Queens Park Rangers have confirmed the departure of Marc Pugh by mutual consent. The midfielder joined from Bournemouth last summer and would have triggered a one-year extension had he played one more game for the club.
Queens Park Rangers Confirm Marc Pugh Departure
Warburton Explains Decision
With the Championship set to return in a week’s time, it appears, on paper, an odd decision to let Pugh go now. However, Rangers have very little to play for in the remaining games and were said to be “appalled” by the restart date given by the EFL.
That’s not to say they were fully against the restart itself. It was just the timeframe given by the EFL to have players fit and ready for their first matches back.
The COVID-19 pandemic has impact the finances of many clubs regardless of what league they are in. QPR are not exempt from that and manager Mark Warburton confirmed on the club website that the decision was a financial one.
He said: “Marc is a fantastic professional and he deserves to be treated with absolute respect. The simple reality is we, as a club, are not in a position to be able to provide a further 12-month contract to Marc.
“I have no interest in disrespecting Marc by simply not playing him and having him train as hard as he always does with no prospect of being involved.”
Pugh ‘Understands’ Club’s Position
While disappointed at having to leave the club, Pugh was understanding of the position that the club are in and remained grateful for the year he got to spend under Warburton’s stewardship.
He said: “I’ve really enjoyed my season at QPR and appreciate the opportunity Mark Warburton gave me to be part of his squad this year.
“I’m obviously disappointed that I am unable to finish the season and make a push for the play-offs with the lads, however, I fully understand the club’s position and I appreciate that they have been honest with me regarding the situation and where that left me as a player.”
QPR’s return to Championship action begins next Saturday when they host struggling Barnsley at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium.
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