Gareth Ainsworth is ready to change direction after QPR’s poor start to the season.

The Rangers boss has faced criticism for his direct style of play – and angry fans made their feelings clear during Saturday’s 4-0 thrashing at Watford.

And he is set to respond by making major changes in order to play to his squad’s strengths.

The pragmatic move by Ainsworth will involve more of an emphasis on build-up play and getting the best out of the likes of Chris Willock and Ilias Chair.

Centre-back Steve Cook’s arrival this week is seen as hugely important in terms of adding experience and leadership as well as shoring up the defence and enabling Rangers’ creative players to focus on their strengths.

Ainsworth also wants Jack Colback, who has been building up his fitness following his recent move to west London, to add bite in midfield, again giving more freedom to the attacking players.

Cook will train with his new team-mates on Thursday and is expected to make his debut against Cardiff this weekend.

Cook: I want Championship success with QPR

Steve Cook said he wants to bring success to QPR after joining from Nottingham Forest.

The centre-back has signed a two-year deal at Loftus Road, for an undisclosed fee, having helped Forest gain promotion to the Premier League.

The 32-year-old made 12 appearances for Steve Cooper’s side in the top flight last season, but wants more game time.

“I’m really pleased to be here and looking forward to seeing what we can do as a team,” he told qpr.co.uk.

“Playing football is the most important thing for me but I also pride myself on being a good character around the group.

“My time in the Championship has been quite successful, and that success is something I want to bring here.

“I don’t want my career to peter out, I still really want to be successful and to contest. I still have aims and targets I want to achieve and I’m hoping that the success I’ve had in my career so far continues so that I can help push QPR forward.”

Cook also helped Bournemouth gain promotion prior to joining Forest and will be reunited with former teammates Asmir Begovic and Jack Colback in west London.

“Jack’s been on the phone as well as Asmir and that’s helped,” he added.

“They’ve given a lot of positive feedback and they have a lot of experience between them so it’ll be really nice to link up with them again. I’m sure they’ll help me settle in nicely.”

R’s suffered a 4-0 loss at Watford on the opening day of the season and are set to visit Cardiff City on Saturday.

“I thought I would be here for the first game (against Watford) but after seeing the result I felt even more desperate to come down to try and put things right and contribute to the group,” said Cook.

“I feel l can do that in the long run and short term as well so it wasn’t nice to watch but I’m really looking forward to putting it right.”

With fellow defenders Jake Clarke-Salter and Jimmy Dunne both injured, boss Gareth Ainsworth is hoping Cook can have a big impact.

“We have had to be patient with this one but the season is a marathon and waiting for the right one was key,” said Ainsworth.

“I am really pleased we have been able to get Steve in and, from his point of view, his preference was to join us which is nice to hear.

“Steve will bring leadership and experience into the dressing room and he already knows Asmir and Jack very well so he will come in and there will be familiarity from the off.

“He is the ultimate battling centre-half. He will put his body on the line for the cause and he is a huge organiser so I am delighted to have him with us.

“He has been training at Forest so he will come straight into contention for this weekend’s trip to Cardiff.”