Charlie Austin seals QPR return – striker can’t wait to play back in front of their fans next season

Charlie Austin can’t wait to be back playing in front of QPR supporters after completing a permanent move back to the west London club.

The striker, 31, has penned a two-year deal with the R’s.

Austin made 82 appearances and scored 45 goals for QPR before he joined Southampton in the summer of 2016. He returned on loan from West Bromwich Albion for the second half of the 2020-21 campaign and scored eight goals in 19 appearances.

Speaking to QPR’s club website, Austin said: “I’m really pleased to get it done. I’m just so pleased to be fully part of the club again.

“I wanted to sign after the way we finished [the season]. How I feel about the team and the club hasn’t changed, I want to be a part of that. I wanted to get this done as soon as possible because it’s best for me and my family.

“I went through a time where I wasn’t enjoying my football, but when I came to QPR I enjoyed it straightaway. I love everything the club stands for. It’s a family club and one I’m suited to.

“I seem to play my best football here, I’m happiest when I’m here, I think that has shown with the first stint and then the second stint at the club.

“I was pleased [with my loan spell here], it was great to be part of a winning team. We were winning games of football, which is fantastic.

“Lyndon [Dykes] has been brilliant, it’s a partnership that we’ve never worked on, it’s just clicked. He got into double figures for the season and that’s given him a good platform to build on.

“Hopefully with the fans’ help, we can have a very exciting season.

“I’m excited for the fans to return. I can’t wait to be back out there in front of them with the QPR strip on again. I want to put in good performances so they cheer my name again.”

PICTURE: ROB AVIS