QPR future is safe: Redknapp

Harry Redknapp has launched a staunch defence of his transfer activity at Queens Park Rangers and rebuffed suggestions that his January signings have put the club's financial future at risk.

Saturday's goalless draw with Norwich left QPR six points behind 17th place, two points further adrift than they were at the start of the weekend, and relegation is a real prospect for a side who missed a golden opportunity to notch a rare victory when Adel Taarabt missed a penalty in the 56th minute.

Redknapp played four of his new signings, while a fifth, striker Loic Remy, was absent with a groin injury that may keep him out for another two weeks.

Christopher Samba was the most high-profile signing, with some reports last week suggesting that his transfer and wages could cost QPR almost pounds 30?million over the course of his 41/2-year contract.

Club owner Tony Fernandes stressed yesterday (Sunday) that Samba had taken a wage cut from the 100,000 pounds per week he was on at Anzi Machachkala to around 65,000 pounds a week, while Redknapp insisted the club would comfortably recoup the transfer fee if QPR have to sell Samba in the event of relegation.

"You will sell Samba at the end of the season if you want to because he should be playing for a top-four team. He is a monster of a player. He is as quick as lightning, fantastic in the air, he has the lot," said Redknapp.

"At the end of the season, if it doesn't go well, they will get pounds 12?million for Samba, no danger. That could be 14 million pounds because there will be managers out there thinking: 'I thought he was gone, he's back in England'. There will be takers for Samba so they have not done their money on him."

Redknapp also believes he has done good business on Remy, despite his injury. "Remy was 7 million pounds, and if he can score a few goals, he will be worth 12 million pounds. We [Tottenham] tried to buy him for pounds 18?million last year," he said.

QPR also signed Jermaine Jenas from Tottenham for a nominal fee and took Andros Townsend, who excelled on his debut, on loan.

"One was three grand and the other one doesn't come to a lot of money.

I have not brought in players that we can't give away. They are good players. The club's invested but they will get their money back."

It can be argued that Fernandes got far worse value for his money under the previous regime, with a clutch of fringe players signed on high wages. Some, such as Djibril Cisse, Joey Barton and Jose Bosingwa, are no longer part of Redknapp's plans, while Shaun Wright-Phillips and Bobby Zamora are effectively bit-part players, the latter because of a chronic hip condition that restricts him to no more than half a game at a time.

"Bobby can't play more than 35 or 40 minutes, but we need him fit, and we are hoping Remy is not too bad. We just need a break to turn draws into wins."

Defender Clint Hill echoed the sentiment, aware that QPR needed to start winning after seven draws and two victories in the 12 league games under Redknapp.

"We need to keep the unbeaten run going but need more wins than draws," said the captain. "We did well to get a point against Manchester City but we desperately wanted to win today to make that point count."

Chances were few, and Grant Holt did well to clear a Samba header off the Norwich goal-line before keeper Mark Bunn saved Taarabt's penalty. The striker said: "It was a massive moment for us. In the last two weeks we've gone back to what we do

best and that's working hard and pressing. We're getting the rewards for that now."


The new boys

Chris Samba (QPR) Solid at the back as well as almost scoring with header cleared off the line.

Andros Townsend (QPR) Started on wing and impressed throughout, with one powerful shot well saved.

Jermaine Jenas (QPR) Came on for Stephane Mbia, added class to midfield.

Tal Ben Haim (QPR) Replaced Fabio at right back, looked strong.

Luciano Becchio (Norwich) Kept on bench until final minutes and so little chance to impress.