Defender, Jimmy Dunne has signed a new contract at Queen Park Rangers.
Dunne moved to QPR from Burnley in July 2021 and since went on to score 11 goals in 163 appearances and was set to leave on a free transfer on 30 June, until he agreed a new contract with the club keeping him at the club for an unspecified length of time
Feeling “delighted” to stay at QPR, Dunne told qpr.co.uk that the club feels like home after he formed a strong sentimental attachment over the last four years.
“This feels like home. It’s my club, so I’m really happy to still be here.
“I’ve got an emotional attachment to this club, which is obviously super rare in football these days. My butcher’s a QPR fan, my postman’s a QPR fan. I see them all the time, so I feel the emotion of the people when I’m around Chiswick or wherever I see them.
“I think that’s another reason why I’ve grown so attached and I think I really care. So much has changed since I’ve been here. So many managers, so many players, but I’ve seen how much the fans have cared about us at our lowest points.”
Dunne also addressed the challenge of playing football amidst speculation over his contract expiry and transfer rumours.
“It is difficult to play football alongside speculation like that,” commented the 27-year-old. “You just want to focus on football alone.
“But I think, ultimately, footballers need to do what’s best for their career and their development. I’m well into my 20s now. I’m an experienced player at the club, but development and the right direction is still important to me. Ultimately, I continue to feel like QPR is the best place for me.”
Dunne proceeded to explain why he hadn’t signed a new contract as he spoke of the need to think through his immediate future before putting pen to paper.
“I just want to continue to enjoy the journey. I want to continue investing time and effort into that and see where I can get to.
“When I came in four seasons ago, I think in my first interview, I said I expect to get promoted at a club like QPR because it’s a massive club and that’s what it deserves. Even though it’s been difficult, it remains my primary ambition.”
QPR CEO, Christian Nourry added that Dunne is a player who “will put every ounce of his blood, sweat and tears on the line for this football club.
“He had the pick of the Championship clubs in this window but ultimately he has chosen to stay here, home, because of what we are all building together. The journey continues.”
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