Additional Match Reports

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CREWE OFFICIAL SITE

A Richard Langley finish ten minutes from time gave QPR a thrilling 4-3 win at Gresty Road. It wasn't exactly the end we would have wanted to a disappointing 2005, especially after Eddie Johnson had given us a 15^th minute lead and then led 3-2 at the interval following further goals from Luke Varney and Billy Jones. In a topsy-turvy game, second half strikes from Martin Rowlands and Langley sealed our fate though and left us feeling awfully deflated on this New Year's Eve. Crewe enter 2006 at the bottom of the league following wins for Millwall and Sheffield Wednesday.

Centre-half Richard Walker returned to the sixteen-man squad after overcoming his leg injury. The Stafford based defender replaced Adie Moses on the substitutes bench which also included the scorer of our goal on Wednesday evening, Luke Rodgers.

For the visitors Paul Furlong dropped down the substitutes bench with Shabazz Baidoo starting for QPR.

The start of a rip-roaring first half nearly saw Eddie Johnson give us a lead in the opening minute. The on-loan Manchester United youngster, who recently agreed to extend his loan spell with us until the end of the season nearly finished off a fine passing move, but his looping shot cleared Simon Royce's crossbar.

Johnson was again involved a few minutes later after being picked out superbly by Kenny Lunt and his final shot made Royce to make a decent enough save. It was evident that both sides were going to create chances.

Lee Cook was the main outlet for the blue and white hoops and a probing run was only halted by a timely interception by Chris McCready. Richard Langley saw his long-range shot drift over Ross Turnbull's bar before Crewe took the lead on 15 minutes.

Young Gary Roberts was the creator supreme, smartly turning away from Cook close to the touchline before feeding Steve Jones down the left wing. The Northern Ireland International kept his composure to look up and pick out Johnson, who slotted into the bottom corner for his fourth goal of the campaign.

Crewe had an early advantage but a topsy-turvy affair would see that lead disintegrate within a minute. It was that sort of match, which had you on the edge of your seat.

In their quest to draw themselves level, Cook and then Langley shot straight at Ross Turnbull before QPR lost their influential midfielder Marc Bircham with a re-occurrence of his hamstring injury. He was replaced by Gareth Ainsworth, who played on the right and Martin Rowlands moved into the centre.

QPR came move into the game and pushed Crewe back into our penalty area. David Vaughan was called upon to do his defensive duties in clearing a Lee Cook free-kick before Steve Jones forced a fine save from Royce at the other end of the pitch.

It was end-to-end stuff and the match turned on its head in the 34^th minute. Darren Moss was caught in possession by Lee Cook and the former Watford man drilled it past Ross Turnbull.

Barely 60 seconds later, the visitors were quite unbelievably ahead. Cook and Martin Rowlands were involved in the build up and Gareth Ainsworth's cross to the far post was converted by Shabazz Baidoo.

To compound the situation, Eddie Johnson was unable to continue with what looked to be a hamstring strain and he was replaced by Luke Varney, who went about his business with real purpose. He was spoken too unfairly really for putting himself about that giant of a man Danny Shittu before scoring with his first touch!

Steve Jones unsettled Shittu and despite being impeded he still managed to flick the ball into the box where Varney accelerated onto the loose ball to sweep the ball past Simon Royce for 2-2.

That was not the end of the first half scoring. Steve Jones fired a low shot against the legs of Royce before another flowing move saw Crewe take the lead again!

The tenacious Roberts was again involved with some sublime close control close to the by-line and his pass released Steve Jones, who again rolled the ball across the box to invite the supportive Billy Jones to score his fifth of the campaign. That goal, a minute before the break climaxed one of the most entertaining first half's at Gresty Road.

With a 3-2 lead, Crewe were in a fine position to go on and secure just our fourth win of the season - but again defensive lapses would cost us everything. Credit must be given to Ian Holloway's side, who showed great character to fight back again and secure another win on the road.

It looked to be another exciting half when Steve Jones had another effort cleared off the line and the next goal was always going to be crucial. Danny Shittu headed goalwards from a corner and tried his luck from distance before Crewe again shot themselves in the foot again from our own thrown-in. This time it was Lunt caught out and Martin Rowlands punished him fully with another spectacular effort from 25 yards. His arrowed drive went straight into our top left corner to give Ross Turnbull little chance.

In fairness, QPR enjoyed a lot more possession in the second period, and always looked the more likely to score again. Substitute Paul Furlong fired at the legs of Turnbull after being sent clear through the middle of our defence.

Crewe had their chances too though, with Man-of-the-Match Gary Roberts forcing a decent save from Royce after a forceful run by Royce and Stephen Foster was close to reaching a wicked free-kick delivery from Kenny Lunt.

Crewe then lost left back Anthony Tonkin through injury, thus allowing Luke Rodgers to come on and play in a three upfront. Moss switched over to left back and Billy Jones filled in at right back.

Billy Jones was then cautioned for a trip on the influential Cook before Naiboo again tested the busier Turnbull.

With ten minutes remaining, QPR grabbed the decisive goal. Richard Langley latched on to a through from Furlong and raced clear of the intentions of Roberts and the trying to recover Foster before dispatching his shot with aplomb. It was like a knife through the heart at that stage of the game and overall was a little harsh on the Railwayen.

There was still time on the clock for a couple of Kenny Lunt free-kicks to cause an element of confusion inside the QPR box before Furlong had another opportunity at the death to make it appear more comfortable for the visitors, but Turnbull stood firm to deny the veteran striker a goal.

Crewe huffed and puffed in the closing stages, with Rangers conceding a number of free-kicks, but with Shittu getting his head on most things, real chances were few and far between. From a good position at the break, Crewe had somehow lost the match. http://www.crewealex.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Match/MatchReport/0,,10414~30487,00.html

Post Match Comments re Game and re his Job

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QPR OFFICIAL SITE - IAN HOLLOWAY COMMENTS
Ian Holloway was happy to take all three points back from Gresty Road after a seven goal thriller.
We showed terrific character! There were lots of things wrong, but you have to give Crewe some credit for that.I was certainly on the edge of my seat!
"There were two tired teams out there. It was about showing character and keeping going.
We got it wrong defensively a few times, we couldn't get our line right until late in the game."
Despite not being happy about certain aspects of his teams play, Ollie was delighted with his teams attacking play.
"We scored some great goal, we played well and we showed desire. The longer it went on the better we got.
It was a great game and a great advert for this division!"
Gianni Paladini had earlier denied reports linking Jim Smith to the club, Holloway responded.
"I'm sick and tired of it, it seems every man, dingo and his dog is linked with my job. I've got it and you just try and take it off me if you can!"
http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Match/ManagersComments/0,,10373~762104,00.html


BBC - QPR boss Ian Holloway:
"We already have more points than we did at this exact point this time last year with a game hand.

"But that doesn't seem to be good enough for some people. I'm sick and tired of every Tom, Dick and Ha rry getting linked with my job every day. "Well ding, dang, doo. It's my job, I own it and it's up to anyone else to take it off me." http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/4560078.stm

SPORTING LIFE
HOLLOWAY UPSET AT JOB SPECULATION

QPR boss Ian Holloway watched his side win a crazy game against Crewe then insisted he is "sick and tired" of speculation linking other managers with his job. Holloway's men could still reach the play-offs this season if they build on their 4-3 win at Gresty Road, but George Graham and Jim Smith have also been suggested as possibilities to take over at Loftus Road.
"We already have more points than we did at this exact point this time last year with a game in hand," Holloway said. "But that doesn't seem to be good enough for some people.
"I'm sick and tired of every Tom, Dick and Harry getting linked with my job every day. Well ding, dang, doo. It's my job, I own it and it's up to anyone else to take it off me.
"I'm proud of my players, of what we are doing here a re what we are trying to achieve and that's all that matters. "Today's game was a great advert for the league. I was on the edge of my seat but my players showed great commitment and I'm so proud of them.". http://www.sportinglife.com/football/cc_championship/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/05/12/31/SOCCER_Crewe_2nd_Nightlead.html&TEAMHD=nationwide1

Crewe boss Dario Gradi laid into his side, who sank to the bottom of the table with 53 goals conceded this season. He said: "You have to question whether the players are as good as those they are playing. We are going to have to play much better than that if we are going to survive in league.
"Basic errors costs us and in this league it is tough to get away with that."
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/cc_championship/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/05/12/31/SOCCER_Crewe_2nd_Nightlead.html&TEAMHD=nationwide1

CREWE OFFICIAL SITE
Dario Gradi has told the club's official web-site:

"It's hard to work out all the time how the goals are going in, the first of the goals were a little unfortunate. We had the ball in the box quite a lot in the second half, but the play was a bit rushed.
"Luke (Rodgers) is trying over-head kicks and Jonah is kicking the ball anywhere and obviously we have to have better quality. They had better quality than us in the end. They had more possession than us and their quality told in the end.
"Perhaps, in the end, we have got the ability of the players we are playing against. It's a tough league, the toughest it has been and we have to play at our very best. Maybe that isn't something they can do week in week out but its what they have to do to stay in this league.He added: " We'll have to do better than we did tonight if we want to stay in this league, there is no doubt about that. http://www.crewealex.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/managers_view/0,,10414~761920,00.html

E

Match Reports

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SPORTING LIFE
Crewe 3 QPR 4

Click here for full match stats

Billy Jones scored moments before half-time to give Crewe a slender first-half advantage against QPR.

Eddie Johnson had given the home side the lead, but QPR hit back thanks to quick-fire goals from Lee Cook and Shabazz Baidoo.

Luke Varney, who replaced the injured Johnson, then quickly made his mark to bring Crewe level before Jones struck to cap an action-packed opening 45 minutes.

The home side carved out an opening inside the opening minute but Johnson sent his right-footed volley wide of Simon Royce's goal.

QPR hit back quickly and Ross Turnbull in the Crewe goal had to be on his toes to keep out a long-range effort from Baidoo just two minutes later.

Baidoo threatened again moments later, but was again denied by Turnbull as both sides contributed fully to an entertaining opening spell.

Royce had to be at his absolute best after 10 minutes as he somehow denied Johnson, brilliantly parrying the Crewe striker's fiercely-struck shot.

QPR's Martin Rowland then fired a shot over the crossbar, but moments later the home side were ahead through the dangerous Johnson.

Gary Roberts found Johnson who kept his cool to slot the ball past Royce after 15 minutes.

To make matters worse for the visitors, they were forced into a change just five minutes later when midfielder Marc Bircham was injured. He was replaced by Gareth Ainsworth.

But QPR continued to push for an equaliser with Richard Langley having a goal-bound shot blocked and then the same player firing over the crossbar from 20 yards.

Play continued to switch from end to end, though, and Royce was again called into action to deal with a 25-yard shot from Steve Jones 11 minutes before the interval.

But it was the visitors who then struck with a double whammy to turn the game on its head.

Cook levelled with a neat left-foot finish after 35 minutes and just over a minute later Baidoo steered the ball home to put QPR ahead and stun Crewe.

The home side were also forced to make a change before the interval with Varney replacing Johnson.

And Varney made a swift impact as within a couple of minutes of coming on he latched onto a pass from Jones to fire home the equaliser after 39 minutes.

Jones then had the final say with a close-range finish just before the half-time whistle.

http://www.sportinglife.com/football/live/reports/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/05/12/31/SOCCER_Crewe.html



BBC Crewe 3-4 QPR

Second half strikes by Martin Rowlands and Richard Langley ensured QPR took the points from a seven-goal thriller.

A double strike by Lee Cook and Shabazz Baidoo put QPR on top and cancelled out Eddie Johnson's opener, but Luke Varney and Billy Jones restored Crewe's lead.
In the second half Simon Royce did well to stop Steve Jones extending Crewe's lead and this proved vital.
On 57 minutes Rowlands' long-range effort drew QPR level before Langley hit the winner with nine minutes left. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/4560078.stm

QPR Official Site

Rangers produced a sterling second half comeback to beat Crewe in a seven goal thriller at Gresty Road. Goals from Cook, Baidoo, Rowlands and Langley made it a memorable end to 2005.

Rangers made just one change from the win over Cardiff City with Shabazz Baidoo replacing Paul Furlong.

Rangers had an early attack on their own when Shabazz Baidoo picked up the ball 40 yards out but his low shot was dealt with easily by Turnbull in the Crewe goal.

Baidoo had another run at the Crewe defence in the 6th minute and once again hit a low shot that was gathered by Turnbull.

Crewe came close on 10 minutes when Johnson evaded the Rangers back line and saw his effort blocked Royce.

Rangers though were taking advantage of some poor Crewe defending and Martin Rowlands picked up a mis-placed pass and saw his left foot shot skim over the bar.

It was Crewe however, who took the lead. Steve Jones broke down Rangers left and the ball was pulled back to Johnson who placed the ball into the back of the net.

Rangers thought they had good grounds for a penalty after 18 minutes. Lee Cook's through ball seemed to strike a Crewe hand but the ref waved played on.

Rangers were forced to make a substitution on 20 minutes when Marc Bircham hobbled off and he was replaced by Gareth Ainsworth.. Just when the injury situation had started to look up Rangers suffered another blow!

Richard Langley won Rangers first corner of the match on 23 minutes when his shot was defected wide. The corner was taken shot and Langley shot from range but saw his shot fly high over the bar.

It wasn't long though before Rangers were level. Lee Cook ran down the left and his low shot beat Turnbull at the near post.

Even better was to follow when almost from the kick off Rangers took the lead. Ainsworth cross the ball from the right and it fell to Baidoo who hooked his shot in at the far post.

But before the celebrations had time to calm down Crewe were level. Luke Varney slotting home from eight yards. All in all, a mad couple of minutes!

Royce had to be at his best a couple of minutes later when he beat away Jones' effort.

Crewe then regained the lead after some awful defending in the Rangers defence. Rose couldn't reach a wayward pass, Santos missed his tackle and Billy Jones was un-marked to make it 3-2 to Crewe.

Rangers started the second half much better, looking more solid.

It took Rangers just over 10 minutes to draw level and what a goal it was!

Martin Rowlands picked up the ball 30 yards from goal and with no other options he let fly. His shot went like a rocket into the top corner and Rowlands sprinted to celebrate in front of the Rangers fans.

Rangers continued to probe but Crewe were looking dangerous on the counter-attack.

Ian Holloway then made a double substitution. Mauro Milanese replaced Georges Santos. Milanese went to left back and Rose moved to the centre. Paul Furlong made a straight swap with Marc Nygaard.

Langley then came ever so close to giving the Superhoops the lead. The midfielder burst through the middle but Lee Cook's pass just made him check slightly and he saw his shot pushed away.

Five minutes later almost a carbon copy of the incident saw QPR take the lead. Langley once again burst through the middle but this time his low shot rifled into the back of the net! Phew!

Furlong nearly made the game safe just after when he got in behind the Crewe defence, his low shot was beaten away by Turnbull.

The final whistle went and the travelling Rangers army erupted.

Whilst Ian Holloway will have sleepless nights about his teams defensive display, he will be licking his lips from seeing Rangers best attacking display of the season.

http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Match/MatchReport/0,,10373~30487,00.html

TEAMTALK
QPR edge Alex in thriller

Second-half goals from Martin Rowlands and Richard Langley gave QPR all three points after a seven-goal thriller at Gresty Road.

In an action-packed first half Billy Jones had scored moments before half-time to give Crewe a slender 3-2 advantage, but the visitors fought back superbly after the interval.

Eddie Johnson gave the home side the lead in the 15th minute, but QPR hit back thanks to quick-fire goals from Lee Cook and Shabazz Baidoo.

Luke Varney, who replaced the injured Johnson, then quickly made his mark to bring Crewe level before Jones struck to cap a thrilling opening 45 minutes.

The home side carved out an opening inside the first minute but Johnson sent his right-footed volley wide of Simon Royce's goal.

QPR hit back quickly and Ross Turnbull in the Crewe goal had to be on his toes to keep out a long-range effort from Baidoo just two minutes later.

Baidoo threatened again moments later, but was again denied by Turnbull as both sides contributed fully to an entertaining opening spell.

Royce had to be at his best after 10 minutes as he somehow denied Johnson, brilliantly parrying the Crewe striker's fiercely-struck shot.

QPR's Martin Rowland then fired a shot over the crossbar, but moments later the home side were ahead through the dangerous Johnson.

Gary Roberts found Johnson who kept his cool to slot the ball past Royce after 15 minutes.

To make matters worse for the visitors, they were forced into a change just five minutes later when midfielder Marc Bircham was injured. He was replaced by Gareth Ainsworth.

But QPR continued to push for an equaliser with Langley having a goal-bound shot blocked and then the same player fired over the crossbar from 20 yards.

Play continued to switch from end to end, though, and Royce was again called into action to deal with a 25-yard shot from Steve Jones 11 minutes before the interval.

But it was the visitors who then struck with a double whammy to turn the game on its head.

Cook levelled with a neat left-footed finish after 35 minutes and just over a minute later Baidoo steered the ball home to put QPR ahead and stun Crewe.

The home side were also forced to make a change before the interval with Varney replacing Johnson.

And Varney made a swift impact as within a couple of minutes of coming on he latched onto a pass to fire home the equaliser after 39 minutes.

Jones then struck with a close-range finish just before the half-time whistle.

Royce was back in action just after the re-start as he saved superbly from Steve Jones to prevent the home side from extending their lead.

And it proved a crucial stop as the visitors levelled after 57 minutes with a cracking long-range effort from Rowlands which gave Turnbull no chance.

Langley then struck with nine minutes remaining to settle matters.
http://www.teamtalk.com/teamtalk/News/Story_Page/0,7760,1801_921845,00.html

QPR Defeat Crewe 4-3

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Crewe 3 QPR 4

QPR Remain 13th with 35 points from 27 games...4 points off playoff spot (and 11 points away from the relegation spot)
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/live/tables/cc_champ.html


Scoring
Crewe 1-0
QPR 1-1 (Cook)
QPR 2-1 (Baidoo)
Crewe 2-2
Crewe 3-2 (HT)
QPR 3-3 (Rowlands)
QPR 4-3 (Langley)

MINUTE BY MINUTE
This is Staffordshire
0:00(2:44)
Defending throw-in by Gary Roberts (Crewe).

90:00(1:45)
Foul by Shabazz Baidoo (QPR) on Luke Rodgers (Crewe). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Kenny Lunt (Crewe) from right wing, resulting in open play.

90:00(0:51)
Luke Rodgers (Crewe) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Simon Royce (QPR) from own half, resulting in open play.

90:00(0:24)
Attacking throw-in by Marcus Bignot (QPR).

89:38
Goal kick taken long by Simon Royce (QPR).

88:29
Foul by Lee Cook (QPR) on Gary Roberts (Crewe). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Gary Roberts (Crewe) from right channel, resulting in open play.

88:23
Defending throw-in by Kenny Lunt (Crewe).

87:52
Shabazz Baidoo (QPR) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Ross Turnbull (Crewe) from own half, resulting in open play.

87:20
Foul by Shabazz Baidoo (QPR) on Kenny Lunt (Crewe). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Ross Turnbull (Crewe) from own half, resulting in open play.

87:11
Attacking throw-in by Mauro Milanese (QPR).

86:25
Goal kick taken long by Ross Turnbull (Crewe).

86:05
Attacking throw-in by Marcus Bignot (QPR).

85:52
Defending throw-in by Darren Moss (Crewe).

85:22
Cross by Gary Roberts (Crewe), save (caught) by Simon Royce (QPR).

84:56
Attacking throw-in by Billy Jones (Crewe).

84:11
Shot by Paul Furlong (QPR) right-footed from centre of penalty area (12 yards), fantastic save (parried) by Ross Turnbull (Crewe). Defending throw-in by Darren Moss (Crewe).

83:31
Corner from right by-line taken short right-footed by Lee Cook (QPR).

83:04
Attacking throw-in by Marcus Bignot (QPR).

82:22
Foul by Gareth Ainsworth (QPR) on Darren Moss (Crewe). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Kenny Lunt (Crewe) from left wing, resulting in open play.

81:48
Foul by Paul Furlong (QPR) on Darren Moss (Crewe). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Stephen Foster (Crewe) from own half, resulting in open play.

81:24
Shot by Luke Rodgers (Crewe) left-footed from right channel (25 yards), save (caught) by Simon Royce (QPR).

80:22
Goal by Richard Langley (QPR) right-footed (bottom-left of goal) from right side of penalty area (12 yards).Crewe 3-4 QPR. Assist (pass) by Paul Furlong (QPR) from right channel.

78:43
Foul by Billy Jones (Crewe) on Lee Cook (QPR). Billy Jones (Crewe) booked for unsporting behaviour. Direct free kick taken right-footed by Mauro Milanese (QPR) from left channel, resulting in open play.

78:00
Attacking throw-in by Billy Jones (Crewe).

77:21
Goal kick taken long by Simon Royce (QPR).

76:52
Defending throw-in by Billy Jones (Crewe).

76:11
Attacking throw-in by Mauro Milanese (QPR).

75:10
Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Martin Rowlands (QPR) to centre, resulting in open play.

74:39
Attacking throw-in by Mauro Milanese (QPR).

73:56
Goal kick taken long by Ross Turnbull (Crewe).

73:30
Attacking throw-in by Mauro Milanese (QPR).

73:06
Attacking throw-in by Shabazz Baidoo (QPR).

72:41
Goal kick taken long by Simon Royce (QPR).

70:54
Shot by Martin Rowlands (QPR) right-footed from centre of penalty area (18 yards), save (tipped round post) by Ross Turnbull (Crewe). Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Martin Rowlands (QPR) to near post, clearance by Darren Moss (Crewe).

70:15
Foul by Luke Varney (Crewe) on Lee Cook (QPR). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Mauro Milanese (QPR) from own half, resulting in open play.

69:50
Foul by Paul Furlong (QPR) on Stephen Foster (Crewe). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Stephen Foster (Crewe) from own half, resulting in open play.

68:06
Shot by Gareth Ainsworth (QPR) right-footed from right channel (25 yards), missed right. QPR substitution: Georges Santos replaced by Mauro Milanese (tactical). QPR substitution: Marc Nygaard replaced by Paul Furlong (tactical). Crewe substitution: Anthony Tonkin replaced by Luke Rodgers (tactical). Goal kick taken long by Ross Turnbull (Crewe).

67:33
Attacking throw-in by Georges Santos (QPR).

66:33
Defending throw-in by Anthony Tonkin (Crewe).

65:45
Defending throw-in by Marcus Bignot (QPR).

65:11
Goal kick taken long by Ross Turnbull (Crewe).

64:28
Foul by Billy Jones (Crewe) on Shabazz Baidoo (QPR). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Lee Cook (QPR) from left channel, resulting in open play.

64:01
Steve Jones (Crewe) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Simon Royce (QPR) from own half, resulting in open play.

63:51
Shot by Gary Roberts (Crewe) left-footed from left channel (20 yards), save (caught) by Simon Royce (QPR).

61:56
Defending throw-in by Darren Moss (Crewe).

61:30
Foul by Richard Langley (QPR) on Steve Jones (Crewe). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Ross Turnbull (Crewe) from own half, resulting in open play.

61:01
Attacking throw-in by Marcus Bignot (QPR).

60:14
Defending throw-in by Darren Moss (Crewe).

59:47
Handball by Gary Roberts (Crewe). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Marcus Bignot (QPR) from left channel, passed.

59:15
Brilliant shot by Steve Jones (Crewe) right-footed from left channel (20 yards), missed left. Goal kick taken long by Simon Royce (QPR).

58:44
Defending throw-in by Georges Santos (QPR).

57:48
Foul by Marcus Bignot (QPR) on Steve Jones (Crewe). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Kenny Lunt (Crewe) from right channel, resulting in open play.

56:34
Fantastic goal by Martin Rowlands (QPR) drilled right-footed (top-right of goal) from right channel (35+ yards).Crewe 3-3 QPR.

55:16
Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Martin Rowlands (QPR) to centre, resulting in open play. Defending throw-in by Darren Moss (Crewe).

54:31
Foul by Gareth Ainsworth (QPR) on Anthony Tonkin (Crewe). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Ross Turnbull (Crewe) from own half, resulting in open play.

54:08
Attacking throw-in by Gareth Ainsworth (QPR).

53:21
Goal kick taken long by Simon Royce (QPR).

52:14
Shot by Dan Shittu (QPR) right-footed from right channel (35+ yards), save (caught) by Ross Turnbull (Crewe).

50:10
Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Richard Langley (QPR) to far post, header by Martin Rowlands (QPR) from centre of penalty area (12 yards), save (caught) by Ross Turnbull (Crewe).

49:19
Attacking throw-in by Marcus Bignot (QPR).

49:04
Attacking throw-in by Marcus Bignot (QPR).

47:53
Attacking throw-in by Marcus Bignot (QPR).

47:33
Attacking throw-in by David Vaughan (Crewe).

47:06
Shot by Steve Jones (Crewe) right-footed from right side of penalty area (18 yards), fantastic save (parried) by Simon Royce (QPR).

46:22
Goal kick taken long by Ross Turnbull (Crewe).

45:31
Goal kick taken long by Ross Turnbull (Crewe).

45:08
Foul by Luke Varney (Crewe) on Richard Langley (QPR). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Dan Shittu (QPR) from own half, resulting in open play.

45:00(0:34)
Goal kick taken long by Ross Turnbull (Crewe).

44:56
Marc Nygaard (QPR) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Stephen Foster (Crewe) from own half, resulting in open play.

44:08
Goal by Billy Jones (Crewe) right-footed (bottom-right of goal) from right side of six-yard box (6 yards).Crewe 3-2 QPR. Assist (pass) by Steve Jones (Crewe) from right channel.

42:51
Shot by Steve Jones (Crewe) right-footed from left side of penalty area (12 yards), fantastic save (parried) by Simon Royce (QPR).

42:29
Defending throw-in by Marcus Bignot (QPR).

41:51
Foul by Lee Cook (QPR) on Darren Moss (Crewe). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Darren Moss (Crewe) from own half, passed.

41:19
Defending throw-in by Marcus Bignot (QPR).

41:00
Handball by Gareth Ainsworth (QPR). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Stephen Foster (Crewe) from own half, resulting in open play.

40:13
Attacking throw-in by Marcus Bignot (QPR).

39:54
Attacking throw-in by Marcus Bignot (QPR).

38:49
Goal by Luke Varney (Crewe) right-footed (bottom-right of goal) from left side of penalty area (12 yards).Crewe 2-2 QPR. Assist (pass) by Steve Jones (Crewe) from left channel.

37:54
Foul by Luke Varney (Crewe) on Georges Santos (QPR). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Dan Shittu (QPR) from own half, resulting in open play.

37:46
Goal kick taken long by Ross Turnbull (Crewe).

37:03
Foul by Luke Varney (Crewe) on Marcus Bignot (QPR). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Simon Royce (QPR) from own half, resulting in open play.

36:40
Crewe substitution: Eddie Johnson replaced by Luke Varney (injury).

36:05
Goal by Shabazz Baidoo (QPR) right-footed (bottom-right of goal) from right side of penalty area (6 yards).Crewe 1-2 QPR. Assist (cross) by Gareth Ainsworth (QPR) from right channel.

34:48
Goal by Lee Cook (QPR) left-footed (bottom-left of goal) from centre of penalty area (6 yards).Crewe 1-1 QPR.

34:27
Attacking throw-in by Anthony Tonkin (Crewe).

34:00
Eddie Johnson (Crewe) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Simon Royce (QPR) from own half, resulting in open play.

33:37
Shot by Steve Jones (Crewe) right-footed from left channel (25 yards), save (caught) by Simon Royce (QPR).

32:08
Attacking throw-in by Marcus Bignot (QPR).

31:33
Foul by Kenny Lunt (Crewe) on Lee Cook (QPR). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Richard Langley (QPR) from left channel, passed.

29:46
Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Lee Cook (QPR) to centre, resulting in ball out of play. Goal kick taken long by Ross Turnbull (Crewe).

28:05
Eddie Johnson (Crewe) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Simon Royce (QPR) from own half, resulting in open play.

27:36
Shot by Richard Langley (QPR) right-footed from left channel (35+ yards), save (caught) by Ross Turnbull (Crewe).

26:32
Foul by Marc Nygaard (QPR) on Chris McCready (Crewe). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Ross Turnbull (Crewe) from own half, resulting in open play.

26:07
Cross by Marcus Bignot (QPR), resulting in open play.

24:45
Eddie Johnson (Crewe) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Georges Santos (QPR) from own half, resulting in open play. Defending throw-in by Anthony Tonkin (Crewe).

24:22
Shot by Richard Langley (QPR) right-footed from left wing (18 yards), over the bar. Goal kick taken long by Ross Turnbull (Crewe).

23:34
Shot by Richard Langley (QPR) right-footed from right channel (25 yards), blocked by Billy Jones (Crewe). Corner from right by-line taken short right-footed by Martin Rowlands (QPR).

22:43
Foul by Eddie Johnson (Crewe) on Marcus Bignot (QPR). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Dan Shittu (QPR) from own half, resulting in open play.

22:10
Attacking throw-in by Billy Jones (Crewe).

21:55
Defending throw-in by Anthony Tonkin (Crewe).

21:15
Goal kick taken long by Ross Turnbull (Crewe).

20:14
QPR substitution: Marc Bircham replaced by Gareth Ainsworth (serious injury).

19:12
Defending throw-in by Matthew Rose (QPR).

18:35
Shot by Steve Jones (Crewe) left-footed from left channel (20 yards), missed right. Goal kick taken long by Simon Royce (QPR).

17:28
Shot by Marcus Bignot (QPR) left-footed from right channel (35+ yards), save (caught) by Ross Turnbull (Crewe).

15:38
Foul by Eddie Johnson (Crewe) on Georges Santos (QPR). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Simon Royce (QPR) from own half, resulting in open play.

15:21
Defending throw-in by Anthony Tonkin (Crewe).

15:06
Defending throw-in by Anthony Tonkin (Crewe).

14:31
Goal by Eddie Johnson (Crewe) right-footed (bottom-left of goal) from right side of penalty area (18 yards).Crewe 1-0 QPR. Assist (pass) by Gary Roberts (Crewe) from right wing.

13:28
Shot by Martin Rowlands (QPR) left-footed from left channel (18 yards), over the bar. Goal kick taken long by Ross Turnbull (Crewe).

12:44
Defending throw-in by Marc Bircham (QPR).

10:34
Attacking throw-in by Matthew Rose (QPR).

9:39
Shot by Eddie Johnson (Crewe) right-footed from centre of penalty area (12 yards), fantastic save (parried) by Simon Royce (QPR).

9:03
Attacking throw-in by Marcus Bignot (QPR).

8:22
Attacking throw-in by Marcus Bignot (QPR).

6:17
Cross by Marcus Bignot (QPR), header by Marc Nygaard (QPR) from right side of penalty area (12 yards), missed right. Goal kick taken long by Ross Turnbull (Crewe).

5:48
Eddie Johnson (Crewe) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Dan Shittu (QPR) from own half, passed.

5:14
Shot by Shabazz Baidoo (QPR) right-footed from right side of penalty area (12 yards), save (caught) by Ross Turnbull (Crewe).

4:19
Defending throw-in by Darren Moss (Crewe).

3:58
Defending throw-in by Darren Moss (Crewe).

3:30
Foul by Steve Jones (Crewe) on Georges Santos (QPR). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Simon Royce (QPR) from own half, resulting in open play.

2:41
Shot by Shabazz Baidoo (QPR) right-footed from right channel (30 yards), save (caught) by Simon Royce (QPR). Foul by Georges Santos (QPR) on Chris McCready (Crewe). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Kenny Lunt (Crewe) from left channel, resulting in open play.

1:54
Goal kick taken short by Simon Royce (QPR).

1:38
Defending throw-in by Anthony Tonkin (Crewe).

1:18
Goal kick taken long by Ross Turnbull (Crewe).

0:32
Shot by Eddie Johnson (Crewe) volleyed right-footed from right side of penalty area (18 yards), missed left. Goal kick taken long by Simon Royce (QPR).
http://www.thisisfootball.co.uk/Display.aspx?MatchId=2529522

No Jim Smith to QPR According to Paladini

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QPR OFFICIAL SITE
"...Paladini has also rubbished claims that Jim Smith is to come to Rangers as Director of Football
http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~761941,00.html

Team Lineups for Crewe vs QPR

(No Cole; No Bean...)

QPR: Royce, Bignot, Shittu, Santos, Rose, Langley, Bircham, Rowlands, Cook, Nygaard, Baidoo
Subs Not Used: Moore, Donnelly, Ainsworth, Furlong. Milanese

Crewe Team: Turnbull, Moss, Tonkin, Foster, McCready, Lunt, Vaughan, Roberts, B. Jones, S. Jones, Johnson
Subs: Tomlinson, Rix, Walker, Varney, Rodgers

Dario Gradi on Holloway...Crewe's Varney on QPR

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Dario Prepares For QPR Clash

Crewe Official Site
As he prepares his side for two more games in three days, Dario Gradi has told the club's official web-site that he feels we have dropped four points over the Christmas period. The Alex have failed to take full advantage of playing against reduced teams.
Leicester played the last half-an-hour with ten men at the Walkers Stadium but held onto for a draw, whilst Coventry were reduced to nine men in mid-week after having Michael Doyle sent-off and Robert Page stretched off with a fractured cheekbone.
After using all three substitutes, Micky Adams had no choice but to cross his fingers and hope in the closing stages of the game, only for Luke Rodgers to head home a Kenny Lunt cross in stoppage time to salvage a point.
"I think we have dropped four points because we had a good chance to win both away games because we were playing against ten and nine men,' says Dario.
"We should have been better prepared for that type of situation and we will do a bit more work on it. The players were certainly better against Coventry than they were at Leicester because we dominated the later stages of that game and really should have won the game.
"The positive thing for us, is that we have moved up one place in the league table but I wouldn't say I was happy about our points return. I am encouraged because the players here always give their best and give us hope.
He added: "We need to take the improvements we have made into the next couple of games. QPR are still a big club. I remember when Dave Sexton took them to second place in the First Division. "Ian Holloway has his own unique style but I think he has done a very good job there in difficult circumstances, because the club have not been that stable financially for a few years. He has a decent side there and we know they were come here expecting to get something from the game." http://www.crewealex.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10414~761596,00.html


CREWE'S LUKE VARNEY

Striker Luke Varney sees the clash with Queens Park Rangers as a game that can push Crewe up the table and closing that gap that holds us down the bottom of the league.
Following a run of three consecutive draws, Luke suggests that spirits are high at Reaseheath and a two wins in the next two games could really separate that gap.
"Before Wednesday's game, we looked at the league table, which we do quite often, and I think there was four points in it between us and the middle of the table. Hopefully, we can go into tomorrow's game and get all three points and get us moving up the table again."
Luke and the rest of the team are used to teams arriving at Gresty Road feeling confident they can push over our squad and claim the three points before the first whistle. However, with moral high and players constantly improving, Luke says that it isn't the same anymore and they are getting into the physical side a lot more.
"We know that tomorrow going to be a physical game and we look back at when we played them last season and we got the win, and hopefully we can go with that and get the win this year. I think we're getting the physical side of the game a bit more now, and there aren't really that many teams that are bullying us anymore. We're losing games now by being out played, but teams aren't bullying us on the pitch.
"QPR are one of those teams, where it won't matter where they play, the can be up for any game and it'll be a tough game.
On top of recent results Luke has seen a stop start in his play in the first team but aims to put that back to a starting position after feeling back to his best.
"It's been a little stop start for me recently, but I feel like when I'm getting the chance I'm making an impact. I'm enjoying it, I know I'm only sub at the minute but I'm just going to keep going and hopefully I'll get that start again.
"Since the Cardiff game my form dipped a little, and then I had a little injury and illness but I think I'm back to my best now and I'm just looking forward to getting back into the team.
http://www.crewealex.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10414~761716,00.html

Jim Smith Returning to QPR?

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SMITH RETURNING TO R's
David McIntyre Gazette Newspaper

[Posted on Dave Barton's great Queens Park Rangers FC site]

QPR want Jim Smith to return to Loftus Road as director of football.
Smith, who managed Rangers from 1985 to 1988, has been approached by Rs chairman Gianni Paladini. The two are friends and Smith has been linked with a return before, but this time an agreement is close to being reached.
Smith is expected to watch Rangers' match at Crewe tomorrow with a view to taking up his post early in the new year. It is not yet clear how his possible arrival would affect manager Ian Holloway and his coaching set-up.
...... Paladini is keen to make the structural change after a difficult spell of behind-the-scenes problems and some poor performances on the pitch. http://www.queensparkrangersfc.com/papersdec3005.htm


As posted yesterday from The Telegraph re Jim Smith to QPR
http://qprreport.blogspot.com/2005/12/qpr-reportedly-set-to-appoint-jim.html


Jim Smith Record

Jim Smith Career
Jim Smith (footballer) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Jim Smith (born October 17, 1940) is a former English football (soccer) player and is now working as a coach. He is currently unemployed after Southampton F.C. decided not to renew his contract as assistant to Harry Redknapp following the 2004/05 season.[edit]Playing careerSmith began his playing career in 1959, when he signed for hometown Sheffield United as a trainee (though Smith himself supports Sheffield Wednesday). After failing to break into the first team he was transferred to Aldershot for the 1961-1962 season.At the beginning of the 1965-1966 season, after scoring one goal in 74 appearances, Smith left Aldershot to join Halifax Town. He made 113 league appearances for Halifax, scoring 7 goals, before moving to Lincoln City in 1968. After a year at Lincoln in which he made 54 appearances Smith signed for non-league Boston United as player-manager.[edit]Management careerA good start to his managerial career at Boston meant that in November 1972 Colchester United offered Smith the position of player-manager at the club.Success came quickly as Smith guided Colchester to the Football League Fourth Division title in 1974. His performance at the club attracted the attention of bigger clubs, and in 1975 he quit the club, and hung up his boots, to join Blackburn Rovers as manager.He led Blackburn for three years before leaving to be appointed boss of Birmingham City in 1978. Unfortunately, Birmingham were relegated from the old Football League First Division the next year. However, Smith managed to guide Birmingham back into the top flight the next season.In 1982 Smith parted company with the St Andrews club and joined Oxford United as manager. Taking them to the old Football League Third Division championship in 1984. The next year they were again promoted, this time into the top flight, for the first time in their history as Oxford won the old Second Division. This spectacular success led to Smith being offered the job of manager at Queens Park Rangers, which he accepted.In his first year at QPR, Smith took the club to the League Cup final, but they lost 3-0 to his former club Oxford. Smith continued to manage QPR until 1988 when he left to become manager of Newcastle United. However, the following year Newcastle were relegated and failure to reverse the club's fortunes led to Smith's sacking in 1991.He quickly bounced back and was appointed manager of Portsmouth the same year. He had a fairly successful reign at Fratton Park for four years, including reaching the FA Cup semi-finals in 1992, before leaving Pompey to take over at Derby County in 1995.In his first full season in charge Derby came second in the First Division (now the second tier of English football), and gained promotion to the FA Premier League.For three seasons Derby showed impressive improvements in the Premiership, finishing 12th, 9th and 8th. However, in the next two seasons Derby narrowly avoided relegation, finishing 16th and 17th. Smith resigned at the beginning of the 2001-2002 season.In early 2002, Smith was appointed assistant manager at Coventry City. Though results improved after he arrived, Smith was sacked, along with Coventry's entire management team, at the end of the season.Later that year, former club Portsmouth offered Smith a position as assistant manager to Harry Redknapp. Having accepted, Smith helped Redknapp win the First Division at the first attempt in 2002-2003, and went on to become a major part of Pompey's consolidation process in the Premier League.In November 2004, both Smith and Redknapp resigned from Portsmouth after the appointment of a director of football. Both considered this to threaten their authority and control in team matters.Redknapp soon became the manager of Southampton and Smith was appointed his assistant a few weeks later on December 22, 2004, having previously turned down the role of chief scout. However, Southampton were relegated at the end of the season and Smith's contract was not renewed due to cost-cutting.[edit]Career summary1959-1961 Sheffield United (player)1961-1965 Aldershot (player)1965-1968 Halifax Town (player)1968-1969 Lincoln City (player)1969-1972 Boston United (player-manager)1972-1975 Colchester United (player-manager)1975-1978 Blackburn Rovers (manager)1978-1982 Birmingham City (manager)1982-1985 Oxford United (manager)1985-1988 Queens Park Rangers (manager)1988-1991 Newcastle United (manager)1991-1995 Portsmouth (manager)1995-2001 Derby County (manager)2002 Coventry City (assistant manager)2002-2004 Portsmouth (assistant manager)2004-2005 Southampton (assistant manager)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Smith_(footballer)

Past QPR Managerial Speculation

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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

Crewe's Perspective

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Blog Updated December 31, 2005

Skysports

Crewe will once again be without striker Michael Higdon when they face QPR at Gresty Road on Saturday.

Higdon's stomach injury has kept him out of the last two matches and his place is likely to go to Eddie Johnson once again.
Defender Richard Walker misses out with an ankle injury but Adie Moses could return.
Dario Gradi's side have drawn their last three matches, but they are without a win in eight.
Rangers expect striker Marc Nygaard to be fit, even though he limped out of Wednesday's 1-0 victory over Cardiff shortly after scoring the winner.
Hamstring victim Kevin Gallen remains on the sidelines along with midfielder Tommy Doherty who has a leg injury.
Stefan Moore sat out the midweek success due to illness but he will return to the squad for the journey to Cheshire. Crewe 5/4 Draw 9/4 QPR 7/4

Click here for full odds with Sky Bet

http://home.skysports.com/list.asp?hlid=348948&CPID=10&clid=&lid=&title=Crewe+v+QPR+preview



This is Staffordshire

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKING FOR RODGERS
30 December 2005

Crewe boss Dario Gradi will have an extra headache when he sits down to pen his attacking line-up for tomorrow's clash with QPR. Spoilt for choice all season with the likes of Steve Jones, Mike Higdon, Eddie Johnson and Luke Varney all vying for a place in the starting line-up, there's now a new boy in town.Dogged by injury since his arrival from Shrewsbury Town during the summer, Luke Rodgers finally made his mark for the Alex this week in extraordinary circumstances.
Thrown on by Gradi in the 93rd minute against Coventry in a last-ditch attempt to salvage something from the game, Rodgers hardly had time to get his bearings before nodding home Kenny Lunt's cross for a dramatic last-gasp equaliser.It was the 23-year-old's first touch of the match and also broke his scoring duck for a club at which he had previously failed to fulfil his undoubted promise.And with Higdon currently out injured and Johnson's future at the club still hanging in the balance, there is no better opportunity for Rodgers to come to the fore and prove his worth.Gradi has always been a keen admirer of the 23-year-old, whose birthday is on Sunday, and Crewe had a substantial bid for him turned down in 2002 when Shrewsbury were relegated.An ankle injury prevented the Brummie, who has just one start and nine substitute appearances to his name so far, from making an immediate impact.But having now bagged that crucial first goal, he could well be vying for a run in the first team.Gradi was pleased with Rodgers's performance when thrown on in an attempt to secure a point and has always hoped that his long-term target would bear fruit."Scoring that goal will be good for Luke as he has had a tough time since coming here." said Gradi. "But he has worked hard and is starting to do well."He is an exciting player and works hard in training. He has a good attitude around the place and I'm glad he's here."
Another factor Gradi must consider is Jones's lack of confidence and the future of Johnson.Jones has not scored since he bagged a brace against Millwall at the start of November and appears to be suffering a crisis in front of goal.This was apparent when he spurned a glorious opportunity against Coventry in the 87th minute, tamely toe-poking the ball straight into the arms of keeper Marlon Fulop when one against one.Meanwhile, Johnson's loan spell from Manchester United is up at the end of the month and the young striker has yet to decide whether to remain at Gresty Road or move on to pastures new.Currently considering offers from various other clubs, the game against QPR could well be the last Johnson plays for the club.
But whoever Gradi chooses to spearhead his attack, he will be hoping his side can continue a scoring run which has seen them net in their last four games against a QPR side which has kept just one clean sheet on its travels this season.T he Londoners, however, travel north buoyed by their 1-0 victory against Cardiff on Wednesday night and manager Ian Holloway has no fresh injury concerns. Although striker Marc Nygaard, whose goal 60 seconds after the restart sealed the points for the Londoners, was substituted on the hour due to a lack of match fitness and Marc Bircham suffered tight hamstrings after the game, both are expected to make the trip.
One to watch: Lee Cook - a striker turned left winger, who has an eye for goal, bags of pace and can deliver a fine cross into the box for the powerful Paul Furlong

http://www.thisisthesentinel.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=158780&command=displayContent&sourceNode=158705&contentPK=13754452&folderPk=87662


FIT-AGAIN WALKER VOWS TO WIN BACK HIS PLACE
BY SEAN MCFARLANE09:30 - 30 December 2005

Richard Walker has pledged to fight for his place in the Crewe back four ahead of tomorrow's clash with QPR.The 25-year-old central defender has been out for the past two weeks with a leg injury, but is now back in training and hoping to force his way back into Dario Gradi's plans. But he knows that he will face a battle to make it back into the starting line-up after Stephen Foster and Chris McCready have impressed in his absence.He said: "I have been working hard in the gym over these two weeks trying to get back to fitness and now I am looking to get back into the side. Of course, it is going to be tough as Foz (Stephen Foster) has done well since coming in and taken his opportunity well."Walker was pleased with his performances before he picked up the injury.He said: "I was having a good run in the side, so it was disappointing to be forced out of it when things were going well."It has been frustrating to be out for these two weeks but, of course, I am pleased the defence is doing well as we are a team at the end of the day."
Walker admits he may not be fully ready to step straight back into the side at the expense of Foster or McCready for the game against QPR, but is also focused on Monday's trip to Sheffield Wednesday."I am not sure about the fitness of the others," he said, "but I am prepared to come in and start and we will just have to see how it goes. I just want to be back and available for selection, whether it be for tomorrow or Monday's game against Wednesday."http://www.thisisthesentinel.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=158780&command=displayContent&sourceNode=158705&contentPK=13754453&folderPk=87662

Ex-QPR (& Chelsea!) David Webb Buys Yeovil

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QPR's Star from the 1974-1977 period, David Webb....

BBC -Ex-boss Webb takes over at Yeovil

Former Yeovil manager Dave Webb has returned to Huish Park to become majority shareholder and chief executive of the League One club.

He has bought out Jon Goddard-Watts although John Fry will remain as chairman, reports BBC Radio Bristol.
Webb first went to Huish Park in 2000 and helped transform the Glovers into a full-time outfit.
He left that September with Yeovil top of the Conference, but they were pipped to promotion by Rushden & Diamonds.
Webb had four separate spells as manager of Southend - most recently as caretaker boss in November 2003.
He has also managed Bournemouth, Torquay, Chelsea and Brentford.
http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/y/yeovil/4568672.stm

Yeovil Official Site

Official Statement from John Fry on behalf of the Board of Directors of Yeovil Town Football "

"Earlier this year Jon Goddard-Watts let me know of his intention to pass on the ownership of the club and asked if the directors of Yeovil Town Football Club would help in that process.
As a result I am delighted to announce that David Webb has taken up all of Jon's shares and will take up the position of Chief Executive at Yeovil Town Football Club.
I will remain as chairman and all the existing board members will stay in position ensuring continuity and stability. David Webb, of course, is no stranger to the club having been the manager that started our current success.
I would like to take this opportunity, along with all the Yeovil fans, to thank Jon Goddard-Watts for all his support for the club over the past 8 years; without him we would not have achieved the most successful period in our history.
I would also like the whole club including players, staff and fans, to join me in welcoming David Webb as our new majority shareholder and Chief Executive at the start of the next exciting stage in our development."

http://www.ytfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10673~761244,00.html?ptvParm=

QPR vs Crewe

The Weather in Crewe
http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/5day.shtml?id=1593&links


Crewe Results this season
http://www.bbc.co.uk/stoke/sport/crewealex/2006/season_results.shtml


Crewe Goalscorers & Bookings
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/crewe_alexandra/club_stats/default.stm

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Interesting list. No current QPR players included in the 20....One former QPR player (Nigel Quashie). Probably, no future QPR players?


Independent

The top 20 players outside the Premiership

By Glenn Moore

: 30 December 2005

In the real world the Christmas spending is long gone, prices have been slashed and "SALE" is plastered across the windows of high street stores, but in the parallel universe of the global game the serious shopping is just about to begin.

In two days the transfer window will be flung open and while most Premiership managers have been plunging into personal energy debt, burning gallons of aviation fuel as they scout Europe and beyond for new recruits, others have been relying on more traditional methods. Donning cloth cap and muffler they have scanned the ranks of the Football League.

Although the headline fees may scare clubs more used to free transfers from abroad there remain, in real terms, bargains to be had at this level. While the likes of Phil Jagielka may not have 30 international caps and Champions' League experience behind him, unlike many foreign recruits, he will settle quickly and not demand astronomical, dressing-room-destabilising, wages.

Jagielka is used as the example because, by common consent, he is the best player in the English game operating outside the top flight. That was the view of a panel of experts consulted by The Independent. They included current and former managers, pundits and journalists.

The serving managers, necessarily, were granted anonymity. As one said: "I don't want to alert anyone as to who I might buy". An exception was Joe Royle, of Ipswich, who, after making two cash signings in three years at the helm, knew no one anticipated him indulging in a transfer spree.

One caveat. This is not necessarily a list of the 20 best players outside the Premiership right now, rather the 20 with the greatest potential - it is more a guide for shoppers. Players over 30 have been disqualified, thus ruling out some of the Championship's best, such as David Unsworth, Inigo Idiakez and the reborn Ade Akinbiyi. Players on loan from the Premiership were also barred, otherwise Wolves' Tom Huddlestone (Tottenham), Cardiff's Jason Koumas (West Bromwich) and Stoke's Paul Gallagher (Blackburn) might well have figured.

There was common agreement on the first four names, but after that opinions varied enormously. Among the top 20 are four from Reading, which is not surprising given they lead the Championship by nine points, and four from sixth-placed Wolves, which is less expected.

Including the "top 10 oldies", and 20 "bubbling under" brings a more accurate reflection of the table. Reading have eight players followed by Sheffield United's six, and a quartet apiece from Palace, Wolves, Southampton and Leeds.

Only two foreign players make the top 20: Reading's American Bobby Convey and Wolves' South Korean Ki-Hyeon Seol. Of the 50 listed, six are foreign. The rest, noted one manager, are players who would have been in the top flight a decade ago, before it went multinational.

It remains such and most of these players will be overlooked. But for every Richard Chaplow, who has struggled to make an impact at West Brom since moving from Burnley last January, there is a Michael Dawson - Spurs' successful transfer window signing from Nottingham Forest - ready and waiting to seize their shot at glory.

1: Phil Jagielka (Sheffield United)

Nationality English. Age 23. Position Midfield, defence

Value £5m

Potential buyers? Half the Premiership

Everyone agrees Phil Jagielka will be playing in the Premiership next season, the only question is: where? In an ideal world it will be in central midfield for newly promoted Sheffield United. It might, though, be right-back for Everton, or central defence for Manchester City. Such is the Under-21 international's quality and versatility. And he is beginning to add goals.

The Blades turned down £4m from Wigan in the summer but manager Neil Warnock accepts that, if they fail to go up, they cannot stand in Jagielka's way any longer. "I asked him to give me, personally, one more year," said Warnock. "I brought him through from a young lad. I told him, 'If we don't go up I'll help you get away'. He's an all-rounder, he'd play for England at tiddlywinks. He's even our stand-in goalkeeper. He's a lovely lad from a nice family. It's great when players like that do well. He's one who, when I finish, I'll watch."

Manchester-born Jagielka is United's second-longest serving player. He was 17 when Warnock gave him his debut, as a substitute on the last day of the 1999-2000 season. The next year he became a regular.

"I think central midfield is his best position, he's more involved there," said Warnock, "but even scouts who look at him can't agree on his best position. When I brought him in he lacked pace but he's now one of the quickest. I think he'd have been a good replacement for Roy Keane but top clubs look abroad these days."`

2: Andrew Johnson (Crystal Palace)

Nationality English. Age 24. Position Striker.

Value £8m

Buyers? Tottenham, Charlton, Birmingham

It is a surprise that Johnson is playing in the Championship at all. Last season he scored 21 Premiership goals and won international recognition. So, with the World Cup approaching, a move seemed certain when Palace were relegated, probably to Tottenham. But Crystal Palace stood firm for at least £10m. In the event, Johnson signed a lucrative new contract as both parties gambled on his scoring the goals to get Palace back up. Injury, however, intervened. Johnson is fit and scoring again, but must do so at a phenomenal rate or Palace will need the play-offs to go up, and Johnson will be watching the World Cup on TV.

3: Steve Sidwell (Reading)

Nationality English. Age 24. Position Midfielder.

Value £4m

Buyers? Charlton, Fulham, Arsenal

The former Arsenal trainee was voted best player in the division last season and, while not quite as dominating this, has still been a key figure in Reading's rise to the Championship pinnacle. Intelligent and industrious, he has missed few fixtures since signing for Reading nearly three years ago. Only doubt about this good passer and solid tackler is whether he has the physical presence. But he is a keen learner.

4: Theo Walcott (Southampton)

Nationality English. Age 16. Position Striker.

Value £9m

Buyers? Chelsea, Tottenham, Arsenal, Liverpool

English football's hottest teenage property. He's lightning quick, skilful and fearless. Arsenal and Spurs lead the pack of clubs drooling over every dribble. The star of Saints' FA Youth Cup runners-up, he was given his debut on the season's opening day and quickly became a regular. The only caveats are his youth, lightweight stature and finishing.

5: Cameron Jerome (Cardiff City)

Nationality English. Age 19. Position Striker.

Value £4m

Buyers? Everton, Portsmouth

Only in his second season but already turning heads. His 11 goals this season have spearheaded Cardiff's rise and won a place in the England Under-21 squad. Quick, powerful and skilful. There are doubts about his link-up play but that should develop. Those clubs who rejected him - including home-town club Huddersfield and Middlesbrough - may regret it.

6: Kevin Doyle (Reading)

Nationality Irish. Age 22. Position Striker.

Value £2.5m

Buyers? Aston Villa, Everton, Birmingham

Probably the Championship discovery of the season. A £70,000 signing from Cork City, he is the form striker with six in the last nine games. Said an envious Joe Royle: "He's mobile, quick, very fit and wants to score. To get a front-line striker for £70,000..."

7: Dean Ashton (Norwich City)

Nationality English. Age 22. Position Striker.

Value £3.5m

Buyers? Wigan, Manchester City, Everton

One of the few successes of Norwich's dismal season with 11 goals including his recent hat-trick against Southampton. Big, powerful, with a readiness to shoot. He may regret staying at Carrow Road but Ashton was brought up the right way, at Dario Gradi's Crewe, and has time, and ability on his side.

8: Kenny Miller (Wolves)

Nationality Scottish. Age 26. Position Striker.

Value £1.5m

Buyers? Everton, Birmingham, Rangers

Was 26 last week and his recent goal against Italy suggests he is peaking. Only hit two in the Premiership, but they were against Manchester United and Liverpool. A contract dispute means he may move on next month.

9: Joleon Lescott (Wolves)

Nationality English. Age 23. Position Central defence.

Value £2m

Buyers? Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Fulham

Missed Wolves' Premiership season with knee injuries but has returned strongly. Quick, powerful and elegant, he captained Wolves at 22, has Under-21 recognition, and is club player of the year.

10: Danny Webber (Sheffield Utd)

Nationality English. Age 24. Position Striker

Value £1.5m

Buyers? Everton, Sunderland, Charlton

Four years at Old Trafford without a League appearance but seems set to return with the Blades. Mobile and sharp, quick and inventive, he found his feet at Watford before a March move to Bramall Lane.

11: Lee Trundle (Swansea City)

Nationality English. Age 29. Position Striker.

Value £2m

Buyers? Birmingham, Charlton, Everton,

League One's most coveted player. A late developer who added discipline to skill after becoming a father. Now a cult hero at Swansea having followed 22 goals last season with 17 this. His weight may prove a problem but not his ability.

12: Ashley Young (Watford)

Nationality English. Age 20. Position Striker.

Value £2m

Buyers? Tottenham, Charlton, Liverpool

Originally a wide player, because of his pace and mobility, he has drifted inside this season to good effect, scoring 10 goals. Two-footed, imaginative and hard-working. His maturity is demonstrated by his being entrusted with set pieces.

13: Bobby Convey (Reading)

Nationality American. Age 22. Position Winger.

Value £1.4m

Buyers? Liverpool, Portsmouth

A peripheral figure last season as he struggled after moving from Philadelphia but has finally lived up to his reputation this campaign. Narrowly edges Leeds' Eddie Lewis as the best winger though his more experienced compatriot has the better all-round game.

14: Nigel Quashie (Southampton)

Nationality Scottish. Age 27. Position Midfielder.

Value £1.5m

Buyers? Rangers, Charlton, Portsmouth

A promising youngster, who won Under-21 and B caps for England, he lost his way after leaving QPR for Forest but has blossomed since becoming a Scottish international - through parentage - and coming under the wing of Harry Redknapp at Fratton Park and St Mary's. With Harry trading places again, Quashie is likely to leave Saints.

15: Mark Kennedy (Wolves)

Nationality Irish. Age 29. Position Midfield.

Value £1.5m

Buyers? Sunderland, Bolton, Portsmouth

He was the game's most expensive teenager when he signed for Liverpool, from Millwall, in 1995 but a certain waywardness meant he never fulfilled potential. Now, though, he has, to quote Royle, "reinvented himself". No longer a winger, this increasingly influential midfielder could yet make a Premiership return.

16: Ki-Hyeon Seol (Wolves)

Nationality South Korean. Age 26. Position Midfield/striker.

Value £2m

Buyers? Everton, West Bromwich Albion, Newcastle

Versatile, increasingly influential, and he would sell a few shirts. Player s have been bought for less. Rangy with good passing skills, he took time to settle but could yet join compatriots Lee Young-Pyo and Park Ji-Sung in the élite. Did national service in summer.

17: Matty Fryatt (Walsall)

Nationality English. Age 19. Position Striker.

Value £1m

Buyers? Birmingham City, Wolves, Preston

Fifteen goals in his debut season, 14 so far this, and still a teenager. Slender but lithe and with an eye for goal, the England youth international is unlikely to remain at the Saddlers for long.

18: Nicky Shorey (Reading)

Nationality English. Age 24. Position Left-back.

Value £1m

Buyers? Arsenal, Charlton, Newcastle

Attacking full-backs are in vogue and, if Ashley Cole does indeed leave for Real Madrid, Arsène Wenger could do worse than look to Berkshire. Athletic, skilful and consistent, the former Leyton Orient defender is also a dead-ball artist, from corners and free-kicks.

19: Boaz Myhill (Hull City)

Nationality English. Age 23. Position Goalkeeper.

Value £1m

Buyers? Charlton, Wigan, Arsenal

Big, commanding keeper who likes to dominate the area, which can lead to mistakes. They should be reduced with age. US-born but represented England at junior levels. Previously at Aston Villa. Real name - Glyn. Brave.

20: Owen Garvan (Ipswich Town)

Nationality Irish. Age 17. Position Midfielder.

Value £1.5m

Buyers? Tottenham, West Ham, Sunderland

There is a team of ex-Ipswich players in the Premiership and Garvan could be next. Made his debut this season and his composure soon impressed. A regular until injury struck, the scouts are awaiting his return. Pace the only doubt.

Twenty more bubbling under

GOALKEEPERS

Robert Green (Norwich City) Paddy Kenny (Sheffield Utd) Lewis Price (Ipswich Town)

FULL-BACKS

Kevin Foley (Luton Town) Emmerson Boyce (C Palace) Dan Harding (Leeds United)

CENTRAL DEFENCE

Fitz Hall (Crystal Palace) Chris Morgan (Sheffield Utd) Sam Sodje (Brentford)

MIDFIELDERS

Jamie Harper (Reading) Matt Oakley (Southampton) Ben Watson (Crystal Palace)

STRIKERS

David Nugent (Preston) Dave Kitson (Reading) Steve Kabba (Sheffield United) David Healy (Leeds United) Rob Hulse (Leeds United) Nathan Tyson (Wycombe, on loan to Nottingham Forest) Marlon King (Nottingham Forest, on loan to Watford) Darren Huckerby (Norwich City)

Top 10 Over-30s (Listed alphabetically)

Ade Akinbiyi (Burnley) 31

Graham Alexander (Preston) 34

Marcus Hahnemann (Reading) 33

Inigo Idiakez (Derby) 32

Eddie Lewis (Leeds United) 31

Glen Little (Reading) 30

Chris Lucketti (Preston) 34

Jim Magilton (Ipswich) 36

Antii Niemi (Southampton) 33

David Unsworth (Sheff Utd) 32

"...Jagielka is used as the example because, by common consent, he is the best player in the English game operating outside the top flight. That was the view of a panel of experts consulted by The Independent. They included current and former managers, pundits and journalists.

The serving managers, necessarily, were granted anonymity. As one said: "I don't want to alert anyone as to who I might buy". An exception was Joe Royle, of Ipswich, who, after making two cash signings in three years at the helm, knew no one anticipated him indulging in a transfer spree.

One caveat. This is not necessarily a list of the 20 best players outside the Premiership right now, rather the 20 with the greatest potential - it is more a guide for shoppers. Players over 30 have been disqualified, thus ruling out some of the Championship's best, such as David Unsworth, Inigo Idiakez and the reborn Ade Akinbiyi. Players on loan from the Premiership were also barred, otherwise Wolves' Tom Huddlestone (Tottenham), Cardiff's Jason Koumas (West Bromwich) and Stoke's Paul Gallagher (Blackburn) might well have figured.

There was common agreement on the first four names, but after that opinions varied enormously. Among the top 20 are four from Reading, which is not surprising given they lead the Championship by nine points, and four from sixth-placed Wolves, which is less expected.

Including the "top 10 oldies", and 20 "bubbling under" brings a more accurate reflection of the table. Reading have eight players followed by Sheffield United's six, and a quartet apiece from Palace, Wolves, Southampton and Leeds.

Only two foreign players make the top 20: Reading's American Bobby Convey and Wolves' South Korean Ki-Hyeon Seol. Of the 50 listed, six are foreign. The rest, noted one manager, are players who would have been in the top flight a decade ago, before it went multinational.

It remains such and most of these players will be overlooked. But for every Richard Chaplow, who has struggled to make an impact at West Brom since moving from Burnley last January, there is a Michael Dawson - Spurs' successful transfer window signing from Nottingham Forest - ready and waiting to seize their shot at glory.

1: Phil Jagielka (Sheffield United)

Nationality English. Age 23. Position Midfield, defence

Value £5m

Potential buyers? Half the Premiership

Everyone agrees Phil Jagielka will be playing in the Premiership next season, the only question is: where? In an ideal world it will be in central midfield for newly promoted Sheffield United. It might, though, be right-back for Everton, or central defence for Manchester City. Such is the Under-21 international's quality and versatility. And he is beginning to add goals.

The Blades turned down £4m from Wigan in the summer but manager Neil Warnock accepts that, if they fail to go up, they cannot stand in Jagielka's way any longer. "I asked him to give me, personally, one more year," said Warnock. "I brought him through from a young lad. I told him, 'If we don't go up I'll help you get away'. He's an all-rounder, he'd play for England at tiddlywinks. He's even our stand-in goalkeeper. He's a lovely lad from a nice family. It's great when players like that do well. He's one who, when I finish, I'll watch."

Manchester-born Jagielka is United's second-longest serving player. He was 17 when Warnock gave him his debut, as a substitute on the last day of the 1999-2000 season. The next year he became a regular.

"I think central midfield is his best position, he's more involved there," said Warnock, "but even scouts who look at him can't agree on his best position. When I brought him in he lacked pace but he's now one of the quickest. I think he'd have been a good replacement for Roy Keane but top clubs look abroad these days."`

2: Andrew Johnson (Crystal Palace)

Nationality English. Age 24. Position Striker.

Value £8m

Buyers? Tottenham, Charlton, Birmingham

It is a surprise that Johnson is playing in the Championship at all. Last season he scored 21 Premiership goals and won international recognition. So, with the World Cup approaching, a move seemed certain when Palace were relegated, probably to Tottenham. But Crystal Palace stood firm for at least £10m. In the event, Johnson signed a lucrative new contract as both parties gambled on his scoring the goals to get Palace back up. Injury, however, intervened. Johnson is fit and scoring again, but must do so at a phenomenal rate or Palace will need the play-offs to go up, and Johnson will be watching the World Cup on TV.

3: Steve Sidwell (Reading)

Nationality English. Age 24. Position Midfielder.

Value £4m

Buyers? Charlton, Fulham, Arsenal

The former Arsenal trainee was voted best player in the division last season and, while not quite as dominating this, has still been a key figure in Reading's rise to the Championship pinnacle. Intelligent and industrious, he has missed few fixtures since signing for Reading nearly three years ago. Only doubt about this good passer and solid tackler is whether he has the physical presence. But he is a keen learner.

4: Theo Walcott (Southampton)

Nationality English. Age 16. Position Striker.

Value £9m

Buyers? Chelsea, Tottenham, Arsenal, Liverpool

English football's hottest teenage property. He's lightning quick, skilful and fearless. Arsenal and Spurs lead the pack of clubs drooling over every dribble. The star of Saints' FA Youth Cup runners-up, he was given his debut on the season's opening day and quickly became a regular. The only caveats are his youth, lightweight stature and finishing.

5: Cameron Jerome (Cardiff City)

Nationality English. Age 19. Position Striker.

Value £4m

Buyers? Everton, Portsmouth

Only in his second season but already turning heads. His 11 goals this season have spearheaded Cardiff's rise and won a place in the England Under-21 squad. Quick, powerful and skilful. There are doubts about his link-up play but that should develop. Those clubs who rejected him - including home-town club Huddersfield and Middlesbrough - may regret it.

6: Kevin Doyle (Reading)

Nationality Irish. Age 22. Position Striker.

Value £2.5m

Buyers? Aston Villa, Everton, Birmingham

Probably the Championship discovery of the season. A £70,000 signing from Cork City, he is the form striker with six in the last nine games. Said an envious Joe Royle: "He's mobile, quick, very fit and wants to score. To get a front-line striker for £70,000..."

7: Dean Ashton (Norwich City)

Nationality English. Age 22. Position Striker.

Value £3.5m

Buyers? Wigan, Manchester City, Everton

One of the few successes of Norwich's dismal season with 11 goals including his recent hat-trick against Southampton. Big, powerful, with a readiness to shoot. He may regret staying at Carrow Road but Ashton was brought up the right way, at Dario Gradi's Crewe, and has time, and ability on his side.

Kenny Miller (Wolves)

Nationality Scottish. Age 26. Position Striker.

Value £1.5m

Buyers? Everton, Birmingham, Rangers

Was 26 last week and his recent goal against Italy suggests he is peaking. Only hit two in the Premiership, but they were against Manchester United and Liverpool. A contract dispute means he may move on next month.

9: Joleon Lescott (Wolves)

Nationality English. Age 23. Position Central defence.

Value £2m

Buyers? Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Fulham

Missed Wolves' Premiership season with knee injuries but has returned strongly. Quick, powerful and elegant, he captained Wolves at 22, has Under-21 recognition, and is club player of the year.

10: Danny Webber (Sheffield Utd)

Nationality English. Age 24. Position Striker

Value £1.5m

Buyers? Everton, Sunderland, Charlton

Four years at Old Trafford without a League appearance but seems set to return with the Blades. Mobile and sharp, quick and inventive, he found his feet at Watford before a March move to Bramall Lane.

11: Lee Trundle (Swansea City)

Nationality English. Age 29. Position Striker.

Value £2m

Buyers? Birmingham, Charlton, Everton,

League One's most coveted player. A late developer who added discipline to skill after becoming a father. Now a cult hero at Swansea having followed 22 goals last season with 17 this. His weight may prove a problem but not his ability.

12: Ashley Young (Watford)

Nationality English. Age 20. Position Striker.

Value £2m

Buyers? Tottenham, Charlton, Liverpool

Originally a wide player, because of his pace and mobility, he has drifted inside this season to good effect, scoring 10 goals. Two-footed, imaginative and hard-working. His maturity is demonstrated by his being entrusted with set pieces.

13: Bobby Convey (Reading)

Nationality American. Age 22. Position Winger.

Value £1.4m

Buyers? Liverpool, Portsmouth

A peripheral figure last season as he struggled after moving from Philadelphia but has finally lived up to his reputation this campaign. Narrowly edges Leeds' Eddie Lewis as the best winger though his more experienced compatriot has the better all-round game.

14: Nigel Quashie (Southampton)

Nationality Scottish. Age 27. Position Midfielder.

Value £1.5m

Buyers? Rangers, Charlton, Portsmouth

A promising youngster, who won Under-21 and B caps for England, he lost his way after leaving QPR for Forest but has blossomed since becoming a Scottish international - through parentage - and coming under the wing of Harry Redknapp at Fratton Park and St Mary's. With Harry trading places again, Quashie is likely to leave Saints.

15: Mark Kennedy (Wolves)

Nationality Irish. Age 29. Position Midfield.

Value £1.5m

Buyers? Sunderland, Bolton, Portsmouth

He was the game's most expensive teenager when he signed for Liverpool, from Millwall, in 1995 but a certain waywardness meant he never fulfilled potential. Now, though, he has, to quote Royle, "reinvented himself". No longer a winger, this increasingly influential midfielder could yet make a Premiership return.

16: Ki-Hyeon Seol (Wolves)

Nationality South Korean. Age 26. Position Midfield/striker.

Value £2m

Buyers? Everton, West Bromwich Albion, Newcastle

Versatile, increasingly influential, and he would sell a few shirts. Player s have been bought for less. Rangy with good passing skills, he took time to settle but could yet join compatriots Lee Young-Pyo and Park Ji-Sung in the élite. Did national service in summer.

17: Matty Fryatt (Walsall)

Nationality English. Age 19. Position Striker.

Value £1m

Buyers? Birmingham City, Wolves, Preston

Fifteen goals in his debut season, 14 so far this, and still a teenager. Slender but lithe and with an eye for goal, the England youth international is unlikely to remain at the Saddlers for long.

18: Nicky Shorey (Reading)

Nationality English. Age 24. Position Left-back.

Value £1m

Buyers? Arsenal, Charlton, Newcastle

Attacking full-backs are in vogue and, if Ashley Cole does indeed leave for Real Madrid, Arsène Wenger could do worse than look to Berkshire. Athletic, skilful and consistent, the former Leyton Orient defender is also a dead-ball artist, from corners and free-kicks.

19: Boaz Myhill (Hull City)

Nationality English. Age 23. Position Goalkeeper.

Value £1m

Buyers? Charlton, Wigan, Arsenal

Big, commanding keeper who likes to dominate the area, which can lead to mistakes. They should be reduced with age. US-born but represented England at junior levels. Previously at Aston Villa. Real name - Glyn. Brave.

20: Owen Garvan (Ipswich Town)

Nationality Irish. Age 17. Position Midfielder.

Value £1.5m

Buyers? Tottenham, West Ham, Sunderland

There is a team of ex-Ipswich players in the Premiership and Garvan could be next. Made his debut this season and his composure soon impressed. A regular until injury struck, the scouts are awaiting his return. Pace the only doubt.

Twenty more bubbling under

GOALKEEPERS

Robert Green (Norwich City) Paddy Kenny (Sheffield Utd) Lewis Price (Ipswich Town)

FULL-BACKS

Kevin Foley (Luton Town) Emmerson Boyce (C Palace) Dan Harding (Leeds United)

CENTRAL DEFENCE

Fitz Hall (Crystal Palace) Chris Morgan (Sheffield Utd) Sam Sodje (Brentford)

MIDFIELDERS

Jamie Harper (Reading) Matt Oakley (Southampton) Ben Watson (Crystal Palace)

STRIKERS

David Nugent (Preston) Dave Kitson (Reading) Steve Kabba (Sheffield United) David Healy (Leeds United) Rob Hulse (Leeds United) Nathan Tyson (Wycombe, on loan to Nottingham Forest) Marlon King (Nottingham Forest, on loan to Watford) Darren Huckerby (Norwich City)

Top 10 Over-30s (Listed alphabetically)

Ade Akinbiyi (Burnley) 31

Graham Alexander (Preston) 34

Marcus Hahnemann (Reading) 33

Inigo Idiakez (Derby) 32

Eddie Lewis (Leeds United) 31

Glen Little (Reading) 30

Chris Lucketti (Preston) 34

Jim Magilton (Ipswich) 36

Antii Niemi (Southampton) 33

David Unsworth (Sheff Utd) 32

http://sport.independent.co.uk/football/coca_cola/article335579.ece