Following this week's FA Cup humiliation Queens
Park Rangers could do with a guardian angel, and their most recent recruit
may just fit the bill. Ian Holloway will be hoping Brett Angell is a gift
from the Gods.
QPR's recent problems stem from a lack of goals, having scored just
five times in a run of nine games without a win. It's a dismal statistic
that Angell hopes to improve.
The former Everton striker, who signed a two-month deal after being
released by Port Vale, knows how he will be judged.
He told Standard Sport: "The results will speak for
themselves and how many goals I score will show whether I'm worth a
longerterm contract.
"If I'm successful then the club will be successful and hopefully I'll
stay. QPR have given me a platform to take off again and hopefully I'll
repay them with plenty of points and goals."
Angell's arrival could yet prove auspicious, as he has made a habit of
injecting some firepower into ailing attacks.
The 34-year-old managed seven goals in 14 games before being deemed
surplus to requirements at Vale Park this season, and scored twice in
three starts to help Rushden & Diamond's charge for the Third Division
play-offs last April.
Such short-term stays have become increasingly common in the career of
one of football's nomads. Since starting his career as a lanky youth at
Portsmouth 16 years ago, Angell has played for 15 clubs - making him the
most well-travelled outfield player in the English game.
Angell said: "It's not something I planned on, but that's what
happened. You just move around and get on with it. Eventually, you tire of
moving around and have to put some roots down.
"I've had a number of shortterm loan spells when I was out of favour at
various clubs. I went out to keep on playing, which has always been the
most important thing for me. I was always looking to be playing regular
first-team football.
"When I wasn't involved and watching games I didn't enjoy it. I've
always enjoyed being around clubs and want to continue doing that. The
best thing is playing."
Surprisingly, for someone who has clocked up more miles than a
long-distance runner, QPR are his first capital club.
He said: "It's the first time I've played in London and I'm looking
forward to it. My wife used to work in London and I spent quite a bit of
time here when I was at Southend. I hope the trains have improved, they
used to be absolute murder."
Angell has played for seven clubs in the last two years, which tells
you as much about football's changing financial climate as his ageing
process. With many clubs struggling, short-term contracts appear to be the
future.
Angell said: "It's a very strange situation to be in. I've played as a
professional for 15 years and am now in the position of scrabbling for
work on a week-to-week, month-to-month basis.
"It's very insecure, and when an opportunity comes around you've got to
take it. In a sense I'm lucky, as I've had a career and thoroughly enjoyed
it.
"I feel for the lads who are in their middle-twenties. It's going to be
very difficult for them to keep on going for as long as they have to.
"I'm 34 now, but those that are 24 are going to have to survive on a
month-by-month basis.
"It gets wearing after a while and there's only so much people can take
before they have to get out."
Angell is not looking for an escape route yet and hopes to end his
career on a high.
He said: "It's a big challenge for me and I want to push QPR in the
areas they deserve to be. If they really take off then who knows where we
can go?
"We've got to be looking at a comfortable play-off position and
hopefully more than that. Being off the pack isn't good enough for a club
like QPR. I've had promotion with four different sides and hope this will
be the fifth."
