QPR legend sends club 8-word message after being made free agent

The former QPR striker was released by Swindon Town at the end of the League Two season.

Former QPR striker Charlie Austin sent the club a short message of love on social media over the weekend, just a week after being made a free agent by League Two side Swindon Town.

The QPR win over Wigan was an unforgettable night at Loftus Road. | Getty Images

placeholder image — The QPR win over Wigan was an unforgettable night at Loftus Road. | Getty Images

The 34-year-old is looking for a new venture this summer after bagging 12 League Two goals in 46 appearances for the Robins last term. Austin had re-joined the club in December 2022 after leaving QPR, with a brief stint in Australia at Brisbane Roar in between.

Taking to X, formerly Twitter, on Sunday. QPR shared a video from 10 years ago that day when the side beat Wigan Athletic in the Championship Play-Off semi-final at Loftus Road. The Latics took the lead after just nine minutes before an Austin brace rescued a victory for Harry Redknapp's men with an extra-time winner.

That win booked QPR a place in the Play-Off final, which QPR went on to win 1-0 against Derby County to secure a place in the Premier League. Reacting to the highlights on X, Austin wrote: "What a team, what a set of fans."

QPR supporters replied to their former talisman, labelling him as a 'legend', 'unstoppable' and 'main man'. One fan added: "Come home for one last dance, Chazza."

Another said: "Sorry, must be chopping some onions while watching this pal - come back home as a coach for the strikers at QPR, the fans want you back."

QPR are believed to be in the market for a striker this summer but a reunion with Austin would come as somewhat of a curveball. On his release, Swindon Town said: "We would like to thank all the first-team players who will be leaving us upon the conclusion of the 2023/24 season, and we wish them all the very best in their future careers too."

Austin has spent three stints at Loftus Road in his career. The talisman initially played for the Rs between 2013 and 2016 before returning on a loan spell from West Brom in 2021. He then signed again for the club after that loan deal before leaving in 2022 to join Brisbane Roar.

The former Burnley and Southampton man racked up a total of 148 appearances for QPR, more than at any other side, scoring 61 goals for the Hoops.