Anton Ferdindand and QPR are the ones hit by case delay, says Mark Hughes

QPR’s manager, Mark Hughes, has said his club were not consulted (Getty Images)

Chelsea's successful plea to the judge in the trial of John Terry to delay proceedings until 9 July has not been well received by Anton Ferdinand and his QPR manager, Mark Hughes.

Ron Gourlay, Chelsea's chief executive, wrote to Judge Howard Riddle asking for the case to be delayed until after the season so as not to disrupt the club's match preparation during the run-in. But the agreed July date will impact on QPR's pre-season preparations, Hughes said yesterday.

"It seems to be dragging on for ever, from my point of view - and certainly Anton's," the manager said. "He would prefer it to be done and dusted by now.

"Whatever decision they have made impacts on one of my players, Anton Ferdinand. He is involved in the case and it has been given a date now and it is smack-bang in the middle of pre-season. That is going to impact on his preparation for the new season.

"I don't know how they came up with the date or whether there were any discussions with the FA, but they have made sure it doesn't impact on the Euros.

"They certainly have not discussed the date with me. It seems to be set in stone, it is unfortunate it is in the middle of pre-season. Ideally, I want my player available. My understanding is we weren't involved in any discussion with regards to a date. I would have certainly wanted to put my point over to make them understand it is a little bit of an issue."

Terry is likely to come face to face with Rio Ferdinand, Anton's brother, on Sunday when Chelsea face Manchester United. The pre-match handshake ritual will go ahead as normal, according to the Premier League. Ferdinand has yet to comment on the issue, although there have been suggestions he may not shake Terry's hand.