Kevin Gallen scored one of the three goals which helped secure QPR's place in the First Division next season as the Hoops got the win they needed at Sheffield Wednesday to edge out Bristol City in the race for automatic promotion. It was a nerve-racking weekend for all concerned at Rangers, but Ian Holloway's men can now start booking their holidays, safe in the knowledge that they don't have to put themselves more play-off hell after last season's disappointment. Lawrie Madden caught up with a delighted QPR midfielder who, at 28, doesn't want to be classed as a 'veteran' just yet!
Q:WHAT WAS THE GAME PLAN ON SATURDAY, WITH SO MUCH AT STAKE?
A:Well, we talked all week and believed that we had to win the game as we thought that Bristol City would win their last match of the season. We knew we were under a bit of pressure playing away and we all didn't want to go through the play-offs again after losing to Cardiff in the last five minutes of last year's final.
Q:WHAT WAS GOING THROUGH YOUR MIND WHEN IT WAS GOALLESS AND KNEW THAT BRISTOL CITY WAS IN FRONT?
A:I can't repeat what I said but I thought we had better liven up otherwise we will not go up even though we had started well and had nine attempts on goal to their one by half time. I thought it was out of order to put the Bristol City scoreline on the scoreboard. Why they did that I don't know.
Q:ANOTHER STROKE OF GENIUS BY IAN HOLLOWAY BEFORE THE GAME, I UNDERSTAND?
A:Yes it was. There were fans in the hotel before the game and the manager brought them into the restaurant and they talked to us and told us how much they thought of us. It was very unusual but it gave the lads a big lift.
Q:YOU WOULD BE CONSIDERED AN EXPERIENCED PLAYER SO HOW MUCH DID THAT PROMOTION MEAN TO YOU?
A:I saw someone write that I was rolling back the years but I am only 28 years old. I have to say that it was the best day of my life and scoring the first goal was an unbelievable feeling. We were a bit shaky at 2-1 but the fans got behind us again and we got the third to make it safe.
Q:WHAT ARE YOUR SIDE'S BEST QUALITIES?
A:Our success this season has been down to our workrate and togetherness which has been our assets, plus the fact that we have some good players. The Second Division is a hard division to get out of and us and Sheffield Wednesday have found that teams raise their game against us, just like West Ham have found since they dropped into the First Division.
Q:IT IS A REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENT CONSIDERING SO MANY OF THE PLAYERS ARE NOT ON CONTRACTS, OR ARE OUT OF CONTRACT IN THE SUMMER?
A:Yes it is. I have a contract but many don't and I think it speaks volumes for the players and now hopefully they will be rewarded for their efforts. We also lost Kenny Jackett to Swansea and I think he is the best coach I have worked under and that was a blow, but the lads kept going and got their rewards.
Q:NOW YOU ARE PROMOTED WHAT THOUGHTS DO YOU HAVE ABOUT DIVISION ONE?
A:The main thing will be to go for the play-offs. It is no good going up and just hoping you are going to survive and avoid relegation. I am sure we will get some new players and hopefully we can make an impact. Next season will be different. This season we were a big club in this division but next season we will not be because there are a lot of big clubs, and I think that can work for us.
Q:WHAT ABOUT YOUR PERSONAL AIMS?
A:I want to try and get into the Premiership. I know that is the aim for everyone but it would be nice to end my career in the top flight.
