QPR manager Mark Hughes is refusing to be drawn on the future of skipper Joey Barton, insisting he has other things to worry about.
QPR boss aiming to make changes to take club to next level
QPR manager Mark Hughes is refusing to be drawn on the future of skipper Joey Barton, insisting he has other things to worry about.
Barton was sent off during QPR's dramatic final game of the season against Manchester City for appearing to strike Carlos Tevez.
The 29-year-old midfielder also faces FA charges for violent conduct in relation to incidents with Sergio Aguero and Vincent Kompany in the moments following his red card.
It is the latest in a long line of indiscretions from the former Newcastle player and there has been speculation that Hughes intends to offload Barton this summer.
The Hoops boss stopped well short of backing his captain but continues to focus his attention elsewhere until the extent of the ban is known.
"We are waiting to hear on Joey Barton's punishment," Hughes told the
Daily Mail.
"He is facing a long ban and we have to take stock of the situation.
Verdict
"We are awaiting the verdict of the FA and the disciplinary process will take its course.
"As a manager there are 10 other players you have to think about - the 10 who played on against Manchester City.
"We stayed up. It's a relief. And now we start again.
"This is not all about Joey Barton."
Whatever the ultimate decision regarding Barton, there will be players leaving Loftus Road this summer.
"There will be buys and sales," confirmed Hughes.
"When we walked through the door, there were a lot of players who hadn't figured before and who haven't made an impression on me and my staff.
"They'll move on, they want to play.
Strengthen
"I want to strengthen, but I believe in buying players before you sell. I don't want to weaken us before we get stronger."
And Hughes believes the players he intends to bring in will help QPR progress.
He added: "When I said no team of mine will be in this position again, I meant it. Now we are ready for the next level.
"In the past, I have signed Vincent Kompany (Man City), Christopher Samba (Blackburn) and Moussa Dembele (Fulham).
"They all increased in transfer value playing in those teams. I am seeking similar quality for QPR.
"I am excited about what we can achieve here. The players I want to sign need to know we have plans to be a top club."
