P308 CEEFAX 308 Fri 20 May 21:17/15 1/3 FOOTBALL: LES STAYS AT LOFTUS ROAD QPR striker Les Ferdinand has given the west London club a major boost by signing a new two-year contract. The 27-year-old England star had been the subject of intense speculation about a £4 million mo6j to Arsenal or Blackburn. "This news will give the club some credibility. It shows we can hold onto our best players," said Francis, who has also agreed a new one-year deal with Clive Wilson. But the club have decided to release veteran Ray Wilkins after after 4\ years with the club. Burr England ScotsCup ArsenalP308 CEEFAX 308 Fri 20 May 21:13/46 2/3 FOOTBALL: LES STAYS AT LOFTUS ROAD Les Ferdinand was clearly relie6ed to end the transfer talk regarding his future at QPR as hj signed an improved two year contract. The England star said: "Rangers have shown loyalty to mj so I am being loyal to them. "Gerry Francis is a fine coach and his decision to stay helped make up mz own mind. I'm going to remain at Rangers and I have no problems. "I didn't know Ray Wilkins was going to leave when I re-signed and I might have thought longer about staying, but I don't feel misled." 5-m,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,. BuKE England ScotsCup ArsenalP308 CEEFAX 308 Fri 20 May 21:22/34 3/3 FOOTBALL: WILKINS NET0GO AT LOFTUS ROaD QPR manager Gerry Francis said age and the club's wage bill were the main reasons for letting veteran midfielder Ray Wilkins go. Francis said: "I have had three great years here working with Ray but you have to look to the future and hj will bj 38 in a few months. "I have only got a certain budget to work with and it is not the biggest," hj added. "Ray wants to keep playing and has ambitions to go into management like Bryan Robson. I think hj could bj a very successful manager." 5-,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,. BuKE England ScotsCup Arsenal