Queens Park Rangers caretaker manager Chris Ramsey revealed that he is "proud" to be in charge of the side ahead of their Premier League match against Southampton this weekend.
The interim boss admitted that he was surprised by Harry Redknapp's departure earlier this week, but that he is now fully focused on this weekend's match.
Ramsey is optimistic that he will have a fully fit squad for the visit of Ronald Koeman's side.
Read what else the caretaker manager discussed below:
Good morning! It's been a week of change at Queens Park Rangers this week following Harry Redknapp's departure. Chris Ramsey is in temporary charge of the first team at the minute, so he will be taking this week's press conference shortly.
Ramsey doesn't have an easy start to life as a Premier League manager as the Hoops host fourth-placed Southampton this weekend. QPR have lost their last three Premier League matches, and are without a win in six.
Here's Ramsey overseeing training at the club's Harlington facility yesterday as he prepares the squad for tomorrow's match:
VINE: Training is under way at Harlington... https://t.co/fNq1sbmKlf
— QPR FC (@QPRFC) February 5, 2015
QPR head into this weekend in the relegation zone, just two points off the foot of the table. However, they are just a point from safety, so a result tomorrow could lift them out of the bottom three.
Chris Ramsey isn't expected to remain in charge of QPR on a permanent basis. Tim Sherwood is the bookies' favourite to replace Redknapp, with the former Tottenham boss's old assistants, Ramsey and Les Ferdinand, already in place at the club.
QPR have a chance to get some points on the board over the next few weeks, with matches against Hull City and Sunderland coming up in February. QPR are still looking for their first away points of the season, and the club will surely see those two fixtures as their chance to get off the mark.
While we wait for the caretaker boss to arrive, it seems like a good time to remind you that we will be bringing you live updates from this match, as well as every other Premier League fixture, from an hour before kickoff, plus loads of post-match reaction and analysis.
Right then, the manager is ready to face the media, so let's see what he has to say...
Naturally, the first topic of conversation is Harry Redknapp. Ramsey admits: "It's always a surprise when something like this happens. It was a shock, a big surprise. We all knew Harry had a knee problem, but he never moaned. He just got on with the job."
Ramsey insists that he is only in charge until a permanent manager is found: "I'm in this role with Kevin Bond to steady the ship until the club appoints someone to take the role. It's down to the owners to decide who they think is the best fit for the club, they will decide who is the best for QPR. The owners want what's best for QPR. They want the club to produce talent, to be sustainable over time."
Despite his insistence that this is just a temporary role for him, Ramsey reveals that he is proud to be in the post: "I'm happy to be here and be involved at a club like QPR. This is a proud moment for me."
Looking ahead to this weekend's match, Ramsey tells the reporters: "We've got a great set of fans, we want to repay their loyalty tomorrow. Most of the players are fit, so almost everyone will be available."
On Southampton, Ramsey admits that he has been impressed by Ronald Koeman's side: "Southampton have been outstanding in the Premier League, they've been a breath of fresh air for the division. We need to be on the front foot, giving maximum energy and showing some flair. We need to get fans off their seats. The players really need to step up now and achieve what they're capable of."
Turning his attention back to the managerial situation, he adds: "There's no time frame as far as I'm aware, for the new appointment. Les has been on the training ground this week, helping us out. He's a very good coach."
Ramsey adds that Les Ferdinand has been vital heading into this match: "Les is a fully qualified coach, so he's a necessary addition for us at this time on the training field. We had a team meeting yesterday, as you do when there's a change at the club."
Ramsey reveals that Ferdinand and Kevin Bond will help him pick the team for tomorrow: "All I am interested in is getting three points tomorrow. Whoever is fit and available will be in contention. It will be a collaborative decision in terms of the team tomorrow, myself, Kevin and Les will pick the team."
That's all from a positive and upbeat Chris Ramsey for now. So, make sure you join us again tomorrow afternoon to see whether the interim boss can lead QPR to their first Premier League win of 2015. Thanks for joining me this morning. Goodbye.
Written by
Sian Cowper
Sian Cowper
