Mark Warburton hailed the QPR fans after his final game in charge as Rangers beat Swansea 1-0 at the Liberty Stadium.
Substitute Andre Gray’s late strike ensured Warburton ended his three-season spell in charge of the club on a high.
And the 59-year-old took the opportunity to show his gratitude to the supporters who saw their team finish 11th in Championship today.
He said: “Some of the fans were at the hotel last night and their passion for the club and that desire to back the club and for the club to do well is evident to see.
“We said to the players, every time you put on the shirt, never underestimate the importance of that responsibility to a paying supporter and the boys get it. They fully understand it.
“We’ve gone through a difficult run and still they stood by the team, and they’ve given their backing.
“That relationship with the fans is so important. The fans have to see the players giving everything.
“There have been days when you can’t hit a wall from five yards away. That’s human. We’re not machines.
“But as long as they see the players giving 100% every week, then I’m sure the fans will buy into that.”
Warburton also reflected on his three campaigns at the Hoops, during which they finished 13th, ninth and now 11th respectively.
“It’s been a pleasure and a privilege. They are the two words I used in the programme notes and I can’t think of two better words,” he added.
“It’s a pleasure to be at a club of this stature, and a privilege.
“And likewise, to work with this squad of players and good staff. We are very fortunate to be involved in the game, so it’s a big thank you from me.
“You have to enjoy it. If you can’t enjoy being in football, you shouldn’t be in the game. There are enough people desperate to get in it.
“So of course, you enjoy the three years. Frustrations, disappointments, big moments, disheartened and then suddenly elated. That’s football management.”
The outgoing QPR boss was also proud of the way his team gave him a fitting send off, despite an injury crisis that meant there were two goalkeepers on a five-man Rs’ bench.
“The deserve a lot of credit. I say that so many times, but they absolutely do. So, it’s very, very pleasing. It meant a lot to win the last game. “A lot of credit to John, to Neil and the staff. And it has been difficult in challenging circumstances, but I’m really pleased with the players and the staff.”
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