Hoop Dreams - QPR FC

QPR defender Fitz Hall joined Championship leaders Newcastle United on loan today until the end of the season.

The 29-year-old (pictured above), linked with a number of clubs during this January transfer window, joins former team-mate Wayne Routledge who moved to Newcastle on Tuesday.

Hall, nicknamed 'One-Size', joined Rangers in January 2008 on a four-and-a-half year deal from Premiership side Wigan Athletic, in a deal reported to be worth £700,000.

He made 14 appearances for the Hoops this season, playing solidly in the opening weeks of the campaign but a groin injury at the start of September kept him out for two months.

On his return, he took some time to readjust to the pace of Championship football and struggled in games against Middlesbrough and Watford in which Rangers were soundly beaten.

He started his league career with Oldham Athletic, before transfers to Southampton and then Crystal Palace, with whom he also experienced Premiership football.

This transfer could be taken as further evidence that QPR are looking to lessen their wage bill and run the club's finances on a more even keel, with Hall widely reported to be one of the biggest earners at Loftus Road.

He is the third player to leave Rangers in the space of five days, after Patrick Agyemang's loan transfer to Bristol City on Monday and Routledge's permanent transfer to Newcastle.

Newcastle face play-off contenders Leicester City in a late kick-off tomorrow with Hall available to play whilst Rangers also play tomorrow, looking to kick-start their faltering season at home to Scunthorpe United.

More on that game and any other transfer news to follow...