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Interim QPR boss Hall wants players to raise their level

Published:Tuesday | December 6, 2022 | 12:11 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
Paul Hall
Paul Hall

Former Reggae Boyz coach Paul Hall, the current interim boss of English Championship club Queens Park Rangers (QPR), wants his players to raise the level of their game under his watch.

The former Reggae Boyz winger was put in the position after former head coach Michael Beale abruptly departed for Scottish Premier League club Glasgow Rangers late last month.

Although QPR are eyeing Neil Critchley as Beale’s likely replacement, Hall, who oversaw his first game in charge, a 2-1 friendly win over Scottish club Livingston, said the players responded well to his directions on the night, and he just wants them to continue raising the bar.

“It was fantastic, a great experience. I just asked the boys to show honesty, openness, and integrity – and they did that.

“They have shown their resilience out there (against Livingston) by giving a performance we can be proud of. It’s important we get on with it and make sure we focus on what’s in front of us and not what’s behind us,” Hall told QPR’s official website.

“They are good players, but I’m asking them to show how good they are by raising their level even more.”

Even though the club is looking outside for Beale’s replacement, an impressive interim stint could force the club to look in Hall’s direction, but the 50-year-old, who has been with the club for over 10 years and who is obviously enjoying his new role, is looking forward to their weekend clash against Burnley.

“It (Livingstone game) was a great experience for me. I was in this position with the Jamaican national team, so hopefully, I can keep going on and keep asking the players to respond – and I think they will.

“It is really important I get this job right. The club is the most important thing here. I’ve been here 10 years and seen a lot of managers come and go. But my focus now is just for us is to attack Burnley,” he commented.

Hall, who has stepped up from his role as B team coach of the Championship side, started out coaching the under-14s before becoming under-23s’ head coach and now caretaker boss.

QPR currently sit sixth in the Championship with 31 points from 21 matches. Burnley (41) lead the championship.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com