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Monday, January 08, 2007

Jones on Staying at QPR as Opposed to Going to Fulham

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Mirror 0 JONES FUL OF HOPE BY STAYING AT RANGERS
RAY JONES believes he has made the right choice by snubbing interest from Fulham and signing a new contract at QPR.
The 18-year-old striker agreed a three-and-a-half-year deal at Loftus Road on Friday, before helping the club to a 2-2 third-round draw with Luton the following day.
Jones confirmed west London rivals Fulham were the club most interested in him while contract talks at Rangers stalled. But the Newham-born player feels he would not have been given a fair chance of first-team football at Craven Cottage.
Jones said: "Fulham were the most interested club, but they've just signed another striker from Italy, and I don't think I would've got the chance to show what I can do there.
"I think I've got more of a chance here to start games and score goals at QPR' that's going to help me better in the long-run than going to another team and sitting on the bench for long periods.
"From when I was first offered a contract, I've always wanted to stay at QPR. I think it's good for my development because I'm only 18.
"To push QPR into the play-offs will help me as a player."
Jones received a standing ovation from the Loftus Road faithful for his commitment to the club when his name was announced before kick-off.
Rangers then dominated the first half and were ahead after 32 minutes when Dexter Blackstock headed home.
But Luton found themselves level at half-time thanks to a superb Rowan Vine effort.
His strike-partner, Warren Feeney, put the visitors ahead moments after the break before controversy struck.
With the Hatters 15 minutes away from a place in the fourth round, Rangers teenager Shabazz Baidoo bundled in a goal-mouth scramble using his hand.
Luton boss Mike Newell said: "We should've won the game and we should've put it beyond them with the spell we had after half-time.
"We should have had it wrapped up, but it's hard to swallow when it's handball.
"It's the FA Cup and you're not really interested in performances รข€" you just want to get through to the next round. Mirror

ADDITIONAL MATCH REPORTS

Simon Skinner/QPRNet - Report

Clive Whttingham/QPR Rivals - Report