Queens Park Rangers delivered a heart-stopping moment for their fans when Kieron Morgan scored in the 96th minute to seal a 2-1 victory over Birmingham.
The goal came after Jonathan Varane seized a loose ball following Kwame Poku’s mazy run and fed it to Morgan, who controlled it beautifully before unleashing a thunderous strike past James Beadle.
The Loftus Road crowd erupted as Morgan ripped off his shirt in sheer delight, a dramatic finale moments after Patrick Roberts had appeared to rescue a late draw for the visitors.
A Team Transformed Under Julien Stephan
This win highlighted the new character that manager Julien Stephan has instilled in the squad.
QPR’s fourth victory in five games at the time pushed them into the Championship play-off spots, signaling a fresh sense of fearlessness within the West London outfit.
Captain Jimmy Dunne told Daily Mail Sport: “In the past, conceding late would knock us down. But this group doesn’t carry scars.
We just keep going and believe we can score again.
We play exciting football, and Loftus Road fans are loving it because we guarantee entertainment.”
Dunne Reflects on His Journey at QPR
Dunne, 28, took over the captaincy from Steve Cook in the summer and has been with QPR since 2021, making 185 appearances.
His experience gives him a unique perspective on the club’s rise.
He has seen highs and lows, and now believes this team has something special.
Despite a draw with Portsmouth and a defeat at West Brom over Christmas, QPR remain ninth in a tightly contested Championship.
Upcoming matches against Norwich and Sheffield Wednesday, the bottom two sides, offer opportunities to strengthen their play-off push.
Blending Youth and Experience
QPR’s squad has changed dramatically over the past year. Ten senior players arrived over the summer while key veterans like Kenneth Paal, Jack Colback, and Morgan Fox moved on.
The new arrivals include young, promising talents such as Richard Kone and Rumarn Burrell—both of whom have climbed rapidly from lower leagues to the Championship spotlight.
Dunne notes the mix of youth and experience has been key.
Players like Jake Clarke-Salter, Sam Field, and Ilias Chair, who have been at the club for at least three years, help new faces settle into the Championship’s unique challenges.
Fearless Football and Consistency
“What sets us apart is consistency,” Dunne explains.
“Our best and worst performances don’t vary much.
We’ve had results that show we’re still learning, but we believe we can beat anyone.”
This approach is underpinned by Stephan’s coaching.
The French manager, previously celebrated for his work at Rennes and Strasbourg, emphasizes discipline, tactical adaptability, and player development.
Under his guidance, players like Nicolas Madsen and Jonathan Varane are thriving.
Learning from Setbacks
The season hasn’t been without challenges. QPR suffered a heavy 7-1 defeat to Coventry early on, but the team’s resilience has grown.
Stephan’s willingness to rotate the squad and adapt tactics has helped maintain motivation and belief throughout the team.
Dunne, who recently signed a new contract, embraces his captaincy fully. “It’s a privilege to lead here.
My goal has always been promotion, and that ambition hasn’t changed,” he says.
“We’re building something special, and the club is attracting players who want to be part of this journey.”
Eyes on the Play-Offs
As the Championship enters a crucial phase, QPR are focusing on maintaining their momentum.
Dunne emphasizes staying close to the top six and approaching each setback with the mindset to bounce back immediately. “If a bad result comes, you don’t sulk.
You get back on the horse and go again,” he says.
With a blend of youthful energy, experienced guidance, and a fearless attitude, QPR are now aiming for the club’s long-held dream of promotion—something Dunne hopes to see come to fruition in the coming months.
Building Something Special in West London
After years of mid-table finishes and frequent managerial changes, the atmosphere at Loftus Road feels different.
The squad’s diversity, the integration of young talent, and Stephan’s structured approach have created a team capable of challenging for more than just survival.
Dunne concludes: “We’re enjoying this process.
The club has progressed so much, and if we stick with it, we could have our special season very soon.”
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