QPR have today announced the signing of Jay Emmanuel-Thomas.

The forward was released by Bristol City earlier this summer to the surprise of many, after a prolific spell with the Robins helped them win League One this season.

He has put pen to paper on a contract that will keep him at Loftus Road for three years.

Emmanuel-Thomas attracted the interest of many during his time with Bristol, and even more so when he was surprisingly released. Burton Albion, Birmingham City, Walsall and Peterborough United are just a handful of clubs who were reportedly pursuing the striker, but QPR beat them to it.

'JET' wants to play the QPR way

The player told his new club's website that he "can't wait to get started" with "a new chapter" in his career. He explained that hearing "the way [Chris Ramsey, manager, and Les Ferdinand, Director of Football] want QPR to play" made the decision to sign for the club an easy one for him.

Both Ramsey and Ferdinand were full of praise for the club's new signing as well.

Ramsey admitted that he's "always admired Jay from afar" because of his "flair," "versatility" and because "he's a good runner with the ball." He also stated that he is "delighted" with the player's decision to join the club.

Ferdinand too complemented his attacking versality, describing Emmanuel-Thomas as a player who can play "as a 10, a main striker, or a wide player." His attitude was another positive the Director of Football picked up on, talking about how the 24-year-old is "hungry" and has "a great desire to keep improving."

Emmanuel-Thomas is proven at Football League level

Emmanuel-Thomas really caught the eye in his 2013/14 campaign with Bristol City as he and Sam Baldock, now of Brighton & Hove Albion, formed an immaculate strike partnership at the club. Their tally of 47 goals between them that season made them the third most prolific striking duo in England, behind only Liverpool's Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge, and Sergio Aguero and Alvaro Negredo of Manchester City.

The signings of Kieran Agard and Aaron Wilbraham in the summer of 2014 meant Emmanuel-Thomas' playing time was reduced with the Robins, but he remained a fantastic option off the bench or when the squad was rotated, and still managed to register 12 goals in the season just gone, despite being used sparingly.

He left Bristol with a record of 33 goals in 103 games, and QPR will hope his goals can help the team make an immediate return to the Premier League, following their relegation to the Championship this year.

The 24-year-old is QPR's third signing of the summer, following the arrivals of Swindon Town duo Ben Gladwin and Massimo Luongo. Emmanuel-Thomas' arrival is also the second piece of transfer news to come out of the club today, following the departure of Adel Taarabt to Benfica earlier.

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About the author
Amee Ruszkai
Head of the Sunderland, Swansea City and women football sections at VAVEL UK. Email: [email protected]