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Great article Clive covering a number of key issues.
I felt exactly the same about Madsen last season and thought he hid in games. His redemption this year has been amazing and you rightly compared it to Paul Furlong who ended up one of my all-time favourite Rangers players.I'm still smarting about the way he was forced out this season as he was exactly the type of leader who set standards for younger players.
The team sheet tomorrow will tell us a lot about the current thinking at the Club. Will Chair & Madsen be starting to give us the best chance of winning, or will it be about giving 1st team minutes to development prospects? I hope it's the former and we sign off our home fixtures this season with a good performance.
0
Madsen’s rich redemption, Stéphan’s words of warning – Preview on 07:05 - Apr 25 with 5023 views
I was anti JS from the start as I was gutted that we got rid of Marti, and most of his interviews this season are so dull, and as someone put it; a word salad!
However he has grown on me a bit, but especially in the last few weeks. I do fear for him slightly now that his true feelings are becoming public.
Laying my cards on the table I’m undecided about whether to even go today. That Swansea game was truly awful and deeply depressing. Football is supposed to be enjoyment and some kind of release. I just went home furious midweek.
Our Child King has done some things right and is getting better. But his performance at the fans forum was awful. And his treatment of JS in that public meeting was scandalous. I was amazed that JS just laughed it off.
It seems plainly ridiculous that the fitness and physio teams report to the Child King and not the Head Coach. How can he possibly run a team when the medical team aren’t at his disposal? “I need a solid 30 mins from player X away at Stoke on Tuesday, but we can rest him today - can you make that work?” If that kind of stuff isn’t happening then he is working with one hand tied behind his back.
Clearly that shocking first half away at Wallll and Tuesday night have got him towards breaking point. Good. That is what I want to see.
Finally some interviews from him that are worth listening to. We now know he thinks fitness and injuries are a real problem and that we have a room full of kids and we need some Clint Hills mixed in there.
But the problem with that is that he is beginning to publicly bang heads with the egotistical Child King, and seeing as the owners appear to have given the keys to the empire that is only going to end one way.
Speak up JS let’s hear it please.
4
Madsen’s rich redemption, Stéphan’s words of warning – Preview on 08:05 - Apr 25 with 4874 views
Very sad how posters got it ALL wrong regarding Madsen. It was disgraceful how he was treated. Whilst this season he has been outstanding he was never a poor as soooo many thought last season. He was never going to be a 'looney' running around like a headless chicken, he is a cultured midfield player who can play football better than most players at the Club, but even more, better than most midfielders in the Championship. He also knew the game and his responsibilities very well. Even at Watford this season he was abused by many posters - I looked specifically at his game that day and he was decent most of the game. He didn't start at Coventry away but he was soon introduced to the match when the points had already gone....we all saw, even the uneducated, how he was missed on the pitch.,
Whilst as the season progressed he has improved and is 'by far' the best footballer at the Club, it goes even further, he is the Captain on the pitch without the armband. A top player, Premiership player maybe, and very pleased he has proved 99% of posters very wrong.
[Post edited 25 Apr 8:07]
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Madsen’s rich redemption, Stéphan’s words of warning – Preview on 08:24 - Apr 25 with 4805 views
Madsen’s rich redemption, Stéphan’s words of warning – Preview on 08:05 - Apr 25 by gazza1
Very sad how posters got it ALL wrong regarding Madsen. It was disgraceful how he was treated. Whilst this season he has been outstanding he was never a poor as soooo many thought last season. He was never going to be a 'looney' running around like a headless chicken, he is a cultured midfield player who can play football better than most players at the Club, but even more, better than most midfielders in the Championship. He also knew the game and his responsibilities very well. Even at Watford this season he was abused by many posters - I looked specifically at his game that day and he was decent most of the game. He didn't start at Coventry away but he was soon introduced to the match when the points had already gone....we all saw, even the uneducated, how he was missed on the pitch.,
Whilst as the season progressed he has improved and is 'by far' the best footballer at the Club, it goes even further, he is the Captain on the pitch without the armband. A top player, Premiership player maybe, and very pleased he has proved 99% of posters very wrong.
[Post edited 25 Apr 8:07]
I prefer it this way to making out like we’ve got a new Clive Allen on our hands and it turns out to be Tom Hitchcock
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Madsen’s rich redemption, Stéphan’s words of warning – Preview on 08:32 - Apr 25 with 4780 views
Madsen’s rich redemption, Stéphan’s words of warning – Preview on 08:24 - Apr 25 by Northernr
I prefer it this way to making out like we’ve got a new Clive Allen on our hands and it turns out to be Tom Hitchcock
Morning Norf......and the other thing, if we are playing 'shite' in the first half I will be visiting the Directors seats at HT and 'having it out' with Mr Nourry. That game on Tuesday 'done my head in'!!!!! and was very wrong by all concerned.
0
Madsen’s rich redemption, Stéphan’s words of warning – Preview on 08:38 - Apr 25 with 4761 views
Thanks Norf. Positive human story here to be celebrated. Regarding Madsen as a player - was never as bad as some feared, or as good as some hoped (but that’s what makes this place tick).
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Madsen’s rich redemption, Stéphan’s words of warning – Preview on 09:13 - Apr 25 with 4619 views
Madsen’s rich redemption, Stéphan’s words of warning – Preview on 08:38 - Apr 25 by SunnyVanGo
Thanks Norf. Positive human story here to be celebrated. Regarding Madsen as a player - was never as bad as some feared, or as good as some hoped (but that’s what makes this place tick).
It’s never as good, or as bad, as it seems at the time. We should put that on the badge.
Madsen’s rich redemption, Stéphan’s words of warning – Preview on 08:38 - Apr 25 by SunnyVanGo
Thanks Norf. Positive human story here to be celebrated. Regarding Madsen as a player - was never as bad as some feared, or as good as some hoped (but that’s what makes this place tick).
I actually think he’s one of the best central midfielders in the league. He needs more goals but he can pretty much do everything. He lacks a bit of pace but does get around the pitch well. He just needs a good (or 2) partner alongside him. Of all our players, I think he’ll be sold for the most. He seems quite humble too which is also a huge plus.
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Madsen’s rich redemption, Stéphan’s words of warning – Preview on 11:07 - Apr 25 with 4364 views
QPR Dane does a complete 180: "The whole thing was a load of crap" Published 5 May 2026 Nicolas Madsen tells Bold about an emotional rollercoaster at Queens Park Rangers, where he was completely out in the cold last season — and can now call himself Player of the Year.
The calendar reads March 2025. Nicolas Madsen is once again relegated to the bench, and half a year after his move from Westerlo, he is completely out of the picture at Queens Park Rangers. In recent months, the 26-year-old Dane has had barely half an hour of playing time, and in several matches hasn't even been part of the squad at all. This stands in stark contrast to his time in Belgium, where he had been a standout figure, scoring goals for fun. At this point, Nicolas Madsen is miles away from even dreaming of being named QPR's Player of the Year in the spring of 2026.
"It was really tough. You have a lot of expectations of yourself, and when things don't go as you hope — and maybe even worse — it's just a hard period to get through. A lot of thoughts were going through my head, and they weren't exactly positive. So to put it plainly, the whole thing was just a load of crap," Nicolas Madsen tells Bold.
A creeping self-doubt begins to take hold of the former FC Midtjylland talent, who suddenly finds himself in the biggest crisis of his career.
"It's not popular in the football world to say that you doubt yourself, but you do when you're not playing — and in my case, when you're completely out of the squad. Self-confidence is something footballers live very highly on. But when it's at rock bottom, it's difficult. You start to focus on the negatives instead of the positives, and it becomes a vicious cycle," he says honestly about the difficult start at the club.
Great honour The calendar now reads May 2026, and the picture is an entirely different one. Nicolas Madsen has just been named Player of the Year at QPR — voted for by both fans and players at the Championship club. This comes after an impressive season where the Dane has been one of the standout performers for the English club, which after a mixed season finished 15th in the second tier. Head coach Julien Stéphan, who has been in charge of the London club since the summer, has been blown away by the 26-year-old from Funen. He had this to say about Madsen's transformation:
"'Nico' has meant a great deal to us this season. He has found a way to influence our play positively and has very good technique. But the biggest development has probably been off the ball. The Championship is a very intense league, and he impressed me with his tracking back and his tackling. He deserved to win the Player of the Year award because of the impact he has had. Compared to last season, it's a completely different 'Nico' now. He has more confidence and intensity, and he has a greater influence on the team and on the way we want to play."
A complete 180 Madsen himself is overjoyed with the honour and can even look back on the difficult period with a smile.
"Last year was turbulent, so if I may be a little arrogant, I think it's deserved given the year I've had. Now that things have gone so much better this season, you can laugh a bit at what happened last year. It's a complete 180 compared to where I stood 12 months ago. My teammates have also had a bit of fun pointing out how different the situation is now compared to a year ago," he says with a laugh.
But how can such a dramatic development happen in such a short space of time? Madsen points to several factors.
"My family has been there for me a lot, and I spoke with my agent several times a day. My teammates have also been really good at supporting me. On top of that, I've spoken several times a week with our CEO about how I was doing. I don't think you find that many places. The football world is very tough and no-nonsense, so I was surprised by that. It has definitely contributed to me believing in myself 100%. I've been able to feel that the club believed in me, and that's been a great feeling."
QPR turned heads in 2024 when they appointed the then-26-year-old Christian Nourry as CEO — he is still considered one of the youngest top executives in English football and has played a massive role in Madsen's success. Head coach Stéphan has also been hugely important to Madsen, who feels truly valued and heard.
"We got a new manager before this season, and without getting too sycophantic about it, I think I have a really good relationship with him. He is a very big part of why I've had such a good season. I'm the type who really values honest people, good communication, and chemistry — and I have that with both our manager and our CEO. The manager has really understood me, both as a person and as a player."
Madsen also notes that this season he has been pushed back slightly on the pitch, which has helped elevate his game.
Premier League A new season is now approaching, and with his breakthrough come new ambitions for the 26-year-old.
"I had a lot of goals before this season which I've achieved, so now they'll obviously be adjusted. My ambition is to help the team become more competitive. For the club, the ambition is clearly to push for a top-8 finish. We have a good squad, so it's definitely possible."
Personally, he still takes things step by step, but makes no secret of aiming high.
"My next goal is to be one of the best in the league, and I don't think that's unrealistic. I can't see why it wouldn't be possible. I've never hidden the fact that I want to go as far as possible. The big dream is still the Premier League, and I hope it can be fulfilled with QPR."
Nicolas Madsen is contracted to the club until the summer of 2029 and has so far made 73 appearances, contributing six goals and nine assists.
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Madsen’s rich redemption, Stéphan’s words of warning – Preview on 08:27 - May 6 with 2928 views
QPR Dane does a complete 180: "The whole thing was a load of crap" Published 5 May 2026 Nicolas Madsen tells Bold about an emotional rollercoaster at Queens Park Rangers, where he was completely out in the cold last season — and can now call himself Player of the Year.
The calendar reads March 2025. Nicolas Madsen is once again relegated to the bench, and half a year after his move from Westerlo, he is completely out of the picture at Queens Park Rangers. In recent months, the 26-year-old Dane has had barely half an hour of playing time, and in several matches hasn't even been part of the squad at all. This stands in stark contrast to his time in Belgium, where he had been a standout figure, scoring goals for fun. At this point, Nicolas Madsen is miles away from even dreaming of being named QPR's Player of the Year in the spring of 2026.
"It was really tough. You have a lot of expectations of yourself, and when things don't go as you hope — and maybe even worse — it's just a hard period to get through. A lot of thoughts were going through my head, and they weren't exactly positive. So to put it plainly, the whole thing was just a load of crap," Nicolas Madsen tells Bold.
A creeping self-doubt begins to take hold of the former FC Midtjylland talent, who suddenly finds himself in the biggest crisis of his career.
"It's not popular in the football world to say that you doubt yourself, but you do when you're not playing — and in my case, when you're completely out of the squad. Self-confidence is something footballers live very highly on. But when it's at rock bottom, it's difficult. You start to focus on the negatives instead of the positives, and it becomes a vicious cycle," he says honestly about the difficult start at the club.
Great honour The calendar now reads May 2026, and the picture is an entirely different one. Nicolas Madsen has just been named Player of the Year at QPR — voted for by both fans and players at the Championship club. This comes after an impressive season where the Dane has been one of the standout performers for the English club, which after a mixed season finished 15th in the second tier. Head coach Julien Stéphan, who has been in charge of the London club since the summer, has been blown away by the 26-year-old from Funen. He had this to say about Madsen's transformation:
"'Nico' has meant a great deal to us this season. He has found a way to influence our play positively and has very good technique. But the biggest development has probably been off the ball. The Championship is a very intense league, and he impressed me with his tracking back and his tackling. He deserved to win the Player of the Year award because of the impact he has had. Compared to last season, it's a completely different 'Nico' now. He has more confidence and intensity, and he has a greater influence on the team and on the way we want to play."
A complete 180 Madsen himself is overjoyed with the honour and can even look back on the difficult period with a smile.
"Last year was turbulent, so if I may be a little arrogant, I think it's deserved given the year I've had. Now that things have gone so much better this season, you can laugh a bit at what happened last year. It's a complete 180 compared to where I stood 12 months ago. My teammates have also had a bit of fun pointing out how different the situation is now compared to a year ago," he says with a laugh.
But how can such a dramatic development happen in such a short space of time? Madsen points to several factors.
"My family has been there for me a lot, and I spoke with my agent several times a day. My teammates have also been really good at supporting me. On top of that, I've spoken several times a week with our CEO about how I was doing. I don't think you find that many places. The football world is very tough and no-nonsense, so I was surprised by that. It has definitely contributed to me believing in myself 100%. I've been able to feel that the club believed in me, and that's been a great feeling."
QPR turned heads in 2024 when they appointed the then-26-year-old Christian Nourry as CEO — he is still considered one of the youngest top executives in English football and has played a massive role in Madsen's success. Head coach Stéphan has also been hugely important to Madsen, who feels truly valued and heard.
"We got a new manager before this season, and without getting too sycophantic about it, I think I have a really good relationship with him. He is a very big part of why I've had such a good season. I'm the type who really values honest people, good communication, and chemistry — and I have that with both our manager and our CEO. The manager has really understood me, both as a person and as a player."
Madsen also notes that this season he has been pushed back slightly on the pitch, which has helped elevate his game.
Premier League A new season is now approaching, and with his breakthrough come new ambitions for the 26-year-old.
"I had a lot of goals before this season which I've achieved, so now they'll obviously be adjusted. My ambition is to help the team become more competitive. For the club, the ambition is clearly to push for a top-8 finish. We have a good squad, so it's definitely possible."
Personally, he still takes things step by step, but makes no secret of aiming high.
"My next goal is to be one of the best in the league, and I don't think that's unrealistic. I can't see why it wouldn't be possible. I've never hidden the fact that I want to go as far as possible. The big dream is still the Premier League, and I hope it can be fulfilled with QPR."
Nicolas Madsen is contracted to the club until the summer of 2029 and has so far made 73 appearances, contributing six goals and nine assists.
Now we know the length of his contract!
2
Madsen’s rich redemption, Stéphan’s words of warning – Preview on 09:37 - May 6 with 2772 views
Madsen is obviously our most prestigious asset now by some distance I would imagine. Certainly a player to build a team around although I feel we dearly need to discover another passing playmaker in his style (could be Vale) to pick up the weight if he gets injured or gets headhunted by the likes of Brentford or others down the line.
As for Stephan, I have very much read into a lot of what he's said recently that he's a bit p*ssed off by some some aspects behind the scenes and possibly has realised that the players 'he wants' in to stabilise and progress the team don't fit with the creche mentality of the hierarchy. I get the feeling that he feels as we do, which is you can't bring through younger players unless you have a core (in the match day team) of more experienced players to guide them along by example and (quite frankly) go and grind out points week in week out. My concern is that if a better offer comes in, perhaps from France again, that he may be off. I know some on here wouldn't mind but then you start messing with the stability of the club and squad and any new person in will be on the basis that we have to play players as they fall out the womb over actually building a team that wins more games than it loses.
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