QPR Year in Review - July 2006

-
Pre-season preparations really get under way; the tour of Italy...Dunga appointed manager of Brazil (and leaves the QPR Board); a couple more signings; Shittu transfer spoken about. Squad Numbers Announced


DUNGA LEAVES
After missing QPR targets, Dunga has switched tribes
Evening Standard (London), Jul 26, 2006 by WAYNE VEYSEY
FROM director of Queens Park Rangers to manager of Brazil.
That is some quantum leap for Carlos Dunga, the midfield footsoldier who lifted the 1994 World Cup and has now been trusted with guiding Brazil to the top of the tree in South Africa in 2010.
It is an extraordinary show of faith from the five-times winners, given that Dunga has no managerial experience and has turned down dozens of offers to move into coaching since retiring seven years ago.
A knock-on effect of the 42-year-old's appointment is that he has resigned as a non-executive director at QPR - even though he was not required to do so under FIFA rules.
Rangers say Dunga will continue to be a shareholder "for the time being" but it seems only a matter of the i's being dotted and t's being crossed before the final whistle is blown on one of English football's most bizarre relationships.
The Brazilian icon became involved with QPR 22 months ago when he emerged as the figurehead for two mysterious Monaco-based consortia, Barnaby and Wanlock, who had invested Pounds 1.7million for a 30 per cent stake in the club. But what exactly has he contributed to the Super Hoops?
Advertisement
Still instantly recognisable with the buzz-cut hairstyle that he paraded as one of football's most reliable midfield enforcers, Dunga was greeted with enthusiasm by supporters when he first arrived at Shepherds Bush.
He explained he had been persuaded to come on board by his friends at Barnaby, who included QPR kingpin Antonio Caliendo, a former football agent, and looked forward to being an ambassador for the club, promoting their name across the globe and using his South American contacts to alert them of any top young talent. In an interview with Standard Sport, Dunga displayed a deft touch in public relations by naming all the Loftus Road heroes of the 1970s, 80s and early 90s.
Some were sceptical of his involvement but others appreciated the muchneeded glitz and glamour he brought to Loftus Road, qualities which had been absent in the post-administration era.
There were fears that Dunga had been recruited to unseat manager Ian Holloway but the multilingual Brazilian stressed he had no ambitions in that field, ironic as that now appears.
"I've got no intention of being a football manager," he explained. "I get phone calls every week from clubs asking me to be their manager. In Brazil, I've been asked three or four time this season to manage Flamengo."
However, Dunga was to have little time for QPR in a hectic schedule that centred on his work as an ambassador for the Brazilian national team and consultant to one of his former clubs, Jubilo Iwata in Japan.
He went to only a handful of Rangers games in two years and failed to bring in any South American talent, blaming work permit restrictions on the players.
When quizzed by one supporter at last year's AGM what he actually brought to the Loftus Road plate, Dunga was evasive before chairman Gianni Paladini leapt to his defence, claiming: "He brought in money to save this club, that's what he has helped with."
The former Fiorentina and Stuttgart star was one of five men said to have invested equal sums of around Pounds 500,000 in QPR, a shareholding that now stands at 49 per cent.
Yet it would appear not to be a match made in heaven for Dunga, who cynics suggest may have been recruited by the Monaco consortia as a frontman to appease supporters dubious of investment from unknown foreigners.
Apart from the cash and the publicity, it seems his legacy to Rangers will prove to be the role he played in ousting Bill Power and Mark Devlin, the former chairman and chief executive, from the board last summer.
This dramatic coup ultimately paved the way for Paladini and Caliendo, now a director, to assume full control at the cash- strapped club.
Dunga had not attended any of the previous six board meetings before he flew into London to use his casting vote to axe Devlin and Power. Maybe it was that kind of ruthlessness which so impressed the powerbrokers at the Brazil Football Federation.
Brazil Star in a nutshell
After missing QPR targets, Dunga has switched tribes Brazil star in a nutshell Carlos Caetano Bledorn Verri (nicknamed Dunga, which is Portuguese for Dopey) Born: 31 October, 1963, Rio Grande do Sul Position: midfielder Clubs: Internacional (1980-84, 1999-2000), Corinthians (1984-85), Santos (1986-87), Vasco da Gama (1987), Pisa (1987-88), Fiorentina (1988-92), Pescara (1992-93), VfB Stuttgart (1993-95), Jubilo Iwata (1995-98) International career: Brazil (1987- 98) - 91 games, six goals; led country to 1994 World Cup triumph Post-retirement: QPR director 2004-2006, Appointed Brazil head coach July 2006 - Evening Standard
Standard

QPR OFFICIAL SITE - CARLOS DUNGA
New Brazil boss Carlos Dunga has tendered his resignation as non-executive director of the R's. Dunga - who joined QPR in September 2004 - was named as Brazil's new boss on Monday evening....Speaking from the Club's first team training camp in Italy, R's Chairman Gianni Paladini said: "Dunga has resigned with immediate effect.'' Paladini continued: "I'd like to wish him all the best and thank him for everything he has done for Queens Park Rangers Football Club.'' Dunga will continue to be a QPR shareholder for the time being.
http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~871903,00.html

BBC -Power challenged to buy back QPR
Gianni Paladini has challenged the man he ousted as QPR chairman to come up with a bid to buy back the club.
Bill Power, a lifelong R's fan, has invested in Swindon Town since leaving Loftus Road after losing a bitter struggle for control last year.
But Paladini has hinted that ex-agent Antonio Caliendo, the London club's current main investor, could quit.
"I keep hearing people didn't want Bill to go and think he should come back. This is their chance," said Paladini.
"Let him or anyone else who thinks they can do a better job come forward and let's hear what they have to say."
After a series of behind-the-scenes problems, Power was forced out when former Brazil captain Carlos Dunga attended an all-important board meeting and voted with Paladini to remove him.
Power had sought to gain a controlling interest in the club but Dunga's unexpected appearance tipped the balance against him.
We will listen to anyone that wants to make an offer
Gianni Paladini
Paladini and Caliendo seized control and chief executive Mark Devlin was then sacked.
Dunga had previously not attended any board meetings having become a director as part of the Caliendo-led Monaco-based group that bought a stake in 2005 and now effectively own the club.
Dunga stood down as a director this week after landing the job of Brazil coach.
And Paladini has suggested that Caliendo and another board member, Italian businessman Franco Zanotti, may also now quit.
But Paladini insists they expect to recoup the money they have put into the club and has previously said it would take an offer of over £8m for them to relinquish control.
Any would-be buyer would also then have to tackle Rangers' sizeable debts.
"If Caliendo and Zanotti pull out it would make it difficult for me to carry on because I don't have that kind of money," Paladini admitted.
"If Antonio doesn't want to carry on I don't know what will happen. We will talk on Tuesday and discuss the way forward."
But he added: "We will listen to anyone that wants to make an offer but it will not come cheap, that's for sure.
"Bill Power got 6.5p-a-share when he sold his stake and the same would have to apply here. BBC

Thursday, July 27, 2006 -QPR Holding Chairman, Antonio Caliendo Statement re QPR Post-Dunga-
QPR STATEMENT
In the wake of widespread and further inaccurate reporting, Chairman of QPR Holdings Ltd, Antonio Caliendo, would like to issue the following statement:
"Despite Carlos Dunga tendering his resignation as a non-executive director on Tuesday, he will continue to support the Club financially.
"The Board's objective remains the same as it always has been - to get QPR back on a sound financial footing and in time, a return to the Premiership.
"I want to reassure the shareholders and supporters that we are doing everything possible to achieve that goal.
"We have invested wisely in the squad this summer and I believe we are in a fantastic position to challenge in the top half of the Championship.
"Last season was a very difficult time for the Board. Since September, we've put in over £4million to ensure the Club's finances are in a stable position to build for the future.
"As a Board, we aim to keep our promise of not selling our best players. Obviously there are certain clauses in players' contracts which means we have to allow them to speak to other Clubs, but our aim is the Premiership and to achieve this we need to keep all our best players.
"The Dan Shittu situation is a perfect example. The bottom line is that we want to keep Danny at the Club. He's a fantastic professional and a tremendous player, but if we receive a £3million bid then he has the freedom to talk to whoever comes in for him.
"We love Queens Park Rangers and we are doing everything possible to safeguard the prestige of this wonderful Club.
"Together, there is only one voice - We Are QPR.'' QPR

SkySport - Rangers drop Shittu hint By Chris Stanton - 27 Jul 2006
Queens Park Rangers chairman Gianni Paladini has hinted that West Bromwich Albion are close to meeting his side's asking price for Danny Shittu.
Rangers have been vehement in their insistence on recouping a £3 million fee for Shittu this summer - a price stipulated in the player's contract.
Premiership new boys Watford fell short in their bid to land the 25-year-old Nigerian, who also interests Birmingham, but Paladini admits Championship side Albion could be about to succeed where The Hornets failed.
"This has taken so much of my time, it has to be finished off now," said Paladini.
"If we have to wait for the money in instalments, then that's fine, but I always said the fee would be £3 million.
"When you see other players of similar talent going for more, you realise that what we want for Danny is more than reasonable." SkySports

QPR OFFICIAL SITE re Italy Trip
"As the clock ticks down on the R's pre-season preparations, qpr.co.uk brings you the final details of the Club's trip to Italy.
Gary Waddock's side face Serie C outfit Sorrento FC on Monday (6.30pm local time), before a trip to San Antonio Abate FC on Friday (6.30pm local time).
Please note, the San Antonio fixture replaces the scheduled game against Cavese FC.
The Italian Club's pitch is currently unplayable and as a result, the R's have been forced to switch their opposition at the eleventh hour. QPR

ITALY TOUR
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - MATCH REPORT
"Rangers signed off their pre-season tour with a 4-0 win over San Antonio Abate. A goal in the first half from Nick Ward was followed by second half strikes from Marc Nygaard, Shabazz Baidoo and Ray Jones to seal the win at the Angri FC stadium.....
San Antonio Abate: Spicuzza, Giorgio, Pisano, Rufini, Ruggiero, Del Sorbo, Bizzarri, Villa, Tortora, Capucceilli, Alfano
Rangers: Jones, Bignot, Milanese (Howell), Rose (Kanyuka), Fortune, Rowlands (Bailey), Ainsworth, Ward, Cook, Nygaard (R Jones), Czerkas (Baidoo)
[And photo of "Gianni Paladini with the cup presented to QPR"] QPR

QPR OFFICIAL SITE - Waddock on Italy Tour - GARY WADDOCK'S POSTMATCH ASSESSMENT
.....''Rangers travel to Italy for the final chapter of their pre-season campaign tomorrow and Waddock is looking to use the trip as a team bonding exercise."The core of our squad will travel and although the games are important, working on our fitness and team spirit will be the priorities."We'll be training twice a day and aim to come back with the batteries fully charged for the first match of the season up at Burnley." QPR


Gillingham 0 QPR 1 - GARY WADDOCK'S POSTMATCH ASSESSMENT
Gary Waddock praised the first half performance of Nick Ward, after the R's beat Gillingham 1-0 at The Priestfield Stadium.
The Australian midfielder played his first 45 minutes for the R's, as Waddock's men made it two wins on the spin in pre-season.
"Nick did very well in the first half and almost capped his display with a wonderful goal,'' Waddock told qpr.co.uk.
"To be fair the keeper has pulled off a wonderful save and credit has to go to him for that.
"Nick has settled in well and we're all really looking forward to seeing him in action when the Championship kicks off on August 5th.''
In a match disrputed by substitutions, Rangers won the game courtesy of Ray Jones' 70th minute winner.
"I was pleased with the first half. We played some good football; our passing and movement was good, so from that point of view I'm delighted.
"The changes disrupted our play in the second half - but we've won the game, kept a clean sheet and that's obviously very encouraging.''
Rangers travel to Italy for the final chapter of their pre-season campaign tomorrow and Waddock is looking to use the trip as a team bonding exercise.
"The core of our squad will travel and although the games are important, working on our fitness and team spirit will be the priorities.
"We'll be training twice a day and aim to come back with the batteries fully charged for the first match of the season up at Burnley.''
http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Match/ManagersComments/0,,10373~870949,00.html


Relegation? Bookmakers View QPR as Good Relegation Bet!-
RELEGATION? QPR seem to be viewed by bookmakers as one of the favourites for relegation (basically after Southend and Colchester. With Plymouth and Barnsley also viewed as good relegation bets.
From Ladbrokes - Betting
Relegation betting
Colchester 2.50
Southend 2.75
Burnley 3.25
QPR 3.25
Barnsley 3.75
Plymouth 3.75
Sheffield Wednesday 4.00
Stoke 4.00
Hull 5.50
Ipswich 5.50

FROM CORALS
http://www.coral.co.uk/sb.go?page=grouppage&groupid=120558&lang=20&sid=20&ms=MS&type=0

ValueChecker http://www.valuechecker.co.uk/21670576.htm
http://www.valuechecker.co.uk/all_21670576.htm


QPR Reportedly Making Another Foreign Signing...Polish Striker, Adam Czerkas-
BBC - QPR agree deal for Polish striker QPR have agreed the signing of Polish striker Adam Czerkas. The player will join from Odra Wodzislaw subject to completing a medical after he impressed manager Gary Waddock during a trial.
Czerkas, who recently turned 22, is expected to feature in a pre-season friendly against Stevenage Borough on Wednesday night.
Waddock has been keen to sign a striker and is also interested in Southampton's Dexter Blackstock.
Rangers have had a busy summer and have so far signed defender Damion Stewart and midfielders Armel, Nick Ward and Egutu Oliseh. BBC

QPR OFFICIAL SITE - SIGNS ON ONE YEAR LOAN - CZERKAS SIGNS
Gary Waddock's prolonged search for a striker is finally over - after Polish front-man Adam Czerkas today (Tuesday) put pen to paper on a one year loan deal with the R's.
The 22 year-old - who impressed Waddock during pre-season training and again in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Saturday - signed on the dotted line at Loftus Road this evening.
Rangers have the option of signing the Kolporter Korona SSA striker on a permanent basis at the end of his loan spell....
[Garry Waddock:] "It's no secret that we've been on the look out for a striker for months, not just weeks, and our patience has finally been rewarded. "Obviously I'm delighted we've secured his services and if what we've seen in training and in the practice match is anything to go by, R's fans are in for a treat next season.
"He's got a great eye for goal, has terrific movement, is good with his back to goal and has the unique ability of being able to get in behind defenders.
"He'll complement our current crop of attackers and we've got extremely high hopes for him next season.''
The former Kolporter Korona SSA attacker - who measures in at 6'1'' and will wear the number 28 shirt - is in line to make his R's debut against Stevenage Borough on Wednesday. QPR


Monday, July 17, 2006 - BBC QPR hold out for £3m Shittu offer
Shittu is a target for Watford
QPR chairman Gianni Paladini insists his club will not accept less than £3m for defender Danny Shittu.
Watford have had a bid for the giant centre-back rejected, while Leeds and West Brom have shown an interest.
Shittu, 25, has a clause in his contract allowing him to speak to any club that offers £3m for him.
And Paladini said: "There is no way whatsoever we will accept any less than that. There is absolutely no chance he will leave for less. No chance at all."
Shittu moved to Loftus Road from Charlton in 2002 in a £350,000 deal funded by QPR fans Matthew and Alex Winton.
He has since made 162 league appearances and is a firm favourite among supporters.
"I don't want him to go," Paladini added.
"We're building a team and brought in Damion Stewart to play alongside him and we think those two will be a good combination.
"I think he is worth more than £3m but because of the contract, there's nothing I can do if somebody offers us that.
"Joleon Lescott went for £5m and Claude Davis went for £2.5m. Danny is a better defender than both of them.
"Danny Shittu will definitely stay here unless someone offers £3m. It's as simple as that." BBC

Official Site: QPR Sign Egutu Oliseh
QPR have today signed midfielder Egutu Oliseh on a two year deal after he impressed Manager Gary Waddock
QPR have today signed midfielder Egutu Oliseh on a two year deal after he impressed Manager Gary Waddock.
The 25 year old - who impressed Waddock during the R's 1-1 pre-season draw against Aldershot Town - has put pen to paper on a two year deal at Loftus Road.
"I'm very, very happy and now I can't wait for the season to start," he told qpr.co.uk. "From the very first day I came here to train I have been impressed. It is all so organised, I couldn't ask for more.
"That was what really impressed me. Everything is calculated, from the physical trainer through to the manager. If training continues in this way, I'm sure you will see the best from every one of us.
"My first aim now is to become a regular in the side."
Oliseh, who was born in Lagos, spent last season with Belgium outfit La Louviere, after previous spells with French quartet Nancy, Louhans-Cuiseau, Beauvais and Grenoble.
Oliseh has been on trial with the R's for the past fortnight
Oliseh could make his R's debut against Stevenage at Broadhall Way on Wednesday and Waddock is excited about seeing his latest signing in action, commenting: "He's really impressed me in training and against Aldershot. He's attack minded and technically very good.
"It's yet another signing to bolster our squad ahead of the new season and I'm looking forward to having every Manager's favourite dilemna - picking my best eleven.
"This recent signing has ensured that I'll have more than enough midfield options and I'll be able to mix it up accordingly depending on the opposition." QPR


QPR's Low Agents Payments
QPR's Payments to Agents in the First Six Months of 2006
[The complete Football League "Agents Fee Report - Season 2005/06" can be viewed at http://www.football-league.premiumtv.co.uk/staticFiles/f6/64/0,,10794~25846,00.pdf
[From January 1, 2006 to June 30, 2006, QPR paid 16,000 pounds for agents. (From June 5 2005 to June 6, 2006, QPR spent in total 147,600 pounds to agents.)
10 - New Registrations and Transfers
2 - Updated Contract
6 - Cancelled Contract
10 - Loans
(28 - Total )

QPR OFFICIAL SITE - AGENTS' FEES
"The latest Football League Agents' Fees report has been released and makes for healthy reading for the R's.
The report, which focuses predominantly on the last six months, as well as the entire 2005/06 campaign, was released this morning.
During the last six months - which saw QPR make 28 transactions (which includes new registrations and transfers, updated contracts, cancelled contracts and loans) in total - the Club committed just £16,000 to agents.
Rangers committed £147,600 to agents during the 2005/06 campaign - a small proportion of the overall sum of £6,311,853 committed to agents in the Championship. ... QPR

July 11: Luton Official Site LANGLEY SIGNS FOR HATTERS
Richard Langley....has today signed a two-year contract at Kenilworth Road
Luton Town have today completed their first signing ahead of the new season with QPR midfielder Richard Langley penning a two-year contract at Kenilworth Road.
RICHARD LANGLEY FACTFILE
01-12-96 to 15-08.03 - QPR - 138 app + 10 as sub - 21 goals
15-08-03 to 31-08-05 - Cardiff City - 66 app + 6 as sub - 8 goals
31-08-05 to 10-07-06 - QPR - 23 app + 11 as sub - 3 goals
"...Speaking about the signing, Hatters boss Mike Newell said: "We see Richard as a good player and you can't have enough good players in your side. That is the main reason why we have brought him to the club. ."
http://www.lutontown.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10372~865957,00.html

QPR OFFICIAL - WARD SIGNS
Australian midfielder Nick Ward has signed a two year deal with QPR.
Ward jetted in to Heathrow early this morning and was taken straight to the club's Harlington training ground for a medical.
With the all clear after being put through his paces by physio Prav Mathema, the 21 year old then put pen to paper at the main ground.
Speaking of his move, Ward said: "I want to cement my place in the team as a first team regular and I've already set myself a target of scoring over 10 goals this season.
"Of course I've also got a team target of getting QPR into the play offs come next May."
Ward made 21 appearances for Hyundai A-League side Perth Glory last season, bagging five goals - has represented his country at all levels and only just missed out on a spot in the Socceroo's World Cup squad.
Ward also won this year's A-League 'Rising Star' award and was recently included in a 'Who's Who' of the best young players to watch on the FIFA website.
Speaking of the difference between English and Australian football, he said: "The game is a lot slower over in Australia, mainly because of the heat, whereas here it's a lot quicker with not as much time on the ball.
"I know that in the lower leagues especially they like to play the long ball game, but not in the Championship and especially not at QPR next year.
"I like to play good football, that's what I've always tried to do, I like to get the ball down and pass it, get forward and score goals."
Ward has been given today off to recover from the 24 hour journey, but will train with those who are not travelling to Aldershot on Saturday morning.
He will then travel to the Recreation Ground to see his new team mates in action.
Tune in to QPR World on Monday for an exclusive interview with our latest signing. Signing

Waddock on Pre-season - SLOW BUT STEADY
Waddock
Rangers may have been denied a win, but Gary Waddock is happy with the start his side have made.
Waddock stressed the importance of peaking too soon during the pre-season warm up games and reiterated the fact that the only game he is concerned about right now is the trip to Burnley.
Speaking after the 1-1 draw at Aldershot, the Rangers manager said: "I'm pleased with what I've seen today, we don't want to peak now, it's all about building our fitness up as we approach our first League game of the new season.
"We have a slow and steady approach so that we peak at that point, not too soon before.
"We've seen a few things that we can go back and work on next week and we'll look forward to cracking on in our next game.
"Most of the players got 45 minutes and that was our aim.
"I was pleased with Armel at the back and there was one particular trialist that I was very pleased with - I'm sure the fans who were here today will know who I'm talking about.
"I want to thank the fans who turned out today as well. They were great as always."
Waddock watched the game from the stands, seated just behind new signing Nick Ward.
"It was great to have him sat there as a QPR player. There had been a lot of talk and speculation leading up to the game and it was great to have it all done and dusted at last." - Waddock

Pre season draw at Aldershot - href="http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~865404,00.html">Report

QPR Official - The boys are back
With pre-season training in full swing and the first game under their belts, how do the new look coaching staff think things are going?
Manager Gary Waddock, coaches Alan McDonald and Justin Skinner, goalkeeper coach Tony Roberts and fitness coach Mark Barry told qpr.co.uk what they thought on specific areas of the R's performance at Aldershot and at Harlington day in, day out.
Gary Waddock on performance:
"The Aldershot game was a good fitness test for us and I was pleased with the work-rate of the players. It gave a lot of them the chance to get 45 minutes of action under their belt.
The manager addresses his captain
"The result of the game wasn't important to us. We need to make sure we are at our peak when we play Burnley in the first game of the season, that's when results start to matter. Between now and then it is simply a case of building up to that opening fixture."
Alan McDonald on formations:
"It was difficult to take a great deal away from the Aldershot game as we played two different teams either half.
"We tried a different formation to what we usually play. We hadn't done too much work with it but I felt that it certainly worked well in the first half.
Macca oversees a stretching session
"The changes in the second half saw it not working as well but I was still really pleased with the level of performance.
"But on the whole, this was more of a chance just to look at the young lads and those on trial, that was the main objective."
Justin Skinner on preparation and approach:
"The preparation for the first game is always a little bit sketchy, we went into the game not really working on set pieces, that wasn't our focus, that will come later.
"It's always a bit of a trial getting the logistics right when you want to field two different teams, but it went well overall I think.
"Behind the scenes it's going very well. Mark has been working hard on their fitness and this will be a hard week for them. Their attitude has been first class, from the young kids to the experienced pros.
Reserve team manager Justin Skinner out training
"They have been taking on new ideas that we've all put in. There hasn't been any moaning, we haven't given them a chance. It's been quality rather than quantity and has all been ball and game related.
"The staff side of things has become very organised, we say what we'll do, do it, then have a de-brief at the end of the day.
"We set out our session plans, get together and everyone is aware of what their jobs are for the day. All the training is set out, we don't wonder what we're going to do off the cuff. Prav Mathema also has an input, it's very much a joint effort.
"The boys have reacted to that because it's so well planned. They all have ice baths now after training which was new to them. They are weighed in and out, every detail is looked into and we've addressed a lot of aspects.
"We have a meeting every Monday morning with the staff to outline what went right and wrong the previous week. Today we spoke about how the game went and what could have gone better."
Tony Roberts on helping to achieve personal goals:
"Over the last ten days I've been getting the keepers back into their previous good habits and routines. Paul Jones was back late due to international duty and Jake Cole was ill, so I've had a good chance to work one on one with Sean Thomas.
"I knew he was going to play the full 90 minutes on Saturday so we went over absolutely everything.
"Jake and Jonah are playing catch up now, so today the three of us worked on the technical side of goalkeeping - catching, distribution kicking and so on.
Tony Roberts puts Sean Thomas through his paces
"It's good to get a structure for them like I do with the Academy keepers, there's a lot of organisation that's going into it.

"I have six keepers in all, from spring chickens to full internationals. Some are more agile and I need to accommodate all of them. I will do a lot more 'reps' with the younger ones because they can handle it and because they need more practise.

"You don't need to get Jonah in the gym whereas some of my youngsters may need more upper body strength. With each keeper they need a different plan."
Mark Barry on fitness:
"It's a steady progression towards the Burnley game. For the match on Saturday against Aldershot, we were probably at 50% fitness-wise.
"By the time of the next match, we will be around the 75% mark. For the opening fixture of the season the players will be at 100%, which is our main objective.
Mark Barry makes sure the tempo stays high
"You can train as much as you like but, obviously enough, to be match-fit you need to play matches, so these games are imperative if the players are going to get used to the speed of the game, and so on.
"At this stage, the fitness level of the lads is spot-on. We're making sure that we don't peak too early because if we reach 100% a week before the Burnley game, there's only one way to go - and that's down. I've got to make sure that doesn't happen."
QPR

QPR Suqad Numbers Release {No Ukah!]
NUMBERS UP
Next season's squad numbers have been released - what number will you have on your back?
As always, the Club Shop will be on hand to print the name and number of your favourite player on your new kit.
With both the new home and away kit now on sale, you can pick your shirts up and have your pick as to who you will proudly be sporting on the back.
Next season's squad numbers are as follows:
1. Simon Royce
2. Marcus Bignot
3. Mauro Milanese
4. Ian Evatt
5. Dan Shittu
6. Tommy Doherty
7. Matthew Rose
8. Marc Bircham
9. Nick Ward
10. Kevin Gallen
11. Gareth Ainsworth
12. Jake Cole
14. Martin Rowlands
15. Dominic Shimmin
16. Steve Lomas
17. Lee Cook
18. Stefan Moore
19. Tchakounte-A
20. Scott Donnelly
21. Paul Jones
22. Shabazz Baidoo
23. Stefan Bailey
24. Pat Kanyuka
25. Damion Stewart
26. Sean Thomas
29. Paul Furlong
30. Marc Nygaard
34. Matthew Hislop
35. John Munday
QPR Official
-

Youth Team pre-season tour of Germany - Tour

See Complete QPR Report Posts for July 2006 at QPR REPORT JULY