QPR REPORT

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QPR Statement - No Managerial Change

QPR would like to confirm that the situation surrounding the manager's role at the club is completely unchanged. Gianni Paladini has stated that he is very happy with how things are progressing under the stewardship of caretaker manager Gary Waddock, but he will not be sitting down to discuss the future with him until the situation surrounding Ian Holloway has been resolved.
Gary Waddock remains as caretaker manager with Ian Holloway on gardening leave. When this situation changes, or when any news occurs that is official and more importantly factual, it will be announced here first.
In a week where Loftus Road is hosting two games, the focus is on preparing for the fixtures both on and off the pitch and we would ask that fans understand that the priorities are the usual day to day running of the club. QPR understands that the supporters want to be kept up to date with any breaking news, but it is simply impossible to issue a denial to every incorrect news story that surfaces.
Gary Waddock will be speaking to QPR World later today on his role and informing fans that absolutely nothing has changed
http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~809912,00.html

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Slight correction!

BBC - Waddock 'has not got QPR job yet'
Queens Park Rangers have denied reports that Garry Waddock has been appointed as manager on a full-time basis.
A club spokesperson told BBC London that Ian Holloway remains on gardening leave but is still the manager.
Waddock will continue as caretaker boss until Holloway's situation is resolved, the Rangers spokesperson added.
Chairman Gianni Paladini was quoted in the Daily Express as saying "Gary has got the job" but QPR now say he merely "looks forward" to holding talks
http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/q/qpr/4863544.stm

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Post Stoke Defeat Comments

Danny Shittu - DON'T BLAME WADS
QPR OFFICIAL SITE

Vice captain Dan Shittu has issued the following statement in the wake of Wednesday night's 2-1 defeat to Stoke City.Shittu was skipper on the night and approached the Press Office on behalf of the players and asked to issue the following few words:
"As a collective group, we - the players - must take full responsibility for last night's 2-1 defeat to Stoke.
"In no way whatsoever should any blame be attached to Gary Waddock and his coaching staff, who, since taking over from Ian Holloway, have given the whole place a huge lift.
"We let the entire coaching staff, the fans and ultimately ourselves down last night, and we can only apologise for such a poor display.
"In general, we feel we've underachieved in recent weeks and should definitely have recorded much better results. However, that is entirely down to the players' performances and not Gary Waddock and his staff.
"It's been a pleasure for us all to work with the new-look coaching team in recent weeks and we would all be delighted if they were given the role on a full-time basis once the situation regarding Ian Holloway is sorted out.
"It's a privilege to play for Wads and Macca and, as a squad, we're thoroughly enjoying the new style of football they've introduced and everything that comes with it.
"I can promise you - the fans - that we will be doing everything we can between now and Saturday afternoon to ensure the wrongs of Wednesday's performance are put to right against Crewe Alexandra this weekend.
"Your support will again be valued and we are determined to get three points and end the season on a high.''
http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~809454,00.html


WADDOCK - Unacceptable
QPR OFFICIAL SITE
Gary Waddock deemed the 2-1 defeat to Stoke City as 'totally unacceptable.'
The Rangers Caretaker Manager had just seen his side succumb to a shock defeat - only his second in charge of the Superhoops.
"It was totally unacceptable and I've let the players know that in no uncertain terms.
"The penalty miss knocked the stuffing out of us. We were totally deflated after that, but we've only got ourselves to blame for the defeat.
"There can be no excuses - we simply didn't perform on the night.''
Stoke came from behind to win 2-1 at Loftus Road, but only after Gareth Ainsworth missed a first half spot kick and Rangers squandered a hatful of other golden opportunities.
Gareth Ainsworth's spot kick was easily saved by Steve Simonsen
"We've been punished for our poor finishing in the first half and it's something we've been talking about to the players for the last few weeks.
"We can't keep relying on Jonah and the back four to bail us out when we've missed chances at the other end and tonight we've paid the ultimate price.
"Thankfully we've got another game on Saturday to put things right and we might shuffle the pack.'' http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Match/ManagersComments/0,,10373~809136,00.html


SPORTING LIFE/PA NEWS

TAGGART STANDS IN FOR ILL BOSKAMP
By Andy Sims, PA Sport
Stoke veteran Gerry Taggart revealed that manager Johan Boskamp missed what could be the last game under his stewardship with flu ahead of the board meeting which will determine his future.
Taggart, who is currently the Potters' assistant manager with Jan de Koning and John Rudge having been told to keep their distance from the club, oversaw Stoke's 2-1 win at fellow mid-table side QPR, and then refused to comment on the Dutchman's prospects at the Britannia Stadium.
Boskamp is due to meet with the board tomorrow as the club look to finally reach a decision on the management trio.
"I'm not going to comment on what goes on behind the scenes," said former Leicester defender Taggart.
"It has entirely nothing to do with me. Johan has flu, it's the second time he has come down with it this season, and he stayed at the team hotel. I hope the result cheered him up."
The Potters were forced to come from behind to earn the three points which have helped them leapfrog Rangers into 13th spot after Marc Nygaard's seventh-minute opener for the Londoners.
The hosts would have gone in two up at half-time but for Gareth Ainsworth's weak penalty, which was comfortably saved by Steve Simonsen in the visitors' goal.
The penalty miss seemed to galvanise Stoke, who began to string some decent moves together, but they had to wait until the 73rd minute to haul themselves level when Dan Shittu tripped Darel Russell in the area.
Carl Hoefkens stepped up to show Ainsworth how it should be done, sending Paul Jones the wrong way, before Hannes Sigurdsson hit his first Stoke goal 11 minutes from time.
"We didn't start that brightly and got an early kick up the backside," added Taggart.
"But we had a chat at half-time and changed it around and it worked.
"We've got nothing to play for but it's still about getting as many wins as possible."
QPR caretaker boss Gary Waddock admitted Ainsworth's penalty miss was the turning point of the game, but he refused to blame the wideman for his side's defeat."Obviously we could have gone two up, and the penalty has changed the game, but we only have ourselves to blame," he said.
"Gareth has apologised, but he didn't mean to miss and he's been outstanding since I've been here. We're all in it together.
"It's deflating, but we really need to be more clinical in front of goal. We need to take our chances."
Waddock insisted he was in the dark about reports this morning that he is going to allow six players to leave Loftus Road in the summer, and once again admitted he can only look at the contract situation when his own future is sorted out.
"I don't know where that has come from," added Waddock, who is continuing to stand in at Loftus Road while Ian Holloway is on gardening leave.
"But I'm not in a position to do that (release players) as I am only the caretaker manager.
"Everyone is playing for their future here, me included, and if I need to freshen it up I will. If the focus isn't right, I'll change the personnel.
"I'm not knocking my experienced players, but if I need to blood some new players I will."
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/cc_championship/qpr/news/story_get.dor?STORY_NAME=soccer/06/03/29/SOCCER_QPR_2nd_Nightlead.html&TEAMHD=qpr

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Reportedly!

BBC - Waddock Named as New QPR Manager

QPR chairman Gianni Paladini has appointed caretaker boss Gary Waddock as manager on a permanent basis, according to reports. ...
"Gary has got the job and he will be in charge next season," said Paladini. "That was always the intention..."http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/q/qpr/4863544.stm


DAILY MIRROR

WADD A BOSS FOR RANGERS
GIANNI Paladini has confirmed Gary Waddock as the new boss of QPR.
The former Ireland international has been in caretaker charge since Ian Holloway was shown the door in February. Waddock, 44, will be officially appointed on a two-year deal when the settlement with Holloway, who earned £180,000-ayear, is agreed.
Chairman Paladini said: "Gary has got the job.""
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/tm_objectid=16885095%26method=full%26siteid=94762%26headline=wadd%2da%2dboss%2dfor%2drangers-name_page.html

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Ben Konsky, Kilburn Times

Waiting game for Langley and Santos
March 2006 By Ben Kosky
UNSETTLED QPR duo Richard Langley and Georges Santos must wait until the summer to learn whether they have futures at Loftus Road.Langley, whose contract runs out at the end of the season, is unhappy at being left out of the starting line-up recently and was reported to be attracting interest from Championship rivals Luton last week.And Hull City's approach to borrow Santos until the end of the season was turned down by the Rs - but only because they need defensive cover until Matthew Rose recovers from an ankle injury.
The Frenchman has made just one brief substitute appearance since Gary Waddock took charge of the side in early February and, like Langley and three other first-team players, is out of contract in the summer.
Waddock - who has consistently stressed that he cannot offer new deals to players until his own position is clarified - observed: "I can only pick 11 players and keep those 11 happy."
Richard Langley's contract is up in the summer and his future will be decided at the end of the season. It's as simple as that and it's the same for the other players who are out of contract."If players are not playing, there will be interest in them, I'm sure. Every senior player wants to be in the team."T
here was interest in Georges before last week's deadline, but I had to make sure we had cover in that area and at the moment I don't feel we've got that."Georges hasn't been featuring in the side of late, but he's a good pro and a good trainer and I have to look at what's in the best interests of Queens Park Rangers."
Rose's injury is virtually certain to keep him out of action for Saturday's game against struggling Crewe, who remained bottom of the table after a 1-0 defeat at Preston on Tuesday.
And Waddock's options will not include on-loan defender Marcin Kus, who has yet to feature since his first-team debut at Leeds, in Ian Holloway's last game in charge."Kus is away on international duty this week," Waddock explained. "The World Cup's coming up and I don't want to stand in his way if he's got a chance of getting in the Polish squad."It's been a bit stop-start for him - he's played in the reserves and been injured - but it'd be nice to have a look at him before the end of the season and I intend to do that."
Rosey is still a concern - we need to know the full extent of the injury and we're waiting to see how it settles down. Everyone else is fighting fit, so we've got a decent group to pick from
http://www.kilburntimes.co.uk/content/camden/kilburntimes/sport/story.aspx?brand=KLBTOnline&category=sportfootball&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=sportklbt&itemid=WeED29%20Mar%202006%2012%3A23%3A23%3A650

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TEAMTALK -Waddock: Rose is naturally fit

Rose has missed the last two games with an ankle injury, and looks set to miss out again when the Hoops take on Stoke at Loftus Road on Wednesday.
It is the latest in a long line of injuries that have restricted the 30-year-old defender to just 66 first-team appearances in the past three seasons.
But Waddock said: "He's been unfortunate with injuries over the last couple of years, but he is a fit lad.
"Once he is over an injury, he does not need much training to get back to a decent level of fitness.
http://www.teamtalk.com/teamtalk/News/Story_Page/0,7760,1801_1117165,00.html "

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City left to rue missed chances
Mar 27 2006
Steve Tucker, Western Mail

FRUSTRATION everywhere at Ninian Park, you could feel it hanging in the air like the constant rain.
With play-off rivals Wolves losing and Preston held to a draw, there was a real sense of "if only" of "what might have been" as the Bluebirds settled for a point with the emphasis very much on the two dropped.
Of course, it's still all to play for in the Championship, but if only top scorer Cameron Jerome had buried his chance on 56 minutes, when all he had to do was keep his head, instead of allowing veteran Welsh keeper Paul Jones out to smother.
Although, to be fair to QPR, Cardiff could have been left totally empty-handed, with City keeper Neil Alexander having to make some vital interventions and former Bluebird Gareth Ainsworth looking lively throughout.
Manager Dave Jones insisted Rangers had come to frustrate his side, to play for the draw, but in reality they showed a lot more ambition going forward than a lot of visitors to Ninian Park this season. The Bluebirds had designated this game "family fun day" and on the first-half entertainment value at least you can imagine parents telling their unruly children in future, "Behave yourself or I'll take you to watch Cardiff City."
It was excruciating stuff, with the introduction of a new corner flag attracting cheers that put the action on the pitch into perspective.
You had to get your thrills where you could early on and Cardiff fans got them by jeering former player Richard Langley as he warmed up on the touchline. The fact Langley now sports the silliest haircut yet invented by man didn't help matters either.
Linesman Mr Flynn wasn't making many friends either as a number of tight offside decisions went the way of the visiting side.
Cardiff started the brighter of the two teams, Jason Koumas in particular was busy and striker Steve Thompson again caught the eye following his excellent performance and winning goal at Plymouth last week.
But Rangers were resolute: content to sit deep, while the Bluebirds grew ever more frustrated as moves fizzled out in the final third or Rangers' excellent captain Danny Shittu made yet another clearance from the heart of defence.
And to cap it all Cardiff found they had to be vigilant at the back as the direct Ainsworth proved a handful and the hulking figure of Marc Nygaard, who got the winner when the two teams met in London last December, lumbered about up front like Frankenstein's monster.
By the start of the second half, QPR had become even more confident and could well have grabbed the lead themselves, Cardiff seemed to sense it might not be their day and several players began to shrivel at the unfairness of it all.
The Bluebirds' biggest problem was that, barring a bit of luck, they really were bereft of ideas of how to break Rangers down. They probed, they prodded, they played it fancy around the box and threw in crosses, but when that failed they were left clueless.
And of course, with such limited squad numbers, there is nothing Jones can really do to change things around. With like-for-like replacements on the bench, bringing Rhys Weston on for Kevin Cooper with a quarter of an hour left is really as exciting as it gets. Although the absence of Jeff Whitley from amongst the substitutes was inexplicable as he is one of the only players Cardiff have who might come on and shake things up in the middle of the park.
There was the inevitable late assault on the QPR goal, but it wasn't enough and all that was left was that empty feeling you get at the realisation you've missed out on a very good opportunity.
Surely Cardiff cannot afford any more slip-ups like this at home if they are to turn their play-off dreams into reality.
They can only hope Reading at Ninian Park in two weeks' time are still bleary eyed from their Premiership promotion party, but also know Neil Warnock's Sheffield United are sure to be clear-headed on Good Friday and made of sterner stuff than QPR.
Although before all that is the little matter of Jones' return to another of his old clubs, Southampton, next weekend, where he experienced a sterner test of character away from the game than he ever will on any football pitch. For now Jones was putting a brave face on this result, while well aware of his squad's limitations.
"We haven't got the squad at the moment to make the changes. I'm changing like for like at the moment, we don't have something that's needed to mix it up a bit," said Jones.
"We've gained a point on the team above us, in Preston's case they've dropped points, we've dropped two points. But we just keep going. We fight another day and that's the important thing for everybody.
"They came with two banks of four and we weren't going to budge them. At one point I had four players up front, Paul Jones did a good job today.
"It happens when teams come here and set two banks of four and they are not prepared to move out. You've got to have a certain type of player who can rattle them and, like I said, at this moment in time, we haven't got that.
"Cameron (Jerome) is learning his trade and he needs to protect the ball a bit better in and around the goal area. But they are all things that we continue to work at. Unfortunately for us today, nothing fell for us and, when it did, the big man in goals made the save.
"People are saying that we are punching above our weight. I've been in the game long enough to know that nobody punches above their weight over 40 odd games. It's impossible to do because you've got to keep getting out there, week in, week out.
"We are where we are, hanging in there. The most important thing today was if it wasn't going to happen for us in front of goal then we certainly didn't let it happen for them."
http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/0600soccer/0900cardiffcity/tm_objectid=16866287%26method=full%26siteid=50082%26headline=bluebirds%2dlose%2dout%2din%2dstalemate-name_page.html

We could have won - Waddock
Mar 27 2006
Steve Tucker, Western Mail

RANGERS' caretaker boss Gary Waddock left Ninian Park believing his side could well have taken all three points rather than just the one, writes Steve Tucker.
Waddock, who is in charge at Loftus Road while manger Ian Holloway is on extended "gardening leave", dismissed claims that his side had started the game against Cardiff looking for a draw.
"It was a good point and I felt that we could have gone back home with the three points," said Waddock.
"I wanted to win the game, I think the way we played in the second half, with one or two opportunities we had, showed you that we wanted to win the game. It shows how well we defended to limit Cardiff to just one real opportunity in the game. I think we had more opportunities during the second half.
"I came here to win. I wasn't going to come here in a cavalier style. I wanted our side to be compact and narrow. When the game opened up, I thought we passed it quite well and created chances. There's no way I was going to come here and be cavalier.
Coming to somewhere like Cardiff was always going to be tough, they are having a fantastic season and wanted the three points to try and get themselves into the play-offs.
"We are delighted that we've kept a clean sheet and we are going home with a point."
Waddock also made it plain he hopes to take over permanently from Holloway should the opportunity arise http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/0600soccer/0200news/tm_objectid=16867760%26method=full%26siteid=50082%26headline=we%2dcould%2dhave%2dwon%2d%2d%2dwaddock-name_page.html

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Cardiff Official Site

Dave Jones
"We haven't got the squad at the moment to make the changes. I'm changing like for like at the moment, we don't have something that's needed to mix it up a bit.
"We've gained a point on the team above us, in Preston's case they've dropped points, we've dropped two points but we just keep going.
"We fight another day and that's the important thing for everybody.
"They came with two banks of four and we weren't going to budge them. At one point I had four players up front, Paul Jones did a good job today.
"It happens when teams come here and set two banks of four and they are not prepared to move out. You've got to have a certain type of player that can rattle them and like I said, at this moment in time, we haven't got that.
"Cameron is learning his trade and he needs to protect the ball a bit better in and around the goal area. But they are all things that we continue to work at.
"Unfortunately for us today nothing fell for us and when it did the big man in goals made the save.
"People are saying that we are punching above our weight. I've been in the game long enough to know that nobody punches above their weight over forty odd games. It's impossible to do because you've got to keep getting out there week in, week out. We are where we are, hanging in there. The most important thing today was if it wasn't going to happen for us in front of goal then we certainly didn't let it happen for them."

Gary Waddock
"It was a good point and I felt that we could have gone back home with the three points.
"I wanted to win the game, I think the way we played second half with one or two opportunities we had showed you that we wanted to win the game.
"It shows how well we defended to limit Cardiff to just one real opportunity in the game. I think we had more opportunities during the second half.
"I came here to win. I wasn't going to come here in a cavalier style. I wanted our side to be compact and narrow.
"When the game opened up I thought we passed it quite well and created chances. "There's no way I was going to come here and be cavalier.
"We are delighted that we've kept a clean sheet and we are going home with a point."
http://www.cardiffcityfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/LatestDetail/0,,10335~807320,00.html

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QPR Official Site
Gary Waddock spoke of his delight as Rangers sealed a deserved point against high-flying Cardiff City at Ninian Park.
The Hoops Caretaker Manager had just seen his side stretch their mini unbeaten run to five matches with a fourth draw on the spin.
"It was a good point and I felt that with a bit of luck we could have gone back home with the three points.
"I wanted to win the game. I think the way we played in the second half, when we ground out one or two opportunities, showed that we came here to win the three points.
''I wasn't going to come here in a cavalier style. I wanted our side to be compact and narrow.
"When the game opened up I thought we passed it quite well and created chances. There's no way I was going to come here and be cavalier.''
Rangers enjoyed the lion's share of possession in the second period, with Marc Nygaard unfortunate to see his goal-bound effort tipped onto the post by Neil Alexander.
At the other end, the Bluebirds were restricted to just four shots on goal, of which only one was noteworthy.
"It shows how well we defended to limit Cardiff to just one real opportunity in the game. I think we had more opportunities during the second half.
"We are delighted that we've kept a clean sheet and we are going home with a point."
http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Match/ManagersComments/0,,10373~807338,00.html


Sporting Life
BLUEBIRDS' WINGS CLIPPED BY STALEMATE
A goalless draw at home to QPR did little for Cardiff's play-off hopes but manager David Jones is not giving up just yet.
The visitors dominated the early exchanges but found the Cardiff defence - and Riccardo Scimeca in particular - resolute as both sides failed to create any noteworthy chances.
"It was a very tight game and there was nowhere for any one to move," said Jones.
"They kept their formation of two banks of four and we weren't good enough on the day to break them down."
Cardiff are two points outside the top six, although with an inferior goal difference to their rivals, but Jones is not giving up on sneaking into the play-offs.
"If we had earned the victory we might have moved up a place but there is still plenty for us to play for," he added.
"It just wasn't our day today and I do not have a big enough squad to change things around.
"We seemed to lack a little quality but I can not criticise my players for that.
"This club has come on in leaps and bounds since the start of the season and it has been progress all the way through."
The Bluebirds' best chance came in the 12th minute when Cameron Jerome broke free down the right and crossed into the danger area but the on-rushing Steve Thompson just failed to get a touch.
Rangers were most dangerous when Gareth Ainsworth was on the ball but the first half closed with neither side looking capable of making the breakthrough.
The second half was much the same with the poor conditions preventing any fluidity but Jerome had a great chance when a missed kick presented him with the ball in front of goal but Wales' keeper Paul Jones was swiftly out to block.
"It was a good point and at one stage I thought it could have been all three," said Rangers caretaker boss Gary Waddock.
"We came to win and had more opportunities to score in the second half when the play opened up.
"We passed it well and made several chances but I was never going to approach this game in cavalier style.
"Cardiff have been doing very well and needed a win to push into the play-off position but that shows just what a good point it was for us.
"If the manager's job is offered to me I would gladly take it but at this moment in time Ian Holloway is the manager and it is not up to me."
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/nationwide1/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/06/03/25/SOCCER_Cardiff_2nd_Nightlead.html&TEAMHD=nationwide1


IC Wales - City settle for point in no-goal show
Inconsistent Coca-Cola Championship play-off chasers Cardiff had to settle for a point against mid-table Queens Park Rangers, who had drawn their three previous games.
The away side dominated the early exchanges but found the Cardiff defence - and Riccy Scimeca in particular – resolute, as both sides failed to create any noteworthy chances.
The first effort on goal came from Cardiff in the 18th minute, as Joe Ledley’s 25-yard left-foot effort flew wide of Paul Jones’ left-hand post.
Cardiff’s Glenn Loovens was then booked for a lunge at QPR’s top scorer Gareth Ainsworth three minutes later, as City increased the pressure on their visitors.
The home team began to take greater charge of a tight game as the first half progressed, with Jason Koumas pulling the creative strings in midfield.
However Dave Jones’ men were unable to translate their growing dominance into chances as the game became bogged down in midfield. Both sides wasted attacking opportunities through a string of offsides, with Cameron Jerome the most culpable.
The influential Koumas provided Cardiff top scorer Jerome with an opportunity to increase his season’s tally to 17 in the league in the 38th minute, but his header was blocked by the impressive Danny Shittu.
Koumas was in the thick of the action again two minutes later but his 25-yarder was blocked by Marc Bircham.
Rangers did not produce their first effort on goal until three minutes before half-time when Ainsworth put a right-foot effort wide from 20 yards.
QPR started the second period brightly, Ainsworth forcing a save from Neil Alexander with a 20-yard free-kick three minutes after the restart.
The action was soon back at the other end though, where Jerome forced a parried save from veteran keeper Jones with a rasping 18-yard drive from the right-hand side of the penalty area.
Jerome continued to frustrate the home support, however, by repeatedly straying offside.
Hoops striker Marc Nygaard burst into action on the hour-mark, as the suddenly busy Alexander parried his close-range effort away for a corner, but he only had to watch when Ainsworth fired wide five minutes later.
Counterpart Jones was then called into action to catch an effort from City’s transfer window capture Steven Thompson.
Rangers introduced veteran marksman Paul Furlong to try to inspire a late victory and he forced Alexander into action after just a minute on the pitch with an 18-yard effort.
The Bluebirds responded almost instantly through a long-range Kevin Cooper left-footer which flew wide.
Both teams pushed in the final minutes, but lacked the quality to create a match-winning chance. http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/0600soccer/0900cardiffcity/tm_objectid=16863630&method=full&siteid=50082&headline=city-settle-for-point-in-no-goal-show-name_page.html

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Cardiff crew no problem for Langley
Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times 22 March 2006

"....The QPR midfielder, who spent two years with the Bluebirds before returning to Loftus Road, is braced for an intimidating welcome in Wales on Saturday. Supporters regarded Langley's salary as a sizeable drain on Cardiff's resources and he was frozen out at the start of the season after making clear his desire to leave.
"Their fans can be a bit hostile at times, so it won't surprise me if it is an uncomfortable reception and they try and make it as difficult as possible for me," Langley admitted."But you expect that in football when you're going back to an old club and I'll be ready for anything." Cardiff will be scrapping for the points because they're trying to climb up into the play-offs, but I'll just be looking to go out and give a good account of myself." Once you get on the pitch you tend to forget a lot of what's going on around you and I'll be as focused as I can for that match, like I would with any other."
At the moment, getting on the pitch is proving something of a problem for Langley, who was an unused substitute in the Rs' 1-1 draw against Brighton last weekend.Caretaker boss Gary Waddock opted for the steel of Marc Bircham and Steve Lomas rather than the undoubted flair of Langley, who has nevertheless made 28 appearances since rejoining Rangers.But the 26-year-old has no regrets about leaving Cardiff, despite their surprising transformation from relegation candidates to play-off hopefuls this season."
I've settled in again in London, started playing some good football and I think I've been fairly consistent," said Langley."....
As for next season, Langley's future is still uncertain, with the contract he signed on his return to Loftus Road due to expire at the end of the current campaign.He added: "I'm still waiting to start discussions with Gianni [Paladini], but it would be nice to have my future here. I just want to push on for the rest of the season, finish on a high and see what happens
http://www.kilburntimes.co.uk/content/camden/kilburntimes/sport/story.aspx?brand=KLBTOnline&category=sportfootball&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=sportklbt&itemid=WeED22%20Mar%202006%2011%3A47%3A49%3A963

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Mike Keen, March 19, 1940

Made more than 400 QPR appearances from 1959 to 1968/1969, midfielder/winghalf and Captain, Mike Keen. Captained QPR from 3rd to 1st Division and in the League Cup Final.

Probably not very well treated...Was sold to Alec Stock's Luton when we were in our Relegation Fight...and Keen then proceeded to lead Luton to promotion and then joined Watford. Managed Watford and Northampton and then-non-League Wycombe,. Was briefly a coach at QPR when Frank Sibley was manager. His son played for West Ham and Wolves.

From Sunday Times, April 6 2003 "Where are they now"
"Mike Keen - One of the old school of half-backs Keen was a skilful player who enjoyed delivering long passes, and he was a strong, clinical tackler. He was a QPR stalwart who joined the club in 1958, and played in 393 League matches. After a change of managers, he moved to Luton before finishing his playing career at Watford. He was appointed manager at Vicarage Road and enjoyed four years at the club, where he set about engendering the spirit he had experienced as a player at Loftus Road. He managed Northampton for a year before taking charge of Wycombe part-time and then Marlow while he concentrated on running Sport and Ski, a shop in Wycombe. He lives in Flackwell Heath in Buckinghamshire, and is manager of a shop in Oxfordshire that sells outdoor gear and ski equipment." http://dspace.dial.pipex.com/bob.dunning/caught3.htm


See
Photo (Front row, sitting next to Chairman, Jim Gregory)
http://www.kabrna.com/marsh/qpr_wba.htm

Also:
http://www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/sport/wanderers/wwfchistory/pastmanagers/display.var.546103.0.197984_mike_keen.php

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Former Bluebird has wrecking job in mind
Mar 21 2006 Ian Hunt, Western Mail

CARDIFF CITY will aim to squeeze into the Championship play-off zone at the weekend - though not if one on-song former Bluebird has anything to do with it.
Dave Jones' men kept their promotion dream alive last weekend with a vital 1-0 win at Plymouth that took them to within two points of sixth place.
The only top-eight side to record a win, Cardiff know another victory at home to Queens Park Rangers on Saturday - coupled with defeats for Preston and Wolves - would nudge them into the final play-off spot.
But QPR winger Gareth Ainsworth is determined to help put a stop to Cardiff's momentum when he makes his first official return to the club he served towards the end of the 2002-03 season.
The 32-year-old will arrive at Ninian Park in the midst of one of the best spells of his career, having taken over as this season's top scorer at Loftus Road with his seventh of the campaign in Saturday's 1-1 home draw against Brighton.
And, though the Londoners are out of the promotion race and comfortably perched in mid-table, Ainsworth has warned the Bluebirds they will be in for a difficult afternoon.
"I don't think you'll be able to call this match on the two teams' league positions - we're quite closely matched and it'll probably be a tight game," said Ainsworth, who flew up and down the City wing between March and June 2003.
"(Caretaker manager) Gary Waddock has done a great job since taking over from Ian Holloway and I think we're getting stronger all the time.
"He's changed our style - advocating us playing more football - and we're learning more and more as we go along.
"We're in a comfortable position - 13th in the table - but we're determined to finish as high as we possibly can.
"I'm really looking forward to the game as it'll be the first time I've come back to Ninian Park for a league match since playing for Cardiff.
"I was injured for QPR's match at Ninian on the final day of last season, which I know involved a big struggle against relegation for Cardiff.
"Now they're in with a shout of the play-offs, which is fantastic. I honestly didn't expect Cardiff to be where they are in the table.
"It's a really refreshing change. Not much has changed in the Premiership over the last 12 months, but it's a credit to the Championship that it's capable of throwing up surprises.
"It's difficult for me to say who might get the final play-off position as Cardiff and Preston are both former clubs of mine.
"But, with so few games left, I do think it's a tall order for any side currently outside the top six to get into the play-offs."
Ainsworth is not the only former Bluebird flying back into Wales at the weekend as midfielder Richard Langley (pictured) returns for the first time since ending his two-year spell at Cardiff last summer.
Whereas Langley has made 19 league starts and scored three goals in his second spell at Rangers, Blackburn-born Ainsworth has struck seven goals in 25 Championship starts this term.
"I've played 36 games in all and I'm top scorer, which I don't think is too bad for a someone who people say is injury-prone," he said.
"Hopefully, I can pop up with a goal at Cardiff, who I still regard as one of the biggest clubs I've played for.
"I loved my time at Cardiff, and wanted to stay there permanently.
"But, having initially been told I'd get a contract, Lennie (Lawrence) changed his mind two days after the play-off final and said he wanted to go for bigger players.
"On my way back to London from Cardiff, though, I got a call from QPR (ironically the side City had just beat to win promotion) saying they wanted to talk to me.
"The rest is history. I was at Ninian Park last week for Andy Legg's benefit game, and had a great reception from the fans - hopefully I'll get another one at the weekend.
"Just as I always used to give everything for Cardiff, though, they'll understand that I'll be putting in 100 per cent to try and help QPR win the game."
http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/0600soccer/0200news/tm_objectid=16838109%26method=full%26siteid=50082%26headline=former%2dbluebird%2dhas%2dwrecking%2djob%2din%2dmind%2d-name_page.html

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BBC - Jackett encourages McLeod to go
Swansea City manager Kenny Jackett has urged midfielder Kevin McLeod to leave the club before Thursday's deadline for loan deals.
The player is out of favour after a breach of club discipline, but he still has two years on his Swans contract.
"I've spoken to Kevin and his agent and said from my point of view the best thing is if he goes now," Jackett told the South Wales Evening Post. Swansea will only agree a loan deal if a summer free transfer is guaranteed. Sheffield Wednesday, Colchester, Doncaster, Peterborough and Chester have all expressed an interest in McLeod.
"There are options," said Jackett. "Will he leave? I don't know. It depends who comes in with a firm offer. We'll just have to wait and see."
http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/swansea_city/4829172.stm

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Gary Micklewhite. Born March 21, 1961.

Signed by Tommy Docherty from Manchester United on a free. Under Terry Venables came into the team. Was a sub in the First Cup Final Game. Started in the Replay. Great, hardworking midfielder. Ultimately sold to Derby County by Frank Sibley. Got the final goal in QPR's 5-5 draw vs Newcastle.


FROM WYCOMBE Fan Site
Gary Micklewhite in Profile
Born: Southwark 21 March 1961
Playing Career:Manchester United March 1978-May 1979 (apprentice)QPR July 1979-Feb 1985 127 apps-17 goalsDerby County Feb 1985-May 1993 288 apps-43 goalsGillingham July 1993-May 1996 113 apps-4 goals
Gary Micklewhite came to Wycombe at the start of the 1998/99 season as Assistant to Neil Smillie. He had spent the previous two seasons as Youth Team Manager at QPR and was a team-mate of Neil Smillie during his final playing years at Gillingham.
Micklewhite began his professional football at Old Trafford under the reigns of Tommy Docherty but he never made the first team. Then in the summer of 1979, with Docherty now at QPR, he arrived on a free and began a succesful spell at Loftus Road. In 1982 he appeared in both games against Spurs in the FA Cup Final at Wembley - playing in midfield alongside former Wycombe Manager John Gregory. A year later he gained a Division Two Championship with Rangers. A £90,000 move to Derby County in 1985 began an eight year spell at The Baseball Ground before his move to Gillingham.
http://www.chairboys.ndirect.co.uk/onthenet/g_mick.htm

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Sporting Life - LANGLEY LUTON LINK LASHED

QPR caretaker manager Gary Waddock has played down speculation linking Richard Langley with a move to Championship rivals Luton Town. The 26-year-old is out of contract in the summer and has become frustrated at his lack of first-team opportunities.
Luton have been rumoured as being interested in the Jamaican star, but Waddock insists there is nothing happening at the moment.
He said: "Richard's contract is up in the summer and we'll have to wait and see. He played a lot at the start of the season, but he's not been in the team because of Marc Bircham and Steve Lomas.
"He came to see me and asked me why he wasn't playing and we had a chat, but nothing's happening (regarding a move) at the moment."
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/cc_championship/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=nonwire_soccer/06/03/20/manual_181030.html&TEAMHD=nationwide1

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Smith in line for return to Oxford
The Guardian - Michael Walker Tuesday March 21, 2006

Jim Smith is expected to be named as manager of Oxford United today, succeeding Brian Talbot who was sacked last week. It will be a sort of homecoming for Smith, 65, having been their manager in the early 80s and famously guiding them through the divisions and into the top flight for the first time in their history.
Oxford have slipped back into the fourth tier of English football and tonight face a match at Bury that will help define whether they stay in the Football League or are relegated to the Conference. Smith is expected to be at Gigg Lane and will officially take over tomorrow. He will be the club's eighth manager in six years.
Smith's last job was as assistant to Harry Redknapp at Southampton but he was a casualty of the turbulence at St Mary's last summer and has been waiting for the opportunity to return to the game since. .....
http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,1735494,00.html

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Bristol Evening Post on Holloway

BIG FREEZE IS HARD ON OLLY
11:00 - 20 March 2006

Ian Holloway has been involved in football all his life. From the moment he first kicked a ball with his late father Bill, the Bristolian was absorbed by the game. Signed by Bristol Rovers in his teens, Holloway embarked on a professional career that also took in spells with Wimbledon, Brentford and, most notably, in the Premiership with QPR.In 1996 he moved into management with the Pirates before succeeding Gerry Francis at Rangers.Holloway has always been fiercely committed to the sport and the club he represents.Yet now, for the first time in almost 30 years, the 43-year-old has been frozen out of the game he loves - and it hurts.
Holloway was relieved of his duties as QPR manager last month, told to stay away from the club and placed on 'gardening leave.'Holloway has taken the advice literally and spent the last few weeks doing gardening and DIY at his house in St Albans - but he admits it hurts."Frustrating isn't the word, it's like part of you is missing," said Holloway. "It's a bereavement, me without football."
But I've had some time to reflect, had some time to get back to what's important."Sometimes you can get the balance wrong between what is really vital, which is your family, your wife and your kids."What I have learnt is that no matter how hard you try, football is not what you think it is."I'm not even allowed to go there (QPR) any more. I'm not allowed to ring any of my players."When I get into a relationship, I am committed, that's it. And unfortunately, the way I earn my money, it kicks you every now and again."
This is the second time it's happened and I'm looking forward to the start of the third venture, whatever that is."I'll always give it 100 per cent and if that isn't good enough, then I won't apologise. I'll just pick up my bags and start again somewhere else. That's all you can do."
The first time Holloway was forced to relinquish a management role came in January 2001, when he was sacked as Rovers boss.Having taken the Pirates to the brink of promotion to what is now the Championship in the 1999-2000 season, the fiery boss saw star strikers Jason Roberts and Jamie Cureton sold during the close season.Inevitably the side struggled the following season, ultimately being relegated to the Football League's basement division.It was a tough time for Holloway, who, despite linking up with Rangers soon after, took a while to get over the disappointing end to his Rovers love affair."I've been away from Bristol for a long time now and there were things that happened at the end (in 2001) that were in danger of souring my whole experience," he said."
I'm Bristol born and bred and I've always been proud of that."All I ever did was wear my heart on my sleeve and if that offended some people then I apologise."I probably learnt over the years and I was out of order sometimes when I first started."Some of the things at the end hurt, like some of the Gasheads singing 'You don't know what you're doing' - how they were that astute and knew, I don't know!"Holloway makes a rare return to his home city tomorrow when he links up with rugby celebrity Gareth Chilcott for a Sporting Dinner at Jury's Hotel.The show was sold out weeks ago, highlighting how popular 'Olly' remains throughout Bristol."I'm looking forward to coming back," he said. "
You never forget your roots."At the moment the show is a breath of fresh air for me because my situation is not very nice."It's part of my occupation but to come back to Bristol and see some friendly faces will be great."Hopefully the night will be different. I've seen a lot of after dinner speaking where there's not enough inter-action. We want people to join in, which is vital."With his obvious Rovers loyalties, Holloway is bracing himself for the presence of City fans at tomorrow's show.But he also realises how important the inter-city rivalry is."All I've learnt since I've been outside of Bristol is how much it means to me," added Holloway."The sporting rivalry between Rovers and City is so important. The clubs need each other, that healthy competition is essential."Maybe it's not healthy enough. I'm blue, I always have been, but without the reds, I wouldn't be the same. That's what it's all about."Holloway's enforced absence from football over recent weeks has also led to a period of self-examination."I'm 43 now and I'm learning all the time," said Holloway."
You adapt and change through life and I'm looking forward to whatever happens next."It's a new chapter in my life for me. My daughters are growing up and my son's passed his driving test."If you'd have told me that my little 'un is now driving a car, it's scary and I wouldn't have believed it."My whole life is changing. My daughters are going to go to college in Exeter, my boy is driving now and we've only got one child to get through school."I've been at it solidly for 10 years, thrown in the deep end at Rovers, and at times I needed armbands because it's not easy being a football manager, particularly without all your badges and your education."I'm having to catch up on that and I'm enjoying it as well."I've got a plan of action, as far as I can, because my future is in someone else's hands. But watch this space."Watch this space we most certainly will, because with Ian Holloway there is never a dull moment.Big personalities:Happier times:Kicking his heels:
http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk.cob-web.org:8888/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=144914&command=displayContent&sourceNode=144907&contentPK=14202951&folderPk=83727

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Mirror -WADDOCK'S HOPEFUL OF GREAT THINGS WITH GIFT OF THE SHAB
QPR 1 Brighton 1
STRIKER Shabazz Baidoo is in line for a new deal - despite his blunder costing QPR victory.
Ten-man Rangers were in command before Marcus Bignot's comical own goal handed Albion an equaliser. And Baidoo missed an injury-time chance to win it when he failed to connect from six yards with the goal at his mercy.
But boss Gary Waddock wants the highly-rated 18-year-old to commit his future to the club by signing a two-year contract this week.
Waddock said: "We'll be sitting down with Shabazz and his agent. I want him to sign it. He's a good lad who's getting better all the time and I don't want that miss to effect him. "On another day he would have scored and been the hero.
"Hopefully we can get that deal sorted.".....
..... http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/topstories/tm_objectid=16835103%26method=full%26siteid=94762-name_page.html


Also BBC Teenager ponders new QPR contract
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/q/qpr/4825662.stm

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From QPR1st

QPR Holdings Ltd -AGM Report
"March 19, 2006
Tracy Stent represented the interests of the Supporters Trust at the Annual General Meeting of QPR Holdings Ltd.
It was a fairly lively affair and Tracy has produced a report of the meeting which can be viewed/downloaded via the link below. The document is in MS Word format.After the AGM, QPR 1st received details of the loan agreement between Ross Jones and QPR holdings plc (from 2004) mentioned in the report,which he has given us permission to reproduce. ... http://www.qpr1st.co.uk/main/newsarticle.asp?id=59


[Also brief AGM report in the Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror 18 March 2006
RANGERS 'STAY PUT' By Aidan Magee

QPR chairman Gianni Paladini has assured supporters the club will stay at Loftus Road.
Paladini (pictured below), thought to have been considering a switch to a site at White City, made the pledge as he and Brazil World Cup legend Carlos Dunga - a club director - faced angry fans at QPR's annual meeting.
They were upset by price-hikes, boss Ian Holloway's sacking, debts of £18m and director Antonio Caliendo's suggestion of a move from Shepherds Bush.
But Paladini said: "Antonio Caliendo doesn't speak English. If you asked him what he thought White City was, he would reply: 'Que?' We won't be moving and that's final."
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/topstories/tm_objectid=16828912%26method=full%26siteid=94762-name_page.html

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On This Day...

Forty years ago today, Rodney Marsh began his QPR Career
March 19, 1966: Marsh made his debut away to Peterborough. Drew 1-1 and didn't score.The team for Marsh's debut: Peter Springett -Langley, Hunt Sibley Watson - Lazarus, Keen, Roger Morgan, Allen, Collins Marsh.

37 Years Ago, Humiliation
March 19, 1969: Humiliation! Manchester United 8 QPR 1 (Marsh scored for QPR!)

Spratley
ClementHazell Hunt Watson
Glover I. Morgan Sibley
Clarke Marsh Leach
Sub: Keetch for Clarke

Manchester United
Willie Morgan 3, George Best 2, John Aston, Brian Kidd and Nobby Stiles got the goals.
Stepney, Fitzpatrick, Dunne, Crerand, James, Stiles, Morgan, Kidd, Aston, Law, Best
http://red11.org/mufc/news/99/190399.htm

As I recall, it was only 1-0 at half time (or 2-1) and Manchester United scored 4 of their goals in the last15 minutes. It was a terrible season for QPR but this result was the worst!

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Andy Sinton Turns 40: Born, March 19, 1966
http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football-heroes/displayhero_club.asp?HeroID=9795
Signed by Trevor Francis from Brentford for 350,000 pounds. Sold 4 years later to Sheffield Wednesday for almost 3 million pouns


Roy Wegerle Turns 42 - Born March 19, 1964
http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football-heroes/displayhero_club.asp?HeroID=9814
Don Howe's first signing when he became QPR manager. Signed from Luton for 1 million pounds. Sold a couple of years later by Gerry Francis to Blackburn for just over a million pounds.

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QPR took the lead....Gallen sent off...Brighton equalize through a Bignot og....Baidoo misses a sitter ...Just Under 14,000 saw the game

OFFICIAL SITE
Red Cards :Gallen 50
Goals :Ainsworth 13 Bignot 80 (og)
Match Report
Rangers had to share the points after a Gareth Ainsworth header, thanks to a late own goal.
The Rangers winger had given Rangers the lead in the first half when his 13th minute header got the better of Wayne Henderson.
For the remainder of the half, it was all Rangers as Brighton failed to trouble the home side.
But in the second half, the sending off of Kevin Gallen fuelled Brighton's game.
But still the visitors failed to pose any real threat and considering this, it was no surprise that their equaliser came from Marcus Bignot.
The header fell past Paul Jones, who was unable to claw the ball from behind him.
All in all, a disappointing result given the performance.
Gary Waddock made two changes to the team which drew with Sheffield Wednesday.
A slight hamstring tweak to Paul Furlong saw the striker rested, but there was good news in the form of Marc Nygaard who returned to action.
Ian Evatt also came in for Matthew Rose in the centre of defence.
Rangers started brightly, dominating in possession and looking lively in front of goal.
Nygaard looked a certainty to put Rangers ahead with just 8 minutes on the clock after Marcus Bignot crossed for the Dane.
Nygaard stuck a boot out, but the ball cannoned over the bar when just a little bit of direction was required.
Judging by Rangers' build up play, you could tell it wouldn't be long before the deadlock was broken and it was a surprise that it took as long as 13 minutes.
The 'pass and move' work from the training ground paid dividends when Lee Cook crossed for Gareth Ainsworth, who headed clean through the legs of Wayne Henderson who was rooted to his line.
Brighton threatened Paul Jones for the first time 20 minutes in when Sebastien Carole drove low at the Rangers stopper, but Jones held his effort easily.
The same man bore down on goal seven minutes later and struck from outside the box.
Despite the fact that his shot was struck with venom down the middle of the goal, Jones was well position and held his strike.
Lee Cook could have doubled the scoreline on a number of occasions, but each time the final ball eluded him.
At the other end, a weak Colin Kazim-Richards failed to trouble Jones as the ball skewed wide of the post.
Rangers finished the half on top, but suffered a blow early on after the break when Kevin Gallen was dismissed for an off the ball incident involving Paul McShane.
Faced with the loss of his skipper, Gary Waddock mixed things up by replacing Nygaard and Cook with Sammy Youssouf and Shabazz Baidoo.
The advantage in numbers seemed to help Brighton's plight and the visitors started to see more of the ball.
A well taken corner from Doug Loft flew past the face of goal, but luckily for Jones who had made a mad dash, none of the Brighton men could connect.
Some good work from Baidoo almost saw the youngster net his first goal at Loftus Road.
Weaving between two defenders, Baidoo swerved to the left, pushed the ball past his man and unleashed a fierce effort which sadly flew just over the bar.
The scores were then levelled by the most unfortunate of circumstances.
Marcus Bignot headed back to Jones, but the keeper just couldn't seem to reach the ball as he was left wrong-footed.
As he looked behind him, the ball bobbled into the back of the net.Rangers went straight back on the offensive in a bid to retake the lead.
Ainsworth went close to bagging his second of the day when his free kick blazed over the bar as time ran out for Rangers.It looked as though Baidoo was going to win the game for Rangers in injury time when Nygaard headed down for him in front of goal, but a tangle of his legs meant the youngster lacked the finish.Sadly there was to be no winner for the Superhoops, despite the fact this was a game that could and indeed should have been won.Rangers: Jones, Bignot, Milanese, Evatt, Shittu, Bircham, Gallen, Ainsworth, Cook (Baidoo 61), Nygaard (Youssouf 61), Lomas
Subs: Royce, Santos, LangleyScorers: Ainsworth 13,Bookings: BaidooSent off: Gallen 50
Brighton: Henderson, Hinshelwood, Hart, Hammond, Carpenter, Butters, Carole (Gatting 57), Frutos (Loft 65), El-Abd, Kazim-Richards, McShane
Scorers: Bignot (og) 79
Subs: Martin, Reid, Dodd
Bookings: El-AbdRef: A Leake
Att: 13,907 http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Match/MatchReport/0,,10373~31044,00.html


WADDOCK /OFFICIAL SITE " UNLUCKY"
Gary Waddock was left ruing his side's missed chances after drawing with Brighton.
Marcus Bignot's own goal in the 79th minute cancelled out Gareth Ainsworth's opener, but Waddock refused to point the finger at his defender.
He said: "Biggy is sitting in the dressing room and is absolutely gutted. Up until that moment we had been playing well and taking the game to Brighton.
"They hadn't posed too much of a threat to us and to say that I'm disappointed is an understatement.
"I'm not going to blame Biggy because there were other turning points in the game.
"Shabazz had two great chances to win us the game at the end and it's fair to say that he is just as gutted as Biggy at the moment.
"I told him that he can miss one, but next time the second opportunity falls to him he's got to put a size nine boot through it and launch it."
The dismissal of Kevin Gallen five minutes in to the second half gave Brighton half a chance in a game they rarely took a hold of.
The skipper was adjudged to have swung an arm at Paul McShane and was duly given his marching orders.
"I think that was a turning point in the game. I haven't had a chance to see it yet but all in all, it wasn't our day having dominated the game."
http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Match/ManagersComments/0,,10373~804074,00.html


SPORTING LIFE
McGhee - hopeful of staying up. McGHEE BULLISH OVER SAFETY
By Andy Sims, PA Sport
Brighton boss Mark McGhee insisted his side can still beat the drop from the Coca-Cola Championship despite seeing them held to a 1-1 draw by 10-man QPR at Loftus Road.
A Marcus Bignot own goal 10 minutes from time earned the Seagulls a point after Gareth Ainsworth had given Rangers a deserved first-half lead.
Sheffield Wednesday's win over Preston leaves Brighton seven points adrift of safety, but McGhee is refusing to write his battling side off and insists they can survive.
"The important thing is we still have to play Sheffield Wednesday, and if we can get a win between now and then, and then beat them, it is game on," said McGhee.
"If we didn't have to play them, then it would probably be all over, but it isn't. But we have to beat Sheffield Wednesday."
McGhee was disappointed with his side's display, however, and admitted they barely deserved to take a point back to the south coast.
Rangers were rarely threatened by the visitors despite being a man short for most of the second half following Kevin Gallen's sending off.
"Week in, week out, we've been able to say we've deserved more from games, but not today," added McGhee.
"It took the sending off to get us into the game and that's disappointing.
"We've got to be grateful for a point because we didn't deserve to win. And if we stay up I'll send Marcus Bignot a bottle of champagne."
Rangers caretaker boss Gary Waddock revealed Gallen apologised to his team-mates following his 50th-minute dismissal.
The experienced striker was shown a straight red card by referee Tony Leake after aiming a punch at Brighton defender Paul McShane.
"I didn't see the incident but it was out of character," said Waddock. "He's devastated, he's never been sent off before.
"And we know if we'd had 11 men on the pitch we'd have gone on to win.
"We played well in the first half, and even with 10 men I thought we played some good football. I felt we deserved three points overall."
Waddock's future remains unresolved, with previous boss Ian Holloway still on gardening leave following a fall-out with chairman Gianni Paladini, and the former Rangers defender admitted he wants a concrete decision sooner rather than later.
"We've got a lot of good young players here, but I'm not in a position to make decisions on players' futures at the moment," he added.
"Ian Holloway is still the manager of this football club. If the situation with him is sorted out then hopefully the club will sit down with me."
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/cc_championship/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/06/03/18/SOCCER_QPR_2nd_Nightlead.html&TEAMHD=nationwide1

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McLeod must go out and prove he wants to stay with us - Jackett
Mar 17 2006 Western Mail

KENNY JACKETT has refused to close the door on Kevin McLeod's Swansea career, despite receiving five inquiries for the midfielder.
McLeod, 25, was placed on the transfer list this week after being spotted drinking on the eve of the Walsall game, the latest of several issues that have aggravated Jackett.
No official bids have been received for the Evertonian, and, after a meeting between the pair, Jackett has stressed what happens next is up to McLeod.
"I've had inquiries from five clubs, but nothing concrete," said Jackett. "I've told him personally, individually and publicly why I've put him on the transfer list and his reaction is down to him.
"With his ability level, there will be a lot of clubs interested and if one of these clubs makes an offer which is fine for us then the ball is in his court. I can't make him move on so it's down to Kevin now."
But despite McLeod insisting he wants to fight for his Liberty Stadium future, Jackett has called on the winger to prove his desire on the training ground.
Jackett said, "He's said he hopes to stay, but it's okay saying it, but he's got to do it - actions speak loader than words,
"He's been talking to me about sorting out his application. That's all very good him saying he wants to stay, he values it here, and admitting he's been inconsistent over last few months after a storming start, but his future is up in the air. It will be decided by him.
"But one thing I would never do is say he won't play for this club again.
"If there's a vital game coming up and players unavailable and he's fit and flying. I'm not stupid enough not to play him because it's all about the club being successful.
"But, under present circumstances, I don't accept what he's doing. That's what I've said to him - his next reaction is his responsibility." http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/0600soccer/0200news/tm_objectid=16823721%26method=full%26siteid=50082%26headline=mcleod%2dmust%2dgo%2dout%2dand%2dprove%2dhe%2dwants%2dto%2dstay%2dwith%2dus%2d%2d%2djackett-name_page.html

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Happy Birthday, Garry Waddock: Born March 17, 1962 (a Year OLDER than Ian Holloway!)
Waddock's QPR Playing Record
http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football-heroes/displayhero_club.asp?HeroID=8387


Given his debut as a 17 year old, by Tommy Docherty, in September 1979 - in our first season after Steve Burtenshaw took QPR down. (A QPR team which was also giving games to Clive Allen and Paul Goddard and others)

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BBC - Dunga will face QPR shareholders

Carlos Dunga will face shareholders at Queens Park Rangers' Annual General Meeting on Friday.
The former Brazil captain became a QPR director in 2004 as part of a Monaco-based group that later staged a boardroom coup at Loftus Road. Dunga did not attend board meetings prior to using his vote to help Gianni Paladini oust Bill Power as chairman. "I take my role as a director of QPR seriously and look forward to appearing in front of shareholders," said Dunga. "Myself and the other directors have put money into the club to help it survive and will continue to do so."
Paladini has faced scepticism from some fans since Power and chief executive Mark Devlin were removed following a series of boardroom disagreements. Rangers are heavily in debt and several behind-the-scenes changes have been made since Paladini took control along with Antonio Caliendo. Both men are former agents.
Italian businessman Franco Zanotti has also bought a major stake and Paladini has defended their running of the club.
Paladini said: "Can anyone say QPR aren't in a better position than when I came in two years ago? "The losses are reduced and we are in a position to move forward. Everything is settled and we just want to get on with running the club. "This board have invested over £8m. Yes, some of that has been used to buy shares, but that is how much has been paid and that shows commitment."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/q/qpr/4810366.stm

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League Managers Association (LMA) Official Site

IAIN DOWIE… ON TARGET

Whether it was working with missiles at G.E. Aircraft or playing up front for West Ham United amongst others, Iain Dowie always knew where the target was. One of the country’s most up and coming young managers, now has his sights set on a 2nd promotion to the Premiership in 3 years. Sue McCann has been speaking to the Palace Boss. The Championship division this season appears to be more competitive than ever; is this tougher than your first stint in it, is it a reflection on the calibre of managers involved or is there a very good standard of player around at the moment particularly in the top half of the table? “I think there are some very, very good teams in the Championship. I’m not sure it’s tougher than it was before because we were fourth from bottom when I first came in. I just think there’s some good managers in there. There’s been some stand alone performances; Steve Coppell, what he’s done at Reading, the players he’s brought in and the way he plays as well. They’ve had a fantastic season and done what Sunderland did last year, but probably even better. There is an ultra competitive level in this league.” Despite being founder members of the Premiership, Crystal Palace have been the ultimate ‘yo yo’ club since the Premiership’s formation. Should you achieve promotion what steps must Palace take differently to be better equipped to stay up? “I think in this modern day the infrastructure is very, very key. I think you need to have your ground developed to a certain level and the training ground to a very high level and I think they’re things that you have to do and I think the Chairman is aware of that, and is trying to prepare accordingly. Outside of that you have to get a side that’s got assets, that’s got pace, that’s difficult to beat with good spirit amongst the team, technically be very prepared. Probably the difference for me was the endurance and the ability for players in the Premier League to run at high intensity for a lot longer than they would, or a lot more often, than they would in the Championship. There may be more ground covered but that’s with endurance, the ability like with Thierry Henry to go ‘bang’ from nought to whatever it is in seconds, that’s what you’ve got to be capable of coping with and you also need to be able to keep possession. So there’s 7 or 8 pieces of the jigsaw you have to do better; you have to invest properly, bring the right character of personnel in. I just think it does really help; you look at Wigan or West Ham this year; the infrastructure, West Ham has very, very good crowd levels. Wigan has a lovely set-up but to be fair Paul has invested very, very well in pace and experience. I think the assembly of your squad has to be right.” Your Chairman Simon Jordan had three managers in quick succession before appointing you, why does your relationship with him seemingly work so well? “You cannot at anytime question the money that he’s spent. I think in the end we get on well together because it’s an open relationship, in that he knows what sort of person I am and I know what sort of person he is. So I think in the essence we’re both straight talkers. Simon, I think respects that; Simon runs the business; I run the football side that’s the way it is. We communicate through the proper channels all the time. Simon is a very passionate man; he’s a fan of the club so he wants what’s best for the club for sure. I think for me when you run a football club nowadays you’ve got to have a long term plan. I don’t believe in the word short term really at football clubs, I think you’ve to have a long term plan but also you have to spend it like it’s your own money, I think that’s very important. The business side is becoming more and more important; you cannot make decisions that impact on the business without understanding how it impacts on the other areas of the business. An all round business approach is something you need too.” Simon’s determination and resolve, obviously in conjunction with you, in making sure Andy Johnson did stay at the club is a rarity today, people didn’t believe that would happen. Perhaps football needs more Chairmen like him in that respect? “He’s very single minded. We always talked about it and he said ‘what’s your thought on it? Andy’s a stand alone player that you definitely want to keep’ so yes absolutely, he’s aware of that. Having said that, it was a scenario where Andy’s value was never going to diminish either. It’s an issue that will no doubt rear its ugly head if we’re not fortunate to go up this year, but that’s something we will deal with. Having said that Simon has rewarded Andy very well and I think Andy’s starting to come into the form we all know about, he certainly did that on Monday night.” What are your hopes for Andy in terms of the World Cup…? Simon did say at the time that Sven had alluded to the fact that it didn’t matter of he was playing in the Championship, do you think he’s got a chance of making that squad? “Oh yeah definitely. I think when you look at something like 80 goals in 130 or 140 games there aren’t too many better records than that around. He’s got a chance; I think what he’s got to do between now and the next 7 or 8 weeks is go on a good run. He’s an international type player who gives international defenders problems, he craves the goals, he works his socks off and that for me is a huge plus. I think you shouldn’t underestimate what he brings to a team.” I know how determined you were to be a manager before you went into it and how well you prepared and thought it through; has it met with expectations, is it better, are there aspects that you’ve found very surprising? “I think however you prepare it’s always surprising. What I probably don’t do well is, and I’ve spoken to managers more senior to me who have the ability to be able to switch off, I don’t have that necessity, I don’t think I need to do that. It is a fantastic job; I think the ability to be able to shape people’s futures is important. I think the other thing that is fantastic is can you develop talent and get 11 (well it’s now 22 players) playing in a tight knit unit, the man management issues are fascinating and in modern football that’s a huge part of the role. The tactical side is something that I have always loved and always felt was something I really enjoyed; looking at the videos, looking at oppositions, the way we play, slight little conundrums you’ve got to sort, but also putting out things that can really help your team win, watching Johnson, Watson, Barlow becoming internationals. I think they’re the things that really make football rewarding. The biggest reward for me as a manager is seeing people fulfil their potential. You’ve got to have an altruistic element as a manager, I really do believe that. You always want to improve each day and that’s sometimes very hard to do, but that for me is a benchmark of what I’m trying to do. I try and review myself every week and try and see what I could have done better the week before.” Your brother Bob is your Director of Football, Sir Alex Ferguson’s brother has in important role in United’s coaching/scouting set-up. How much of a benefit is it to have somebody that knows you inside out and to have that absolute trust and camaraderie? “ Bob has always been involved with me, early on at QPR when Gerry (Francis) was there and I was working there, Bob was involved and went to watch games for us and helped us out. We had a Chief Scout but Bob sort of took that role over, scouting the opposition. We formatted a report that we still use now, though it’s changed and is more computerised now. It allows us to see how we felt we could win and lose games in terms of strengths and weaknesses the opposition have, what sort of game plan would hurt them, what sort of areas. It became a very technical and tactical document. So that’s carried on, he’s now got a much more broad ranging role and to be fair it was really Simon’s (Jordan) appointment. He knew what Bob’s role was and when he came here he continued it and it’s been me, him and John Harpin. John’s been a mentor/coach for me for a number of years. Simon went to Bob and he knew he could cope with being Director of Football in terms of contracts; he was a negotiator at G.E. Aircraft in terms of dealing with multi billion dollar deals. He’s found it different but he’s also found it very stimulating. The one thing he has got is a very good work ethic so he’s enjoying it. The trust element is fantastic; I’d trust him with my life so from my point of view that’s something that’s very pleasing.” http://www.leaguemanagers.com/news/news-5325.html

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Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times - March 15, 2006
Waddock Wants to Sign Jones

GARY Waddock will offer veteran goalkeeper Paul Jones a new contract if he is appointed QPR manager on a permanent basis. The Welsh international's breathtaking performances between the posts have convinced Waddock to try and keep him at Loftus Road beyond his initial three-month deal. The 38-year-old keeper's form has been so impressive that Simon Royce - a strong contender for Rangers' player-of-the-year award - was restricted to a place on the bench in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Sheffield Wednesday.
And Waddock confirmed: "I've spoken to Paul already about whether he wants to continue playing next season - and there's certainly no reason why he can't."It's a bit early for me to make decisions on players' futures when my own is still unclear and Ollie's situation is being sorted out. "But, if I do get the job, there will be no favouritism. I'd like to have Paul and Roycey as two good senior keepers fighting it out for the number one slot." While Paul's in such incredible form, there's no way he's not going to keep the shirt. Roycey knows he has to be patient and bide his time."
Jones, who joined the club last month after Royce sustained a groin injury, topped his double save against Wolves with a sequence of four stops to keep Rangers on level terms at Hillsborough.And the ex-Southampton and Wolves keeper is relishing the increased competition generated by Royce's return to fitness."Of course it helps me - there's nothing better than competition for places," Jones told the Times. "It's always better when there's someone pushing you because you've got to be on your game."I've experienced both sides, where sometimes you're first choice and sometimes you have to wait for a chance. If you're not doing it right, someone's going to step into your shoes."It's up to me to perform and the decision's down to Gary Waddock, so I want to make it very difficult for him to put Simon back in."Wednesday threw everything at us, they launched it into the box and in the end I think they had six up front, but we coped with it well."The start of the second half was a case of up, down, up, down and trying to get something on the ball. That seems to be happening each game at the moment, but I'm thoroughly enjoying it."
Although Waddock has the luxury of choice where the goalkeeping slot is concerned, he may have to reshuffle the back four when Rangers take on Brighton at Loftus Road this Saturday.Matthew Rose is rated as doubtful after hobbling off at Hillsborough with an ankle injury, which could mean a return to the starting line-up for Ian Evatt. Paul Furlong should be available despite picking up a minor knock, but Marc Nygaard is unlikely to have shaken off his hamstring strain in time to face the Seagulls.
http://www.kilburntimes.co.uk/content/camden/kilburntimes/sport/story.aspx?brand=KLBTOnline&category=sportfootball&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=sportklbt&itemid=WeED15%20Mar%202006%2012%3A28%3A35%3A810

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Birch's banter
Kilburn Times - March 10, 2006
IT'D be nice to see Loftus Road full again at some stage - although the crowd was better on Saturday, it's still less than what we'd have got last season.I'm sure the drop has been mainly to do with season ticket prices and hopefully something will be done about that in the summer, because it's been strange seeing so many empty seats. The atmosphere was fantastic when we won promotion a couple of years ago and it gave us that extra push towards the end of the season when we had Bristol City right on our backs.
Talking of the promotion season brings me on to our next game, a chance to reminisce on the best day of my career at Hillsborough.I remember worrying I might not be able to carry on because Clarke Carlisle accidentally gave me a dead leg after about five minutes!But the adrenaline started to kick in - helped by the way Sheffield Wednesday fans were cheering Bristol City's goals - and, once Kev scored, there was no looking back.It's interesting to see how Wednesday have struggled since they came up in the play-offs and some people have said they got promoted a year too early.
With hindsight, it was lucky we didn't go up the year we went to Cardiff - as we found out the next season, promotion could have sent the club over the edge.Apparently we still owed money to Watford, Barnsley, Birmingham and heaven knows who else. Along with the bonuses that would have been owed, that could have meant QPR going bust.So losing to Cardiff was the best thing that could have happened. It meant we earned the club some money, kept our team together and went up a year later. To read Marc Bircham's exclusive column in full, buy the Times every Wednesday
http://www.kilburntimes.co.uk/content/camden/kilburntimes/sport/story.aspx?brand=KLBTOnline&category=sportfootball&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=sportklbt&itemid=WeED08%20Mar%202006%2012%3A23%3A48%3A760

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Three Years Ago: March 15, 2003 QPR drew at Oldham 0-0. (Pretty strong QPR team)

Oldham
David Miskelly, Lee Duxbury, Anthony Carss, Darren Sheridan, Chris Armstrong, David Beharall, Ben Burgess, Dean Holden, Joshua Low, Paul Murray, Clyde Wijnhard, Carlo Corazzin, John Eyre

QPR
Chris Day, Clarke Carlisle, Terrell Forbes, Richard Langley, Steve Palmer, Marc Bircham, Lee Cook, Paul Furlong, Kevin Gallen, Leroy Griffiths, Gino Padula, Daniel Shittu, Tom Williams, Andy Thomson


Attendance: 7,242

Corners:
Oldham
6
QPR
8

Goal Attempts:
Oldham
6
QPR
15

On Target:
Oldham
1
QPR
8

http://football.guardian.co.uk/Match_Report/0,,-41862,00.html

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Updated: PHOTOS FROM QPR vs Aldershot Game
http://www.theshots.co.uk/NewsPage.ink?nid=27204

ALDERSHOT OFFICIAL SITE
Shots Reserves beat QPR 3-2 at Loftus Road today
Goals from Sulaiman, Hudson and Youth Team Player Hylton
Report to follow http://www.theshots.co.uk/NewsPage.ink?nid=27203

ALDERSHOT SITE - MATCH REPORT
Shots Reserves Fine Win at QPR
QPR Reserves 2 Aldershot Town Reserves 3match report
Aldershot fielded a strong lining including four from the starting line-up against Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday. Lewis Hamilton and Leroy Griffiths were both facing their former club and ' is so often the case ' rose to the occasion.
Shots started with a flurry of chances and took the lead in the fourth minute. Ryan Williams' pass set Leroy Griffiths down the left and just inside the area he picked out Hassan Sulaiman's run into the area with an incisive pass which Sulaiman accurately placed into the far corner.
Dan Weait in the Shots goal saved well from Stefan Moore shortly after but QPR were on the ropes and fortunate not to fall further behind. First Kirk Hudson's pace created space for Sulaiman to cross the ball into the danger zone where Sean Ridgeway's shot was just kept out. Then a dangerous cross from Hamilton was hit first time by Hudson but Sean Thomas beat the ball out.
The game was open and flowing with both teams going for goals. Weait kept out QPR until the 22nd minute when Scott Donnelly curled a free-kick around the wall and just inside the post to equalise. Weait made an excellent close range save from Luke Townsend and really seems to have developed over the course of the season.
Aldershot retook the lead on 31 minutes, route one play saw Kirk Hudson's explosive pace ensure he was first to a long ball which he knocked wide of Thomas then walked into the net unopposed. QPR almost equalised straight away, Tobi Jinadu used his strength to shepherd Moore away from Ukah's cross but the ball curled after bouncing and hit the post.
The drama continued when Sammy Youssouf beat Jinadu to a ball inside the area but tumbled all too easily under Matt Somner's challenge and the referee rightly waved play on. Aldershot's wide men posed problems for Rangers' defence all afternoon and a flowing diagonal move from Williams to Sulaiman set up Ridgeway with a shooting opportunity that he pulled wide of goal. As the half closed Stefan Bailey's very late foul on Ryan Scott earned a booking ' had Bailey's two-footed lunge earlier in the half connected he may not have been on the pitch.
The second half was considerably less eventful. Rangers blanked out Shots threat down the flanks and Shots defence dealt capably with QPR's forward moves. Ryan Scott hit a long range volley inches wide of goal but there were few other chances. Youssouf embroiled himself in a tangle with Scott and delivered the light sort of 'head butt' that would receive an automatic red card in first team football but Referee Bull sensibly diffused the situation with a talking to.
Midway through the half Shots had the ball in QPR's net after Hamilton's diagonal pass was chested down by Griffiths who bundled it past the keeper but was ruled offside. QPR equalised in the 79th minute Donnelly threading a pass between Shots' defence and Youssouf clipped the ball across the goal past Weait.
A flurry of late substitutions saw former Oxford trainee Liam Malone on for his fourth consecutive Reserve match, along with youth-team top scorer Danny Hylton and Australian trialist Greg Farrell. The goal spurred Aldershot into life and Hudson's pace again stretched Rangers defence. In the 87th minute Danny Hylton got the better of his marker and surged through on goal, to slip his shot just inside the post for a 3-2 lead and his first Reserve goal.
In injury time Somner made a well-timed saving tackle and at the other end Scott's shot was just wide of target. An excellent result for Aldershot that takes them off the foot of the table and above Woking. The entire eleven played well in the first half and though rarely threatening in the second dealt with QPR well. Lewis Hamilton had an impressive game in his preferred right-back position, Tobi Jinadu did the simple things very well in central defence and Leroy Griffiths worked hard in attack.
Aldershot: Dan Weait, Lewis Hamilton (Liam Malone 77), Will Salmon, Tobi Jinadu, Matt Somner, Ryan Scott, Ryan Williams (Greg Farrell 84), Hassan Sulaiman, Sean Ridgeway, Leroy Griffiths (Danny Hylton 82), Kirk Hudson.
QPR: Sean Thomas, Ugo Ukah (Karl Yelland 80), Andrew Howell, Jon Munday, George Santos, Stefan Bailey, Scott Donnelly, Stefan Moore, Luke Townsend (Matt Hislop 59), Sammy Youssouf, Shabazz Baidoo.
Report by Martin Gooday (match pictures to follow)
http://www.theshots.co.uk/NewsPage.ink?nid=27204


QPR OFFICIAL SITE - LAST GASP DEFEAT
Rangers Reserves conceded a late, late goal to succumb to a 3-2 defeat against Aldershot at Loftus Road.Shots substitute Danny Hylton notched the last gasp winner, despite vocal appeals for a handball earlier in the move.Defeat was a little harsh on Rangers, who enjoyed the lion's share of territory and possession throughout a free-flowing contest.Earlier, Aldershot - who fielded a strong side - were ahead inside three minutes when Hassan Suliamin finished with aplomb from the edge of the 18 yard box.After a series of close shaves, Rangers eventually drew level on 21 minutes, courtesy of a Scott Donnelly wondergoal.The 18 year old midfielder curled a delightful 25 free-kick into the top corner of the net, to the delight of the small crowd.But the lead lasted just nine minutes, when Kirk Hudson evaded the offside trap, skipped round Thomas and stroked the ball into an empty net.The second half flattered to deceive, until Donnelly's fine run ended with him slipping in Sammy Youssouf, who took one touch to set before curling the ball past Dan Weait in the 79th minute.A draw looked to be on the cards, before Hylton had his say to leave the hosts pondering a second loss on the spin.
http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Match/Reserves/0,,10373~801980,00.html

This was QPR's Announced Team
QPR Reserves: Thomas, Kus, Howell, Munday, Santos, Donnelly, Bailey, Townsend, Baidoo, Youssouf, Moore.Subs: Cole, Yelland, Hislop, Ukah, Cousins.http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Match/Reserves/0,,10373~801500,00.html

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McLeod listed after night on the town
Ian Hunt, Western Mail - March 14, 2006
Kenny Jackett has sensationally placed winger Kevin McLeod on the transfer list after the player admitted he went out drinking in Swansea on the eve of a crucial match.
Disciplinarian Jackett insisted McLeod has been transfer listed for a 'build up of things' - including 'not showing enough application' - rather than any isolated breach of club discipline.
But, in an astonishing turn of events, an aggrieved McLeod hit back at the Swans boss by claiming he was unfairly being used as an example to the rest of the squad that they should not be out on the town on the eve of matches.
When he went out on Saturday night, the former Everton winger was carrying a hamstring injury that had already ruled him out of the League One home clash with Walsall less than 24 hours later.
It is understood Jackett was nonetheless furious McLeod had been out and informed the 25-year-old he was being transfer-listed ahead of the Walsall match.
And the Swans boss gave the impression the player's behaviour represented the final straw in a chain of events.
'There's no one particular thing that Kevin's being transfer listed for - he's not been in any kind of trouble and he's not facing any kind of internal discipline,' said Jackett, who is preparing for tonight's LDV Vans Trophy southern final second leg at Colchester.
'He's being placed on the transfer list for a build up of things over a period of time. Kevin has a lot of ability, but he hasn't shown enough application of late. His application to the job comes and goes. It is not consistent enough.
'He's been put on the list and we'll see what develops before the March 23 (transfer) deadline. Kevin genuinely has a hamstring problem which might take a week or two to clear up.'
In what could be perceived as a warning to the whole squad as Swansea's promotion campaign nears a conclusion, Jackett added, 'There have been quite a number of rumours on the internet about Kevin. I don't think people realise he was not preparing (for the Walsall game) with the rest of the squad as he was injured. But Swansea is the land of the moving curtain. It's a goldfish bowl and people talk a lot. Things always come back to me about my players.'
McLeod - who still has two years left on his Swans contract - feels he has been unfairly treated by Jackett, and hopes this does not spell the end of a Swansea career that began when he moved from QPR in February 2005.
'I'm really downhearted about what's happened,' said McLeod, who has made 32 first-team appearances this term, scoring seven goals, which all came in the first month of a stop-start season.
'I feel I've been unfairly done by. I wish I hadn't gone out, but it feels like the gaffer is using me as an example and I think that's wrong.
'I was out Saturday night because I was injured. I shouldn't go out full stop, but I've had a lot of things on my mind and a lot of frustration. I'm now suffering the consequences, but I've got to see if I can come back from this.
'Is there a way back for me at Swansea? I don't know. I've got to sit down with the gaffer, the chairman and my agent because so far I've only had a brief chat with the gaffer before the Walsall game.'
The McLeod episode casts another dark cloud over the Liberty Stadium in the wake of the disappointing 1-1 draw against Walsall that put a fresh dent in the club's automatic promotion push.
But this is not the first time Jackett - or the club as a whole - has shown a ruthless streak when dealing with players deemed to have breached club rules or shown a lack of application to their job.
Jackett came down hard on Andy Robinson last season when the midfielder was involved in a nightclub skirmish just three days before an important league match.
And, earlier this season, defender Ijah Anderson was sacked by the club after being found guilty of taking drugs.
http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/0600soccer/0700swanseacity/tm_objectid=16811508%26method=full%26siteid=50082%26headline=mcleod%2dlisted%2dafter%2dnight%2don%2dthe%2dtown-name_page.html

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Ex-QPR's Leroy Griffiths is scheduled to play today for Aldershot against QPR Reserves at Loftus Road

Aldershot Official Site
"Manager Terry Brown talks about the injuries sustained to Jonny Dixon and Darren Barnard during Saturday's 3-1 victory versus Dagenham and Redbridge.....
The boss also confirmed that a number of regular first team players will appear at Queens Park Rangers on Tuesday afternoon in a Pontins Combination fixture including the pairing of Kirk Hudson and Leroy Griffiths up front. Kick off at Loftus Road is 2.00pm
http://www.theshots.co.uk/newspage.ink?nid=27200&newstype=n&matchid=


QPR Official Site - "Scott Starts "
After a week on the sidelines, Scott Donnelly returns to action for the Reserves on Tuesday afternoon.
Donnelly picked up an ankle injury in the 2-1 defeat to Crawley Town a week ago, but after taking part in training over the weekend, the 18 year old has been passed fit to take his place in the heart of the Hoops midfield for the visit of Aldershot Town to Loftus Road.
He'll partner Stefan Bailey in central midfield, in an attack minded Hoops outfit which includes front-men Stefan Moore, Sammy Youssouf, Shabazz Baidoo and Luke Townsend.
The match kicks off at 2pm.
QPR Reserves: Thomas, Kus, Howell, Munday, Santos, Donnelly, Bailey, Townsend, Baidoo, Youssouf, Moore.
Subs: Cole, Yelland, Hislop, Ukah, Cousins.
http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Match/Reserves/0,,10373~801500,00.html

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BBC - Millwall part company with Dyer
Dyer has ended his brief spell at MillwallMillwall winger Lloyd Dyer has left the club after having his contract with the Championship strugglers cancelled at his own request.
Dyer, 23, only joined the London side from West Brom in January.
Manager David Tuttle told Millwall's website: "Lloyd came to see me and told me that he wanted to leave the club for family reasons.
"It's disappointing, but if a player is unsettled for personal reasons there is no point insisting that he stays." http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/millwall/4804252.stm

Millwall Official Site - Lloyd leaves
Lions winger Lloyd Dyer, who joined the club from West Bromwich Albion in January, has had his contract cancelled at his own request. Manager Dave Tuttle explained: "Lloyd came to see me and told me that he wanted to leave the club for family reasons. It's disappointing, but if a player is unsettled for personal reasons there is no point insisting that he stays."
http://www.millwallfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10367~801570,00.html

Millwall Mad's Perspective
http://www.millwall-mad.co.uk/news/loadnews.asp?cid=TMNW&id=272328

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Aaron Brown Turns 26
Didnt quite work out for him at QPR, after his injury

From Swindon Offical Site
Aaron Brown
Date of birth: Friday, March 14, 1980
Age: 26 Nationality: England
Favoured position: Left Midfield -Other positions: Central Midfield.
Playing career: Bristol City, Exeter City (loan), Queens Park Rangers, Torquay United (loan), Cheltenham Town (loan), SWINDON TOWN (loan), SWINDON TOWN.
At Swindon since: 2005 (loan) and January 2006
-A left-sided midfielder, Brown originally signed on a month's loan from Q.P.R,. on the loan transfer deadline day in November 2005. Having been rejected after a trial at Barnsley the previous week, he made his debut against them at the County Ground on 26th November, coming on as a substitute - but he could do nothing to prevent the Town succumbing to a 3-0 defeat.Brown's time at Loftus Road had been ravaged by injury - a broken leg keeping him out of the game for fourteen months - and with first team opportunities limited at Rangers, his spell at Swindon was an opportunity to gain much-needed match fitness. He obviously lacked fitness during his first few matches, but this improved as he played more, and by the time his loan expired, he had featured in eight matches, giving the Town balance down the left flank. Manager Iffy Onuora then moved to bring Brown to Swindon on a permanent basis - and he signed an eighteen month deal early in January 2006 - Brown hailing Onuora as having "rescued him" from his tough period at Q.P.R..
http://www.swindon-town-fc.co.uk/ForceFrames.htm?http://www.swindon-town-fc.co.uk/Person.asp?PersonID=BROWNAAR

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Swansea Official Site

McLeod placed on transfer list
Swansea City have placed midfielder Kevin McLeod on the transfer list with immediate effect. Swans manager Kenny Jackett confirmed: "Kevin has been placed on the transfer list today. "Unfortunately over the last few months his application has not matched his ability."His name has been circulated to other clubs informing them that he is available for transfer and we are prepared to listen to offers.''
The former Everton trainee made five Premiership appearances as substitute before moving to QPR in 2003 for £250,000.He transferred to Swansea in February 2005 for £60,000, but struggled with illness last season. He started the new campaign with a bang after staying behind over the summer to get himself fully fit, grabbing a hat-trick in the 7-1 victory over Bristol City in September.He has made 28 League appearances this season with seven goals, but has failed to maintain his early-season form.His current contract runs until June 2008.
http://www.swanseacity.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/LatestNewsDetail/0,,10354~801657,00.html

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Telegraph Waddock's relief reflects one-siderBy Ron Gubba
Sheffield Wednesday (1) 1 Queens Park Rangers (1) 1
When Gary Waddock was asked if he was happy to have taken a point from Saturday's match at Hillsborough, the incredulous look on his face told its own story.
The Queens Park Rangers manager clearly felt that his team had just pulled off one of the biggest robberies of the season. "Considering the way that they battered us, I'm delighted," he said.
Remarkably, Sheffield Wednesday were collecting their first point in five matches. Such was their domination that goalkeeper Scott Carson and central defender Mikkel Bischoff, making their debuts on loan from Liverpool and Manchester City respectively, had the quietest of introductions.
However, after Glenn Whelan's clever chip had enabled Deon Burton to give them a 13th-minute lead Wednesday failed to capitalise, and Whelan conceded a needless free kick, moments before half-time, allowing Lee Cook to curl over the cross from which Marc Bircham headed the most undeserved of equalisers.
Wednesday produced a flurry of chances at the start of the second half, only for Paul Jones to deny them with four saves within a minute.
Wednesday remain one place above the drop zone and their fate may hinge on how quickly Steve MacLean can be restored to full fitness.
MacLean, who broke a leg pre-season, made his fifth appearance as a late substitute but is well short of match fitness.
Match details
Sheffield Wednesday (4-3-1-2): Carson; Bullen, Coughlan, Bischoff (Simek 84), Gilbert; Folly, Whelan, O'Brien; Brunt (Best 84); Tudgay (MacLean 77), Burton. Subs: Adamson (g), Hills. Goal: Burton (13). Booked: Bischoff, BurtonQueens Park Rangers (4-4-2): Jones; Bignot, Shittu, Rose (Evatt 90), Milanese; Ainsworth, Lomas, Bircham, Cook (Langley 70); Furlong (Daidoo 87), Gallen. Subs: Royce (g), Bailey. Goal: Bircham (43). Referee: A D'Urso (Essex).
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml;jsessionid=BFIG1LN5ZU1HTQFIQMGCFFWAVCBQUIV0?xml=/sport/2006/03/13/sfgshe13.xml&sSheet=/sport/2006/03/13/ixfooty.html

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Roddd....neee

Forty Years ago this week: March 1966, one of the most significant days in QPR History: Alex Stock/Jim Gregory signed Fulham's Rodney Marsh for £15,000.

March 19, 1966: Marsh made his debut away to Peterborough. Drew 1-1 and didn't score.
The team for Marsh's debut: Peter Springett -Langley, Hunt Sibley Watson - Lazarus, Keen, Roger Morgan, Allen, Collins Marsh.
(The following week, Marsh made his home debut and scored twice in a 6-1 win over Millwall. Other scorers: Collins, Les Allen, Mark Lazaru & Roger Morgan)

March 1972, just a few months after Marsh played for England...:One of the blackest days in QPR History (we thought at the time!)...Marsh joined Manchester City for £200,000.
(Gordon Jago's QPR went undefeated for the rest of the season - 12 games - and the following season, signed Stan Bowles who, many would say, became even greater than Marsh.)
Marsh's last game for QPR: March 4, 1972 away to Bristol City. QPR lost 0-2
Parkes - Clement Hazell Mancini Gillard - Francis Busby Hunt - Marsh O'Rourke Mcculloch
Sub Leach (Note 7 "home growns" in the 12 - and Clement, Hazell, Hunt and Leach along with Watson were playing for QPR when Marsh joined)
In all, Marsh scored 106 goals in 211 League Games for QPR. In the 1966/67 season, Marsh was the country's top goalscorer with 44 goals (30 League goals. 11 Legue cup goals. 3 FA cup goals.)
Marsh's QPR Record
1965-66 -16 league games -8 goals
1966-67 - 41 league games - 30 goals
1967-68 - 25 league games - 14 goals
1968-69 - 22 league games - 4 goals
1969-70 - 38 league games- 12 goals
1970-71 - 39 league games - 21 goals
1971-72 -30 league games- 17 goals
Marsh was of course a lot, lot more than just scoring goals. Making goals. Dribbling. Excitement and relationship with fans...
It would be nice if the club would have some special commemoration on Saturday before the game at Brighton at Loftus Road to mark those 40 Years.


MORE MARSH/QPR MEMORIES:

See
http://www.kabrna.com/marsh/marsh_frames.htm

http://www.ynw62.dial.pipex.com/rodney.htm

Also Marsh Q& A http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/sports_talk/forum/2248914.stm

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Ian Holloway. Born March 12, 1963
http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football-heroes/displayhero_club.asp?HeroID=9445

No more needs to be said. He did a lot for QPR. All QPR fans should be grateful for what he did.

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Caliendo re Stadium Move
The Saturday Daily Mirror ran a story entitled "QPR READY TO LEAVE LOFTUS ROAD." Written by John Cross the story read "QPR are secretly plotting to desert Loftus Road and move to a new stadium half-a-mile down the road. ... QPR director Antonio Caliendo has revealed the club has targeted a site opposite the BBC headquarters at nearby White City which would be part of one of the biggest shopping and leisure developments in Europe....Caliendo, 61, said: "It would be good one day to play in the Premier League in our new home despite the fact we love playing in Loftus Road."We are here to achieve that......"http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/tm_objectid=16800936&method=full&siteid=94762&headline=qpr-ready-to-leave-loftus-road--name_page.html

From a couple of months ago+
In a Q& A on the Official Site, Paladini asked about a stadium:
"A new 30,000 seater stadium would probably cost over £40m and the combination of what you might get for the existing site and the debt you could (safely) raise against the extra seat income doesn't look to me to be anything like enough to pay for it."
Every day I get people offering me things. Six months ago we were approached by a company that built Leyton Orient's ground. They wanted to build us a new ground next to Loftus Road. I told them to investigate it as it was not costing the club any money just to have a look. If you own a Jaguar and someone offers you a Rolls-Royce for free you'd be silly not to look. The deal would mean a 30,000 all-seater stadium, our £10 million loan would be paid off and we'd also have £5 million in cash. I think you would agree we'd be silly not to look at it. But I don't want fans to get too excited, this is just one of many offers I get everyday. I was also approached by Brian Rowe who heads up a group of people. He thinks a new ground can be built in Shepherds Bush, so I told him to have a look. Once again it isn't costing the club any money just to investigate. If something ever does materialise then we wouldn't leave Loftus Road until the new stadium was built. I'd also like to investigate the possibility of upgrading the current stadium but until we have paid off our debt we just cannot afford to do it.http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/QA/0,,10373,00.html


Paladini Asked about the stadium in an interview with QPR Net
QPR NET : We heard a lot about moving to a new ground in the future, is that a serious possibility? GP: Somebody came to me and said if we had a chance of building a new ground over there would you be interested? It would be foolish of me not to look at it. As long it doesn’t cost me any money then come with your plans, show me you have permission from the council and I will put it to fans. If someone had come and said I have an idea to move to Heathrow then I would have said no thanks, not interested we are happy here Personally I don’t think we’ll ever move, I hope we will be in a position one day where can rebuild one stand at a time, build on what we have and create a lovely football stadium here because this is the place to be. Like I say I don’t think we’ll move but if we do it wont be my decision anyway, any decision like that can only be made by the fans. http://qprnet.com/interviews/paladini.shtml


In A QPR 1st Interview
CTOBER 2005OCTOBER 2005 --QPR1stQPR 1st Minutes/Report from Meeting with QPR Board reps Friday 21st October 2005 In attendance: QPR Holdings Ltd Reps: Gianni Paladini (GP) Chairman; Antonio Caliendo (AC) Monaco groups’ consultant; Chris Pennington (CP) Chief financial officer QPR 1st Reps: Geoff Gibbs (GG) Treasurer; Tracy Stent (TS) Chairperson ...
AC said that when the season tickets went up they (GP and himself) were not consulted. We then asked a rather difficult question in that if AC could clarify as to the substance of the rumours we heard last year about a sale and leaseback of the ground having been mooted by him and other board members? And also would the current board consider doing a sale and leaseback of the Loftus Road ground in the future? AC said he would not respond to something like that as it was a complete non-goer. GP himself appeared to become quite agitated regarding this matter and said how he could not understand why so many people seemed to talk about the sale of the ground and insinuating that they (the new board) were a bunch of crooks. GG explained that there have been instances in the past of clubs having lost their grounds after false promises by their owners (Brighton and Maidstone were given as examples) and that supporters only wished to seek reassurances that their club would have a ground to play at in the future. Which then led to a rather interesting discussion about a potential new ground in which basically the idea is that QPR would ‘own’ a new ground on the Astroturf/park site in South Africa road, which would cost in excess of £40m to build. This would apparently be self-financing. GP stated twice that should such an idea become a reality, QPR would own the new ground, and would stay at the existing Loftus Road whilst it was being built. We stated that if such a new ground were to ever go ahead i.e. if the council were to give planning permission etc, then there would need to be a strict stipulation that QPR would remain playing at LR until the new ground would be built. GP agreed and said he would agree to this as being a written condition within any planning application. We did point out to GP that football is littered with architect’s models of new stadiums that have never happened hence our initial scepticism. ...
http://www.qpr1st.co.uk/documents/GandAminutes.doc -

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QPR OFFICIAL SITE
GREAT CHARACTER
Gary Waddock praised the character and resilience of his side after the 1-1 draw with Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough.The Hoops Caretaker Manager had seen his side come from a goal down to claim a priceless point in the Steel City."We fought with our lives. They threw everything at us, but we didn't cave in.
"We showed great character to come from a goal down and it's a very good point in the end.
"Credit has to go to the players. They've been great and they deserve all the praise that comes their way.''
Deon Burton had given the Owls an early lead, only for Marc Bircham to draw Rangers level on the stroke of half time with a fine stooping header.
"They stuck together today and never gave up throughout the 90 minutes.
"It was a great goal from Birch and the timing was fantastic. It changed the team-talk somewhat and although we had to defend with our lives in the second half, we did so superbly.
"We made a point of the pitch and the conditions in our team-talk. We knew it wasn't going to be pretty but we dug in and got a creditable point.''
Waddock also paid tribute to Paul Jones, who again shone with a series of outstanding saves.
"Jonah (Paul Jones) made another number of fantastic saves and the back four in front of him defended superbly. It was wave after wave of attack at times, but we coped and that shows great resilience and character.'' http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Match/ManagersComments/0,,10373~800819,00.html


SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY OFFICIAL SITE
Sturrock: "Exasperating"
Wednesday manager Paul Sturrock put the Owls' 1-1 draw with Queens Park Rangers down to a fine display of goalkeeping by Rs veteran Paul Jones, as the hosts failed to make the most of their opportunities in a game they had the better of.
The boss said most of Wednesday's better opportunities were on target only to find a keeper in inspired form - just as Cardiff's Neil Alexander was last week:
"It's exasperating because we've now had two keepers produce 'worldy' saves from us in successive weeks to thwart us," said Sturrock. "To be fair, they weren't what you would call criminal misses; people were hitting the target and forced some unbelievable saves.
"I can't ask for any more from the players. I've called upon them for the last two weeks to give me everything they've got. They've done that and we've only got one point to show for it."
Sturrock admitted that Rangers' equaliser was a bad goal to concede but preferred to focus on the impressive displays shown by the likes of Yoann Folly and Burton O'Brien. He was also pleased with the performances of new boys Scott Carson and Mikkel Bischoff:
"Carson is a quality goalkeeper. He had an offer of five clubs to go to but chose us and I'm delighted about that. His kicking was excellent, he talked and organised and swept up behind the back three."
The Scot added: "Mikkel played on Thursday for 90 minutes and was cramping throughout the second half but he got on with it until we had to take it off. He showed he's got a lot of promise. He's quick, good in the air and he read things."
Sturrock was also relieved to see Deon Burton finally on the target with his first goal for the Owls: "That was long overdue," he said. "There's been tension in his play because of the lack of goals but in the last two games he's been outstanding in running the line and his hold-up play."
With Derby and Leicester winning, Wednesday are now firmly embroiled in a battle with Millwall, Brighton and Crewe, with only one team set to seal Championship survival.
Sturrock concluded: "We're disappointed but we've got to keep our heads up. It's turned into a four-horse race now. We have to move onwards and upwards
http://www.swfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Match/ManagersView/0,,10304~800833,00.html

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SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY OFFICIAL SITE
Wednesday were left frustrated after being held by Queens Park Rangers despite dominating the Hillsborough contest and creating enough chances to win two matches.
The Owls dominated the play but were left lamenting their inability to make their superiority count, as R's keeper Paul Jones and the woodwork kept them at bay.
Deon Burton gave Wednesday an early advantage but Marc Bircham popped up to earn the Londoners a point just before half-time.
Scott Carson - one of two Owls loanees making their debut along with Mikkel Bischoff - was called into action in the opening minutes as he smartly clutched Gareth Ainsworth's long-range drive, while Paul Jones made a superb stop to repel Burton in the sixth minute. Burton O'Brien swung over a pinpoint cross from the left which Burton met sweetly only for the Wales goalkeeper to paw his header around the post.
However Wednesdayites didn't have long to wait to see the former Derby man open his SWFC account, as he struck in the 13th minute to give the Owls first blood. Chris Brunt took a quick throw-in to Glenn Whelan, whose first time flicked pass spun behind the Rangers backline for Burton to race in between defenders and goalkeeper to prod home.
Lee Bullen saw a header saved from O'Brien's centre and Yoann Folly was well off target from long distances, as tempers began to rise on and off the field with the officials coming up with some questionable decisions. One such incident led to QPR's equaliser two minutes from the break, as Bircham headed home a Lee Cook free-kick at the near post after a dubious foul was awarded close to the Owls' left-hand corner flag.
How Wednesday failed to get themselves back in front in the first four minutes of the second half will remain an eternal mystery. Firstly they were kept out by a fine double save from Jones, who palmed away Marcus Tudgay's toe-ender before rising to block Burton's blast.
Then the veteran stopper twice thwarted Tudgay in an amazing goalmouth scramble in which the ball seemed to be kept from crossing the line by an invisible force. Tudgay saw a brace of efforts saved before Folly hit the bar from close range.
Tudgay could only head tamely at Jones after smart work and an accurate centre from Bullen and then saw his header creep agonisingly across goal after Burton pulled back Brunt's pass. O'Brien's drive was blocked by Marcus Bignot and Tudgay was off target from the former Livingston man's cross soon after as Wednesday continued to press forward.
Carson had been a spectator for much of the half but was alert when called upon to behind Cook's inswinging free-kick. The Owls continued to try everything with Steven MacLean and Leon Best both coming into the fray, however the desired winner failed to materialise.

http://www.swfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Match/MatchReport/0,,10304~31115,00.html


QPR Official Site Report on Sheff Wed 1 QPR 1
Rangers rode their luck to grind out a draw in a gritty encounter at Hillsborough.
Marc Bircham's fearsome header on the stroke of half time proved priceless, as Gary Waddock's side weathered a second half storm to leave the Steel City with a plucky point.
The Hoops midfielder - who was recalled to the starting line up after missing the home clash with Wolves due to illness seven days earlier - stooped to head home Lee Cook's 43rd minute free kick.
Earlier, the Owls were ahead on 12 minutes, courtesy of Deon Burton's close range strike.
The Jamaican international notched from inside the six yard box, after Glenn Whelan's sublime through ball from midfield cut open the entire Hoops defence.
Hoops custodian Paul Jones was the hero of the hour during the second period, producing five top-drawer saves to keep the hosts at bay.
Rangers threatened sporadically, with Cook calling Scott Carson into a neat save at his far post, but it was the home side who were left licking their wounds at full time, as the realisation of their relegation dog-fight started to hit home.
Rangers Caretaker Manager Gary Waddock recalled midfield pair Steve Lomas and Bircham, with Richard Langley and Stefan Bailey the unlucky duo to miss out.
Wednesday included recent loan signings Carson and Mikkel Bischoff, who joined from Liverpool and Manchester City respectively on Friday.
Rangers were on the front foot almost immediately, with Cook's out-swinging cross narrowly evading the on-rushing Paul Furlong.
On two minutes, Gareth Ainsworth's right foot curler from fully 25 yards forced Carson into a splendid stop, just when the ball seemed destined to nestle into the roof of the net.
Play quickly switched to the other end, where Burton evaded his marker, only to see his powerful header superbly tipped round by Paul Jones.
The Owls were winning the midfield battler early on and when Yoann Folly played a clever one-two with Marcus Tudgay, Matthew Rose was called into a terrific last ditch cover tackle to thwart the Southampton loanee from getting his shot away.
Dan Shittu required treatment for a facial injury, before the Owls took the lead on 12 minutes.
Whelan's deft through ball from the middle of the park was weighted to perfection and Burton nipped in to apply the finishing touch past the exposed Jones from the edge of the six yard box.
Cook was beginning to have an impact as the half wore on, getting free of his marker on more than one occasion, only for his final ball to go missing all too often.
Chris Brunt, who Waddock had earmarked as a danger-man before the trip North, broke free on 21 minutes, but Shittu was in the right place at the right time to divert the ball for a corner.
New signing Bischoff marked his Owls debut with a booking for a lunge on Furlong on 23 minutes, much to the dismay of the home crowd, who thought their man took the ball.
Mauro Milanese was getting forward to good effect, with his searching left sided cross narrowly evading Furlong at the front post in the 27th minute.
Ainsworth's speculative 30 yard volley was easily held by Carson on the half hour, but it was Wednesday who continued to force the initiative, with Brunt and Burton at the heart of their positive display.
Rangers drew level on the stroke of half time when Cook's superb in-swinging free kick was met by Bircham's powerful glancing at the near post. Carson stood no chance, as the ball nestled in the top corner of the net to the delight of the travelling Hoops faithful.
Jones was Rangers' saviour a minute into the second half, firstly tipping away Tudgay's point blank strike, before flinging himself to his left to deny Burton from the edge of the penalty box.
Seconds later, the Welsh stopper was at it again, twice denying Tudgay with what can only be described as world class saves, before Folly's follow up cannoned off the crossbar to safety.
The Owls continued to enjoy the lion's share of possession and when Lee Bullen out-foxed Cook on the right flank, Burton arrived bang on cue only to head straight at Jones.
There was simply no respite for the visitors, as the Owls - backed by a fanatical home crowd - continually forced the Superhoops to defend in numbers.
Burton headed wide from ten yards after fine wide play from O'Brien, before Cook's bending set piece was tipped to safety by Carson with the match approaching the 70 minute mark.
Rose judged his tackle on Burton to perfection just as the former Pompey striker seemed poised to test Jones yet again, while at the other end, substitute Langley ballooned his left footed shot well wide of the post.
As the home side became increasingly frustrated, it was referee Andy D'Urso who bore the brunt of their annoyance.
Both sides went in search of a winner, but despite five minutes of added time, it ended all square.
Sheffield Wednesday: Carson, Bullen, Folly, Coughlan, Whelan, O'Brien, Brunt (Best 83), Burton, Bischoff (Simek 83), Gilbert, Tudgay (MacLean 76).
Subs: Adamson, Hills.
Goals: Burton 12
Bookings: Bischoff 23
QPR: Jones, Bignot, Shittu, Rose, Milanaese, Ainsworth, Bircham, Lomas, Cook (Langley 69), Gallen, Furlong (Baidoo 86).
Subs: Royce, Evatt, Bailey.
Goals: Bircham 42
Bookings:
Referee: A D'Urso
Attendance: 22, 788

http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Match/MatchReport/0,,10373~31115,00.html

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Aldershot Manager on Leroy Griffiths
Aldershot Official Site
Manager Terry Brown has confirmed why striker Leroy Griffiths was on the substitutes bench on Tuesday evening in the 4-1 reverse at home to league leaders Accrington Stanley.
The 29 year old Londoner came on as an early second half replacement for Ryan Williams and scored his fifth goal since his arrival on loan from Fisher Athletic in January.
Talking to www.theshots.co.uk the boss said, "Leroy is a problematical young lad and the fact that he appeared for the game was magical enough really. We have had words and he has been disciplined. Hopefully he will decide that he wants to knuckle down and finish the season off with us.The decision is in his hands but he has to train with us and work hard. When he plays he does well. He is a lively performer and he scored when he came on. I have no problems with Leroy on the park it is just getting him to turn up".
He is a lovely likeable player who has all the ability in the world. It is up to him to show his dedication
Continuing, the boss said that he hopes that Leroy can show the commitment to reward the talent that he has stating, "Leroy has had one or two problems in the past and if he is to do himself justice then he has to improve on his discipline. He is a lovely likeable player who has all the ability in the world. It is up to him to show his dedication".
http://www.theshots.co.uk/newspage.ink?nid=27180&type=n

BBC -Brown wants Griffiths improvement
Aldershot boss Terry Brown has told striker Leroy Griffiths that he must improve his off-field discipline. Griffiths, 29, has scored five goals for the Shots since signing on loan from Fisher Athletic in January. "Hopefully he will decide that he wants to knuckle down and finish the season with us," Brown told the club website. "The decision is in his hands but he has to train with us and work hard. I have no problems with Leroy on the park it's just getting him to turn up." http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/a/aldershot/4790292.stm

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BBC Gossip "QPR are planning to leave Loftus Road and move to a new stadium
half-a-mile down the road, opposite the BBC at White City. (Daily Mirror)
http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/gossip_and_transfers/4795668.stm


DAILY MIRROR
QPR READY TO LEAVE LOFTUS ROAD
By John Cross
QPR are secretly plotting to desert Loftus Road and move to a new stadium half-a-mile down the road.
QPR director Antonio Caliendo has revealed the club has targeted a site opposite the BBC headquarters at nearby White City which would be part of one of the biggest shopping and leisure developments in Europe.
Italian-born Caliendo, the former agent of ex-World Cup superstar Roberto Baggio, has now set a two-year target for manager Gary Waddock to get the club back into the Premiership.
Caliendo, 61, said: "It would be good one day to play in the Premier League in our new home despite the fact we love playing in Loftus Road.
"We are here to achieve that. I believe that in 2007-2008 QPR will play again in the Premier League, which is what our fantastic fans deserve."
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/tm_objectid=16800936&method=full&siteid=94762&headline=qpr-ready-to-leave-loftus-road--name_page.html

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[Remember QPR beating Sheffield Wednesday 8-2 in a League Cup game in 1974? (the round before we lost 0-3 at home to 3rd Division Plymouth). A couple of other victories from the early 1970s: Jago's total football in 1972/73 4:2 (4-0 at half time, I think). And the year or two before, 3-0 - All these Games of coure, were at Loftus Road). Remmeber when we signed Vic Mobley from Sheff Wed in 1969 for a massive 50,000 pounds. He 'looked" like a tough center half. Unfortunately didnt play too many games for us before injury.


Sheffield Wednesday Official Site
QPR Preview
Coca Cola Championship - Saturday 11th March 2006
Team News
Wednesday - John Hills, Peter Gilbert and Steven MacLean could both be back in the squad for Saturday. MacLean missed the 1-0 defeat at Cardiff last weekend with a suspected broken toe, but a scan earlier in the week confirmed that it was merely swelling on the bone. Paul Sturrock is also hoping to dip into the loan market and add at least one new face to his ranks by the weekend.
Queens Park Rangers - Simon Royce (hip), Martin Rowlands (knee) and Dominic Shimmin (groin) were ruled out of the goalless draw against Wolves last week.
Previous Fixture Line-Up
Sheffield Wednesday v Cardiff City: Adamson, Bullen, Coughlan, Collins, Simek, Brunt (Best 77), Whelan, Folly, O'Brien, Tudgay, Burton. Subs Not Used: Kirby, Partridge, Spurr, Rocastle.
QPR v Wolverhampton Wanderers: Jones, Bignot, Shittu, Rose, Milanese, Ainsworth, Langley, Bailey, Cook, Gallen (Youssouf 63), Furlong.Subs Not Used: Thomas, Santos, Kus, Baidoo.
Selected Odds from www.owlsbet.co.uk:
Owls win - 6/4QPR win - 13/8Draw - 21/10
Correct Score - Owls to win 2-1 - 17/2
Scorecast - Chris Brunt to score first in 2-1 Owls win - 65/1
Time of First Goal - 71-80 minutes - 20/1
Last Time Out: 26th August 2005: QPR 0 - SWFC 0
John Hills saw red while three Owls players had to be withdrawn through injury as Wednesday clung on to earn a point at Loftus Road in August. The best chances fell to the home side - Gareth Ainsworth tested David Lucas with a stinging volley, while Tommy Doherty and Kevin Gallen both wasted chances. Wednesday's best effort came in the closing stages - a snapshot from Burton O'Brien being turned around the post by Simon Royce.
Competitive Form: Last 5 results (Home and Away):
SWFC -D-L-L-L-LQPR - L-W-L-W-D
History
Matches Played: 52 Owls Wins: 24Draws: 10QPR Wins: 18
At Hillsborough: Matches Played: 26SWFC Wins: 17Draws: 2QPR Wins: 7
Split Loyalties: A selection of players who have appeared for both QPR and SWFC:
Ron Springett, Vic Mobley, Peter Springett, Andy McCulloch, Gary Bannister, Simon Stainrod, Trevor Francis, Chris Woods, Andy Sinton, Marlon Broomes, Danny Maddix, Leon Knight
One To Watch
Gareth Ainsworth (11): Profile taken from www.qpr.co.uk - Having been released by Cardiff City, winger Gareth Ainsworth signed for Rangers in June 2003. Beginning his league career with Preston, Ainsworth had spells at Cambridge United, Lincoln, Preston (again) and Port Vale before moving to then-Premiership side Wimbledon for £2,000,000. He made just 45 appearances for the Dons due to injury problems and moved on to Cardiff City, only to be released at the end of the 2002-03 season.
His contribution to Rangers' recent success is without question, providing leadership and pace, not to mention a couple of cracking goals throughout their promotion winning 2003-04 season, which culminated in a 3-1 win at Hillsborough. Ainsworth has taken to life in the Championship without any problems. He scored only twice in 23 appearances last season, but has managed six goals in his 33 league outings in the current campaign

http://www.swfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Match/NextMatchPreview/0,,10304~799780,00.html



Mixed News For Sturrock
Owls boss Paul Sturrock has had mixed news on the injury front - with three players in contention to return against QPR but Richard Wood ruled out for the rest of the month.
Wood, who was hoping to be back in action next week, will be missing for an additional fortnight after new scans revealed he has a slight tendon problem around the site of his previously-diagnosed groin injury.
Sturrock said: "Woody wasn't responding to treatment so we scanned him from a different angle, which showed some fibres of his tendon have peeled off the bone. It'll set him back another 2-3 weeks."
But John Hills, Peter Gilbert and Steven MacLean all have a chance of being fit to face the Rs:
"Hills has trained all week and we're building Gilbert up slowly," said Sturrock on Thursday morning. "If they come through training today they should both be available for Saturday."
He added: "MacLean is still feeling some pain but he'll do the loosener on Thursday and see how he feels."
There could be a further double boost, with Jon-Paul McGovern and Steve Adams pencilled in to return to full training next week.
Sturrock said: "JP's had some good news. The thigh tear has near enough totally healed. He's back into kicking for the next couple of days and then will start training on Monday. Stevie's nipped a cartilage but it shouldn't stop his build-up [from his Achilles problem]. He hasn't had a serious reaction but the proof of the pudding will come next week when he starts ball work."
http://www.swfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/News/0,,10304~799720,00.html

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QPR were fined £5,000 for their conduct at the Stoke game. (That was the game when Simon Royce was attacked by a fan and QPR players raced to his defense. And apparently failed to "conduct themselves in an orderly fashion."]

The FA - March 9, 2006
QPR fined
At a disciplinary commission hearing today, Queens Park Rangers were fined £5,000 and warned as to their future conduct. The club admitted a charge of failing to ensure that their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion. The charge related to an incident during QPR's match against Stoke City on 3 December 2005.

Queens Park Rangers FC - Stoke City FC v Queens Park Rangers FCFootball League Championship, 3 December 2005
Admitted breach of FA Rule E20(a) - failing to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion, and refraining from provocative behaviour. Result: Warned as to future conduct and fined £5,000
http://www.thefa.com/TheFA/Disciplinary/NewsAndFeatures/Postings/2006/03/Qpr_fined.htm

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Still listed on the Official QPR Directory, nine days in March:
Chief Financial Officer - Chris Pennington
New Media Manager - Billy Rice billyr@qpr.co.uk
[And, there remains reference to changes in the status of the Coaching Staff, or the arrival of Alan McDonald:
First Team Coaching StaffManager - Ian HollowayFirst Team Coaches - Tim Breacker, Gary Waddock, Gary Penrice, Tony Robert
http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/StaffDirectory/0,,10373,00.html
[Assuming of course, that there was no alteration of plans!]

How the QPR Official Site announced/reported the forthcoming departures of QPR's CFO, Chris Pennington and "New Media Manager", Billy Rice.

QPR OFFICIAL SITE - JANUARY 20, 2006
PENNINGTON DEPARTS
QPR's Chief Financial Officer, Chris Pennington, is leaving the club and moving on to pastures new.
Chris, who has agreed to stay on until the end of February, said:
"I wish the club all the best for the future and I'll look forward to returning to Loftus Road to cheer on the Superhoops."
QPR Chairman, Gianni Paladini, thanked Pennington for his help.
"I'd like to thank him for his help since we came to the club. I wish him all the best for the future and he'll always be welcome at Loftus Road."
http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~771465,00.html


QPR OFFICIAL SITE - February 2, 2006
RICE DEPARTS
New Media Manager Billy Rice is to leave QPR after three and a half years at the club.Rice took responsibility for QPR World which is the most successful World site in the Football League.Last year, Rice also took overall responsibility for the QPR website.
He said: "I've been very fortunate to work at the club through some really great times; I'll always have memories of Paul Furlong's goal against Oldham, the day of the play-off final and promotion the following season.
"I've lived every fan's dream of working for the club I've supported all my life and I'll certainly leave with a heavy heart, but life moves on and I have been offered a great opportunity elsewhere.
"I'm sure I don't need to tell our fans what a truly special club this is. I may be leaving in one sense but I'll still be back every Saturday cheering the lads on.
"I'd like to thank the people I have worked with in our department over my time here, Jim, Phil, Clinton, Jackie and Ian and also the rest of the staff at Loftus Road who do a really good job away from the spotlight.
"I'd also like to thank Ian Holloway and his staff and players for being so accommodating and for some great memories both on and off the pitch.
"My biggest thank you is to our fans that make the club what it is and make the website and QPR World amongst the top performers in the Football League. So farewell, see you in the Loft!"
Chairman Gianni Paladini is sorry to see him go: "I wish Billy all the best in the future, the place will certainly be a lot quieter without him. He's been a joy to work with and we'll really miss him around here.
"He has provided a service to QPR World that is second to none and he should be extremely proud of what he has achieved here."
Rice will leave the club at the end of February.
http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~777798,00.html

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Mike Ferguson - Turns 63!...Born March 9, 1943

QPR's Les Allen signed him in 1969 from Aston Villa for something like 15,000 pounds to replace Rodney Marsh who was suspended for a month (the days of draconian suspensions for 3 bookings). Skillful foward/winger...Ferguson was with QPR for 4 seasons, even captaining the club for a while in the 1971/72 season, when Venables was injured. Famous for being the last Accrington Stanley player playing in the League. (Ironically Accrington Stanley look like they will be returning to the League.) After we won promotion, joined Cambridge for a small fee.


Accrington Observer - 4th December 2002
Fergie remembers
LAST scorer: Mike Ferguson in action at Peel Park during the fateful 1961-62 season.
MIKE Ferguson scored Accrington Stanley’s last-ever Football League goal … and has spent more than half a lifetime listening to other people claim the distinction.
And Fergie, now 58, holds another record of sorts.
He was the first player to be transferred from the Football League to another club, joining neighbours Blackburn Rovers for around £2,500, a fraction of the fee he would have earned stricken Stanley had he gone before their demise.
Ironically, such a windfall might have gone some way towards saving the club. But cynics suggested that predatory rivals who had guessed at Stanley’s fate were hovering like vultures to swoop down on whatever meat remained on the carcass.
Ferguson’s goal, his first and only Stanley goal, earned the Reds their final point at Doncaster four days before their final game. It was one of only four points the ailing side picked up in their final 17 games after the last win, a 1-0 success at home to Crewe in mid-October 1961.
Mike, who now lives in Worsthorne, said: "I didn’t even realise it was the last goal until someone contacted me and told me a few years ago. I have met all kinds of people who said they scored it, people I know didn’t even play for the club!
"Football was so different then. I used to go to the ground from Burnley on the bus, with spectators getting on all the way down Burnley Road. If it was good enough for Tom Finney it was good enough for me. Diets? Unheard of in those days. I remember once pulling up at a transport café at 4am on the way to Gillingham and Harry Hubbick, the trainer, said: "Nobody have peas with your pies!"
Mike had a fine career as a winger-cum-midfield schemer with Blackburn, Aston Villa and QPR, living the London high-life with the likes of Rodney Marsh and Terry Venables at one stage. He also managed with great success abroad and as recently as 1996 was scouting foreign teams for his old pal Venables, then England manager.
http://www.accringtonobserver.co.uk/news/s/48/48020_fergie_remembers.html


Spotlight on: The Career of Mike Ferguson
17/2/2002 - Rochdale Rivals
A keen desire to make the grade as a professional footballer saw the Burnley born inside forward travel in excess of 200 miles south after accepting an offer to join Plymouth Argyle. The first team proved just beyond him during his time at Home Park throughout which he remained an amateur. So the offer of professional terms combined with a move closer to home with Accrington Stanley was gleefully accepted.
Despite their lowly status Ferguson spent almost two seasons with Stanley. Blackburn Rovers scouts regularly attended games across Lancashire and on one of these visits saw Ferguson and marked him down as a transfer target. Financial problems primarily led to the demise of the club. Their subsequent loss of Football League status only hastened his arrival at Ewood Park in return for a £1500 fee. Although bought as a striker he was converted to a right sided midfielder usually operating on the wing. It was a move which benefited both parties as Blackburn had created an extra option going forward with a player who knew the strikers art and could anticipate the needs of the forwards as well as weighing in with his fair share of goals.
For his part Ferguson revelled in his creative role due to the responsibility and extra satisfaction he gained from the switch. However, that was tempered by a powerful will to win which unfortunately exposed a short fuse when the battle for points got heated enough. Although he missed just a handful of games during his six seasons with Rovers a fair share of these absences came through suspensions.
Although a crowd favourite like many other players he had a price which could buy his services and by offering £50,000 at the close of the 1967-68 season Aston Villa found it. Like Blackburn Villa were a major force during the fledging years of the Football League but neither enjoyed a comfortable level of standing. Rovers were relegated from the top flight in 1966 and weren't looking good bets for a quick return. The Midlanders were in the same division but usually finished well up the table while never pushing for promotion. They were eventually relegated to the Third Division but believed that the skills displayed by Ferguson could help them break back into the big time. However, by this time they suffered the drop Fergsuon had left the club. He spent just over a year with The Villains playing a more peripheral role than he had been used to with previous clubs before joining Queens Park Rangers in a cut price deal.
In complete contrast the London club got a keen deal and managed to give their signing a new lease of life. Their direct style being more suited to his style of play. Cambridge United provided a stop off before he arrived at Rochdale in time for the 1974-75 campaign. In two seasons at Spotland he became an established first choice in the centre of the park only breaking away to set up a pioneering transfer to Icelandic side IAK Arkanes. The move as player/coach only lasted a short time but a result of this move he became one of the first English players to sample life in Europe's northern most outposts. It was this experience and exposure to different techniques which set him in good stead when he took on other coaching posts. However, before concentrating on that side of the game he played a couple of matches for Halifax Town in the spring of 1977.
His backroom career literally had him journey from continent to continent although it started at lowly Enfield. Rochdale were the only Football League club he served as manager. He took the reigns at Spotland a few weeks into the 1977-78 season after a bad start to the campaign saw Brian Green's tenure ended. Form barely picked up throughout the campaign as Dale finished bottom of the league seven points shy of the second from bottom Southport and seventeen points clear of not having to battle out yet another re-election vote. In the event the Merseyside club rather than Dale were shown the door by their fellow league clubs. Just eight games were won all season and just one before Ferguson's arrival. No victories came on the club's travels except in the League Cup when a narrow win was recorded over Halifax Town. In the league two points were picked up away from Spotland from draws with York City and Doncaster Rovers.
He was given another chance to turn things around and retained his job. There was clearly a lot of pressure to produce but things got little better the following season with just one win and six draws picked up by the end of November. However, earlier in the month the manager had left Dale allowing him to embark on another oddessy around the world coaching teams as far a field as Cyprus and The Far East. Upon leaving the game during the 1980s despite all the places and climates he had experienced he chose to return to Burnley where he still lives.
http://www.rivals.net/default.asp?sid=967&p=2&stid=8237450

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Winning run can clinch it for Waddock
Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times - 08 March 2006
KEVIN Gallen has urged his QPR team-mates to end the season on a high - and clinch the manager's job for Gary Waddock.Gallen, who has just returned to the Rangers side after a three-month injury lay-off, is convinced that a good run of form in the last 10 games will see Waddock confirmed as Ian Holloway's replacement.
And the QPR captain hopes his former team-mate Alan McDonald - who is currently assisting Waddock with coaching duties - can be persuaded to stay at Loftus Road on a permanent basis.
Realistically, the Rs will not be involved in either the play-off picture or the relegation issue this year and Gallen observed: "The play-offs would be nice, but I think that's too far away."But hopefully we can play some good football, get results and get Waddo the job. I think it's pretty likely that'll happen if we finish the season well."We're behind Waddo and I'm delighted he got his chance because he's a QPR man and I hope it goes really well for him."Hopefully then Macca will stay and he can buy some new clothes - he's still wearing the same ones he had when he was a player, so he could do with a few win bonuses!"
Gallen made his comeback with an hour's run-out in Saturday's 0-0 draw at home to Wolves, his first taste of competitive action since picking up a hamstring injury against Hull in late November.A nerve problem then developed in the striker's lower back and left him frustrated by his inability to help influence the team's fortunes during a difficult period."
Saturdays were bad enough, but what really got to me was every day, watching the lads train while I was sitting on my bike in the gym," Gallen recalled."The more time you're out, the harder it is to regain your fitness, so I was delighted to put on the kit and get back into the old routine."I couldn't have spent another Saturday shopping with the missus - she said, 'any chance of you getting fit and going back to playing football?'
"Of course I'm disappointed that I didn't get the chance to play those last games for Ian Holloway. Maybe I could have made a difference, who knows?"Ollie was good to me - he brought me back to the club and got me playing well again. But people come and go and it's a case of 'the king is dead, long live the king'.
http://www.kilburntimes.co.uk/content/camden/kilburntimes/sport/story.aspx?brand=KLBTOnline&category=sportfootball&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=sportklbt&itemid=WeED08%20Mar%202006%2012%3A13%3A33%3A967

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John Hollins Crawley at QPR
Crawley OFFICIAL SITE
STRONG RESERVE SIDE BEATS QPR
A strong Reds reserves side produced an excellent performance to defeat Championship side Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road on Tuesday afternoon. Goals from Steve Burton and Omari Coleman sealed the win for Town, while Rangers' only response was a late strike from former Aston Villa forward Stefan Moore.
The win moves Crawley up to fifth place in the league. Woking are the visitors to the Broadfield Stadium this Tuesday in the next Combination game.
Crawley opened the scoring in the 11th minute when Paul Armstrong broke from midfield and sent a perfect cross into the box for Burton to slide home. Rangers rarely troubled Scott Ward in the Town goal despite having a strong side out, including ex Premiership stars Moore, Georges Santos and keeper Simon Royce. Moore had the best chance for QPR during the first half, as a back pass was incepted and Moore's attempted chip was flicked away for a corner.
Playing in a strong wind and rain, neither side troubled their opposition goalkeepers too much in the second half until Crawley wrapped up the win with five minutes to play. A long kick by Ward caused all sorts of trouble for the Rangers defence and Coleman was left free to slide the ball under Royce to extend the Reds' lead.
There was a glimmer of hope for Rangers when Moore pulled a goal back two minutes later but the final chance of the game fell to the Reds. Good work by the impressive Lee Blackburn set Burton free on the right and he sent a ball right across the face of the goal, with Coleman's out stretched leg only narrowly failing to convert it.
Result: Tuesday 7th March 2006 (Pontins Holiday's Combination Central Division) QPR 1 Crawley Town 2Crawley Town: Scott Ward, Ben Judge, Ian Simpemba, David Woozley, Neil Jenkins, Lee Blackburn, Paul Armstrong, Danny Brown, Sacha Opinel, Omari Coleman, Steve Burton.Unused subs: Phil Smith, Chris Giles, Leonard Mendy.Crawley Town Man of the Match: Lee Blackburn.

07 MARCH 2006
CHAIRMAN EXPLAINS CUTS TO THE FANSMore than 200 Crawley fans packed into the Redz bar at Broadfield Stadium on Monday to hear chairman Chas Majeed explain the club's recent salary cutbacks.
Mr Majeed said reducing the wage bill had been necessary to meet the Conference salary cap, and that a restructured budget could enable new players to come in to boost the club's fight against relegation.
He said that before last week's announcement that wages had been cut by 50 per cent, that the club's wage bill had been the second highest in the division.
“We wanted to restructure the club to enable us to move forward and to get out of this position.” Mr Majeed said the moves had been made after an investor had pulled out due to the team's poor position in the table.
“We will complete our fixtures this season, there is no doubt about that. The changes we have made will enable the club to operate without that extra investment, but we are also hoping to bring in more. The club will still be here next season – we want to go up, not down. We will not go into administration. What we are doing now is to stop that happening.”
The chairman said he took some responsibility for the situation, claiming that he would never again hand players big money two-year contracts, which he said had led to some complacency.
“We have learned the hard way that is not the way to do things. I should have been there when the contracts were being negotiated and signed – that's my fault, I admit that. But we left it to other people and it has not worked.
“We know now that what we should have done is put them all on one-year deals in order that they maintain their drive and don't slip into a comfort zone.
“We knew the club was losing money when we took it on – that's not the problem. But the long-term contracts had created a big problem for next season and we had to take action.
“From now on we are keen to get a set pay structure in place with a maximum that we won't exceed and put players only on one-year deals.
Mr Majeed was quick to assure fans that top scorer Daryl Clare was not one of the players he expected to leave in the near future.
“We want him to stay. He is one of the guys who plays with passion and he might even still be here if we didn't pay him at all!”
“If we had 11 players who tried as hard as they did on Saturday all season we wouldn't be in the mess we are in.”
Assistant general manager Ben Taylor added that the players had responded brilliantly in the last week's events.
“The cuts were announced to the squad before they played Gravesend and the players, Danny Brown for example, have been fantastic in the last two games, showing more spirit and pride than they had done before.”
Mr Taylor also said the club staff were determined to make the club a success despite having their own wages cut as well. “We are all in this together. We are Crawley Town Football Club and we will get through it all together,” he said.
Mr Majeed accepted that communication with fans could be better, but that this meeting, and similar events in the future could improve the relationship. One fan pointed out that when the club held a meeting soon after their takeover, only around ten supporters had turned up.
The chairman added that although the swift transition from part-time to full-time this season had not been ideal, it had been a necessary move.
“We were criticised but if you saw our games at the start of the season the players looked tired in the second half – they couldn't even play for 90 minutes. You have to be full-time to compete in this league.”
The chairman also threw his support behind manager John Hollins. “We are sure John Hollins is the right man for the job. He has still not had a full chance to take control and work with the team he wants.”
Assurances over the future existence and promotion of the club's youth set-up were given before Mr Majeed appealed to the fans to come through the gates for the rest of the season and help to strengthen the club's financial position.
“You guys are the bread and butter of this club. We need to do this together but the gates have been dropping.”
Commercial manager Victor Marley had a similar message, saying: “The passion for Crawley Town among the fans here is obvious and there is no doubt the chairman has sunk a lot of his money into the club. What we need is for the next game, that everyone tries to bring someone else and we'll be on the right track.
Club consultant Alan Mullery's involvement was questioned and Mr Majeed said that while he still advised the club on procedural matters and how other professional clubs operate, he no longer had any say in player recruitment, which is now down to John Hollins.
Mr Taylor pointed out that the only player signed on Mr Mullery's recommendation had been defender Leonard Mendy, who was the fans' player of the month for February.
Mr Majeed explained that Tony Scully had been signed by him and then caretaker-boss Simon Wormull.
Supporters Club chairman Kevin Giles, who hosted the meeting, appealed for there to be no repeat of the scenes before last Saturday's game against Accrington, when a handful of fans entered the field of play shortly before kick-off.
“The people who went on the pitch should know better. We are all emotional about the club but the consequences of their actions could have made the situation worse.”
However, Mr Majeed said no action would be taken against the protestors. “Everyone is passionate about this club. But they are our supporters and we won't throw them out.”
The meeting was held in a positive spirit throughout, with fans breaking into a spontaneous chorus of “We are the Reds” at the end.
http://www.crawley-town-fc.co.uk/php/070306.php#3


Jamie Cureton scored again for Swindon
BBC-
Swindon 1-2 Tranmere
Goals from Chris Greenacre and Sam Aiston eased the pressure on Tranmere against relegation-threatened Swindon.
Greenacre swept home his 15th goal of the season after 21 minutes as Tranmere dominated the first half.
Aiston added a second in the 33rd minute, exchanging passes with Calvin Zola before seeing his shot deflect over goalkeeper Rhys Evans.
Swindon pulled a goal back in the 69th minute when Jamie Cureton scored with a right-foot shot from 15 yards.
Swindon: Evans, Jack Smith (Shakes 45), Nicholas, O'Hanlon, Gurney, Pook, Miglioranzi (Jarrett 64), Brown, Benjamin, Peacock, Cureton.Subs Not Used: Bulman, Jenkins, Whalley.
Goals: Cureton 69.
Tranmere: Seremet, Raven, Roberts, Jackson, Sharps, Aiston (Harrison 75), McAteer, O'Leary, Tremarco (Goodison 75), Zola (Facey 80), Greenacre.Subs Not Used: Wilson, Jennings.
Goals: Greenacre 21, Aiston 33.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_2/4750096.stm


Bull & Griffiths for Aldershot
BBC -Aldershot 1-4 Accrington Stanley
Ian Craney scored Accrington's openerGary Roberts scored twice as leaders Accrington continued their march to the Football League with a convincing win.
John Coleman's side took the lead soon after the restart when Ian Craney slammed a shot into the top corner.
Stanley doubled their advantage on the hour mark, with Roberts firing home from 12 yards.
Andrew Mangan made it three on 67 minutes before Leroy Griffiths pulled a goal back for Aldershot only for Roberts to complete the rout.
Aldershot: Bull, Hamilton, Heald, Jinadu, Barnard, Crittenden, Watson, Holloway, Williams (Griffiths 51), Dixon, Scott.Subs Not Used: Weait, Sulaiman, Hudson, Elphick.
Booked: Watson.
Goals: Griffiths 71.
Accrington Stanley: Elliot, Edwards, Ventre, Welch, Richardson, Todd (Jagielka 78), Boco, Craney, Roberts, Brown (Mangan 63), Mullin.Subs Not Used: Alcock, Cook, Boyd.
http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_conf/4773610.stm

Denis Oli at Grays
BBC -Cambridge Utd 1-1 Grays Athletic
Play-off hopefuls Grays could only manage a point as Cambridge dominated proceedings at the Abbey Stadium.
The hosts took a 13th minute lead when Craig Westcarr fired home and he could have added a second but shot straight at Nicky Eyre when well placed.
Grays levelled when Jamie Slabber tapped in Stuart Thurgood's cross.
Dan Gleeson and Mbiyeye Medine spurned good chances for the Us before Grays almost snatched victory through Glenn Poole's well-struck drive.
Cambridge Utd: Howie, Gleeson, Bloomer, Duncan, Jaszczun, Brady, Coldicott (Porter 70), Wolleaston, Pitt, Onibuje (Medine 55), Westcarr.Subs Not Used: Morrison, Davies, Bunce.
Booked: Medine, Jaszczun.
Goals: Westcarr 13.
Grays Athletic: Eyre, Mawer, Stuart, Hanson, Nutter, Kightly (Hooper 71), Thurgood, Martin, Poole, Oli (Williamson 83), Slabber.Subs Not Used: Bayes, Battersby, Sambrook.
Goals: Slabber 38.
Att: 1,821 http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_conf/4773614.stm


Tony Roberts at Dagenham
BBC - Dagenham & Redbridge 0-2 York
Strike pair Clayton Donaldson and Andy Bishop kept York's play-off push on track with two late strikes.
Donaldson steered home a cross from his forward partner with four minutes left and when Donaldson returned the favour in injury-time the points were secure.
The visitors had the better of a cagey first half, with Donaldson spurning a couple of half-chances.
Craig Mackail-Smith's angled drive after 36 minutes and Chris Porter's were the best of the Daggers' chances.
Dag & Red: Roberts, Uddin, Cole, Blackett, Foster , Saunders, Lettejallon (Vickers 89), Southam, Griffiths, Akurang (Moore 69), Mackail-Smith.Subs Not Used: Hogan, Johnson, Kenny Clark.
Booked: Saunders.
York: Porter, Thomas, Hotte, McGurk, Peat, Convery, Panther, Neil Bishop, Dunning, Andy Bishop, Donaldson.Subs Not Used: Reid, O'Neill, Merris, Stewart, Webster.
Booked: Porter, Donaldson.
Goals: Donaldson 86, Andy Bishop 90.
Att: 973
Ref: G Scott (Devon).
http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_conf/4773618.stm

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QPR OFFICIAL SITE - STATEMENT
Gianni Paladini has issued the following statement following recent inaccurate reporting.
Once again this club has been subjected to a barrage of pitifully inaccurate reporting in the London Evening Standard - and once again I am left with no option but to set the record straight in order that you, our true supporters, know exactly how QPR's finances stand.
The article in last Friday's edition should be seen in the light of the previous negative and misleading articles by the same author for which they had to print an apology and pay our solicitor's costs.
The total value of the debt in the 2005 accounts (ie the sum of the current liabilities and the long term liabilities) is £18m.The total value of the same debt in the 2004 accounts was £18m.In other words no change, but this is definitely not the impression conveyed by the headline.
As most fans know the biggest item in the total debt is the £10m loan from the ABC Corporation which was entered into in 2002 several years before the current regime took over. Current liabilities fell in 2005 as the debts to the Customs and Revenue were reduced and short-term loans to shareholders were repaid.
You should also be aware that £2.8m of the total "debts" is for income for the 2005/06 season that was banked before the 31st May 2005 and, in accordance with standard accounting practice, is included in current liabilities as deferred income.The bulk of this deferred income is for season ticket receipts, which is being released in the 2005/06 financial year. This means that the high value of the early bird season ticket sales for both the 2004 and 2005 seasons have increased the "debt" at the club's financial year end.So rather perversely the increase in deferred income is a positive sign and not an indication of "misery" as heralded by the Evening Standard.
The Standard did state that losses for the year were £2.5m but neglected to mention that was an improvement of £1.8m on the two previous years.
This improvement was all the more impressive as it was achieved despite losing the revenue from Fulham ground sharing deal. Running costs have been reduced and supply contracts have been renegotiated. I know these figures are wrong because I am so intimately involved in both the day-to-day running of the club, and its financial strategy and support. Along with my trusted friend and chairman of QPR Holdings, Antonio Caliendo, we have dug into our own pockets to pay off the debts we inherited when we took over - debts that, quite frankly, would have forced the club into liquidation if they had not been paid.
I need to say a few more words about Antonio at this point because the Standard has also intimated there is something dark and mysterious about his presence at the club. Antonio is chairman of our holding company, and I am chairman of the football club. There is nothing murky or sinister about this two-man structure - it's exactly the same format that existed before we took over.
We have no hidden agendas - if we did, we wouldn't have stuck around for so long, working so hard to get QPR's finances back on the straight and narrow. The accounts for 2005 show a vast improvement on the previous years' results and the current projections for 2006 show that there will be another sizeable reduction in the clubs' net losses.
However the Evening Standard states that the projected losses for the current season "could be as much as £4m" and will not be revealed until March 2007. As the club has had no contact with the writer of this article we are left to ponder as to the both the source of his inaccurate statements and the motives behind them. The club is currently working on its projections for next season and the board of directors are looking for further revenue opportunities and further cost savings as the club works towards a break-even situation.A more detailed update will be given to shareholders at the forthcoming AGM and a summary will then published on the QPR website.
http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~798825,00.html

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BBC - McDonald stays alongside QPR boss
Alan McDonald is staying on as Gary Waddock's right-hand man at QPR.
McDonald, who spent 17 years as a player at Loftus Road, returned when Waddock was placed in charge after Ian Holloway was put on 'gardening leave.'
The former centre-back recently sold his Wiltshire home to move back to Northern Ireland and initially agreed to help Waddock on a short-term basis.
But McDonald will stay until at least the end of the season, when the futures of both men are likely to be resolved.
Waddock said: "It's good news. I'd like the job full-time and I definitely want to have him alongside me.
"Originally he agreed to help out until March, but we sat down and talked about it and he'll be staying longer."
The Rangers board want to install Waddock on a permanent basis but must first agree a pay-off with Holloway, who was axed after poor results and a series of behind-the-scenes problems.
"If I'm offered the job I certainly won't turn it down," Waddock admitted.
"But what happens in the longer term depends on the situation with Ian Holloway. He is still the manager of this football club.
"Until that changes, I'm working on a game-to-game basis and I'm pleased with the way things are going."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/sport2/hi/football/teams/q/qpr/4776994.stm


TEAMTALK - Royce aims to roll over Jones
QPR goalkeeper Simon Royce is confident of winning back his first-team place despite Paul Jones' excellent form.Royce has missed Rangers' last five matches with hip and groin problems and caretaker-boss Gary Waddock has since brought in Wales international Jones, whose performances have been superb.But Royce - who is due to play for Rangers reserves against Crawley on Tuesday - believes he should regain his spot in the match at Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday."I now have to fight to get my place back," Royce said. "I would like to think that after playing 33 games this year I've done enough to give Gary a massive headache and win back my place."But Paul Jones has done very well, so it won't be easy."
http://www.teamtalk.com/teamtalk/News/Story_Page/0,7760,1801_1066598,00.html

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Guardian Hoddle searches for clinical boots
Robert Pryce at Loftus RoadMonday March 6, 2006The Guardian
Wolves dominated another game and again they couldn't win. They played with three strikers, but could not get a goal. They extended their unbeaten run - and fell another place in the table.
Their frustrations accumulated on Saturday, and most of them were all too familiar: the possession without penetration, the lack of a cutting edge and, as a further reproach to Glenn Hoddle, a defiant performance from Paul Jones, the goalkeeper he let go last month.
Hoddle has been in charge for 15 months and Wolves are as far from the Premiership as ever. His team has its charm but the veteran midfield looks in need of a more dynamic component, there is no quickness anywhere in the side and still no reliable finisher.
This season they have scored fewer goals than Crewe. This year they have been shut out by Coventry, Millwall, Leicester and now an understrength QPR team under caretaker management. Carl Cort is their top scorer with 10 goals - but he has added only one since September.
On Saturday he collaborated with Jérémie Aliadière to miss Wolves' best chance. A Paul Ince dummy left the strikers with a yawning goal and no immediate opponent, but Jones somehow blocked Aliadière's shot and diverted Cort's follow-up against the post. "Obviously," Hoddle said, "if we could have put our clinical boots on we'd have been sitting here with three points."
Cort is not a Hoddle signing and he does not look like one. What is the point of a robust 6ft 4in centre-forward if you insist that the ball should be played to feet?
In fact, neither team provided much for their target men. Rangers couldn't and Wolves wouldn't. But Gary Waddock, with a CV that must prostrate itself before Hoddle's, may have dared to imply some criticism of the former England manager when he talked about the change in Rangers' approach since Ian Holloway was turfed out. "You can't be predictable," he said. "You have to mix the ball up."
Hoddle sticks with what he knows. Aliadière, the latest striker to be measured for the clinical boots, will be given every opportunity to show he can fill them, starting with home games this week against Stoke and Cardiff. "We're a side that has to win away from home," Hoddle said, "so we're playing with three strikers and we're being very bold."
This is not a sport that favours boldness; this is not a league that respects pure football. Expect more frustration before the week is out.
Man of the match Paul Jones (Wolves)
http://football.guardian.co.uk/Columnists/Column/0,,1724051,00.html


TELEGRAPH
Old boy Jones keeps Wolves from the doorBy Tom Cary (Filed: 06/03/2006)Match details
Your view: Football fans' forum
Queens Park Rangers (0) 0 Wolves (0) 0
While the rest of Britain froze, the sun did its best to fool those of us assembled at Loftus Road on Saturday into believing that winter was a distant and unpleasant memory. Unfortunately, the players did not take the bait.
In fact, the only participant who could be said to have emerged from this clash with a spring in his step was Rangers' decidedly veteran goalkeeper Paul Jones.
The Wales international, 38, was deemed surplus to requirements by Wolves in January, but turned in a match-winning performance here to deny his former club a fourth successive victory and a play-off place.
QPR caretaker manager Gary Waddock is smitten: "He saved the penalty up at Sheffield United, he was outstanding for his country midweek, and he has put on a performance today, just to round it off, with a double save at the end, which was world class."
That pivotal moment arrived on 83 minutes when Jones blocked Jeremie Aliadiere's close-range effort and then turned Carl Cort's follow-up onto the post to start the away fans heckling.
"That didn't bother me at all," Jones said afterwards. "Typical away fans. I clapped them at the end. I'm a professional."
QPR's toothless display left Glenn Hoddle to once again rue his team's lack of precision in front of goal and talk up their play-off hopes.
"It's been a decent day for us," he argued. "Palace lost, we gained a point. We play Cardiff next week so we're still in the driving seat."
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml;jsessionid=OW2WQSYER1Z5JQFIQMFCFFWAVCBQYIV0?xml=/sport/2006/03/06/sfgqpr06.xml&sSheet=/sport/2006/03/06/ixfooty.html

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Ray Wilkins set to return to The Den Mar 3 2006
By Toby Porter - South London.Co.uk
ENGLAND legend Ray Wilkins is to return to The Den on the coaching side.
The former Millwall assistant manager answered the call from the club to help lift the squad as they battle against the threat of relegation.
He is expecting to be involved for the next two months, while continuing to meet his part-time coaching commitments to the England U21 squad.
Wilkins also hopes to boost the Lions' attempts to sign new players on loan - a job which has proved very hard, after more than 50 failed bids for players.
He said another of the most crucial tasks will be to try and put a smile back on the faces of Tuttle's team, who have not won in 10 games.
"We are in a difficult situation but it is not impossible," said Wilkins.
"The most important thing is to try and get the players to relax and to get them smiling again.
"Escaping this predicament is in our own hands. Every team below us and everyone just above us has the same tough 10 games to face. If we work hard at it, we can do it.
"Millwall have always been up for a battle and I cannot think of a better mentality to dig ourselves out of this current predicament.
"We will have to scrap for every morsel we get. But if we put in everything we've got, I really believe we can do it."
Wilkins, in 18 months at The Den under manager Dennis Wise, guided the Lions to the 2004 FA Cup Final and within a whisker of the play-offs, before leaving last May.
"Yes, it was a dilemma whether I should return to the club," he added.
"But Tutts is a friend of mine and I can remember when Dennis and I were in charge he was an enormous help. He did all our reports on players and gave us a lot of guidance.
"We were highly indebted to him at the time and so I have readily agreed to help out."
Lions boss David Tuttle added: "Ray has agreed to help us out in all football matters. I'm happy I will be able to call on his vast experience.
"The players are also pleased to see him back. And I am sure he will be able to help lift the spirits around the place."
In addition to helping Tuttle and his assistant Tony Burns, Wilkins is also likely to provide the board with the benefit of his football knowledge and insight. ..
http://icsouthlondon.icnetwork.co.uk/0500millwall/0100news/tm_objectid=16766154&method=full&siteid=50100&headline=ray-wilkins-set-to-return-to-the-den-name_page.html

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BBC - Thompson signs full-time contract
Linfield turned down two offers for striker Peter ThompsonLinfield striker Peter Thompson has signed a three and a half year full-time contract with the club.
The deal secures Thompson's future until the end of the 2009 season.
"I am absolutely delighted with this new deal which means that I can concentrate on nothing else but playing football from now on," said Thompson.
"The club have always looked after my interests and I am happy with the way they have dealt with approaches from other clubs," said the Blues marksman.
Linfield turned down bids for the striker from Gretna and QPR.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/irish/4775054.stm

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QPR's Tommy Doherty, who just this week joined Yeovil on a month loan, went off injured after 10 minutes, in his debut game.

Yeovil Official Site
Two Yeovil Town players were injured in the 3-0 victory over Chesterfield, with Anthony Barry unfortunately dislocating his knee. He is currently receiving hospital treatment.
Tommy Doherty has picked up a knock to his fibula, and medical investigations are underway to ascertain whether it is a reoccurence of an injury he suffered earlier in the season.
Everyone at Yeovil Town wishes the two lads all the best in their recovery.
http://www.ytfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10673~797745,00.html

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Holloway Speaks - TEAMTALK
Former QPR manager Ian Holloway has spoken for the first time of his life on 'gardening leave'. Holloway was removed from his position as QPR boss last month after speculation over the possibility of him taking over at Championship rivals Leicester. His contract still has over two years to run.
He told Sky Sports: "If I'd have known this was going to happen I'd have bought a bigger garden." You get mixed emotions. I've been doing it for 10 years now and all of sudden nothing. I'm not allowed to go in, talk to players or anything. Just cheerio. But I don't want to cause any trouble with them. I'm delighted for the club and what has happened over the past five years."So it feels like a mini bereavement. Football management's like being bitten by a vampire - it's in your blood. You just want to manage."I'm waiting at home, watching the phone... And watching... And watching. 'Is that the phone ringing?' No, I've imagined it... Again."
http://www.teamtalk.com/teamtalk/News/Story_Page/0,7760,1801_1060621,00.html

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Sunday Times
QPR 0 Wolves 0: Jones foils toothless WolvesPaul Rowan at Loftus Road
PAUL JONES, released last month by Wolverhampton Wanderers, produced a stunning double save seven minutes from time to deny Glenn Hoddle’s side the chance to move into the playoff places, thus continuing the good run of form that Queens Park Rangers are enjoying under caretaker manager Gary Waddock.
The Loftus Road faithful were delighted to see the return of their stalwart captain Kevin Gallen, absent since October with a variety of injuries. His fellow warhorse Paul Ince also started, unexpectedly, having shrugged off a back injury. Ince was as combative and vocal as ever, but he struggles now to be first to the ball and the midfield pairing of Richard Langley and Stefan Bailey had the better of him and Darren Anderton for most of the first half.
The home side dominated much of the early exchanges as a result, but chances were few and far between. A typical piece of trickery from Langley set up Gareth Ainsworth, who had drifted in from the right wing to take up a good position in the box, but he failed to test Stefan Postma with a rising shot.
Ainsworth’s driving runs were a constant menace to Lee Naylor and Lee Cook was also a source of trickery. After half an hour, he was hauled down 30 yards out and got up to take a firm free kick that Postma gathered comfortably.
Anderton showed his class with one sweet ball through to Ince on the edge of the box, but his volleying skills were found wanting. The former Tottenham Hotspur player was again the creator when Wolves almost snatched the lead on the stroke of half-time, feeding Jeremie Aliadiere, who sent Kenny Miller in on goal against Jones. But the QPR goalkeeper narrowed the angle well and saved with his feet.
QPR’s greater intent remained apparent on the resumption with Gallen at the centre of everything creative that the home side had to offer before making way for Sammy Youssouf just after the hour mark. QPR had almost taken the lead five minutes before his departure, when Cook took a short corner to Marcus Bignot and his cross was met by Danny Shittu on the far post, but the giant central defender failed to find the power with his header to seriously trouble Postma.
The game spluttered into life on 68 minutes with a huge appeal for a penalty by the home side, Naylor having handled when Ainsworth prodded the ball towards goal, but the referee dismissed the claim.
Wolves then produced the move of the match on 83 minutes, but incredibly the game was still scoreless by the end of it. After another QPR attack broke down, Mark Kennedy, on for Anderton, fed Ince on the halfway line, who moved the ball on to Miller breaking down the left wing. Ince continued his run and might have shot when Miller returned the ball into the centre but he dummied instead to allow Aliadiere a shot on goal from 10 yards out.
Jones, repeating his outstanding form for Wales against Paraguay last Wednesday, produced a brilliant save. The rebound fell invitingly for Carl Cort, who appeared odds-on to score, but Jones completed a brilliant double save by diving again to his left and he deserved to have the luck of seeing the ball bounce to safety off the upright
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2093-2070196,00.html


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Independent
QPR 0 Wolves 0: Jones turns up heat to leave Wolves sweating on play-off place
By Nick Callow at Loftus Road
Published: 05 March 2006
Paul Jones was applauded off the pitch by supporters and players alike as he completed a remarkable week for club and country. Not bad for a goalkeeper who turns 39 next month and was ditched by the Wolverhampton Wanderers manager, Glenn Hoddle, a couple of weeks ago because he could not get a game at Molineux.
Jones has joined Queen's Park Rangers on a free until the end of the season. He saved a penalty to enable Rangers to win at second-placed Sheffield United last weekend, he kept a clean sheet for Wales against Paraguay on Wednesday and made a late "world-class double save" to deny Wolves the win that would have sent them into a Premiership play-off place.
Hoddle insisted his side can still make the play-offs and explained why he let Jones go. "I don't think it was revenge by Paul he just did his job," Hoddle said. "We had to let him go because we've got four good keepers at the club and he needs to play first-team football at his age to keep his international place. We're still very much in the play-off race, although it would have been nice to get the win our performance deserved and be in the top six now. I think there are enough games and points left for us."
Wolves were the better team and Jones was on top form. His first really good stop came on the stroke of half-time after Arsenal's loan striker Jérémie Aliadière and Darren Anderton set Kenny Miller clear on goal. Jones dived the wrong way, but saved superbly with his feet.
Then, in the 82nd minute, came the moment Wolves could live to regret. A fantastic step-over by Paul Ince presented Aliadière with an open goal only for Jones somehow to block. He reacted even quicker to turn Carl Cort's follow-up attempt on to a post and clear the danger.
The balance of play shifted dramatically in the second half as Rangers began to take a grip and Wolves faded badly. Rangers central defender Danny Shittu missed a hat-trick of chances and even Hoddle agreed they were denied a penalty when Lee Naylor handled in the 70th minute.
"I wish Glenn was the ref," said the caretaker Rangers manager, Gary Waddock, who insisted that he remains in the post on a game-to-game basis, but would love to replace Ian Holloway permanently.
http://sport.independent.co.uk/football/coca_cola/article349294.ece

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Waddock's Comments -Official Site
"....Waddock said: "We had to make quite a few changes quite late in the day. Ian Evatt and Steve Lomas have both aggravated their hips and Marc Bircham went down late with illness.
"But Stefan Bailey came in and did superbly, especially when you consider he was up against the likes of Darren Anderton and Paul Ince.
"He only signed his pro forms this week and this was a bit of a baptism of fire."Then we had Paul Jones pulling off saves that were just out of this world. What a week he's had, after saving a penalty up at Sheffield he pulls off a great double save today - just unbelievable."
Despite all of the injuries, the one silver lining was the return of Kevin Gallen and Waddock was delighted to have his skipper back in action.
"It's great to have Kev back, we only had him play an hour again today as we don't want to rush his return, but he certainly performed well."
Waddock was also keen to set the record straight with regards to some incorrect reporting that he has agreed a two year deal as the club's new manager.
"I was as surprised to find that out in the newspapers as anyone! I'm still here on a game to game basis. I wouldn't turn the job down if it came my way of course, but nothing has even been spoken about yet." http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Match/ManagersComments/0,,10373~797779,00.html


HODDLE EYES PLAY-OFF SPOT FOR WOLVES
Sporting Life
Wolves boss Glenn Hoddle insisted his side remain on course for the Coca-Cola Championship play-offs despite being held to a 0-0 draw at QPR.
The visitors were thwarted by an outstanding display from their former goalkeeper Paul Jones, who produced a brilliant late double save to deny Jeremie Aliadiere and Carl Cort.
Jones also saved from Darren Anderton and Kenny Miller as Wolves failed to take advantage of their possession.
But Hoddle said: "It's been a decent day. Crystal Palace lost and we play Cardiff next week, so we're still in the driving seat.
"The disappointing thing is that if we had won we'd have been in the top six and that would put Preston under pressure."
Hoddle admitted his team were fortunate not to have a penalty awarded against them when Lee Naylor appeared to handle the ball under pressure from Gareth Ainsworth.
"I thought it was a penalty," he said. "That was a bit of good fortune for us.
"But any manager will tell you that these kind of things even themselves out over the course of the season. It did hit his hand - whether it was intentional or not I'm not sure."
He added: "Paul Jones made possibly six saves. We certainly worked him harder than they worked our goalkeeper.
"We had chances to win the game and I feel we should have done so. I can't remember our keeper having to make a save.
"The possession we had was incredible, especially in the first 20 minutes, and we needed to score then."

QPR caretaker-manager Gary Waddock praised his injury-hit team and teenage midfielder Stefan Bailey in particular.
Waddock said: "I'm very pleased. The performance was good considering we had to make quite a few changes.
"I thought Stefan Bailey was outstanding especially as he was playing against Paul Ince and Darren Anderton and hasn't been involved with the first team much.
"Stefan has only been a professional for a week. He's a good lad, he competes, and it doesn't matter if he's up against Paul Ince, he will stand up for himself don't worry about that."
Waddock denied reports he had agreed a two-year contract to take over as manager on a permanent basis.
The former Republic of Ireland midfielder was recently placed in charge after Ian Holloway was put on "gardening leave" by the Loftus Road board.
Waddock explained: "I'm the caretaker-manager and I'm just doing it on a game to game basis. Ian Holloway remains the manager of this football club.
"If the opportunity comes to me and I am offered the job I am certainly not going to turn it down."

http://www.sportinglife.com/football/cc_championship/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/06/03/04/SOCCER_QPR_2nd_Nightlead.html&TEAMHD=nationwide1

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Mirror - March 4, 2006
WADDOCK YES TO STAY ON AS RANGERS BOSS

GARY WADDOCK has accepted a two-year deal to become QPR's permanent manager.
The Rangers caretaker boss has proved a hit since taking over from Ian Holloway last month. He has led the side to two wins in three games, including a stunning 3-2 victory at Sheffield United last week.
QPR will announce the appointment as soon as they have agreed a settlement with Holloway, who earns a basic salary of £180,000-a-year.
But Waddock's appointment will prompt accusations that he has been brought in on the cheap.
Rangers revealed losses of £2.5m up to the end of last season, meaning they are now more than £18m in debt.
Waddock, 42, came through the ranks as a player at Loftus Road and played in the 1982 FA Cup final. Injury looked to have finished his career in 1987 but he made a comeback with Millwall two years later, and almost made Republic of Ireland's 1990 World Cup squad.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/tm_objectid=16772126%26method=full%26siteid=94762%26headline=waddock%2dyes%2dto%2dstay%2don%2das%2drangers%2dboss%2d-name_page.html

Rangers midfielder Tommy Doherty has joined League One Yeovil Town on a one month emergency loan deal.
The former Northern Ireland international is in line to make his debut for the Glovers against Chesterfield on Saturday.
Doherty's season has been plagued by injury, with the 26 year old making just 14 appearances for the Superhoops this term.The busy Easter period could see Doherty play a part in up to six games in a bid to up his fitness before returning to Loftus Road.Doherty began his career at Bristol City before joining Rangers for an undisclosed fee in the summer of 2005."
http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~796564,00.html
[NB: The just announced accounts report that QPR signed him from Bristol City for 100,000 pounds]

Western Daily Press
YEOVIL SNAP UP DOHERTY ON LOAN
09:30 - 03 March 2006
Tommy Doherty is bracing himself for a sudden return to action tomorrow - in the familiar settings of League One with Yeovil Town. The Queens Park Rangers midfielder joins the Glovers' survival campaign on-loan for a month, knowing he faces one of the biggest and most challenging tests of his career and will return to Ashton Gate to take on his beloved Bristol City on April 1.Doherty was catapulted into the spotlight during City's 1998 promotion success but signed for Championship outfit QPR last summer after falling out of favour with previous Gate boss Brian Tinnion. The 26-year-old from Bedminster, Bristol, yesterday signed for Yeovil for 31 days with a view to building up his match fitness following a lengthy spell out with a broken leg.The 'Doc', as he is known to his friends and colleagues, has not played in first team football since sustaining the injury to his fibula in the November 19 clash at Plymouth.He faces a trip Chesterfield's Saltergate, a ground he knows well from his City days, as he bids to regain full match fitness.That game will be crucial to Yeovil boss Steve Thompson's team who are battling to beat the drop in League O n e.But the thought of a return to Ashton Gate will be weighing heavily on Doherty's mind.The Bristolian wasn't aware of the clash at the Gate when he signed for the Glovers and said: ""It didn't enter my head that I would be going back there until a mate text me on Wednesday night to say, 'Guess where you're going on April Fool's Day'!"I knew straight away what he was hinting at and it's perhaps not an ideal game for me for sentimental reasons. But I'm not going to think about it now; that era's gone."I never wanted to leave City in the first place and everyone knows it; that was Brian Tinnion's decision."That's not to say I won't be giving my best, though, because I will in that game and over the next month."I've already had a training session with Yeovil and they have some good players from what I can tell."
The main thing for me is to get playing football regularly again and start getting some sharpness back, something that is hard to do when you're playing reserve football."Central midfielder Doherty has made 14 starts and one appearance from the bench for QPR since Ian Holloway took him aboard in the last close season. The former Bristol Rovers manager was recently relieved of his duties at Loftus Road and Gary Waddock handed the caretaker boss reins.It's all meant for a troubled spell for the skilful, tough-tackling Doherty, who is desperate to rekindle the form that made him such a hit with City fans.
He admitted: "It's been disappointing to see what's happened with Ian because he was the one who took me on."I've got two years after this one on my contract at QPR and the new gaffer (Gary Waddock) has told me I'm in his plans; it's just a case of getting games behind me."I've been back for three or four weeks now from the injury but the manager needs results fast and he's said he can't wait on my fitness just now, which is fair enough."We only decided last week I could go out on loan somewhere and my agent called me just before last weekend to tell me of Yeovil's interest and it's gone from there."I'm really looking forward to getting involved again and it's a convenient place for me too as I've continued to live in Bristol!"
http://www.westpress.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=145786&command=displayContent&sourceNode=200219&home=yes&sports=yes&contentPK=14122179


Clubcall - Q.P.R. - Waddock on loan exit EXCLUSIVE 03 Mar 2006
Queens Park Rangers caretaker-boss Gary Waddock believes Tommy Doherty's loan spell at Yeovil will give the chance to get back to full fitness after an injury hit few months.
The midfielder has been out since November with a severely bruised leg, which had been feared as a possible fracture.
However he has been back in action for the resreves but Waddock believes he needs to step up his return by playing more competitive football.
In an exclusive interview with clubcall, Waddock said: 'He needs to play some competitive games at first team level to get his fitness up to where he would want it to be, and where I want it to be.
'We sat down and had a chat, and reserve-team football is not the same and he is going to go down to Yeovil for the month. He should play seven or eight games in that period and we will review the situation after the month
'The idea is to step up his match fitness and he is happy to do it. It is better for him to play in the first-team, the games are more competitive and it should get his match fitness up.'
http://217.158.112.238/vsite/vcontent/content/transnews/0,10869,5034-169529-19728-36699-236427-13916-5024-layout104-186747-news-item,00.html

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[So even if QPR are still interested, there's a lot of competition...I guess you can't dither around if you find a non-league star...!]

Watford Observer
Watford to decide on non-league star
JERMAINE BECKFORD could be set to follow in the footsteps of Scott Fitzgerald, Omari Coleman and Jay DeMerit by signing for Watford from non-league football.
The 22-year-old Wealdstone striker has been training at London Colney this week with Watford and boss Adrian Boothroyd said: "He's one we've been tracking for a while and we'll make a decision about him soon."
Should Watford decide to bid for the Ryman Premier Division's leading scorer they are certain to face plenty of competition from other clubs wishing to procure the hottest property in non-league football.
Beckford has already had trials at the likes of Chelsea and Crystal Palace both clubs want him back for a second look. And is set to spend next week training with Charlton Athletic.
Beckford's club manager Gordon Bartlett admits he has never seen anything like it.
"It's unbelievable," said former Portsmouth player Bartlett. "It's gone absolutely crazy. I've never come across this situation before at this level. We've had interest from 20 league clubs but only one formal offer so far, from Yeovil Town, which we've accepted believed to be £50,000.
"We had the Sky television cameras down for our games and everything but Jermaine is taking it very well, he just wants to play football."
And Bartlett, who managed Les Ferdinand at Southall and Andy Impey at Yeading, knows what it takes for a non-league player to make that step up.
"He really could go a long, long way. To score 32 goals in a struggling side is incredible but he gets off the mark very quickly and has tremendous confidence in front of goal. He's been here since he was 17 and come through the youth system but has really matured the last couple of seasons and i think the penny has finally dropped with him."
Other clubs reported to have an interest in Beckford include Sunderland, Reading, QPR, Barnet, Brentford, Oldham, Wycombe and Northampton Town.
http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/display.var.699900.0.watford_to_decide_on_nonleague_star.php

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Independent
The Premiership Interview: Chelsea educated, but a Baggie through and through

Neil Clement grew up training alongside Gullit, Zola and Vialli, but when the champions visit The Hawthorns today his commitment to West Brom's cause will be total. He talked to Phil Shaw
Published: 04 March 2006
Athens, 1994. The England Under-16 squad stroll through the streets, enjoying the historic sights on a balmy evening. Their game with Greece in the Panionos Stadium the following night is the biggest of their fledgling careers.
London, 1996. Chelsea's first-year professionals report for training near Heathrow. They are about to pit themselves against Ruud Gullit's senior players, legends like Gianfranco Zola, Gianluca Vialli, Mark Hughes and Dennis Wise.
One player was present on both occasions, although few observers would have identified him as a star of the future. Against the Greeks, he sat on the bench with Daryl Sopp and Anthony Ormerod as Matthew Wicks, John Curtis, Jason Crowe and Elliott Dickman filled the defensive roles. In Gullit's pecking order, he often seemed to be behind Mark Nicholls, Nick Crittenden, Jody Morris, Jon Harley and Rob Wolleaston.
A decade on, Wicks, the England Under-16 player who had the top clubs drooling, sells cars for a living. For him, as for Luke Staton, Paul Heritage and Andrew Wright, the life that appeared there for the taking never happened. The Chelsea boy most likely, Nicholls, is still playing, but for Uxbridge. The link between the squads - the only one from either now performing in the Premiership - is Neil Clement.
As more eye-catching individuals have fallen by the wayside, the 28-year-old utility player goes from strength to strength and will be involved at The Hawthorns this afternoon as Chelsea seek to honour the memory of Peter Osgood by tightening their grip on the Premiership title. These days, however, Clement is a West Bromwich Albion player. More importantly, given Albion's position just above the relegation zone, Clement is a survivor.
The wretched irony of such an epithet is that his father, the former Queen's Park Rangers and England defender Dave Clement, did not survive to see his son uphold the family honour. Depressed after a serious injury that he sustained as a fine career began fizzling out in the Fourth Division at Wimbledon, he took his life. Neil was three years old.
Too young to understand the enormity of what had happened, he and his brother Paul - who was then 10 and is now coaching Fulham's young players - grew up in the Midlands after his mother decided to move from London. "It wasn't particularly a football environment, so maybe it was in the blood," Clement recalls. "Like any kid, I loved the game. And there was always the incentive of following in my dad's footsteps."
In his mid-teens he was offered a scholarship at the FA's National School at Lilleshall in Shropshire. By the second year, his room-mate, Jody Morris, was already attached to Chelsea and told him the club wanted to sign him. "I'd always had a soft spot for QPR because of my dad, and it's an ambition of mine to play for them one day," he says. "But I went down to Stamford Bridge for a look around when I was 15, and of all the clubs that were interested, that was the one that really grabbed me."
Glenn Hoddle was his first manager and Graham Rix the youth coach. Clement liked their methods and the way they primed their teams to play. The progressive approach continued under Gullit, and a certain player provided all the inspiration a budding first-teamer needed. "Zola was the one I looked to in terms of preparation and training. His dedication was frightening. He was immaculate on the practice pitch. Every time he got the ball, it was as if it was the last time he would touch it."
Yet working with stellar talents from France, Italy and elsewhere was a double-edged sword. Clement started out "high on confidence and excited by the prospects", but he sensed over time that he was "trying too hard" during training. Nicholls, in particular, found greater favour with Gullit, while Morris came to be perceived as having the most potential.
Clement started just once in the Premiership for Chelsea, in a 3-1 win over West Ham in 1996. "Zola was unbelievable. He twisted Julian Dicks inside out. The game probably came too soon for me. With hindsight I could have done with my debut coming after I went on loan to Preston, Reading and Brentford. But it was a fantastic experience. I thought I had it in me to play more times, but it's good to be able to say I played for them."
It looks even better on the CV now that Roman Abramovich and Jose Mourinho have turned Chelsea into champions. Are they recognisable as the club he knew? "When I was there we had some top players. But even in the six years since I left they have moved on and up - the stadium, training ground, players. They could dominate for years."
The odd physio, kit man and coach is still at the Bridge from Clement's five-year stint, but a single player remains, and not the one he and others envisaged as the future of Chelsea. "Jody [Morris] was the outstanding talent as a teenager. He has been unlucky in the way things happened to him off the pitch. The way Chelsea developed as a club didn't help him either. I thought he would kick on when he finally left, but it hasn't really happened for him."
The contemporary who stayed was, of course, John Terry, an occasional golf partner of Clement's. "John was a couple of years younger, though we played in the youth team together. He always loved defending even as a kid. We would be messing about in training and he would throw his body in the way of anything. Totally fearless. But he has taken it on to a different level, the way he reads the game and leads the side."
Clement acknowledges but does not agree with the allegation, repeatedly levelled at foreign-based teams like Chelsea and Arsenal, that they do not give British players a chance. "If you're good enough, you'll get in, as John [Terry] and Ashley Cole have proved. But it is very difficult. Fans at those clubs demand instant success. To get it, they go and buy it."
Not for him the criticism often aired by Jermaine Pennant after his sojourn as the eternal understudy at Highbury. "I don't complain that I never got my chance. I had opportunities. More than anything, though, I got the best footballing education I could possibly have had."
Clement would draw heavily upon it after Gary Megson took him to Albion, initially on loan, during the spring of 2000. Then, as now, the club were embroiled in a fight against relegation - to the third tier of the English game - which they escaped only on the final day. Such late-season drama would become an annual event at The Hawthorns.
"The turnaround has been phenomenal. In my first full season we reached the play-offs. The following year we gained promotion - on the final day again - by beating Crystal Palace. That was probably a bit soon for the club, but you can't turn down the chance when it comes."
Albion went straight back down, then up again, but at the midway point of last season they were favourites for the drop once more. Bryan Robson had replaced Megson as manager, yet crushing defeats cast doubt on his credibility. Clement cites a fixture between Christmas and New Year, at Manchester City, as a collective and personal turning point.
"We didn't have a shot on target but Richard Dunne's own goal equalised for us late on. It started a feeling that maybe it wasn't a lost cause after all. Thomas Gaardsoe got injured that day and I moved to my preferred position at centre-back. I did well and have tended to stay there."
Albion achieved the so-called great escape on the final afternoon, forcing supporters and scribes to re-evaluate Robson's worth. "What he did was give us confidence," explains Clement. "He told us we were good enough to stay up, which perhaps we didn't believe any more.
"He also got us playing better football. We started passing the ball around and creating chances, which we weren't doing under the previous manager. Gary Megson instilled a great work ethic, and we used to try to out-run teams. But we never looked like outscoring them."
Robson's team currently occupy the place where they finished, immediately above the relegation places, but Clement makes sense when he asserts that they are "in a better position than last time". He adds: "We need to put down roots in the Premiership, like Bolton or Charlton. We have to be looking towards the top half rather than the bottom."
In these transient times, many players refer to their employers as "the club" or "they". With Clement, Albion's longest-serving player and often their captain, it is always "we". If he stays until the end of his contract he will have spent a decade there. "Last January I had six months left and I thought I might be leaving, but the manager and the club showed how much they wanted to keep me. I was chuffed to stay.
"I'm even on the club history DVD, Full Throstle. It's great to be part of the traditions, and to have played a part in helping Albion back to where we belong. People have come and gone, the stadium and training facilities have all changed, but I'm still here."
Versatility may be the key to his longevity. "I like central defence or left-back best, but I've also played in centre midfield - I scored at Blackburn in that role in our first-ever Premiership match - and at left wing-back. That's a very tough position to play at this level, especially when opponents play 4-4-2 against you. Their full-backs and wide midfielders double up on you. In the Championship you can play 3-5-2 and get away with it, but the teams we're up against now are too good. The full-backs are happy to bring the ball forward and go two-on-one against you.
"I even played on the right of midfield once, in a vital promotion match against Rotherham. Never again! Not one of my best games. But you will play anywhere to stay in the team. I just want to play as many games as I can. I'd like to play 500 for Albion. I'm already up around 270."
Several of his adolescent colleagues did not manage one, but Clement reflects no less warmly on them. "It doesn't mean that they failed. Some decided football wasn't for them. A lot are doing well in other areas. And people catch up. A kid who was little at 15 can grow taller than the one who was a giant. Others are as fast at 14 as they will ever be."
Growing pains are a problem in the Premiership, too. Albion's ability to get through them successfully may well depend upon the extent to which they can foster Clement's survival instinct.
Like father, like son A player in the image of his old man
"Strong and powerful, a good athlete and a very upright runner, like his dad," says Gerry Francis of Neil Clement. "You can see the resemblance, and not just in his looks. You can tell he's Dave Clement's son."
Francis played with the late Dave Clement for Queen's Park Rangers and England . Neil is left-footed whereas Dave was an overlapping right-back, but intriguingly, given the West Bromwich player's liking for centre-back, his father switched from central defence only after joining QPR in 1965.
Neil knew Dave won five caps, two in World Cup qualifiers against Italy, and that his 405-game sojourn at Rangers included a runners-up spot behind Liverpool in 1976. He had the word of Francis and others that Dave was an outstanding player, but he was too young to have seen him play.
"Dave Sexton, his old manager at QPR, asked John Motson if he could put something together from old video tapes," explains Neil. "I still watch it. But I also meet loads of people who remember him."
Francis, for one. "Dave was a bit older than me, but we both came through the youth team at QPR and played in the same side for 10 years or more. We roomed together, we went on international trips together. I knew his wife, Pat, well and, though I'd moved to Crystal Palace and he was at Wimbledon, they came down to a place I had in the South of France in the summer before his suicide. His death came as a major shock to all of us who were at QPR, and it's still hard to put into words how we felt. "
Francis is glad to see another Clement establish himself at the game's top level. In a strange way, says Neil Clement, he believes his father has, too. "I feel he is with me in spirit and sometimes think he is up there watching over me.
"What's happened has happened, and it's a shame he isn't around to see how me and my brother Paul [a coach at Fulham] have got on. But I'd like to think he would be proud of what I've achieved." http://sport.independent.co.uk/football/west_brom/article349113.ece