Neil Critchley reacts as QPR seal free agent signing of former Bristol City and Derby player | OneFootball

Queens Park Rangers have this afternoon confirmed the arrival of Chris Martin on a free transfer.

The experienced forward joins as a free agent having departed Bristol City on transfer deadline day despite making 17 Championship appearances for the Robins this season.

The 34-year-old has played for a whole host of clubs during his career, but played the most matches for Derby County, for whom he turned out 224 times and scored 76 goals.

Speaking as part of the statement that announced his arrival at Loftus Road, R’s boss Critchley expressed his pleasure at being able to bring in a player of Martin’s calibre outside of the transfer window.

The QPR head coach told the club’s media: “I am very pleased we have been able to bring Chris in. It is not often you get the chance to sign someone of his calibre, particularly after the window has closed.”

“He’s a very good footballer, he has excellent technical ability and he knows his game.

“He brings a physical presence to the top end of the pitch. He is someone you can play the ball into and he keeps it very well.

“He also has that experience so he knows what is required during the game, he has that knowhow and nous.”

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The R’s boss added: “He is regularly available to play and averaged nearly 40 games a season over the last three seasons, and that’s so important in this division.”

“I think he will complement the players we have at the top end of the pitch very well.”

QPR next face Millwall in Championship action this weekend, with Martin being available for selection.

The Verdict

Given QPR’s lack of forward options I can certainly understand this move.

Martin will come in and provide them with some good depth, and although he hasn’t done so this season, he does know how to find the back of the net.

His previous record in the Championship certainly suggests that as a back up option, he can very much be an asset.

Given there is no stated contract length in the above statement, one assumes it is a deal until the end of the season, come the end of which the club will know whether or not it is worth keeping Martin around for any longer.