Dowie Looks Ahead To Stevenage

Iain Dowie has given his assessment of the squad going into the R`s first friendly fixture against Stevenage Borough at Broadhall Way.

Dowie looks ahead to the fixture against the Blue Square Premier outfit, and regarding the new players, Dowie believes the fans who attend will get value for money:

'Ledesma and Di Carmine have done really well and I'm really excited about seeing them in action. Dowie told QPR.co.uk

'Alberti missed a few days training at Bath with a slight knock, but again, he's settled in fantastically well.'

The Bath trip itself was a great success according to Dowie, with fitness as previously noted being at the top of the agenda:

'We got the lads up at seven every day to keep them on their toes, but to be fair to them, they worked really hard and we're really pleased with their fitness levels as we embark on the pre-season fixtures,' he said."

'The intensity of the sessions was great - the lads were flying into tackles and really putting themselves about.'

Tomorrow`s opponents Stevenage Borough were outlined by Dowie as the R`s embark of their first match of the friendly campaign:

'Graham Westley is very knowledgeable at Conference level and knows how to get the very best out of his players, so we're expecting a tough test,' he said.

'Stevenage are one of the bigger Club's in the Conference and are all geared up to be playing at a higher level. They beat Gillingham earlier this week so it's not going to be easy."

'I think they're hoping for a decent crowd, so we're really looking forward to getting our pre-season campaign underway.'

Dowie continued:

'It's a good first test for us and it's come at the right time.

'The players are in a good physical condition and although we'll mix it about a bit in terms of rotating the players, it's a game we want to win."

Dowie desires a winning start aswell, although its not a necessity with the style of play and the manner of fitness taking precedence.

'Victories breed confidence and for that reason alone, it will be nice to get off to a positive, winning start."

'On the other hand, I've been involved in pre-season campaigns where we've not won a game and then you suddenly start the season with a few victories - that's football sometimes."

'We'll look to be attractive going forward and resolute at the back and I'm relishing leading QPR for the first time.'

Long term injured player Rowan Vine and Akos Buzsaky will evidently not play a part, and neither will new signing Radek Cerny who is set to sit out the fixture with a hamstring injury:

'Radek's got a slight knock, It's unlikely we'll risk him, but the rest of the lads are flying.'

Tickets for the match are priced as follows, with no advances sales:

Adults: £15

Concessions: £12

Under 11`s £7

Kick off is at 3:00pm with Rangers set to take a good away support as always. Stay tuned to Vital QPR for the match details and report.

We want to know YOUR thoughts!

To have your say you can comment in the space provided below, or chat about it on the forum.

VITAL QPR IS 100% UNOFFICIAL - FOR THE FANS, BY THE FANS

Join the FREE Telegraph Championship Fantasy Football League!

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.