QPR chairman Tony Fernandes is still optimistic despite the 3-2 defeat at fellow strugglers Aston Villa. In a message to the club's fans and staff published today on its official website, Fernandes said: "I sit here in Malaysia feeling miserable. I am down. The fact that I and my other shareholders are feeling so miserable just means we care.

"We should have won at the weekend and made it easier for ourselves, but we didn't. So what!

"There are still eight games to go. We beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge (1-0 on January 2) and showed against Southampton and Sunderland that we are capable of putting wins together.

"And we have scored seven goals in our last three fixtures, so anything can happen.

"We fight and we fight. I am not despondent at all. QPR has come a long, long way from where we were, and the plan continues.

"We inherited a club that lacked so many things, and we are rebuilding every aspect. That's a huge challenge.

"In any business there will be hiccups. But this is not a one-year or two-year project. This is a lifelong commitment.

"The shareholders have that commitment. The journey ahead is so exciting.

"We need a new training ground, a new stadium, a more successful academy. That's so exciting. How can anyone feel down for too long?

"Forget Aston Villa. Focus on the future. The path in front of us is exciting.

"So come on, let's show the world NOW what type of club we are. We're a club that believes, a club that has passion, and a club that never gives up."