PA PhotosQPR's players took the decision, but will be upset at their league position

Whose bright idea was it to cancel the players' Christmas party? If it was the club, it just highlights the general panic that is setting in behind the scenes as we wait to see whether we will share the record for the longest sequence without a win in the top flight, or have the accolade all to ourselves.

But, by all accounts, it is the players - and that is far more worrying because it shows that they are continuing to be happy with the status quo at the club.

Up until about two weeks ago we had a player eating his lunch in his car in the car park of the training ground, another player confessing that he has fallen out of love with the game, and a distinct split in the dressing room. All cliques agree, though, that one of the fundamental problems is that the players just don't know each other well enough.

So, why cancel the Christmas party? We all know that it is the time of year to find out why Brian in accounts always wears a military coat to work, and Brenda, the boss's secretary, has to have Thursdays off. Surely, a group of strangers forced to work together can only benefit from a blow out on the tiles.

And there lies the problem. This bunch are afraid of getting it wrong. Their performances so far this season have suggested that when it comes to tricky times, very few of them have been putting their heads on the chopping block. And that has left a group of players isolated from each other, with very few leaders capable of returning harmony to the dressing room.

Faced with the outside possibility that they might be criticised by the fans, they bolt into their safe corners once more.

What makes it worse, is that they have got us fans completely wrong - very few QPR fans are likely to have a go at them for taking a night off. Quite the opposite, in fact. We want them to get to know each other. To go out and get their hands dirty. To get in to trouble together and have to get out of it together. It is how good teams are made.

Here's hoping Harry can have a word and get some festive spirit back at the club - even if it is just a couple of glasses of mulled wine down the Crown & Sceptre.

Follow Sean Smith on Twitter @seanshorn

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