Soccer

QPR sign Dunne on one-year deal following Villa release

Contract could be cancelled if injury problems return

QPR have signed Republic of Ireland defender Richard Dunne on an initial one-year deal following his release from Aston Villa. Photograph: David Davies/PA
QPR have signed Republic of Ireland defender Richard Dunne on an initial one-year deal following his release from Aston Villa. Photograph: David Davies/PA
Mon Jul 15 2013 - 17:09

QPR have completed the signing of Republic of Ireland international defender Richard Dunne, with the former Aston Villa man penning a one-year deal at Loftus Road.

The 33-year-old left Villa Park at the end of his previous deal and moves to Rangers on a free transfer, becoming manager Harry Redknapp’s second summer signing after Danny Simpson moved from Newcastle at the start of the month.

Dunne, who has also played for Everton and Manchester City in the Premier League, will compete with the likes of Clint Hill, Anton Ferdinand and Nedum Onuoha as Redknapp looks to steer the club back to the top flight at the first time of asking.

Capped 77 times by his country, Dunne will provide vital experience given the fact QPR have recently sold Christopher Samba back to Anhzi and Dunne admits he is looking forward to helping the club launch a successful promotion campaign.

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“I’ve been very close to signing for Harry on a couple of occasions and the opportunity to work with him really appealed to me. Players want to play for Harry and I’m no different,” he said.

“I know the club didn’t have a good season last term, but having spoken to Harry, as well as Tony (Fernandes), there’s a real determination to bounce back into the Premier League, which is where we all want to be.

“I’ve played in the Championship and won it with Manchester City, so hopefully my experience will benefit the team over the course of the season. It’s a good challenge for me and one I’m very excited about.”

Redknapp enthused about the quality possessed by Dunne but also admitted if his recent injury problems return the club retain the right to cancel the contract.

“This is a great signing for us,” Redknapp said. “He’s a top-class defender and a great guy. He’s a good character and just what we need.

“He was City’s Player of the Year four years running, and he will be fantastic at this football club. He’s exactly the type I’m looking for.

“Obviously he had his problems last season with the injury but there’s an agreement in place that if he breaks down, the contract can be ended. He’s confident he’ll be okay and from our point of view, if he doesn’t have any problems with it then we’ve just signed a very, very good centre half.”