Damion Stewart joined QPR in June 2006 in a deal for a six figure fee on a three year contract from Caribbean Club champions Harbour View. Stewart spent the 2005/06 season on loan at Bradford City and impressed during his time at the league one side with the Bradford fans said to be disappointed that he left. He turned down the chance to stay at Valley Parade and lined up for QPR at the start of last season. Damion joined the club in June 2006
and was seen as a long-term replacement for Dan Shittu rather than
an instant fix. That prediction came to fruition quickly when Damion
started the season and looked very ragged to say the least. Damion
was hesitant on the ball, easily switched off and had the horrible
habit of letting the ball bounce rather than attacking it in the
air and ended up putting himself under severe pressure. Last year Damion was again been inconsistent. At times he has been awful but at others he has looked a strong solid defender. He is starting to look a more settled player now though since the arrival of Fitz Hall and he has also added goals to his game scoring key goals against Watford, Leicester and Burnley. He started last season on the bench but came into the side for the win over Doncaster and kept his place for he rest of the season. His strength and pace proved to be a key asset for Rangers but it was his improvement in reading the play and making key interceptions which really impressed. Stewart has also chipped in with some key goals as well, none more important than the winner at Aston Villa where he kept one of the most exciting forward lines in the country very quiet that night.
His form continued to improve and there is no doubt he has played a huge role in Rangers have a good defensive record all season. At Old Trafford at helped keep Carlos Tevez quiet. His passing has also improved as he no longer treats the ball like a hot potato and now can play the ball out from the back under pressure.
It’s been good to see a player start from nothing at Rangers and improve each year to become one of our best players and long may it continue. Stewart isn’t everyone’s cup of tea but for me he’s been the best of a decent bunch in 2008/09.
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