Hoop Dreams - QPR FC

QPR have moved to strengthen their attacking options by signing striker Marcus Bent on loan from Birmingham City whilst Alessandro Pellicori has left the club to join Serie B side AC Mantova.

Mick Harford spoke on Saturday of the club's need to add a striker to the squad but also of his frustration at their failure to find a suitable candidate.

The 31-year-old arrives on a deal until the end of this season after struggling for first-team opportunities at Premiership side Birmingham. He already had a loan spell at Middlesbrough this season, making eight appearances for the club.

He signed for Birmingham in July 2008 and played regularly during the club's promotion season. Prior to that, he has played for a host of clubs after starting his career with Brentford including Crystal Palace, Sheffield United, Ipswich Town and Everton.

"I'm buzzing about coming here," said Bent, speaking to the club's website.

"I was brought up in Shepherd's Bush and I used to go and watch the likes of Les Ferdinand and Andy Impey with my dad and uncle."

Speaking about Bent's arrival, manager Mick Harford said:

"We have searched high and low for the right type of striker and Marcus became available only the other day so we jumped at the opportunity to bring him in.

"He has played at all levels and has scored plenty of goals both in this division and in the Premier League."


Italian striker Alessandro Pellicori, one of the stranger signings of the Briatore era, is returning to his homeland on a loan deal with Mantova until the end of this season.

The 28-year-old, who joined QPR in the summer after a successful trial period, has endured a difficult season with Rangers, making just ten appearances in all competitions and scoring a solitary goal, way back in the Carling Cup first round in August.

Pellicori joins Patrick Agyemang, Wayne Routledge, Fitz Hall and Gareth Ainsworth through the exit door in the space of just one week.

Prior to that, Ben Watson returned to Wigan Athletic following a four-month loan spell and Heidar Helguson returned on loan to Watford until the end of the season.

In the other direction, the club have made four additions, picking up Nigel Quashie after he was released by West Ham, signing goalkeeper Carl Ikeme and defender Matt Hill on loan deals from Wolves and now adding Bent.