No Christmas cheer for party pooper Harry

QPR boss Harry Redknapp has told his players to forget about organising a Christmas party and to focus all their attention on avoiding relegation.

Rangers are second bottom of the Premier League table and face a crucial month that includes fixtures against Burnley, West Brom and Crystal Palace.

Redknapp’s dislike for club festivities grew in December 2009 when his Tottenham side flew to Dublin for a secret night out, only to lose 1-0 at home to Wolves on their return.

“I’m not into Christmas parties, not for footballers,” Redknapp said. You’ve only got to be closing your eyes and someone has got a picture of you making it look like you’re drunk. It’s not worth the hassle.”

Rangers host fellow strugglers Burnley tomorrow, hoping to climb out of the relegation zone for the first time since September.

“We’re in a relegation battle and we need to make sure we concentrate fully,” Redknapp said.

“I think we’ve got a Christmas do on Monday with all the staff who work behind the scenes and run the club. It’s just a meal, so we’re going to go to that. But as far as going out and having a jolly-up, (it) is not something I want.”