Mahon Relishing Championship Challenge

Rangers central midfielder Gavin Mahon states how much he`s enjoying pre-season, and compared R`s boss Iain Dowie to Watford boss Aidy Boothroyd.

'The gaffer is a hard task master, there's no doubt about that,' Mahon told QPR.co.uk

'He is similar in his approach to Aidy; the footballs are out early and the sessions you do are all very tough, and everything is timed."

'It has been great for me. I have never in my career been as fit as I have been over the last couple of years at the start of a season, and Iain Dowie has continued that with his approach to pre-season."

Gavin Mahon signed for Rangers from Watford in January after being told by Aidy Boothroyd that he wouldn`t be required in their Premier League squad. He has already put in some influential displays for the R`s and has explained the enjoyment he gets from Dowie`s pre-season methods.

'Often at clubs you do a lot of running for the first couple of weeks before any ball work, but the gaffer mixes that up well, right from the off.

'That's something I think he is brilliant at, mixing up the training and getting everyone super fit. And, this might sound crazy, but it has been enjoyable as well, because what we've been doing has been good fun, as well as hard work."

Mahon added, 'The team spirit has really benefitted from his presence, too. You can have a good laugh with him, and he is quite laid back, which is great.'

With Rangers new found wealth is the added pressure and expectancy and Mahon believes that Rangers are a strong enough side to cope with this expectation.

'That's going to be a big thing for us this season. We've got to make sure we can handle that side of it because, with the financial backing the Club has now got, we are expected to do well."

'It's not going to be as easy as some people might think. A lot of Championship sides have really strengthened over the summer, so it will be tough. "

And finally Mahon stated that he doesn`t believe that Iain Dowie is finished with his dealings in the transfer market with a few new additions expected before the start of the 2008/09 Championship campaign.

"We`ve got a very good squad here. I think the gaffer is keen to add a couple more faces, which we need, and if he can do that then we can do well this season.

'We'll be expected to win week in, week out, and that's exactly what we will be trying to do.'

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