QPR's John Gregory Reacts to New Fixtures

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[Never knew: "Gary's [Bristol City manager, Gary Johnson] father Ron used to work for the R's as a chiropractor when I was here as a player in the eighties..."

QPR Official Site
John Gregory has described the R's first few fixtures of the new campaign as 'tough,' but he believes his side are ready for the battle ahead.
Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk. Gregory was honest enough to admit he'd have rather avoided one of the promoted sides on the opening day, but he is already looking forward to the R's trip to Ashton Gate - the home of League One runners-up Bristol City - on Saturday 11th August.
"Ideally we'd have liked to have avoided one of the promoted sides,'' Gregory told www.qpr.co.uk.
"There will be a real buzz of expectancy amongst the City faithful, but we'll go there looking to spoil the party.''
Gregory continued: "I can remember the days when they were in the equivalent of the Premiership and they've got a very partisan set of supporters.
"They play a very attractive brand of football and Gary Johnson has done a terrific job there.
"Gary's father Ron used to work for the R's as a chiropractor when I was here as a player in the eighties, so there's a link between the two Clubs which is nice.
"The whole Club is on the front foot at the moment, so it's a very tough start for us.''
Four of the R's first seven fixtures of the new campaign are at home and Gregory is determined to kick start the season on a positive note.
"A good start is paramount and given the way we ended the campaign at home, it's nice to start with a large bulk of matches at Loftus Road,'' he said.
"There was a real feel good factor at Loftus Road towards the end of the season and we'll look to continue where we left off.
"We've lost just two home fixtures in 11 since the turn of the year and they were against two sides who reached the play-off's, so we're a tough side to beat in W12.''
Gregory believes the first ten fixtures of the campaign provide a decent indication of a Club's hopes and aspirations for the season ahead, commenting: "The first ten fixtures are all about putting markers down and with four out of our first seven matches at home, I'm quietly confident that we'll make a good start.
"There are no easy games in this division, but it's certainly got all the makings of another entertaining season in the Championship.'' QPR