Jim Smith guided Rangers in to the final of the league cup at the end of the 1985 – 1986 season, however in the final; they could not overcome Oxford United as they suffered a 3-0 defeat in the encounter. He also guided Rangers to a much improved 13th position finish at the end of the campaign. In what was the Smith’s last term in charge at QPR, the club finish off the 1987 – 1988 campaign in an incredible fifth position as Smith left the post and Trevor Francis took charge in 1988. Rangers were impressive in the league cup as they suffered defeat against eventual winners, Nottingham Forest in the 1989 league cup quarter finals.
The 1989 – 1990 campaign was a decent success for Rangers, enjoying a decent 11th position mid table finish, they enjoyed a delightful run in the FA cup, suffering defeat against Liverpool in the cup competition.
The 1989 – 1990 Queens Park Rangers side included players like, David Seaman, David Bardsley, Kenny Sansom, Paul Parker, Alan McDonald, Danny Maddix, Ray Wilkins, Simon Barker, Colin Clarke, Roy Wegerle and Andy Sinton.