QPR star reflects on captaincy ‘honour’

Ian Cooper Tuesday, August 7, 2012
9:55 AM

Ferdinand determined to stake a claim for the arm-band this season

Anton Ferdinand admitted he was honoured to captain QPR last week – and wants to stake a claim to wear the arm-band permanently this season.

Ferdinand became the third player to skipper the Rs during pre-season when he led his side to a 3-0 win over Wycombe Wanderers on Tuesday evening.

Clint Hill and new signing Ji-Sung Park have also taken on the mantle, as manager Mark Hughes seeks a successor to suspended midfielder Joey Barton.

Shaun Derry was captain as QPR drew 1-1 with Trabzonspor on Saturday, but Ferdinand, whose cousin Les is a Rangers legend and brother Rio played for the Rs youth sides, is desperate to take over the role on a permanent basis.

“It’s an honour to captain this club. My family runs deep in this club, with Les, Rio played here as a kid, and now I’m playing here. To captain a club like QPR was fantastic,” said the centre-back.

“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want it, but it’s not my decision. Whoever’s made club captain will do a great job and will have all the lads’ backing.”

Ferdinand believes there are plenty of candidates for the captaincy, and maintains that Hughes’s policy of signing experienced players will stand them in good stead.

“We’ll push and work hard whoever’s captain,” he said. “It’s not about one person who wears the armband it’s about the 11 on the pitch.

“The gaffer’s brought in people who are leaders, and having as many leaders as we’ve got in our team can only be good for QPR.”

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