QPR's Year - February 2006: Holloway Put on Gardening...Waddock In; McDonald Returns

-
February saw Ian Holloway placed on Gardening leave (along with coaches Tim Breacker and Gary Penrice) after the Leeds game and Gary Waddock appointed as acting manager with Alan McDonald returning to assist him. Jim Smith declines a return and a press report about John Gregory returning is denied. For Waddock, in terms of results, February was clearly his best month as QPR Manager.

ON THE FIELD
In Ian Holloway's last game in charge, February 4: Leeds 2 QPR 0 LEEDS REPORT
Gary Waddock's first game, February 11: QPR 1 Millwall 0 - MILLWALL REPORT
Crystal Palace 2 QPR 1 CRYSTAL PALACE REPORT
Sheffield United 2 QPR 3 - SHEFFIELD UNITED REPORT

In Holloway's final game, QPR had five players making their debut: QPR's team that day - QPR Barnes, Bignot, Shittu, Lowe, Ainsworth (Youssouf 66),Cook (Nygaard 66), Kus (Langley 87), Lomas, Moore, Taylor,Clarke. Subs Not Used: Milanese, Donnelly.
Leeds Report

Waddock's First game vs Millwall
Team: QPR Jones, Bignot, Shittu, Evatt, Milanese, Ainsworth,Bircham (Langley 88), Lomas, Cook, Furlong, Nygaard (Baidoo 78). Subs Not Used: Thomas, Rose, Donnelly.

Waddock signed goalie Paul Jones till the end of the season. QPR
Waddock sent Andy Taylor back to Blackburn - QPR

OFF THE FIELD
February began with press stories that Holloway was set for Leicester. They were followed by the reports of Hollway being placed on "Gardening Leave."

NEWSPAPER SPECULATION
Holloway on Gardening Leave -RANGERS MOVING FOR HAND OF WAD
QPR are ready to name Gary Waddock as their new caretaker boss today - as they thrash out a severance deal for Ian Holloway (right).
Rangers will turn to coach Waddock and try to persuade former manager Jim Smith to come back in a consultancy role to fill the gap left by Holloway moving to Leicester.
They have been discussing the compensation package with Leicester for Holloway over the weekend, but are also teeing up his replacements.
There is also support for a move to bring in Dennis Wise, but Waddock will be given the chance to make the job his own on a permanent basis at the cash-strapped club.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/tm_objectid=16670905%26method=full%26siteid=94762%26headline=rangers%2dmoving%2dfor%2dhand%2dof%2dwad%2d-name_page.html
BBC Gossip
"QPR will name Garry Waddock as their caretaker boss to replace Ian Holloway, who goes to Leicester. (Daily Mirror) http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/gossip_and_transfers/4684454.stm

QPR STATEMENT RE HOLLOWAY & WADDOCK- February 6, 2006 - OFFICIAL SITE
QPR have announced that Ian Holloway has been placed on 'gardening leave.'
Gary Waddock has been appointed as caretaker manager and will be taking first team training as of today.
Waddock is currently being consulted about a potential caretaker assistant manager to join him in the next few days.
The move follows speculation about Holloway joining Leicester City as their new manager.
The club is keen to avoid any distraction to the playing side and to move forward with the rest of the season as speedily as possible.
It has therefore put Ian Holloway and his managerial staff, Gary Penrice and Tim Breacker, on gardening leave with immediate effect.
Gary Waddock started at work on Monday morning in training with the players and in preparation for next Saturday's derby game against Millwall.
Gianni Paladini said: "QPR has not sacked Ian, but we are concerned about recent performances and the effect the speculation about Ian joining Leicester City might have on the players.
"I hope we can sort something out with Ian as soon as possible. QPR will always be enormously grateful for the contribution he has made over the past five years, in particular gaining promotion for us in 2004.
"However, it is crucial the team are focussed and able to move forward, which is why we have appointed Gary as Caretaker Manager. I hope the fans will get behind Gary for the home derby against Millwall on Saturday." QPR

BBC- QPR suspend Foxes target Holloway
Ian Holloway could now take over at Leicester CityQueens Park Rangers have suspended manager Ian Holloway because of speculation linking him with the vacant manager's job at Leicester City.
Holloway has been placed on "gardening leave" with recent bad results also contributing to his downfall.
"QPR has not sacked Ian," chairman Gianni Paladini told the club website.
"But we are concerned about recent performances and the effect speculation about Ian joining Leicester City might have on the players."
Rangers have slumped to 15th in the Championship table and Holloway has faced mounting criticism from fans.
He was told by Paladini on Sunday night that he was being relieved of his duties at Loftus Road whether or not he lands the Foxes job.
Rangers will now try to work out a compensation package with the ex-Bristol Rovers chief, who signed an improved contract last year.
And, with Holloway facing competition for the Leicester job from caretaker boss Rob Kelly and Luton's Mike Newell, the west London club have suspended him on full pay along with coaches Tim Breacker and Gary Penrice.
http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/q/qpr/4685138.stm
QPR coach Gary Waddock has been placed in temporary charge.
Paladini added: "I hope we can sort something out with Ian as soon as possible.
"QPR will always be enormously grateful for the contribution he has made for the past five years, in particular gaining promotion for us in 2004.
"However, it is crucial the team are focused and able to move forward, which is why we have appointed Gary as caretaker manager."
Waddock was a hugely popular figure in his playing days at QPR and is credited with improving the club¿s youth system in recent years.
The former Republic of Ireland midfielder is likely to be assisted by youth coach Joe Gallen - brother of club captain Kevin - for this Saturday's game against Millwall.
Paladini is also keen to install ex-Rs boss Jim Smith as director of football.
Smith led QPR between 1985 and 1988 and has since managed Newcastle, Portsmouth and Derby.

TELEGRAPH> QPR suspend Holloway over Leicester link By Tom Cary
Queens Park Rangers have suspended manager Ian Holloway on full pay, ostensibly because of speculation linking him with the vacant manager's post at Leicester.
But a series of bad results and behind-the-scenes problems have undoubtedly contributed to the decision of chairman Gianni Paladini to place the eccentric Holloway on "gardening leave" along with coaches Tim Breacker and Gary Penrice.
Coach Gary Waddock has been installed as temporary manager.
A statement from Paladini read: "QPR have not sacked Ian but we are concerned about recent performances and the effect the speculation about Ian joining Leicester might have on the players.
"QPR will always be grateful to the contribution he has made over the past five years, in particular gaining promotion in 2004.
"However, it is crucial the team are focused and moving forward, which is why we have appointed Gary as caretaker manager. I hope the fans get behind Gary for the home derby against Millwall on Saturday."
Waddock, a popular figure in his playing days at QPR, is credited with improving the club's youth system in recent years. The former Republic of Ireland midfielder is likely to be assisted by youth coach Joe Gallen, brother of club captain Kevin, for the clash with Millwall.
Paladini is also keen to install former manager Jim Smith as director of football. Smith led QPR between 1985 and 1988 and has since managed Newcastle, Portsmouth and Derby.
Cash-strapped QPR will now try to work out a compensation package with Holloway, who signed an improved contract last year. Meanwhile, Leicester, who dismissed Craig Levein last month and are in danger of dropping out of the top two divisions for the first time in their history, denied any agreement had been reached with Holloway.
A spokesman said: "The process of finding a new manager is still taking place. We won't be commenting on speculation."...
http://sport.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?view=DETAILS&grid=&xml=/sport/2006/02/07/sfnqpr07.xml

TELEGRAPH Jim Smith Returning to QPR
-
Guardian - February 7, 2006
Smith, 94 [sic], is set to make an unlikely return to Loftus Road while Ian Holloway becomes acquainted with his garden

QPR line up Smith after Holloway is suspended Stuart James and
Arindam RejTuesday

Jim Smith may make an unlikely return to Queens Park Rangers as director of football, more than 20 years after he first took over at the west London club as manager. The 65-year-old is understood to have been lined up to take on an advisory role at Loftus Road as Rangers prepare for the inevitable departure of Ian Holloway, who was yesterday suspended from his duties.
Smith, who managed at Loftus Road between 1985 and 1988, is known to be a close friend of the QPR chairman Gianni Paladini and although the Championship club would not comment on his possible arrival yesterday they refused to rule out a move for the former Derby County manager, whose last employment was alongside Harry Redknapp at Southampton.
Holloway has been sent on "gardening leave" for an indefinite period after he was linked with the vacant managerial post at Leicester City at the weekend. Leicester have denied reports that an appointment is imminent but even if Holloway does not replace Craig Levein, who was dismissed two weeks ago, it appears unlikely that he will return to QPR.
The former Bristol Rovers manager signed a three-year contract extension 12 months ago but his relationship with Paladini has been strained for some time. Paladini, though, will be keen to avoid any financial settlement with Holloway because it is believed the manager has a rolling one-year deal which would entail a 12-month pay-off if he were sacked.
Holloway, who has been in charge at Rangers for five years, learned that he would no longer be in charge of team affairs on Sunday night. Paladini said that the combination of a poor run of results and the Leicester rumours had prompted his decision to seek a change. Gary Waddock, previously the first-team coach, has been appointed as caretaker manager.
"QPR have not sacked Ian but we are concerned about recent performances and the effect the speculation about Ian joining Leicester might have on the players," said Paladini. "QPR will always be enormously grateful for the contribution he has made over the past five years, in particular gaining promotion for us in 2004."
Waddock is likely to be assisted by the Rangers youth coach Joe Gallen for Saturday's match against Millwall. However two other members of Holloway's backroom staff, Tim Breacker and Gary Penrice, have been temporarily relieved of their responsibilities
http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,1703802,00.html

Feb. 7, 2006 -Smith turns down return to Loftus Road
Former QPR boss Jim Smith has rejected the chance to re-join the club - but did not rule out a return in the near future.
Rangers placed manager Ian Holloway on 'gardening leave' on Monday and chairman Gianni Paladini offered Smith - who managed Rangers from 1985-88 - a role alongside caretaker-boss Gary Waddock.
Smith revealed: 'I held talks with Gianni Paladini, but given the circumstances at the club I did not feel it would have been politically correct to go there right now.'
But when asked whether he would reconsider his decision if Holloway - who has been linked with managerless Leicester - was to leave the club definitively, Smith told Sky Sports News: 'That is always a possibility.
'I think I will be back in full-time football in the near future. I have turned down opportunities, and this is the longest I have been out of the game.'
Smith also believes 'there is no going back' for Holloway at Loftus Road.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=357765&cc=5901

BBC - Smith decides against QPR return
By Andrew McKenzie
Smith spent over three years as boss at QPRJim Smith has held talks with QPR but will not be making an emotional return to the club as manager.
QPR suspended manager Ian Holloway on Monday after a poor run of results and following links with the Leicester job.
Smith, 65, was widely reported to be making a return as director of football to Loftus Road - where he was manager for three years in the 1980s.
"There have been talks and I've decided things are not right for me there at the moment," he told BBC Sport.
"It's been a very hard decision for me. I more or less said 'yes' to QPR and then I've had to say 'no' - it's that close and I feel a bit sad about it but I just felt it wasn't right.
QPR suspend Foxes target Holloway "I'm not going to be involved there."
Smith guided the club to fifth in the old First Division in 1988 before leaving later that year for Newcastle.
He rejected suggestions he was set for a director of football role at the club, adding: "I've never wanted to be a director of football in my life. I don't even know what he does."
Smith has been out of work since his contract was not renewed at Southampton in May 2005 and has since had talks with Bristol Rovers and been part of a consortium trying to take over Oxford United.
But he said he was in talks with other clubs, adding: "It's a funny life. There are no buses then suddenly three come at once." http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/q/qpr/4688366.stm

SKY SPORT - Smith says no for now
By Simon Fudge - Created on 7 Feb 2006
Jim Smith has turned down the chance to return to former club Queens Park Rangers 'for the time being'.
Smith, who managed the West London outfit for a for a spell between 1985 and 1988, spoke with QPR chairman Gianni Paladini on Monday regarding a role whereby he would assist caretaker boss Gary Waddock.
The Championship club placed Waddock in charge after putting manager Ian Holloway and his assistants Gary Penrice and Tim Breaker on gardening leave.
Growing speculation that Holloway is set to succeed Craig Levein as Leicester City manager prompted Paladini to place the former Bristol Rovers boss on leave in order to steady the ship at QPR.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, Smith felt now was not the right time to return to Loftus Road, but he hinted that a move back may be on the horizon.
"With the situation at the club and the management problems, it wasn't the time for me to go because it was politically not correct, I don't think," Smith said.
"It's a shame because it's a great club. Mr Paladini is a personal friend and I feel as if I've let him down a little bit.
"I met Gary Waddock yesterday (Monday), who is going to take charge, and I was very impressed with him.
"I just felt that for me, with the situation, it just wasn't politically correct for me."
Smith stated his confidence that he will return to football in the near future, though he ruled out any possibility of succeeding Phil Brown as Derby County manager.
"This is the longest period I've ever been out of football in my life," he added.
"In about 27 to 30 years, I've only done a year all told (out of football), and this is about half of it at this moment in time.
"I have turned opportunities down in that period, to be honest, but there are a couple of opportunities that are coming up now.
"I think, in the very near future, I'll be back in serious full-time football."
Smith feels the Leicester speculation will make it difficult for Holloway to return to his QPR post. "Looking at it - whatever the circumstances regarding Leicester is - to me, he's not going back," Smith said.
"I don't know how long it will take for him to do the garden and how big his garden is, but I don't think there is any going back (for Holloway now)."
http://home.skysports.com/list.asp?hlid=361204&CPID=10&clid=&lid=2&title=Smith+says+no+for+now

SKY -Paladini: No way back for Ollie By Andy Clarke - Created on 7 Feb 2006
...And he says he is prepared to pay Holloway for the remainder of his contract if necessary and will not be sacking the former Bristol Rovers manager, even if Leicester do not offer him the job.
"If a man is happily married why would he look for another woman?" said Paladini.
"If you get the opportunity to speak to someone it's your choice whether to go, or to stay. But maybe it's better for him to move, maybe he's been here too long. I don't blame him for looking.
"Once he applied for the job at Leicester we felt he couldn't concentrate on our team. Ian has had a rollercoaster time here under very difficult circumstances. He's done a tremendous job.
"I spoke to Leicester on Wednesday, then spoke to his agent, and he went to see them. But he hasn't been sacked. We will honour his contract until the end."
Smith has turned down Paladini's approach, at least for the time being, but could yet be back at the club he managed for three years in the 80s.
"Gary is caretaker manager and knows Jim well," Paladini said. "It was mainly consultancy that we asked him to do, we never asked him to be manager.
"It's a big job for Gary to take on, so getting Jim to come in might have been the right thing to do but we never discussed a position."
HLID=361381&CPID=10&title=Paladini:+No+way+back+for+Ollie&lid=2&channel=Football_Home&f=rss#

BBC - QPR chief says no Holloway return
Holloway has two years left on his contract at QPRQPR chairman Gianni Paladini says there is no way back for former manager Ian Holloway at Loftus Road, but is adamant he will not sack him.
Holloway was suspended on Monday for asking to speak to Leicester City about their vacant manager's job.
"Once he applied for the Leicester job we felt he could not concentrate on our team," Paladini said.
Paladini added that Holloway will be paid for the rest of his two-year QPR contract if he does not get a new job.
He added: "He hasn't been sacked. We will honour his contract until the end."
Paladini felt Holloway's mind was no longer on the job at Loftus Road, saying: "If a man is happily married why would he look for another woman?
"If you get the opportunity to speak to someone it's your choice whether to go, or to stay.
"Maybe it's better for him to move, maybe he's been here too long. I don't blame him for looking."
Holloway cannot speak about his departure from QPR for legal reasons, but BBC Sport has tried unsuccessfully to contact his agent.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/q/qpr/4690636.stm

Clubcall Paladini on Holloway departure07 Feb 2006
Queens Park Rangers chairman Gianni Paladini has spoken of his reasons behind placing Ian Holloway on gardening leave and revealed the decision was taken after an approach from the Foxes for Holloway to take over at the Walkers Stadium.
Paladini was speaking at a press conference on Tuesday where he confirmed that caretaker boss Gary Waddock is likely to remain in charge until the end of the season at Loftus Road and that the former Rangers player is a serious consider for the job on a full-time
Waddock has taken over from Holloway after the Rangers boss was the subject of an approach from Leicester last week and Paladini felt it was affecting the team: "I had a phonecall from Leicester the day after we played them last week asking for permission to speak to Ian," said Paladini.
"I told Ian and his agent and they wanted to speak to Leicester, so they did. It was very difficult because Ian has been fantastic for QPR over the last five years and it has been a privilege to work with him
"My feeling was that if you are happily married why whould you look for another woman? I felt that it was better for us to move in a different direction and for him to maybe move on after a long time here. But I have nothing but praise for the man."
Jim Smith has been linked with a role of Loftus Road but Paladini revealed he was only spoken to about the possibility of coming in to help out Waddock: "The idea was for Jim to come in on a consultancy basis. What we asked him to do for us he couldn't do it because he job was never offered to him as the manager," said Paladini.
"We felt he could come and help Gary but we could not offer him what he wanted and he has moved on. We wanted him to come in without a contract and to help it but things never happened." http://217.158.112.238/vsite/vcontent/content/transnews/0,10869,5034-169529-19728-36699-230009-13916-5024-layout104-186747-news-item,00.html
-
The Times - Sack race hits farcical proportions -By Bill Edgar
THE recent managerial cull intensified yesterday on a bizarre day north and south of the border. Queens Park Rangers have not dismissed Ian Holloway but have said that he will not get his job back, Walsall were revealed to have dismissed Paul Merson days after rejecting his offer to resign and, at Heart of Midlothian, a farce developed that was more Brian Rix than Graham Rix as the latter remained in charge without being allowed to pick the team for last night’s match against Dundee United....
Holloway’s five-year reign at Loftus Road has ended after Gianni Paladini, the QPR chairman, said yesterday that there was no way back for a man who has held talks over the vacant position at Leicester City. Those discussions prompted the London club to place their manager on “gardening leave” on Monday in the belief that the uncertainty was affecting the players, but Paladini has now given the job to Gary Waddock, the reserve-team coach, until the end of the season, while insisting that he would not dismiss Holloway, whose contract has two years to run.
“He hasn’t been sacked — we will honour his contract until the end,” Paladini said, before explaining why Holloway will not stay in his post. “If a man is happily married, why would he look for another woman? If you get the opportunity to speak to someone, it’s your choice whether to go or to stay. But maybe it’s better for him to move. Once he applied for the job at Leicester, we felt he couldn’ t concentrate on our team. Ian has had a rollercoaster time here under very difficult circumstances. He’s done a tremendous job.”
Holloway could not prevent QPR’s relegation from the second tier when he took over towards the end of the 2000-01 season, but he has since taken them up to mid-table in the Coca-Cola Championship. Jim Smith, a former manager of the club, has rejected the chance to assist Waddock, feeling that it would be inappropriate, given Holloway’s state of limbo....
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,27-2030016,00.html

League Managers Association (LMA) Statement Feb 10, 2006
CONCERN OVER GARDENING LEAVE
The LMA have today voiced their concern at the growing trend of bosses being suspended instead of sacked.
Hartlepool boss Martin Scott and QPR manager Ian Holloway have both been suspended this month.
Chief Executive John Barnwell commented. "This is a growing trend which we are very unhappy with. "It means chairmen don't have to pay up a manager's contract up or even negotiate a settlement.
"The chairmen wait for a manager to get another job or say something which will breach their contract, meaning they don't have to pay them off.
"We would like to see a system in place where every manager has to have a licence.
"To get the licence, a manager would have to have a recognised coaching qualification.
"If they were dismissed, they would be entitled to a standard settlement."
Barnwell says Football League managers are particularly susceptible to being suspended and not paid off.
"The Premier League has a manager's arbitration tribunal," he said.
"Managers can go to it if a settlement has not been negotiated within 42 days and there is no appeal from it.
"We want to put this in place in the Football League. It would cut both ways, if a manager resigned from a club, he would not be able to join another club before compensation has been paid."
http://www.leaguemanagers.com/news/viewfromthetop-5283.html

DAILY MIRROR - FRIDAY 10 February 2006 -GREGORY'S WHIRL AS QPR BOSS
EXCLUSIVE By Martin Rogers
JOHN GREGORY was last night handed the chance to return to football when he was offered the QPR manager's job.
The former Aston Villa and Derby boss is an old Rangers player and chairman Gianni Paladini wants him to replace the suspended Ian Holloway.
Gregory is keen to get back into management and is expected to agree terms quickly with the Loftus Road club.
He has been out of the game for three years since parting company with Derby. Yet Paladini is confident he is the right man to take the club out of mid-table obscurity in the Championship.
Gary Waddock, a close friend of Gregory's, was placed in temporary charge and the pair are expected to work together.
Holloway was placed on gardening leave by Paladini last week after holding talks with Leicester over their vacant managerial position.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/tm_objectid=16687142%26method=full%26siteid=94762% 26headline=gregory%2ds%2dwhirl%2das%2dqpr%2dboss%2 d-name_page.html

SPORTING LIFE -WADDOCK EYES EXPERIENCED SIDEKICK
By Tom Collomosse, PA Sport
QPR caretaker-boss Gary Waddock revealed he was desperate to add experience to his coaching staff after marking his first game in charge with victory over 10-man Millwall.
Marc Nygaard scored the only goal of the game in the 56th minute to earn Waddock - who stepped in earlier this week after former boss Ian Holloway was placed on gardening leave - three vital points.
Former Rangers boss Jim Smith rejected the chance to re-join the club in a consultancy role earlier this week, and Waddock wants a similar figure to help him through his first steps in management.
"I would like to bring in someone with experience and knowledge, who I can ask for advice," said Waddock, who played down reports that former Aston Villa and Derby boss John Gregory - a friend of chairman Gianni Paladini - had been offered a position at Loftus Road.
"But I will definitely be deciding who is appointed.
"I am glad the fans gave Ian Holloway the recognition he deserved, because he did a fantastic job during his five years here."
Although Millwall were very poor, Rangers played fluently in spells and should have won by more than one goal.
Waddock, who is likely to be in charge until the end of the season, made clear before the game his intention to play with a less direct style to that of Holloway - and the early signs were promising.
Waddock continued: "It was a great start. The manner of the way we played was encouraging for the future.
"I cannot describe how I feel [about becoming manager]. I was with the club from 1979-87 and again from 1991-92, so to become manager is fantastic.
"I think I could have taken over one of the stands if I had given tickets to all the family and friends that wanted to come today."
Millwall manager David Tuttle admitted his players are beginning to lose faith in their ability to stay in the Championship.
Alan Dunne was sent off late on for the visitors, whose home clash with Hull on Tuesday now assumes huge importance.
Tuttle said: "The boys are very deflated, because they think they are getting relegated and their confidence is low.
"It was a poor performance. We had a game-plan, and we didn't stick to it. We remain desperate to bring in an experienced forward on loan.
"After every game we say we need an attacker, but we haven't managed to make it happen. The board haven't told me why that is the case.
"When we played the ball to our frontmen, it came straight back, whereas QPR's were able to hold onto it. That was the difference between the teams."
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/cc_championship/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/06/02/11/SOCCER_QPR_2nd_Nightlead.html&TEAMHD=nationwide1

Kilburn Times - Hats in the ring to follow Ollie
Ben Kosky, Kilburn Times, 9 February 2006
QPR have already received more than 100 applications for the manager's job - even though, technically, there is no vacancy at Loftus Road....Waddock will be caretaker boss for the foreseeable future but, according to chairman Gianni Paladini, Rangers have been inundated with interest from numerous would-be managers.
"I cannot believe the amount of applications I've received already," said Paladini. "There have been floods of them coming in from all over the world - it must be at least 100."I've had applications from France, Spain, Israel and I've even had one from a young lad who's 19 years of age. It just shows how important QPR is to so many people."
But Paladini insists that, for the time being, Waddock is the front-runner to take over on a permanent basis - as long as he can guide Rangers to safety in the Championship.....Gary's got 14 games, we only need to win four of them and we'll be safe, then we can start building for next season," Paladini added.....
http://www.kilburntimes.co.uk/content/camden/kilburntimes/sport/story.aspx?brand=KLBTOnline&category=sportfootball&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=sportklbt&itemid=WeED09%20Feb%202006%2016%3A03%3A04%3A007

PA Sport- QPR JOB IS DREAM FOR WADDOCK -By Ben Rumsby, PA Sport
Gary Waddock admitted he is "loving every minute" of being in charge of QPR after watching his side come from behind to complete an unlikely double over Sheffield United.
The caretaker boss hailed his players' character as they threw away an early lead before veteran striker Paul Furlong wrapped up a 3-2 win at Bramall Lane.
It was Waddock's second victory in his third match in charge of the club where he has spent his entire playing career.
Asked whether the job was everything he expected, Waddock replied: "And more. To be caretaker manager of the club I joined when I was probably 12, 13, played every age group and then be given this wonderful opportunity, I can't describe how I feel."
"I've enjoyed every minute of it."
He also enjoyed a large slice of luck when Paul Ifill missed a second-half penalty which would have made it 3-1 to the Blades, a moment Waddock acknowledged turned the game.
"Definitely the turning point," he said. "Sometimes you need a little bit of luck and we got that today.
"If you come up to Sheffield United you're not going to dominate the game. But we defended well and then had a few chances in the second half. We could've come away with one or two more goals.
"The group of players that are downstairs and on the training pitch this week have worked their socks off."
They needed to after finding themselves 2-1 down at half-time, Marc Nygaard's early strike cancelled out by a fantastic Ade Akinbiyi header and Marc Bircham's calamitous own goal, the midfielder heading Chris Armstrong's corner into his own net.
"It was a case of saying at half-time I felt we were still in the game," Waddock said.
He also hailed Furlong's matchwinning contribution, the 37-year-old rolling back the years to turn United skipper Chris Morgan inside out for the winning goal.
"Fantastic, 37 - played like a 17-year-old," Waddock said. "He's been excellent since he came here."
Furlong is coming to the end of his playing career, but as for 43-year-old Waddock's foray into football management he admits he would "most definitely" want the job full-time once Ian Holloway's situation is resolved.
The defeat is a serious setback for United's promotion bid, with leaders Reading and closest challengers Leeds and Watford all winning."If you look at it in too much detail then we committed suicide, but it's not as bad as that," said Blades boss Neil Warnock.
"We've got 10 games to go. We would have been absolutely delighted to be in our position at the start of the season."
Today's result could have been even worse for Warnock's men had Furlong and substitute Sammy Youssouf taken gilt-edged chances to kill them off.
"We were well-beaten in the end," he admitted.
"You get these disappointments in football but it's how you bounce back."
Warnock denied thinking three points were in the bag for his side when Ian Evatt felled Morgan in the box and Ifill put the ball on the spot.
"Not until it hit the back of the net," he said, before insisting had the winger converted it would have been game over.
"I thought we would have gone on and won it comfortably.
"You could see the heads go down on certain lads and you can't say why that happens. It happens everywhere - even at the top level."
Warnock refused to single out his defence for criticism after they went to sleep for the first goal, Morgan sliced Nygaard's header into his own net for their second, and they were caught on the break for the third.
"It's not just the back lads," he said. "We were slow coming out of the gates to start with."
However, Warnock did concede had Craig Short been fit, he may have made a difference defensively.
"I suppose that's where your Craig Shorts come into it," he said, before insisting he is not concerned about Leeds and Watford, with United now enjoying only a seven-point advantage in second place.
"The threat would come from anybody if we lost every game," he added. "We've got to stand up and be counted http://www.sportinglife.com/football/cc_championship/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/06/02/25/SOCCER_Sheff_Utd_2nd_Nightlead.html&TEAMHD=nationwide1

-SUPPORT FOR WADDOCK TO GET THE JOB....CRITICISM OF THE WAY HOLLOWAY WAS TREATED
"...the clamour in the QPR camp is growing for caretaker-boss Gary Waddock to be handed the reins full time after a second win in just his third match in charge.Having spent his entire playing career at Loftus Road, Waddock admits he would jump at the chance once Ian Holloway's gardening leave is resolved.And midfielder Marc Bircham would love to see his "hero" and assistant Alan McDonald remain at the helm. "If Wads got the job, I think everyone in that dressing room would be happy," said the boyhood Rangers fan."Waddo is more than capable. He's a fantastic coach and he's got the tactical know-how with the managers he's played under."He's played under some of the best managers like George Graham and Terry Venables and he can take the best bits under those managers and bring them to this side."Wadds was probably my first hero at QPR. He was Rangers through and through and Macca was there as a professional for 12 years."They've come in and done a brilliant job."You can't get two more QPR people than Gary Waddock and Alan McDonald - I remember watching them for years."However, Bircham was critical of the manner of Holloway's departure almost three weeks ago, calling him "the best manager I've ever played under"."They say Olly's on gardening leave but all of us know he isn't really coming back," Bircham said."The way it happened, that was the only disappointment. If he's going to leave the club, then it should be done properly."Whatever happens, he's left a legacy at the football club."
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/nationwide1/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/06/02/26/SOCCER_Sheff_Utd.html

WADDOCK SPEAKS
Gary Waddock took charge of his first training session on Monday morning and was happy to get it out of the way.
"It's been a hectic morning, I spoke to the players regarding the situation then we split the lads into two groups. The guys who played on Saturday did a cool down and then a weights session with Scott Rushton. The other group played in a football session overseen by myself and Joe Gallen."
"I also spoke to many of the senior players on a one to one basis to get my points across."
Waddock is known around the club as a nice guy but he knows he will have to get tough to fulfil his role.
"I'm a nice guy and I'm an honest guy and I know I'll only keep eleven players happy. I'm here to do a job, I'm a professional person and I will get the players and the team ready that will win the next match for the club. Yes I will have to make hard decisions but I am not frightened or afraid to make them."
Waddock played in a Rangers side with plenty of flair and would like to continue that with his own side.
"The style of play will change overnight. Everyone has their own football philosophy and I have mine."
"I want the players to be able to express themselves and enjoy the style of play. We will pass it and there will be lots of movement."
"I want them to be creative and express themselves as well .I will encourage them to play out from the back but I'm not naive, I know we also need to get results - but with a certain brand of football.
Having been in charge of the reserve team Waddock knows about most of the players but no-one will get into his side on reputation only.
"Everyone starts from scratch today. Some senior players will play play for the reserves tomorrow in order to help with their fitness ahead of Saturday's game."
"I will need the crowds help and support. I want my team to excite them and get the noise back to Loftus Road. When it's in full voice it makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up and I want it to be our fortress." QPR

WADDO'S WORDS- Press Conference, QPR Official Site
Rangers' Caretaker Manager Gary Waddock met the national press for the first time this afternoon.
Flanked by Chairman Gianni Paladini and Club Captain Kevin Gallen, Waddock expressed his delight at being handed the reigns while Ian Holloway is on 'gardening leave.'
"I'm here as a Caretaker and just to be given the opportunity to manage this wonderful club is fantastic. I'm here to do the job asked of me by the Chairman and I'll do it to the best of my ability.
"My job is to coach and I'm focusing entirely on Millwall at the weekend. I'm really looking forward to Saturday and I'm sure the players will put on a performance that will excite the crowd.
"Anybody who has played the game or has coached at any level would love to be a full time manager. My strengths are out on the training ground - training and coaching players.
"The players look hungry and everyone has an opportunity to prove their worth.
"The staff at QPR have been fantastic with me. Everyone has been a great help and we've all mucked in together. We all want to get a positive result and performance on Saturday.''
Waddock also revealed he is looking at bringing in another coach and an experienced advisor to assist him in his quest to push the Hoops up the table.
"We spoke about Jim Smith coming in; he has the type of experience and list of contacts I'm after. But that's finished now and I'll look at other avenues.
"We need another coach and an experienced man and I'm working on it.''
The new man at the helm also took time to spare a thought for Ian Holloway.
"Ollie's done a fantastic job here and I've learnt a lot off him, but unfortunately it's the nature of the business. His loss is my gain and I've been given a great opportunity to prove my worth. I'm only looking at it on a game-to-game basis and getting the team prepared for Millwall on Saturday.''
Waddock also revealed he is determined to alter the style of football Rangers will play - starting with the visit of Millwall on Saturday.
"The players know the style of football I want to play. My footballing philosophy is to get the ball down and play; be creative. It's all about passing and movement and getting into the final third; having an end product in terms of shots on goal. I want to change the style of play and hopefully that will start on Saturday.'' QPR

ALAN McDONALD JOINS - RETURN OF THE MAC QPR OFFICIAL SITE
Former Rangers defender, Alan McDonald has joined QPR to assist Gary Waddock with his coaching duties.
'Macca' made over 400 appearances for the Superhoops in a Loftus Road career that spanned from 1981 to 1997.
A product of the youth set up, McDonald featured in the 1986 League Cup final and went on to experience both highs and lows with Rangers.
The Northern Ireland international soared the dizzy heights when Rangers finished as the top London club in 1993, but also endured relegation from the top flight in 1996.
He will arrive at Harlington tomorrow and will be 'on duty' for Saturday's home game against Millwall.
Waddock said: "He's QPR through and through and has got a real passion for the club.
"But he's not just a QPR legend, he's a fully qualified coach who has worked at international level and he's just come back from Israel with the Northern Ireland U21 squad.
"It wasn't a difficult job to convince him, he's got blue and white blood running though his veins." QPR

Paladini UNFOUNDED REPORTS- No John Gregory - Official Site, Feb 13
QPR Chairman Gianni Paladini would like to state that he will NOT be employing John Gregory on a consultancy basis.
Reports in today's Evening Standard wrongly claim that Paladini is 'hoping' to bring the former Aston Villa and Derby manager to Loftus Road.
Paladini would like to correct readers and supporters alike, to ensure they are given accurate information on this topic.
He said: "I don't know where these rumours surface from. Just when you think a win and a great performance will go a long way to making people happy, something is dragged up.
"I will not have these rumours getting in the way of Gary Waddock's task of preparing the team for tomorrow's game against Crystal Palace.
"I want him to know that he's in charge of team affairs right now and that I'm not looking anywhere else. I have spoken to Gary and reassured him that is the case." QPR

Rangers Announce their new strip for the coming season. "Rangers go Retro"

See complete QPR Report for February 2006 - February QPR Report

See Also:
QPR Year in Review Part II- JANUARY 2006

QPR Year in Review Part I - DECEMBER 2005