Harry Redknapp plays down QPR Championship title talk

Harry Redknapp

QPR manager Harry Redknapp says his side should not be favourites to win the Championship title.

QPR, who were relegated from the Premier League last season, have been made the bookmakers' favourites to return to the top-flight as champions.

But ahead of their opening game against Sheffield Wednesday at Loftus Road, Redknapp played down talk of the title.

"I don't see why we should be favourites. It's not going to be easy," Redknapp told BBC Sport.

"People talk about big clubs and the Championship is full of them. We're not Manchester City playing in the Championship."

Striker Charlie Austin, who scored 28 goals in 40 appearances for Burnley last season, has been the R's major summer signing.

Veteran defender Richard Dunne joined on a free after his release from Aston Villa while experienced midfielder Karl Henry arrived from Wolves.

But Redknapp believes several other clubs will challenge QPR for the Championship title.

"There's lots of big clubs. Nottingham Forest have won the European Cup twice and they are in the division," Redknapp added.

"It's full of teams who have been in the Premier League the last eight or nine years. The whole league is full of big clubs."