• The Championship

Simpson completes QPR switch

Danny Simpson says Harry Redknapp convinced him QPR will return to the Premier League © PA Photos

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Danny Simpson has agreed to join QPR from Newcastle United and says Rs boss Harry Redknapp has convinced him the club will return to the Premier League at the first attempt.

Simpson, 26, signed a three-year-deal at Loftus Road on Thursday and will officially move to west London on July 1 when his contract with the Magpies expires.

Keen to begin life with his new club, the former Manchester United defender revealed the appeal of working under current Hoops boss Redknapp was too much to turn down.

"I'm glad it's all sorted now because I want to get back into pre-season and get going with QPR," Simpson told ESPN. "Harry's a legend and a top, top manager and when I spoke to him and he said straight away that he wants me to be part of the team and the squad that gets QPR back to the Premier League.

"Obviously I've done it before with Newcastle and Sunderland so I thought it was a good opportunity for me to do it a third time.

"I'd like to think that [my arrival] is a positive signing for the fans. I think it shows the intent of getting back into the Premier League because I've played there with Newcastle for the last three years. I'd like to think I've got that Premier League experience but I also know how to win the Championship, because it is difficult.

"As soon as I spoke to Harry I saw how passionate and determined he was. I know a lot of the lads there just from playing over the years. I've played with some of them for other teams and when a manager like Harry Redknapp wants you to sign and do your best to get them back in the Premier League that's all you need to hear."

Simpson joined the Magpies in 2009 and enjoyed a successful spell on Tyneside making more than 100 appearances for the club and helping them win the Championship title in 2010.

Admitting it was difficult to leave after spending such a long time at St James' Park, he believes his soon to be former team-mates will not struggle next season.

"It's tough to leave," Simpson said. "Obviously I've been there for four years, it's a big part of my life. I've got a lot of friends up there and a lot of success, winning the league, getting the team into Europe, I've made friends there.

"I think I'd known for quite a long while that I was going to be leaving so towards the end I was just enjoying training and any games I got to play and I gave my best. It was tough leaving the house and saying my goodbyes but it is part of football and I'm ready to begin the next chapter.

"I'll have to see what signings Newcastle make. There are obviously English players there but the French lads who are there do speak English, and they're quality players. When it comes to playing football everyone speaks the same language. I'm sure Newcastle will make a few more signings and they'll have a good squad and a good team to compete in. I was there for four years so I'll always still be watching them and seeing how they get on."

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