Derby's Lee Camp Returns "Home" - On Three Months Loan

-
QPR Official Site CAMP RETURNS

John Gregory has strengthened the R's goalkeeping department with the loan signing of Rangers old-boy Lee Camp.

The 22 year-old Derby County custodian - who made 12 appearances for the Hoops during the R's promotion season of 2003/04 - has put pen to paper on a three month loan deal at Loftus Road.

Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, Camp expressed his delight at the move: "I got a phone call on Saturday to say that QPR had been in contact with Derby. Billy Davies explained the situation to me, and it went from there.

"I was keen to come back as soon as I heard of the interest because it's a place I've got very fond memories of. The fans made me feel very welcome in 2004 and hopefully I can have as good a time here as I had last time.

"It's tight at the bottom but I'm confident that this squad has enough ability to pull itself clear of relegation between now and the end of the season."

An Academy graduate at Pride Park, Camp won international youth honours during his teens, before getting a first crack at senior football in the 2002/03 season, with a loan spell at Burton Albion.

He made five Conference outings for the Brewers, before getting his chance at Derby in the penultimate game of the 2002/03 campaign.

The following season saw Camp spend the final three months on loan in W12, where he became a popular figure as he helped the Hoops gain promotion to the Championship.

Camp produced one stunning display after another for Ian Holloway's men - instantly marking him down as a huge fans' favourite at Loftus Road.

And when the start of 2004/05 came around, so too did his big chance with the Rams.

Then-boss George Burley threw in Camp, at the tender age of 19, for the season's opener at Elland Road - and the stopper didn't look back.

He saved a penalty on his home debut four days later, and missed just one game - through suspension - on his way to winning the Young Player of the Year award.

Camp - who also has England Under-21 caps to his name - followed his breakthrough season with another 40 appearances.

However, competition for the coveted number one jersey at Pride Park increased with the arrival of Stephen Bywater and Camp spent three months on loan at Norwich City at the end of 2006.

*A full interview with Lee Camp will be available on QPR World later this week.
QPR

JOHN GREGORY ON CAMP

John Gregory has revealed his delight at the loan signing of Derby County custodian Lee Camp.

Speaking to www.qpr.co.uk moments after the Rangers old-boy agreed a three month loan deal with the R's, Gregory said: "We've been monitoring his situation for a while now and we looked at him in January, but it just wasn't plausible.

"The timing is far better now though and we're delighted to have him on board.''

Gregory continued: "First and foremost, he's an excellent, all-round goalkeeper.

"He's a decent shot-stopper, commands his box well and is a good kicker of the football.

"Having the ability to use your feet as a keeper is much more important in the present day than it was in the past and he's very tidy in that department too.''

Gregory believes competition for places in the goalkeeping department is much needed at the Club, adding: "It gives us greater competition for places in the goalkeeping department and that can only be healthy for the Football Club.

"I'm delighted to have him here and it keeps a few people on their toes.''

The Rangers manager also indicated that Camp, who has penned a three month loan deal, could also be in his long term plans, adding: "Although he's only here until the end of the season, I'm looking beyond the next three months.

"I've got a few decisions to make in the goalkeeping department at the end of the season, so it's a fantastic opportunity for Lee to stake a claim.'' QPR


DERBY OFFICIAL SITE - CAMP TO QPR

Goalkeeper Lee Camp has joined Queens Park Rangers on a 93-day emergency loan deal.

The 22-year-old will head to Loftus Road for three months after finding his first-team chances limited at Pride Park this season.

He will be re-united with ex-Rams boss John Gregory and midfielder Adam Bolder, who joined the Hoops during the January transfer window.

England U21 international Camp first came to prominence in senior football with a loan spell at Loftus Road in 2003/04, when he helped them win promotion to the Championship.

The Derby-born stopper, a product of the Rams' Academy, has also been out on loan at Norwich City this season. Derby