Saturday, January 28, 2012
QPR Report: CHELSEA!..Bullet...Prison for Former QPR Director...Warnock on So-Nearly Signing Bellamy and re Buzsaky...Goalie Bryan Murphy Profiled
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- Courtesy of Haqpr1963!
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From Bushman Archives
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- For comprehensive and latest QPR news-related pieces and discussion, visit the football-only, somewhat-different QPR Report Messageboard. All QPR Perspectives genuinely welcomed! Or comment on any of the articles posted below - QPR REPORT Available on TWITTER!
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- Ex-QPR Director, Kevin Steele (Under Caliendo-Paladini) Sentenced to 5 1/2 Prison - and Steele Flashbacks
INDEPENDENT - Three are sent to prison for defrauding Swiss bank of $22m
- Three conspirators, including the former owner of the no-win, no-fee firm Claims Direct and an ex-partner at the top-drawer law firm Mischon de Reya, have been jailed for defrauding a Swiss bank.
- The trio defrauded the Swiss bank EFG Private Bank of Zurich of $22m in 2008 by making a loan application supported by fake letters claiming that more £76m was held on deposit at Bank Julius Baer in Guernsey. The money was to be used to fund a Turkish resort where footballers including Wayne Rooney, pictured, had bought villas.
- Kevin Steele, who was a partner at Mischon de Reya in 2008 and was also on the board of Queens Park Rangers, was found guilty of forgery and fraud in December and was sentenced yesterday to five years and six months. Michael Shepherd, a former client of Steele, was sentenced to six years and three months and banned from acting as a director for 15 years. He, like his associate Mark Pattison, who has been sentenced to 18 months imprisonment, had pleaded guilty ahead of the trial. Independent
- Telegraph/Henry Winters: For football's sake, dignity and respect must win the day
- Chelsea Previews
- Should Ferdinand Shake Terry's Hand: The Ongoing Discussion
- QPR Vs Chelsea Stats, Flashbacks, Photos, Videos
- Updated QPR Transfer Gossip Articles (Go to last page and work back!)
- On This Day in Football: January 28
NEIL WARNOCK/INDPENDENT COLUMN
- At six o'clock, the day before the transfer deadline shut in August, I had a telephone conversation with Craig Bellamy. He was leaving Manchester City and I was trying to persuade him to come to QPR. I'd almost done it, but he'd heard there was the possibility of returning to Liverpool. He told me: "If Liverpool don't come in for me, I'll come [to Rangers]."
He was determined to hang on to see if Liverpool came in for him at the death, and unfortunately for me, they did. I'll never forget that moment. It was about 10pm the following mad night, as I was trying to sign players right, left and centre. I saw one of those "breaking news" flashes on Sky Sports News: "Craig Bellamy signs for Liverpool." I'd heard from his agent about 6pm that Liverpool had been in touch, so I wasn't that surprised, but it was a blow. As he's shown since, he's still a very good player and he could have made a real difference for us.
An hour after the deadline shut I had a phone call from Craig, thanking me for my interest and telling me he always wanted to go back to Liverpool, which I knew. I wished him all the best. The memory came back to me on Wednesday when he scored the goal that sent Liverpool back to Wembley for the first time in 16 years. He was absolutely magnificent, he covered every blade of grass. I bet Roberto Mancini was sat there thinking, "Why on earth did I let him go?"
It'll be strange for Bellers playing against his old team, and his hometown team, Cardiff, but he's such a good pro that when the whistle goes he'll only think about one thing: winning the game. If Cardiff had gone up last season I'm convinced he would have signed for them permanently, but things haven't worked out too badly for him.
2. Palace pride despite pain of penalties
Football managers always watch matches involving other teams with a view to how it might affect your own club. If a player gets injured, or gets a card which will lead to a suspension you think, '"Which matches is he going to miss?" You hope games involving promotion or relegation rivals, or your next opponents, go into extra time. And you are always looking out for players who might be able to do a job for your own team, and looking at the tactics used by future opponents.
When you are not in work you can watch matches from a more detached perspective, but you never stop thinking about what the managers are going through, because on another day it could be you.
That was certainly the case as I watched the midweek Carling Cup semi-finals, which both showed what a fine line there is between winning and losing. Having been through a few penalty shoot-outs, I could empathise with Dougie Freedman (below) and Malky Mackay, two of the most promising managers in the game and two young men I have a lot of time for, when the Cardiff-Palace match went to spot-kicks.
I'm sure the disappointment for Dougie and the lads at Crystal Palace was immense, but they should all be proud of their achievements in getting that far. I've watched Malky from his early days at Watford and I love how he goes about his job with no frills. You can tell the enjoyment he gets out of being manager of a great club like Cardiff City.
The second semi was also decided by narrow margins, in this case two refereeing decisions. I thought it was a penalty when Charlie Adam fouled Edin Dzeko, but not when Daniel Agger's shot deflected on to Micah Richards' hands. Phil Dowd thought differently and I could see why. It was impossible to give the Dzeko penalty from his position, while the other happened so fast I'm convinced Phil never saw the ball come off Richards' foot before it hit his hands. I would imagine after the game he couldn't believe his eyes, but then it's too late.
Three days earlier, though, City got the breaks against Spurs. I still can't believe they won that game. Mario Balotelli should have been off for a stamp on Scott Parker, and I bet Jermain Defoe has made those last few inches to score what would have been Spurs' winner every night in his head when he's gone to bed. I had to smile when Balotelli's agent said he was being picked on. Just tell him not to stamp on people. It's not rocket science.
3. A week off, but my life is going down the Tube
So what have I been doing in my week of leisure? As well as the semi-finals I watched the cricket (I think the lack of spectators might explain why some England players found it hard to get going), the golf (it was great to see Tiger striking the ball well again) and the tennis (though if I watch those shriekers Maria Sharapova and Victoria Azarenka this morning it'll be with the sound turned down).
Today I'm at the ITV studios to watch QPR v Chelsea for tonight's highlights show. I do fancy QPR repeating our Premier League win over Chelsea. Tomorrow I'm at the Emirates with ESPN for Arsenal v Aston Villa. Surely Arsène will go out to try and win the FA Cup? I think they have a great chance.
I've not just been watching television and appearing on it. I've had two more teeth out – with my mouth I've got to have major surgery on most things – and been out and about in London. I went on the Tube twice to London on my own. I try not to make eye contact, but as you can imagine, I get a few supporters giving me some gentle banter – fortunately, at the moment that's all it's been, but I'm sure that won't last.
There's all the world on the Tube. You look around and wonder what people do, where are they going? I think it does me a bit of good to see how everyone else lives in the capital. One night, to avoid the rush hour, I waited until 7pm to come back. Yet when the train came into the platform at Hyde Park Corner and the doors opened everyone was standing up, jammed in like sardines. I had to push my way on.
4. Trying to book concert tickets is Sheer torture
Amy asked me to get some tickets for an Ed Sheeran concert in Plymouth. They went on sale at midday on Wednesday. Come the time, we logged on to be told we could not book online but had to ring the box office. I think the website had crashed. We rang for an hour and 10 minutes. First we got a recorded man's voice telling us to "press one for tickets for today's concert" and so on. The next voice, a woman, gave us more options. Finally, we had another recorded voice telling us "all lines to the ticket office are busy, please call back". Each call took 75 seconds. We eventually got through to hear another recorded voice that said "sorry, all tickets have been sold". All this time, while I was on the phone, on the internet you could buy £22 tickets for £70 from every ticket agency you could imagine. It really is a disgrace that you waste all that time and find the majority seem to have been sold off to ticket agencies. I felt really stitched up.
At least there's been compensation in sport. Amy won at netball while Will scored a fabulous try for his rugby team and a cracking goal in five-a-side football.
5. Time for a tong lashing over Sharon's curlers
Sharon asked me to pop into Boots to pick up gas refills for her Braun curling tongs. I tried four shops, all said they didn't have any. I went to Kingston and tried five more shops. Same response. It looks like they might even have stopped selling them. But there is obviously demand because on the Internet I can buy two for £40 – it's normally £5 a pair. So Sharon now has these useless tongs. I'm told Twitter is good for making complaints like this, but you know what I think about Twitter, so I'm using my column. If anyone from Braun is reading, please get in touch.
6. Akos was left out due to Faurlin being a hero
I had to smile when I read the comments from Akos Buzsaky after his fabulous goal for QPR last weekend. I can imagine the press asking him: "Why haven't you been playing?" The answer is simple, Ali Faurlin plays in his position and he has been QPR's best player this season. However, in my last match as manager Ali was badly injured, enabling Akos to get back in the side.
Akos told the press "at Christmas I wasn't even in the squad, I wasn't even travelling with the team. It was really testing me." I thought to myself: "I wonder if this is the same player that asked for five days' compassionate leave at Christmas?" Independent
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - YOUR BEHAVIOUR - A REMINDER
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Queens Park Rangers Football Club is committed to confronting and eliminating discrimination, whether by reason of race, colour, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, ethnic and national origin, disability, nationality, religion or belief or gender reassignment.
- The Club is proud of the atmosphere we have at Loftus Road and by working together we can stop any discrimination or behavior that has no place in football.
Loftus Road is governed by Ground Regulations and we would like to remind all visitors that by entering the ground they are agreeing to abide by these rules.
Entry to the Ground is expressly subject to acceptance by the visitor of these Ground Regulations and the rules and regulations of FIFA, UEFA, The Football Association, The Premier League and The Football League in respect of the relevant competition. The Ground Regulations incorporate the Club's Customer Charter (if any). Entry to the Ground shall constitute acceptance of the Ground Regulations.
- Racial, homophobic or discriminatory abuse, chanting or harassment is strictly forbidden and will result in arrest and / or ejection from the Ground, and in addition the Club will impose a ban for one or more matches.
QPR will not tolerate sexual or racially based harassment, or other discriminatory behaviour, whether physical or verbal and where required we will work in full co-operation with the Metropolitan Police to provide CCTV footage and staff statements to ensure prosecution.
- Any actions that lead to prosecution or removal from the ground will result in a ban.
No supporter needs to tolerate discrimination of any kind at Loftus Road, on the pitch or in the stands. If you experience any form of discrimination, help us to eliminate it from football. Please report this to the Club by texting the Matchday Control Room on 07557 435421. We will treat your correspondence in strictest confidence.
GUARDIAN/DOMINIC FIFIELD
Police investigate death threat against Anton Ferdinand
• Spent gun cartridge sent to Queens Park Rangers
• Ferdinand to face John Terry for first time since league meeting
Anton Ferdinand was the target of a death threat on the eve of Saturday's potentially explosive west London derby against Chelsea. Hammersmith and Fulham police are investigating a letter, containing a spent gun cartridge, which was received by Queens Park Rangers and is understood to have been addressed to the defender.
The buildup to the FA Cup fourth-round tie has been dominated by the first meeting of Ferdinand and John Terry on the pitch since the England captain was charged with a racially aggravated public order offence relating to an altercation with the QPR defender during the fractious league meeting at Loftus Road in October.
Terry's case is due to be heard at Westminster magistrates court on Wednesday, though he will not be in attendance, with his legal team to enter a not guilty plea on his behalf.
It is not clear whether Ferdinandwas made immediately aware of the letter but a Metropolitan police spokesman said: "I can confirm we are investigating an allegation of malicious communication received today at Queens Park Rangers Football Club. Officers from Hammersmith and Fulham are investigating."
QPR and Chelsea subsequently stated that "full searches" would be carried out on all spectators before entry and advised fans to arrive early. "Entry to the stadium will be permitted from 10.30am for the midday kick-off," the clubs said.
Confirmation of the threat to Ferdinand will dismay both clubs, who had been hoping to ease the tension before the tie. The two chairmen issued a joint statement this week appealing for calm.
Immediately before kick-off the focus will inevitably be drawn to whether Ferdinand will accept Terry's offer of a handshake. André Villas-Boas, the Chelsea manager, believes it is "extremely important" that the pair shake hands to set an example, though it is understood Ferdinand is minded not to do so. QPR officials have spoken to their player and suggested shaking hands may help defuse what is expected to be a tense occasion but the centre-half is concerned it may appear hypocritical to make the gesture given the gravity of the charges faced by Terry.
"It is extremely important [they shake hands]," Villas-Boas said. "Firstly, it's a question of respect for the opponent and everybody should do it. When it reaches that moment, the players should set out an example and do it. A lot of the situation has been spoken about but it's good for the players to show that, whatever is happening off the pitch, they are playing against each other on it. It's important they shake hands. This game is based on good values more than anything else. These two players should continue to promote those good values."
The QPR manager, Mark Hughes, has said the decision should rest with Ferdinand alone and, with his squad severely depleted by injury, has no qualms about selecting the player. "It could change from one day to the next – Anton could wake up in the morning, think: 'What's the big deal?' and shake hands," Hughes said. "Or he might feel strongly about it and decide he definitely won't. I don't know if he will shake hands. I'm not Anton.
"I like to think I can judge if a player is ready to play on a Saturday and he's given me no sign that anything is weighing heavily on him. He wants to play and his team-mates want him to play. He'll get support from them and from me so that will be enough and, obviously, our fans will back him wholeheartedly."
Terry will enter the arena braced for a hostile reception from the home supporters even if Chelsea's manager is confident he will thrive in the volatile atmosphere. "The top players have this ability to concentrate fully on the task they have in a game," said Villas-Boas. "I have no doubts about him.
"John is one of the greatest central defenders in the world, maybe one of the best ever. His progression has been outstanding, his qualities are amazing. He's a player who almost guarantees you success, in terms of his individual performance helping our collective, and a player we hold in the highest esteem. All these players went through performances in their lives that make them ready to play in any circumstance, but Chelsea players get stick from every opposition crowd. No opposition crowd loves you or 'incentivates' you. It's a London derby fuelled by emotion, and the fact Chelsea lost there in dramatic circumstances [in October] makes it an even more emotional game.
"You have to value the player and the person. The player, John Terry, has been extremely successful in the world game, with high individual success. John Terry, the person, is someone I have great empathy with, and great respect for. A player who was involved in my knowledge-making and my process of gaining experience as a manager, and a person I will always hold as a friend whichever route our lives take."
Chelsea, who have sold their centre-half Alex to Paris St-Germain for £4.2m, are unlikely to pursue the Shakhtar Donetsk forward Willian, aware that the Brazilian may struggle to gain a work permit and with their valuation of the player a considerable distance from that of the Ukrainian club. Talks continue with Genk in an effort to secure Kevin De Bruyne, who would stay in Belgium on loan until the summer. The youngster is considered a "club signing" rather than a player the manager has targeted.
"He's a good bet for the future, a player the club have scouted for some time, and I'm a manager who respects club policy," added Villas-Boas. "I'll do everything in my power for him to reach maximum potential. But it's down to the club in decision-making."
A similar arrangement could be struck with the Brazilian club São Paulo for their highly rated 19-year-old midfielder Lucas Moura. Chelsea will renew their interest in the summer if no deal can be agreed before Tuesday night. Guardian
QPR Official Site - SHARIFF JOINS WOKING
Posted on: Fri 27 Jan 2012
Mo Shariff has joined Blue Square Bet South table toppers Woking on a month's loan.
The 18 year-old penned a two-year contract extension with the R's in February 2011 to keep him at the Club until the summer of 2013.
Shariff will remain at the Kingfield Stadium until Saturday 25th February 2012.
QPR
Woking Official Site - Mo Shariff Joins on Loan
John Moore - 27th January 2012
- Woking Football Club are pleased to announce the signing of striker Mo Shariff from QPR on a one month loan deal. Mo will go straight into the squad for tomorrow’s match at Boreham Wood.
- The 18 year-old penned a two-year contract extension with the R's in February 2011 to keep him at the Club until the summer of 2013. Woking
Independent Ireland
Driven Murphy makes netting QPR spot his No 1 priority
By Ruaidhri O'Connor
Saturday January 28 2012
ALL eyes will be on FA Cup clash at Loftus Road this afternoon when John Terry and Anton Ferdinand come face-to-face for the first time since their hostile clash in the league earlier in the season.
While all this is going on, though, Brian Murphy will be slipping into his seat in the stand and watching his club play in yet another big game without him involved.
The former Bohemians man joined QPR on a free transfer last summer, but, at the moment, he has to be content with the third-choice goalkeeping spot.
In context, that's not so bad. He gets all of the trappings of being a professional footballer without the stress of having to perform.
But you don't get to where Murphy has in the game without striving for improvement and, while he is certain he made the right move by joining Neil Warnock's side -- after endorsements from Roy Keane among others -- he wants to keep his progress going and get into the first team, even if it means a loan move after the transfer window ends.
"You're not at a club like this without ability," he told the Irish Independent. "You're depending on one person's view of you and I was under no illusions when I came here. I turned down an offer from Ipswich to stay; took a risk not knowing if I had anything concrete, but I was delighted to get the offer from QPR.
"I wasn't expecting straight away to come in and challenge for No 1, I was hoping to be No 2, which I was after I worked hard in pre-season, but I was unfortunate to get an injury at the wrong time."
He was second choice on arrival, but tore his groin in the warm-up before the Stoke City match. During the game Paddy Kenny tore his gluteal muscle and it was Radek Cerny, rather than Murphy, who stepped in and subsequently produced a host of man-of-the-match performances.
When Kenny came back, Cerny dropped to the bench, meaning Murphy -- who has only played once against Rochdale in the League Cup this season -- has been out of the match-day 18 since. Rather than dwelling on his frustration, the former Ipswich No 1 is remarkably positive.
"I didn't come into the Premier League with hundreds of games under my belt. Paddy Kenny's here and he's had hundreds of clean sheets at this club," he said.
"You have to earn your right to be No 1. I just come in and work hard and see who is in the match-day squad; things can change very quickly in football."
Since Warnock's departure and Mark Hughes' appointment, the Waterford native has been getting positive noises from the Welshman's new goalkeeping coach Kevin Hitchcock and is hoping that his chance will come soon.
That will have to come first before his mind starts to wander towards reclaiming his place in the Ireland set-up.
"It's going to be difficult because there are good 'keepers here, there's good competition," he said. "That's what you want, I suppose, you want to prove yourself, that you're good enough and as far as I know, so far, I've done enough to impress the new goalkeeping coach and some of his staff.
"I've been told that if I keep training at the level I am, then I'll get a chance sooner rather than later."
Something that separates Murphy from his Premier League team-mates is his summer pursuits.
While the others are hot-footing it to warmer climes, the 28-year-old has been part of the Kildare Gaelic football set-up, coaching the goalkeepers in Kieran McGeeney's panel.
"I've done a couple of sessions with them. I have a Gaelic background," he explains.
"It's still the same idea, despite being a different sport. Unless they have a soccer background, the Gaelic 'keepers didn't really get goalkeeping coaching until recently.
"I've worked with the lads over a couple of seasons and seen vast improvements. Down the road somewhere, there is definitely something there to improve Gaelic goalkeepers. If you ask the boys that I worked with, they picked up tips."
That can wait, of course, with Murphy's mind firmly getting back into the match-day squads at Loftus Road and taking centre stage again.
QPR v Chelsea,
Live, Setanta Sports 1, 12.0
- Ruaidhri O'Connor - Independent/Ireland
- Courtesy of Haqpr1963!-
-
From Bushman Archives
-
- For comprehensive and latest QPR news-related pieces and discussion, visit the football-only, somewhat-different QPR Report Messageboard. All QPR Perspectives genuinely welcomed! Or comment on any of the articles posted below - QPR REPORT Available on TWITTER!
_______________________________________________________________________________________
- Ex-QPR Director, Kevin Steele (Under Caliendo-Paladini) Sentenced to 5 1/2 Prison - and Steele Flashbacks
INDEPENDENT - Three are sent to prison for defrauding Swiss bank of $22m
- Three conspirators, including the former owner of the no-win, no-fee firm Claims Direct and an ex-partner at the top-drawer law firm Mischon de Reya, have been jailed for defrauding a Swiss bank.
- The trio defrauded the Swiss bank EFG Private Bank of Zurich of $22m in 2008 by making a loan application supported by fake letters claiming that more £76m was held on deposit at Bank Julius Baer in Guernsey. The money was to be used to fund a Turkish resort where footballers including Wayne Rooney, pictured, had bought villas.
- Kevin Steele, who was a partner at Mischon de Reya in 2008 and was also on the board of Queens Park Rangers, was found guilty of forgery and fraud in December and was sentenced yesterday to five years and six months. Michael Shepherd, a former client of Steele, was sentenced to six years and three months and banned from acting as a director for 15 years. He, like his associate Mark Pattison, who has been sentenced to 18 months imprisonment, had pleaded guilty ahead of the trial. Independent
- Telegraph/Henry Winters: For football's sake, dignity and respect must win the day
- Chelsea Previews
- Should Ferdinand Shake Terry's Hand: The Ongoing Discussion
- QPR Vs Chelsea Stats, Flashbacks, Photos, Videos
- Updated QPR Transfer Gossip Articles (Go to last page and work back!)
- On This Day in Football: January 28
NEIL WARNOCK/INDPENDENT COLUMN
- At six o'clock, the day before the transfer deadline shut in August, I had a telephone conversation with Craig Bellamy. He was leaving Manchester City and I was trying to persuade him to come to QPR. I'd almost done it, but he'd heard there was the possibility of returning to Liverpool. He told me: "If Liverpool don't come in for me, I'll come [to Rangers]."
He was determined to hang on to see if Liverpool came in for him at the death, and unfortunately for me, they did. I'll never forget that moment. It was about 10pm the following mad night, as I was trying to sign players right, left and centre. I saw one of those "breaking news" flashes on Sky Sports News: "Craig Bellamy signs for Liverpool." I'd heard from his agent about 6pm that Liverpool had been in touch, so I wasn't that surprised, but it was a blow. As he's shown since, he's still a very good player and he could have made a real difference for us.
An hour after the deadline shut I had a phone call from Craig, thanking me for my interest and telling me he always wanted to go back to Liverpool, which I knew. I wished him all the best. The memory came back to me on Wednesday when he scored the goal that sent Liverpool back to Wembley for the first time in 16 years. He was absolutely magnificent, he covered every blade of grass. I bet Roberto Mancini was sat there thinking, "Why on earth did I let him go?"
It'll be strange for Bellers playing against his old team, and his hometown team, Cardiff, but he's such a good pro that when the whistle goes he'll only think about one thing: winning the game. If Cardiff had gone up last season I'm convinced he would have signed for them permanently, but things haven't worked out too badly for him.
2. Palace pride despite pain of penalties
Football managers always watch matches involving other teams with a view to how it might affect your own club. If a player gets injured, or gets a card which will lead to a suspension you think, '"Which matches is he going to miss?" You hope games involving promotion or relegation rivals, or your next opponents, go into extra time. And you are always looking out for players who might be able to do a job for your own team, and looking at the tactics used by future opponents.
When you are not in work you can watch matches from a more detached perspective, but you never stop thinking about what the managers are going through, because on another day it could be you.
That was certainly the case as I watched the midweek Carling Cup semi-finals, which both showed what a fine line there is between winning and losing. Having been through a few penalty shoot-outs, I could empathise with Dougie Freedman (below) and Malky Mackay, two of the most promising managers in the game and two young men I have a lot of time for, when the Cardiff-Palace match went to spot-kicks.
I'm sure the disappointment for Dougie and the lads at Crystal Palace was immense, but they should all be proud of their achievements in getting that far. I've watched Malky from his early days at Watford and I love how he goes about his job with no frills. You can tell the enjoyment he gets out of being manager of a great club like Cardiff City.
The second semi was also decided by narrow margins, in this case two refereeing decisions. I thought it was a penalty when Charlie Adam fouled Edin Dzeko, but not when Daniel Agger's shot deflected on to Micah Richards' hands. Phil Dowd thought differently and I could see why. It was impossible to give the Dzeko penalty from his position, while the other happened so fast I'm convinced Phil never saw the ball come off Richards' foot before it hit his hands. I would imagine after the game he couldn't believe his eyes, but then it's too late.
Three days earlier, though, City got the breaks against Spurs. I still can't believe they won that game. Mario Balotelli should have been off for a stamp on Scott Parker, and I bet Jermain Defoe has made those last few inches to score what would have been Spurs' winner every night in his head when he's gone to bed. I had to smile when Balotelli's agent said he was being picked on. Just tell him not to stamp on people. It's not rocket science.
3. A week off, but my life is going down the Tube
So what have I been doing in my week of leisure? As well as the semi-finals I watched the cricket (I think the lack of spectators might explain why some England players found it hard to get going), the golf (it was great to see Tiger striking the ball well again) and the tennis (though if I watch those shriekers Maria Sharapova and Victoria Azarenka this morning it'll be with the sound turned down).
Today I'm at the ITV studios to watch QPR v Chelsea for tonight's highlights show. I do fancy QPR repeating our Premier League win over Chelsea. Tomorrow I'm at the Emirates with ESPN for Arsenal v Aston Villa. Surely Arsène will go out to try and win the FA Cup? I think they have a great chance.
I've not just been watching television and appearing on it. I've had two more teeth out – with my mouth I've got to have major surgery on most things – and been out and about in London. I went on the Tube twice to London on my own. I try not to make eye contact, but as you can imagine, I get a few supporters giving me some gentle banter – fortunately, at the moment that's all it's been, but I'm sure that won't last.
There's all the world on the Tube. You look around and wonder what people do, where are they going? I think it does me a bit of good to see how everyone else lives in the capital. One night, to avoid the rush hour, I waited until 7pm to come back. Yet when the train came into the platform at Hyde Park Corner and the doors opened everyone was standing up, jammed in like sardines. I had to push my way on.
4. Trying to book concert tickets is Sheer torture
Amy asked me to get some tickets for an Ed Sheeran concert in Plymouth. They went on sale at midday on Wednesday. Come the time, we logged on to be told we could not book online but had to ring the box office. I think the website had crashed. We rang for an hour and 10 minutes. First we got a recorded man's voice telling us to "press one for tickets for today's concert" and so on. The next voice, a woman, gave us more options. Finally, we had another recorded voice telling us "all lines to the ticket office are busy, please call back". Each call took 75 seconds. We eventually got through to hear another recorded voice that said "sorry, all tickets have been sold". All this time, while I was on the phone, on the internet you could buy £22 tickets for £70 from every ticket agency you could imagine. It really is a disgrace that you waste all that time and find the majority seem to have been sold off to ticket agencies. I felt really stitched up.
At least there's been compensation in sport. Amy won at netball while Will scored a fabulous try for his rugby team and a cracking goal in five-a-side football.
5. Time for a tong lashing over Sharon's curlers
Sharon asked me to pop into Boots to pick up gas refills for her Braun curling tongs. I tried four shops, all said they didn't have any. I went to Kingston and tried five more shops. Same response. It looks like they might even have stopped selling them. But there is obviously demand because on the Internet I can buy two for £40 – it's normally £5 a pair. So Sharon now has these useless tongs. I'm told Twitter is good for making complaints like this, but you know what I think about Twitter, so I'm using my column. If anyone from Braun is reading, please get in touch.
6. Akos was left out due to Faurlin being a hero
I had to smile when I read the comments from Akos Buzsaky after his fabulous goal for QPR last weekend. I can imagine the press asking him: "Why haven't you been playing?" The answer is simple, Ali Faurlin plays in his position and he has been QPR's best player this season. However, in my last match as manager Ali was badly injured, enabling Akos to get back in the side.
Akos told the press "at Christmas I wasn't even in the squad, I wasn't even travelling with the team. It was really testing me." I thought to myself: "I wonder if this is the same player that asked for five days' compassionate leave at Christmas?" Independent
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - YOUR BEHAVIOUR - A REMINDER
-
Queens Park Rangers Football Club is committed to confronting and eliminating discrimination, whether by reason of race, colour, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, ethnic and national origin, disability, nationality, religion or belief or gender reassignment.
- The Club is proud of the atmosphere we have at Loftus Road and by working together we can stop any discrimination or behavior that has no place in football.
Loftus Road is governed by Ground Regulations and we would like to remind all visitors that by entering the ground they are agreeing to abide by these rules.
Entry to the Ground is expressly subject to acceptance by the visitor of these Ground Regulations and the rules and regulations of FIFA, UEFA, The Football Association, The Premier League and The Football League in respect of the relevant competition. The Ground Regulations incorporate the Club's Customer Charter (if any). Entry to the Ground shall constitute acceptance of the Ground Regulations.
- Racial, homophobic or discriminatory abuse, chanting or harassment is strictly forbidden and will result in arrest and / or ejection from the Ground, and in addition the Club will impose a ban for one or more matches.
QPR will not tolerate sexual or racially based harassment, or other discriminatory behaviour, whether physical or verbal and where required we will work in full co-operation with the Metropolitan Police to provide CCTV footage and staff statements to ensure prosecution.
- Any actions that lead to prosecution or removal from the ground will result in a ban.
No supporter needs to tolerate discrimination of any kind at Loftus Road, on the pitch or in the stands. If you experience any form of discrimination, help us to eliminate it from football. Please report this to the Club by texting the Matchday Control Room on 07557 435421. We will treat your correspondence in strictest confidence.
GUARDIAN/DOMINIC FIFIELD
Police investigate death threat against Anton Ferdinand
• Spent gun cartridge sent to Queens Park Rangers
• Ferdinand to face John Terry for first time since league meeting
Anton Ferdinand was the target of a death threat on the eve of Saturday's potentially explosive west London derby against Chelsea. Hammersmith and Fulham police are investigating a letter, containing a spent gun cartridge, which was received by Queens Park Rangers and is understood to have been addressed to the defender.
The buildup to the FA Cup fourth-round tie has been dominated by the first meeting of Ferdinand and John Terry on the pitch since the England captain was charged with a racially aggravated public order offence relating to an altercation with the QPR defender during the fractious league meeting at Loftus Road in October.
Terry's case is due to be heard at Westminster magistrates court on Wednesday, though he will not be in attendance, with his legal team to enter a not guilty plea on his behalf.
It is not clear whether Ferdinandwas made immediately aware of the letter but a Metropolitan police spokesman said: "I can confirm we are investigating an allegation of malicious communication received today at Queens Park Rangers Football Club. Officers from Hammersmith and Fulham are investigating."
QPR and Chelsea subsequently stated that "full searches" would be carried out on all spectators before entry and advised fans to arrive early. "Entry to the stadium will be permitted from 10.30am for the midday kick-off," the clubs said.
Confirmation of the threat to Ferdinand will dismay both clubs, who had been hoping to ease the tension before the tie. The two chairmen issued a joint statement this week appealing for calm.
Immediately before kick-off the focus will inevitably be drawn to whether Ferdinand will accept Terry's offer of a handshake. André Villas-Boas, the Chelsea manager, believes it is "extremely important" that the pair shake hands to set an example, though it is understood Ferdinand is minded not to do so. QPR officials have spoken to their player and suggested shaking hands may help defuse what is expected to be a tense occasion but the centre-half is concerned it may appear hypocritical to make the gesture given the gravity of the charges faced by Terry.
"It is extremely important [they shake hands]," Villas-Boas said. "Firstly, it's a question of respect for the opponent and everybody should do it. When it reaches that moment, the players should set out an example and do it. A lot of the situation has been spoken about but it's good for the players to show that, whatever is happening off the pitch, they are playing against each other on it. It's important they shake hands. This game is based on good values more than anything else. These two players should continue to promote those good values."
The QPR manager, Mark Hughes, has said the decision should rest with Ferdinand alone and, with his squad severely depleted by injury, has no qualms about selecting the player. "It could change from one day to the next – Anton could wake up in the morning, think: 'What's the big deal?' and shake hands," Hughes said. "Or he might feel strongly about it and decide he definitely won't. I don't know if he will shake hands. I'm not Anton.
"I like to think I can judge if a player is ready to play on a Saturday and he's given me no sign that anything is weighing heavily on him. He wants to play and his team-mates want him to play. He'll get support from them and from me so that will be enough and, obviously, our fans will back him wholeheartedly."
Terry will enter the arena braced for a hostile reception from the home supporters even if Chelsea's manager is confident he will thrive in the volatile atmosphere. "The top players have this ability to concentrate fully on the task they have in a game," said Villas-Boas. "I have no doubts about him.
"John is one of the greatest central defenders in the world, maybe one of the best ever. His progression has been outstanding, his qualities are amazing. He's a player who almost guarantees you success, in terms of his individual performance helping our collective, and a player we hold in the highest esteem. All these players went through performances in their lives that make them ready to play in any circumstance, but Chelsea players get stick from every opposition crowd. No opposition crowd loves you or 'incentivates' you. It's a London derby fuelled by emotion, and the fact Chelsea lost there in dramatic circumstances [in October] makes it an even more emotional game.
"You have to value the player and the person. The player, John Terry, has been extremely successful in the world game, with high individual success. John Terry, the person, is someone I have great empathy with, and great respect for. A player who was involved in my knowledge-making and my process of gaining experience as a manager, and a person I will always hold as a friend whichever route our lives take."
Chelsea, who have sold their centre-half Alex to Paris St-Germain for £4.2m, are unlikely to pursue the Shakhtar Donetsk forward Willian, aware that the Brazilian may struggle to gain a work permit and with their valuation of the player a considerable distance from that of the Ukrainian club. Talks continue with Genk in an effort to secure Kevin De Bruyne, who would stay in Belgium on loan until the summer. The youngster is considered a "club signing" rather than a player the manager has targeted.
"He's a good bet for the future, a player the club have scouted for some time, and I'm a manager who respects club policy," added Villas-Boas. "I'll do everything in my power for him to reach maximum potential. But it's down to the club in decision-making."
A similar arrangement could be struck with the Brazilian club São Paulo for their highly rated 19-year-old midfielder Lucas Moura. Chelsea will renew their interest in the summer if no deal can be agreed before Tuesday night. Guardian
QPR Official Site - SHARIFF JOINS WOKING
Posted on: Fri 27 Jan 2012
Mo Shariff has joined Blue Square Bet South table toppers Woking on a month's loan.
The 18 year-old penned a two-year contract extension with the R's in February 2011 to keep him at the Club until the summer of 2013.
Shariff will remain at the Kingfield Stadium until Saturday 25th February 2012.
QPR
Woking Official Site - Mo Shariff Joins on Loan
John Moore - 27th January 2012
- Woking Football Club are pleased to announce the signing of striker Mo Shariff from QPR on a one month loan deal. Mo will go straight into the squad for tomorrow’s match at Boreham Wood.
- The 18 year-old penned a two-year contract extension with the R's in February 2011 to keep him at the Club until the summer of 2013. Woking
Independent Ireland
Driven Murphy makes netting QPR spot his No 1 priority
By Ruaidhri O'Connor
Saturday January 28 2012
ALL eyes will be on FA Cup clash at Loftus Road this afternoon when John Terry and Anton Ferdinand come face-to-face for the first time since their hostile clash in the league earlier in the season.
While all this is going on, though, Brian Murphy will be slipping into his seat in the stand and watching his club play in yet another big game without him involved.
The former Bohemians man joined QPR on a free transfer last summer, but, at the moment, he has to be content with the third-choice goalkeeping spot.
In context, that's not so bad. He gets all of the trappings of being a professional footballer without the stress of having to perform.
But you don't get to where Murphy has in the game without striving for improvement and, while he is certain he made the right move by joining Neil Warnock's side -- after endorsements from Roy Keane among others -- he wants to keep his progress going and get into the first team, even if it means a loan move after the transfer window ends.
"You're not at a club like this without ability," he told the Irish Independent. "You're depending on one person's view of you and I was under no illusions when I came here. I turned down an offer from Ipswich to stay; took a risk not knowing if I had anything concrete, but I was delighted to get the offer from QPR.
"I wasn't expecting straight away to come in and challenge for No 1, I was hoping to be No 2, which I was after I worked hard in pre-season, but I was unfortunate to get an injury at the wrong time."
He was second choice on arrival, but tore his groin in the warm-up before the Stoke City match. During the game Paddy Kenny tore his gluteal muscle and it was Radek Cerny, rather than Murphy, who stepped in and subsequently produced a host of man-of-the-match performances.
When Kenny came back, Cerny dropped to the bench, meaning Murphy -- who has only played once against Rochdale in the League Cup this season -- has been out of the match-day 18 since. Rather than dwelling on his frustration, the former Ipswich No 1 is remarkably positive.
"I didn't come into the Premier League with hundreds of games under my belt. Paddy Kenny's here and he's had hundreds of clean sheets at this club," he said.
"You have to earn your right to be No 1. I just come in and work hard and see who is in the match-day squad; things can change very quickly in football."
Since Warnock's departure and Mark Hughes' appointment, the Waterford native has been getting positive noises from the Welshman's new goalkeeping coach Kevin Hitchcock and is hoping that his chance will come soon.
That will have to come first before his mind starts to wander towards reclaiming his place in the Ireland set-up.
"It's going to be difficult because there are good 'keepers here, there's good competition," he said. "That's what you want, I suppose, you want to prove yourself, that you're good enough and as far as I know, so far, I've done enough to impress the new goalkeeping coach and some of his staff.
"I've been told that if I keep training at the level I am, then I'll get a chance sooner rather than later."
Something that separates Murphy from his Premier League team-mates is his summer pursuits.
While the others are hot-footing it to warmer climes, the 28-year-old has been part of the Kildare Gaelic football set-up, coaching the goalkeepers in Kieran McGeeney's panel.
"I've done a couple of sessions with them. I have a Gaelic background," he explains.
"It's still the same idea, despite being a different sport. Unless they have a soccer background, the Gaelic 'keepers didn't really get goalkeeping coaching until recently.
"I've worked with the lads over a couple of seasons and seen vast improvements. Down the road somewhere, there is definitely something there to improve Gaelic goalkeepers. If you ask the boys that I worked with, they picked up tips."
That can wait, of course, with Murphy's mind firmly getting back into the match-day squads at Loftus Road and taking centre stage again.
QPR v Chelsea,
Live, Setanta Sports 1, 12.0
- Ruaidhri O'Connor - Independent/Ireland
Friday, January 27, 2012
QPR Report Friday Snippets
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- Courtesy of Haqpr1963!
-
-- From Bushman Archives: QPR Team of 1897
-
- For comprehensive and latest QPR news-related pieces and discussion, visit the football-only, somewhat-different QPR Report Messageboard. All QPR Perspectives genuinely welcomed! Or comment on any of the articles posted below - QPR REPORT Available on TWITTER!
_______________________________________________________________________________________
- On This Day in Football (January 27): 11 Years Ago: QPR Crushed by Arsenal...Get Knock out of the Cup by Preston....Re-Sign Danny Shittu...Have Taarabt Talking about the Great Neil Warnock...and Priskin Set to join on Loan + 30 Years Ago, Yesterday: Last time a QPR player Scored four in a game
- Football Academies: Brentford Opening One...The Changes in Youth Football means every club will have academies, graded from one to four.
- Ex-QPR Antonio German Joins Brentford
- One-Time QPR Target, Richard Eckersley, released by Burnley
- Interesting Piece re the Process of Football Transfer Registrations: The "nuts and bolts" involved
Taye Taiwo in gay chant rap
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2012/01/taye-taiwo-in-gay-chant-rap/?
QPR have issued a warning to fans about offensive chanting this weekend — just hours after signing a player who was banned for singing a homophobic song last year.
AC Milan left-back Taye Taiwo agreed to join the Hoops on loan for the rest of the season.
QPR hope the Nigerian will receive international clearance in time to make his debut in the FA Cup showdown with rivals Chelsea on Saturday. Both clubs yesterday appealed for fans to watch what they chant during the fourth-round tie.
The match takes place just four days before Blues skipper John Terry appears in court to answer a charge he allegedly racially abused QPR’s Anton Ferdinand during October’s fiery Prem clash — a claim JT denies.
If Taiwo plays, he will have to behave better than he did after scoring the winner to help Marseille beat Montpellier 1-0 in the French League Cup final last April.
Following the final whistle he grabbed a microphone and led fans in an expletive-ridden homophobic song about their bitter rivals Paris St Germain.
French chiefs fined him £17,000 and banned Taiwo, 26, for one game.
The FA Cup tie will be the first time the sides have met since the Terry-Ferdinand row broke.
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2012/01/taye-taiwo-in-gay-chant-rap/?
QPR OFFICIAL SITE
YOUR BEHAVIOUR - A REMINDER
Posted on: Thu 26 Jan 2012
Queens Park Rangers Football Club is committed to confronting and eliminating discrimination, whether by reason of race, colour, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, ethnic and national origin, disability, nationality, religion or belief or gender reassignment.
The Club is proud of the atmosphere we have at Loftus Road and by working together we can stop any discrimination or behavior that has no place in football.
Loftus Road is governed by Ground Regulations and we would like to remind all visitors that by entering the ground they are agreeing to abide by these rules.
Entry to the Ground is expressly subject to acceptance by the visitor of these Ground Regulations and the rules and regulations of FIFA, UEFA, The Football Association, The Premier League and The Football League in respect of the relevant competition. The Ground Regulations incorporate the Club's Customer Charter (if any). Entry to the Ground shall constitute acceptance of the Ground Regulations.
Racial, homophobic or discriminatory abuse, chanting or harassment is strictly forbidden and will result in arrest and / or ejection from the Ground, and in addition the Club will impose a ban for one or more matches.
QPR will not tolerate sexual or racially based harassment, or other discriminatory behaviour, whether physical or verbal and where required we will work in full co-operation with the Metropolitan Police to provide CCTV footage and staff statements to ensure prosecution.
Any actions that lead to prosecution or removal from the ground will result in a ban.
No supporter needs to tolerate discrimination of any kind at Loftus Road, on the pitch or in the stands. If you experience any form of discrimination, help us to eliminate it from football. Please report this to the Club by texting the Matchday Control Room on 07557 435421. We will treat your correspondence in strictest confidence.
- Flashback: Two 1923 Videos of QPR vs Sheffield United and additional 1923 video of QPR vs Sheffield United
-
"On This Day in Football: January 26..."
- Video: Three Ultra-brief snippets; Three QPR Goals from early 1970s
- UEFA Warns Clubs about Financial Fair Play Rules...and Consequences of Breaking
- Five Year Flashback: A look at QPR Signings and Releases
- Ex-QPR Chairman Flavio Briatore Scheduled to Testify at Silvio Berlusconi Trial
- 1,000 Children Getting in Free for the Aston Villa-QPR Game
- David Conn/The Guardian: "Onus on clubs to prevent ugly spectre of racism rearing its head again
Liverpool host Manchester United in the FA Cup with the clubs' bitter rivalry soured by the Luis Suárez affair
- The Current Bottom Six Premiership Clubs: Their Remaining Fixtures
- Latest QPR Player Signing Reports/Gossip
- Recent QPR Transfer Gossip: Player-by-Player
- Tony Fernandes and Lakshmi Mittal Receive Asian Football Award
- NEXT: Chelsea (And New Statement re Chelsea Fans/Racism!)
- African Cup Updates
- Two interesting recent articles: re Managers and Agents (including Mark Hughes) and re Malaysia and Football (including re QPR)
- QPR will Play Newcastle United (Away) in the Fifth Round of the FA Youth Cup
- Courtesy of Haqpr1963!-
-
- For comprehensive and latest QPR news-related pieces and discussion, visit the football-only, somewhat-different QPR Report Messageboard. All QPR Perspectives genuinely welcomed! Or comment on any of the articles posted below - QPR REPORT Available on TWITTER!
_______________________________________________________________________________________
- On This Day in Football (January 27): 11 Years Ago: QPR Crushed by Arsenal...Get Knock out of the Cup by Preston....Re-Sign Danny Shittu...Have Taarabt Talking about the Great Neil Warnock...and Priskin Set to join on Loan + 30 Years Ago, Yesterday: Last time a QPR player Scored four in a game
- Football Academies: Brentford Opening One...The Changes in Youth Football means every club will have academies, graded from one to four.
- Ex-QPR Antonio German Joins Brentford
- One-Time QPR Target, Richard Eckersley, released by Burnley
- Interesting Piece re the Process of Football Transfer Registrations: The "nuts and bolts" involved
Taye Taiwo in gay chant rap
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2012/01/taye-taiwo-in-gay-chant-rap/?
QPR have issued a warning to fans about offensive chanting this weekend — just hours after signing a player who was banned for singing a homophobic song last year.
AC Milan left-back Taye Taiwo agreed to join the Hoops on loan for the rest of the season.
QPR hope the Nigerian will receive international clearance in time to make his debut in the FA Cup showdown with rivals Chelsea on Saturday. Both clubs yesterday appealed for fans to watch what they chant during the fourth-round tie.
The match takes place just four days before Blues skipper John Terry appears in court to answer a charge he allegedly racially abused QPR’s Anton Ferdinand during October’s fiery Prem clash — a claim JT denies.
If Taiwo plays, he will have to behave better than he did after scoring the winner to help Marseille beat Montpellier 1-0 in the French League Cup final last April.
Following the final whistle he grabbed a microphone and led fans in an expletive-ridden homophobic song about their bitter rivals Paris St Germain.
French chiefs fined him £17,000 and banned Taiwo, 26, for one game.
The FA Cup tie will be the first time the sides have met since the Terry-Ferdinand row broke.
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2012/01/taye-taiwo-in-gay-chant-rap/?
QPR OFFICIAL SITE
YOUR BEHAVIOUR - A REMINDER
Posted on: Thu 26 Jan 2012
Queens Park Rangers Football Club is committed to confronting and eliminating discrimination, whether by reason of race, colour, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, ethnic and national origin, disability, nationality, religion or belief or gender reassignment.
The Club is proud of the atmosphere we have at Loftus Road and by working together we can stop any discrimination or behavior that has no place in football.
Loftus Road is governed by Ground Regulations and we would like to remind all visitors that by entering the ground they are agreeing to abide by these rules.
Entry to the Ground is expressly subject to acceptance by the visitor of these Ground Regulations and the rules and regulations of FIFA, UEFA, The Football Association, The Premier League and The Football League in respect of the relevant competition. The Ground Regulations incorporate the Club's Customer Charter (if any). Entry to the Ground shall constitute acceptance of the Ground Regulations.
Racial, homophobic or discriminatory abuse, chanting or harassment is strictly forbidden and will result in arrest and / or ejection from the Ground, and in addition the Club will impose a ban for one or more matches.
QPR will not tolerate sexual or racially based harassment, or other discriminatory behaviour, whether physical or verbal and where required we will work in full co-operation with the Metropolitan Police to provide CCTV footage and staff statements to ensure prosecution.
Any actions that lead to prosecution or removal from the ground will result in a ban.
No supporter needs to tolerate discrimination of any kind at Loftus Road, on the pitch or in the stands. If you experience any form of discrimination, help us to eliminate it from football. Please report this to the Club by texting the Matchday Control Room on 07557 435421. We will treat your correspondence in strictest confidence.
- Flashback: Two 1923 Videos of QPR vs Sheffield United and additional 1923 video of QPR vs Sheffield United
-
"On This Day in Football: January 26..."
- Video: Three Ultra-brief snippets; Three QPR Goals from early 1970s
- UEFA Warns Clubs about Financial Fair Play Rules...and Consequences of Breaking
- Five Year Flashback: A look at QPR Signings and Releases
- Ex-QPR Chairman Flavio Briatore Scheduled to Testify at Silvio Berlusconi Trial
- 1,000 Children Getting in Free for the Aston Villa-QPR Game
- David Conn/The Guardian: "Onus on clubs to prevent ugly spectre of racism rearing its head again
Liverpool host Manchester United in the FA Cup with the clubs' bitter rivalry soured by the Luis Suárez affair
- The Current Bottom Six Premiership Clubs: Their Remaining Fixtures
- Latest QPR Player Signing Reports/Gossip
- Recent QPR Transfer Gossip: Player-by-Player
- Tony Fernandes and Lakshmi Mittal Receive Asian Football Award
- NEXT: Chelsea (And New Statement re Chelsea Fans/Racism!)
- African Cup Updates
- Two interesting recent articles: re Managers and Agents (including Mark Hughes) and re Malaysia and Football (including re QPR)
- QPR will Play Newcastle United (Away) in the Fifth Round of the FA Youth Cup
Thursday, January 26, 2012
QPR Report Thursday Updates and Flashbacks: Onuoah Joins QPR
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-
- For comprehensive and latest QPR news-related pieces and discussion, visit the football-only, somewhat-different QPR Report Messageboard. All QPR Perspectives genuinely welcomed! Or comment on any of the articles posted below - QPR REPORT Available on TWITTER!
_______________________________________________________________________________________
-
UPDATE: ONUOAH JOINS QPR ON A 4 1/2 YEAR DEAL
- Two Year Flashback: Mick Harford's (relegation-bound) QPR Crushed 5-0 by Nottingham Forest!
Ikeme, Stewart (Ramage 46), Leigertwood, Buzsaky, Gorkss, Quashie, Connolly, Faurlin (Ephraim 46), Hill, Simpson (Vine 70), Taarabt. Subs not used: Cerny, Hall, Cook, German.
- The QPR Player " London Call-In LIVE tonight at 7pm: Guests Tommy Smith, CEO Philip Beard and Kevin Gallen
- Flashback: Two 1923 Videos of QPR vs Sheffield United and additional 1923 video of QPR vs Sheffield United
-
"On This Day in Football: January 26..."
- Video: Three Ultra-brief snippets; Three QPR Goals from early 1970s
- UEFA Warns Clubs about Financial Fair Play Rules...and Consequences of Breaking
- Five Year Flashback: A look at QPR Signings and Releases
- Ex-QPR Chairman Flavio Briatore Scheduled to Testify at Silvio Berlusconi Trial
- 1,000 Children Getting in Free for the Aston Villa-QPR Game
- David Conn/The Guardian: "Onus on clubs to prevent ugly spectre of racism rearing its head again
Liverpool host Manchester United in the FA Cup with the clubs' bitter rivalry soured by the Luis Suárez affair
- The Current Bottom Six Premiership Clubs: Their Remaining Fixtures
- Latest QPR Player Signing Reports/Gossip
- Recent QPR Transfer Gossip: Player-by-Player
- Tony Fernandes and Lakshmi Mittal Receive Asian Football Award
QPR OFFICIAL SITE
EXCLUSIVE: R'S SWOOP FOR ONUOHA
Posted on: Thu 26 Jan 2012
Queens Park Rangers Football Club is delighted to confirm the signing of versatile defender Nedum Onuoha.
The 25 year-old has penned a four-and-a-half year deal, after Rangers agreed an undisclosed fee with Manchester City for his services.
Onuoha - who has made 21 starts for England Under-21's - becomes Mark Hughes's second signing as QPR boss, following the recent addition of Taye Taiwo from AC Milan.
Hughes - who worked with Onuoha in his spell as City Manager - told www.qpr.co.uk: "Nedum is a player I know very well.
Article continues
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"He did very well for me at Manchester City and played a number of games, probably more than under any other Manager.
"He is very versatile. He can play centre back or right back, and has good pace. He is a very good addition to the squad."
Hughes added: "It's important that we are able to attract good players here.
"Nedum had other options but his experience with myself and the other guys here was a big factor in why he has come to us. I am pleased about that."
Onuoha has clocked up 148 professional appearances to date, scoring six goals, including a memorable goal of the season contender against Chelsea whilst on loan at Sunderland last season.
He said: "This was the right time for me to join a Club like QPR.
"The Manager obviously played a massive factor in my decision to come here. I've worked with him before and he always wants players around him who are open and honest.
"He wouldn't have come here if he didn't believe that there was a squad of players here that can achieve the goals he has.
"The ambition of the owners was really appealing.
"This is my Club now and I'll give everything to help us succeed."
Onuoha could be in line to make his QPR debut in our FA Cup fourth round tie against Chelsea on Saturday.'
http://www.qpr.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10373~2589341,00.html
PR OFFICIAL SITE
HUGHES: 'NEDUM'S VERSATILITY KEY'
Posted on: Thu 26 Jan 2012
Mark Hughes says that new signing Nedum Onuoha's versatility played a big part in bringing the defender to Loftus Road.
The 25 year-old put pen-to-paper on a four-and-a-half year deal from Manchester City this morning (Thursday), after QPR agreed an undisclosed fee with the Barclays Premier League leaders for his services.
Hughes knows the Nigerian-born ace only too well, having managed Onuoha during his reign as City boss.
And, speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, the now-R's gaffer said: "Nedum is a player I know well.
"He did very well for me at Man City and played a number of games, probably more than under any other Manager.
"He is very versatile. He can play centre-back or right-back, and has good pace. He is a very good addition to the squad.
"I think he is more than competent in both positions. As a centre-back, he is strong and quick, and he can attack the ball. In the full-back position, he can get forward and use his pace in wider areas, so he's a great player for us to have. He offers versatility, which I like."
Hughes also added that Onuoha has an eye for the spectacular, but insists he brought the stopper to W12 for his ability to defend, first and foremost.
"On occasions he will shock you and go on a mazy and score - like he did for Sunderland against Chelsea (last season)," he continued.
"But first and foremost he is here for his defensive capabilities.
"It's important that we are able to attract good players. Nedum had other options but his experience with myself and the other guys here was a big factor in why he has come to us. I am pleased about that."
The Rangers boss also said that the prospect of First Team football was another key factor in bringing the defender to QPR.
"He is a young man who needs to get back on track and start playing games," said Hughes.
"We will reap the benefits of that because he is a determined individual who wants to be a fixture in the side if he can.
"Both he and Taye (Taiwo) are similar in that they have come here because they want to play regular football. And I think that's important.
"When you bring players into the squad you want them to be hungry and ready to make an impact.
"Both these players are good guys who are desperate to do well."
http://www.qpr.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10373~2589409,00.html
QPR Official Site
NEDUM ONUOHA: IN PROFILE
Posted on: Thu 26 Jan 2012
A graduate of the Manchester City Academy, Nedum Onuoha signed his first professional contract with the Blues in November 2004.
Then 18, the teenager signed a pro-deal just weeks after making his full debut in the 2-1 Carling Cup defeat at the hands of Arsenal.
Onuoha made his first start in the top-flight in the win over Portsmouth in November of that year playing at right-back in place of the suspended Danny Mills.
He earned an international call up to the England Under-20s for their friendly against Russia at the Valley and scored in the opening five minutes of the game.
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Onuoha was called into England Under-21 squad in the 2005/06 season and made his debut as a substitute against Poland.
Thereafter, he was a regular fixture in City's First Team squad and at Under-21 level for England.
Thigh and knee injuries restricted the defender's availability at the start of Mark Hughes' reign in 2008/09, but after regaining full fitness he established himself as first choice clocking up 20 Premier League starts.
His reward for an excellent season was a new, five-year contract, signed in July 2009. However, despite signing that new deal, Onuoha's opportunities were restricted upon Roberto Mancini's arrival in Manchester, with the defender starting just seven matches in the 2009/10 season.
With appearances few and far between, Onuoha was sent out on loan to Sunderland last season and made 32 appearances in all competitions, scoring arguably one of the goals of the season against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, in a 3-0 victory for the Mackems.
Onuoha returned to the Etihad Stadium this term, but again found opportunities limited, making just two Carling Cup appearances and one substitute's appearance in the Premier League.
http://www.qpr.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10373~2588314,00.html
Telegraph/Jason Burt
QPR Anton Ferdinand asks owner Tony Fernandes for advice over handshake with Chelsea's John Terry
Anton Ferdinand will consult Queens Park Rangers owner Tony Fernandes on Thursday before deciding whether to shake hands with John Terry before Saturday’s FA Cup tie with Chelsea.
Ferdinand is acutely aware of the potentially incendiary nature of the FA Cup fourth-round tie and the clubs issued a joint statement on Wednesday warning fans they will take action against anyone using discriminatory language. It will be the first time the clubs have met since Terry was charged with racially abusing Ferdinand during October’s Premier League derby.
The QPR defender is in a quandary as to what to do on Saturday. He does not want to inflame the situation, but neither does he feel he can easily shake Terry’s hand given the nature of the allegations even if the Chelsea captain vehemently denies wrongdoing.
Ferdinand has not made up his mind and there is no pressure, despite suggestions otherwise, from QPR for him to be reconciled with Terry during the now traditional pre-match handshake between two teams in FA Cup and league matches.
Fernandes’ opinion could be key but the Malaysian entrepreneur is unlikely to put any pressure on the defender either way although he will want to try to ensure that the match takes place without incident. It may, therefore, be deemed that a handshake could be the best solution.
In the statement QPR and Chelsea said: “Discrimination has no place in football or society.” They added: “Both clubs enjoy fantastic support. However we would remind fans that, while we want to hear their passion, hatred and abuse is not what being a fan of QPR or Chelsea is about.
“The clubs will work together with the police to ensure that anyone using discriminatory or inflammatory language is identified and that the strongest possible action is taken against them.”
Ferdinand should have a new central defensive partner for the tie after QPR on Wednesday agreed a £3 million fee for Manchester City’s Nedum Onuoha, who is set to become manager Mark Hughes’s second signing following the arrival on loan of the AC Milan left-back Taye Taiwo.
Meanwhile, it has emerged that Terry will not appear in court in person next week for the preliminary hearing of his case after being charged with a racially aggravated public order offence following the allegations that he directed a racist comment at Ferdinand. It is understood that Terry’s legal team will enter a not guilty plea on his behalf at the hearing, the case will be heard by a magistrate and not a jury, and it will then be adjourned for several weeks.
Nine men have been arrested by police investigating suspected racist chanting by Charlton Athletic fans. Police received reports of supporters singing racist songs on a train following the FA Cup tie against Fulham on Jan 7. Telegraph
- Fifteen Years:: THE Trevor Sinclair Goal for QPR vs Barnsley in the FA Cup
- 12 Years Ago: QPR Inaugurate the New QPR Messageboard
- Also Five Years Ago: Ben Kosky Article Assessing QPR's Signings over an 18 Month Period (Holloway/Waddock/Gregory - and Paladini!)
- INDEPENDENT JAMES LAWTON - It may be legal, but should managers earn sell-on fees?
- NEXT: Chelsea (And New Statement re Chelsea Fans/Racism!)
- African Cup Updates
- Two interesting recent articles: re Managers and Agents (including Mark Hughes) and re Malaysia and Football (including re QPR)
- QPR will Play Newcastle United (Away) in the Fifth Round of the FA Youth Cup
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- For comprehensive and latest QPR news-related pieces and discussion, visit the football-only, somewhat-different QPR Report Messageboard. All QPR Perspectives genuinely welcomed! Or comment on any of the articles posted below - QPR REPORT Available on TWITTER!
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UPDATE: ONUOAH JOINS QPR ON A 4 1/2 YEAR DEAL
- Two Year Flashback: Mick Harford's (relegation-bound) QPR Crushed 5-0 by Nottingham Forest!
Ikeme, Stewart (Ramage 46), Leigertwood, Buzsaky, Gorkss, Quashie, Connolly, Faurlin (Ephraim 46), Hill, Simpson (Vine 70), Taarabt. Subs not used: Cerny, Hall, Cook, German.
- The QPR Player " London Call-In LIVE tonight at 7pm: Guests Tommy Smith, CEO Philip Beard and Kevin Gallen
- Flashback: Two 1923 Videos of QPR vs Sheffield United and additional 1923 video of QPR vs Sheffield United
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"On This Day in Football: January 26..."
- Video: Three Ultra-brief snippets; Three QPR Goals from early 1970s
- UEFA Warns Clubs about Financial Fair Play Rules...and Consequences of Breaking
- Five Year Flashback: A look at QPR Signings and Releases
- Ex-QPR Chairman Flavio Briatore Scheduled to Testify at Silvio Berlusconi Trial
- 1,000 Children Getting in Free for the Aston Villa-QPR Game
- David Conn/The Guardian: "Onus on clubs to prevent ugly spectre of racism rearing its head again
Liverpool host Manchester United in the FA Cup with the clubs' bitter rivalry soured by the Luis Suárez affair
- The Current Bottom Six Premiership Clubs: Their Remaining Fixtures
- Latest QPR Player Signing Reports/Gossip
- Recent QPR Transfer Gossip: Player-by-Player
- Tony Fernandes and Lakshmi Mittal Receive Asian Football Award
QPR OFFICIAL SITE
EXCLUSIVE: R'S SWOOP FOR ONUOHA
Posted on: Thu 26 Jan 2012
Queens Park Rangers Football Club is delighted to confirm the signing of versatile defender Nedum Onuoha.
The 25 year-old has penned a four-and-a-half year deal, after Rangers agreed an undisclosed fee with Manchester City for his services.
Onuoha - who has made 21 starts for England Under-21's - becomes Mark Hughes's second signing as QPR boss, following the recent addition of Taye Taiwo from AC Milan.
Hughes - who worked with Onuoha in his spell as City Manager - told www.qpr.co.uk: "Nedum is a player I know very well.
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"He did very well for me at Manchester City and played a number of games, probably more than under any other Manager.
"He is very versatile. He can play centre back or right back, and has good pace. He is a very good addition to the squad."
Hughes added: "It's important that we are able to attract good players here.
"Nedum had other options but his experience with myself and the other guys here was a big factor in why he has come to us. I am pleased about that."
Onuoha has clocked up 148 professional appearances to date, scoring six goals, including a memorable goal of the season contender against Chelsea whilst on loan at Sunderland last season.
He said: "This was the right time for me to join a Club like QPR.
"The Manager obviously played a massive factor in my decision to come here. I've worked with him before and he always wants players around him who are open and honest.
"He wouldn't have come here if he didn't believe that there was a squad of players here that can achieve the goals he has.
"The ambition of the owners was really appealing.
"This is my Club now and I'll give everything to help us succeed."
Onuoha could be in line to make his QPR debut in our FA Cup fourth round tie against Chelsea on Saturday.'
http://www.qpr.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10373~2589341,00.html
PR OFFICIAL SITE
HUGHES: 'NEDUM'S VERSATILITY KEY'
Posted on: Thu 26 Jan 2012
Mark Hughes says that new signing Nedum Onuoha's versatility played a big part in bringing the defender to Loftus Road.
The 25 year-old put pen-to-paper on a four-and-a-half year deal from Manchester City this morning (Thursday), after QPR agreed an undisclosed fee with the Barclays Premier League leaders for his services.
Hughes knows the Nigerian-born ace only too well, having managed Onuoha during his reign as City boss.
And, speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, the now-R's gaffer said: "Nedum is a player I know well.
"He did very well for me at Man City and played a number of games, probably more than under any other Manager.
"He is very versatile. He can play centre-back or right-back, and has good pace. He is a very good addition to the squad.
"I think he is more than competent in both positions. As a centre-back, he is strong and quick, and he can attack the ball. In the full-back position, he can get forward and use his pace in wider areas, so he's a great player for us to have. He offers versatility, which I like."
Hughes also added that Onuoha has an eye for the spectacular, but insists he brought the stopper to W12 for his ability to defend, first and foremost.
"On occasions he will shock you and go on a mazy and score - like he did for Sunderland against Chelsea (last season)," he continued.
"But first and foremost he is here for his defensive capabilities.
"It's important that we are able to attract good players. Nedum had other options but his experience with myself and the other guys here was a big factor in why he has come to us. I am pleased about that."
The Rangers boss also said that the prospect of First Team football was another key factor in bringing the defender to QPR.
"He is a young man who needs to get back on track and start playing games," said Hughes.
"We will reap the benefits of that because he is a determined individual who wants to be a fixture in the side if he can.
"Both he and Taye (Taiwo) are similar in that they have come here because they want to play regular football. And I think that's important.
"When you bring players into the squad you want them to be hungry and ready to make an impact.
"Both these players are good guys who are desperate to do well."
http://www.qpr.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10373~2589409,00.html
QPR Official Site
NEDUM ONUOHA: IN PROFILE
Posted on: Thu 26 Jan 2012
A graduate of the Manchester City Academy, Nedum Onuoha signed his first professional contract with the Blues in November 2004.
Then 18, the teenager signed a pro-deal just weeks after making his full debut in the 2-1 Carling Cup defeat at the hands of Arsenal.
Onuoha made his first start in the top-flight in the win over Portsmouth in November of that year playing at right-back in place of the suspended Danny Mills.
He earned an international call up to the England Under-20s for their friendly against Russia at the Valley and scored in the opening five minutes of the game.
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Onuoha was called into England Under-21 squad in the 2005/06 season and made his debut as a substitute against Poland.
Thereafter, he was a regular fixture in City's First Team squad and at Under-21 level for England.
Thigh and knee injuries restricted the defender's availability at the start of Mark Hughes' reign in 2008/09, but after regaining full fitness he established himself as first choice clocking up 20 Premier League starts.
His reward for an excellent season was a new, five-year contract, signed in July 2009. However, despite signing that new deal, Onuoha's opportunities were restricted upon Roberto Mancini's arrival in Manchester, with the defender starting just seven matches in the 2009/10 season.
With appearances few and far between, Onuoha was sent out on loan to Sunderland last season and made 32 appearances in all competitions, scoring arguably one of the goals of the season against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, in a 3-0 victory for the Mackems.
Onuoha returned to the Etihad Stadium this term, but again found opportunities limited, making just two Carling Cup appearances and one substitute's appearance in the Premier League.
http://www.qpr.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10373~2588314,00.html
Telegraph/Jason Burt
QPR Anton Ferdinand asks owner Tony Fernandes for advice over handshake with Chelsea's John Terry
Anton Ferdinand will consult Queens Park Rangers owner Tony Fernandes on Thursday before deciding whether to shake hands with John Terry before Saturday’s FA Cup tie with Chelsea.
Ferdinand is acutely aware of the potentially incendiary nature of the FA Cup fourth-round tie and the clubs issued a joint statement on Wednesday warning fans they will take action against anyone using discriminatory language. It will be the first time the clubs have met since Terry was charged with racially abusing Ferdinand during October’s Premier League derby.
The QPR defender is in a quandary as to what to do on Saturday. He does not want to inflame the situation, but neither does he feel he can easily shake Terry’s hand given the nature of the allegations even if the Chelsea captain vehemently denies wrongdoing.
Ferdinand has not made up his mind and there is no pressure, despite suggestions otherwise, from QPR for him to be reconciled with Terry during the now traditional pre-match handshake between two teams in FA Cup and league matches.
Fernandes’ opinion could be key but the Malaysian entrepreneur is unlikely to put any pressure on the defender either way although he will want to try to ensure that the match takes place without incident. It may, therefore, be deemed that a handshake could be the best solution.
In the statement QPR and Chelsea said: “Discrimination has no place in football or society.” They added: “Both clubs enjoy fantastic support. However we would remind fans that, while we want to hear their passion, hatred and abuse is not what being a fan of QPR or Chelsea is about.
“The clubs will work together with the police to ensure that anyone using discriminatory or inflammatory language is identified and that the strongest possible action is taken against them.”
Ferdinand should have a new central defensive partner for the tie after QPR on Wednesday agreed a £3 million fee for Manchester City’s Nedum Onuoha, who is set to become manager Mark Hughes’s second signing following the arrival on loan of the AC Milan left-back Taye Taiwo.
Meanwhile, it has emerged that Terry will not appear in court in person next week for the preliminary hearing of his case after being charged with a racially aggravated public order offence following the allegations that he directed a racist comment at Ferdinand. It is understood that Terry’s legal team will enter a not guilty plea on his behalf at the hearing, the case will be heard by a magistrate and not a jury, and it will then be adjourned for several weeks.
Nine men have been arrested by police investigating suspected racist chanting by Charlton Athletic fans. Police received reports of supporters singing racist songs on a train following the FA Cup tie against Fulham on Jan 7. Telegraph
- Fifteen Years:: THE Trevor Sinclair Goal for QPR vs Barnsley in the FA Cup
- 12 Years Ago: QPR Inaugurate the New QPR Messageboard
- Also Five Years Ago: Ben Kosky Article Assessing QPR's Signings over an 18 Month Period (Holloway/Waddock/Gregory - and Paladini!)
- INDEPENDENT JAMES LAWTON - It may be legal, but should managers earn sell-on fees?
- NEXT: Chelsea (And New Statement re Chelsea Fans/Racism!)
- African Cup Updates
- Two interesting recent articles: re Managers and Agents (including Mark Hughes) and re Malaysia and Football (including re QPR)
- QPR will Play Newcastle United (Away) in the Fifth Round of the FA Youth Cup
-
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
QPR's Tony Fernandes and Lakshmi Mittal Receive "Investors in Football" Award at Asian Football Awards...Loan Signing...Joint QPR-Chelsea Appeal
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- For comprehensive and latest QPR news-related pieces and discussion, visit the football-only, somewhat-different QPR Report Messageboard. All QPR Perspectives genuinely welcomed! Or comment on any of the articles posted below - QPR REPORT Available on TWITTER!
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- Brian Mahon/Soccernet Blog re QPR - "Seven Days and Counting"
- QPR Podcast this week with Les Ferdinand
- Fifteen Years ago Today: THE Trevor Sinclair Goal for QPR vs Barnsley in the FA Cup
- Fourteen Years Ago: Trevor Sinclair Leaves QPR...Iain Dowie Joins...Mark Kennedy Joins on Loan
- 12 Years Ago: QPR Inaugurate the New QPR Messageboard
- FIve Years Ago: QPR's Financial Difficulties - Epitomized with St. Johns Ambulance Brigade reported non-Payment
- Also Five Years Ago: Ben Kosky Article Assessing QPR's Signings over an 18 Month Period (Holloway/Waddock/Gregory - and Paladini!)
- Two Years Ago: Former QPR Statician, Derek Buxton Died
- INDEPENDENT JAMES LAWTON - It may be legal, but should managers earn sell-on fees?
QPR's Tony Fernandes and Lakshmi Mittal Receive "Investors in Football" Award at Asian Football Awards
The Asian Football Awards were held last night at Wembley. Tony Fernandes and Lakshmi Mittal received the award for "Investors in Football."
There were several other nominees for awards which didn't win.
- QPR - Player Development Centre (West London) nominees in the "Football Development project of the year" category.
- QPR's Sangi Patel is one of the nominees for "Woman Footballer of the Year."
- Sangi Patel (Physio) is also nominated in the "Football behind the scenes award - 'Medical'
- Former QPR Player, Zesh Rehman was one of the Nominees for Asian Footballer of the year. Rehman's Zesh Rehman Foundation was also nominated for Football Foundation of the year
QPR's Sangi Patel
- Complete Set of Winners Asian Football Awards
Asian Football Awards –
Player of the Year Michael Chopra – Ipswich Town
Young Player of the Year Danny Batth – Sheffield Wednesday/Wolves
Coach of the Year Nas Bashir – Hayes & Yeading
Asian Woman in Football
Rimla Akhtar – Muslim Women’s Sports Foundation
Investors in Football
Tony Fernandes and Lakshmi Mittal – QPR
Foundation of the Year
Osmani Trust
Behind the Scenes – Administration
Raj Athwal – Watford
Behind the Scenes – Medical
Dr Zaf Iqbal – Liverpool
Football Media of the Year
Manish Bhasin – BBC
Grass Roots Hero
Bal Singh – KFA
Asian Community Club of the Year
London Tigers
Inspiration Awards
Permi Jhooti
Football Development Project of the Year
Diversity Academy – Nottingham
Lifetime Achievement Award Jarnail Singh - Winners
- See Complete List of Nominations (All Categories)
PR Official Site
FERNANDES & MITTAL SCOOP AWARD
Posted on: Wed 25 Jan 2012
Tony Fernandes and Lakshmi Mittal were honoured at last night's inaugural Asian Football Awards (AFA), staged at Wembley Stadium.
The pair won the 'Investors in Football' award as a number of exceptional UK Asians from the world of football were recognised for their achievements and contribution to the game.
In their absence, QPR in the Community Trust CEO Andy Evans collected the award on their behalf.
Meanwhile Sangi Patel, QPR's Assistant Physio, was also recognised with a double nomination.
Patel was short-listed for 'Woman Footballer Of The Year' and 'Football Behind The Scenes Award - Medical'.
The AFA has been set up to help raise the awareness and development of Asians in Football.
It was stated that the global power of South Asians in football is "clear to see with owners such as Tony Fernandes and Lakshmi Mittal". QPR
GUARDIAN/DOMINIC FIFIELD - J
Chelsea and QPR chairmen to appeal for FA Cup-tie calm
• Anton Ferdinand to consult about shaking John Terry's hand
• Alex leaves Chelsea for Paris St-Germain in £4m deal
The chairmen of Chelsea and Queens Park Rangers, Bruce Buck and Tony Fernandes, will issue a joint statement on Wednesday appealing for calm ahead of Saturday's potentially explosive derby between the clubs.
Tensions are running high around the fixture, with John Terry due to appear at west London magistrates' court a week today charged with racially abusing the QPR defender Anton Ferdinand during the league clash involving the clubs in October. Terry denies directing the comments at his opponent.
The Chelsea manager, André Villas-Boas, has already indicated he will have no qualms selecting his captain for the FA Cup fourth-round tie – which has been moved forward to a midday kick-off on police advice – though Buck and Fernandes will release their statement in the hope they can defuse some of the tension.
Pockets of Chelsea supporters have adopted a provocative chant about the incident that has been sung at some games since, most notably in the Champions League match at Genk, though the chairmen will plead for both sets of fans to "focus on the football" rather than the issues around the game.
Terry intends to offer his hand to his opponent in the pre-match formalities that will inevitably draw the focus at Loftus Road, though it remains unclear whether Ferdinand will accept it. The QPR defender is expected to speak with the club [THURS] on Thursday about the issue and will only then decide whether or not to shake hands prior to kick-off.
Lord Ouseley, an FA Councillor and chairman of the anti-racism campaign Kick it Out, has urged Ferdinand to do so. "Here we have the due process taking place, where a player will face the consequences of his actions," he said. "But there is every reason for players and indeed fans to show civility and respect toward each other and focus on the football. I have nothing against that. A handshake now is part of the reconciliation and honesty that needs to take place.
"It is not about retribution and continued hostility. It is about reconciliation. It is about how to take the heat out of the situation of the two clubs meeting again, and problems with fans' behaviour as a result of what happened between the players previously. A handshake before the game will not deflect from what went on before and how it will be dealt with."
Chelsea, whose squad are in Majorca on a warm-weather training break, are expected to make an improved offer for Shakhtar Donetsk's Brazilian forward Willian before the closure of the transfer window next week. An initial inquiry for the 23-year-old, who would be cup-tied for the Champions League, has been rejected, with Shakhtar seeking considerably more than the £16.5m Chelsea initially indicated they might be willing to pay, though an improved bid will test the Ukrainian club's resolve.
Chelsea may also seek to complete a move for Genk's Kevin de Bruyne before the cut-off, though the winger would remain at the Belgian club on loan for the season. Alex, meanwhile, is close to completing a £4m move to Paris St-Germain that will see the central defender reunited with Carlo Ancelotti. The Brazilian rejected the chance to join QPR, who have at least completed the six-month loan of the Milan defender Taye Taiwo after the Nigerian was granted a work permit. Guardian
Dave McIntyre on Buzsaky and Bothroyd
Dave McIntyre Blog - questions for Buzsaky to answer
I�ve received some nice comments since Saturday suggesting I was proved right about Akos Buzsaky, which in fairness is a bit premature.
Even while Taarabt was in his pomp I�ve always said Buzsaky is the best player at Rangers and the one whose attributes are most transferable to the Premier League, which upset some admirers of Ale Faurlin as well as Taarabt�s fan club.
But even after Saturday I think questions still remain about Buzsaky. Three bad injuries in succession and other periods of inactivity are bound to affect a player.
I doubt even his staunchest critic would deny that Buzsaky is dangerous from set-pieces and can deliver a ball, so in many ways the Wigan game told us nothing we didn�t already know.
The main question is whether Buzsaky has the legs to play consistently in the Premier League and so far that hasn�t been answered. The Wigan game was ideal for him. Faurlin, who I�ve been critical of, looks a great player in matches like that too.
The signs are good though. Buzsaky�s actually getting better and sharper with every game and during games, which is exactly what you�d want to see from someone who needs to recover his sharpness after a long spell of inactivity.
It�s been particularly difficult for Buzsaky, because the odd cameo appearance in which he�s desperate to impress is the worst situation for a player of his type to be in.
He�s a touch player, and those kind of players need games � and confidence.
With that and some match sharpness back, I�ve no doubt whatsoever that Buzsaky isn�t only Premier League class, he�s top half of the Premier League class.
I�ve believed that since he wasn�t even a first-team regular at Plymouth and stand by it. But the centre of a 4-4-2 can be very unforgiving in the top division and tougher tests lie in store for him, that�s for sure.
I�d really like to see him establish himself as a first-team regular, which won�t be easy under a new manager who is urgently looking to strengthen every area of the team apart from goalkeeper � despite being linked with Ben Foster and Heurello Gomes.
It�s a great chance for Buzsaky though, made possible as much by Faurlin�s sad injury as the sacking of Neil Warnock.
In fairness to Warnock, he did initially regard him as a first-team player and planned to make him a key part of the side last season.
But Buzsaky picked up an injury shortly before the opening game, Shaun Derry � who was signed purely as a squad player � started instead and the rest is history.
That said, only a club with more money than sense would have been looking to offload a player like Buzsaky while, as usual, trying to buy half a team during the transfer window � something no-one else does but which at Rangers seems to be accepted as the done thing.
Buzsaky was written off too quickly, and I think the same may be happening with Jay Bothroyd.
I can�t claim to be Bothroyd�s biggest fan, but I would have taken him on a free last summer and think he�s since been a bit unlucky.
Apart from last season, Bothroyd has never been a goalscorer. So getting on his back for not scoring is a complete waste of time.
He isn�t that kind of forward. His strengths are his touch, being at the centre of things, bringing others into play, moving defenders around and so on. He isn�t and never has been what you might call a number one striker.
And like Buzsaky, he�s a touch player who needs games. There�s no point putting him in and taking him out. You either stick with him or ditch him, and I�d be inclined to stick with him.
Part of the reason he was so effective last season was that he played regularly for Cardiff. Their other striker changed repeatedly, but be it alongside Chopra, Bellamy, McCormack or Whittingham, he played.
It�s different for someone like Helguson � once similarly written off and now the blue-eyed boy � as he�s more of a battering-ram type of forward so can be chucked on during a game and expected to do his stuff.
Bothroyd did his job as a lone striker very well earlier in the season, but that job is a thankless one and it�s no coincidence that players in that role are consistently criticised by fans at QPR and elsewhere.
It�s a team role appreciated mainly by the team � not least the attacking midfielder who pops up in acres of space in the penalty area. Few ask how and why he got there or where the opposing centre-backs were.
Helguson is a recent example of that. Kevin Gallen made Rangers tick and was a fine Mark Hughes-type forward but, according to some, slow, overweight and often the weak link in the side.
Bothroyd�s confidence dipped a bit after his time in the firing line and he�s having to work his way back into the swing of things when he�s not a crowd favourite.
Personally I�m not a fan of his attitude, but he�s one of these players who doesn�t respond to being berated, either from the stands or touchline.
He does have a contribution to make and, like most number two-type forwards, that contribution is always more appreciated on the pitch than in the stands.
Proof of that is in the reaction of other players to him.
Think of the QPR players you�d consider to be the best pros at the club and have the best attitude. I imagine the kind of names that come to mind are Derry, Hill and Mackie maybe.
Now think back to last season and those players� reaction to Taarabt during games.
Yes, they tolerated him and at times marvelled at him. But there were times when their anger at him was obvious. Before his injury, Mackie often looked particularly frustrated with Taarabt during matches.
Look at the very different reaction to Bothroyd from those players when they�re on the pitch together.
At every opportunity they�re having a word in his ear, patting him on the back when something doesn�t come off for him, and are always looking to get around him and encourage him. That tells you a lot.
So I�ve got some time for Bothroyd. As misfiring strikers with questionable attitudes go. Dave McIntyre Blog
TAYE TAIWO JOINS QPR ON LOAN
QPR Official Site
AC MILAN STAR SIGNS
Mark Hughes has clinched his first signing as new QPR Manager, with the addition of AC Milan left-back Taye Taiwo.
The 26 year-old, who can also operate in midfield, has put pen-to-paper on loan deal until the end of the season.
Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, Hughes said: "I have known of him for a long time and admired him from afar.
"To get him now is a fantastic coup and a real statement of intent that we can attract the quality of player that he is. I am looking forward to working with him.
"He has got great ability, a good reputation in the game and a great personality.
"He plays with a smile on his face and I think QPR fans are going to enjoy seeing him play for us."
Taiwo, who is widely regarded as one of the best left-back's in world football, joined AC Milan from Olympique de Marseille this summer, and has made eight appearances in all competitions to date this term, including four in the Champions League.
An expert from dead-ball situations, Taiwo - who will wear the number 34 shirt - has 48 international caps to his name for his native Nigeria.
He said: "It's a new and exciting challenge for me and one I am very much looking forward to.
"I'm very grateful to Mark Hughes for bringing me here. It is always nice for a player when you know the Manager wants you and I will repay his faith in me.
"I can't wait to play for the Club.
"I know only hard work, good performance, dedication, and passion will connect me with the fans but I'm prepared.
"I'm looking forward to what lies ahead and I'm prepared to give my all to the QPR cause."
http://www.qpr.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10373~2583414,00.html
QPR Official Site
HUGHES: TAIWO SIGNING A COUPPosted on: Tue 24 Jan 2012
Mark Hughes has revealed his delight after finally securing the services of Taye Taiwo - at the third attempt.
Hughes was keen on the Nigerian left-back while managing both Blackburn Rovers and Manchester City, and he told www.qpr.co.uk: "I have known of him for a long time and admired him from afar.
"I actually showed an interest in him while I was at Blackburn, but he was a little bit too expensive at the time.
"He was also on my radar when I was at City, and we had an interest in him again but it didn't happen.
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"To get him now is a fantastic coup and a real statement of intent that we can attract the quality of player that he is. I am looking forward to working with him.
"He has got great ability, a good reputation in the game and a great personality.
"He plays with a smile on his face and I think QPR fans are going to enjoy seeing him play for us."
Taiwo, who was a regular during his six-year stint at French giants Marseille before his summer move to AC Milan, has shown a keenness which has impressed Hughes.
"Taye is a very driven guy and his personality and character is very important to me," added the QPR boss.
"He is desperate to play and I think that is one of the main reasons why he is here. He is used to playing week in, week out.
"If you look at his playing record he has played a lot of games since he has been professional.
"It is only this year that he lacked opportunities to play at AC Milan, which is a top, top Club."
And despite this being Taiwo's first spell in English football, Hughes has no reservations about how he will settle on these shores.
"I don't have any concerns about that," he added. "He speaks perfect English as do his children and I am sure they are looking forward to coming here."
Hughes believes his previous keenness on Taiwo may have helped attract the 26 year-old to W12.
"He knew of my interest in him in the past and maybe that was a factor," he added.
"He seems very motivated to come in and do well. He said he wants to show people what he is about."
And R's fans could be in for a treat when it comes to set-pieces, with Taiwo regarded as a dead-ball specialist.
"He is a big powerful guy who likes to take free-kicks," confirmed Hughes. "I am sure we will enjoy him having big run-ups and lashing the ball at goal - hopefully some of them will go in."
http://www.qpr.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10373~2583076,00.html
QPR OFFICIAL SITE
EXCLUSIVE: TAIWO RELISHING PREM CHALLENGE
New QPR signing Taye Taiwo is relishing the opportunity to play in the Premier League - a division he describes as 'the best league in the world.'
The Nigerian international, who has penned a six month loan deal at Loftus Road, spoke exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, commenting: "It's a new challenge for me.
"I don't know too much about QPR, but I'm learning a lot already.
"I know the Premier League and it's a very exciting division.
"It has always been a dream of mine to play in this league.
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"Wherever you go in the world, people always talk about the Premier League and it will be nice to play in a country that speaks the same language as me."
The Club expects Taiwo to receive his international clearance in the coming days, once he returns to Italy for his visa tomorrow, but Saturday's FA Cup tie against Chelsea could come too soon for him.
However, the Milan star is fully aware that the Premier League is Rangers' priority between now and the end of the season.
"The Chelsea tie is a big one, but the league matters most.
"We need to stay in this division this season - and that is the objective."
http://www.qpr.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10373~2583442,00.html
QPR Official Site
TAYE TAIWO: IN PROFILE
Posted on: Tue 24 Jan 2012
New QPR recruit Taye Taiwo arrives at Loftus Road with a wealth of experience at both Club and international level.
The Nigerian left-back, who can also operate in midfield, started his career in his homeland with Gabros International, before moving to Nigeria Premier League side, Lobi Stars.
After impressing a whole host of Europe's top Clubs, the defender earned a move to French giants Olympique de Marseille in 2005, filling the void left by revered French international Bixente Lizarazu following his move to Bayern Munich.
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It proved to be the making of the then 20 year-old, who would go on to make the left-back spot his own for the next six years.
Various personal and team achievements followed, with Taiwo - an expert from dead-ball situations - notching a number of crucial winning goals, most recently against Montpellier HSC, to win the Coupe de la Ligue at the Stade de France last season.
Taiwo also played a pivotal role in Marseille's league title success last term, scoring four goals from left-back, as the L'OM secured their first Ligue 1 title in 18 years.
AC Milan was his next port of call, with the defender - who has 48 international caps to his name - joining the Rossoneri in a joint deal with French defender Philippe Mexes.
He made his debut in a 1-0 Serie A victory against Cesena, and has made eight appearances in all competitions this term, including four in the Champions League.
http://www.qpr.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10373~2583412,00.html
- NEXT: Chelsea (And New Statement re Chelsea Fans/Racism!)
- African Cup Updates
- Two interesting recent articles: re Managers and Agents (including Mark Hughes) and re Malaysia and Football (including re QPR)
- Who is Kia Joorabchian?
- QPR will Play Newcastle United (Away) in the Fifth Round of the FA Youth Cup
- Tuesday, January 24: The Asian Football Awards: Nominees Include Tony Fernandes and Lakshmi Mittal...Also a couple of other QPR Nominations
- The Current Bottom Six Premiership Clubs: Their Remaining Fixtures
- Latest QPR Player Signing Reports/Gossip
- Recent QPR Transfer Gossip: Player-by-Player
-
- For comprehensive and latest QPR news-related pieces and discussion, visit the football-only, somewhat-different QPR Report Messageboard. All QPR Perspectives genuinely welcomed! Or comment on any of the articles posted below - QPR REPORT Available on TWITTER!
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
-
- Brian Mahon/Soccernet Blog re QPR - "Seven Days and Counting"
- QPR Podcast this week with Les Ferdinand
- Fifteen Years ago Today: THE Trevor Sinclair Goal for QPR vs Barnsley in the FA Cup
- Fourteen Years Ago: Trevor Sinclair Leaves QPR...Iain Dowie Joins...Mark Kennedy Joins on Loan
- 12 Years Ago: QPR Inaugurate the New QPR Messageboard
- FIve Years Ago: QPR's Financial Difficulties - Epitomized with St. Johns Ambulance Brigade reported non-Payment
- Also Five Years Ago: Ben Kosky Article Assessing QPR's Signings over an 18 Month Period (Holloway/Waddock/Gregory - and Paladini!)
- Two Years Ago: Former QPR Statician, Derek Buxton Died
- INDEPENDENT JAMES LAWTON - It may be legal, but should managers earn sell-on fees?
QPR's Tony Fernandes and Lakshmi Mittal Receive "Investors in Football" Award at Asian Football Awards
The Asian Football Awards were held last night at Wembley. Tony Fernandes and Lakshmi Mittal received the award for "Investors in Football."
There were several other nominees for awards which didn't win.
- QPR - Player Development Centre (West London) nominees in the "Football Development project of the year" category.
- QPR's Sangi Patel is one of the nominees for "Woman Footballer of the Year."
- Sangi Patel (Physio) is also nominated in the "Football behind the scenes award - 'Medical'
- Former QPR Player, Zesh Rehman was one of the Nominees for Asian Footballer of the year. Rehman's Zesh Rehman Foundation was also nominated for Football Foundation of the year
QPR's Sangi Patel
- Complete Set of Winners Asian Football Awards
Asian Football Awards –
Player of the Year Michael Chopra – Ipswich Town
Young Player of the Year Danny Batth – Sheffield Wednesday/Wolves
Coach of the Year Nas Bashir – Hayes & Yeading
Asian Woman in Football
Rimla Akhtar – Muslim Women’s Sports Foundation
Investors in Football
Tony Fernandes and Lakshmi Mittal – QPR
Foundation of the Year
Osmani Trust
Behind the Scenes – Administration
Raj Athwal – Watford
Behind the Scenes – Medical
Dr Zaf Iqbal – Liverpool
Football Media of the Year
Manish Bhasin – BBC
Grass Roots Hero
Bal Singh – KFA
Asian Community Club of the Year
London Tigers
Inspiration Awards
Permi Jhooti
Football Development Project of the Year
Diversity Academy – Nottingham
Lifetime Achievement Award Jarnail Singh - Winners
- See Complete List of Nominations (All Categories)
PR Official Site
FERNANDES & MITTAL SCOOP AWARD
Posted on: Wed 25 Jan 2012
Tony Fernandes and Lakshmi Mittal were honoured at last night's inaugural Asian Football Awards (AFA), staged at Wembley Stadium.
The pair won the 'Investors in Football' award as a number of exceptional UK Asians from the world of football were recognised for their achievements and contribution to the game.
In their absence, QPR in the Community Trust CEO Andy Evans collected the award on their behalf.
Meanwhile Sangi Patel, QPR's Assistant Physio, was also recognised with a double nomination.
Patel was short-listed for 'Woman Footballer Of The Year' and 'Football Behind The Scenes Award - Medical'.
The AFA has been set up to help raise the awareness and development of Asians in Football.
It was stated that the global power of South Asians in football is "clear to see with owners such as Tony Fernandes and Lakshmi Mittal". QPR
GUARDIAN/DOMINIC FIFIELD - J
Chelsea and QPR chairmen to appeal for FA Cup-tie calm
• Anton Ferdinand to consult about shaking John Terry's hand
• Alex leaves Chelsea for Paris St-Germain in £4m deal
The chairmen of Chelsea and Queens Park Rangers, Bruce Buck and Tony Fernandes, will issue a joint statement on Wednesday appealing for calm ahead of Saturday's potentially explosive derby between the clubs.
Tensions are running high around the fixture, with John Terry due to appear at west London magistrates' court a week today charged with racially abusing the QPR defender Anton Ferdinand during the league clash involving the clubs in October. Terry denies directing the comments at his opponent.
The Chelsea manager, André Villas-Boas, has already indicated he will have no qualms selecting his captain for the FA Cup fourth-round tie – which has been moved forward to a midday kick-off on police advice – though Buck and Fernandes will release their statement in the hope they can defuse some of the tension.
Pockets of Chelsea supporters have adopted a provocative chant about the incident that has been sung at some games since, most notably in the Champions League match at Genk, though the chairmen will plead for both sets of fans to "focus on the football" rather than the issues around the game.
Terry intends to offer his hand to his opponent in the pre-match formalities that will inevitably draw the focus at Loftus Road, though it remains unclear whether Ferdinand will accept it. The QPR defender is expected to speak with the club [THURS] on Thursday about the issue and will only then decide whether or not to shake hands prior to kick-off.
Lord Ouseley, an FA Councillor and chairman of the anti-racism campaign Kick it Out, has urged Ferdinand to do so. "Here we have the due process taking place, where a player will face the consequences of his actions," he said. "But there is every reason for players and indeed fans to show civility and respect toward each other and focus on the football. I have nothing against that. A handshake now is part of the reconciliation and honesty that needs to take place.
"It is not about retribution and continued hostility. It is about reconciliation. It is about how to take the heat out of the situation of the two clubs meeting again, and problems with fans' behaviour as a result of what happened between the players previously. A handshake before the game will not deflect from what went on before and how it will be dealt with."
Chelsea, whose squad are in Majorca on a warm-weather training break, are expected to make an improved offer for Shakhtar Donetsk's Brazilian forward Willian before the closure of the transfer window next week. An initial inquiry for the 23-year-old, who would be cup-tied for the Champions League, has been rejected, with Shakhtar seeking considerably more than the £16.5m Chelsea initially indicated they might be willing to pay, though an improved bid will test the Ukrainian club's resolve.
Chelsea may also seek to complete a move for Genk's Kevin de Bruyne before the cut-off, though the winger would remain at the Belgian club on loan for the season. Alex, meanwhile, is close to completing a £4m move to Paris St-Germain that will see the central defender reunited with Carlo Ancelotti. The Brazilian rejected the chance to join QPR, who have at least completed the six-month loan of the Milan defender Taye Taiwo after the Nigerian was granted a work permit. Guardian
Dave McIntyre on Buzsaky and Bothroyd
Dave McIntyre Blog - questions for Buzsaky to answer
I�ve received some nice comments since Saturday suggesting I was proved right about Akos Buzsaky, which in fairness is a bit premature.
Even while Taarabt was in his pomp I�ve always said Buzsaky is the best player at Rangers and the one whose attributes are most transferable to the Premier League, which upset some admirers of Ale Faurlin as well as Taarabt�s fan club.
But even after Saturday I think questions still remain about Buzsaky. Three bad injuries in succession and other periods of inactivity are bound to affect a player.
I doubt even his staunchest critic would deny that Buzsaky is dangerous from set-pieces and can deliver a ball, so in many ways the Wigan game told us nothing we didn�t already know.
The main question is whether Buzsaky has the legs to play consistently in the Premier League and so far that hasn�t been answered. The Wigan game was ideal for him. Faurlin, who I�ve been critical of, looks a great player in matches like that too.
The signs are good though. Buzsaky�s actually getting better and sharper with every game and during games, which is exactly what you�d want to see from someone who needs to recover his sharpness after a long spell of inactivity.
It�s been particularly difficult for Buzsaky, because the odd cameo appearance in which he�s desperate to impress is the worst situation for a player of his type to be in.
He�s a touch player, and those kind of players need games � and confidence.
With that and some match sharpness back, I�ve no doubt whatsoever that Buzsaky isn�t only Premier League class, he�s top half of the Premier League class.
I�ve believed that since he wasn�t even a first-team regular at Plymouth and stand by it. But the centre of a 4-4-2 can be very unforgiving in the top division and tougher tests lie in store for him, that�s for sure.
I�d really like to see him establish himself as a first-team regular, which won�t be easy under a new manager who is urgently looking to strengthen every area of the team apart from goalkeeper � despite being linked with Ben Foster and Heurello Gomes.
It�s a great chance for Buzsaky though, made possible as much by Faurlin�s sad injury as the sacking of Neil Warnock.
In fairness to Warnock, he did initially regard him as a first-team player and planned to make him a key part of the side last season.
But Buzsaky picked up an injury shortly before the opening game, Shaun Derry � who was signed purely as a squad player � started instead and the rest is history.
That said, only a club with more money than sense would have been looking to offload a player like Buzsaky while, as usual, trying to buy half a team during the transfer window � something no-one else does but which at Rangers seems to be accepted as the done thing.
Buzsaky was written off too quickly, and I think the same may be happening with Jay Bothroyd.
I can�t claim to be Bothroyd�s biggest fan, but I would have taken him on a free last summer and think he�s since been a bit unlucky.
Apart from last season, Bothroyd has never been a goalscorer. So getting on his back for not scoring is a complete waste of time.
He isn�t that kind of forward. His strengths are his touch, being at the centre of things, bringing others into play, moving defenders around and so on. He isn�t and never has been what you might call a number one striker.
And like Buzsaky, he�s a touch player who needs games. There�s no point putting him in and taking him out. You either stick with him or ditch him, and I�d be inclined to stick with him.
Part of the reason he was so effective last season was that he played regularly for Cardiff. Their other striker changed repeatedly, but be it alongside Chopra, Bellamy, McCormack or Whittingham, he played.
It�s different for someone like Helguson � once similarly written off and now the blue-eyed boy � as he�s more of a battering-ram type of forward so can be chucked on during a game and expected to do his stuff.
Bothroyd did his job as a lone striker very well earlier in the season, but that job is a thankless one and it�s no coincidence that players in that role are consistently criticised by fans at QPR and elsewhere.
It�s a team role appreciated mainly by the team � not least the attacking midfielder who pops up in acres of space in the penalty area. Few ask how and why he got there or where the opposing centre-backs were.
Helguson is a recent example of that. Kevin Gallen made Rangers tick and was a fine Mark Hughes-type forward but, according to some, slow, overweight and often the weak link in the side.
Bothroyd�s confidence dipped a bit after his time in the firing line and he�s having to work his way back into the swing of things when he�s not a crowd favourite.
Personally I�m not a fan of his attitude, but he�s one of these players who doesn�t respond to being berated, either from the stands or touchline.
He does have a contribution to make and, like most number two-type forwards, that contribution is always more appreciated on the pitch than in the stands.
Proof of that is in the reaction of other players to him.
Think of the QPR players you�d consider to be the best pros at the club and have the best attitude. I imagine the kind of names that come to mind are Derry, Hill and Mackie maybe.
Now think back to last season and those players� reaction to Taarabt during games.
Yes, they tolerated him and at times marvelled at him. But there were times when their anger at him was obvious. Before his injury, Mackie often looked particularly frustrated with Taarabt during matches.
Look at the very different reaction to Bothroyd from those players when they�re on the pitch together.
At every opportunity they�re having a word in his ear, patting him on the back when something doesn�t come off for him, and are always looking to get around him and encourage him. That tells you a lot.
So I�ve got some time for Bothroyd. As misfiring strikers with questionable attitudes go. Dave McIntyre Blog
TAYE TAIWO JOINS QPR ON LOAN
QPR Official Site
AC MILAN STAR SIGNS
Mark Hughes has clinched his first signing as new QPR Manager, with the addition of AC Milan left-back Taye Taiwo.
The 26 year-old, who can also operate in midfield, has put pen-to-paper on loan deal until the end of the season.
Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, Hughes said: "I have known of him for a long time and admired him from afar.
"To get him now is a fantastic coup and a real statement of intent that we can attract the quality of player that he is. I am looking forward to working with him.
"He has got great ability, a good reputation in the game and a great personality.
"He plays with a smile on his face and I think QPR fans are going to enjoy seeing him play for us."
Taiwo, who is widely regarded as one of the best left-back's in world football, joined AC Milan from Olympique de Marseille this summer, and has made eight appearances in all competitions to date this term, including four in the Champions League.
An expert from dead-ball situations, Taiwo - who will wear the number 34 shirt - has 48 international caps to his name for his native Nigeria.
He said: "It's a new and exciting challenge for me and one I am very much looking forward to.
"I'm very grateful to Mark Hughes for bringing me here. It is always nice for a player when you know the Manager wants you and I will repay his faith in me.
"I can't wait to play for the Club.
"I know only hard work, good performance, dedication, and passion will connect me with the fans but I'm prepared.
"I'm looking forward to what lies ahead and I'm prepared to give my all to the QPR cause."
http://www.qpr.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10373~2583414,00.html
QPR Official Site
HUGHES: TAIWO SIGNING A COUPPosted on: Tue 24 Jan 2012
Mark Hughes has revealed his delight after finally securing the services of Taye Taiwo - at the third attempt.
Hughes was keen on the Nigerian left-back while managing both Blackburn Rovers and Manchester City, and he told www.qpr.co.uk: "I have known of him for a long time and admired him from afar.
"I actually showed an interest in him while I was at Blackburn, but he was a little bit too expensive at the time.
"He was also on my radar when I was at City, and we had an interest in him again but it didn't happen.
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"To get him now is a fantastic coup and a real statement of intent that we can attract the quality of player that he is. I am looking forward to working with him.
"He has got great ability, a good reputation in the game and a great personality.
"He plays with a smile on his face and I think QPR fans are going to enjoy seeing him play for us."
Taiwo, who was a regular during his six-year stint at French giants Marseille before his summer move to AC Milan, has shown a keenness which has impressed Hughes.
"Taye is a very driven guy and his personality and character is very important to me," added the QPR boss.
"He is desperate to play and I think that is one of the main reasons why he is here. He is used to playing week in, week out.
"If you look at his playing record he has played a lot of games since he has been professional.
"It is only this year that he lacked opportunities to play at AC Milan, which is a top, top Club."
And despite this being Taiwo's first spell in English football, Hughes has no reservations about how he will settle on these shores.
"I don't have any concerns about that," he added. "He speaks perfect English as do his children and I am sure they are looking forward to coming here."
Hughes believes his previous keenness on Taiwo may have helped attract the 26 year-old to W12.
"He knew of my interest in him in the past and maybe that was a factor," he added.
"He seems very motivated to come in and do well. He said he wants to show people what he is about."
And R's fans could be in for a treat when it comes to set-pieces, with Taiwo regarded as a dead-ball specialist.
"He is a big powerful guy who likes to take free-kicks," confirmed Hughes. "I am sure we will enjoy him having big run-ups and lashing the ball at goal - hopefully some of them will go in."
http://www.qpr.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10373~2583076,00.html
QPR OFFICIAL SITE
EXCLUSIVE: TAIWO RELISHING PREM CHALLENGE
New QPR signing Taye Taiwo is relishing the opportunity to play in the Premier League - a division he describes as 'the best league in the world.'
The Nigerian international, who has penned a six month loan deal at Loftus Road, spoke exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, commenting: "It's a new challenge for me.
"I don't know too much about QPR, but I'm learning a lot already.
"I know the Premier League and it's a very exciting division.
"It has always been a dream of mine to play in this league.
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"Wherever you go in the world, people always talk about the Premier League and it will be nice to play in a country that speaks the same language as me."
The Club expects Taiwo to receive his international clearance in the coming days, once he returns to Italy for his visa tomorrow, but Saturday's FA Cup tie against Chelsea could come too soon for him.
However, the Milan star is fully aware that the Premier League is Rangers' priority between now and the end of the season.
"The Chelsea tie is a big one, but the league matters most.
"We need to stay in this division this season - and that is the objective."
http://www.qpr.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10373~2583442,00.html
QPR Official Site
TAYE TAIWO: IN PROFILE
Posted on: Tue 24 Jan 2012
New QPR recruit Taye Taiwo arrives at Loftus Road with a wealth of experience at both Club and international level.
The Nigerian left-back, who can also operate in midfield, started his career in his homeland with Gabros International, before moving to Nigeria Premier League side, Lobi Stars.
After impressing a whole host of Europe's top Clubs, the defender earned a move to French giants Olympique de Marseille in 2005, filling the void left by revered French international Bixente Lizarazu following his move to Bayern Munich.
Article continues
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It proved to be the making of the then 20 year-old, who would go on to make the left-back spot his own for the next six years.
Various personal and team achievements followed, with Taiwo - an expert from dead-ball situations - notching a number of crucial winning goals, most recently against Montpellier HSC, to win the Coupe de la Ligue at the Stade de France last season.
Taiwo also played a pivotal role in Marseille's league title success last term, scoring four goals from left-back, as the L'OM secured their first Ligue 1 title in 18 years.
AC Milan was his next port of call, with the defender - who has 48 international caps to his name - joining the Rossoneri in a joint deal with French defender Philippe Mexes.
He made his debut in a 1-0 Serie A victory against Cesena, and has made eight appearances in all competitions this term, including four in the Champions League.
http://www.qpr.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10373~2583412,00.html
- NEXT: Chelsea (And New Statement re Chelsea Fans/Racism!)
- African Cup Updates
- Two interesting recent articles: re Managers and Agents (including Mark Hughes) and re Malaysia and Football (including re QPR)
- Who is Kia Joorabchian?
- QPR will Play Newcastle United (Away) in the Fifth Round of the FA Youth Cup
- Tuesday, January 24: The Asian Football Awards: Nominees Include Tony Fernandes and Lakshmi Mittal...Also a couple of other QPR Nominations
- The Current Bottom Six Premiership Clubs: Their Remaining Fixtures
- Latest QPR Player Signing Reports/Gossip
- Recent QPR Transfer Gossip: Player-by-Player
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
QPR Report Tuesday: Awards Tonight for QPR's Tony Fernandes and Lashmi Mittal?
-
-
- For comprehensive and latest QPR news-related pieces and discussion, visit the football-only, somewhat-different QPR Report Messageboard. All QPR Perspectives genuinely welcomed! Or comment on any of the articles posted below - QPR REPORT Available on TWITTER!
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
-
- Brazil's Henriques Denied Work Permit: ESPN - Henrique's QPR move collapses
- Sao Paulo starlet Henrique looked set for a move to Loftus Road on loan, with a view to a permanent move, in the wake of Mark Hughes' appointment as the club's new manager.
- Although QPR had reached agreement with Sao Paulo over a deal, including a €6 million right-to-buy option, it hinged on the 20-year-old being given the go-ahead to play in England.
- But a work permit hearing was held on Monday when it was determined Henrique did not satisfy the required criteria.
- A QPR spokesman said: "He didn't get a work permit for various reasons.''
Among those reasons were the fact the player still has limited experience in club football, and because he has not yet made his debut for the senior Brazil team. Soccernet
- Explained: UK work permit rules for footballers
- On This Day in Football: January 24
- The First Asian Football Awards is being held tonight at Wembley Stadium. There is a strong QPR component. Among the nominees are with a QPR connection are:
- Lakshmi Mittal and Tony Fernandes (QPR) in the "Investors in Football" Category
- QPR - Player Development Centre (West London) nominees in the "Football Development project of the year" category.
- QPR's Sangi Patel is one of the nominees for "Woman Footballer of the Year."
- Sangi Patel (Physio) is also nominated in the "Football behind the scenes award - 'Medical'
- Former QPR Player, Zesh Rehman is one of the Nominees for Asian Footballer of the year. Rehman's Zesh Rehman Foundation
is also nominated for Football Foundation of the year
- See Complete List of Nominations (All Categories)
- NEXT: Chelsea (And New Statement re Chelsea Fans/Racism!)
- African Cup Updates
- Two interesting recent articles: re Managers and Agents (including Mark Hughes) and re Malaysia and Football (including re QPR)
- Who is Kia Joorabchian?
LEE COOK BACK AT LOFTUS ROAD
Orient Official Site
Cook Returns To QPR
Posted on: Mon 23 Jan 2012
LEE COOK has returned to Queens Park Rangers following the end of his two-month loan spell with the O's.
The 29-year-old winger played nine matches in O's colours, netting the winner in the 1-0 victory at Stevenage at the start of January.
He arrived at Brisbane Road at the end of November after Dean Cox suffered a knee injury and enjoyed a successful stint in E10, also providing the assist for David Mooney's goal in a 1-1 draw against Chesterfield.
Former Fulham man Cook will now try to find a place in Mark Hughes' 25-man squad for the second half of QPR's Barclays Premier League campaign.
O's boss Russell Slade said: "Cooky missed Saturday's game with a little injury and he's now trying to force his way into the QPR squad.
"He had a great little loan spell with us so we were delighted with that."
http://www.leytonorient.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10439~2585956,00.html
- Five Year Flashback: QPR Statement "No China Game at Loftus Road"
- Two Year Flashback: Article re Clubs, Owners and Fans: Time to Fight Back
- "On This Day in Football" (and QPR) January 23
- Portsmouth Again in Financial Trouble
- QPR will Play Newcastle United (Away) in the Fifth Round of the FA Youth Cup
- Tuesday, January 24: The Asian Football Awards: Nominees Include Tony Fernandes and Lakshmi Mittal...Also a couple of other QPR Nominations
- The Current Bottom Six Premiership Clubs: Their Remaining Fixtures
- Latest QPR Player Signing Reports/Gossip
- Recent QPR Transfer Gossip: Player-by-Player
- QPR Podcast this week is with Neil Warnock. Updated with Les Ferdinand
- Two Year Flashback: Adel Taarabt "Slams Axed QPR Boss"
- Two Year Flashback: Nigel Quashie (Re)Joins QPR
- The Explanation for AC Milan's Player, Kevin Boateng’s Frequent Injuries!
- QPR Video Flashbacks: Some 1990 Era QPR Goals/Wins
-
- For comprehensive and latest QPR news-related pieces and discussion, visit the football-only, somewhat-different QPR Report Messageboard. All QPR Perspectives genuinely welcomed! Or comment on any of the articles posted below - QPR REPORT Available on TWITTER!
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
-
- Brazil's Henriques Denied Work Permit: ESPN - Henrique's QPR move collapses
- Sao Paulo starlet Henrique looked set for a move to Loftus Road on loan, with a view to a permanent move, in the wake of Mark Hughes' appointment as the club's new manager.
- Although QPR had reached agreement with Sao Paulo over a deal, including a €6 million right-to-buy option, it hinged on the 20-year-old being given the go-ahead to play in England.
- But a work permit hearing was held on Monday when it was determined Henrique did not satisfy the required criteria.
- A QPR spokesman said: "He didn't get a work permit for various reasons.''
Among those reasons were the fact the player still has limited experience in club football, and because he has not yet made his debut for the senior Brazil team. Soccernet
- Explained: UK work permit rules for footballers
- On This Day in Football: January 24
- The First Asian Football Awards is being held tonight at Wembley Stadium. There is a strong QPR component. Among the nominees are with a QPR connection are:
- Lakshmi Mittal and Tony Fernandes (QPR) in the "Investors in Football" Category
- QPR - Player Development Centre (West London) nominees in the "Football Development project of the year" category.
- QPR's Sangi Patel is one of the nominees for "Woman Footballer of the Year."
- Sangi Patel (Physio) is also nominated in the "Football behind the scenes award - 'Medical'
- Former QPR Player, Zesh Rehman is one of the Nominees for Asian Footballer of the year. Rehman's Zesh Rehman Foundation
is also nominated for Football Foundation of the year
- See Complete List of Nominations (All Categories)
- NEXT: Chelsea (And New Statement re Chelsea Fans/Racism!)
- African Cup Updates
- Two interesting recent articles: re Managers and Agents (including Mark Hughes) and re Malaysia and Football (including re QPR)
- Who is Kia Joorabchian?
LEE COOK BACK AT LOFTUS ROAD
Orient Official Site
Cook Returns To QPR
Posted on: Mon 23 Jan 2012
LEE COOK has returned to Queens Park Rangers following the end of his two-month loan spell with the O's.
The 29-year-old winger played nine matches in O's colours, netting the winner in the 1-0 victory at Stevenage at the start of January.
He arrived at Brisbane Road at the end of November after Dean Cox suffered a knee injury and enjoyed a successful stint in E10, also providing the assist for David Mooney's goal in a 1-1 draw against Chesterfield.
Former Fulham man Cook will now try to find a place in Mark Hughes' 25-man squad for the second half of QPR's Barclays Premier League campaign.
O's boss Russell Slade said: "Cooky missed Saturday's game with a little injury and he's now trying to force his way into the QPR squad.
"He had a great little loan spell with us so we were delighted with that."
http://www.leytonorient.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10439~2585956,00.html
- Five Year Flashback: QPR Statement "No China Game at Loftus Road"
- Two Year Flashback: Article re Clubs, Owners and Fans: Time to Fight Back
- "On This Day in Football" (and QPR) January 23
- Portsmouth Again in Financial Trouble
- QPR will Play Newcastle United (Away) in the Fifth Round of the FA Youth Cup
- Tuesday, January 24: The Asian Football Awards: Nominees Include Tony Fernandes and Lakshmi Mittal...Also a couple of other QPR Nominations
- The Current Bottom Six Premiership Clubs: Their Remaining Fixtures
- Latest QPR Player Signing Reports/Gossip
- Recent QPR Transfer Gossip: Player-by-Player
- QPR Podcast this week is with Neil Warnock. Updated with Les Ferdinand
- Two Year Flashback: Adel Taarabt "Slams Axed QPR Boss"
- Two Year Flashback: Nigel Quashie (Re)Joins QPR
- The Explanation for AC Milan's Player, Kevin Boateng’s Frequent Injuries!
- QPR Video Flashbacks: Some 1990 Era QPR Goals/Wins
Monday, January 23, 2012
QPR Report Monday Update: Taiwo...Hughes..Barton...Buzsaky...Taarabt...Chelsea...Wigan
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- NEXT: Chelsea (And New Statement re Chelsea Fans/Racism!)
-
- For comprehensive and latest QPR news-related pieces and discussion, visit the football-only, somewhat-different QPR Report Messageboard. All QPR Perspectives genuinely welcomed! Or comment on any of the articles posted below - QPR REPORT Available on TWITTER!
_________________________________________________________________________________
- African Cup Updates
- Two interesting recent articles: re Managers and Agents (including Mark Hughes) and re Malaysia and Football (including re QPR)
- Who is Kia Joorabchian?
- Five Year Flashback: QPR Statement "No China Game at Loftus Road"
- Two Year Flashback: Article re Clubs, Owners and Fans: Time to Fight Back
- "On This Day in Football" (and QPR) January 23
- Portsmouth Again in Financial Trouble
- QPR will Play Newcastle United (Away) in the Fifth Round of the FA Youth Cup
- Tuesday, January 24: The Asian Football Awards: Nominees Include Tony Fernandes and Lakshmi Mittal...Also a couple of other QPR Nominations
- The Current Bottom Six Premiership Clubs: Their Remaining Fixtures
- Latest QPR Player Signing Reports/Gossip
- Recent QPR Transfer Gossip: Player-by-Player
- QPR Podcast this week is with Neil Warnock
West London Sport - QPR to confirm defender signing
-QPR’s signing of Nigerian left-back Taye Taiwo is expected to be confirmed later today.
- Taiwo, 26, is to join the R’s from AC Milan on an initial loan deal with a view to a permanent move in the summer.
The former Marseille player required a work permit before his move to England could be rubber-stamped.
He is likely to make his debut in Saturday’s FA Cup match against Chelsea. West London Sport
BBC/John Bennett - Adel Taarabt keen to stay at Queens Park Rangers
Adel Taarabt has told BBC Sport he wants to stay at Queens Park Rangers.
Taarabt revealed he was set to leave until Mark Hughes was appointed as manager in place of Neil Warnock.
The 22-year-old midfielder, who is currently in Gabon with the Morocco squad ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations, believes changing the manager was the right thing for the club.
"I think we needed that. I had good years with Neil Warnock but we were in a bad position," he said.
I think if Mark Hughes was not coming in maybe I was leaving in January. The situation now has changed. They want to keep me
Warnock then made Taarabt a QPR player in August 2010 following a successful loan period, and the Moroccan's good form in the Championship helped his team to win promotion to the top flight the same season.
However, in recent months his relationship with the former QPR boss soured, leading Warnock to state publicly: "If a player wants to leave, he can leave. I've never had a problem with that."
However, since Warnock was replaced by former Fulham manager Hughes earlier this month, Taarabt has resolved to stay in west London.
"I think if Mark Hughes was not coming in maybe I was leaving in January," Taarabt told BBC Sport.
"I spoke with the chairman and the situation now has changed. They want to keep me and we're going to have a discussion when we come back.
CUP OF NATIONS GROUP C FIXTURE LIST
23 Jan: Gabon v Niger
23 Jan: Morocco v Tunisia
27 Jan: Niger v Tunisia
27 Jan: Gabon v Morocco
31 Jan: Gabon v Tunisia
31 Jan: Niger v Morocco
"Mark Hughes is a great manager and I think the chairman is giving him money so he's buying players.
"I'm going to meet him and see what's going to happen."
Morocco begin their Africa Cup of Nations campaign against Tunisia on Monday.
They are one of the favourites to win the trophy and Taarabt believes the squad has the ability to go all the way to the final.
"It's going to be a big game for us, for the country and so I hope we can start well," said Taarabt.
"Yes, we are one of the favourites along with Ivory Coast and Ghana, but we just have to concentrate on our group and see what is going to happen."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/16672100.stm
- See COMPILATION OF QPR Vs WIGAN MATCH REPORTS & MANAGERIAL COMMENTS
- Guardian Compilation of QPR-Wigan Photos and QPR vs Wigan: Photos from QPR vs Wigan
- VIDEO: QPR vs WIGAN - Video and also... More Extensive Video of QPR vs Wigan (Via Betacam)
GUARDIAN/Jamie Jackson
Mark Hughes gives his QPR players the structure to escape relegation
• QPR up to 16th place after 3-1 win against Wigan Athletic
• Hughes has no concerns about Joey Barton's use of Twitter
Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Queens Park Rangers v Wigan Athletic - Loftus Road
At the close, Mark Hughes raised a fist at his Queens Park Rangers project achieving lift‑off with this first league win. Nearly two weeks after succeeding Neil Warnock, the Hoops are 16th and clear of the dreaded departure lounge.
While Wigan Athletic remain rooted to the bottom and four points from safety after a tame display, Hughes said of that first win: "Predictable, I know. It was an important game for everybody and I think you saw that from the reaction of the players who stayed out a bit longer to thank the fans, which is important, because they were great today and understood what we were trying to do. So [there will be] more of the same hopefully."
Hughes has been hired to ensure QPR will again operate in the big league next season just as he was when taking over Blackburn Rovers in September 2004, whom he saved. How does it compare? "There are similarities, given the position and the pressure because we needed to win games and we had to do it quickly," Hughes said.
"When I was at Blackburn I had a group of players who were desperate to stay in the Premier League and in a sense that's what I've got here. I'm really encouraged that I've got a similar group of players and hopefully we can get a similar result."
QPR's goals came from a Heidar Helguson penalty and Akos Buzsaky's 25‑yard free-kick in the first half, which was as impressive as Tommy Smith's 30‑yard finish after 81 minutes. Hugo Rodallega produced his own contribution to the game's stunning strikes with a 66th‑minute free-kick but QPR could also afford to miss a second Helguson penalty.
Hughes said of his new charges: "They just needed a little bit of gameplan, a little bit of structure to their work and maybe that's been evident in the games that I've been involved in. That's what I do and my staff does. That's how we work, I've done that for years and years, so I understand very quickly what groups of players need, I would suggest.
"But that's credit to them because I think they worked exceptionally hard to make things happen. Unless you get that effort and commitment to what you're trying to implement on the field of play then you get no chance."
Hughes again reiterated that he has no concerns regarding Joey Barton's use of Twitter, after the midfielder had attacked Warnock on the forum on the eve of this game. "No, not at this stage," the Welshman said. "Joey understands what happens in the dressing room stays there and I don't think it will be a problem. If ever I felt that it was going to compromise us then we'd have a conversation and talk it through but certainly I haven't felt the need to do that up to this point."
Does Barton put pressure on himself? "He's a big personality and he can deal with that, he thrives on that," Hughes said. "Some players carry that well and it doesn't affect them at all. I thought he played really well. Other players try to shy away from all that because it affects their performance level. But for Joey it's water off a duck's back."
For Roberto Martínez the outlook is bleaker. "I would say that every season is tough," he said. "We have done it before [escape from relegation]. This season it will come down to the last game but it is important that we use the January window. It's clear that we need to make sure that we help the players we already have at the club to be stronger and to be brave for the next 16 games but I have huge belief in the talent in the squad." Guardian
TELEGRAPH
Queens Park Rangers manager Mark Hughes insists Joey Barton's feud with Neil Warnock is not a distraction
Mark Hughes is confident that Queens Park Rangers captain Joey Barton’s feud with his former manager, Neil Warnock, will not prove to be a distraction in his side’s attempt to secure Premier League survival.
QPR manager Mark Hughes insists Joey Barton's feud with Neil Warnock is not a distraction as his team fight for survival
No problem: Mark Hughes says Joey Barton's (above) feud with Neil Warnock is no cause for concern Photo: GETTY IMAGES
By Gerry Cox at Loftus Road
11:00PM GMT 22 Jan 2012
QPR's new manager knows his side can lift themselves into a comfortable league position as long as they continue to put in the sort of focused performance that overcame fellow strugglers Wigan on Saturday.
He does not care much for the twitterati, unlike Barton, who was tweeting furiously before and after this game.
The midfielder’s feud with Warnock has been well publicised in the media, but Hughes said: “I don’t think it will be a problem. If ever I felt it was going to compromise us we’d have a conversation and talk it through, but certainly I haven’t felt the need to do that up to this point.”
For all his noise in cyberspace, Barton was muted against Wigan and it was his midfield partner Akos Buzsaky who shone. With Alejandro Faurlin injured, the Hungarian midfielder has taken centre stage and was QPR’s outstanding player.
In between Heidar Helguson’s successful penalty and Tommy Smith’s late strike, Buzsaky scored with a superb free-kick, which was later matched by Hugo Rodallega’s set-piece strike for Wigan.
Buzsaky, who has been given a fresh chance by Hughes, said: “We all know it is a new manager and want to show what we are capable of. Now we are very compact and everyone helps each other out. With the players we have, we shouldn’t talk about survival. We should be in mid-table.”
The Wigan manager, Roberto Martínez, still believes his side can climb off the bottom of the table. “We’ve survived in the Premier League for seven seasons. This result was tough to take, but I remain optimistic that our experience is going to help us.”
Next weekend QPR face Chelsea in the FA Cup fourth round, with John Terry returning to the scene where he is alleged to have racially abused Anton Ferdinand.
Asked if he would speak to Ferdinand about it, Hughes said: “Only to get it clear in my own mind where everybody is with it. I’d like to think football will take the real lead. We hope we can have a good game of football here next week.” Telegraph
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/footbal....istraction.html
SPORTING LIFE
SPORTING LIFE
AKOS HAPPY TO GET HIS BUZZ BACK
Akos Buzsaky contemplated walking out of QPR at the start of this month, but the forgotten man is now looking forward to a prolonged run in Mark Hughes' first-team after handing the Welshman his first league win in charge.
Buzsaky received a huge standing ovation when he came off towards the end of Saturday's 3-1 win over Wigan after playing a big part in orchestrating the Latics' downfall.
The Hungarian put QPR 2-0 up after Heidar Helguson's spot-kick with an exquisite free-kick on the stroke of half-time, and he could have ended the match with a hat-trick had it not been for the brilliant performance of Wigan goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi.
Had it not been for a change of manager, and an injury to team-mate Alejandro Faurlin, however, Buzsaky may have been lining up for another team.
The 29-year-old had hit rock bottom after being frozen out by former manager Neil Warnock - Saturday was his first home league start of the season - and had thought about leaving the Londoners.
"In the Christmas period I wasn't even travelling with the team," Buzsaky said.
"That was a really hard, testing time for me, to be as low (as that).
"Of course I thought about maybe moving. When you are sidelined that much you think about everything because I wanted to play football.
"I tried to give 100 per cent in training but for some reason I wasn't in the plans."
With Faurlin out for the rest of the season, Buzsaky is now determined to put the past behind him and be a part of the Rangers renaissance under Hughes.
"All that is in the past now. I have been there and I have shown that I am strong enough to get through it," he said.
"It was very unfortunate (Faurlin) had the injury.
"Everyone thought of him and we have tried to support him. We needed someone to fill his position and I have always been available and have always wanted to play so now I have my chance and I want to take it."
Hughes has been active in his pursuit of new players since his appointment, with Nedum Onuoha, Taye Taiwo, Alex and Henrique all in talks with the club over potential moves to Loftus Road.
His players did their best to persuade him no new arrivals are needed yesterday, however.
Helguson, despite missing a second-half penalty, put in a good shift up front and substitute Tommy Smith fired home a memorable 25-yard drive with 10 minutes to go to seal the win.
Rangers are now two points clear of the drop zone and Buzsaky thinks the club can stop worrying about the prospect of relegation.
"Today showed that we are better than where we sit in the table and we have to push forward now," he said.
"With the players we have, we shouldn't talk about surviving, we should be confident about finishing mid-table."
Bottom side Wigan wasted two early chances to go ahead through Steve Gohouri and Victor Moses and other than picking the ball out of the net from Hugo Rodallega's free-kick - which made it 2-1 - Rangers keeper Paddy Kenny had a quiet day.
Wigan have the worst scoring record in the top four divisions but manager Roberto Martinez admits he will not be able to bring in a prolific striker this month so he wants his team to start chipping in with more goals from all positions.
"That 20 goals a season man is the hardest thing is to find in world football," Martinez said.
"They cost you a lot of money. We need to be creative and need to score more goals from other areas of the pitch.
"That's something we need to develop from within the squad because unfortunately we won't be able to go out and spend the money that a clinical goal scorer costs." Sporting Life
SKY
Dyer not quitting yet
QPR man hopes to be back for last month of season
Last updated: 22nd January 2012
Dyer: injury nightmare
It's paramount though that we stay in the league this season and we will really kick on with the new manager.
Kieron Dyer told Goals on Sunday about his battle to recover his fitness - and admitted he would consider retiring if he injured his hamstrings again.
The former England international has endured a series of serious injuries in the last four seasons and his hoodoo struck again three minutes into his QPR debut against Bolton in August when he injured his foot.
He admits it has been tough to spend more time on the sidelines, but says he is not ready to hang up his boots because his latest injury is not connected to the hamstring problems he has struggled with in the last few years.
He told Goals on Sunday: "If I'd been injured on my hamstrings, because I was getting hamstring injuries in the past, then I probably would call it a day.
"But this was a freak injury and I should have had the surgery the first time around. If I'd had it when I first did it then I'd be back playing by now.
"It was a one-off injury and there's nothing as a player you can do. That's why I will continue to play football.
"I'm used to it now because it's been like it for the last four years. Obviously you have your low points and it's hard, but you want to play football.
"When you're not it's frustrating because you want to help your team-mates and you want to help your team because they need you. That's what keeps you going."
Operation
Dyer said his latest lay-off has been particularly frustrating because the foot should have been operated on in August.
Instead, his doctors opted for a programme of rehabilitation, only for the injury to reoccur three months later, and that has delayed his return to action.
He said: "I thought I'd be okay, but after a few weeks we knew something was wrong and I've finally had to have an operation, which is unfortunate.
"When we first saw the specialist he decided not to operate and said to do a three-month rehab programme and hopefully that would do the trick.
"I did the three months, worked my socks off and was looking great in training, then five minutes into the first reserve game the same thing happened again. That's when we knew it was time to operate."
Squad
If his recovery goes to plan then Dyer believes he could be fit to feature for QPR in the last month of the season.
However, he fears that he could be left out of Mark Hughes' 25-man Premier League squad, which has to be finalised by the end of January, and that would exclude him from playing again this season.
He said: "I'll probably be back for the last month of the season, but the problem is obviously that Premier League teams have to put the 25-man squad in by the end of January.
"So if the manager Mark Hughes uses the whole 25 then I will not play this season, although you can play in cup games so hopefully we make it to the FA Cup Final!
"If he only names 23 or 24 in the squad then I have a chance of maybe featuring in the last month of the season.
"If you know you're not going to be involved then from a rehab point of view you take it easier and you don't go flat out. You just get yourself right for pre-season.
"It can work in both ways. If you're not in the 25 you can take your time and not rush back, but if there's a chance then you're going to do everything in your power."
Professional
Dyer was also full of praise for new manager Hughes, who replaced Neil Warnock in the QPR hotseat last week.
He believes his new boss brings plenty of pedigree to the club and has backed him to steer them to Premier League survival this season.
Dyer added: "He nearly got the Chelsea job in the summer, so that goes to show what kind of manager he is.
"He's got a professional outfit with Eddie Niedzwiecki, Mark Bowen and Kevin Hitchcock; they're very professional and thorough.
"He left Fulham, who finished eighth in the league, to come and take a job at QPR. If he can keep us up this season with the owners and their vision then QPR is a great place to be.
"It's paramount though that we stay in the league this season and we will really kick on with the new manager."
http://www.skysports.com/tv_show/story/0,,12384_7448308,00.html?
- Two Year Flashback: Adel Taarabt "Slams Axed QPR Boss"
- Two Year Flashback: Nigel Quashie (Re)Joins QPR
- The Explanation for AC Milan's Player, Kevin Boateng’s Frequent Injuries!
- QPR Video Flashbacks: Some 1990 Era QPR Goals/Wins
- NEXT: Chelsea (And New Statement re Chelsea Fans/Racism!)-
- For comprehensive and latest QPR news-related pieces and discussion, visit the football-only, somewhat-different QPR Report Messageboard. All QPR Perspectives genuinely welcomed! Or comment on any of the articles posted below - QPR REPORT Available on TWITTER!
_________________________________________________________________________________
- African Cup Updates
- Two interesting recent articles: re Managers and Agents (including Mark Hughes) and re Malaysia and Football (including re QPR)
- Who is Kia Joorabchian?
- Five Year Flashback: QPR Statement "No China Game at Loftus Road"
- Two Year Flashback: Article re Clubs, Owners and Fans: Time to Fight Back
- "On This Day in Football" (and QPR) January 23
- Portsmouth Again in Financial Trouble
- QPR will Play Newcastle United (Away) in the Fifth Round of the FA Youth Cup
- Tuesday, January 24: The Asian Football Awards: Nominees Include Tony Fernandes and Lakshmi Mittal...Also a couple of other QPR Nominations
- The Current Bottom Six Premiership Clubs: Their Remaining Fixtures
- Latest QPR Player Signing Reports/Gossip
- Recent QPR Transfer Gossip: Player-by-Player
- QPR Podcast this week is with Neil Warnock
West London Sport - QPR to confirm defender signing
-QPR’s signing of Nigerian left-back Taye Taiwo is expected to be confirmed later today.
- Taiwo, 26, is to join the R’s from AC Milan on an initial loan deal with a view to a permanent move in the summer.
The former Marseille player required a work permit before his move to England could be rubber-stamped.
He is likely to make his debut in Saturday’s FA Cup match against Chelsea. West London Sport
BBC/John Bennett - Adel Taarabt keen to stay at Queens Park Rangers
Adel Taarabt has told BBC Sport he wants to stay at Queens Park Rangers.
Taarabt revealed he was set to leave until Mark Hughes was appointed as manager in place of Neil Warnock.
The 22-year-old midfielder, who is currently in Gabon with the Morocco squad ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations, believes changing the manager was the right thing for the club.
"I think we needed that. I had good years with Neil Warnock but we were in a bad position," he said.
I think if Mark Hughes was not coming in maybe I was leaving in January. The situation now has changed. They want to keep me
Warnock then made Taarabt a QPR player in August 2010 following a successful loan period, and the Moroccan's good form in the Championship helped his team to win promotion to the top flight the same season.
However, in recent months his relationship with the former QPR boss soured, leading Warnock to state publicly: "If a player wants to leave, he can leave. I've never had a problem with that."
However, since Warnock was replaced by former Fulham manager Hughes earlier this month, Taarabt has resolved to stay in west London.
"I think if Mark Hughes was not coming in maybe I was leaving in January," Taarabt told BBC Sport.
"I spoke with the chairman and the situation now has changed. They want to keep me and we're going to have a discussion when we come back.
CUP OF NATIONS GROUP C FIXTURE LIST
23 Jan: Gabon v Niger
23 Jan: Morocco v Tunisia
27 Jan: Niger v Tunisia
27 Jan: Gabon v Morocco
31 Jan: Gabon v Tunisia
31 Jan: Niger v Morocco
"Mark Hughes is a great manager and I think the chairman is giving him money so he's buying players.
"I'm going to meet him and see what's going to happen."
Morocco begin their Africa Cup of Nations campaign against Tunisia on Monday.
They are one of the favourites to win the trophy and Taarabt believes the squad has the ability to go all the way to the final.
"It's going to be a big game for us, for the country and so I hope we can start well," said Taarabt.
"Yes, we are one of the favourites along with Ivory Coast and Ghana, but we just have to concentrate on our group and see what is going to happen."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/16672100.stm
- See COMPILATION OF QPR Vs WIGAN MATCH REPORTS & MANAGERIAL COMMENTS
- Guardian Compilation of QPR-Wigan Photos and QPR vs Wigan: Photos from QPR vs Wigan
- VIDEO: QPR vs WIGAN - Video and also... More Extensive Video of QPR vs Wigan (Via Betacam)
GUARDIAN/Jamie Jackson
Mark Hughes gives his QPR players the structure to escape relegation
• QPR up to 16th place after 3-1 win against Wigan Athletic
• Hughes has no concerns about Joey Barton's use of Twitter
Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Queens Park Rangers v Wigan Athletic - Loftus Road
At the close, Mark Hughes raised a fist at his Queens Park Rangers project achieving lift‑off with this first league win. Nearly two weeks after succeeding Neil Warnock, the Hoops are 16th and clear of the dreaded departure lounge.
While Wigan Athletic remain rooted to the bottom and four points from safety after a tame display, Hughes said of that first win: "Predictable, I know. It was an important game for everybody and I think you saw that from the reaction of the players who stayed out a bit longer to thank the fans, which is important, because they were great today and understood what we were trying to do. So [there will be] more of the same hopefully."
Hughes has been hired to ensure QPR will again operate in the big league next season just as he was when taking over Blackburn Rovers in September 2004, whom he saved. How does it compare? "There are similarities, given the position and the pressure because we needed to win games and we had to do it quickly," Hughes said.
"When I was at Blackburn I had a group of players who were desperate to stay in the Premier League and in a sense that's what I've got here. I'm really encouraged that I've got a similar group of players and hopefully we can get a similar result."
QPR's goals came from a Heidar Helguson penalty and Akos Buzsaky's 25‑yard free-kick in the first half, which was as impressive as Tommy Smith's 30‑yard finish after 81 minutes. Hugo Rodallega produced his own contribution to the game's stunning strikes with a 66th‑minute free-kick but QPR could also afford to miss a second Helguson penalty.
Hughes said of his new charges: "They just needed a little bit of gameplan, a little bit of structure to their work and maybe that's been evident in the games that I've been involved in. That's what I do and my staff does. That's how we work, I've done that for years and years, so I understand very quickly what groups of players need, I would suggest.
"But that's credit to them because I think they worked exceptionally hard to make things happen. Unless you get that effort and commitment to what you're trying to implement on the field of play then you get no chance."
Hughes again reiterated that he has no concerns regarding Joey Barton's use of Twitter, after the midfielder had attacked Warnock on the forum on the eve of this game. "No, not at this stage," the Welshman said. "Joey understands what happens in the dressing room stays there and I don't think it will be a problem. If ever I felt that it was going to compromise us then we'd have a conversation and talk it through but certainly I haven't felt the need to do that up to this point."
Does Barton put pressure on himself? "He's a big personality and he can deal with that, he thrives on that," Hughes said. "Some players carry that well and it doesn't affect them at all. I thought he played really well. Other players try to shy away from all that because it affects their performance level. But for Joey it's water off a duck's back."
For Roberto Martínez the outlook is bleaker. "I would say that every season is tough," he said. "We have done it before [escape from relegation]. This season it will come down to the last game but it is important that we use the January window. It's clear that we need to make sure that we help the players we already have at the club to be stronger and to be brave for the next 16 games but I have huge belief in the talent in the squad." Guardian
TELEGRAPH
Queens Park Rangers manager Mark Hughes insists Joey Barton's feud with Neil Warnock is not a distraction
Mark Hughes is confident that Queens Park Rangers captain Joey Barton’s feud with his former manager, Neil Warnock, will not prove to be a distraction in his side’s attempt to secure Premier League survival.
QPR manager Mark Hughes insists Joey Barton's feud with Neil Warnock is not a distraction as his team fight for survival
No problem: Mark Hughes says Joey Barton's (above) feud with Neil Warnock is no cause for concern Photo: GETTY IMAGES
By Gerry Cox at Loftus Road
11:00PM GMT 22 Jan 2012
QPR's new manager knows his side can lift themselves into a comfortable league position as long as they continue to put in the sort of focused performance that overcame fellow strugglers Wigan on Saturday.
He does not care much for the twitterati, unlike Barton, who was tweeting furiously before and after this game.
The midfielder’s feud with Warnock has been well publicised in the media, but Hughes said: “I don’t think it will be a problem. If ever I felt it was going to compromise us we’d have a conversation and talk it through, but certainly I haven’t felt the need to do that up to this point.”
For all his noise in cyberspace, Barton was muted against Wigan and it was his midfield partner Akos Buzsaky who shone. With Alejandro Faurlin injured, the Hungarian midfielder has taken centre stage and was QPR’s outstanding player.
In between Heidar Helguson’s successful penalty and Tommy Smith’s late strike, Buzsaky scored with a superb free-kick, which was later matched by Hugo Rodallega’s set-piece strike for Wigan.
Buzsaky, who has been given a fresh chance by Hughes, said: “We all know it is a new manager and want to show what we are capable of. Now we are very compact and everyone helps each other out. With the players we have, we shouldn’t talk about survival. We should be in mid-table.”
The Wigan manager, Roberto Martínez, still believes his side can climb off the bottom of the table. “We’ve survived in the Premier League for seven seasons. This result was tough to take, but I remain optimistic that our experience is going to help us.”
Next weekend QPR face Chelsea in the FA Cup fourth round, with John Terry returning to the scene where he is alleged to have racially abused Anton Ferdinand.
Asked if he would speak to Ferdinand about it, Hughes said: “Only to get it clear in my own mind where everybody is with it. I’d like to think football will take the real lead. We hope we can have a good game of football here next week.” Telegraph
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/footbal....istraction.html
SPORTING LIFE
SPORTING LIFE
AKOS HAPPY TO GET HIS BUZZ BACK
Akos Buzsaky contemplated walking out of QPR at the start of this month, but the forgotten man is now looking forward to a prolonged run in Mark Hughes' first-team after handing the Welshman his first league win in charge.
Buzsaky received a huge standing ovation when he came off towards the end of Saturday's 3-1 win over Wigan after playing a big part in orchestrating the Latics' downfall.
The Hungarian put QPR 2-0 up after Heidar Helguson's spot-kick with an exquisite free-kick on the stroke of half-time, and he could have ended the match with a hat-trick had it not been for the brilliant performance of Wigan goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi.
Had it not been for a change of manager, and an injury to team-mate Alejandro Faurlin, however, Buzsaky may have been lining up for another team.
The 29-year-old had hit rock bottom after being frozen out by former manager Neil Warnock - Saturday was his first home league start of the season - and had thought about leaving the Londoners.
"In the Christmas period I wasn't even travelling with the team," Buzsaky said.
"That was a really hard, testing time for me, to be as low (as that).
"Of course I thought about maybe moving. When you are sidelined that much you think about everything because I wanted to play football.
"I tried to give 100 per cent in training but for some reason I wasn't in the plans."
With Faurlin out for the rest of the season, Buzsaky is now determined to put the past behind him and be a part of the Rangers renaissance under Hughes.
"All that is in the past now. I have been there and I have shown that I am strong enough to get through it," he said.
"It was very unfortunate (Faurlin) had the injury.
"Everyone thought of him and we have tried to support him. We needed someone to fill his position and I have always been available and have always wanted to play so now I have my chance and I want to take it."
Hughes has been active in his pursuit of new players since his appointment, with Nedum Onuoha, Taye Taiwo, Alex and Henrique all in talks with the club over potential moves to Loftus Road.
His players did their best to persuade him no new arrivals are needed yesterday, however.
Helguson, despite missing a second-half penalty, put in a good shift up front and substitute Tommy Smith fired home a memorable 25-yard drive with 10 minutes to go to seal the win.
Rangers are now two points clear of the drop zone and Buzsaky thinks the club can stop worrying about the prospect of relegation.
"Today showed that we are better than where we sit in the table and we have to push forward now," he said.
"With the players we have, we shouldn't talk about surviving, we should be confident about finishing mid-table."
Bottom side Wigan wasted two early chances to go ahead through Steve Gohouri and Victor Moses and other than picking the ball out of the net from Hugo Rodallega's free-kick - which made it 2-1 - Rangers keeper Paddy Kenny had a quiet day.
Wigan have the worst scoring record in the top four divisions but manager Roberto Martinez admits he will not be able to bring in a prolific striker this month so he wants his team to start chipping in with more goals from all positions.
"That 20 goals a season man is the hardest thing is to find in world football," Martinez said.
"They cost you a lot of money. We need to be creative and need to score more goals from other areas of the pitch.
"That's something we need to develop from within the squad because unfortunately we won't be able to go out and spend the money that a clinical goal scorer costs." Sporting Life
SKY
Dyer not quitting yet
QPR man hopes to be back for last month of season
Last updated: 22nd January 2012
Dyer: injury nightmare
It's paramount though that we stay in the league this season and we will really kick on with the new manager.
Kieron Dyer told Goals on Sunday about his battle to recover his fitness - and admitted he would consider retiring if he injured his hamstrings again.
The former England international has endured a series of serious injuries in the last four seasons and his hoodoo struck again three minutes into his QPR debut against Bolton in August when he injured his foot.
He admits it has been tough to spend more time on the sidelines, but says he is not ready to hang up his boots because his latest injury is not connected to the hamstring problems he has struggled with in the last few years.
He told Goals on Sunday: "If I'd been injured on my hamstrings, because I was getting hamstring injuries in the past, then I probably would call it a day.
"But this was a freak injury and I should have had the surgery the first time around. If I'd had it when I first did it then I'd be back playing by now.
"It was a one-off injury and there's nothing as a player you can do. That's why I will continue to play football.
"I'm used to it now because it's been like it for the last four years. Obviously you have your low points and it's hard, but you want to play football.
"When you're not it's frustrating because you want to help your team-mates and you want to help your team because they need you. That's what keeps you going."
Operation
Dyer said his latest lay-off has been particularly frustrating because the foot should have been operated on in August.
Instead, his doctors opted for a programme of rehabilitation, only for the injury to reoccur three months later, and that has delayed his return to action.
He said: "I thought I'd be okay, but after a few weeks we knew something was wrong and I've finally had to have an operation, which is unfortunate.
"When we first saw the specialist he decided not to operate and said to do a three-month rehab programme and hopefully that would do the trick.
"I did the three months, worked my socks off and was looking great in training, then five minutes into the first reserve game the same thing happened again. That's when we knew it was time to operate."
Squad
If his recovery goes to plan then Dyer believes he could be fit to feature for QPR in the last month of the season.
However, he fears that he could be left out of Mark Hughes' 25-man Premier League squad, which has to be finalised by the end of January, and that would exclude him from playing again this season.
He said: "I'll probably be back for the last month of the season, but the problem is obviously that Premier League teams have to put the 25-man squad in by the end of January.
"So if the manager Mark Hughes uses the whole 25 then I will not play this season, although you can play in cup games so hopefully we make it to the FA Cup Final!
"If he only names 23 or 24 in the squad then I have a chance of maybe featuring in the last month of the season.
"If you know you're not going to be involved then from a rehab point of view you take it easier and you don't go flat out. You just get yourself right for pre-season.
"It can work in both ways. If you're not in the 25 you can take your time and not rush back, but if there's a chance then you're going to do everything in your power."
Professional
Dyer was also full of praise for new manager Hughes, who replaced Neil Warnock in the QPR hotseat last week.
He believes his new boss brings plenty of pedigree to the club and has backed him to steer them to Premier League survival this season.
Dyer added: "He nearly got the Chelsea job in the summer, so that goes to show what kind of manager he is.
"He's got a professional outfit with Eddie Niedzwiecki, Mark Bowen and Kevin Hitchcock; they're very professional and thorough.
"He left Fulham, who finished eighth in the league, to come and take a job at QPR. If he can keep us up this season with the owners and their vision then QPR is a great place to be.
"It's paramount though that we stay in the league this season and we will really kick on with the new manager."
http://www.skysports.com/tv_show/story/0,,12384_7448308,00.html?
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