SUPER HOOPS? QPR BUILD FOR THE TOP
QPR Ladies were left disappointed in 2013 when their application for a Super League place fell through – but midfielder Elly Maggs thinks the club have the potential to make it one day.
The WSL 2 is to welcome two new clubs, from the WPL, by 2017.The decision will be made based on league position and the clubs ability to meet offfield licensing criteria.
Maggs, who has been at QPR for six seasons, believes their strong setup behind the scenes will stand them in good stead to progress.
The 33-year-old midfielder said: “It was disappointing as we all want to play at the highest level and were looking forward to the chance to do that. But we are very lucky that we get so much support from the men’s club and that makes a huge difference. There is a good structure, great coaching team and we are very lucky with our training facilities. QPR fans are always tweeting their support for us and you can’t buy that.”
QPR have had a difficult start to the campaign playing four out of their five opening matches away from home. They are yet to pick up a point but their performances have been encouraging.
“Fixtures wise it has been a tough start,” said Maggs. “But we cannot make excuses, it all evens out over the course of the season.
“We need to start winning games and fast. I do think our performances have been good and we have been unlucky and on the wrong end of a few 1-0 score lines.”
Maggs, who captained the side last season and previously played for Sunderland and Newcastle, couldn’t be happier at QPR.
“It is the perfect fit for me and I believe we can achieve something this year,” Maggs added.
“After being in the game so long, and some may say too long, it is so nice to have such a positive reaction from football fans when I say I play at this level. It makes me very proud to be playing for QPR.”
QPR take on Plymouth today, who have just the one point from their four matches, and Maggs has already billed it as a “must win.”
She said: “Once you get the first three points out of the way the only way is up!”