With recent speculation about Ian Holloway remaining as QPR manager, interesting to reread from last season and also back to February 2001 when QPR were last looking to appoint a manager (and ended up appointing Holloway.)
QPR to stick with Holloway
BBC- Tuesday, 11 May, 2004
Holloway has taken the club back to Division OneQPR boss Ian Holloway will still be the club's manager next season, according to chairman Nick Blackburn.
Speculation has linked former R's boss Jim Smith with a return, despite Holloway leading them to promotion.
"I don't see any problems with Ian Holloway being manager next season - unless there are problems on his side," Blackburn told BBC London 94.9.
"But he's told me there's only one club he wants to be at and we want him here with us."
Holloway and 14 players are coming to the end of their contract.
But with promotion to Division One secured, the club is planning to sit down and discuss new deals now. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/q/qpr/3704259.stm
Hammersmith Times 12th May 2004
by Dave Evans and Dave McIntyre
QPR’s elevation to Division One has brought the investors flocking to Loftus Road as they look to jump on to Ian Holloway’s promotion bandwagon. And it is American soccer franchise owner Tim Krause who is leading the way in the takeover stakes with a deal worth £2.5 million close to being agreed between Rangers and the Americans.
Following the recent £650,000 investment from Italian football agent Gianni Paladini, the American money on top of that would enable QPR to strengthen their squad for their Division One campaign, while the crippling £10 million loan at 10 per cent interest that the club took out to come out of administration is also likely to be addressed.
If Krause is successful with his bid then it is also likely to be good news for out of contract manager Ian Holloway. He is a big fan of the eccentric Rangers boss having met him last year when the Wave and Rangers forged close sporting links.
Paladini is also a fan of Holloway, with the only dissenting voices allegedly coming from the consortium headed by former QPR Commercial Director Brian Rowe.
Rowe, who was at the club in the 1980s, is reported to be interested in bringing Jim Smith back to the club he managed between 1985 and 1988. The prospect of Smith returning to Loftus Road though seems to be an unlikely one with Holloway set to sign a new deal within the next week. .." http://www.boardroomblues.co.uk/ht120504.htm
[And this was Brian Rowe's denial re Jim Smith/QPR 2004 report:]
ROWE FURIOUS - from the Fulham and Hammersmith Chronicle 20 May 2004
by Paul Warburton
Potential investor Brian Rowe is furious over a report that he masterminded the rumour last week that former boss Jim Smith was set for a return to QPR.
Rowe, who was marketing manager at Rangers until 1996, was adamant he and his would-be investors were four-square behind the renewal of Holloway's contract. Rowe said: "I personally have gone on record and stated that Ollie is the most dedicated manager I have met in this industry - and I had experience of at least 10 during my time at QPR. "It would be unthinkable, totally wrong and suicidal, not to give Ollie the opportunity to take the club further, and I have told Ollie this. "Had the consortium I represent ever thought otherwise, I would have walked away a long time ago." http://boards.rivals.net/default.asp?sid=925&p=16&style=2&action=1&replytoid=533072393&forumId=3672
QPR line up Argentinian manager
Jon BrodkinSaturday September 4, 2004 The Guardian
Queens Park Rangers are ready to make an extraordinary managerial appointment, replacing Ian Holloway with Ramón Díaz, a former Argentina striker who has coached River Plate to several trophies in his homeland.
The struggling Football League Championship club are preparing to dismiss Holloway and turn to Díaz, who played with Diego Maradona, Ossie Ardiles and others in the 1982 World Cup, scoring during the team's defeat by Brazil.
Díaz has connections with a Monaco-based consortium, Barnaby Holdings, which recently acquired a stake in QPR. The consortium, headed by the former Brazil captain Dunga, has bought 10% of the club's shares and plans to purchase another 19.9% in the near future.
Díaz has an impressive CV as both player and coach. He turned out for Napoli, Internazionale, Fiorentina and Monaco among other teams before moving into coaching. The 45-year-old has had more than one spell in charge of River Plate, winning the Libertadores Cup in 1996 and several domestic championships.
He has not worked for two years after falling out with River over his salary and, after spending time with his family, has been looking for work outside Argentina. Having failed to secure employment in France, Spain or Italy he has happily accepted the overtures of QPR.
He watched the team two weeks ago at Loftus Road against Derby County and is understood to have spoken to Gino Padula, the club's left-back who was born in Argentina and played under him at River in the mid-90s.
QPR said last night that "at no stage have negotiations taken place between the club and Mr Díaz regarding managerial or coaching positions at QPR".
They stated that the club "wants nothing more than success for both Ian and the team". However, time seems to be running out for Holloway, who led QPR to promotion last season.
Holloway could be sacked as early as next week, although QPR - 20th in the table - may wait for another defeat or two before removing their popular manager.
http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,1563,1297115,00.html
Jewell plays down QPR link
BBC- Monday, 19 February, 2001
Bruce is favourite to take the helm
Paul Jewell has played down speculation linking him with the vacant manager's post at Queen's Park Rangers.
The former Sheffield Wednesday boss said he won't be rushed into a return so soon after getting the sack at Hillsborough.
I have had a quick chat with an official connected with the club which lasted two minutes at the most and that is as far as its gone
Paul Jewell
"I want to get back into the game, but I'm not going to jump at the first job that comes along," he said.
"I've read that I've been interviewed about the QPR job - but it's quite funny really because I was in bed all day on Monday with cold - so that was quite interesting.
"I have had a quick chat with an official connected with the club which lasted two minutes at the most and that is as far as its gone.
"But you can never say never, if it's right for me and it's the right job I would be interested."
Steve Bruce, Ian Holloway and Iain Dowie are all in the frame for the job with the Londoners.
Bruce has emerged as the hot favourite after Dave Bassett ruled himself out of the running on Mondayhttp://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/q/qpr/1180779.stm
Bassett snubs QPR job
BBC - Monday, 19 February, 2001
Bassett does not want to succeed Gerry Francis
Dave Bassett, favourite to take over as QPR manager, has ruled himself out of the running.
It is believed Bassett was scared off by speculation concerning the club's finances.
The former Wimbledon, Sheffield United and Barnsley manager was widely tipped as being favourite to land the post vacated by Gerry Francis.
Marsh claims denied
Bassett's withdrawal leaves Iain Dowie, Steve Bruce, Roy McFarland and Ray Graydon, who are all also believed to be on Rangers' short-list, still in the running.
But Rangers have dismissed claims by former star Rodney Marsh that the club are £20m in debt.
Speaking to BBC Ceefax, a Loftus Road spokesman said: "The accounts are there and anybody can look at them.
"As a television pundit, Rodney Marsh is paid to say controversial things. We are not £20m in debt as the accounts show."
Meanwhile, Brentford owner Ron Noades is reported to be ready to sell the club, re-invest his money and take the reins at QPR.
The former Crystal Palace supremo is believed to by eyeing a return to the limelight, and could soon make QPR chief Chris Wright an offer for the Loftus Road club, according to the Daily Star.
Wright is willing to sell, after becoming a target for fans' abuse as the team battles against the threat of relegation. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/q/qpr/1178204.stm
QPR suffer Bruce snub
BBC - Wednesday, 21 February, 2001
Bruce decides the QPR boss job is not for him
Steve Bruce has pulled out of the running for the QPR job.
The former Huddersfield Town boss was linked with the post following Gerry Francis' decision to stand down.
Rangers had been expected to unveil a new manager before the weekend but it now seems likely that Francis will still be in charge for the game against Wimbledon.
A statement released on behalf of Bruce said: "Further to discussions with the board of QPR, Steve Bruce has decided against having any further active discussion regarding the managerial position at the club.
I want to retire and I'm not going to change my mind
Gerry Francis
"The situation that Steve perceived as a long-term commitment seems to be clouded with uncertainty and Steve now understands that the club may be seeking a replacement only for the short term.
"On that basis Steve has decided to pull out but wishes to thank the board for their initial interest."
QPR have won twice - recording their first away win of the season against Gillingham on Tuesday - and have climbed out of the relegation zone since Francis announced his retirement from the game.
But the former England captain has made it clear that he has no intention of changing his mind despite the recent turnaround in the club's fortunes.
"I'm delighted with the six points we've gained in the last two games and obviously we are in a much better position now but my decision to go was never based on positions in the league," he said.
"I'm under no pressure from the board apart from the pressure to sign a new contract for next season but I've told them I don't want to do that. I want to retire and I'm not going to change my mind."
Former QPR midfielder Ian Holloway, recently sacked by Bristol Rovers, is thought to top the much-shortened candidate list. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/q/qpr/1182049.stm
QPR name Holloway as boss
BBC - Monday, 26 February, 2001,
Ian Holloway prepares for a return to QPR
Queens Park Rangers have named Ian Holloway as the new manager at Loftus Road.
Former QPR midfielder Holloway - sacked as Bristol Rovers boss last month - takes over from Gerry Francis who announced he was standing down 10 days ago.
I can't wait to take it on and I feel we can kick on from this
QPR boss Ian Holloway
He said: "I'm absolutely delighted to take this challenge on and motivate some of these players.
"It was a huge part of my playing career and I felt so proud. Anybody that watched me play could see what I was - whole-hearted and determined.
"This is the biggest club I ever played for and what we achieved in those five years, I was delighted.
"I can't wait to take it on and I feel we can kick on from this."
Optimistic
Holloway has joined Rangers on a contract for the remainder of this season and the whole of next term with options for an extension.
He is optimistic that he can keep the struggling club in the First Division, but insists that it is not just down to him.
"The players have got to work hard and they'll get honesty and enthusiasm from me and hopefully that will rub off.
"We are fully realistic of where we are and what we've got to do."
The former Rovers boss takes charge of first-team affairs on Tuesday and will work alongside his former mentor Francis, who has become the club's director of football.
But Holloway's appointment - which Francis is widely reported to have supported - throws the future of Rangers' assistant manager Iain Dowie into doubt.
Dowie was desperate to take over but, having failed in his second bid to land the job, could be set to leave the club altogether especially if - as expected - Holloway brings in Gary Penrice as his assistant. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/q/qpr/1190402.stm
"Holloway's Back As QPR Manager
David Bond Evening Standard
Former Loftus Road favourite Ian Holloway was today appointed manager of Queens Park Rangers and handed the task of steering his old club clear of relegation.
Holloway, who played 147 games for QPR, has just 13 matches left to guide them to safety. Saturday's 5-0 defeat at Wimbledon left Rangers one place above the drop zone on goal difference.
His appointment comes 10 days after Gerry Francis announced he was standing down as manager. The game on Saturday was his last in charge of the team and he is now expected to take up the club's offer of a place on the board.
But Holloway, who was sacked as manager of Bristol Rovers last month, will be in full control of the side for Saturday's home League clash against Sheffield United.
The club refused to reveal the length of his contract but confirmed it was not a stop-gap measure and that Holloway's deal was "multi-year".
Iain Dowie will remain as his assistant for the time being even though he was interviewed and turned down for the manager's position.
Chief executive David Davies said: "Ian is one of the club's most enthusiastic sons and we are delighted he has decided to join us. He will be fundamental in keeping the club in Division One this year."
With the club facing an uncertain future following chairman Chris Wright's decision to sell his majority stakeholding, finding a new manager has proved difficult. Last week Dave Basset, Wycombe's Lawrie Sanchez and former Huddersfield manager Steve Bruce all distanced themselves from the job. But Davies says Holloway was always their No 1 choice.
He added: "No one else was offered the job. Steve (Bruce), Lawrie (Sanchez) and David (Basset) were never actually offered the post in the first instance. Two of those three were seen in interviews along with Ian and we only made one offer and that was to Ian.
"We believe he is the man to take us forward. His four and a half years at Bristol Rovers typified his character and in the end he got no reward for that work. We think he was unlucky to get sacked from Bristol Rovers but we are certainly not complaining as it has been to our advantage.
"He has never courted publicity but if you examine the statistics both with wins, losses and points and also in player trading, he has done extremely well.
"He has worked with financial restraints and in our current situation that's what we need. I think one or two of the other people we saw might not have been comfortable with that.
"When Ian was a player he instilled a great deal of affection with our fans. He never gave up and that's the attitude we need to get us out of trouble now.
"We've got 13 games to go and I'm sure the first thing he will do is to work on the dynamics of the team and the players' willingness to go that extra yard. Woe betide any of them who aren't prepared to do that."
There still remains the job of finding new owners and Davies said: "We can now devote all our energies to finding a buyer." http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/sport/sport.html?in_article_id=26499&in_page_id=1771
QPR line up Sanchez as new manager
Adrian Curtis - May , Feb 2001
Queens Park Rangers are considering the position of manager Gerry Francis.
Rangers are understood to have identified his possible successor, with Wycombe Wanderers manager Lawrie Sanchez top of their wanted list.
Francis's team are one place off the bottom of the First Division and tonight face runaway leaders Fulham at Loftus Road in a match billed as "Gerry and the pacemakers".
A heavy defeat could mean that the game is the last in charge for Francis, who was a big favourite as a player at QPR and a huge success in a previous stint as manager there. He returned for a second spell in October 1998.
But the West London club, already struggling financially, are concerned that relegation into the Second Division would cripple them.
Rangers are one of only four clubs in the Football League without an away win this season. They have only four home wins.
With little money to bring in new players, Francis has had to juggle his resources carefully but the club are now believed to be ready for a change.
Francis, a successful businessman off the pitch, has often said he does not need the pressure of full-time football management and is likely to give serious consideration to any offer to step aside.
However, it is thought unlikely that Rangers will want to move him into another, more senior role and defeat this evening could well be the catalyst for his departure.
Sanchez is earning himself a reputation as one of the country's most promising young managers.
The former Wimbledon player, whose goal against Liverpool won the FA Cup for the Dons in 1988, has worked wonders at Wycombe since taking over from Terry Evans in February 1999.
He has also steered the club into the fifth round of the FA Cup this season.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/sport/sport.html?in_article_id=19264&in_page_id=1771
Francis Goes On His Terms
Ealing Times - February 20, 2001
Gerry Francis had made it common knowledge that he was considering retirement from management at the end of the season, when his contract expired.
Following discussions with the QPR board it was mutually agreed that it was imperative to install a new manager as soon as possible in order to plan for next season.
Francis reiterated his belief that 'the players here have what it takes to get out of trouble'. A tacit acceptance of his own failure to get the best from these players.
Of course he hasn't been helped by an horrendous injury list which has decimated the squad.
Some would say Gerry has pulled a masterstroke by staying on to help the new man in charge through to the season's end. Stay up, and you'll hear him accepting much of the credit go down, and there will be someone else to pin the blame on.
So who will be the man to fill the Loftus Road hotseat. Favourite to replace Francis is the present No.2 Ian Dowie, although former Chelsea coach Graham Rix has also been mentioned.
With ex-Wimbledon manager Dave Bassett ruling himself out of the running, the dark horse in the race could be former crazy gang member Lawrie Sanchez, currently working wonders at Wycombe.
Whoever it is, they will have their work cut out to keep the R's in the first division.
By.Andrew Adebowale http://www.ealingtimes.co.uk/archive/display.var.527702.0.0.html
