To celebrate the release of Bear’s Den’s forthcoming new single “Agape”, we spoke to their guitarist Andrew Davie about his love of Queens Park Rangers…
How did you come to support QPR?
I grew up in West London. I lived pretty close to both Brentford and QPR and I chose QPR. Back in the day I was seen as a glory supporter. Times have changed.
What are your expectations for the R’s this season, and what are your thoughts on the season so far?
Supporting QPR has kinda taught me a valuable life lesson in not expecting too much from people. I think right now it looks likely that we’ll get relegated…AGAIN!
To be honest though I think QPR’s suffered from a bit of a Premier League inferiority complex, spending way too much money on players and not working with who we have to make a team of players who work for each other. Money doesn’t buy good teams.
I think Charlie Austin being the top goalscorer and arguably the best player this season says a lot about how it’s more about supporting and instilling belief in who you have rather than looking for a quick fix.
Do you think the manager is doing a good job? If not, who would you like to see replace him?
I think Chris Ramsey deserves a chance. I’ll always have a soft spot for Harry Redknapp but I think Chris Ramsey is the right man to get QPR playing like a team and believing in each other again. Less transfer deadline day shenanigans and more team spirit.
Which areas of the team/squad would you like to see strengthened?
None. I see no difference between the players we have and all the other teams in the bottom half of the table. It’s about unlocking the magic.
Have you managed to get to the ground much to watch them over the years?
Sadly, given how much time we’ve spent touring, I don’t get to see the lads play as often as I’d like to these days. This season I haven’t made it down to a game yet! TERRIBLE!!
I saw QPR against Sunderland 2 years ago when Andros Townsend (on loan from Tottenham) scored that screamer and I can’t wait to see them play again. I used to go a lot as a kid. My best friend at school, Ben, had a season ticket and when someone in his family couldn’t go he’d always see if i could come. Some of my fondest memories ever come from being at Loftus Road.
Name the First/Best/Worst games you’ve ever been to?
The first game i remember going to was with my dad and it was QPR against Wimbledon at Selhurst park in the FA Cup in ’97. Mark Hateley scored!! Super Mark Hateley. We had Trevor Sinclair, Gavin Peacock, Danny Dichio…such a good side but we were outmuscled by a very physical Wimbledon side featuring Vinnie Jones.
Best game I ever went to was QPR against Crystal Palace at Loftus Road in ’99. We were in the First Division then, last game of the season and we had to win to stay up. I remember being so nervous the night before the game but very quickly all my fears were alleviated. Chris Kiwomya scored a hat-trick that day and I just remember having tears in my eyes, I was so happy and singing so loudly with my mate, Ben. Absolutely magical moment for me.
The worst game I went to see was QPR against Fulham with my girlfriend back in 2011. We’d only just started going out and she has a season ticket and goes to watch games with her dad most weekends when she’s around. Fulham hadn’t won a game yet that season and nor had QPR and I thought we might just beat them.
It was a pretty traumatic experience standing with all the Fulham fans as they just kept scoring. It was raining goals. The game ended 6-0 and I had to pretend I wasn’t devastated in front of her and her dad. I’m still devastated about that game.
Finally, if you had to select a 5-a-side team out of all the QPR players you’ve seen in your time as a fan, who would you pick?
Rob Green
Trevor Sinclair
Rufus Brevett
Andy Sinton
Les Ferdinand
Bear’s Den will release “Agape” as their new single on 6th April 2015 via Communion Records