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[Steve Russell]

Good news from the Club....

'QPR are delighted to confirm Paul Smyth has signed a contract extension in W12.
The 28-year-old forward initially re-signed for the club in the summer of 2023 from Leyton Orient,
and he has made 109 appearances since then, scoring eight goals.

Smyth first joined QPR from Linfield back in 2017. He had a series of loans during that spell in West London
before he moved to the O’s in 2021.

This season under head coach Julien Stéphan, the Northern Ireland international has featured regularly,
making 17 appearances to date and weighing in with three goals, including crucial late winners at Bristol City
and Blackburn.

“I’m absolutely delighted,” Smyth said after penning the new deal.

“When I first came to QPR in 2017, I was young, very naïve and I didn't know what to expect.

“It was quite tough for me to get used to how England was and it was a learning curve for me. I went
on loan a couple of times and it was tough, but that made me who I am today.

“When I got the chance to come back in 2023, it was a no-brainer - it was the right decision and I haven't
looked back since.”

Smyth admits the quality of the QPR squad now is bringing the best out of every member of the group as
they all battle for a place in Stéphan’s starting XI – and that’s just how he wants it.

“We've got a lot of competition in each position, which is good,” he said. “You want competition. You
want someone to push you harder and push you to perform better every single game.

“If you don't, you'll be taken out. That's football.

“This year, we've got a really strong squad and a lot of good players - for me, we have five wingers,
so I know I have to be on my game every single day. All the other wingers know that too.

“That is what football is all about.”

As he looks to the future, Smyth admits his primary target is to be the best he can be.

“I just want to continue what I'm doing, performing and playing well,” he said. “Each year I want to
play as many games as possible, help the team as much as I can and contribute as much as I can.”

Having made his first debut for QPR on New Year’s Day 2018 – which included a memorable winner
against Cardiff City into the Loft – Smyth also had words of thanks for the R’s fans whose support for h
im dates back eight years.

"They're brilliant,” he said. “They've supported me since I joined the club. The first time I was here,
they supported me the whole way.

“To come back and get that support again, it has been absolutely brilliant.

“You just have to give credit to them because they turn out in their numbers and it is down to us to
do our best and perform for them.”

CEO Christian Nourry added: “It’s with great pleasure that we extend Smythy’s contract today.

“He has been tireless in his energy and efforts on and off the pitch since I’ve been at the club.
This season, he has worked hard to add more goal threat and has been decisive in games.“