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Blast from the past
Maradona helps Argentina beat Brazil in exhibition
February 19, 2006 BRASILIA, Brazil (AP) -- Diego Maradona scored two goals to lead Argentina 8-4 over Brazil in an indoor soccer exhibition between former national team players from both countries on Saturday.
The match, watched by more than 10,000 fans at Nilson Nelson arena in Brasilia, was the first of three scheduled between the countries. The other two will take place in the coming months, one in Argentina and another in Brazil.
Former national team players for Brazil included Dunga, Bebeto, Zetti, Aldair, Careca and Muller. The Argentine side included Alejandro Mancuso, Jose Basualdo, Sergio Goycochea and Jorge Burruchaga.
After the match, Brazil's Sports Minister Angnelo Queiroz awarded Maradona the Juscelino Kubitschek trophy.
It was Maradona's first visit to Brazil since he was detained while trying to leave the country after playing a charity match in December.
Argentina's 1986 World Cup hero was detained briefly by airport police after showing contempt to authorities following his late arrival for a flight. He was released after being interrogated and was allowed to return to Argentina. Maradona said that a police officer pointed a gun at his neck during the incident
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/soccer/02/19/brazil.maradona.ap/x
Rio delights at Trophy as Dunga turns back clock
20 January 2006by FIFAworldcup.com
It was a typical summer's day in Rio, with plenty of sun, heat and crowded beaches. But it wasn't just any old day. Friday 20 January, a holiday in the city, was marked by the public display of the FIFA World Cup™ trophy. Over 13,000 people made the journey to the old fort on Copacabana beach to take a closer look at the most famous and coveted Trophy in the world.
Anyone who expected to arrive and walk right up to the trophy, however, was in for a surprise. A magnificent structure had been prepared to receive the public and provide them with every possible comfort. In an area covering 12,000 square metres, everyone who went along to see the cup saw a whole lot more.
First, there was a large entertainment area, with games and activities for all ages, including video games, table football (known in Brazil as totó or pebolim), balloons, body painting and other attractions mainly aimed at children. The youngest could learn about, and the oldest recall, historic moments from the FIFA World Cup by walking through a 'time tunnel' adorned by panels showing headlines from old newspapers and magazines. Many were thrilled at the sight of sticker albums and other memorabilia.
Another notable attraction was a ten-minute film made especially for the Trophy Tour. Many of those who saw it were amazed by the production. "Fascinating", "Ten out of ten" and "Out of this world" were some of the comments heard after the showing. But the general view was that nothing could surpass the excitement of seeing the Trophy itself up close. "Simply beautiful," said advertising student Nathercio Carreiro.
Enlarge PhotoPhoto Gallery
"It was very exciting," added radiologist Loren Oliveira. Meanwhile, 13-year-old Daniel said: "I couldn't even sleep properly because I was dreaming about seeing the Cup, and now that I've seen it, I'm dreaming about winning it as a player." Fernanda Gomes, a 22-year-old student, summed up the general mood of those who had seen the exhibition: "It was better than I expected."
Reliving the momentThe best, however, was saved for the end of the day. As it would have been impossible to accommodate everyone who wanted to see the trophy in a closed space, the event organisers put on a big party on Flamengo beach, with a music show and a special guest in Dunga, Brazil's victorious captain at USA 94.
Amid an explosion of confetti and light, Dunga, who had received special authorisation from FIFA to touch the Trophy, repeated the gesture that every Brazilian remembers when he lifted the Cup in triumph 12 years ago – albeit this time to the delirious cheers of 100,000 people packed onto the sands. Then it was over to the Brazilian band Skank to close the proceedings, their act beginning with the hit song 'It's a football match'.
Captain's emotionShortly before repeating the gesture which immortalised him in 1994, the now retired Dunga told FIFAworldcup.com what it felt like to be at the party. He also spoke of the excitement of lifting the FIFA World Cup first time round - and gave his opinion on the importance of the Trophy Tour.
FIFAworldcup.com: How did you feel before seeing the FIFA World Cup again?
Dunga: I felt a little nervous, but not too much. If you've played in a World Cup final, these things are easier to deal with.
What's going through your head now?
It's like I'm watching a movie. Those memories are unique. On that day (when Brazil beat Italy on penalties to win the Cup), we fulfilled the dream of every Brazilian.
It looked like you were screaming when you lifted the Cup in 1994.
It wasn't out of sorrow or rage. I was shouting at a selfish journalist who wanted me to strike a pose. After 24 years without a title, posing for a photo was the last thing on my mind.
And are you going to pose today?
I'm going to lift the cup up as high as possible so that everyone can see it. The Brazilian people deserve it.
What do you think of FIFA and Coca-Cola's idea to promote a Trophy Tour?
I believe that many of the world's problems can be solved through football. In football, in the World Cup, everyone is equal. There are no differences of race, religion or class. A single passion unites the whole world. That's why it's important that this tour is passing through a few economically deprived countries, especially some of the countries who won't be competing for the Cup in Germany. By doing this, FIFA is promoting development in these countries by attracting the attention of sponsors.
When a country like South Africa hosts a World Cup, it will be able to develop much more quickly as the competition attracts many investors. This is a praiseworthy initiative as it's also democratic. The great majority of people here cannot afford to go to the World Cup, but they can get to see the Cup up close as FIFA has brought it to them.
http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/060124/1/5wm9.html
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Monday, February 27, 2006
Ian Holloway on Jason Roberts
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Sunday Mirror - Jason Roberts Praise for Holloway
February 26, 2006
Jason Roberts had his career turned round on a muddy, miserable afternoon of swearing, shouting and personal insults.The giant striker's career hits a new high today when he leads Wigan into their first major final. And he's got there thanks to a lot of hard work - and a bit of brutal bullying by former boss Ian Holloway.
Roberts is one of the graduates of Holloway's amazing Premiership centre-forward school that has also groomed West Ham's Bobby Zamora, West Brom's Nathan Ellington and Liverpool's giant Peter Crouch.It was Holloway who rescued Roberts when he was failing in the reserves at Wolves and then nurtured his raw talent. Holloway said: "Jason was all raw pace, power and hunger with a great desire to get better but a burning anger that he couldn't live up to his family reputation."
Everywhere he went he was compared to his uncle Cyrille Regis, and at 15 or 16 he even stopped playing altogether because he couldn't deal with it." When we signed him at Bristol Rovers my No.2 Gary Penrice, who had been a striker himself, explained his problem was that because of all that was in his head he couldn't focus."Gary used to try to put him off during shooting practice and suddenly Jason started ignoring him and nearly everything he hit went in."He hasn't looked back and nobody will be more proud than me to see him walk out for a Cup final this weekend."
Sunday Mirror - Jason Roberts Praise for Holloway
February 26, 2006
Jason Roberts had his career turned round on a muddy, miserable afternoon of swearing, shouting and personal insults.The giant striker's career hits a new high today when he leads Wigan into their first major final. And he's got there thanks to a lot of hard work - and a bit of brutal bullying by former boss Ian Holloway.
Roberts is one of the graduates of Holloway's amazing Premiership centre-forward school that has also groomed West Ham's Bobby Zamora, West Brom's Nathan Ellington and Liverpool's giant Peter Crouch.It was Holloway who rescued Roberts when he was failing in the reserves at Wolves and then nurtured his raw talent. Holloway said: "Jason was all raw pace, power and hunger with a great desire to get better but a burning anger that he couldn't live up to his family reputation."
Everywhere he went he was compared to his uncle Cyrille Regis, and at 15 or 16 he even stopped playing altogether because he couldn't deal with it." When we signed him at Bristol Rovers my No.2 Gary Penrice, who had been a striker himself, explained his problem was that because of all that was in his head he couldn't focus."Gary used to try to put him off during shooting practice and suddenly Jason started ignoring him and nearly everything he hit went in."He hasn't looked back and nobody will be more proud than me to see him walk out for a Cup final this weekend."
Further Match Reports & Comments re Sheffield United 2 QPR 3
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-Guardian -Blades barred but Rangers run riotMike Anstead at Bramall LaneMonday February 27, 2006The Guardian
Neil Warnock has asked Sheffield United's fans to unite as the club pursues Premiership football. The manager's promotion plan now includes a pub ban on his players, invoked after Alan Quinn's alleged brawl with a Sheffield Wednesday fan over a game of pool in The Pheasant a day after United's derby win last weekend.The former Wednesday midfielder avoided being fined two weeks' wages despite being arrested and bailed until April pending further inquiries but Warnock and United's fans are now on pub-watch.The players won't be going in any pubs until the end of the season. We can't let anything detract from what we want to do," the United manager said. "If anybody sees any of my lads in any pubs between now and the end of the season, I'd love them to let me know so I can get a couple of weeks' wages off the players."Asked if there was now an alcohol ban, Warnock joked: "No, they can get pissed at home if they want."United's hold on the second automatic promotion place is being watered down and this defeat means Watford are now just seven points behind. Supporters are craving for a return to the Premiership after an extended spell of underachievement and frustrations were again aired at Bramall Lane."You've got to be a little bit patient but the fans are so frustrated being where they are for so many years. It's easy to criticise but the fans don't think what damage it does to certain players," said Warnock, who is favouring a calmer approach. "It wasn't a time for throwing teacups after the game. Everyone was disappointed and it should hurt. It's not a teacup time at the moment but I'm sure by the end of the season there might be the odd one."Warnock and his opposite number, QPR's caretaker manager Gary Waddock, agreed that the game's turning point was Paul Jones's save from Paul Ifill's penalty at the start of the second half when the hosts were leading 2-1. Had Ifill scored, United would have undoubtedly gone on to win but the agility of the 38-year-old Jones inspired Rangers to an unlikely victory. The visitors were soon level when Chris Morgan edged Marc Nygaard's header into his own goal.It was hardly a day of celebration for the United captain, who was making his 100th league start for the club. Morgan was later outwitted by Paul Furlong, who drove home the winner from 10 yards."No one gave us a chance coming up here. It should have been about 5-3 to us," said the Rangers midfielder Marc Bircham, and he was right. Bircham's own-goal straight from Chris Armstrong's corner ensured United led at half-time after Ade Akinbiyi's glancing header had cancelled out Nygaard's fortunate opener.
Bircham heads a group of leading Rangers players eager to see Waddock and his caretaker assistant Alan McDonald installed on a permanent basis once the chairman, Gianni Paladini, comes to an agreement with Ian Holloway, who is currently on "gardening leave" after applying for the vacancy at Leicester City.
Having stuck posters of his temporary management team on his wall as a young boy, Bircham, a lifelong QPR fan, is looking no further for Holloway's replacement. "You can't get two more QPR people than Gary Waddock and Alan McDonald. I've been watching them for years," Bircham said, his eyes lighting up at the mere thought of working with men he once attempted to imitate in the playground."Wadds was probably my first hero at QPR with his auburn barnet. He was Rangers through and through, and Macca was there for 12 years as a professional. Whatever they say is gospel. If Wadds got the job I think everyone in the dressing room would be happy."Waddock, 43, will be offered - and gladly accept - his first permanent manager's job at the end of the season should results like this continue.
Warnock has 20 years of managerial experience and would no doubt offer a few wise words for one so new to the game, just maybe not over a pint and a game of pool in his South Yorkshire local.
Man of the match Paddy KennyThe Republic of Ireland goalkeeper saved his side from a heavier defeat with a series of quality saves as the weakened United defence was cut apart by QPR's rampant forwards. Best moment Soaring full stretch to his left, he palmed away Lee Cook's curling free-kick, destined for the top corner, towards the end of the first-half when United were ahead. http://football.guardian.co.uk/Match_Report/0,,1718786,00.html
THE TIMES Waddock offers food for thoughtBy Phil
IT IS HIGHLY UNLIKELY that Ian Holloway would have actually spent Saturday afternoon digging over his flower beds or pottering around the shed as his “gardening leave” from Queens Park Rangers stretched into another week. But if he was anywhere near a radio providing commentary from Bramall Lane, he will now know that there is more chance of him having a gold medal-winning entry at the Chelsea Flower Show than returning to the manager’s post at Loftus Road.On the evidence of a second win in his absence, QPR have already moved on and there can be no going back regardless of whether he makes peace with Gianni Paladini, the chairman.Paladini could have by now been ruing his controversial decision a fortnight ago to remove Holloway from his job of the past six years after he apparently showed an interest in moving to Leicester City. But Gary Waddock, the caretaker manager, has ensured that the uncertainty away from the pitch has not distracted the players. Indeed, the apparent ease with which they have coped with the loss of Holloway could appear almost indecent.
Marc Bircham would seem to represent a consensus of opinion from within the dressing-room. “Everybody loved Ian Holloway,” the midfield player said. “It was the weirdest feeling when he stepped down. I wanted to feel disappointed, but then I was excited because Gary Waddock has come in.“Gary is a fantastic coach. He was my first hero when I started watching QPR. He has done a great job so far and we think he is more than capable of doing well if he gets the job on a full-time basis.“Ian is officially on gardening leave, but I think we all know he is not coming back because of the way he left a couple of weeks ago. He has, though, left a legacy after six brilliant years at the club.”
A few more battling victories such as this and Waddock could yet be leading QPR into the Coca-Cola Championship play-offs. Waddock, however, prefers not to look beyond the next game. “I will just do what I can until a decision is made,” he said. “I am working on a game-to-game basis. I am enjoying every moment of it, though. I joined this club when I was 13 and have played at every level for them. So it is magnificent to be the caretaker manager.”United, who started the game ten points clear in second place but are now anxiously casting a glance at Watford and Leeds United, were stunned when the pace of Marc Nygaard, the QPR striker, led to them conceding after six minutes.Nygaard looked ungainly as he bore down on Paddy Kenny in the United goal, but was composed enough to shake off the challenge of two home defenders before rounding the goalkeeper.Ade Akinbiyi scored his first goal at Bramall Lane since completing a £1.75 million transfer from Burnley with a back-header in the 21st minute. Eight minutes later they were ahead through Bircham’s own goal from a corner and United, with only one win from the past five matches, would possibly have secured maximum points had Paul Ifill’s weak penalty not been saved by Paul Jones.United wilted and conceded an equaliser seven minutes later when Chris Morgan turned the ball into the roof of his own net from a punt by Lee Cook into the six-yard box.QPR secured the win 16 minutes from time when Paul Furlong completed a torrid second half for Morgan by turning him with ease before guiding a left-footed shot beyond Kennyhttp://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,435-2060103,00.html
INDEPENDENTWarnock imposes promotion pub watch By Jon Culley
Published: 27 February 2006Sheffield United's players have had better weekends. As if a second home defeat in three games were not enough, encouraging Watford and Leeds to believe they might yet deprive them of automatic promotion, they have also had to stomach the news that if they are spotted drinking in public between now and the end of April they will be fined two weeks' wages.What is more, manager Neil Warnock is encouraging United fans to "shop" their heroes if they see them flouting the ban.It follows a disturbance in a public house the day after United won the Sheffield derby the previous weekend in the wake of which United's former Wednesday midfielder Alan Quinn was arrested.Warnock said that Quinn, who is currently out of the side through injury, will be cleared of any wrongdoing and therefore escape disciplinary action. But he is so determined that nothing will undermine United's Premiership ambitions Warnock will not allow his players into a pub even for a soft drink."I've spoken to a number of people about the incident and Alan is in the clear as far as I am concerned, even though going into a Wednesday pub was not the brightest thing to do the day after the derby," Warnock said. "But none of my players will be going into a pub between now and the end of the season because you can get into trouble even if you are only drinking orange juice."We cannot let anything detract from what we want to do," he added, "and I'll tell the fans in my programme notes for the game against Crewe next Friday that if they see one of my players in a pub I'd love them to let me know."Meanwhile, Warnock will tell his players that the Crewe game is their opportunity to right the wrongs committed on the field on Saturday, when United recovered from the loss of an early goal to lead 2-1 at half-time but then missed a penalty before allowing managerless Queen's Park Rangers to record their first away win of 2006.The result loosens his side's grip on second place to the extent that Watford are now within seven points of catching them. Leeds, due at Bramall Lane in April, are a further point adrift with a game in hand."After we missed the penalty a few heads went down and we are not used to that," Warnock said. "It is now about how we bounce back."Marc Nygaard had put Rangers ahead but Ade Akinbiyi equalised before a Marc Bircham own goal gave United the lead. Had Paul Ifill's spot-kick early in the second half not been saved by Paul Jones, United might have taken a stranglehold. Instead, Chris Morgan put through his own net to bring Rangers level and the 37-year-old Paul Furlong ran on to the excellent Lee Cook's pass to clinch victory."We deserved the result although the penalty was a turning point," QPR's stand-in manager, Gary Waddock, said..http://sport.independent.co.uk/football/coca_cola/article347984.ece
TELEGRAPH -Sheffield steel starting to lose its edge
By Peter Gardner (Filed: 27/02/2006)Gary Waddock, the caretaker manager of Queens Park Rangers, enhanced his prospects of securing the position on a permanent basis with a surprise, but richly deserved, victory that left Sheffield United anxiously eyeing the two clubs immediately below them.Watford and Leeds are seven and eight points, respectively, behind Neil Warnock's team, and Leeds in particular have a realistic opportunity to overhaul them because they have a game in hand and have still to visit Bramall Lane.Sheffield are enduring an inconsistent period, particularly at home where they have taken just one point from the last three matches. Indeed, apart from the victories over neighbouring Wednesday and equally struggling Derby, United have suffered an indifferent February.It has left their supporters more than a little disgruntled and many expressed their dissatisfaction as Rangers became the first team this season to secure a double over United.However, Warnock remained bullish. He said: "Whatever points we have at this moment with 10 games to go, we would have been absolutely delighted to be in that position before the season started. What is important now is how we cope and respond."Like me, the fans are frustrated. But sometimes they don't realise the damage it does to certain players who started to get rid of the ball earlier than they otherwise would have done."Paul Ifill was a particular target for abuse, doubtless because of his 50th-minute penalty miss - Paul Jones saved after Ian Evatt had fouled Chris Morgan - which proved the defining moment. It would have put United 3-1 ahead and Warnock said: "Heads dropped after that."
Penalties are a rarity for United whose previous one came in the opening game, although Warnock refused to blame Ifill for the miss."It can happen to anyone. We don't get many penalties and that's why we were out of practice," Warnock added.Nevertheless, United might have lost more emphatically as Rangers created to greater effect in the second half. Veteran Paul Furlong struck the crossbar and substitute Sammy Youssof scorned an even better opportunity when one-on-one with home goalkeeper Paddy Kenny who had earlier denied Furlong and Lee Cook.Marc Nygaard's fifth-minute opener was followed by an Ade Akinbiyi headed equaliser before Marc Bircham's own goal put United ahead. A further own goal by Morgan levelled for Rangers whose superiority was confirmed by Furlong.
Bircham, although backing Waddock for the full-time job, was critical of the way Ian Holloway had been removed from the position three weeks ago.Bircham said: "If 'Wads' got the job, I think everyone in that dressing room would be happy."They say Olly's on gardening leave but all of us know he isn't really coming back. The way it happened, that was the only disappointment. If he's going to leave, then it should be done properly. Whatever happens, he's left a legacy at the club."
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml;jsessionid=PR2UG2B5NMI2RQFIQMGCFF4AVCBQUIV0?xml=/sport/2006/02/27/sfgshe27.xml&sSheet=/sport/2006/02/27/ixfooty.html
-Guardian -Blades barred but Rangers run riotMike Anstead at Bramall LaneMonday February 27, 2006The Guardian
Neil Warnock has asked Sheffield United's fans to unite as the club pursues Premiership football. The manager's promotion plan now includes a pub ban on his players, invoked after Alan Quinn's alleged brawl with a Sheffield Wednesday fan over a game of pool in The Pheasant a day after United's derby win last weekend.The former Wednesday midfielder avoided being fined two weeks' wages despite being arrested and bailed until April pending further inquiries but Warnock and United's fans are now on pub-watch.The players won't be going in any pubs until the end of the season. We can't let anything detract from what we want to do," the United manager said. "If anybody sees any of my lads in any pubs between now and the end of the season, I'd love them to let me know so I can get a couple of weeks' wages off the players."Asked if there was now an alcohol ban, Warnock joked: "No, they can get pissed at home if they want."United's hold on the second automatic promotion place is being watered down and this defeat means Watford are now just seven points behind. Supporters are craving for a return to the Premiership after an extended spell of underachievement and frustrations were again aired at Bramall Lane."You've got to be a little bit patient but the fans are so frustrated being where they are for so many years. It's easy to criticise but the fans don't think what damage it does to certain players," said Warnock, who is favouring a calmer approach. "It wasn't a time for throwing teacups after the game. Everyone was disappointed and it should hurt. It's not a teacup time at the moment but I'm sure by the end of the season there might be the odd one."Warnock and his opposite number, QPR's caretaker manager Gary Waddock, agreed that the game's turning point was Paul Jones's save from Paul Ifill's penalty at the start of the second half when the hosts were leading 2-1. Had Ifill scored, United would have undoubtedly gone on to win but the agility of the 38-year-old Jones inspired Rangers to an unlikely victory. The visitors were soon level when Chris Morgan edged Marc Nygaard's header into his own goal.It was hardly a day of celebration for the United captain, who was making his 100th league start for the club. Morgan was later outwitted by Paul Furlong, who drove home the winner from 10 yards."No one gave us a chance coming up here. It should have been about 5-3 to us," said the Rangers midfielder Marc Bircham, and he was right. Bircham's own-goal straight from Chris Armstrong's corner ensured United led at half-time after Ade Akinbiyi's glancing header had cancelled out Nygaard's fortunate opener.
Bircham heads a group of leading Rangers players eager to see Waddock and his caretaker assistant Alan McDonald installed on a permanent basis once the chairman, Gianni Paladini, comes to an agreement with Ian Holloway, who is currently on "gardening leave" after applying for the vacancy at Leicester City.
Having stuck posters of his temporary management team on his wall as a young boy, Bircham, a lifelong QPR fan, is looking no further for Holloway's replacement. "You can't get two more QPR people than Gary Waddock and Alan McDonald. I've been watching them for years," Bircham said, his eyes lighting up at the mere thought of working with men he once attempted to imitate in the playground."Wadds was probably my first hero at QPR with his auburn barnet. He was Rangers through and through, and Macca was there for 12 years as a professional. Whatever they say is gospel. If Wadds got the job I think everyone in the dressing room would be happy."Waddock, 43, will be offered - and gladly accept - his first permanent manager's job at the end of the season should results like this continue.
Warnock has 20 years of managerial experience and would no doubt offer a few wise words for one so new to the game, just maybe not over a pint and a game of pool in his South Yorkshire local.
Man of the match Paddy KennyThe Republic of Ireland goalkeeper saved his side from a heavier defeat with a series of quality saves as the weakened United defence was cut apart by QPR's rampant forwards. Best moment Soaring full stretch to his left, he palmed away Lee Cook's curling free-kick, destined for the top corner, towards the end of the first-half when United were ahead. http://football.guardian.co.uk/Match_Report/0,,1718786,00.html
THE TIMES Waddock offers food for thoughtBy Phil
IT IS HIGHLY UNLIKELY that Ian Holloway would have actually spent Saturday afternoon digging over his flower beds or pottering around the shed as his “gardening leave” from Queens Park Rangers stretched into another week. But if he was anywhere near a radio providing commentary from Bramall Lane, he will now know that there is more chance of him having a gold medal-winning entry at the Chelsea Flower Show than returning to the manager’s post at Loftus Road.On the evidence of a second win in his absence, QPR have already moved on and there can be no going back regardless of whether he makes peace with Gianni Paladini, the chairman.Paladini could have by now been ruing his controversial decision a fortnight ago to remove Holloway from his job of the past six years after he apparently showed an interest in moving to Leicester City. But Gary Waddock, the caretaker manager, has ensured that the uncertainty away from the pitch has not distracted the players. Indeed, the apparent ease with which they have coped with the loss of Holloway could appear almost indecent.
Marc Bircham would seem to represent a consensus of opinion from within the dressing-room. “Everybody loved Ian Holloway,” the midfield player said. “It was the weirdest feeling when he stepped down. I wanted to feel disappointed, but then I was excited because Gary Waddock has come in.“Gary is a fantastic coach. He was my first hero when I started watching QPR. He has done a great job so far and we think he is more than capable of doing well if he gets the job on a full-time basis.“Ian is officially on gardening leave, but I think we all know he is not coming back because of the way he left a couple of weeks ago. He has, though, left a legacy after six brilliant years at the club.”
A few more battling victories such as this and Waddock could yet be leading QPR into the Coca-Cola Championship play-offs. Waddock, however, prefers not to look beyond the next game. “I will just do what I can until a decision is made,” he said. “I am working on a game-to-game basis. I am enjoying every moment of it, though. I joined this club when I was 13 and have played at every level for them. So it is magnificent to be the caretaker manager.”United, who started the game ten points clear in second place but are now anxiously casting a glance at Watford and Leeds United, were stunned when the pace of Marc Nygaard, the QPR striker, led to them conceding after six minutes.Nygaard looked ungainly as he bore down on Paddy Kenny in the United goal, but was composed enough to shake off the challenge of two home defenders before rounding the goalkeeper.Ade Akinbiyi scored his first goal at Bramall Lane since completing a £1.75 million transfer from Burnley with a back-header in the 21st minute. Eight minutes later they were ahead through Bircham’s own goal from a corner and United, with only one win from the past five matches, would possibly have secured maximum points had Paul Ifill’s weak penalty not been saved by Paul Jones.United wilted and conceded an equaliser seven minutes later when Chris Morgan turned the ball into the roof of his own net from a punt by Lee Cook into the six-yard box.QPR secured the win 16 minutes from time when Paul Furlong completed a torrid second half for Morgan by turning him with ease before guiding a left-footed shot beyond Kennyhttp://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,435-2060103,00.html
INDEPENDENTWarnock imposes promotion pub watch By Jon Culley
Published: 27 February 2006Sheffield United's players have had better weekends. As if a second home defeat in three games were not enough, encouraging Watford and Leeds to believe they might yet deprive them of automatic promotion, they have also had to stomach the news that if they are spotted drinking in public between now and the end of April they will be fined two weeks' wages.What is more, manager Neil Warnock is encouraging United fans to "shop" their heroes if they see them flouting the ban.It follows a disturbance in a public house the day after United won the Sheffield derby the previous weekend in the wake of which United's former Wednesday midfielder Alan Quinn was arrested.Warnock said that Quinn, who is currently out of the side through injury, will be cleared of any wrongdoing and therefore escape disciplinary action. But he is so determined that nothing will undermine United's Premiership ambitions Warnock will not allow his players into a pub even for a soft drink."I've spoken to a number of people about the incident and Alan is in the clear as far as I am concerned, even though going into a Wednesday pub was not the brightest thing to do the day after the derby," Warnock said. "But none of my players will be going into a pub between now and the end of the season because you can get into trouble even if you are only drinking orange juice."We cannot let anything detract from what we want to do," he added, "and I'll tell the fans in my programme notes for the game against Crewe next Friday that if they see one of my players in a pub I'd love them to let me know."Meanwhile, Warnock will tell his players that the Crewe game is their opportunity to right the wrongs committed on the field on Saturday, when United recovered from the loss of an early goal to lead 2-1 at half-time but then missed a penalty before allowing managerless Queen's Park Rangers to record their first away win of 2006.The result loosens his side's grip on second place to the extent that Watford are now within seven points of catching them. Leeds, due at Bramall Lane in April, are a further point adrift with a game in hand."After we missed the penalty a few heads went down and we are not used to that," Warnock said. "It is now about how we bounce back."Marc Nygaard had put Rangers ahead but Ade Akinbiyi equalised before a Marc Bircham own goal gave United the lead. Had Paul Ifill's spot-kick early in the second half not been saved by Paul Jones, United might have taken a stranglehold. Instead, Chris Morgan put through his own net to bring Rangers level and the 37-year-old Paul Furlong ran on to the excellent Lee Cook's pass to clinch victory."We deserved the result although the penalty was a turning point," QPR's stand-in manager, Gary Waddock, said..http://sport.independent.co.uk/football/coca_cola/article347984.ece
TELEGRAPH -Sheffield steel starting to lose its edge
By Peter Gardner (Filed: 27/02/2006)Gary Waddock, the caretaker manager of Queens Park Rangers, enhanced his prospects of securing the position on a permanent basis with a surprise, but richly deserved, victory that left Sheffield United anxiously eyeing the two clubs immediately below them.Watford and Leeds are seven and eight points, respectively, behind Neil Warnock's team, and Leeds in particular have a realistic opportunity to overhaul them because they have a game in hand and have still to visit Bramall Lane.Sheffield are enduring an inconsistent period, particularly at home where they have taken just one point from the last three matches. Indeed, apart from the victories over neighbouring Wednesday and equally struggling Derby, United have suffered an indifferent February.It has left their supporters more than a little disgruntled and many expressed their dissatisfaction as Rangers became the first team this season to secure a double over United.However, Warnock remained bullish. He said: "Whatever points we have at this moment with 10 games to go, we would have been absolutely delighted to be in that position before the season started. What is important now is how we cope and respond."Like me, the fans are frustrated. But sometimes they don't realise the damage it does to certain players who started to get rid of the ball earlier than they otherwise would have done."Paul Ifill was a particular target for abuse, doubtless because of his 50th-minute penalty miss - Paul Jones saved after Ian Evatt had fouled Chris Morgan - which proved the defining moment. It would have put United 3-1 ahead and Warnock said: "Heads dropped after that."
Penalties are a rarity for United whose previous one came in the opening game, although Warnock refused to blame Ifill for the miss."It can happen to anyone. We don't get many penalties and that's why we were out of practice," Warnock added.Nevertheless, United might have lost more emphatically as Rangers created to greater effect in the second half. Veteran Paul Furlong struck the crossbar and substitute Sammy Youssof scorned an even better opportunity when one-on-one with home goalkeeper Paddy Kenny who had earlier denied Furlong and Lee Cook.Marc Nygaard's fifth-minute opener was followed by an Ade Akinbiyi headed equaliser before Marc Bircham's own goal put United ahead. A further own goal by Morgan levelled for Rangers whose superiority was confirmed by Furlong.
Bircham, although backing Waddock for the full-time job, was critical of the way Ian Holloway had been removed from the position three weeks ago.Bircham said: "If 'Wads' got the job, I think everyone in that dressing room would be happy."They say Olly's on gardening leave but all of us know he isn't really coming back. The way it happened, that was the only disappointment. If he's going to leave, then it should be done properly. Whatever happens, he's left a legacy at the club."
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml;jsessionid=PR2UG2B5NMI2RQFIQMGCFF4AVCBQUIV0?xml=/sport/2006/02/27/sfgshe27.xml&sSheet=/sport/2006/02/27/ixfooty.html
Holloway Staying on Payroll....According to Daily Mail/BBC Gossip
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Daily Mail 'reports/claims''- Holloway Accepts QPR Deal...staying on payroll.
BBC Gossip' 'cites the Daily Mail - "Former QPR boss Ian Holloway has accepted a deal from the club where he will stay on the payroll for the remainder of his contract." (Daily Mail) http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/gossip_and_transfers/4753884.stm
Daily Mail 'reports/claims''- Holloway Accepts QPR Deal...staying on payroll.
BBC Gossip' 'cites the Daily Mail - "Former QPR boss Ian Holloway has accepted a deal from the club where he will stay on the payroll for the remainder of his contract." (Daily Mail) http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/gossip_and_transfers/4753884.stm
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Five Years Ago Today, Ian Holloway Appointed QPR Manager
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[Not sure what the record books will say about how long Holloway was QPR manager. But most QPR fans are grateful for what he did in much of his time at QPR .
A reminder of Holloway at http://www.qpr1st.co.uk/main/hollowayspeech.asp ]
BBC - February 26, 2001
QPR name Holloway as boss
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/sport2/hi/football/teams/q/qpr/1190402.stm
Monday, February 26, 2001 :
Soccer: Holloway named QPR boss
1:27:06 PM Ian Holloway has been named as the new manager of struggling First Division side Queens Park Rangers.Holloway was sacked as manager of Second Division Bristol Rovers last month and takes over from Gerry Francis, who recently resigned as QPR boss.Holloway made more than 200 appearances for the Loftus Road club between 1991 and 1996.He will take over another club fighting relegation - Rangers are fourth bottom of Division One and were on the wrong end of a 5-0 drubbing at Wimbledon on Saturday.Bristol Rovers almost won a play-off place under Holloway last season, but have endured a dramatic change of fortune this season.Despite beating Everton in the Worthington Cup under Holloway, they failed to win a home game prior to his departure on January 30.
http://archives.tcm.ie/breakingnews/2001/02/26/story5110.asp
[Just one of the scores of interviews and profiles of Ian Hollway which show the man as much as the manager.]
November 2003 Observer Interview with Holloway
Interview: Ian Holloway
Triumph and despair 'Having three deaf children out of four is so rare. We had the same chance of winning the lottery five times over.' The Queens Park Rangers manager Ian Holloway talks candidly about being a 'bolshie parent' - and how doing the best by his family disrupted his football career. Interview by Denis CampbellSunday November 2, 2003
It was a real shock when we found out that Eve and Chloe were deaf. You take it for granted with babies that there will never be anything wrong. William, our first born, had normal hearing. The twins looked fine. When they were born 14 years ago the doctors said they were perfectly healthy. But then, deafness is an invisible disability. After about six months we began to suspect something was wrong when we saw one of them mouthing words but with no sound coming out of her mouth.
We were confused because they could laugh and cry and we thought they wouldn't be able to do that if they had a hearing problem, but apparently they're natural things that all children do. Hearing tests were inconclusive, the medical people kept saying not to worry, and it wasn't until they were 16 months old that they were confirmed as being profoundly deaf. A hearing specialist came round, got a big heavy bell out of her bag and waved it behind the girls. They didn't react at all. Then we knew for sure that something was wrong.
We were shocked and suddenly out of our depth. We knew nothing about deafness and didn't really understand it either. I mean, even if you really shove your fingers into your own ears, you still can't make yourself deaf, so it's a very difficult condition to appreciate. The scariest thing was not knowing how to communicate with them, so we got a deaf woman called Christina in to teach us British Sign Language. That helped get rid of our frustration at not being able to get through to our daughters; it unlocked the door to communication.
After the girls, Kim was worried that if we had another child he or she would be deaf too. But the doctors told us that there was only a remote probability of that happening, even though both Kim and I carry a gene that means we're much more likely to have a deaf child. Then two years later we had Harriet and she was deaf too. Having three deaf children out of four is unbelievably rare. Statistically, we had the same chance of winning the Lottery five times over.
Eve and Chloe's birth was the start of a long fight and we're still angry that nobody told us just how big a challenge it was going to be having deaf twins. We had to learn basic things such as how you get a deaf child's attention. With a hearing child you can just shout: 'Oi!' But that obviously wouldn't work with the girls. If you want to tell off a hearing child, you just get louder and louder until they stop doing something. But if you're telling off a deaf child, they'll shield their eyes and won't look at you. Christina taught us that leaving the room is the best response.
The situation nearly did drive us crazy at one stage. We had three children, two of them deaf, Kim was pregnant again, and the twins' behaviour was out of control. As well as not being able to hear, they also had glue ear, which is horrendously painful. They would wake up screaming in the middle of the night, and I'd have to run outside with them and let the fresh air shock them out of it. They were deeply frustrated that the only way they could communicate with us was through sign language. They threw terrible tantrums.
It's been a fight all the way along to get proper provision for the girls, especially a good education. There's been rows, tribunals, appeals and endless phone calls. We have been labelled as bolshie parents. My view is that every child in the world has the right to be educated properly and whether your eyes or ears don't work is irrelevant. But the system at the moment makes that difficult. It's all about how much money each education authority wants to hand out to their minority of deaf people.
We've twice had to move home to get what we wanted for them. The first time was when I was playing for Queens Park Rangers in the mid-1990s. We were living in Camberley in Surrey, but the nursery school they were in had only basic sign language, so we moved back to Bristol, where we both come from, so they could attend Elmfield School for the Deaf there.
Our view was that the girls' development had suffered enough and that we shouldn't lose any more time. But moving there meant that every day for three and a half years I had a 250-mile round trip from Bristol to QPR's training ground in west London then back home again. Gerry Francis, my manager at the time, was sympathetic.
But it didn't help my care er. I developed terrible sciatica from sitting in the car all that time, even if the journey to London was a relief sometimes because it was an escape from the pressures of being at home. It was a chance to have a couple of hours to myself to think and reflect, which was nice.
We moved again from Bristol to St Albans in Hertfordshire, where we live now, so that Eve, Chloe and Hattie would be in the catchment area to attend a brilliant secondary school here called Heathlands, where 70 deaf children are taught alongside hundreds of hearing children. It's a great place and means the kids haven't become isolated by going to a school for the deaf. The full national curriculum is taught by sign language and the headmistress is deaf herself; she's the only deaf head in the country.
We still feel that we're lucky. Yes, our children have a disability, but it's an invisible disability and in every other way they're perfect, and we're so thankful for that. To experience the sheer trust and the love of a deaf child is amazing. The girls' deafness has touched and enhanced our lives. We're better people because of it.
The life facts
Born on 12 March 1963 in Bristol, Ian Holloway played 561 league games during a 19-year career as a midfielder with Bristol Rovers, Wimbledon, Torquay, Brentford and Queens Park Rangers. He became player-manager of Bristol Rovers in 1996, aged just 33, and since February 2001 has been the boss of QPR, whom he took to the Second Division play-off final last May. He is married to Kim and they live with their four children - William, twins Eve and Chloe, and Harriet - in St Albans, Hertfordshire.
http://observer.guardian.co.uk/osm/story/0,6903,1072689,00.html
[Not sure what the record books will say about how long Holloway was QPR manager. But most QPR fans are grateful for what he did in much of his time at QPR .
A reminder of Holloway at http://www.qpr1st.co.uk/main/hollowayspeech.asp ]
BBC - February 26, 2001
QPR name Holloway as boss
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/sport2/hi/football/teams/q/qpr/1190402.stm
Monday, February 26, 2001 :
Soccer: Holloway named QPR boss
1:27:06 PM Ian Holloway has been named as the new manager of struggling First Division side Queens Park Rangers.Holloway was sacked as manager of Second Division Bristol Rovers last month and takes over from Gerry Francis, who recently resigned as QPR boss.Holloway made more than 200 appearances for the Loftus Road club between 1991 and 1996.He will take over another club fighting relegation - Rangers are fourth bottom of Division One and were on the wrong end of a 5-0 drubbing at Wimbledon on Saturday.Bristol Rovers almost won a play-off place under Holloway last season, but have endured a dramatic change of fortune this season.Despite beating Everton in the Worthington Cup under Holloway, they failed to win a home game prior to his departure on January 30.
http://archives.tcm.ie/breakingnews/2001/02/26/story5110.asp
[Just one of the scores of interviews and profiles of Ian Hollway which show the man as much as the manager.]
November 2003 Observer Interview with Holloway
Interview: Ian Holloway
Triumph and despair 'Having three deaf children out of four is so rare. We had the same chance of winning the lottery five times over.' The Queens Park Rangers manager Ian Holloway talks candidly about being a 'bolshie parent' - and how doing the best by his family disrupted his football career. Interview by Denis CampbellSunday November 2, 2003
It was a real shock when we found out that Eve and Chloe were deaf. You take it for granted with babies that there will never be anything wrong. William, our first born, had normal hearing. The twins looked fine. When they were born 14 years ago the doctors said they were perfectly healthy. But then, deafness is an invisible disability. After about six months we began to suspect something was wrong when we saw one of them mouthing words but with no sound coming out of her mouth.
We were confused because they could laugh and cry and we thought they wouldn't be able to do that if they had a hearing problem, but apparently they're natural things that all children do. Hearing tests were inconclusive, the medical people kept saying not to worry, and it wasn't until they were 16 months old that they were confirmed as being profoundly deaf. A hearing specialist came round, got a big heavy bell out of her bag and waved it behind the girls. They didn't react at all. Then we knew for sure that something was wrong.
We were shocked and suddenly out of our depth. We knew nothing about deafness and didn't really understand it either. I mean, even if you really shove your fingers into your own ears, you still can't make yourself deaf, so it's a very difficult condition to appreciate. The scariest thing was not knowing how to communicate with them, so we got a deaf woman called Christina in to teach us British Sign Language. That helped get rid of our frustration at not being able to get through to our daughters; it unlocked the door to communication.
After the girls, Kim was worried that if we had another child he or she would be deaf too. But the doctors told us that there was only a remote probability of that happening, even though both Kim and I carry a gene that means we're much more likely to have a deaf child. Then two years later we had Harriet and she was deaf too. Having three deaf children out of four is unbelievably rare. Statistically, we had the same chance of winning the Lottery five times over.
Eve and Chloe's birth was the start of a long fight and we're still angry that nobody told us just how big a challenge it was going to be having deaf twins. We had to learn basic things such as how you get a deaf child's attention. With a hearing child you can just shout: 'Oi!' But that obviously wouldn't work with the girls. If you want to tell off a hearing child, you just get louder and louder until they stop doing something. But if you're telling off a deaf child, they'll shield their eyes and won't look at you. Christina taught us that leaving the room is the best response.
The situation nearly did drive us crazy at one stage. We had three children, two of them deaf, Kim was pregnant again, and the twins' behaviour was out of control. As well as not being able to hear, they also had glue ear, which is horrendously painful. They would wake up screaming in the middle of the night, and I'd have to run outside with them and let the fresh air shock them out of it. They were deeply frustrated that the only way they could communicate with us was through sign language. They threw terrible tantrums.
It's been a fight all the way along to get proper provision for the girls, especially a good education. There's been rows, tribunals, appeals and endless phone calls. We have been labelled as bolshie parents. My view is that every child in the world has the right to be educated properly and whether your eyes or ears don't work is irrelevant. But the system at the moment makes that difficult. It's all about how much money each education authority wants to hand out to their minority of deaf people.
We've twice had to move home to get what we wanted for them. The first time was when I was playing for Queens Park Rangers in the mid-1990s. We were living in Camberley in Surrey, but the nursery school they were in had only basic sign language, so we moved back to Bristol, where we both come from, so they could attend Elmfield School for the Deaf there.
Our view was that the girls' development had suffered enough and that we shouldn't lose any more time. But moving there meant that every day for three and a half years I had a 250-mile round trip from Bristol to QPR's training ground in west London then back home again. Gerry Francis, my manager at the time, was sympathetic.
But it didn't help my care er. I developed terrible sciatica from sitting in the car all that time, even if the journey to London was a relief sometimes because it was an escape from the pressures of being at home. It was a chance to have a couple of hours to myself to think and reflect, which was nice.
We moved again from Bristol to St Albans in Hertfordshire, where we live now, so that Eve, Chloe and Hattie would be in the catchment area to attend a brilliant secondary school here called Heathlands, where 70 deaf children are taught alongside hundreds of hearing children. It's a great place and means the kids haven't become isolated by going to a school for the deaf. The full national curriculum is taught by sign language and the headmistress is deaf herself; she's the only deaf head in the country.
We still feel that we're lucky. Yes, our children have a disability, but it's an invisible disability and in every other way they're perfect, and we're so thankful for that. To experience the sheer trust and the love of a deaf child is amazing. The girls' deafness has touched and enhanced our lives. We're better people because of it.
The life facts
Born on 12 March 1963 in Bristol, Ian Holloway played 561 league games during a 19-year career as a midfielder with Bristol Rovers, Wimbledon, Torquay, Brentford and Queens Park Rangers. He became player-manager of Bristol Rovers in 1996, aged just 33, and since February 2001 has been the boss of QPR, whom he took to the Second Division play-off final last May. He is married to Kim and they live with their four children - William, twins Eve and Chloe, and Harriet - in St Albans, Hertfordshire.
http://observer.guardian.co.uk/osm/story/0,6903,1072689,00.html
Further Match Reports & Managerial Comments
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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
PA Sports -BOO-BOYS DOING DAMAGE - WARNOCK
By Ben Rumsby, PA Sport
The Bramall Lane boo-boys are endangering Sheffield United's Coca-Cola Championship promotion charge, according to Blades boss Neil Warnock.
QPR became the first side to do the double over Warnock's men this season with a 3-2 win on Saturday which put arguably the biggest dent yet in United's Barclays Premiership ambitions.
The defeat means the Blades have won only one of their last five games, and with Leeds and Watford both winning, what was a 10-point gap to third place could be down to just two should Leeds win at Bramall Lane on Easter Monday.
It might have been so different had Paul Ifill netted a penalty when United were 2-1 up, but sloppy defending allowed Rangers to climb off the ropes, much to the ire of the home supporters.
In fact, certain sections of the crowd began venting their frustrations as early as the sixth minute, when Marc Nygaard took full advantage of a sleepwalking United defence to put Rangers ahead.
A lifelong Blades fan himself, Warnock insists he can understand the supporters' fears of throwing away their best chance of a top-flight return since relegation 12 years ago but argues such pessimism is counter-productive.
"Most of them just feel like I do." he said. "I think they're so frustrated, the fans, having been where they are for so many years.
"It is easy to criticise but unfortunately fans don't think about the damage it does to certain players.
"It was very frustrating in the first five minutes. I thought it was unfair really and put more pressure on people.
"Three or four lads, early doors, got rid of the ball a lot quicker than they should and they were knocking long balls rather than keeping possession.
"We've got to stand up and make sure we don't respond to that. The crowds are going to be frustrated at times but 15 minutes, 20 minutes later we're winning 2-1.
"As I said to them at half-time, it's 'Warnock out' or 'Warnock for England'."
Despite insisting he was not concerned about the threat of Leeds, Warnock admitted he would rather be playing them next than rock-bottom Crewe.
He said: "We haven't got to worry too much about the doom-and-gloom merchants, we've got to get on with the job in hand now, which is getting back to winning ways on Friday night.
"We've got bottom of the league next and I wish it was Leeds next week and not Crewe."
While Warnock has his critics, 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
The Sunday Times Blades’ soft centre exposed
Alan Combes at Bramall Lane
NOT just the result but the manner of Sheffield United’s defeat should give succour to the chasing pack in the Championship. This game showed that for all their embarrassment of riches up front, United have failed woefully to develop an effective rearguard and remain vulnerable to pace and height.
What was demonstrated so clearly in the 4-1 home defeat by Watford three weeks ago was given further substance here as Queens Park Rangers completed an improbable league double.
A glimpse at the substitutes’ bench is said to be the most effective method of assessing a strong team in England’s top two divisions these days. So it must have been with a heavy heart that QPR fans noted that the Blades contained strikers in reserve such as Neil Shipperley, Danny Webber and Steve Kabba. Rangers’ caretaker manager Gary Waddock could only dream about having such talent at his disposal.
Imbued with fresh confidence after impressive displays against Reading and Sheffield Wednesday, United opened with unaccountable caution. QPR’s Steve Lomas staked his claim to run the show from the outset and he was the one who dug the ball out of midfield and found Marc Nygaard on the halfway line. Nygaard was more effective than pretty as he wove his path through Chris Armstrong and Neil Collins, but he was the one to emerge with the ball when Chris Morgan and Paddy Kenny jumped into the fray. Finding the net was the easy part of his task and Rangers led with just six minutes on the clock.
The game developed into a curious mix of intricate passing that would have graced a higher level and devil-may-care clearances of park football quality. United might have looked vulnerable at the back, but it was inevitable that a Michael Tonge cross would find a striker’s head. So it was that Ade Akinbiyi was the man to float his header past Paul Jones for the 21st-minute equaliser. Self-belief had returned to the Blades’ ranks and, eight minutes later, an Armstrong corner was headed into his own net by Marc Bircham under pressure from Chris Morgan.
With Paul Ifill causing problems down Rangers’ left flank, United were in the ascendancy. However, a Lomas free kick that brought a stunning save from Kenny and Paul Furlong’s wasting of a good chance reminded the Blades that QPR were far from a spent force.
Neil Collins’s free kick just after the interval led to a hotly-disputed penalty when Ian Evatt brought down Morgan in the six-yard box. But United spurned their chance of a two-goal comfort zone when Ifill sacrificed power for direction with his spot kick and Jones pounced on the ball inside his right post.
Rangers bounced back in the 56th minute when Matthew Rose and Cook worked a neat corner that found Nygaard’s head and entered the net via Morgan’s abortive clearance.
Lee Cook, whose stature had grown with every touch of the ball, ran fearlessly at the heart of United’s defence before laying off to Furlong. Neatly sidestepping Morgan, Furlong effortlessly dispatched the ball past Kenny. With a combination of aerial power and incisive promptings from midfield, Rangers had wrestled control of a game they had never looked like winning at half-time.
Warnock threw on his three substitutes, but by the time they had settled Rangers had the game firmly in their grip. They did have two lucky escapes in the closing seconds, when first David Unsworth fired narrowly wide after his own free kick and Armstrong scuffed an opening created by Webber.
STAR MAN: Lee Cook (QPR)
Player ratings: Sheffield United: Kenny 6, Kozluk 6, Collins 5, Morgan 3, Armstrong 5, Ifill 4, Jagielka 6, Montgomery 5 (Unsworth 63min, 3), Tonge 7, Horsfield 5 (Webber 66min, 6), Akinbiyi 6 (Shipperley 78min, 5)
QPR: Jones 6, Bignot 5, Shittu 6, Evatt 5, Rose 6, Langley 6, Bircham 5, Lomas 7 (Santos 90min, 5), Cook 8, Furlong 7, Nygaard 7 (Youssouf 72min, 5)
Scorers: Sheffield United: Akinbiyi 21, Bircham og 29
QPR: Nygaard 6, Morgan og 56, Furlong 74
Referee: K Friend
Attendance: 25,360
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2093-2058851,00.html
Independent - Sheffield Utd 2 QPR 3:
Blades off the rails in the final furlong
By Jon Culley at Bramall Lane
Published: 26 February 2006
United remain strong favourites to accompany Reading in claiming automatic promotion to the Premiership but nerves are beginning to jangle at Bramall Lane, where Queen's Park Rangers delivered the shock of a second home defeat within a month for Neil Warnock's team, who have won only twice in seven matches.
Yesterday, United went behind early, recovered to lead 2-1, but then missed a penalty and conceded an own goal before the veteran striker Paul Furlong fired in a 74th-minute winner for Rangers.
The consequence is that the gap between the Sheffield side and the nearest pretender to second place is down to seven points following Watford's win over Cardiff. None the less, Warnock says his side should not allow doubts to undermine them.
"If we'd known before the season started that we would be in this position with 10 games left we would have been delighted," he said. "It is how we react to this that is important but if we look after ourselves we needn't fear Leeds or anyone else." Their fans do not see things the same way. After Marc Nygaard had beaten Paddy Kenny at the second attempt to give Rangers a sixth-minute lead, some supporters vented their frustration and Warnock admitted that his players had been affected.
Rangers surrendered their advantage in the 22nd minute with a soft goal. Their goalkeeper Paul Jones was caught flat-footed by Michael Tonge's cross and Ade Akinbiyi beat him with a looping header.
If that was a gift, United's second goal required even less work, the mere presence of the captain, Chris Morgan, at his shoulder was enough to force Marc Bircham to turn Chris Armstrong's inswinging corner into his own net. It was an advantage to which United should have added five minutes following the restart after Morgan had been hauled down by Ian Evatt inside the Rangers penalty area. But Jones dived to his right to save Paul Ifill's penalty kick.
Even QPR's temporary manager, Gary Waddock, admitted that a 3-1 lead for United would have been difficult to overturn. Instead, the cost of Ifill's miss increased seven minutes later as Morgan put the ball into his own net. With 16 minutes left, Lee Cook set up Furlong to send a diagonal shot beyond Kenny and win the points for Rangers.
United remain strong favourites to accompany Reading in claiming automatic promotion to the Premiership but nerves are beginning to jangle at Bramall Lane, where Queen's Park Rangers delivered the shock of a second home defeat within a month for Neil Warnock's team, who have won only twice in seven matches.
Yesterday, United went behind early, recovered to lead 2-1, but then missed a penalty and conceded an own goal before the veteran striker Paul Furlong fired in a 74th-minute winner for Rangers.
The consequence is that the gap between the Sheffield side and the nearest pretender to second place is down to seven points following Watford's win over Cardiff. None the less, Warnock says his side should not allow doubts to undermine them.
"If we'd known before the season started that we would be in this position with 10 games left we would have been delighted," he said. "It is how we react to this that is important but if we look after ourselves we needn't fear Leeds or anyone else." Their fans do not see things the same way. After Marc Nygaard had beaten Paddy Kenny at the second attempt to give Rangers a sixth-minute lead, some supporters vented their frustration and Warnock admitted that his players had been affected.
Rangers surrendered their advantage in the 22nd minute with a soft goal. Their goalkeeper Paul Jones was caught flat-footed by Michael Tonge's cross and Ade Akinbiyi beat him with a looping header.
If that was a gift, United's second goal required even less work, the mere presence of the captain, Chris Morgan, at his shoulder was enough to force Marc Bircham to turn Chris Armstrong's inswinging corner into his own net. It was an advantage to which United should have added five minutes following the restart after Morgan had been hauled down by Ian Evatt inside the Rangers penalty area. But Jones dived to his right to save Paul Ifill's penalty kick.
Even QPR's temporary manager, Gary Waddock, admitted that a 3-1 lead for United would have been difficult to overturn. Instead, the cost of Ifill's miss increased seven minutes later as Morgan put the ball into his own net. With 16 minutes left, Lee Cook set up Furlong to send a diagonal shot beyond Kenny and win the points for Rangers
http://sport.independent.co.uk/football/coca_cola/article347786.ece
QPR Club Call - Waddock on future
Q.P.R caretaker manager Gary Waddock has said he will look at his position only on a 'game by game' basis, following the 3-2 victory against Sheffield United on Saturday.
"I have enjoyed every minute of it," said Warnock on his role.
"To be caretaker manager of a club that I joined when I was 12 and played at every age group and then been given this wonderful opportunity to manage and come to places like this and get a result is amazing.
"I am doing it on a caretaker basis, I am looking at it on a game to game basis. Olly is on gardening leave and is still the manager of this football club and I will do the best I can in charge of it.
"He gave me the opportunity at the footballl club to coach and I owe him a lot."
Waddock believed the turning point in the game was Paul Jones penalty save from Ifill on 49 minutes at Brammal Lane.
"It was the turning point," said Waddock.
"Sometimes you need a bit of luck, and we got that today and we went on to get a good result.
"If you're coming up to Sheffield United you are not going to dominate the game, there are going to be spells when you are under pressure.
"We defended well and we created a lot of chances in the second-half."
"The group of players have worked their socks off. We dug deep, and got a fantastic result.
"I have enjoyed every minute of it.
http://217.158.112.238/vsite/vcontent/content/transnews/0,10869,5034-169529-19728-36699-234805-13916-5024-layout104-186747-news-item,00.html
Sheffield United Clubcall - Warnock: Pen miss crucial
Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock believed Paul Ifill's 49th minute penalty miss was the turning point in the game, following the 3-2 defeat against Q.P.R on Saturday.
Rangers took the lead through Nygaard (6), but the Blades hit back through Akinbiyi (21) and Bircham (og 29). The visitors scored twice in the second-half through Morgan (og 56) and Furlong (74), and the Blades boss blamed the penalty miss.
"I knew it was a crucial time in the game," said Warnock.
"I thought we would have gone on to win the game, but football has that nasty habit sometimes and I think we got well beat in the end.
"It was a game we should have won comfortably and we ended up not getting anything from it.
"Everyone was distraught in the dressing room but you have to look at the positives. We've got a game in six days and then we are on the road. We haven't got to worry too much, and we must get back to winning ways.
"You could see their heads go down, it happens everywhere, possibly you learn more about some players in poor games, it is how we cope now and how we respond.
"We don't like losing games but it has happened.
"It was a game we should have won, but we were slow to get out of the gates."
http://217.158.112.238/vsite/vcontent/content/transnews/0,10869,5034-169529-19728-36699-234802-13916-5024-layout104-186747-news-item,00.html
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
PA Sports -BOO-BOYS DOING DAMAGE - WARNOCK
By Ben Rumsby, PA Sport
The Bramall Lane boo-boys are endangering Sheffield United's Coca-Cola Championship promotion charge, according to Blades boss Neil Warnock.
QPR became the first side to do the double over Warnock's men this season with a 3-2 win on Saturday which put arguably the biggest dent yet in United's Barclays Premiership ambitions.
The defeat means the Blades have won only one of their last five games, and with Leeds and Watford both winning, what was a 10-point gap to third place could be down to just two should Leeds win at Bramall Lane on Easter Monday.
It might have been so different had Paul Ifill netted a penalty when United were 2-1 up, but sloppy defending allowed Rangers to climb off the ropes, much to the ire of the home supporters.
In fact, certain sections of the crowd began venting their frustrations as early as the sixth minute, when Marc Nygaard took full advantage of a sleepwalking United defence to put Rangers ahead.
A lifelong Blades fan himself, Warnock insists he can understand the supporters' fears of throwing away their best chance of a top-flight return since relegation 12 years ago but argues such pessimism is counter-productive.
"Most of them just feel like I do." he said. "I think they're so frustrated, the fans, having been where they are for so many years.
"It is easy to criticise but unfortunately fans don't think about the damage it does to certain players.
"It was very frustrating in the first five minutes. I thought it was unfair really and put more pressure on people.
"Three or four lads, early doors, got rid of the ball a lot quicker than they should and they were knocking long balls rather than keeping possession.
"We've got to stand up and make sure we don't respond to that. The crowds are going to be frustrated at times but 15 minutes, 20 minutes later we're winning 2-1.
"As I said to them at half-time, it's 'Warnock out' or 'Warnock for England'."
Despite insisting he was not concerned about the threat of Leeds, Warnock admitted he would rather be playing them next than rock-bottom Crewe.
He said: "We haven't got to worry too much about the doom-and-gloom merchants, we've got to get on with the job in hand now, which is getting back to winning ways on Friday night.
"We've got bottom of the league next and I wish it was Leeds next week and not Crewe."
While Warnock has his critics, 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
The Sunday Times Blades’ soft centre exposed
Alan Combes at Bramall Lane
NOT just the result but the manner of Sheffield United’s defeat should give succour to the chasing pack in the Championship. This game showed that for all their embarrassment of riches up front, United have failed woefully to develop an effective rearguard and remain vulnerable to pace and height.
What was demonstrated so clearly in the 4-1 home defeat by Watford three weeks ago was given further substance here as Queens Park Rangers completed an improbable league double.
A glimpse at the substitutes’ bench is said to be the most effective method of assessing a strong team in England’s top two divisions these days. So it must have been with a heavy heart that QPR fans noted that the Blades contained strikers in reserve such as Neil Shipperley, Danny Webber and Steve Kabba. Rangers’ caretaker manager Gary Waddock could only dream about having such talent at his disposal.
Imbued with fresh confidence after impressive displays against Reading and Sheffield Wednesday, United opened with unaccountable caution. QPR’s Steve Lomas staked his claim to run the show from the outset and he was the one who dug the ball out of midfield and found Marc Nygaard on the halfway line. Nygaard was more effective than pretty as he wove his path through Chris Armstrong and Neil Collins, but he was the one to emerge with the ball when Chris Morgan and Paddy Kenny jumped into the fray. Finding the net was the easy part of his task and Rangers led with just six minutes on the clock.
The game developed into a curious mix of intricate passing that would have graced a higher level and devil-may-care clearances of park football quality. United might have looked vulnerable at the back, but it was inevitable that a Michael Tonge cross would find a striker’s head. So it was that Ade Akinbiyi was the man to float his header past Paul Jones for the 21st-minute equaliser. Self-belief had returned to the Blades’ ranks and, eight minutes later, an Armstrong corner was headed into his own net by Marc Bircham under pressure from Chris Morgan.
With Paul Ifill causing problems down Rangers’ left flank, United were in the ascendancy. However, a Lomas free kick that brought a stunning save from Kenny and Paul Furlong’s wasting of a good chance reminded the Blades that QPR were far from a spent force.
Neil Collins’s free kick just after the interval led to a hotly-disputed penalty when Ian Evatt brought down Morgan in the six-yard box. But United spurned their chance of a two-goal comfort zone when Ifill sacrificed power for direction with his spot kick and Jones pounced on the ball inside his right post.
Rangers bounced back in the 56th minute when Matthew Rose and Cook worked a neat corner that found Nygaard’s head and entered the net via Morgan’s abortive clearance.
Lee Cook, whose stature had grown with every touch of the ball, ran fearlessly at the heart of United’s defence before laying off to Furlong. Neatly sidestepping Morgan, Furlong effortlessly dispatched the ball past Kenny. With a combination of aerial power and incisive promptings from midfield, Rangers had wrestled control of a game they had never looked like winning at half-time.
Warnock threw on his three substitutes, but by the time they had settled Rangers had the game firmly in their grip. They did have two lucky escapes in the closing seconds, when first David Unsworth fired narrowly wide after his own free kick and Armstrong scuffed an opening created by Webber.
STAR MAN: Lee Cook (QPR)
Player ratings: Sheffield United: Kenny 6, Kozluk 6, Collins 5, Morgan 3, Armstrong 5, Ifill 4, Jagielka 6, Montgomery 5 (Unsworth 63min, 3), Tonge 7, Horsfield 5 (Webber 66min, 6), Akinbiyi 6 (Shipperley 78min, 5)
QPR: Jones 6, Bignot 5, Shittu 6, Evatt 5, Rose 6, Langley 6, Bircham 5, Lomas 7 (Santos 90min, 5), Cook 8, Furlong 7, Nygaard 7 (Youssouf 72min, 5)
Scorers: Sheffield United: Akinbiyi 21, Bircham og 29
QPR: Nygaard 6, Morgan og 56, Furlong 74
Referee: K Friend
Attendance: 25,360
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2093-2058851,00.html
Independent - Sheffield Utd 2 QPR 3:
Blades off the rails in the final furlong
By Jon Culley at Bramall Lane
Published: 26 February 2006
United remain strong favourites to accompany Reading in claiming automatic promotion to the Premiership but nerves are beginning to jangle at Bramall Lane, where Queen's Park Rangers delivered the shock of a second home defeat within a month for Neil Warnock's team, who have won only twice in seven matches.
Yesterday, United went behind early, recovered to lead 2-1, but then missed a penalty and conceded an own goal before the veteran striker Paul Furlong fired in a 74th-minute winner for Rangers.
The consequence is that the gap between the Sheffield side and the nearest pretender to second place is down to seven points following Watford's win over Cardiff. None the less, Warnock says his side should not allow doubts to undermine them.
"If we'd known before the season started that we would be in this position with 10 games left we would have been delighted," he said. "It is how we react to this that is important but if we look after ourselves we needn't fear Leeds or anyone else." Their fans do not see things the same way. After Marc Nygaard had beaten Paddy Kenny at the second attempt to give Rangers a sixth-minute lead, some supporters vented their frustration and Warnock admitted that his players had been affected.
Rangers surrendered their advantage in the 22nd minute with a soft goal. Their goalkeeper Paul Jones was caught flat-footed by Michael Tonge's cross and Ade Akinbiyi beat him with a looping header.
If that was a gift, United's second goal required even less work, the mere presence of the captain, Chris Morgan, at his shoulder was enough to force Marc Bircham to turn Chris Armstrong's inswinging corner into his own net. It was an advantage to which United should have added five minutes following the restart after Morgan had been hauled down by Ian Evatt inside the Rangers penalty area. But Jones dived to his right to save Paul Ifill's penalty kick.
Even QPR's temporary manager, Gary Waddock, admitted that a 3-1 lead for United would have been difficult to overturn. Instead, the cost of Ifill's miss increased seven minutes later as Morgan put the ball into his own net. With 16 minutes left, Lee Cook set up Furlong to send a diagonal shot beyond Kenny and win the points for Rangers.
United remain strong favourites to accompany Reading in claiming automatic promotion to the Premiership but nerves are beginning to jangle at Bramall Lane, where Queen's Park Rangers delivered the shock of a second home defeat within a month for Neil Warnock's team, who have won only twice in seven matches.
Yesterday, United went behind early, recovered to lead 2-1, but then missed a penalty and conceded an own goal before the veteran striker Paul Furlong fired in a 74th-minute winner for Rangers.
The consequence is that the gap between the Sheffield side and the nearest pretender to second place is down to seven points following Watford's win over Cardiff. None the less, Warnock says his side should not allow doubts to undermine them.
"If we'd known before the season started that we would be in this position with 10 games left we would have been delighted," he said. "It is how we react to this that is important but if we look after ourselves we needn't fear Leeds or anyone else." Their fans do not see things the same way. After Marc Nygaard had beaten Paddy Kenny at the second attempt to give Rangers a sixth-minute lead, some supporters vented their frustration and Warnock admitted that his players had been affected.
Rangers surrendered their advantage in the 22nd minute with a soft goal. Their goalkeeper Paul Jones was caught flat-footed by Michael Tonge's cross and Ade Akinbiyi beat him with a looping header.
If that was a gift, United's second goal required even less work, the mere presence of the captain, Chris Morgan, at his shoulder was enough to force Marc Bircham to turn Chris Armstrong's inswinging corner into his own net. It was an advantage to which United should have added five minutes following the restart after Morgan had been hauled down by Ian Evatt inside the Rangers penalty area. But Jones dived to his right to save Paul Ifill's penalty kick.
Even QPR's temporary manager, Gary Waddock, admitted that a 3-1 lead for United would have been difficult to overturn. Instead, the cost of Ifill's miss increased seven minutes later as Morgan put the ball into his own net. With 16 minutes left, Lee Cook set up Furlong to send a diagonal shot beyond Kenny and win the points for Rangers
http://sport.independent.co.uk/football/coca_cola/article347786.ece
QPR Club Call - Waddock on future
Q.P.R caretaker manager Gary Waddock has said he will look at his position only on a 'game by game' basis, following the 3-2 victory against Sheffield United on Saturday.
"I have enjoyed every minute of it," said Warnock on his role.
"To be caretaker manager of a club that I joined when I was 12 and played at every age group and then been given this wonderful opportunity to manage and come to places like this and get a result is amazing.
"I am doing it on a caretaker basis, I am looking at it on a game to game basis. Olly is on gardening leave and is still the manager of this football club and I will do the best I can in charge of it.
"He gave me the opportunity at the footballl club to coach and I owe him a lot."
Waddock believed the turning point in the game was Paul Jones penalty save from Ifill on 49 minutes at Brammal Lane.
"It was the turning point," said Waddock.
"Sometimes you need a bit of luck, and we got that today and we went on to get a good result.
"If you're coming up to Sheffield United you are not going to dominate the game, there are going to be spells when you are under pressure.
"We defended well and we created a lot of chances in the second-half."
"The group of players have worked their socks off. We dug deep, and got a fantastic result.
"I have enjoyed every minute of it.
http://217.158.112.238/vsite/vcontent/content/transnews/0,10869,5034-169529-19728-36699-234805-13916-5024-layout104-186747-news-item,00.html
Sheffield United Clubcall - Warnock: Pen miss crucial
Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock believed Paul Ifill's 49th minute penalty miss was the turning point in the game, following the 3-2 defeat against Q.P.R on Saturday.
Rangers took the lead through Nygaard (6), but the Blades hit back through Akinbiyi (21) and Bircham (og 29). The visitors scored twice in the second-half through Morgan (og 56) and Furlong (74), and the Blades boss blamed the penalty miss.
"I knew it was a crucial time in the game," said Warnock.
"I thought we would have gone on to win the game, but football has that nasty habit sometimes and I think we got well beat in the end.
"It was a game we should have won comfortably and we ended up not getting anything from it.
"Everyone was distraught in the dressing room but you have to look at the positives. We've got a game in six days and then we are on the road. We haven't got to worry too much, and we must get back to winning ways.
"You could see their heads go down, it happens everywhere, possibly you learn more about some players in poor games, it is how we cope now and how we respond.
"We don't like losing games but it has happened.
"It was a game we should have won, but we were slow to get out of the gates."
http://217.158.112.238/vsite/vcontent/content/transnews/0,10869,5034-169529-19728-36699-234802-13916-5024-layout104-186747-news-item,00.html
Saturday, February 25, 2006
Managerial Responses to Sheffield United 2 QPR 3
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QPR OFFICIAL SITE - WADDOCK'S RESPONSE
Gary Waddock was delighted after his side pulled off an amazing 3-2 victory over high flying Sheffield United.
It certainly wasn't a smash or grab raid either, Rangers narrowly trailed after half time before dominating the second half.
"In the second half it could of been four or five, but I'll happily take what we've got."
With the game poised at 2-1, Sheffield United won a penalty which brought a great save from Paul Jones.
"The penalty was a vital moment, we could of been trailing 3-1, but sometimes you need a bit of luck. "
"I was pleased with the way we kept the ball, if the opposition don't have the ball they can't hurt you."
"I wanted to change the style of play and the players are taking that on board. I'm sure any Rangers fans here today would have enjoyed the way we played."
"It was an excellent performance and a excellent result and I'll be going home with a big smile on my face tonight!"
Although their were many great performers at Bramall Lane, Waddock was keen not to mention any individuals.
"Everybody played their part, I don't want to pick out any individuals, we will become successful together."
"Everybody wrote us off, i told the players that in the team meeting and look what we achieved!"
http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Match/ManagersComments/0,,10373~794266,00.html
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
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - WADDOCK'S RESPONSE
Gary Waddock was delighted after his side pulled off an amazing 3-2 victory over high flying Sheffield United.
It certainly wasn't a smash or grab raid either, Rangers narrowly trailed after half time before dominating the second half.
"In the second half it could of been four or five, but I'll happily take what we've got."
With the game poised at 2-1, Sheffield United won a penalty which brought a great save from Paul Jones.
"The penalty was a vital moment, we could of been trailing 3-1, but sometimes you need a bit of luck. "
"I was pleased with the way we kept the ball, if the opposition don't have the ball they can't hurt you."
"I wanted to change the style of play and the players are taking that on board. I'm sure any Rangers fans here today would have enjoyed the way we played."
"It was an excellent performance and a excellent result and I'll be going home with a big smile on my face tonight!"
Although their were many great performers at Bramall Lane, Waddock was keen not to mention any individuals.
"Everybody played their part, I don't want to pick out any individuals, we will become successful together."
"Everybody wrote us off, i told the players that in the team meeting and look what we achieved!"
http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Match/ManagersComments/0,,10373~794266,00.html
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
Sheffield United 2 QPR 3...Reports
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QPR come from being 2-1 down (and with Sheff Ut almost making it 3-1 -having a penalty saved) to win 3-2.
QPR Official Site
An inspiring performance from Rangers in a truly enthralling game saw the Superhoops complete a season's double over the Blades.
Goals from Marc Nygaard and Paul Furlong came either side of a Chris Morgan own goal in an end to end game.
The first half was a game of swings and roundabouts as United went in ahead after Rangers had gone in front.
Marc Nygaard had given Rangers the lead with just six minutes on the clock.
But Ade Akinbiyi's header, following by a Marc Bircham own goal turned the game on its head before the break.
The suspension of Gareth Ainsworth and Mauro Milanese meant the return of Paul Furlong and Marc Bircham.
Paul Jones' penalty save early in the second half meant the game was kept on a knife edge for the remainder and when Chris Morgan headed into the back of his own net - it was game on once more.
When Furlong applied the finishing touch to Cook's through ball, Rangers were in front once more, leading to a nail biting final 15 minutes.
The opening exchanges were fairly quiet and Rangers passed the ball around neatly.
The wide open spaces were providing the Superhoops with the perfect stage to play their new improved passing game.
And it soon paid off when Marcus Bignot played through Marc Nygaard into acres of space.
His huge strides took him into the area where he was faced with Paddy Kenny, Rob Kozluk and Chris Morgan.
Somehow Nygaard continued to carry the ball and just as it looked as though he had missed his chance to strike, the ball cannoned off a stray leg and fell back into his path.
Seizing his opportunity, Nygaard side footed the ball straight down the middle and into the back of the net.Rangers took the lead in their stride and were determined not to let the lead change their game plan.
Meanwhile the Blades crowd was beginning to get on their teams back for failing to deal with Rangers' dominance.
Paul Jones was called into action when Chris Armstrong's free kick needed a touch to send it over the bar, but after that, it was back to Rangers enjoying the possession.
Despite this, United pulled level on 22 minutes when Ade Akinbiyi's looping header seemed to hang in their air before inching up and over Jones to hit the back of the net.
Buoyed by their equaliser, United then enjoyed their period of dominance and made it count when Bircham caught the ball from an inswinging corner and flick it into his own net.
The fact that Paul Jones had been pinned to his line incensed the Rangers players, but their appeals fell on deaf ears.
Cook had a great chance to level the game before the break when his free kick looked to be every inch the goal, but Kenny parried clear.
Kenny was again called to rescue the Blades when Cook squared for Furlong. All the front man had to do was add the finish, but Kenny was on hand to get down and hold the ball.
The second half began disastrously for Rangers after Ian Evatt pulled down Morgan in the box.
But when Paul Ifill stepped up to take the spot kick, his poor effort was easily saved by Jones who guessed correctly.
Suddenly the impetus was with Rangers and the own goal stakes were levelled when Morgan headed into the Rangers net.
Cook's delivery after a short corner was flicked on by Nygaard and the Blades captain took the slightest of touches to get the better of his own keeper.
An injury to Marc Nygaard allowed Sammy Youssof to enter the field and freshen up the attack.
Within minutes Rangers had taken the lead, thanks again to some slick passing in the midfield.
Lee Cook stormed through and put through the diagonal ball into the path of Furlong and the Rangers man applied the perfect finish to give Rangers the lead once more.
Rangers could have had a two goal cushion seconds later when Cook's fierce drive looked to have been under control, but Kenny dropped the ball into the path of Furlong.
The ever green Furlong had the whole goal to aim at, but his first time strike cannoned off the cross bar to gift United the luckiest of escapes.
It was a tense finale, but Rangers held out for an impressive double over the high flying Blades.
Sheffield United: Kenny, Morgan, Jagielka, Ifill, Akinbiyi (Shipperley 78), Kozluk, Montgomery (Unsworth 63), Tonge, Armstrong, Collins, Horsfield (Webber 66)Subs: Flitcroft, KabbaScorers: Akinbiyi 22, Bircham (OG) 29Bookings: TongeRangers: Jones, Bignot, Evatt, Shittu, Rose, Bircham, Cook, Furlong, Nygaard (Youssof 71), Lomas (Santos 90), LangleySubs: Bailey, Baidoo, ThomasScorers: Nygaard 6, Morgan (OG) 56, Furlong 74Bookings: Nygaard, Langley, Shittu, LomasRef: K FriendAtt: 25,360
http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Match/MatchReport/0,,10373~31190,00.html
LEAGUE TABLE AFTER TODAY
http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/s/southampton/tables/default.stm
QPR come from being 2-1 down (and with Sheff Ut almost making it 3-1 -having a penalty saved) to win 3-2.
QPR Official Site
An inspiring performance from Rangers in a truly enthralling game saw the Superhoops complete a season's double over the Blades.
Goals from Marc Nygaard and Paul Furlong came either side of a Chris Morgan own goal in an end to end game.
The first half was a game of swings and roundabouts as United went in ahead after Rangers had gone in front.
Marc Nygaard had given Rangers the lead with just six minutes on the clock.
But Ade Akinbiyi's header, following by a Marc Bircham own goal turned the game on its head before the break.
The suspension of Gareth Ainsworth and Mauro Milanese meant the return of Paul Furlong and Marc Bircham.
Paul Jones' penalty save early in the second half meant the game was kept on a knife edge for the remainder and when Chris Morgan headed into the back of his own net - it was game on once more.
When Furlong applied the finishing touch to Cook's through ball, Rangers were in front once more, leading to a nail biting final 15 minutes.
The opening exchanges were fairly quiet and Rangers passed the ball around neatly.
The wide open spaces were providing the Superhoops with the perfect stage to play their new improved passing game.
And it soon paid off when Marcus Bignot played through Marc Nygaard into acres of space.
His huge strides took him into the area where he was faced with Paddy Kenny, Rob Kozluk and Chris Morgan.
Somehow Nygaard continued to carry the ball and just as it looked as though he had missed his chance to strike, the ball cannoned off a stray leg and fell back into his path.
Seizing his opportunity, Nygaard side footed the ball straight down the middle and into the back of the net.Rangers took the lead in their stride and were determined not to let the lead change their game plan.
Meanwhile the Blades crowd was beginning to get on their teams back for failing to deal with Rangers' dominance.
Paul Jones was called into action when Chris Armstrong's free kick needed a touch to send it over the bar, but after that, it was back to Rangers enjoying the possession.
Despite this, United pulled level on 22 minutes when Ade Akinbiyi's looping header seemed to hang in their air before inching up and over Jones to hit the back of the net.
Buoyed by their equaliser, United then enjoyed their period of dominance and made it count when Bircham caught the ball from an inswinging corner and flick it into his own net.
The fact that Paul Jones had been pinned to his line incensed the Rangers players, but their appeals fell on deaf ears.
Cook had a great chance to level the game before the break when his free kick looked to be every inch the goal, but Kenny parried clear.
Kenny was again called to rescue the Blades when Cook squared for Furlong. All the front man had to do was add the finish, but Kenny was on hand to get down and hold the ball.
The second half began disastrously for Rangers after Ian Evatt pulled down Morgan in the box.
But when Paul Ifill stepped up to take the spot kick, his poor effort was easily saved by Jones who guessed correctly.
Suddenly the impetus was with Rangers and the own goal stakes were levelled when Morgan headed into the Rangers net.
Cook's delivery after a short corner was flicked on by Nygaard and the Blades captain took the slightest of touches to get the better of his own keeper.
An injury to Marc Nygaard allowed Sammy Youssof to enter the field and freshen up the attack.
Within minutes Rangers had taken the lead, thanks again to some slick passing in the midfield.
Lee Cook stormed through and put through the diagonal ball into the path of Furlong and the Rangers man applied the perfect finish to give Rangers the lead once more.
Rangers could have had a two goal cushion seconds later when Cook's fierce drive looked to have been under control, but Kenny dropped the ball into the path of Furlong.
The ever green Furlong had the whole goal to aim at, but his first time strike cannoned off the cross bar to gift United the luckiest of escapes.
It was a tense finale, but Rangers held out for an impressive double over the high flying Blades.
Sheffield United: Kenny, Morgan, Jagielka, Ifill, Akinbiyi (Shipperley 78), Kozluk, Montgomery (Unsworth 63), Tonge, Armstrong, Collins, Horsfield (Webber 66)Subs: Flitcroft, KabbaScorers: Akinbiyi 22, Bircham (OG) 29Bookings: TongeRangers: Jones, Bignot, Evatt, Shittu, Rose, Bircham, Cook, Furlong, Nygaard (Youssof 71), Lomas (Santos 90), LangleySubs: Bailey, Baidoo, ThomasScorers: Nygaard 6, Morgan (OG) 56, Furlong 74Bookings: Nygaard, Langley, Shittu, LomasRef: K FriendAtt: 25,360
http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Match/MatchReport/0,,10373~31190,00.html
LEAGUE TABLE AFTER TODAY
http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/s/southampton/tables/default.stm
re Football Agent, Mel Eves
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MEL EVES
Profile of former Wolves footballer and current agent, Mel Eves (whose clients include Robert Earnshaw) - and who has been involved, to some extent in a couple of QPR Transfers (Ian Evatt and Dean Sturridge)
Mel Eves Talks about his post-Wolves career, how he became an agent & some of his Clients
(scroll down to pages 6 and 7 at the link below)
http://72.14.207.104/search?q=cache:iyBgIlNMw-0J:www.wolverhamptongrammarschool.com/Wulfrunian/PDF/2004/61-84.pdf+%22Mel+eves%22+agent&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=37
Eves was with Paladini at FSC INVESTMENTS
"Professional Football Player and Sportsperson Financial Planning ServiceProfessional sportsmen and women are some of our highest paid earners, but if they are not careful with their money the end of their career can come all too soon. Injury is just one of the pitfalls awaiting a highly competitive sportsperson, we all want to be winners and if you have had a career full of success you will want your financial life to be a success as well.We have specialist knowledge of the market as we have professional introducers like Mel Eves - England International, ex-Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Bromwich Albion, Gianni Paladini - FIFA Players Agent - ex-Juventus and Italy, Tony Daly - England International, ex- Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers." (from a couple of years ago)
http://www.fscinvestments.co.uk/specialist.html
How Eves and Paladini brought Italian, Enzo Maresca to West Bromwich Albion
Italian U20 International - (Captain)Enzo Maresca is a product of the youth set-up at AC Milan. He captained the Italy U20 team, and spent two years at Milan before moving to Cagliari where he chalked up 20 League appearances. A brilliant young midfielder who usually plays just in front of the defence, he is also capable of taking an attacking midfield role. Enzo left his family home in Salerno at the age of 11, to join Milan AC and pursue his dream of becoming a professional footballer.
His performances at Cagliari brought him to the attention of FIFA agents Gianni Paladini and Mel Eves, who recommended the out of contract player to West Bromwich Albion. The club signed him in 1998 on a free transfer. He went on to make 60 first team appearances, scoring five goals during an 18 month stint and becoming a firm favourite with Albion’s fans.
At the time West Bromwich Albion were in all sorts of difficulties, so agents Gianni Paladini and Mel Eves arranged the sale of Maresca to Juventus in February 2000 for £5 million, in a deal that meant Enzo literally saved the club.
More about Enzo MarescaEnzo moves from Juventus to Piacenza FC22 year old Enzo Maresca joined Piacenza FC, signing on the 25th June 2002, from the Italian Serie A champions Juventus FC for a fee of £2.5 million. The Italian champions have a clause in the contract allowing them to buy the player back at the end of the season [2002/03] if they wish. Piacenza Coach “I’m very happy about his arrival,” Andrea Agostinelli, the Piacenza coach, said. “Maresca is still very young but has already a great experience and he can play in several roles in midfield. I like those midfielders who are able to use the gaps and go for goals, and he is excellent at that. But he is also good at blocking the opponents in midfield, and that is very important too.”Spell with West Bromwich Albion in EnglandBorn near Salerno in the South of Italy, Maresca joined Milan AC at the age of only eleven. In 1994, he moved to Cagliari Calcio. When his contract expired, he left the Sardinian club to play for England's West Bromwich Albion FC, where he played 60 First Division matches, scoring five goals.Serie A Championship winnerIn 1999 he returned to Italy and made his Serie A debut for Juventus. The following season he was loaned to Bologna FC. After a successful season, he returned to Juventus in 2001 to win the Italian league title. However, due to an injury suffered in a league match against Perugia AC at the beginning of April, Maresca was out of action for two months and missed the UEFA European Under 21 Championship with the Italian national team.Honours Italian Championship (2001/02)
http://www.msmsport.com/pfull.php?nid=108
MEL EVES
Profile of former Wolves footballer and current agent, Mel Eves (whose clients include Robert Earnshaw) - and who has been involved, to some extent in a couple of QPR Transfers (Ian Evatt and Dean Sturridge)
Mel Eves Talks about his post-Wolves career, how he became an agent & some of his Clients
(scroll down to pages 6 and 7 at the link below)
http://72.14.207.104/search?q=cache:iyBgIlNMw-0J:www.wolverhamptongrammarschool.com/Wulfrunian/PDF/2004/61-84.pdf+%22Mel+eves%22+agent&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=37
Eves was with Paladini at FSC INVESTMENTS
"Professional Football Player and Sportsperson Financial Planning ServiceProfessional sportsmen and women are some of our highest paid earners, but if they are not careful with their money the end of their career can come all too soon. Injury is just one of the pitfalls awaiting a highly competitive sportsperson, we all want to be winners and if you have had a career full of success you will want your financial life to be a success as well.We have specialist knowledge of the market as we have professional introducers like Mel Eves - England International, ex-Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Bromwich Albion, Gianni Paladini - FIFA Players Agent - ex-Juventus and Italy, Tony Daly - England International, ex- Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers." (from a couple of years ago)
http://www.fscinvestments.co.uk/specialist.html
How Eves and Paladini brought Italian, Enzo Maresca to West Bromwich Albion
Italian U20 International - (Captain)Enzo Maresca is a product of the youth set-up at AC Milan. He captained the Italy U20 team, and spent two years at Milan before moving to Cagliari where he chalked up 20 League appearances. A brilliant young midfielder who usually plays just in front of the defence, he is also capable of taking an attacking midfield role. Enzo left his family home in Salerno at the age of 11, to join Milan AC and pursue his dream of becoming a professional footballer.
His performances at Cagliari brought him to the attention of FIFA agents Gianni Paladini and Mel Eves, who recommended the out of contract player to West Bromwich Albion. The club signed him in 1998 on a free transfer. He went on to make 60 first team appearances, scoring five goals during an 18 month stint and becoming a firm favourite with Albion’s fans.
At the time West Bromwich Albion were in all sorts of difficulties, so agents Gianni Paladini and Mel Eves arranged the sale of Maresca to Juventus in February 2000 for £5 million, in a deal that meant Enzo literally saved the club.
More about Enzo MarescaEnzo moves from Juventus to Piacenza FC22 year old Enzo Maresca joined Piacenza FC, signing on the 25th June 2002, from the Italian Serie A champions Juventus FC for a fee of £2.5 million. The Italian champions have a clause in the contract allowing them to buy the player back at the end of the season [2002/03] if they wish. Piacenza Coach “I’m very happy about his arrival,” Andrea Agostinelli, the Piacenza coach, said. “Maresca is still very young but has already a great experience and he can play in several roles in midfield. I like those midfielders who are able to use the gaps and go for goals, and he is excellent at that. But he is also good at blocking the opponents in midfield, and that is very important too.”Spell with West Bromwich Albion in EnglandBorn near Salerno in the South of Italy, Maresca joined Milan AC at the age of only eleven. In 1994, he moved to Cagliari Calcio. When his contract expired, he left the Sardinian club to play for England's West Bromwich Albion FC, where he played 60 First Division matches, scoring five goals.Serie A Championship winnerIn 1999 he returned to Italy and made his Serie A debut for Juventus. The following season he was loaned to Bologna FC. After a successful season, he returned to Juventus in 2001 to win the Italian league title. However, due to an injury suffered in a league match against Perugia AC at the beginning of April, Maresca was out of action for two months and missed the UEFA European Under 21 Championship with the Italian national team.Honours Italian Championship (2001/02)
http://www.msmsport.com/pfull.php?nid=108
Previewing Sheffield United vs QPR
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Sporting Life - UNSWORTH RETURNS FOR BLADES
Sheffield United welcome back experienced defender David Unsworth to the squad but could be missing a handful of other players against QPR.
Craig Short, Leigh Bromby and Alan Quinn all missed the Sheffield derby with knocks and are likely to be absent once again.
That means on-loan Neill Collins, who made his Blades bow in that match, and Chris Armstrong could continue in defence with Unsworth slotting in at left-back.
Phil Jagielka has suffered from illness recently but is expected to be fit, while Danny Webber could make his return to the side after hamstring problems.
Alan Wright has left the club to join Derby on a one month loan deal.
Marc Bircham should return to the QPR squad after missing the .
2-1 defeat at Crystal Palace with a calf injury.
His return is welcome news for caretaker-manager Gary Waddock, who learned earlier this week that winger Martin Rowlands would miss the remainder of the season with a knee injury.
Waddock will also be without winger Gareth Ainsworth and defender Mauro Milanese at Bramall Lane. Both picked up their fifth bookings of the season in the 1-0 win over Millwall on February 11, and serve one-match bans.
Waddock had also hoped that skipper Kevin Gallen might recover from a back injury to feature in this match, but the 30-year-old forward missed the reserve clash with Reading.
Goalkeeper Simon Royce (hip) and defender Dominic Shimmin (groin) miss out, while striker Paul Furlong hopes for a recall after stepping off the bench to score at Palace
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/cc_championship/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=nonwire_soccer/06/02/24/manual_110439.html&TEAMHD=nationwide1
SHEFFIELD UNITED OFFICIAL SITE
Warnock on strike options
Neil Warnock looks set to be overloaded with striking talent ahead of Saturday's vital Championship showdown with QPR.
Bruce Dyer and Ade Akinbiyi have been the starting duo for the past two games but Geoff Horsfield and Danny Webber are now available.
Steven Kabba has been on the substitutes bench recently, whilst Neil Shipperley and Brian Deane both played in the reserves in midweek.
Warnock revealed: "Geoff has had a good week in training, so have one or two others, I've never had such a large and competitive squad but you can only pick so many.
"If Webber had been involved in the reserves in midweek I may have been tempted to start with him, although we did have a practice match with him involved. He is bursting to get back into the team.
"I don't think no-one knows our best strike partnership but I think, now the transfer window is in place, that you need at least six strikers."
Blades v QPR - team news
United have David Unsworth and Danny Webber available for the visit of QPR.
Unsworth has served a three-match ban following his sending off against Watford, whilst Webber has finally strugged off the hamstring problem he sustained at Ipswich last month.
Central defenders Chris Morgan and Neill Collins are OK, despite playing in last week's Sheffield derby with injuries, whilst Phil Jagielka is likely to be fit after missing training in midweek due to illness.
United will be without Leigh Bromby (groin), Alan Quinn (leg) and Craig Short (hamstring), who will all be attempting to regain their fitness ahead of the visit of Crewe next week.
Former Blades target Marc Bircham could return to the QPR team after coming through a midweek reserve game but Gareth Ainsworth and Mauro Milanese are both suspended.
Kevin Gallen and goalkeeper Simon Royce have recommenced training after injury problems but are unlikely to be considered, whilst young striker Scott Donnelly is out with a bruised foot.
Rangers have added 16-year-old left-back Andrew Howell to their squad to make the trip.
http://www.sufc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Match/PreMatchAnalysis/0,,10418~793775,00.html
Confident Warnock lets rivals do all the worrying
NEIL Warnock hadn't picked Phil Barnes' brain ahead of yesterday's media briefing before holding court with the press.
Barnes, Sheffield United's goalkeeping number two, has the lowdown on QPR having been signed as an emergency stop-gap by then manager Ian Holloway for the Londoners' recent trip to Leeds.But those lucky enough to have an invite into Warnock's inner sanctum at Shirecliffe were left in no doubt that gleaning inside information on tomorrow's visitors to Bramall Lane did not top his list of priorities.Instead, with promotion to the Premiership now tantalisingly close, United's commader-in-chief is determined his troops will focus only on themselves during the 11 games which will decide where they are plying their trades next season
.Pouring over details of the oppositions' strengths and weaknesses is not foremost in Warnock's mind."For me, we've got to concentrate on what we can do, not worry about anyone else," he said."We know all about QPR and we know they've got players who are capable of hurting other teams."After all, we've had Paul Furlong here and Danny Shittu is one of the best centre-halves around at this level."
But we've got plenty of strengths and it's important we don't forget that."The theory behind Warnock's thinking is plain to see.United will start the afternoon in second place, 10 points ahead of their nearest challengers, Watford.QPR, having failed to become the sum total of their parts, are drifting in mid-table.With a new manager at the helm, QPR's approach may be slightly different to the one they employed in August at Loftus Road, Warnock conceded.Although the reasons behind the 2-1 defeat United suffered that day have long since evaporated - "That was then, this is now," the Lane boss insisted - this wily old streetfighter has ensured the memory has lingered around the training ground this week."We didn't impose ourselves down there, they got the goal and because of that we couldn't get back into it," continued Warnock."We put in the effort without really putting our stamp on things and that can't happen again."I've heard their manager saying he wants to play a bit more football but, and I mean no disrespect by this, I tend to take things like that with a pinch of salt."With Alan Quinn, Leigh Bromby and Craig Short all likely to return next week, Warnock is set to continue with the same squad of players who beat Sheffeld Wednesday 2-1 at Hillsborough last Saturday.But with a welter of options at his disposal in midfield and attack, he reserved the right to tinker slightly with the starting line-up."Everyone knows that they've got to hit top marks to keep a hold of the shirt now," said Warnock."
Often, picking the subsitutes bench has been the hardest thing to do in recent weeks because telling a player he's not going to be involved at all is tough."But, in fairness to all the lads, they've been superb."They know the situation and although it might appear to be easier to get up for a game against Wednesday let me assure you that's not actually the case."Every game left is a cup final which means no one game is bigger than another."
Geoff Horsfield is pressing hard for a starting role after appearing as a second-half substitute during last weekend's 2-1 win at Wednesday while Bruce Dyer, Neil Shipperley, Steven Kabba and possibly even Danny Webber are also vying for a place alongside Ade Akinbiyi.David Unsworth's return from suspension was a major factor behind the decision to allow Alan Wright to join Derby County on loan yesterday.n Tomorrow's game has been designated a 'Kids for a Quid' fixture with under-16s able to take advantage of the discounted rate providing they purchase a ticket by close of business today.Tickets for the visit of QPR are selling well and supporters are strongly advised to reserve their seat in advance to avoid disappointment.The Global Windows stand is already sold out, apart from Blocks G and H where identification is needed both at point of sale and on entry to the stadium. The Hfs Family Enclosure is nearing capacity, while the Bramall Lane Upper Tier is again open to home supporters. Adult ticket prices begin at £19 for this category B fixture.For more information contact the Blades Box Office on 0870 787 1960.james.shield@sheffieldnewspapers.co.uk
http://www.sheffieldtoday.net/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=59&ArticleID=1365406
Sheffield Today - Less colour as Ian goes gardening
IN football, the only thing you learn to expect is the unexpected.
But by placing Ian Holloway on gardening leave, QPR's hierarchy have ensured that Bramall Lane will be a less colourful place when the Londoners visit South Yorkshire tomorrow.This, after all, is the manager who once predicted during a particularly miserable run of form that: "If I fell in a barrel of boobs, I'd come out sucking my thumb!"Later he celebrating his team's return to winning ways with the memorable phrase: "I couldn't be more chuffed if I were a badger at the start of the mating season."With Holloway tending his begonias at home in St Albans, the post-match press conference may no longer be the hottest ticket in town.But the man charged with reversing QPR's fortunes is convinced that his players possess the ability not only to bring Sheffield United's march to a halt but also ensure a difficult season is remembered for more than just soundbites.Like Holloway, who according to chairman Gianni Paladini has been suspended rather than sacked, Gary Waddock is a popular figure at Loftus Road having made 240 appearances for the club as a player.His first match in charge produced a 1-0 win over Millwall but a 2-1 reverse at the hands of Crystal Palace has left him battling to keep his managerial account in the black.
Despite Paladini's insistence that there is no way back for Holloway, who had been heavily linked with a move to Leicester before the Italian wielded the axe, Waddock's position remains far from secure.But he has already embarked on a complete makeover of the playing style which threatened to serve QPR well at the start of the season before they drifted into mid-table."Everyone has their own ideas about how they want the game played and I have mine," said Waddock, who will be assisted by another QPR old boy Alan McDonald. "I want us to pass the ball and I want plenty of movement. That's the football I believe in.
http://www.sheffieldtoday.net/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=59&ArticleID=1365410
Sporting Life - UNSWORTH RETURNS FOR BLADES
Sheffield United welcome back experienced defender David Unsworth to the squad but could be missing a handful of other players against QPR.
Craig Short, Leigh Bromby and Alan Quinn all missed the Sheffield derby with knocks and are likely to be absent once again.
That means on-loan Neill Collins, who made his Blades bow in that match, and Chris Armstrong could continue in defence with Unsworth slotting in at left-back.
Phil Jagielka has suffered from illness recently but is expected to be fit, while Danny Webber could make his return to the side after hamstring problems.
Alan Wright has left the club to join Derby on a one month loan deal.
Marc Bircham should return to the QPR squad after missing the .
2-1 defeat at Crystal Palace with a calf injury.
His return is welcome news for caretaker-manager Gary Waddock, who learned earlier this week that winger Martin Rowlands would miss the remainder of the season with a knee injury.
Waddock will also be without winger Gareth Ainsworth and defender Mauro Milanese at Bramall Lane. Both picked up their fifth bookings of the season in the 1-0 win over Millwall on February 11, and serve one-match bans.
Waddock had also hoped that skipper Kevin Gallen might recover from a back injury to feature in this match, but the 30-year-old forward missed the reserve clash with Reading.
Goalkeeper Simon Royce (hip) and defender Dominic Shimmin (groin) miss out, while striker Paul Furlong hopes for a recall after stepping off the bench to score at Palace
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/cc_championship/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=nonwire_soccer/06/02/24/manual_110439.html&TEAMHD=nationwide1
SHEFFIELD UNITED OFFICIAL SITE
Warnock on strike options
Neil Warnock looks set to be overloaded with striking talent ahead of Saturday's vital Championship showdown with QPR.
Bruce Dyer and Ade Akinbiyi have been the starting duo for the past two games but Geoff Horsfield and Danny Webber are now available.
Steven Kabba has been on the substitutes bench recently, whilst Neil Shipperley and Brian Deane both played in the reserves in midweek.
Warnock revealed: "Geoff has had a good week in training, so have one or two others, I've never had such a large and competitive squad but you can only pick so many.
"If Webber had been involved in the reserves in midweek I may have been tempted to start with him, although we did have a practice match with him involved. He is bursting to get back into the team.
"I don't think no-one knows our best strike partnership but I think, now the transfer window is in place, that you need at least six strikers."
Blades v QPR - team news
United have David Unsworth and Danny Webber available for the visit of QPR.
Unsworth has served a three-match ban following his sending off against Watford, whilst Webber has finally strugged off the hamstring problem he sustained at Ipswich last month.
Central defenders Chris Morgan and Neill Collins are OK, despite playing in last week's Sheffield derby with injuries, whilst Phil Jagielka is likely to be fit after missing training in midweek due to illness.
United will be without Leigh Bromby (groin), Alan Quinn (leg) and Craig Short (hamstring), who will all be attempting to regain their fitness ahead of the visit of Crewe next week.
Former Blades target Marc Bircham could return to the QPR team after coming through a midweek reserve game but Gareth Ainsworth and Mauro Milanese are both suspended.
Kevin Gallen and goalkeeper Simon Royce have recommenced training after injury problems but are unlikely to be considered, whilst young striker Scott Donnelly is out with a bruised foot.
Rangers have added 16-year-old left-back Andrew Howell to their squad to make the trip.
http://www.sufc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Match/PreMatchAnalysis/0,,10418~793775,00.html
Confident Warnock lets rivals do all the worrying
NEIL Warnock hadn't picked Phil Barnes' brain ahead of yesterday's media briefing before holding court with the press.
Barnes, Sheffield United's goalkeeping number two, has the lowdown on QPR having been signed as an emergency stop-gap by then manager Ian Holloway for the Londoners' recent trip to Leeds.But those lucky enough to have an invite into Warnock's inner sanctum at Shirecliffe were left in no doubt that gleaning inside information on tomorrow's visitors to Bramall Lane did not top his list of priorities.Instead, with promotion to the Premiership now tantalisingly close, United's commader-in-chief is determined his troops will focus only on themselves during the 11 games which will decide where they are plying their trades next season
.Pouring over details of the oppositions' strengths and weaknesses is not foremost in Warnock's mind."For me, we've got to concentrate on what we can do, not worry about anyone else," he said."We know all about QPR and we know they've got players who are capable of hurting other teams."After all, we've had Paul Furlong here and Danny Shittu is one of the best centre-halves around at this level."
But we've got plenty of strengths and it's important we don't forget that."The theory behind Warnock's thinking is plain to see.United will start the afternoon in second place, 10 points ahead of their nearest challengers, Watford.QPR, having failed to become the sum total of their parts, are drifting in mid-table.With a new manager at the helm, QPR's approach may be slightly different to the one they employed in August at Loftus Road, Warnock conceded.Although the reasons behind the 2-1 defeat United suffered that day have long since evaporated - "That was then, this is now," the Lane boss insisted - this wily old streetfighter has ensured the memory has lingered around the training ground this week."We didn't impose ourselves down there, they got the goal and because of that we couldn't get back into it," continued Warnock."We put in the effort without really putting our stamp on things and that can't happen again."I've heard their manager saying he wants to play a bit more football but, and I mean no disrespect by this, I tend to take things like that with a pinch of salt."With Alan Quinn, Leigh Bromby and Craig Short all likely to return next week, Warnock is set to continue with the same squad of players who beat Sheffeld Wednesday 2-1 at Hillsborough last Saturday.But with a welter of options at his disposal in midfield and attack, he reserved the right to tinker slightly with the starting line-up."Everyone knows that they've got to hit top marks to keep a hold of the shirt now," said Warnock."
Often, picking the subsitutes bench has been the hardest thing to do in recent weeks because telling a player he's not going to be involved at all is tough."But, in fairness to all the lads, they've been superb."They know the situation and although it might appear to be easier to get up for a game against Wednesday let me assure you that's not actually the case."Every game left is a cup final which means no one game is bigger than another."
Geoff Horsfield is pressing hard for a starting role after appearing as a second-half substitute during last weekend's 2-1 win at Wednesday while Bruce Dyer, Neil Shipperley, Steven Kabba and possibly even Danny Webber are also vying for a place alongside Ade Akinbiyi.David Unsworth's return from suspension was a major factor behind the decision to allow Alan Wright to join Derby County on loan yesterday.n Tomorrow's game has been designated a 'Kids for a Quid' fixture with under-16s able to take advantage of the discounted rate providing they purchase a ticket by close of business today.Tickets for the visit of QPR are selling well and supporters are strongly advised to reserve their seat in advance to avoid disappointment.The Global Windows stand is already sold out, apart from Blocks G and H where identification is needed both at point of sale and on entry to the stadium. The Hfs Family Enclosure is nearing capacity, while the Bramall Lane Upper Tier is again open to home supporters. Adult ticket prices begin at £19 for this category B fixture.For more information contact the Blades Box Office on 0870 787 1960.james.shield@sheffieldnewspapers.co.uk
http://www.sheffieldtoday.net/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=59&ArticleID=1365406
Sheffield Today - Less colour as Ian goes gardening
IN football, the only thing you learn to expect is the unexpected.
But by placing Ian Holloway on gardening leave, QPR's hierarchy have ensured that Bramall Lane will be a less colourful place when the Londoners visit South Yorkshire tomorrow.This, after all, is the manager who once predicted during a particularly miserable run of form that: "If I fell in a barrel of boobs, I'd come out sucking my thumb!"Later he celebrating his team's return to winning ways with the memorable phrase: "I couldn't be more chuffed if I were a badger at the start of the mating season."With Holloway tending his begonias at home in St Albans, the post-match press conference may no longer be the hottest ticket in town.But the man charged with reversing QPR's fortunes is convinced that his players possess the ability not only to bring Sheffield United's march to a halt but also ensure a difficult season is remembered for more than just soundbites.Like Holloway, who according to chairman Gianni Paladini has been suspended rather than sacked, Gary Waddock is a popular figure at Loftus Road having made 240 appearances for the club as a player.His first match in charge produced a 1-0 win over Millwall but a 2-1 reverse at the hands of Crystal Palace has left him battling to keep his managerial account in the black.
Despite Paladini's insistence that there is no way back for Holloway, who had been heavily linked with a move to Leicester before the Italian wielded the axe, Waddock's position remains far from secure.But he has already embarked on a complete makeover of the playing style which threatened to serve QPR well at the start of the season before they drifted into mid-table."Everyone has their own ideas about how they want the game played and I have mine," said Waddock, who will be assisted by another QPR old boy Alan McDonald. "I want us to pass the ball and I want plenty of movement. That's the football I believe in.
http://www.sheffieldtoday.net/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=59&ArticleID=1365410
Update: Waddock Not getting Experienced Assistant...The New Strip...Donnelly Signs...Injuries/Suspensions
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QPR Clubcall
Waddock on search for experience EXCLUSIVE
Queens Park Rangers caretaker-manager Gary Waddock says he would be happy to stick with the coaching staff currently in place and may shelve plans to bring in an 'experienced head.'
Waddock had been hoping to bring someone with experience in to help him in his first managerial role, but with Alan McDonald installed as an assistant and Joe Gallen also on board, the Rangers caretaker boss will go with what he has for the rest of the season.
'I was looking to bring somebody else in but at the moment the current situation is that Ollie is still the manager and I am only here on a caretaker capacity,' Waddock exclusively told clubcall.
'I am going to just go with it as it is. Me, Macca and Joe are going to get on with it. I think there is enough experience there to sort things out.
'It would be nice [to bring someone in], but with the current situation I don't want to change things around too much as I am only here as a caretaker. I am happy with what we have got and we will continue to go with that.'...
http://217.158.112.238/vsite/vcontent/content/transnews/0,10869,5034-169529-19728-36699-234420-13916-5024-layout104-186747-news-item,00.html
QPR OFFICIAL SITE
Scott Donnelly has signed his first professional contract for the club.
The young midfielder put pen to paper on a two and a half year deal ....
http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~793589,00.html
QPR OFFICIAL SITE
16 Year old Defender, Andrew Howell in the Squad
Sixteen year old left back Andrew Howell has been called up to the first team squad to face Sheffield United. Head of Youth Joe Gallen said: "Andrew had the choice to either join the Commandos or QPR - I'm so glad he picked us. He has been doing very well and has been rewarded for his hard work. "He is as hard as nails as a footballer and I'm sure he'll be able to cope with the step up."
In other news Kevin Gallen is now back in full training and Simon Royce has started doing light work.
Scott Donnelly will miss the trip to Bramall Lane with a bruised foot, while Gareth Ainsworth and Mauro Milanese are both suspended.
http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~793403,00.html
Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times
Waddock on Rowlands and Doherty
QPR will resist the temptation to delve into the loan market again despite losing Martin Rowlands for the rest of the season.The Rangers midfielder is out until the summer after tearing his knee ligaments for the second time this season during a training session last Friday.With Tommy Doherty also a long-term injury absentee and Marc Bircham still to regain full match fitness, the Rs' midfield options look limited as they prepare to face Sheffield United this weekend.
But caretaker manager Gary Waddock - who sent three loan players back to their clubs immediately after taking charge - has no plans to borrow a replacement midfielder."The squad is big enough at the moment, the players we've got here are good enough and I want to look at everybody and give them a chance," said Waddock."We need competition to keep everyone on their toes and I feel we've still got that."It's a big blow losing Rowly. He's the type of player you want in your side and he's desperate to play."He's one of those who can't hold back when he comes in to training and maybe it makes him more prone to injuries, but that's part and parcel of being a professional footballer."Rowlands had been out since early January with a calf strain and injuries have restricted him to just 15 appearances this season.Doherty, who made a promising start to his QPR career after a summer move from Bristol City, has been sidelined for three months."Doc has to get reserve games under his belt before he comes back into contention," said Waddock. "All the training in the world helps, but games are what he needs."Better news for Rangers is that skipper Kevin Gallen returned to training this week and could be in line to play against Wolves a week on Saturday.
http://www.kilburntimes.co.uk/content/camden/kilburntimes/sport/story.aspx?brand=KLBTOnline&category=sportfootball&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=sportklbt&itemid=WeED23%20Feb%202006%2011%3A47%3A29%3A480
QPR DISPLAY THEIR HOME & AWAY STRIPS for Next Season
http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~793339,00.html
QPR Clubcall
Waddock on search for experience EXCLUSIVE
Queens Park Rangers caretaker-manager Gary Waddock says he would be happy to stick with the coaching staff currently in place and may shelve plans to bring in an 'experienced head.'
Waddock had been hoping to bring someone with experience in to help him in his first managerial role, but with Alan McDonald installed as an assistant and Joe Gallen also on board, the Rangers caretaker boss will go with what he has for the rest of the season.
'I was looking to bring somebody else in but at the moment the current situation is that Ollie is still the manager and I am only here on a caretaker capacity,' Waddock exclusively told clubcall.
'I am going to just go with it as it is. Me, Macca and Joe are going to get on with it. I think there is enough experience there to sort things out.
'It would be nice [to bring someone in], but with the current situation I don't want to change things around too much as I am only here as a caretaker. I am happy with what we have got and we will continue to go with that.'...
http://217.158.112.238/vsite/vcontent/content/transnews/0,10869,5034-169529-19728-36699-234420-13916-5024-layout104-186747-news-item,00.html
QPR OFFICIAL SITE
Scott Donnelly has signed his first professional contract for the club.
The young midfielder put pen to paper on a two and a half year deal ....
http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~793589,00.html
QPR OFFICIAL SITE
16 Year old Defender, Andrew Howell in the Squad
Sixteen year old left back Andrew Howell has been called up to the first team squad to face Sheffield United. Head of Youth Joe Gallen said: "Andrew had the choice to either join the Commandos or QPR - I'm so glad he picked us. He has been doing very well and has been rewarded for his hard work. "He is as hard as nails as a footballer and I'm sure he'll be able to cope with the step up."
In other news Kevin Gallen is now back in full training and Simon Royce has started doing light work.
Scott Donnelly will miss the trip to Bramall Lane with a bruised foot, while Gareth Ainsworth and Mauro Milanese are both suspended.
http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~793403,00.html
Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times
Waddock on Rowlands and Doherty
QPR will resist the temptation to delve into the loan market again despite losing Martin Rowlands for the rest of the season.The Rangers midfielder is out until the summer after tearing his knee ligaments for the second time this season during a training session last Friday.With Tommy Doherty also a long-term injury absentee and Marc Bircham still to regain full match fitness, the Rs' midfield options look limited as they prepare to face Sheffield United this weekend.
But caretaker manager Gary Waddock - who sent three loan players back to their clubs immediately after taking charge - has no plans to borrow a replacement midfielder."The squad is big enough at the moment, the players we've got here are good enough and I want to look at everybody and give them a chance," said Waddock."We need competition to keep everyone on their toes and I feel we've still got that."It's a big blow losing Rowly. He's the type of player you want in your side and he's desperate to play."He's one of those who can't hold back when he comes in to training and maybe it makes him more prone to injuries, but that's part and parcel of being a professional footballer."Rowlands had been out since early January with a calf strain and injuries have restricted him to just 15 appearances this season.Doherty, who made a promising start to his QPR career after a summer move from Bristol City, has been sidelined for three months."Doc has to get reserve games under his belt before he comes back into contention," said Waddock. "All the training in the world helps, but games are what he needs."Better news for Rangers is that skipper Kevin Gallen returned to training this week and could be in line to play against Wolves a week on Saturday.
http://www.kilburntimes.co.uk/content/camden/kilburntimes/sport/story.aspx?brand=KLBTOnline&category=sportfootball&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=sportklbt&itemid=WeED23%20Feb%202006%2011%3A47%3A29%3A480
QPR DISPLAY THEIR HOME & AWAY STRIPS for Next Season
http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~793339,00.html
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
QPR's Managerial Search....Five Years Ago
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The last time QPR were looking for a manager....Five Years ago
BBC-February 19, 2001
Bassett snubs QPR job
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/sport2/hi/football/teams/q/qpr/1178204.stm
BBC - February 20, 2001
Jewell plays down QPR link
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 Monday. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/q/qpr/1180779.stm
BBC - February 21, 2001
QPR suffer Bruce snub
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/sport2/hi/football/teams/q/qpr/1182049.stm
Until finally....
BBC - February 26, 2001
QPR name Holloway as boss
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/sport2/hi/football/teams/q/qpr/1190402.stm
The last time QPR were looking for a manager....Five Years ago
BBC-February 19, 2001
Bassett snubs QPR job
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/sport2/hi/football/teams/q/qpr/1178204.stm
BBC - February 20, 2001
Jewell plays down QPR link
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 Monday. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/q/qpr/1180779.stm
BBC - February 21, 2001
QPR suffer Bruce snub
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/sport2/hi/football/teams/q/qpr/1182049.stm
Until finally....
BBC - February 26, 2001
QPR name Holloway as boss
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/sport2/hi/football/teams/q/qpr/1190402.stm
Ian Dawes, Andy Gray & Juergenn Sommer Celebrate Birthdays
-
BIRTHDAYS TODAY
Ian Dawes - February 22, 1963- For about five years, was an ever-present in the QPR team. Part of the Venables-led 1982/1983 Division 2 Champions Team (a back four of Neil Wicks Fenwick and Dawes!)
See http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football-heroes/displayhero_club.asp?HeroID=5578
Andy Gray - February 22, 1964Signed by Trevor Francis...Sold by Trevor Francis a few months later
Juergenn Sommer February 22, 1964-Our goalie, signed by Ray Wilkins for 600,000 pounds in our relegation season
BIRTHDAYS TODAY
Ian Dawes - February 22, 1963- For about five years, was an ever-present in the QPR team. Part of the Venables-led 1982/1983 Division 2 Champions Team (a back four of Neil Wicks Fenwick and Dawes!)
See http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football-heroes/displayhero_club.asp?HeroID=5578
Andy Gray - February 22, 1964Signed by Trevor Francis...Sold by Trevor Francis a few months later
Juergenn Sommer February 22, 1964-Our goalie, signed by Ray Wilkins for 600,000 pounds in our relegation season
Monday, February 20, 2006
QPR Holdings AGM Rescheduled
-
AGM RESCHEDULED
QPR OFFICIAL SITE
The eighth Annual General Meeting of QPR Holdings Ltd will be held at Loftus Road Stadium at 2pm on Friday 17th March 2006.
The date has had to be deferred due to a couple of technical problems and we apologise if the change causes any inconvenience for our shareholders.
The meeting is open only to shareholders and not to members of the general public.
The 2005 Annual Report & AGM notice has been printed and will be posted to shareholders within the next two days.
Last year about 400 Annual Reports were returned due to shareholders not updating their details with the share registrars when they moved address.If you have recently moved address but have not updated your details with Lloyds TSB you will not receive the 2005 Annual Report. However, you can write to Lloyds TSB to update them of the change in your details to ensure that you will receive future shareholder mailings. Please write to: Lloyds TSB Registrars, The Causeway, Worthing, West Sussex, BN99 6DA and quote 'QPR Holdings Ltd' in your correspondence with them.
http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~786008,00.html
ORIGINAL DATE ANNOUNCEMENT
AGM DETAILS
The Eighth Annual General Meeting of QPR Holdings Ltd will be held at the Loftus Road Stadium at 2pm on Friday, March 3.The meeting is open only to shareholders and not to general members of the public.The 2005 Annual Report is being printed and sent out to shareholders.Last year about 400 Annual Reports were returned due to shareholders not updating their details with the share registrars when they moved their address.If you have recently moved address but have not updated your details with Lloyds TSB you will not receive the 2005 Annual Report.However you can write to Lloyds TSB to update them of the change in your details to ensure that you will receive future shareholder mailings.Please write to:Lloyds TSB Registrars, The Causeway, Worthing, West Sussex BN99 6DA and quote "QPR Holdings Ltd" in your correspondence with them.
http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~781534,00.html
AGM RESCHEDULED
QPR OFFICIAL SITE
The eighth Annual General Meeting of QPR Holdings Ltd will be held at Loftus Road Stadium at 2pm on Friday 17th March 2006.
The date has had to be deferred due to a couple of technical problems and we apologise if the change causes any inconvenience for our shareholders.
The meeting is open only to shareholders and not to members of the general public.
The 2005 Annual Report & AGM notice has been printed and will be posted to shareholders within the next two days.
Last year about 400 Annual Reports were returned due to shareholders not updating their details with the share registrars when they moved address.If you have recently moved address but have not updated your details with Lloyds TSB you will not receive the 2005 Annual Report. However, you can write to Lloyds TSB to update them of the change in your details to ensure that you will receive future shareholder mailings. Please write to: Lloyds TSB Registrars, The Causeway, Worthing, West Sussex, BN99 6DA and quote 'QPR Holdings Ltd' in your correspondence with them.
http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~786008,00.html
ORIGINAL DATE ANNOUNCEMENT
AGM DETAILS
The Eighth Annual General Meeting of QPR Holdings Ltd will be held at the Loftus Road Stadium at 2pm on Friday, March 3.The meeting is open only to shareholders and not to general members of the public.The 2005 Annual Report is being printed and sent out to shareholders.Last year about 400 Annual Reports were returned due to shareholders not updating their details with the share registrars when they moved their address.If you have recently moved address but have not updated your details with Lloyds TSB you will not receive the 2005 Annual Report.However you can write to Lloyds TSB to update them of the change in your details to ensure that you will receive future shareholder mailings.Please write to:Lloyds TSB Registrars, The Causeway, Worthing, West Sussex BN99 6DA and quote "QPR Holdings Ltd" in your correspondence with them.
http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~781534,00.html
Ex-QPR vs Ex-QPR in the Non-League
-
Oli Hits the Winner for Grays vs John Hollins' Crawley
Grays Ath 1-0 Crawley
Dennis Oli was the hero for Grays as he came off the bench to grab the only goal of the game against Crawley.
Michael Kightly went close for the hosts early on but saw his well-struck volley and header go wide of the goal.
A double substitution at half-time paid dividends for Grays with Jamie Slabber and Brett Johnson being replaced by Oli and Cam Mawer.
And Oli was immediately in the thick of things as he collected a Kightly pass to rifle home the winner on 69 minutes.
Grays Athletic: Bayes, Sambrook, Hanson, Johnson (Mawer 45), Nutter, Kightly, Thurgood, Williamson, Martin (Poole 78), Slabber (Oli 45), McLean.Subs Not Used: Eyre, Battersby.
Booked: McLean. Goals: Oli 70.
Crawley Town: Smith, Simpemba (Wormull 84), Mendy, Woozley, Judge, Armstrong, Blackburn (Ekoku 77), Jenkins (Coleman 77), Opinel, Scully, Clare.Subs Not Used: Ward, Giles.
Att: 1,038. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_conf/4680692.stm
John Hollins -Hollins backs Crawley to stay up
February 14, 2006
Crawley Town boss John Hollins insists he will keep them in the Conference.
The Red Devils are bottom of the table after winning just five games in a season that has been dogged by difficulties since day one.
Hollins has found it tough to turn the tide since his appointment at the end of November but is adamant that relegation will be avoided.
"We will do stay up. With 16 games to go we will be all right," Hollins told BBC Sport.
Hollins added: "I did not come here to mess about. I came here to do a job. I'm positive.
"It's not easy. If we were top of the league it would be a doddle, although even that has its difficulties. It's easy to fall off. Look at Chelsea, they are only 12 points clear now!"
The task of trying to revive Crawley's fortunes is a far cry from Hollins's days as a player and manager at Stamford Bridge.
New owners with new money and fresh ideas did arrive at Crawley last year but their investment is yet to pay off.
The club's form nose-dived in the final third of last season - their first at Conference level - and Crawley were about to kick-off in August when the team suddenly switched to full-time status.
"Results showed at the end of last season that things were not right," said Hollins.
"Going full-time was a brave step and a good step by the owners, who have put their money where their mouth is.
"But having been a part-time team - and you would find this with most teams, not just us - the change-over is not easy, especially if it's done prior to the first game.
"All of a sudden you are bringing a lot of players in and panicking because you haven't got enough, because that's what professional teams have a decent squad.
"You have to have a pre-season and I don't think we had that. The fitness levels were down and we have been trying to get everyone fit and playing the right way through matches and trial and error."
Hollins, who was appointed following the sacking of Francis Vines, has so far guided Crawley to just one Conference victory.
And supporters vented their anger at the club's current plight following a home defeat in the FA Trophy by Boreham Wood earlier this month.
To his credit, Hollins fronted up to the fans and plans to be at the Broadfield Stadium for the long-term.
He added: "It's not easy at times and supporters get frustrated. I understand that.
"Everything comes around to if we have got enough (about us) to do what we want to do. We are instilling the belief that we can do it.
"We are still trying to get players to come in and help us through this situation.
"We keep working hard trying to install systems and structures and work to budgets, which is all difficult. They are problems, but problems can be solved.
"We are looking at ourselves and the players have to look at themselves. We have all had to pull together since 6 August, nothing has changed."
What must change is Crawley's current form, although Hollins was buoyed by his side's performance in losing by a single goal at Grays Athletic last Saturday.
The recent fixture list has not been kind but Crawley now face a number of games against sides in the bottom half of the table.
"They are ones we've got to win," said Hollins.
"We have been losing by the odd goal and people have been saying we're the best team they have played.
"I want us to be the worst team and win 1-0, even though we want to play the right way." http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/crawley_town/4712712.stm
Alan Mullery Leaves Crawley - Mullery ends his stint at Crawley
Feb 8, 2006
Alan Mullery has severed his links with Conference strugglers Crawley.
The former England international joined the Red Devils in a consultancy capacity last September but says his services are no longer required.
"My brief when I came in was to help the club become more professional and I think I have done that," Mullery said.
"If they want to ask me anything they can ring me up at any time but otherwise I'll let them get on with it," Mullery told the Brighton Argus.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/crawley_town/4692860.stm
Meanwhile at Aldershot, ex-QPR players: Hamilton, Bull, Griffiths
Aldershot 1-1 Burton Albion
Aaron Webster converted Kris Taylor's right-wing cross to put Burton ahead before Aldershot won a penalty after Darren Tinson handled inside the box.
Saul Deeney saved Dixon's strike but could not prevent the striker from converting the rebound.
Deeney also saved from Dixon prior to the equaliser and Nick Crittenden later on, while Nikki Bull made a superb late save from Shaun Harrad's header.
Aldershot: Bull, Somner, Brough, Heald, Hamilton, Crittenden, Watson, Holloway, Williams (Sulaiman 81), Dixon, Griffiths.Subs Not Used: Weait, Scott, Hudson, Elphick.
Booked: Holloway.
Goals: Dixon 45. Burton Albion: Deeney, Corbett, Tinson, Austin, Webster, Chris Hall, Kris Taylor, Rowett (Henshaw 83), Gilroy (Ducros 61), Shaw, Harrad (Christian Moore 86).Subs Not Used: Martin Taylor, Clough. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_conf/4703920.stm
See Aldershot squad
http://www.theshots.co.uk/SquadDisplay.ink
And at Dagenham, Roberts and Bruce
Dag & Red 2-2 Stevenage
Dagenham and Stevenage shared four goals in 20 first-half minutes but were unable to find a winner between them.
Borough went ahead straight away when Adam Miller found Jon Nurse who made no mistake from close range.
Dino Maamria made it 2-0 from the penalty spot but Daggers pulled one back when Tim Cole crashed the ball in.
Sam Saunders levelled when he found the net with a superb long-range free-kick. He hit the bar in the second-half before the game petered out to a draw.
Dag & Red: Roberts, Blackett, Cole, Uddin, Saunders, Southam, Foster, Bruce, Griffiths, Moore, Mackail-Smith (Akurang 68).Subs Not Used: Hogan, Vickers, Johnson, Lettejallon.
Booked: Roberts, Southam, Bruce.
Goals: Cole 11, Saunders 17.
Stevenage: Julian, Henry, Warner, Quinn, Perpetuini (Gregory 79), Miller, Maamria, Bulman, Boyd, Nurse (Obinna 45), Louis (Berquez 72).Subs Not Used: Goodliffe, Hocking.
Booked: Perpetuini, Bulman, Maamria.
Goals: Nurse 1, Maamria 6 pen. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_conf/4703946.stm
'Dagenham Squad
http://www.daggers.co.uk/maindex.cfm?section=players&page=players
Oli Hits the Winner for Grays vs John Hollins' Crawley
Grays Ath 1-0 Crawley
Dennis Oli was the hero for Grays as he came off the bench to grab the only goal of the game against Crawley.
Michael Kightly went close for the hosts early on but saw his well-struck volley and header go wide of the goal.
A double substitution at half-time paid dividends for Grays with Jamie Slabber and Brett Johnson being replaced by Oli and Cam Mawer.
And Oli was immediately in the thick of things as he collected a Kightly pass to rifle home the winner on 69 minutes.
Grays Athletic: Bayes, Sambrook, Hanson, Johnson (Mawer 45), Nutter, Kightly, Thurgood, Williamson, Martin (Poole 78), Slabber (Oli 45), McLean.Subs Not Used: Eyre, Battersby.
Booked: McLean. Goals: Oli 70.
Crawley Town: Smith, Simpemba (Wormull 84), Mendy, Woozley, Judge, Armstrong, Blackburn (Ekoku 77), Jenkins (Coleman 77), Opinel, Scully, Clare.Subs Not Used: Ward, Giles.
Att: 1,038. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_conf/4680692.stm
John Hollins -Hollins backs Crawley to stay up
February 14, 2006
Crawley Town boss John Hollins insists he will keep them in the Conference.
The Red Devils are bottom of the table after winning just five games in a season that has been dogged by difficulties since day one.
Hollins has found it tough to turn the tide since his appointment at the end of November but is adamant that relegation will be avoided.
"We will do stay up. With 16 games to go we will be all right," Hollins told BBC Sport.
Hollins added: "I did not come here to mess about. I came here to do a job. I'm positive.
"It's not easy. If we were top of the league it would be a doddle, although even that has its difficulties. It's easy to fall off. Look at Chelsea, they are only 12 points clear now!"
The task of trying to revive Crawley's fortunes is a far cry from Hollins's days as a player and manager at Stamford Bridge.
New owners with new money and fresh ideas did arrive at Crawley last year but their investment is yet to pay off.
The club's form nose-dived in the final third of last season - their first at Conference level - and Crawley were about to kick-off in August when the team suddenly switched to full-time status.
"Results showed at the end of last season that things were not right," said Hollins.
"Going full-time was a brave step and a good step by the owners, who have put their money where their mouth is.
"But having been a part-time team - and you would find this with most teams, not just us - the change-over is not easy, especially if it's done prior to the first game.
"All of a sudden you are bringing a lot of players in and panicking because you haven't got enough, because that's what professional teams have a decent squad.
"You have to have a pre-season and I don't think we had that. The fitness levels were down and we have been trying to get everyone fit and playing the right way through matches and trial and error."
Hollins, who was appointed following the sacking of Francis Vines, has so far guided Crawley to just one Conference victory.
And supporters vented their anger at the club's current plight following a home defeat in the FA Trophy by Boreham Wood earlier this month.
To his credit, Hollins fronted up to the fans and plans to be at the Broadfield Stadium for the long-term.
He added: "It's not easy at times and supporters get frustrated. I understand that.
"Everything comes around to if we have got enough (about us) to do what we want to do. We are instilling the belief that we can do it.
"We are still trying to get players to come in and help us through this situation.
"We keep working hard trying to install systems and structures and work to budgets, which is all difficult. They are problems, but problems can be solved.
"We are looking at ourselves and the players have to look at themselves. We have all had to pull together since 6 August, nothing has changed."
What must change is Crawley's current form, although Hollins was buoyed by his side's performance in losing by a single goal at Grays Athletic last Saturday.
The recent fixture list has not been kind but Crawley now face a number of games against sides in the bottom half of the table.
"They are ones we've got to win," said Hollins.
"We have been losing by the odd goal and people have been saying we're the best team they have played.
"I want us to be the worst team and win 1-0, even though we want to play the right way." http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/crawley_town/4712712.stm
Alan Mullery Leaves Crawley - Mullery ends his stint at Crawley
Feb 8, 2006
Alan Mullery has severed his links with Conference strugglers Crawley.
The former England international joined the Red Devils in a consultancy capacity last September but says his services are no longer required.
"My brief when I came in was to help the club become more professional and I think I have done that," Mullery said.
"If they want to ask me anything they can ring me up at any time but otherwise I'll let them get on with it," Mullery told the Brighton Argus.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/crawley_town/4692860.stm
Meanwhile at Aldershot, ex-QPR players: Hamilton, Bull, Griffiths
Aldershot 1-1 Burton Albion
Aaron Webster converted Kris Taylor's right-wing cross to put Burton ahead before Aldershot won a penalty after Darren Tinson handled inside the box.
Saul Deeney saved Dixon's strike but could not prevent the striker from converting the rebound.
Deeney also saved from Dixon prior to the equaliser and Nick Crittenden later on, while Nikki Bull made a superb late save from Shaun Harrad's header.
Aldershot: Bull, Somner, Brough, Heald, Hamilton, Crittenden, Watson, Holloway, Williams (Sulaiman 81), Dixon, Griffiths.Subs Not Used: Weait, Scott, Hudson, Elphick.
Booked: Holloway.
Goals: Dixon 45. Burton Albion: Deeney, Corbett, Tinson, Austin, Webster, Chris Hall, Kris Taylor, Rowett (Henshaw 83), Gilroy (Ducros 61), Shaw, Harrad (Christian Moore 86).Subs Not Used: Martin Taylor, Clough. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_conf/4703920.stm
See Aldershot squad
http://www.theshots.co.uk/SquadDisplay.ink
And at Dagenham, Roberts and Bruce
Dag & Red 2-2 Stevenage
Dagenham and Stevenage shared four goals in 20 first-half minutes but were unable to find a winner between them.
Borough went ahead straight away when Adam Miller found Jon Nurse who made no mistake from close range.
Dino Maamria made it 2-0 from the penalty spot but Daggers pulled one back when Tim Cole crashed the ball in.
Sam Saunders levelled when he found the net with a superb long-range free-kick. He hit the bar in the second-half before the game petered out to a draw.
Dag & Red: Roberts, Blackett, Cole, Uddin, Saunders, Southam, Foster, Bruce, Griffiths, Moore, Mackail-Smith (Akurang 68).Subs Not Used: Hogan, Vickers, Johnson, Lettejallon.
Booked: Roberts, Southam, Bruce.
Goals: Cole 11, Saunders 17.
Stevenage: Julian, Henry, Warner, Quinn, Perpetuini (Gregory 79), Miller, Maamria, Bulman, Boyd, Nurse (Obinna 45), Louis (Berquez 72).Subs Not Used: Goodliffe, Hocking.
Booked: Perpetuini, Bulman, Maamria.
Goals: Nurse 1, Maamria 6 pen. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_conf/4703946.stm
'Dagenham Squad
http://www.daggers.co.uk/maindex.cfm?section=players&page=players
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