well as shipping a few out.
"The loan market is still there if we feel we need to make the necessary changes again, but I don't foresee anything immediately.'' QPR
NOTTINGHAM FORREST PERSPECTIVE
Danny Cullip has left Nottingham Forest for Championship side Queens Park Rangers.
The free transfer deal was completed this afternoon after the 30 year old defender had passed a medical at Loftus Road.
His departure follows 24 hours after Forest had announced the signing of 21 year old central defender Luke Chambers from Northampton Town.
Cullip joined Forest from Sheffield United before the start of last season but persistent hamstring problems restricted him to 14 appearances in the 2005-2006 campaign.
Although not in the side recently, he has figured more prominently this season and the former Oxford, Brentford, Fulham, Brighton and Sheffield United played 38 Forest games in total. Nottingham Forest
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - WARD OUT ON LOAN
Midfielder Nicky Ward has joined Brighton & Hove Albion on loan until the end of the season.
The Australian international - who joined QPR from Perth Glory in the summer - has made 21 appearances in all competitions for Rangers this season, scoring one goal.
However, he has not featured in John Gregory's plans since the 2-2 draw with Luton Town in the FA Cup on Saturday 6th January and has now joined up with the League One side. QPR
Brighton On Signing Ward - Albion Net Aussie Playmaker By Tim Dudding
Albion have made a second swoop on transfer deadline day, netting QPR playmaker Nick Ward on loan until the end of the season.
The 21-year-old Australian midfielder has played 21 games for the R's since arriving from Perth Glory in the summer, scoring one goal, in the 2-0 win over Southend in August.
An exciting flair player, Ward's progress has been watched by manager Dean Wilkins and Chairman Dick Knight since last October, when they spotted him playing in a reserve team game for the Londoners.
Wilkins told seagulls.co.uk, "I watched him in October and spoke to Gary Waddock, who brought him to QPR. He speaks highly of him.
"He's a very attack-minded midfield player and he will bring much-needed competition to the squad."
Ward has been selected for the Australian national squad - although he has yet to make his debut - and only narrowly missed out on a place for the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
He is also on standby for the Socceroos' friendly with Denmark next week to be played, ironically, at Loftus Road.
Ward also scooped the Australian League 'Rising Star' award in 2006 and was included in a 'Who's Who' of the best young players to watch on the official FIFA website.
Describing the difference between English and Australian football, he said, "The game is a lot slower over in Australia, mainly because of the heat, whereas here it's a lot quicker with not as much time on the ball.
"I like to play good football, that's what I've always tried to do. I like to get the ball down and pass it, get forward and score goals." Brighton
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - CULLIP FACT FILE
www.qpr.co.uk takes a look at the career of the R's latest signing - no-nonsense centre half Danny Cullip.
Danny Cullip joined Nottingham Forest on the eve of last season, with The Reds paying Sheffield United an undisclosed fee for his services.
Cullip's first season at The City Ground proved to be a frustrating one though, with persistent hamstring problems restricting him to just 14 appearances in all competitions.
Undeterred, he's returned stronger than ever this season, making 25 appearances at the heart of The Reds defence, prior to his last outing on New Years Day, when he was shown a red card in Forest's forgettable 5-0 defeat to fellow League One high-fliers Oldham.
Prior to his move to Forest, the no-nonsense defender made 15 appearances for the Blades following a £250,000 switch from Brighton & Hove Albion in December 2004, but moved on after falling out of favour with manager Neil Warnock.
During his five-year spell with Brighton, he was appointed captain and twice scooped the south coast club's 'Player of the Year' award.
Cullip started his career with Oxford and had spells with Fulham and Brentford before his career really gathered pace with Brighton.
Everyone at the Club wishes Danny a successful stay in W12.
QPR