Bothroyd raring to go

Jay Bothroyd cannot wait to get started on his new challenge after joining Barclays Premier League new boys QPR on a three-year contract.

The 29-year-old became manager Neil Warnock's first summer signing on Wednesday, before the former Sheffield United boss moved to add experienced former England international Kieron Dyer to his ranks later in the day. Bothroyd has been a free agent since leaving npower Championship outfit Cardiff at the end of last season.

"QPR's a great club with a lot of history," Bothroyd told the official website of the west London club, where he was previous at the centre of excellence as a youngster. "I was here as a boy, when I was nine years old. This was my first club before I went to Arsenal. Twenty years later I'm back, and it's good to be here."

He added: "Coming back to London played a big part for me too. I can be around my family, which is great. The last time I played in London was six years ago. I can't wait to get going."

Bothroyd will be joined in west London by former Ipswich, Newcastle and West Ham attacking midfielder Dyer, who put pen to paper on a one-year deal. The 32-year-old has been beset by injuries in recent years and was released by the relegated Hammers at the end of last season.

"I'm just delighted to be here," he said. "QPR are an ambitious club and when I sat down with Neil and he explained the vision for the club - specifically the hunger and the determination of the squad - I just wanted to be part of it. He totally sold the club to me.

"I've got something to prove after the couple of years I've had, but I feel good and I'm really looking forward to playing my part next season."

While some may consider the move for Dyer a gamble due to his injury problems, Warnock believes it is a deal that suits both parties.

"When a player of Kieron's ability becomes available, you'd be crazy not to be interested," he said. "As far as I'm concerned it's a gamble worth taking. He really impressed me in training and it looks like he has been working hard on his fitness throughout the summer.

"I instantly liked him when we met. You get feelings like that as a manager. He's had a lot of problems, but he's got something to prove. He's a hell of a good player and I still think he's got an opportunity to impress with us."