His first start for QPR came on 2 November 2002 against Port Vale, france jersey 2024-25 however in the first half goalkeeper Simon Royce was sent off and substitute goalkeeper Fraser Digby was brought messi argentina jersey 2024 on for Padula. He scored his first goal for the club against Port Vale, morocco jersey 2024-25 the same team he was disappointingly substituted off against months earlier. Padula became an overnight fan-favourite and one of the first names on the team sheet. He initially found it hard to break into the first team. Padula was signed in 2002 by then QPR manager Ian Holloway who he had worked with during his spell at Bristol Rovers.