'Deal Done': QPR sign ex Charlton Athletic and Sheffield Wednesday star to solve key conundrum

QPR have completed a deal to sign goalkeeper Ben Hamer as a free agent in a move to solve the goalkeeping conundrum that head coach Julien Stephan has had since arriving at the club.

Former R’s head coach Marti Cifuentes deployed Paul Nardi as first choice last season with the Frenchman having signed from Gent in the summer of 2024. However, Nardi lost his place under the stewardship of Stephan at the start of the season with 23-year-old Joe Walsh preferred in between the sticks.

Walsh had come under some criticism thanks to errors in goal but continued to be backed by Stephan. The goalkeeper then suffered a wrist fracture in training during the international break, with Nardi returning to the starting XI for the win over Wrexham last time out.

QPR sign Ben Hamer as free agent

There was a feeling that Stephan may not have been completely happy with the goalkeepers at his disposal and that thought has now been confirmed with QPR announcing the arrival of Hamer. The 37-year-old spent last season on the books at Sheffield Wednesday but did not make a single appearance for the Owls.

Hamer spent the pre-season campaign training with former club Derby County as he continued to look for a new club. During his career, the shot-stopper has represented Brentford, Huddersfield Town, Crawley Town, Swansea City, Watford, Leicester City, Exeter City, Bristol City and Reading.

He has made the most appearances for Charlton Athletic, where he stayed between 2011 and 2014. He helped the Addicks to lift the League One title in 2012 under Chris Powell but injuries hampered his final seasons with the club.

Hamer ‘buzzing’ to arrive at Loftus Road

Speaking to the QPR website, Hamer said: “I’m absolutely buzzing to join the group and train. Every player wants to play and I'm no different in that sense but my attitude doesn't change whether I'm playing or not.

“I had a similar situation at Watford with Daniel Bachmann. He was an Austrian international and doing really well before being sent off for a game. I came in and ended up keeping the shirt for 20-odd games. I supported him the whole way and he reciprocated that for me. You need to support each other. The team always comes first for me. Regardless of whether I'm playing or not, you have to have the same attitude.”

CEO Christian Nourry added: “Following Joe’s unfortunate injury suffered last week we felt it was important to provide more cover in the goalkeeper position. We feel very privileged to be able to add Ben’s character, quality and experience to the group for the coming months.”

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