QPR boss Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has thanked long-serving duo Clint Hill and Alejandro Faurlin for their ‘outstanding effort and commitment’ at Loftus Road, following confirmation of the news that both players will be leaving the club at the end of their current contracts.

Five other players – including Rob Green and Armand Traore – will also depart on June 30th, whilst Karl Henry and Junior Hoilett are in talks with the club about extending their stay in W12.

Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, Hasselbaink – who finalised talks with all of his players this morning (Monday) – explained his reasons for the decisions to www.qpr.co.uk, commenting: “There is no disguising we have had some very difficult decisions to make.

“What was absolutely vital though, when I was speaking to all of the players, was that I was 100 per-cent honest with them. They needed to know where they stand, and my views.

“Clint and Ale are QPR stalwarts who have given outstanding effort and commitment to the club, but now is the time to try to make new heroes for the supporters.”

On Hill’s departure after 185 appearances in all competitions for QPR, Hasselbaink said: “If Clint was a few years younger and could play 46 games in the Championship, it would have been a no brainer to keep him.

“The reality is we do not know how many games he would be able to play next season. For me, the next centre-half I bring to the club has to be able to play 46 games.

“I am not in a position to sign a player who we know is not going to be able to play Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday. It is a pity because Clint is a competitor and I know he is QPR through and through.

“We wish him every success, and I am absolutely sure the fans will see him back at this club one day as a coach.”

Faurlin leaves after making 163 appearances for the club and Hasselbaink added: “I see Ale as a squad player for next year but he wants to play game after game after game, which I understand. Unfortunately I am not able to give him that assurance. From there, we have made our decision to go our separate ways.

“There are no grudges between us. We have worked really well together and I respect him. It is a football decision, and a difficult one.

“He has been great to deal with. I have had a very good working relationship with him. He was on board with what we were trying to do this season. Now what we are looking to do is move to the next step.

“For him, the next step is to continue his football journey elsewhere. We wish him the very best for the future and thank him enormously for his efforts.

“I really wish him a good journey. I cannot say anything bad about him as a guy or as a player. The reality is we have tough decisions to make but it is important we are honest with everyone when we make them.”