Saturday, September 30, 2006
When QPR Were Top! Eight Years ago... "QPR Top Loo League"
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BBC - September 30, 1998
QPR top loo league
Toilet humour: At some grounds the advice is "close your legs and pray"
Queens Park Rangers might not be flushed with sporting success, but according to a fans' survey, their toilets are tops.
A study of conveniences at away grounds ranked lavatories in categories from "The Ritz", through "Graffiti, Puddles and Wildlife" to "Cross Legs and Pray".
The authors of The Football Fans' Guide, in association with Match of the Day Magazine, visited loos at each of the 92 Premier League and Football League grounds.
Heading "The Ritz" table, the pristine privvies at Loftus Road are tiled in blue and white team colours - and even have soap, mirrors and working hand dryers.
But Brummie team Aston Villa were found to be letting the side down drastically with dank, smelly loos which earned them a place in the "Nose Peg Required" section.
And right at the bottom of the lavs league, in the "Cross Your Legs and Pray" category, is Mansfield Town.
The offending Quarry End block - where the report's authors advised users to "take canoes to negotiate the rapids cascading over the floor" - is now scheduled for demolition.
It's Most Awful Toilet in the League Award stands.
Cambridge United fan Janet Williams, who co-wrote the report, says: "Some stunners still remain.
"The male MATITLA went to Darlington for a stench that could be bottled and used in chemical warfare.
"And Swansea won the female MATITLA for floors awash with rank water, drink cans and sweet wrappers."
And she was forced to relegate her own team to 65th place when she found a frog in a cubicle.
Innovation clinched the number three spot for Manchester United, where judges were impressed by an automatic lights in the Old Trafford toilets.
The "Most Embarrassing Loo Award" went to Macclesfield Town for the female loo door which swung open to reveal a view of the entire away terrace.
Liverpool's newly decorated block won them the 19th spot, ahead of Merseyside rivals Everton.
The litter-strewn Goodison Park loos were rated as "A Bit Iffy" and gained them 51st position.
the report's authors point to "Toilet Facilities and Stadia" - a study produced by the Sports Council - which states that there should be one urinal for every 70 male spectators and one loo for every 35 spectators.
The reason for the discrepancy between the sexes is given as women taking twice as long to answer the call of nature.
Ms Williams says: "Most new grounds reach this standard but many of the older grounds don't, which is why many men still give up and head for the nearest wall.
"The Football Trust provides grants of up to 65% towards building new toilets and many grounds have indeed benefited from this.
"Others either cannot find space, or choose to spend their money on other things - while some lower-division outfits cannot afford their 35% share.
Ms Williams said the survey, now in its third year, had shown that some clubs were taking notice of fans' needs.
But she insisted that others still needed to clean up their act.
"For the amount of money away fans pay to visit clubs like Chelsea, the loos should be much better," she said.
She added: "At Stamford Bridge the male loos had a puddle so big supporters were worried about getting their socks wet, while the cubicles at Aston Villa were occupied by the mother of all spiders.
"Part of the pre-match ritual is to go for a drink and a lot of guys increasingly expect more than a mouldy wall to pee against."
The full results can be seen in the November issue of Match of the Day Magazine, which is publishing extracts of the report on Thursday.
It is also running a competition, the Search for the Worst Khazi in Football, with the prize of an Armitage Shanks loo for the nominator's club, and a year's supply of loo roll for the nominator. Pictures of offensive WCs can be scanned in and emailed to the magazine, or sent to Match of the Day, PO Box 27127, London W12 6AD.
BBC
BBC - September 30, 1998
QPR top loo league
Toilet humour: At some grounds the advice is "close your legs and pray"
Queens Park Rangers might not be flushed with sporting success, but according to a fans' survey, their toilets are tops.
A study of conveniences at away grounds ranked lavatories in categories from "The Ritz", through "Graffiti, Puddles and Wildlife" to "Cross Legs and Pray".
The authors of The Football Fans' Guide, in association with Match of the Day Magazine, visited loos at each of the 92 Premier League and Football League grounds.
Heading "The Ritz" table, the pristine privvies at Loftus Road are tiled in blue and white team colours - and even have soap, mirrors and working hand dryers.
But Brummie team Aston Villa were found to be letting the side down drastically with dank, smelly loos which earned them a place in the "Nose Peg Required" section.
And right at the bottom of the lavs league, in the "Cross Your Legs and Pray" category, is Mansfield Town.
The offending Quarry End block - where the report's authors advised users to "take canoes to negotiate the rapids cascading over the floor" - is now scheduled for demolition.
It's Most Awful Toilet in the League Award stands.
Cambridge United fan Janet Williams, who co-wrote the report, says: "Some stunners still remain.
"The male MATITLA went to Darlington for a stench that could be bottled and used in chemical warfare.
"And Swansea won the female MATITLA for floors awash with rank water, drink cans and sweet wrappers."
And she was forced to relegate her own team to 65th place when she found a frog in a cubicle.
Innovation clinched the number three spot for Manchester United, where judges were impressed by an automatic lights in the Old Trafford toilets.
The "Most Embarrassing Loo Award" went to Macclesfield Town for the female loo door which swung open to reveal a view of the entire away terrace.
Liverpool's newly decorated block won them the 19th spot, ahead of Merseyside rivals Everton.
The litter-strewn Goodison Park loos were rated as "A Bit Iffy" and gained them 51st position.
the report's authors point to "Toilet Facilities and Stadia" - a study produced by the Sports Council - which states that there should be one urinal for every 70 male spectators and one loo for every 35 spectators.
The reason for the discrepancy between the sexes is given as women taking twice as long to answer the call of nature.
Ms Williams says: "Most new grounds reach this standard but many of the older grounds don't, which is why many men still give up and head for the nearest wall.
"The Football Trust provides grants of up to 65% towards building new toilets and many grounds have indeed benefited from this.
"Others either cannot find space, or choose to spend their money on other things - while some lower-division outfits cannot afford their 35% share.
Ms Williams said the survey, now in its third year, had shown that some clubs were taking notice of fans' needs.
But she insisted that others still needed to clean up their act.
"For the amount of money away fans pay to visit clubs like Chelsea, the loos should be much better," she said.
She added: "At Stamford Bridge the male loos had a puddle so big supporters were worried about getting their socks wet, while the cubicles at Aston Villa were occupied by the mother of all spiders.
"Part of the pre-match ritual is to go for a drink and a lot of guys increasingly expect more than a mouldy wall to pee against."
The full results can be seen in the November issue of Match of the Day Magazine, which is publishing extracts of the report on Thursday.
It is also running a competition, the Search for the Worst Khazi in Football, with the prize of an Armitage Shanks loo for the nominator's club, and a year's supply of loo roll for the nominator. Pictures of offensive WCs can be scanned in and emailed to the magazine, or sent to Match of the Day, PO Box 27127, London W12 6AD.
BBC
One Year Ago: QPR's Paladini Profiled in The Times & Announcing Legal Action Against London Evening Standard
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Alex Wade/The Times - September 30,2006
Chairman sees himself as agent for QPR revival
- GIANNI PALADINI was in typically expressive form. The former Fifa-registered agent had just been appointed as chairman of Queens Park Rangers and the phone would not stop ringing. Call after call came in, from well-wishers, QPR fans and, yes, one or two agents, with congratulations.
Paladini — who looks at least ten years younger than his 60 years — talked animatedly in English and Italian. Loftus Road has rarely echoed to the language of Dante, but the club’s long-suffering fans would not be surprised if a scene from The Divine Comedy appeared in the programme for Monday’s Coca-Cola Championship fixture against Crystal Palace. QPR have become the club at which anything can happen.
Confirmation of Paladini’s appointment yesterday comes on the back of events straight out of a soap opera. “Not a month has gone by without someone trying to get rid of me,” Paladini said of his 18-month involvement with the club.
An acrimonious boardroom dispute turned nasty when, minutes before an early-season home match against Sheffield United, a gang burst into the inner sanctum at Loftus Road, held a gun to Paladini’s head and allegedly forced him to sign a letter by which he would resign from the board. Four men have since been charged with conspiracy to commit blackmail and joint possession of a firearm with intent to commit grievous bodily harm.
This week, fresh controversy surrounded the affable Italian. It has been alleged in the press that he is using QPR to line the pockets of various agent friends with deals that the club cannot afford. Typical is the suggestion that one recent acquisition — Marc Nygaard, on a free transfer from Brescia — is said to have resulted in a £60,000 payment to Brian Hassell, an agent.
Similarly, it is claimed that £40,000 was paid to Mel Eves, a Midlands-based, for the transfer of Ian Evatt.
“These allegations are stupid,” Paladini said. “They are made by people with no understanding of how football works. If they want to paint a picture of me as a crook, they should find something I have done wrong. In fact, I have done nothing wrong, and they have no idea what they’re talking about.”
The phone rings again, and it is Nygaard’s agent. The tall striker’s stock is high, with two goals in the past two matches, including a header against Millwall on Tuesday night. His agent is chasing payment. “The first payment is due, but I haven’t had a chance to sort it out. There has been so much chaos here,” Paladini said.
First payment? “Yes, the first payment — the deal was for four payments over the term of Nygaard’s contract.” So there was no £60,000 lump sum? “Not at all,” Paladini said, clearly exasperated. “Contracts are never done like that. The deal is for four payments and I haven’t paid a penny yet.”
This, according to Paladini, is how all the deals for which he has been responsible have been structured. He adds that he has overseen only three signings. “The others were all signed off by either the ex-chairman or the chief executive,” he said. “I am angry that I have been dragged through the mud like this. They have called me a thief with no evidence at all.
“What does it prove, that I know other agents? I have spent my life in football. If you a solicitor, you know other solicitors. I need to know all the agents in the game, and knowing them means I can do a better job for QPR. I understand how transfers work. Football is a business and you need to know this side of it as much as the passion.” The phone rings again, and afterwards Paladini is coy. He alludes to a deal, nearly complete, in which QPR’s £10 million debt to the Panama-based ABC corporation — arranged when the club came out of administration — is renegotiated. The ABC loan costs the club £1 million in interest each year, but Paladini hopes to cut this in half.
“People must think there is some kind of mafia involvement here, but I want the best for QPR and I’m putting together the right people to achieve this,” he said. “The moment I came here I felt an affinity for the club, its fans and its history, and I wanted to get involved. I want to be part of the team that takes QPR back to the Premier League.”
Between 1958 and 1967, Paladini was on Napoli’s books wearing the No 10 shirt that, thanks to Stan Bowles, Rodney Marsh and Tony Currie, has iconic status at Loftus Road. It would be some joy for him — and QPR fans — if this thread had more than merely symbolic resonance.
The Times
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - September 30, 2005 - ENOUGH IS ENOUGH
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GIANNI Paladini today began legal action against the London Evening Standard after the paper published yet another libellous and factually inaccurate article about QPR.
The QPR Chairman has instructed one of the country's top libel firms, Carter-Ruck, to commence legal proceedings immediately by formally requesting an immediate apology and retraction of damning statements made by the paper.
Paladini will also be writing to the Press Complaints Commission, urging them to conduct an immediate inquiry into the unprofessional way the Standard has conducted its so-called investigation.
"I held detailed talks with Carter-Ruck yesterday," Paladini confirmed. "It is their belief I have been libelled by the paper and on that basis I have instructed them to commence legal action. This will be on a strictly no-win, no fee basis so it will have no financial impact on the club.
"I am demanding an immediate apology - not just for me, but for everyone who works for, and who loves, QPR.
"I am deeply saddened that this is happening but enough is enough. The Standard has chosen to mount a witch-hunt against QPR and are clearly being fed a string of deceitful lies, inaccuracies and misleading information by individuals who have their own axe to grind against the club and me.
"These individuals cannot possibly be true fans - how could they harm us by pedalling such rubbish?"
Once again, the Standard is falsely claiming the FA are investigating how much QPR has paid agents to bring players into the club.
Paladini added: "Let me state this clearly and categorically. I have spoken to the FA and there is no probe or investigation into our finances - or how much we have paid agents. Yes, they ask to be kept informed of how the club is being run - as they do with all clubs.
"That is right and proper and we have always co-operated. But we have nothing to hide and there is nothing that has caused them any concern. I have their assurance that we are not under suspicion.
"Anyone reading the Standard right now would think QPR is being run by the mafia. Let me tell you the only crime being committed at the moment is by the Standard. Every club, no matter how big or small, has to deal with agents - there's nothing I can do about that.
"If I tried to by-pass them, players would simply refuse to come to QPR. Is that what the Standard wants? A club with no players? What would our fans think of that?
"The Standard has made me look like someone out of the Godfather and that's why I will also be writing to the Press Complaints Commission, urging them to launch their own investigation into the journalistic standards of this paper.
"Not only have they printed lies about the club, their columnist David Mellor has launched a particularly nasty and deeply personal attack on me - even though we have never met.
"It is my belief the Commission will want to seriously reprimand this paper for the way they are conducting themselves."
QPR Official Site
Following these QPR statements on the QPR Official Site
30 Sept: 2005 "The Real Story - No investigation, no probe and nothing but nonsense from the Evening Standard
23 Sept 2005 "No FA Probe" - Gianni Paladini tells qpr.co.uk that the FA are NOT investigating Queens Park Ranger
22.09.2005 Latest ANGER & DISTRESS Gianni Paladini has reacted with anger and distress regarding allegations made in the press on Thursday
December 7, 2005 -
QPR OFFICIAL SITE "Today the Evening Standard issued an apology to QPR Chairman Gianni Paladini.
Alex Wade/The Times - September 30,2006
Chairman sees himself as agent for QPR revival
- GIANNI PALADINI was in typically expressive form. The former Fifa-registered agent had just been appointed as chairman of Queens Park Rangers and the phone would not stop ringing. Call after call came in, from well-wishers, QPR fans and, yes, one or two agents, with congratulations.
Paladini — who looks at least ten years younger than his 60 years — talked animatedly in English and Italian. Loftus Road has rarely echoed to the language of Dante, but the club’s long-suffering fans would not be surprised if a scene from The Divine Comedy appeared in the programme for Monday’s Coca-Cola Championship fixture against Crystal Palace. QPR have become the club at which anything can happen.
Confirmation of Paladini’s appointment yesterday comes on the back of events straight out of a soap opera. “Not a month has gone by without someone trying to get rid of me,” Paladini said of his 18-month involvement with the club.
An acrimonious boardroom dispute turned nasty when, minutes before an early-season home match against Sheffield United, a gang burst into the inner sanctum at Loftus Road, held a gun to Paladini’s head and allegedly forced him to sign a letter by which he would resign from the board. Four men have since been charged with conspiracy to commit blackmail and joint possession of a firearm with intent to commit grievous bodily harm.
This week, fresh controversy surrounded the affable Italian. It has been alleged in the press that he is using QPR to line the pockets of various agent friends with deals that the club cannot afford. Typical is the suggestion that one recent acquisition — Marc Nygaard, on a free transfer from Brescia — is said to have resulted in a £60,000 payment to Brian Hassell, an agent.
Similarly, it is claimed that £40,000 was paid to Mel Eves, a Midlands-based, for the transfer of Ian Evatt.
“These allegations are stupid,” Paladini said. “They are made by people with no understanding of how football works. If they want to paint a picture of me as a crook, they should find something I have done wrong. In fact, I have done nothing wrong, and they have no idea what they’re talking about.”
The phone rings again, and it is Nygaard’s agent. The tall striker’s stock is high, with two goals in the past two matches, including a header against Millwall on Tuesday night. His agent is chasing payment. “The first payment is due, but I haven’t had a chance to sort it out. There has been so much chaos here,” Paladini said.
First payment? “Yes, the first payment — the deal was for four payments over the term of Nygaard’s contract.” So there was no £60,000 lump sum? “Not at all,” Paladini said, clearly exasperated. “Contracts are never done like that. The deal is for four payments and I haven’t paid a penny yet.”
This, according to Paladini, is how all the deals for which he has been responsible have been structured. He adds that he has overseen only three signings. “The others were all signed off by either the ex-chairman or the chief executive,” he said. “I am angry that I have been dragged through the mud like this. They have called me a thief with no evidence at all.
“What does it prove, that I know other agents? I have spent my life in football. If you a solicitor, you know other solicitors. I need to know all the agents in the game, and knowing them means I can do a better job for QPR. I understand how transfers work. Football is a business and you need to know this side of it as much as the passion.” The phone rings again, and afterwards Paladini is coy. He alludes to a deal, nearly complete, in which QPR’s £10 million debt to the Panama-based ABC corporation — arranged when the club came out of administration — is renegotiated. The ABC loan costs the club £1 million in interest each year, but Paladini hopes to cut this in half.
“People must think there is some kind of mafia involvement here, but I want the best for QPR and I’m putting together the right people to achieve this,” he said. “The moment I came here I felt an affinity for the club, its fans and its history, and I wanted to get involved. I want to be part of the team that takes QPR back to the Premier League.”
Between 1958 and 1967, Paladini was on Napoli’s books wearing the No 10 shirt that, thanks to Stan Bowles, Rodney Marsh and Tony Currie, has iconic status at Loftus Road. It would be some joy for him — and QPR fans — if this thread had more than merely symbolic resonance.
The Times
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - September 30, 2005 - ENOUGH IS ENOUGH
-
GIANNI Paladini today began legal action against the London Evening Standard after the paper published yet another libellous and factually inaccurate article about QPR.
The QPR Chairman has instructed one of the country's top libel firms, Carter-Ruck, to commence legal proceedings immediately by formally requesting an immediate apology and retraction of damning statements made by the paper.
Paladini will also be writing to the Press Complaints Commission, urging them to conduct an immediate inquiry into the unprofessional way the Standard has conducted its so-called investigation.
"I held detailed talks with Carter-Ruck yesterday," Paladini confirmed. "It is their belief I have been libelled by the paper and on that basis I have instructed them to commence legal action. This will be on a strictly no-win, no fee basis so it will have no financial impact on the club.
"I am demanding an immediate apology - not just for me, but for everyone who works for, and who loves, QPR.
"I am deeply saddened that this is happening but enough is enough. The Standard has chosen to mount a witch-hunt against QPR and are clearly being fed a string of deceitful lies, inaccuracies and misleading information by individuals who have their own axe to grind against the club and me.
"These individuals cannot possibly be true fans - how could they harm us by pedalling such rubbish?"
Once again, the Standard is falsely claiming the FA are investigating how much QPR has paid agents to bring players into the club.
Paladini added: "Let me state this clearly and categorically. I have spoken to the FA and there is no probe or investigation into our finances - or how much we have paid agents. Yes, they ask to be kept informed of how the club is being run - as they do with all clubs.
"That is right and proper and we have always co-operated. But we have nothing to hide and there is nothing that has caused them any concern. I have their assurance that we are not under suspicion.
"Anyone reading the Standard right now would think QPR is being run by the mafia. Let me tell you the only crime being committed at the moment is by the Standard. Every club, no matter how big or small, has to deal with agents - there's nothing I can do about that.
"If I tried to by-pass them, players would simply refuse to come to QPR. Is that what the Standard wants? A club with no players? What would our fans think of that?
"The Standard has made me look like someone out of the Godfather and that's why I will also be writing to the Press Complaints Commission, urging them to launch their own investigation into the journalistic standards of this paper.
"Not only have they printed lies about the club, their columnist David Mellor has launched a particularly nasty and deeply personal attack on me - even though we have never met.
"It is my belief the Commission will want to seriously reprimand this paper for the way they are conducting themselves."
QPR Official Site
Following these QPR statements on the QPR Official Site
30 Sept: 2005 "The Real Story - No investigation, no probe and nothing but nonsense from the Evening Standard
23 Sept 2005 "No FA Probe" - Gianni Paladini tells qpr.co.uk that the FA are NOT investigating Queens Park Ranger
22.09.2005 Latest ANGER & DISTRESS Gianni Paladini has reacted with anger and distress regarding allegations made in the press on Thursday
December 7, 2005 -
QPR OFFICIAL SITE "Today the Evening Standard issued an apology to QPR Chairman Gianni Paladini.
Ex-QPR's Dean Wilkins Appointed Brighton Manager
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Another former QPR Player moves into management. Dean Wilkins (brother of course of Ray Wilkins) who started out at QPR and was given his debut by Terry Venables has been appointed Brighton manager.
BBC - Brighton confirm Wilkins as boss
Dean Wilkins has been appointed manager of League One side Brighton on a permanent basis.
The former Albion captain, promoted from youth coach when Mark McGhee left earlier this month, has agreed a contract until the end of the season.
Dean White has been appointed as his number two but retains responsibility for scouting and recruitment.
Albion chairman Dick Knight said: "Dean Wilkins has convinced the board he has the makings of a very good manager."
Wilkins added: "I am extremely proud and humble to be given the opportunity to continue to make the necessary changes required to take the club forward in this transitional period."
BBC
Another former QPR Player moves into management. Dean Wilkins (brother of course of Ray Wilkins) who started out at QPR and was given his debut by Terry Venables has been appointed Brighton manager.
BBC - Brighton confirm Wilkins as boss
Dean Wilkins has been appointed manager of League One side Brighton on a permanent basis.
The former Albion captain, promoted from youth coach when Mark McGhee left earlier this month, has agreed a contract until the end of the season.
Dean White has been appointed as his number two but retains responsibility for scouting and recruitment.
Albion chairman Dick Knight said: "Dean Wilkins has convinced the board he has the makings of a very good manager."
Wilkins added: "I am extremely proud and humble to be given the opportunity to continue to make the necessary changes required to take the club forward in this transitional period."
BBC
Friday, September 29, 2006
Two Supporters Groups Issue Statements re AKUTRs & Club's Response
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In mid-September, the fanzine, AKUTRs came out with its latest issue in which a number of assertions were made. After remaining silent on the matter, for about two weeks, on September 25 the club issued:
QPR Statement - Statement by Gianni Paladini on the recent edition of 'A Kick Up The Rs:'
In reaction to the Club's statement, two Fan organizations, first QPR1st and then LSA issued statements:
-
QPR1st - September 27th Statement - AKUTR's and The Club
September 27, 2006
"QPR1st supports the right of supporters to express their views in a variety of ways including fanzines and message boards.
We acknowledge that the Club also has the right to challenge what it considers to be unfair or inaccurate comments in fanzines through the official site, the programme, fans forums or by requesting a 'right to reply' within the fanzines themeselves.
Nevertheless fanzines have limited resources with which to defend themselves against legal action and therefore 'threats to sue' can be perceived as an act of intimidation. We would urge the Club to withdraw such threats and to seek to redress what they regard as a wrong through other less confrontational means. The Trust would be happy to act as a mediator between the Club and AKUTRs in the belief that QPR is at its strongest when it is united"
QPR1st
LSA SECRETARY'S STATEMENT - September 29, 2006
The LSA offers wholehearted support for Dave Thomas and AKUTR's right to freedom of speech. We deplore the actions of the club in taking legal action which could kill off one of the most respected fanzines in England.
AKUTR's has played a crucial role in keeping our club alive in difficult times and we would be poorer without it.
We agree that a right of reply should be given to the club to answer the points raised in the last issue. We would be happy to play a role in ensuring that these matters are dealt with without recourse to legal action against one of the most respected supporters of our beloved club.
However if the club pursues with legal action against Dave we will offer wholehearted support in any manner we deem fit, including publishing material and raising a financial fighting fund to defend AKUTR's in court.
JOHN REID
SECRETARY
LSA
LSA Site
In mid-September, the fanzine, AKUTRs came out with its latest issue in which a number of assertions were made. After remaining silent on the matter, for about two weeks, on September 25 the club issued:
QPR Statement - Statement by Gianni Paladini on the recent edition of 'A Kick Up The Rs:'
In reaction to the Club's statement, two Fan organizations, first QPR1st and then LSA issued statements:
-
QPR1st - September 27th Statement - AKUTR's and The Club
September 27, 2006
"QPR1st supports the right of supporters to express their views in a variety of ways including fanzines and message boards.
We acknowledge that the Club also has the right to challenge what it considers to be unfair or inaccurate comments in fanzines through the official site, the programme, fans forums or by requesting a 'right to reply' within the fanzines themeselves.
Nevertheless fanzines have limited resources with which to defend themselves against legal action and therefore 'threats to sue' can be perceived as an act of intimidation. We would urge the Club to withdraw such threats and to seek to redress what they regard as a wrong through other less confrontational means. The Trust would be happy to act as a mediator between the Club and AKUTRs in the belief that QPR is at its strongest when it is united"
QPR1st
LSA SECRETARY'S STATEMENT - September 29, 2006
The LSA offers wholehearted support for Dave Thomas and AKUTR's right to freedom of speech. We deplore the actions of the club in taking legal action which could kill off one of the most respected fanzines in England.
AKUTR's has played a crucial role in keeping our club alive in difficult times and we would be poorer without it.
We agree that a right of reply should be given to the club to answer the points raised in the last issue. We would be happy to play a role in ensuring that these matters are dealt with without recourse to legal action against one of the most respected supporters of our beloved club.
However if the club pursues with legal action against Dave we will offer wholehearted support in any manner we deem fit, including publishing material and raising a financial fighting fund to defend AKUTR's in court.
JOHN REID
SECRETARY
LSA
LSA Site
Southampton Preview: Southampton going for Fifth Consecutive Win
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Southampton Official Site
Saints look set to be without two key players for tomorrow's home game against QPR, tickets now on general sale.
Inigo Idiakez has not trained all week with a hamstring problem and he is a major doubt to face the London side now managed by former Pompey boss John Gregory.
And Djamel Belmadi pulled out of training yesterday with a thigh injury and boss George Burley is anxiously waiting to see how it settles.
Burley said: "Inigo has been feeling his hamstring for a while and has not trained at all this week so he is a big doubt.
"Djamel felt his thigh and pulled out training so we have two experienced midfielders who are doubtful. But that is football and we have to deal with it."
Nathan Dyer would be the likely straight replacement for Belmadi while the injury to Idiakez could open the door for a league debut for Mario Licka.
The midfield playmaker has made just one brief Carling Cup appearance since picking up a foot injury in the pre-season friendly against Panathinaikos.
But he came strongly through this week's Reserve game at QPR, playing the full 90 minutes and setting up the first goal with a clinical through-ball for David McGoldrick.
However if he is judged to be slightly lacking in match-fitness then Burley could use Andrew Surman in a central midfield role.
Alternatively he could push Jermaine Wright back into the middle and switch Chris Makin to right-back with Gareth Bale returning on the left or using Alex Ostlund on the right with Makin or Bale on the left.
Burley said: "We have plenty of options and good cover in midfield with Nathan Dyer, Andrew Surman and Adam Lallana all coming through.
"These injuries might open the door for Mario Licka who will be in the squad. He is over the injury but needs games. He did well for the Reserves and finished the match.
"He is a naturally fit lad with loads of energy and he could figure. After this we have a two-week break to get players fit and that could help the likes of Claus Lundekvam, Michael Svensson and Darren Powell who are all getting close."
With the team playing well and on a winning roll, a big crowd is expected for the visit of QPR who moved out of the relegation zone with a 2-0 win over Hull in Gregory's first match in charge.
Fans are advised to arrive early to avoid queues at the ticket office or to book online.
Saints: (from) Davis, Wright, Baird, Pele, Makin, Belmadi, Viafara, Idiakez, Skacel, Rasiak, Wright-Phillips, Jones, Licka, Bale, Surman, Dyer, Ostlund, Sarmiento, Cranie, McGoldrick, Miller.
-Southampton
QPR PERSPECTIVE OF SOUTHAMPTON GAME - OFFICIAL SITE
Its been a turbulent time for South Coast giants Southampton - but after a series of trials and tribulations, the future suddenly seems a lot brighter at St Mary's.
Despite seeing their South Coast rivals mixing it with the Premiership big-guns in the upper echelons of the top-flight, Southampton fans will take huge satisfaction from the fact that their own side finally seem to have turned the corner.
George Burley's men occupy third place in the table and seem sure-fire certainties to be there or thereabouts come the business end of the season.
Their upsurge in fortunes coincides with the arrival of eight new summer signings - the most high profile of which saw Bradley Wright-Phillips swap Manchester for Southampton, in a move believed to be worth £1 million.
Although Wright-Phillips - who if the rumours are to be believed was the subject of a bid from the R's this summer- has so far failed to set the world alight, the strength in depth Southampton boss Burley now has at his disposal is impressive.
Inigo Idiakez is arguably Premiership class; Rudi Skacel has played at the highest level in Europe with former club Hearts; and teenage full-back Gareth Bale is undoubtedly the star defender of the Championship season thus far.
Indeed it was Bale who got the ball rolling on the Saints' season, with two spectacular goals in as many matches ensuring Burley's men kick-started the campaign with four points from a possible six.
Back-to-back draws against West Brom and Barnsley continued the steady start, before the Saints eased into the second round of the Carling Cup, thrashing Yeovil 5-2.
Another point at home to Preston stretched their unbeaten league run to five matches, before Ipswich brought them crashing back down to earth, with goals from Simon Walton and Billy Clarke sealed maximum points for the Tractor Boys at Portman Road.
Undeterred, Southampton made light work of a potentially tough away fixture at Selhurst Park in their last away outing, with Kenwyne Jones and Gregorz Rasiak on target in a memorable 2-0 victory.
The former Tottenham man has been in scintillating form since then, with three goals in his last two outings firing the Saints into the top three.
Last league game: Burnley 2, Southampton 3.
.....
Superhoopsbet.co.uk match odds:
Saints 4/9 QPR 6/1 draw 11/4
Saints star-man Grzegorz Rasiak
Key player: Grzegorz Rasiak
The former Derby striker has enjoyed a tremendous start to the new campaign, hitting back at the critics who dubbed him a 'flop' during his short spell with Tottenham Hotspur.
Clinical in the air and classy with the ball at his feet, Rasiak has already bagged eight goals in the Championship this season and looks set to take the Saints' goalscoring charts by storm.
Head to head:
Saints wins: 21
QPR wins: 21
Draws: 18
Last meeting:
QPR 1 (Langley), Southampton 0.
Football League Championship.
January 14th 2006.
Latest News:
Svensson's comeback put on hold
Southampton defender Michael Svensson has had his latest comeback put on hold because of a stomach bug.
The centre-back was due to play in a reserve match against QPR on Tuesday as he continues his recovery from two years of knee problems.
But the Swede is now expected to feature against Crystal Palace reserves next Tuesday.
Physio Andy Barr said: "The hamstring and knee are fine and he was ready to play but he's gone down with illness."
(Source: BBC Sport)
QPR OFFICIAL
Southampton Official Site
Saints look set to be without two key players for tomorrow's home game against QPR, tickets now on general sale.
Inigo Idiakez has not trained all week with a hamstring problem and he is a major doubt to face the London side now managed by former Pompey boss John Gregory.
And Djamel Belmadi pulled out of training yesterday with a thigh injury and boss George Burley is anxiously waiting to see how it settles.
Burley said: "Inigo has been feeling his hamstring for a while and has not trained at all this week so he is a big doubt.
"Djamel felt his thigh and pulled out training so we have two experienced midfielders who are doubtful. But that is football and we have to deal with it."
Nathan Dyer would be the likely straight replacement for Belmadi while the injury to Idiakez could open the door for a league debut for Mario Licka.
The midfield playmaker has made just one brief Carling Cup appearance since picking up a foot injury in the pre-season friendly against Panathinaikos.
But he came strongly through this week's Reserve game at QPR, playing the full 90 minutes and setting up the first goal with a clinical through-ball for David McGoldrick.
However if he is judged to be slightly lacking in match-fitness then Burley could use Andrew Surman in a central midfield role.
Alternatively he could push Jermaine Wright back into the middle and switch Chris Makin to right-back with Gareth Bale returning on the left or using Alex Ostlund on the right with Makin or Bale on the left.
Burley said: "We have plenty of options and good cover in midfield with Nathan Dyer, Andrew Surman and Adam Lallana all coming through.
"These injuries might open the door for Mario Licka who will be in the squad. He is over the injury but needs games. He did well for the Reserves and finished the match.
"He is a naturally fit lad with loads of energy and he could figure. After this we have a two-week break to get players fit and that could help the likes of Claus Lundekvam, Michael Svensson and Darren Powell who are all getting close."
With the team playing well and on a winning roll, a big crowd is expected for the visit of QPR who moved out of the relegation zone with a 2-0 win over Hull in Gregory's first match in charge.
Fans are advised to arrive early to avoid queues at the ticket office or to book online.
Saints: (from) Davis, Wright, Baird, Pele, Makin, Belmadi, Viafara, Idiakez, Skacel, Rasiak, Wright-Phillips, Jones, Licka, Bale, Surman, Dyer, Ostlund, Sarmiento, Cranie, McGoldrick, Miller.
-Southampton
QPR PERSPECTIVE OF SOUTHAMPTON GAME - OFFICIAL SITE
Its been a turbulent time for South Coast giants Southampton - but after a series of trials and tribulations, the future suddenly seems a lot brighter at St Mary's.
Despite seeing their South Coast rivals mixing it with the Premiership big-guns in the upper echelons of the top-flight, Southampton fans will take huge satisfaction from the fact that their own side finally seem to have turned the corner.
George Burley's men occupy third place in the table and seem sure-fire certainties to be there or thereabouts come the business end of the season.
Their upsurge in fortunes coincides with the arrival of eight new summer signings - the most high profile of which saw Bradley Wright-Phillips swap Manchester for Southampton, in a move believed to be worth £1 million.
Although Wright-Phillips - who if the rumours are to be believed was the subject of a bid from the R's this summer- has so far failed to set the world alight, the strength in depth Southampton boss Burley now has at his disposal is impressive.
Inigo Idiakez is arguably Premiership class; Rudi Skacel has played at the highest level in Europe with former club Hearts; and teenage full-back Gareth Bale is undoubtedly the star defender of the Championship season thus far.
Indeed it was Bale who got the ball rolling on the Saints' season, with two spectacular goals in as many matches ensuring Burley's men kick-started the campaign with four points from a possible six.
Back-to-back draws against West Brom and Barnsley continued the steady start, before the Saints eased into the second round of the Carling Cup, thrashing Yeovil 5-2.
Another point at home to Preston stretched their unbeaten league run to five matches, before Ipswich brought them crashing back down to earth, with goals from Simon Walton and Billy Clarke sealed maximum points for the Tractor Boys at Portman Road.
Undeterred, Southampton made light work of a potentially tough away fixture at Selhurst Park in their last away outing, with Kenwyne Jones and Gregorz Rasiak on target in a memorable 2-0 victory.
The former Tottenham man has been in scintillating form since then, with three goals in his last two outings firing the Saints into the top three.
Last league game: Burnley 2, Southampton 3.
.....
Superhoopsbet.co.uk match odds:
Saints 4/9 QPR 6/1 draw 11/4
Saints star-man Grzegorz Rasiak
Key player: Grzegorz Rasiak
The former Derby striker has enjoyed a tremendous start to the new campaign, hitting back at the critics who dubbed him a 'flop' during his short spell with Tottenham Hotspur.
Clinical in the air and classy with the ball at his feet, Rasiak has already bagged eight goals in the Championship this season and looks set to take the Saints' goalscoring charts by storm.
Head to head:
Saints wins: 21
QPR wins: 21
Draws: 18
Last meeting:
QPR 1 (Langley), Southampton 0.
Football League Championship.
January 14th 2006.
Latest News:
Svensson's comeback put on hold
Southampton defender Michael Svensson has had his latest comeback put on hold because of a stomach bug.
The centre-back was due to play in a reserve match against QPR on Tuesday as he continues his recovery from two years of knee problems.
But the Swede is now expected to feature against Crystal Palace reserves next Tuesday.
Physio Andy Barr said: "The hamstring and knee are fine and he was ready to play but he's gone down with illness."
(Source: BBC Sport)
QPR OFFICIAL
"Paladini's Threat to Fans" - Evening Standard
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Evening Standard - September 28, 2006
Football Talk by Raoul Simons
Paladini's threat to fans
Queens Park Rangers chairman Gianni Paladini is threatening to sue his own clubs fans.The former agent is angered by an article in fanzine A Kick Up The R's which , he claims, is ''deeply misleading,inaccurate and scandalous''.In a statement, Paladini demands an apology before adding:''if they are not prepared to provide that, the matter will be dealt with by the courts''.
Paladini does not appear to have have been put off by the English legal system despite his experience as a key witness in the unproven QPR blackmail case.There, defending QC James Sturman claimed that he had listed 50 lies/untruths given by Paladini on 75 different topics.
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Evening Standard - September 28, 2006
Football Talk by Raoul Simons
Paladini's threat to fans
Queens Park Rangers chairman Gianni Paladini is threatening to sue his own clubs fans.The former agent is angered by an article in fanzine A Kick Up The R's which , he claims, is ''deeply misleading,inaccurate and scandalous''.In a statement, Paladini demands an apology before adding:''if they are not prepared to provide that, the matter will be dealt with by the courts''.
Paladini does not appear to have have been put off by the English legal system despite his experience as a key witness in the unproven QPR blackmail case.There, defending QC James Sturman claimed that he had listed 50 lies/untruths given by Paladini on 75 different topics.
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Forthcoming Staff Changes at QPR: Announcement Next Week
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QPR Official Site STAFFING STRUCTURE
With the recent arrival of John Gregory as first team manager, the Club will be announcing details of the restructuring of the football department early next week.
One or two additions to the management team will be announced, as well as redundancies in other areas.
These are unfortunate, but are deemed necessary in the Club's current situation.
Stay tuned to www.qpr.co.uk, where all the official breaking news comes first and fastest
QPR
QPR Official Site STAFFING STRUCTURE
With the recent arrival of John Gregory as first team manager, the Club will be announcing details of the restructuring of the football department early next week.
One or two additions to the management team will be announced, as well as redundancies in other areas.
These are unfortunate, but are deemed necessary in the Club's current situation.
Stay tuned to www.qpr.co.uk, where all the official breaking news comes first and fastest
QPR
Ex-QPR: Breaker & Penrice, Holloway & Bulpin all at Plymouth
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Plymouth Official Site-Holloway on Penrice & Breaker
"GARY Penrice has settled into his new role as chief scout at Argyle with great ease.
Manager Ian Holloway was delighted to have him at Home Park on Tuesday to work with the centre-forwards but Penrice will be based in Bristol for the majority of the time.
Des Bulpin has been helping Holloway with training and Tim Breacker is expected to arrive on Wednesday to complete the Argyle coaching team.
"He (Penrice) was here on Tuesday but you can't live in Plymouth and be the best chief scout because you would be worn out," said Holloway.
"He will be based up there but he has all the videos of our games this season because he needs to look at our centre-forwards, which he has always done for me.
"Des is helping me on the training ground and Tim has agreed, and will be starting next Wednesday, which is music to my ears."
Penrice has already compiled a list of potential targets for Holloway and, should Argyle pick up any injuries, the manager may be referring to that list.
"Penny has done fantastic for me already," said Holloway.
"I am sure I could borrow the people he has identified and they would not be any worse than what I have already got, and that is all I can ask.
"He has done a fantastic job in less than a week."
Breacker will complete the coaching structure Holloway has been yearning for since arriving at Argyle a couple of months ago.
"Tim will be coming in as a member of staff," said Holloway.
"We will have to look at the title but he will be based down here.
"Every one of my staff; I would take people on their say-so and that is why managers get staff they can work with and trust.
"It is about their opinions on players and all my coaching staff go out scouting as well..."
Plymouth -
Plymouth Official Site-Holloway on Penrice & Breaker
"GARY Penrice has settled into his new role as chief scout at Argyle with great ease.
Manager Ian Holloway was delighted to have him at Home Park on Tuesday to work with the centre-forwards but Penrice will be based in Bristol for the majority of the time.
Des Bulpin has been helping Holloway with training and Tim Breacker is expected to arrive on Wednesday to complete the Argyle coaching team.
"He (Penrice) was here on Tuesday but you can't live in Plymouth and be the best chief scout because you would be worn out," said Holloway.
"He will be based up there but he has all the videos of our games this season because he needs to look at our centre-forwards, which he has always done for me.
"Des is helping me on the training ground and Tim has agreed, and will be starting next Wednesday, which is music to my ears."
Penrice has already compiled a list of potential targets for Holloway and, should Argyle pick up any injuries, the manager may be referring to that list.
"Penny has done fantastic for me already," said Holloway.
"I am sure I could borrow the people he has identified and they would not be any worse than what I have already got, and that is all I can ask.
"He has done a fantastic job in less than a week."
Breacker will complete the coaching structure Holloway has been yearning for since arriving at Argyle a couple of months ago.
"Tim will be coming in as a member of staff," said Holloway.
"We will have to look at the title but he will be based down here.
"Every one of my staff; I would take people on their say-so and that is why managers get staff they can work with and trust.
"It is about their opinions on players and all my coaching staff go out scouting as well..."
Plymouth -
FA Cup Final Sub Steve Burke Turns 46
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Ex-QPR Winger, Steve Burke
Born September 29, 1960.
Burke was signed by Tommy Docherty from Derby County for 150,000 pounds, in September 1979 (before he made his Derby League deut). In his first season, Burke played a lot of games. But once Docherty left, over the next few seasons, Burke played fewer and fewer games and in September 1986, joined Doncaster on a free transfer. Burke did however come on as the (one!) substitute in the FA Cup Final replay "travesty"
Ex-QPR Winger, Steve Burke
Born September 29, 1960.
Burke was signed by Tommy Docherty from Derby County for 150,000 pounds, in September 1979 (before he made his Derby League deut). In his first season, Burke played a lot of games. But once Docherty left, over the next few seasons, Burke played fewer and fewer games and in September 1986, joined Doncaster on a free transfer. Burke did however come on as the (one!) substitute in the FA Cup Final replay "travesty"
Rowlands Signs New Contract...Stewart in Jamaica Squad
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QPR OFFICIAL SITE - ROWLY'S DELIGHT
Martin Rowlands has put pen to paper on a two year contract extension with the R's.
Rowlands - whose current deal was due to expire at the end of the 2006/07 campaign - is now contracted to the Club until the summer of 2009....
To date, he's made 106 appearances in all competitions, scoring 20 goals.
Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, the 27 year-old revealed his delight at securing his long term future: "I've signed for a further two years and I couldn't be more delighted. "I feel at home here and with John Gregory coming in, it's great to be part of a new era. "The new gaffer was keen for me to put pen to paper as soon as possible, so now it's up to me to repay the faith he's shown in me.''
R's Chairman Gianni Paladini was equally as ecstatic with the news, telling qpr.co.uk: "It's fantastic. The negotiations took a while, but it was certainly worth the wait. "He is a key player here and has a huge part to play in our future. Yet again, it signals the Board's intentions of securing the long term future of one of our star players. Official
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - STEWART CALLED UP BY JAMAICA
Damion Stewart has been called up by Jamaica for their forthcoming friendly international against Canada. The 26 year-old defender ...is in line to earn his 37th cap for his country when the Reggae Boyz line up against Canada in Kingston on Sunday 8th October.... Official
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - ROWLY'S DELIGHT
Martin Rowlands has put pen to paper on a two year contract extension with the R's.
Rowlands - whose current deal was due to expire at the end of the 2006/07 campaign - is now contracted to the Club until the summer of 2009....
To date, he's made 106 appearances in all competitions, scoring 20 goals.
Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, the 27 year-old revealed his delight at securing his long term future: "I've signed for a further two years and I couldn't be more delighted. "I feel at home here and with John Gregory coming in, it's great to be part of a new era. "The new gaffer was keen for me to put pen to paper as soon as possible, so now it's up to me to repay the faith he's shown in me.''
R's Chairman Gianni Paladini was equally as ecstatic with the news, telling qpr.co.uk: "It's fantastic. The negotiations took a while, but it was certainly worth the wait. "He is a key player here and has a huge part to play in our future. Yet again, it signals the Board's intentions of securing the long term future of one of our star players. Official
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - STEWART CALLED UP BY JAMAICA
Damion Stewart has been called up by Jamaica for their forthcoming friendly international against Canada. The 26 year-old defender ...is in line to earn his 37th cap for his country when the Reggae Boyz line up against Canada in Kingston on Sunday 8th October.... Official
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Marking One Year: Gianni Paladini Completes His First Year as QPR Chairman
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Today marks the one year anniversary since Gianni Paladini officially became Chairman of Queens Park Rangers Football Club. (Subsequently, Antonio Caliendo became Chairman of QPR Holdings Ltd.) The official assumption of the Chairmanship came just over a month after the August 24th Board meeting which saw then-Chairman Bill Power voted out of the Chairmanship
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - 28 September 2005 Statement GIANNI PALADINI
Gianni Paladini has been appointed Chairman of Queens Park Rangers Football Club and QPR Holdings Ltd.
Interim Chairman Gualtiero Trucco has stepped down and the Board of Directors have unanimously chosen Paladini to take on the role on a full-time basis.
The changes were agreed at a Loftus Road Board Meeting on Wednesday afternoon and Paladini is delighted by the honour of this 'challenging but exciting' role.
"The Monaco investors have recommended that I be appointed Chairman and I am deeply honoured that the Directors have allowed me this opportunity.
"I hope now that after a period of instability we can all look forward to the brightest of futures at Loftus Road.
"We have a wonderful manager, an exciting and improving squad and a real opportunity to push for a place in the play-offs and even the Premiership.
"I believe these are wonderful times to be a QPR supporter and I just want to play whatever part I can in bringing both success and stability to this Club.
"I fully appreciate that supporters will have been a little bewildered by recent events and I wish that so much of what has happened could have happened differently.
"But I believe we now have the right people in place, both on the pitch and behind the scenes, to take this club forward.
"I would like to thank every single fan for their continued, passionate support for QPR and I would also like to pay tribute to all the staff here.
"Life hasn't been particularly easy for them recently either but every single one continues to work as hard as ever for the benefit of this club.
"It has never been clearer to me that, both in the stands and behind the scenes, this is a wonderful place full of very special people."
QPR OFFICIAL
To mark this anniversary: The previously-compiled and posted four part compilation "Tetralogy" of Official club Statements along with a couple of interviews and Q&As with Paladini regarding primarily OFF-the field issues.
QPR's Past Year, Off-the-Field -
Part I, August-October 2005
Part II: November, 2005-January 2006
Part III –Feb – April 2006
Part IV: May – August 2006
Addendum: "Statement by Gianni Paladini on the recent edition of 'A Kick Up The Rs:'
Today marks the one year anniversary since Gianni Paladini officially became Chairman of Queens Park Rangers Football Club. (Subsequently, Antonio Caliendo became Chairman of QPR Holdings Ltd.) The official assumption of the Chairmanship came just over a month after the August 24th Board meeting which saw then-Chairman Bill Power voted out of the Chairmanship
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - 28 September 2005 Statement GIANNI PALADINI
Gianni Paladini has been appointed Chairman of Queens Park Rangers Football Club and QPR Holdings Ltd.
Interim Chairman Gualtiero Trucco has stepped down and the Board of Directors have unanimously chosen Paladini to take on the role on a full-time basis.
The changes were agreed at a Loftus Road Board Meeting on Wednesday afternoon and Paladini is delighted by the honour of this 'challenging but exciting' role.
"The Monaco investors have recommended that I be appointed Chairman and I am deeply honoured that the Directors have allowed me this opportunity.
"I hope now that after a period of instability we can all look forward to the brightest of futures at Loftus Road.
"We have a wonderful manager, an exciting and improving squad and a real opportunity to push for a place in the play-offs and even the Premiership.
"I believe these are wonderful times to be a QPR supporter and I just want to play whatever part I can in bringing both success and stability to this Club.
"I fully appreciate that supporters will have been a little bewildered by recent events and I wish that so much of what has happened could have happened differently.
"But I believe we now have the right people in place, both on the pitch and behind the scenes, to take this club forward.
"I would like to thank every single fan for their continued, passionate support for QPR and I would also like to pay tribute to all the staff here.
"Life hasn't been particularly easy for them recently either but every single one continues to work as hard as ever for the benefit of this club.
"It has never been clearer to me that, both in the stands and behind the scenes, this is a wonderful place full of very special people."
QPR OFFICIAL
To mark this anniversary: The previously-compiled and posted four part compilation "Tetralogy" of Official club Statements along with a couple of interviews and Q&As with Paladini regarding primarily OFF-the field issues.
QPR's Past Year, Off-the-Field -
Part I, August-October 2005
Part II: November, 2005-January 2006
Part III –Feb – April 2006
Part IV: May – August 2006
Addendum: "Statement by Gianni Paladini on the recent edition of 'A Kick Up The Rs:'
Birthday: Stefan Moore Turns 23
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Stefan Moore Turns 23: Born September 28, 1983.
Forward signed from Aston Villa at the beginning of last season. Currently on loan at Port Vale.
Birthday
Stefan Moore Turns 23: Born September 28, 1983.
Forward signed from Aston Villa at the beginning of last season. Currently on loan at Port Vale.
Birthday
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
QPR's New Loan Signing from Chelsea, Teenage Midfielder, Jimmy Smith
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QPR Official Site
QPR are delighted to announce the one month loan signing of Chelsea midfielder Jimmy Smith.
The 19 year old today (Wednesday) met up with his team-mates for the first time and is expected to be involved in the first team squad for the trip to St Mary's on Saturday.
The England Under-19 international - who is an attack-minded midfielder - made his first team debut for the current Premiership Champions in the final game of the 2005/06 season...
Official Site
QPR Official Site
QPR are delighted to announce the one month loan signing of Chelsea midfielder Jimmy Smith.
The 19 year old today (Wednesday) met up with his team-mates for the first time and is expected to be involved in the first team squad for the trip to St Mary's on Saturday.
The England Under-19 international - who is an attack-minded midfielder - made his first team debut for the current Premiership Champions in the final game of the 2005/06 season...
Official Site
Staff Changes at QPR
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[At the current time, despite the reported coaching staff departures, the official site's club directory continues to reflect no changes other than Gregory in; Waddock Assistant Manager and Mcdonald departed.]
Waddock role remains uncertain
27 September 2006
By Ben Kosky Wembley & Kingsbury Times - 27 September 2006
NEW QPR boss John Gregory admits he has yet to decide exactly what role his predecessor Gary Waddock will fill at Loftus Road.
Officially, Waddock has been appointed Gregory's number two - but the incoming manager has hinted that he may shake up the coaching structure during the coming weeks.
Alan McDonald, who had been assistant manager under Waddock, left the club within 24 hours of Gregory's appointment and the Rangers boss said: "I don't work with friends, I work with people who are good at what they do.
"Gary's going to be part of my staff, which means he'll work with me on the training ground on a daily basis and he'll be in the dugout on Saturday afternoon, unless I decide to use him somewhere else in the coaching set-up where he's more suitable.
"I think it's got to be like that - I've never worked with Gary before as a coach and I want to find out his strengths, harness those strengths and use them in the right areas.
"I want to assess what everybody here does, but I haven't dismissed the fact that I might want to bring in three or four of my own people."
Reserve team manager Justin Skinner - appointed just three months ago - and assistant physio Bobby Bacic have also left the club.
And Gregory hopes that Waddock, who spent just under eight months in charge of the first team, can take heart from his own initial experience of management - an unsuccessful year with Portsmouth and an even shorter stint at Plymouth.
The QPR manager returned to coaching with Leicester before resuming his managerial career at Wycombe Wanderers, followed by four years at Aston Villa.
He recalled: "I was 34 years of age and thought I had all the answers, but I failed miserably as a manager, got sacked and was out of work for six or seven months.
"Brian Little took me to Leicester as a coach and I sat and watched him for five years. I learnt so much from him and by the time I left to manage Wycombe I was confident in my own ability.
"I hope Gary will stay on and learn. It's a painful experience, what he's been through and it will hurt - but he's basically got a second chance.
"Even though things didn't work out the way he wanted, he can take a back seat and maybe take things in. He's QPR through and through and I want people like that alongside me."
Whether or not he initiates further changes to the coaching staff, Gregory has already outlined his intention to stamp his mark on Rangers' training ground culture - with the emphasis on winning.
And the manager will even be happy to see training ground punch-ups on a regular basis, explaining: "I love to see people that want to punch each other on the training ground and I don't mind players getting into a ruck.
"If you've not had a fight on the training ground in a month, you've got a problem - either you're too nice or they're too nice. If people want to win badly, that's infectious - having a fall-out in the dressing room is because you care.
"It's all about winning habits and, if I say so myself, that's what I'm good at - getting people into good habits.
"I don't want mobile phones going off all the time and people getting off the bus with a headset on. I don't have ghetto blasters or any of that in the dressing room - you're here to play football and win matches, so get switched on.
"That needs a drastic tidy-up. I like everything just so - if all the chairs aren't facing the same way, it irritates me."
Gregory has signed an initial nine-month contract at Loftus Road and added: "I want to stay as long as it takes, but if I'm not successful, Gianni [Paladini] probably won't want me around and that's fine - I like working with a challenge.
http://www.wktimes.co.uk/content/brent/wembleychronicle/sport/story.aspx?brand=WKCOnline&category=sportfootball&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=sportwkc&itemid=WeED27%20Sep%202006%2011%3A27%3A57%3A390
Captain Birch puzzled over Rs future
27 September 2006
Tom Harvey Wembley & Kingsbury Times - 27 September 2006
Marc Bircham
MARC Bircham admits he is still in the dark about his future at QPR, despite reclaiming his first-team place in recent weeks.
Bircham was one of eight players surprisingly transfer listed by then-manager Gary Waddock towards the end of last season.
An Rs fan born and bred, the 28-year-old believed at the time he had played his last game for the club.
However, after proposed moves to Leeds and Leicester fell through, Bircham remained at Loftus Road and earned a recall to QPR's starting XI against Ipswich on August 25.
The midfielder, who has since started the last four matches, even captained Rangers in Saturday's 2-0 victory over Hull as John Gregory took charge of his first game as the club's new boss.
But, while being keen to stay in W12, former Millwall man Bircham believes he is still available for transfer.
He told the Times: "I must be one of the few players to be captain and on the transfer list at the same time but I haven't been told otherwise so I suppose I still am.
"You'd have to ask the powers that be but for all intents and purposes, I think I still am on the list."
Bircham was substituted just after the hour during the Hull victory but insisted he had no qualms with the decision.
He said: "I wasn't disappointed at all. I was one of the few who played 90 minutes in the Carling Cup in midweek and because I didn't have much of a pre-season I was a bit tired so I was fine with coming off in the second half."
Bircham also believes the arrival of Gregory can give the Rs a real boost for the remainder of the season.
Gregory was appointed as manager last week, three-and-a-half years after leaving the Derby County hotseat.
The defeat of the Tigers moved QPR off the bottom of the table and out of the relegation places and a delighted Bircham stated: "The new manager lifted the place, lifted the crowd and it's worked for this week.
"It was exactly what he needed - a good win and a clean sheet. We took a while to get going but we knew what to expect with Hull - that we would have to win the battle before we could start playing."...http://www.wktimes.co.uk/content/brent/wembleychronicle/sport/story.aspx?brand=WKCOnline&category=sportfootball&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=sportwkc&itemid=WeED27%20Sep%202006%2011%3A31%3A42%3A867
[At the current time, despite the reported coaching staff departures, the official site's club directory continues to reflect no changes other than Gregory in; Waddock Assistant Manager and Mcdonald departed.]
Waddock role remains uncertain
27 September 2006
By Ben Kosky Wembley & Kingsbury Times - 27 September 2006
NEW QPR boss John Gregory admits he has yet to decide exactly what role his predecessor Gary Waddock will fill at Loftus Road.
Officially, Waddock has been appointed Gregory's number two - but the incoming manager has hinted that he may shake up the coaching structure during the coming weeks.
Alan McDonald, who had been assistant manager under Waddock, left the club within 24 hours of Gregory's appointment and the Rangers boss said: "I don't work with friends, I work with people who are good at what they do.
"Gary's going to be part of my staff, which means he'll work with me on the training ground on a daily basis and he'll be in the dugout on Saturday afternoon, unless I decide to use him somewhere else in the coaching set-up where he's more suitable.
"I think it's got to be like that - I've never worked with Gary before as a coach and I want to find out his strengths, harness those strengths and use them in the right areas.
"I want to assess what everybody here does, but I haven't dismissed the fact that I might want to bring in three or four of my own people."
Reserve team manager Justin Skinner - appointed just three months ago - and assistant physio Bobby Bacic have also left the club.
And Gregory hopes that Waddock, who spent just under eight months in charge of the first team, can take heart from his own initial experience of management - an unsuccessful year with Portsmouth and an even shorter stint at Plymouth.
The QPR manager returned to coaching with Leicester before resuming his managerial career at Wycombe Wanderers, followed by four years at Aston Villa.
He recalled: "I was 34 years of age and thought I had all the answers, but I failed miserably as a manager, got sacked and was out of work for six or seven months.
"Brian Little took me to Leicester as a coach and I sat and watched him for five years. I learnt so much from him and by the time I left to manage Wycombe I was confident in my own ability.
"I hope Gary will stay on and learn. It's a painful experience, what he's been through and it will hurt - but he's basically got a second chance.
"Even though things didn't work out the way he wanted, he can take a back seat and maybe take things in. He's QPR through and through and I want people like that alongside me."
Whether or not he initiates further changes to the coaching staff, Gregory has already outlined his intention to stamp his mark on Rangers' training ground culture - with the emphasis on winning.
And the manager will even be happy to see training ground punch-ups on a regular basis, explaining: "I love to see people that want to punch each other on the training ground and I don't mind players getting into a ruck.
"If you've not had a fight on the training ground in a month, you've got a problem - either you're too nice or they're too nice. If people want to win badly, that's infectious - having a fall-out in the dressing room is because you care.
"It's all about winning habits and, if I say so myself, that's what I'm good at - getting people into good habits.
"I don't want mobile phones going off all the time and people getting off the bus with a headset on. I don't have ghetto blasters or any of that in the dressing room - you're here to play football and win matches, so get switched on.
"That needs a drastic tidy-up. I like everything just so - if all the chairs aren't facing the same way, it irritates me."
Gregory has signed an initial nine-month contract at Loftus Road and added: "I want to stay as long as it takes, but if I'm not successful, Gianni [Paladini] probably won't want me around and that's fine - I like working with a challenge.
http://www.wktimes.co.uk/content/brent/wembleychronicle/sport/story.aspx?brand=WKCOnline&category=sportfootball&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=sportwkc&itemid=WeED27%20Sep%202006%2011%3A27%3A57%3A390
Captain Birch puzzled over Rs future
27 September 2006
Tom Harvey Wembley & Kingsbury Times - 27 September 2006
Marc Bircham
MARC Bircham admits he is still in the dark about his future at QPR, despite reclaiming his first-team place in recent weeks.
Bircham was one of eight players surprisingly transfer listed by then-manager Gary Waddock towards the end of last season.
An Rs fan born and bred, the 28-year-old believed at the time he had played his last game for the club.
However, after proposed moves to Leeds and Leicester fell through, Bircham remained at Loftus Road and earned a recall to QPR's starting XI against Ipswich on August 25.
The midfielder, who has since started the last four matches, even captained Rangers in Saturday's 2-0 victory over Hull as John Gregory took charge of his first game as the club's new boss.
But, while being keen to stay in W12, former Millwall man Bircham believes he is still available for transfer.
He told the Times: "I must be one of the few players to be captain and on the transfer list at the same time but I haven't been told otherwise so I suppose I still am.
"You'd have to ask the powers that be but for all intents and purposes, I think I still am on the list."
Bircham was substituted just after the hour during the Hull victory but insisted he had no qualms with the decision.
He said: "I wasn't disappointed at all. I was one of the few who played 90 minutes in the Carling Cup in midweek and because I didn't have much of a pre-season I was a bit tired so I was fine with coming off in the second half."
Bircham also believes the arrival of Gregory can give the Rs a real boost for the remainder of the season.
Gregory was appointed as manager last week, three-and-a-half years after leaving the Derby County hotseat.
The defeat of the Tigers moved QPR off the bottom of the table and out of the relegation places and a delighted Bircham stated: "The new manager lifted the place, lifted the crowd and it's worked for this week.
"It was exactly what he needed - a good win and a clean sheet. We took a while to get going but we knew what to expect with Hull - that we would have to win the battle before we could start playing."...http://www.wktimes.co.uk/content/brent/wembleychronicle/sport/story.aspx?brand=WKCOnline&category=sportfootball&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=sportwkc&itemid=WeED27%20Sep%202006%2011%3A31%3A42%3A867
Ainsworth on Changes at QPR
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Gareth Ainsworth Step on the Gaz
Kilburn Times 27 September 2006
IT'S been a week of change at QPR, but these are exciting times and we've all got to look forward.
Like the rest of the players, I heard there was going to be a press conference last Wednesday and, to a certain extent, we put two and two together - but nobody knew who was coming in.
The lads have huge respect for John Gregory. He's got masses of experience and there aren't many managers around that have taken a club to the top of the Premiership, as he did with Aston Villa.
John doesn't know many of us, but it's already clear that if you want to play for QPR, you do things his way. He's the leader of the team and we have to be pulling in the same direction.
Of course there's a lot of sympathy for Gary Waddock and I think it's big of him to step down, but stay on at the club as coach.
Maybe, as John said, this is a chance for Gary to learn a few more things about management before he has another go at it.
When there's a change at the top, it inevitably means you lose people. That's sad, but it's part of the game.
Macca in particular is a great guy, he was good with all the lads and I hope he and the others who have left will establish themselves in jobs somewhere else very soon.
The new manager's made a few subtle changes already - he wants us totally focused on the game and that's how it should be.
So there's no music in the dressing room on matchday - and I must say I found it eerily quiet as I walked down the tunnel on Saturday, but I'll just have to get my fix of rock'n'roll in the car on the way to the ground instead!
Kilburn Times
Gareth Ainsworth Step on the Gaz
Kilburn Times 27 September 2006
IT'S been a week of change at QPR, but these are exciting times and we've all got to look forward.
Like the rest of the players, I heard there was going to be a press conference last Wednesday and, to a certain extent, we put two and two together - but nobody knew who was coming in.
The lads have huge respect for John Gregory. He's got masses of experience and there aren't many managers around that have taken a club to the top of the Premiership, as he did with Aston Villa.
John doesn't know many of us, but it's already clear that if you want to play for QPR, you do things his way. He's the leader of the team and we have to be pulling in the same direction.
Of course there's a lot of sympathy for Gary Waddock and I think it's big of him to step down, but stay on at the club as coach.
Maybe, as John said, this is a chance for Gary to learn a few more things about management before he has another go at it.
When there's a change at the top, it inevitably means you lose people. That's sad, but it's part of the game.
Macca in particular is a great guy, he was good with all the lads and I hope he and the others who have left will establish themselves in jobs somewhere else very soon.
The new manager's made a few subtle changes already - he wants us totally focused on the game and that's how it should be.
So there's no music in the dressing room on matchday - and I must say I found it eerily quiet as I walked down the tunnel on Saturday, but I'll just have to get my fix of rock'n'roll in the car on the way to the ground instead!
Kilburn Times
Birthday: Ex-QPR (and Plymouth) John Delve - 53!
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John Delve Turns 53: Born September 27, 1953
A "home grown" player given his debut by Gordon Jago in December 1972 at Luton Delve was a defensive midfielder who along with another home-grown youngster, John Beck, seemed to be the perennial substitute for much of our 1972/1973 season. For the next couple of season, Delve and Beck were QPR midfield back ups -especially to Gerry Francis - either when Francis was injured, or if Francis played forward (as he did a couple of times when Stan Bowles was suspended!)
Delve jned Plymouth in July 1974.
John Delve Turns 53: Born September 27, 1953
A "home grown" player given his debut by Gordon Jago in December 1972 at Luton Delve was a defensive midfielder who along with another home-grown youngster, John Beck, seemed to be the perennial substitute for much of our 1972/1973 season. For the next couple of season, Delve and Beck were QPR midfield back ups -especially to Gerry Francis - either when Francis was injured, or if Francis played forward (as he did a couple of times when Stan Bowles was suspended!)
Delve jned Plymouth in July 1974.
Year ago Today: Sturridge, Dyer, Shittu, Santos and Langley played as QPR Drew 1-1 at Millwall
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The team one year ago today: Royce, Bignot, Shittu, Santos, Dyer, Cook, Lomas, Bircham, Langley (Ainsworth 64), Nygaard, Sturridge (Moore 82). Subs Not Used: Evatt, Cole, Shimmin.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/4277750.stm
QPR OFFICIAL SITE -September 27, 2005 QPR Team News
Ian Holloway makes two changes with Dean Sturridge and Lloyd Dyer drafted in to the Rangers starting eleven at Millwall.
Sturridge replaces the suspended Paul Furlong with debutant Dyer coming in for the injured Matty Hislop.
Otherwise Rangers are unchanged with Marc Bircham skippering the side against his former club.
Millwall: Marshall, Lawrence, Vincent, Dunne, Livermore, Hutchison, Williams, Ifil, Wright, Hayles, Asaba
subs: Phillips, Fangueiro, May, Braniff, Jones
Rangers: Royce, Bignot, Dyer, Shittu, Santos, Langley, Lomas, Bircham, Cook, Sturridge, Nygaard
subs: Cole, Shimmin, Evatt, Ainsworth, Moore
QPR
BBC
Millwall striker Barry Hayles earned his side a point at home to QPR on the stroke of half-time to ensure a scrappy London derby ended in a draw.
QPR started brighter and Dan Shittu nodded Richard Langley's corner wide before Marc Nygaard opened the scoring with a header from Lee Cook's cross.
But Hayles levelled, flashing a header past Simon Royce from eight yards.
After the break Royce saved from Don Hutchison and Hayles' deflected effort trickled narrowly wide of the target.
# Millwall manager Colin Lee:
"Don Hutchison was blocked by Marc Bircham, which allowed Nygaard to get free at the near post.
"Don had already told the referee (Dermot Gallagher) that he was being blocked at corners, so we were a bit upset that he let it go.
"We had chances to win it at the end - and on those I thought we shaded it."
# QPR boss Ian Holloway on Marc Nygaard:
"Marc is not the prettiest player in the world - at 6ft 5ins, he isn't going to be.
"But he will be a handful. One of the Millwall players nearly fell over when he saw Marc in the tunnel, and that is two goals in two games for him now.
"As for the goal, those are moves we practise all the time."
Millwall: Marshall, Ifil, Lawrence, Williams, Vincent, Wright, Hutchison (May 69), Dunne, Livermore, Asaba, Hayles.
Subs Not Used: Phillips, Fangueiro, Braniff, Jones.
Goals: Hayles 45.
QPR: Royce, Bignot, Shittu, Santos, Dyer, Cook, Lomas, Bircham, Langley (Ainsworth 64), Nygaard, Sturridge (Moore 82).
Subs Not Used: Evatt, Cole, Shimmin.
Booked: Shittu.
Goals: Nygaard 25.
The team one year ago today: Royce, Bignot, Shittu, Santos, Dyer, Cook, Lomas, Bircham, Langley (Ainsworth 64), Nygaard, Sturridge (Moore 82). Subs Not Used: Evatt, Cole, Shimmin.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/4277750.stm
QPR OFFICIAL SITE -September 27, 2005 QPR Team News
Ian Holloway makes two changes with Dean Sturridge and Lloyd Dyer drafted in to the Rangers starting eleven at Millwall.
Sturridge replaces the suspended Paul Furlong with debutant Dyer coming in for the injured Matty Hislop.
Otherwise Rangers are unchanged with Marc Bircham skippering the side against his former club.
Millwall: Marshall, Lawrence, Vincent, Dunne, Livermore, Hutchison, Williams, Ifil, Wright, Hayles, Asaba
subs: Phillips, Fangueiro, May, Braniff, Jones
Rangers: Royce, Bignot, Dyer, Shittu, Santos, Langley, Lomas, Bircham, Cook, Sturridge, Nygaard
subs: Cole, Shimmin, Evatt, Ainsworth, Moore
QPR
BBC
Millwall striker Barry Hayles earned his side a point at home to QPR on the stroke of half-time to ensure a scrappy London derby ended in a draw.
QPR started brighter and Dan Shittu nodded Richard Langley's corner wide before Marc Nygaard opened the scoring with a header from Lee Cook's cross.
But Hayles levelled, flashing a header past Simon Royce from eight yards.
After the break Royce saved from Don Hutchison and Hayles' deflected effort trickled narrowly wide of the target.
# Millwall manager Colin Lee:
"Don Hutchison was blocked by Marc Bircham, which allowed Nygaard to get free at the near post.
"Don had already told the referee (Dermot Gallagher) that he was being blocked at corners, so we were a bit upset that he let it go.
"We had chances to win it at the end - and on those I thought we shaded it."
# QPR boss Ian Holloway on Marc Nygaard:
"Marc is not the prettiest player in the world - at 6ft 5ins, he isn't going to be.
"But he will be a handful. One of the Millwall players nearly fell over when he saw Marc in the tunnel, and that is two goals in two games for him now.
"As for the goal, those are moves we practise all the time."
Millwall: Marshall, Ifil, Lawrence, Williams, Vincent, Wright, Hutchison (May 69), Dunne, Livermore, Asaba, Hayles.
Subs Not Used: Phillips, Fangueiro, Braniff, Jones.
Goals: Hayles 45.
QPR: Royce, Bignot, Shittu, Santos, Dyer, Cook, Lomas, Bircham, Langley (Ainsworth 64), Nygaard, Sturridge (Moore 82).
Subs Not Used: Evatt, Cole, Shimmin.
Booked: Shittu.
Goals: Nygaard 25.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Reposting John Gregory's Comments re Terry Venables as Coach
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Reposting John Gregory's comments about Terry Venables as coach, from a few weeks ago.
Secrets of 30 years in the Venables laboratory
Richard Williams, The Guardian, September 2, 2006
"Not many people outwitted Brian Clough, but Terry Venables did. It happened almost a quarter of a century ago, and the Venables-inspired free-kick with which Queen's Park Rangers got the better of Nottingham Forest one Saturday afternoon in the early 80s encapsulates all the streetwise inventiveness that Steve McClaren will hope to get from his 63-year-old assistant as England begin their Euro 2008 qualifying campaign today.
"Absolutely," John Gregory replied this week as he was reminded of an incident that forms a telling snapshot of the Venables effect. Gregory, then a member of the QPR midfield, had positioned himself next to the defender on the right-hand edge of Forest's four-man wall as Mike Flanagan prepared to take a direct free-kick from 10 yards outside the penalty area. A couple of seconds later Flanagan's low drive was whistling into the corner of the net, having passed through a gap where the defender no longer was.
As Flanagan celebrated with his team-mates, Gregory ran over to the bench. Approaching the applauding Venables, he grinned and drew his forefinger across his throat. Job done. Another dividend from those hours spent on the training ground. "You just wheeled him round," Gregory continued, reflecting on the defender's unscheduled disappearance. "We spent an hour on things like that every Friday."
In those days Venables' training sessions were like laboratory experiments. "He was a really deep thinker and he was always looking to innovate," Gregory said. "We always practised free-kicks and sometimes you needed to be Einstein to understand what was going on. We spent hours on them. He was very meticulous, but it was always enjoyable."
...The secrets of Venables' success as a coach are not simple, but they are straightforward. He treats his players well, he gets them to enjoy themselves and, most profitably of all, he engages their minds.
"I was 27 years old when I signed for QPR," Gregory said, "and I'd spent about a week in pre-season training with Terry Venables when I suddenly realised that although I'd been in the game for 11 years, I'd never been coached.
"He occupied your brain. Everything he did was so imaginative. In the four years I was with him, he rarely repeated coaching sessions. There was always something new, and it made going to work feel exciting. And he wasn't a dictator. It wasn't 'my way or no way'. He'd throw ideas back to you and invite you to have your say."
By the time Venables arrived at QPR, he had already nurtured Palace's team of young stars. Among them was Kenny Sansom, later an England full-back, who remembers the excitement and enthusiasm radiating from a coach not much older than his players...
On the tactical side, both Gregory and Sansom emphasised Venables' debt to the Liverpool of the 1970s. "He stole the offside game from Liverpool," Gregory said. "We even practised it in five-a-side games every day, so that it would become a habit. And then George Graham, who was a youth-team coach at QPR under Terry, took it to Arsenal very effectively."
Reposting John Gregory's comments about Terry Venables as coach, from a few weeks ago.
Secrets of 30 years in the Venables laboratory
Richard Williams, The Guardian, September 2, 2006
"Not many people outwitted Brian Clough, but Terry Venables did. It happened almost a quarter of a century ago, and the Venables-inspired free-kick with which Queen's Park Rangers got the better of Nottingham Forest one Saturday afternoon in the early 80s encapsulates all the streetwise inventiveness that Steve McClaren will hope to get from his 63-year-old assistant as England begin their Euro 2008 qualifying campaign today.
"Absolutely," John Gregory replied this week as he was reminded of an incident that forms a telling snapshot of the Venables effect. Gregory, then a member of the QPR midfield, had positioned himself next to the defender on the right-hand edge of Forest's four-man wall as Mike Flanagan prepared to take a direct free-kick from 10 yards outside the penalty area. A couple of seconds later Flanagan's low drive was whistling into the corner of the net, having passed through a gap where the defender no longer was.
As Flanagan celebrated with his team-mates, Gregory ran over to the bench. Approaching the applauding Venables, he grinned and drew his forefinger across his throat. Job done. Another dividend from those hours spent on the training ground. "You just wheeled him round," Gregory continued, reflecting on the defender's unscheduled disappearance. "We spent an hour on things like that every Friday."
In those days Venables' training sessions were like laboratory experiments. "He was a really deep thinker and he was always looking to innovate," Gregory said. "We always practised free-kicks and sometimes you needed to be Einstein to understand what was going on. We spent hours on them. He was very meticulous, but it was always enjoyable."
...The secrets of Venables' success as a coach are not simple, but they are straightforward. He treats his players well, he gets them to enjoy themselves and, most profitably of all, he engages their minds.
"I was 27 years old when I signed for QPR," Gregory said, "and I'd spent about a week in pre-season training with Terry Venables when I suddenly realised that although I'd been in the game for 11 years, I'd never been coached.
"He occupied your brain. Everything he did was so imaginative. In the four years I was with him, he rarely repeated coaching sessions. There was always something new, and it made going to work feel exciting. And he wasn't a dictator. It wasn't 'my way or no way'. He'd throw ideas back to you and invite you to have your say."
By the time Venables arrived at QPR, he had already nurtured Palace's team of young stars. Among them was Kenny Sansom, later an England full-back, who remembers the excitement and enthusiasm radiating from a coach not much older than his players...
On the tactical side, both Gregory and Sansom emphasised Venables' debt to the Liverpool of the 1970s. "He stole the offside game from Liverpool," Gregory said. "We even practised it in five-a-side games every day, so that it would become a habit. And then George Graham, who was a youth-team coach at QPR under Terry, took it to Arsenal very effectively."
Guardian
No Nick Ward Call up by Australia...Paul Jones set for his 50th Welsh Cap
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Reuters - Australia name strong squad to face Paraguay, Bahrain
Australia named a near full-strength squad on Tuesday for next month's friendly with Paraguay and the Asian Cup qualifier against Bahrain.
....Australia squad: John Aloisi, Michael Beauchamp, Alex Brosque, Marco Bresciano, Tim Cahill, Scott Chipperfield, Ante Covic, Jason Culina, Travis Dodd, Brett Emerton, Vince Grella, Zeljko Kalac, Stan Lazaridis, Mark Milligan, Craig Moore, *Kevin Muscat, Lucas Neill, *Jade North, Tony Popovic, Mark Schwarzer, Josip Skoko, Mile Sterjovski, Archie Thompson, Tony Vidmar, Luke Wilkshire.
* Muscat and North will join squad for Bahrain match only.
Guardian
BBC - Welsh Squad
"John Toshack announced an injury-ravaged squad today for Wales' next two Euro 2008 qualifiers....Wales play Slovakia at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on October 7....Cyprus at the same venue on October 11...
It is likely that veteran goalkeeper Paul Jones will take over as skipper, earning his 50th cap against Slovakia....
Full squad: P Jones (QPR), Brown (Blackburn), Price (Ipswich), Page (Coventry), Valentine (Wrexham), Collins (West Ham), Gabbidon (West Ham), Bale (Southampton), Duffy (Portsmouth), Edwards (Wolves), Nyatanga (Derby), Crofts (Gillingham), Davies (Everton), Ledley (Cardiff), Parry (Cardiff), Robinson (Norwich), Vaughan (Crewe), Earnshaw (Norwich), Koumas (West Brom), Giggs (Manchester United), Bellamy (Liverpool), Cotterill (Wigan), Fletcher (C Palace), M Jones (Wrexham).
BBC
Reuters - Australia name strong squad to face Paraguay, Bahrain
Australia named a near full-strength squad on Tuesday for next month's friendly with Paraguay and the Asian Cup qualifier against Bahrain.
....Australia squad: John Aloisi, Michael Beauchamp, Alex Brosque, Marco Bresciano, Tim Cahill, Scott Chipperfield, Ante Covic, Jason Culina, Travis Dodd, Brett Emerton, Vince Grella, Zeljko Kalac, Stan Lazaridis, Mark Milligan, Craig Moore, *Kevin Muscat, Lucas Neill, *Jade North, Tony Popovic, Mark Schwarzer, Josip Skoko, Mile Sterjovski, Archie Thompson, Tony Vidmar, Luke Wilkshire.
* Muscat and North will join squad for Bahrain match only.
Guardian
BBC - Welsh Squad
"John Toshack announced an injury-ravaged squad today for Wales' next two Euro 2008 qualifiers....Wales play Slovakia at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on October 7....Cyprus at the same venue on October 11...
It is likely that veteran goalkeeper Paul Jones will take over as skipper, earning his 50th cap against Slovakia....
Full squad: P Jones (QPR), Brown (Blackburn), Price (Ipswich), Page (Coventry), Valentine (Wrexham), Collins (West Ham), Gabbidon (West Ham), Bale (Southampton), Duffy (Portsmouth), Edwards (Wolves), Nyatanga (Derby), Crofts (Gillingham), Davies (Everton), Ledley (Cardiff), Parry (Cardiff), Robinson (Norwich), Vaughan (Crewe), Earnshaw (Norwich), Koumas (West Brom), Giggs (Manchester United), Bellamy (Liverpool), Cotterill (Wigan), Fletcher (C Palace), M Jones (Wrexham).
BBC
Monday, September 25, 2006
Meanwhile at Swindon: Official Statement re Bill Power & Boardoom Issues
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Meanwhile at Swindon
Swindon Town Official Statement - September 25, 2006
Swindon Town Football Club have made a fantastic start to the season. Under the leadership of Dennis Wise and Gus Poyet the squad that has been assembled have performed well, gates are up and the board are confident that the objective for this season, namely a return to League One, can be achieved. Dennis has been responsible for motivating the team, complimenting the squad he inherited with additional players and instilling in a level of fitness and motivation that has not been seen at the club for many a year. Dennis and Gus have the Board's appreciation and full support and we wish them both a long and successful career at STFC.
For the last week or so, however, the success on the pitch has been overshadowed by reports and rumours both in the press and online, of a 'Boardroom Rift'. There is absolutely no substance to these rumours. The Board would like to take this opportunity to advise the loyal supporters of STFC that no such 'Rift' has occurred. This evening, representatives of the club will be meeting with representatives of the various supporters groups to discuss these matters further.
The current Board consists of Willie Carson, Bob Holt, Sandy Gray and James Wills. Bill Power, for the six months leading up to air-crash, had been in the process of investing funds into the Club. Bill with his business partner, Phil Emmel and had been invited to join the Board. When Bill Power provided funds at the end of last season, it was the first time in five years that funds had been raised externally by someone new rather than from the existing Board. As has been repeatedly reported, the club needs an additional £750,000 per season to balance its cash requirement, and for the past five years the current Board have provided these funds to keep the club afloat.The announcement of Bill Power's withdrawal from the Club the task of raising of funds again becomes the responsibility of the current Board. With this years forecasted overspend, the funds required to balance the books will be greater challenge.
The Board would like to provide further clarification with regards to the role of the advisor to Sir Seton Wills, Mike Diamandis. Please click here (Mike Diamandis) for more details.
The Board would like to express its concern at the reports alluding to a 'falling out' between Mike Diamandis and Bill Power. Since the accident there has been no direct contact between the two parties, due to the severity of Mr Power's injuries and his state of health. Prior to the accident, however, Mr Power and Mr Diamandis enjoyed the beginnings of a healthy relationship.
Mr Diamandis introduced Mr Power to Willie Carson socially, and Mr Power took the opportunity provided to invest in one of Willie Carson's horses, he also is part of a syndicate that owns a horse also co-owned by the Diamandis family. A meeting took place in the close season between Bill Power, Mark Devlin, James Wills and Sir Seton Wills, where an understanding was arrived at with regards to the forthcoming season's expenditure. Mike Diamandis was not present at this meeting as he was taking a step back from being involved with the day-to-day management of the Club.
The Board meeting that took place a few days prior to the air-crash an attempt was made to clarify the understanding of this pre-season meeting with regards to this season's expenditure. However this matter was not resolved, however an agreement was reached that further discussions would take place within the next few days. Prior to that Board Meeting neither Mike Diamandis or Bill Power were totally aware of the various undertakings that the Executives of the Club had committed to, and it was at this Board Meeting that further clarification was asked for by both Mike Diamandis and Bill Power. Several months earlier a memorandum was circulated to the Chief Executive and all senior managers clearly detailing what level of decisions and financial obligations could be undertaken, without prior Board approval. As regards the reported overspend to the budget, the Club are currently rigorously conducting internal inquiry into these matters. Such investigations will take place in private, and the Board has no further comment to make at this stage with regards to this matter.
The Board is confused as to where the rumour of a 'Rift' between Mr Diamandis and Mr Power originated, as it has been well documented that there had been no contact made since the air-crash with Bill Power or his representatives due to the severity of his injuries. Once again, the Board would like to go on record by saying that reports of a 'Rift' are totally unfounded. It is the Board's belief that there are a small minority of individuals who have their personnel grievances with Mr Diamandis and are putting into the public domain inaccurate and deliberately misleading reports, to the detriment of both Mr Diamandis and the Club. The Board would urge these individuals to stop misleading the fans of STFC in this way.
The first time any communication took place since the previously mentioned Board Meeting was last Wednesday. In attendance were Sir Seton Wills, James Wills, Mike Diamandis, Bob Holt, Bill Power's wife Terry Bill Power's business partner Phil Emmel, and a lawyer who represented Bill Power's interests. This lawyer had in the past, represented both Mark Devlin and STFC.The purpose of the meeting was for Terry and Phil to advise us that Bill's return to full health was somewhat protracted, and for those reasons he wished to withdraw from his involvement with the Club. Bill Power's lawyer also expressed his understanding of Bill Power's investment in STFC, which differed from the Board's understanding, however we are sure that these differences can be resolved within the next few weeks. These matters are private and at this time cannot be reported on further.
The Board acknowledges that the way the events of the last week have been inaccurately reported have generated anger and frustration amongst certain sections of the STFC fanbase. The Board also recognises the rights of fans protest peacefully and welcomes discussions with fans to air their concerns. The Board, however, cannot condone the personal insults, slurs and attacks that have been directed towards its members and advisors in recent days. Sir Seton Wills has expressed his personal concern, and should the health, welfare and safety of the board and its advisors, their families, or property, be compromised in any way then Sir Seton will have to consider his continued financial support for the club, the consequences of which are obvious.
As regards the long-term future of STFC, the departure of Bill Power will result in the need for extra funds to be sought. The Board and its advisors will be working tirelessly to secure these funds, and are committed to securing the long-term future stability of STFC. One such meeting with a potential investor took place this morning. As has been the case in the past, Mike Diamandis will be at the forefront of these discussions. The Board therefore finds it irksome that Mr Diamandis is being labelled as the instigator of all the Club's woes. In reality, he has spent the last five years ensuring the club's very survival, whilst simultaneously trying to find a consensus with The Borough Council so that Swindon Town Football Club can move to a 21st century stadium and thereby secure the long term prosperity of the club. The Board urges these individuals who have been so vocal in their opinions of Mr Diamandis to stop hiding behind the anonymity of the internet, make themselves known to the Board, and enter into constructive dialogue as to how best to move the Club forward. The Board also requests that journalists refrain from repeating in the media the plethora of untruths and rumours that are to found on various websites.
If any individual or group can provide additional funding for the Club we would urge these individuals to come forward expressing a desire to invest and become involved in the running of the Club, in part or in full. The Board have made clear, on numerous occasions in the past, that they would welcome and encourage these discussions. Should an individual or group prove to have the financial backing and management ability to ensure the future of the Club an agreement would be formalised and immediately the current Board would resign and relinquish the day to day running of the Club. Prior to the air-crash Mr Power was offered such an opportunity.
The challenges of the next few weeks and months to ensure that the long-term survival and prosperity of the Club are the Boards prime objective. We urge the loyal supporters of STFC to get behind the Club and help us achieve this objective.
The Board of Directors, Swindon Town Football Club
Swindon
Meanwhile at Swindon
Swindon Town Official Statement - September 25, 2006
Swindon Town Football Club have made a fantastic start to the season. Under the leadership of Dennis Wise and Gus Poyet the squad that has been assembled have performed well, gates are up and the board are confident that the objective for this season, namely a return to League One, can be achieved. Dennis has been responsible for motivating the team, complimenting the squad he inherited with additional players and instilling in a level of fitness and motivation that has not been seen at the club for many a year. Dennis and Gus have the Board's appreciation and full support and we wish them both a long and successful career at STFC.
For the last week or so, however, the success on the pitch has been overshadowed by reports and rumours both in the press and online, of a 'Boardroom Rift'. There is absolutely no substance to these rumours. The Board would like to take this opportunity to advise the loyal supporters of STFC that no such 'Rift' has occurred. This evening, representatives of the club will be meeting with representatives of the various supporters groups to discuss these matters further.
The current Board consists of Willie Carson, Bob Holt, Sandy Gray and James Wills. Bill Power, for the six months leading up to air-crash, had been in the process of investing funds into the Club. Bill with his business partner, Phil Emmel and had been invited to join the Board. When Bill Power provided funds at the end of last season, it was the first time in five years that funds had been raised externally by someone new rather than from the existing Board. As has been repeatedly reported, the club needs an additional £750,000 per season to balance its cash requirement, and for the past five years the current Board have provided these funds to keep the club afloat.The announcement of Bill Power's withdrawal from the Club the task of raising of funds again becomes the responsibility of the current Board. With this years forecasted overspend, the funds required to balance the books will be greater challenge.
The Board would like to provide further clarification with regards to the role of the advisor to Sir Seton Wills, Mike Diamandis. Please click here (Mike Diamandis) for more details.
The Board would like to express its concern at the reports alluding to a 'falling out' between Mike Diamandis and Bill Power. Since the accident there has been no direct contact between the two parties, due to the severity of Mr Power's injuries and his state of health. Prior to the accident, however, Mr Power and Mr Diamandis enjoyed the beginnings of a healthy relationship.
Mr Diamandis introduced Mr Power to Willie Carson socially, and Mr Power took the opportunity provided to invest in one of Willie Carson's horses, he also is part of a syndicate that owns a horse also co-owned by the Diamandis family. A meeting took place in the close season between Bill Power, Mark Devlin, James Wills and Sir Seton Wills, where an understanding was arrived at with regards to the forthcoming season's expenditure. Mike Diamandis was not present at this meeting as he was taking a step back from being involved with the day-to-day management of the Club.
The Board meeting that took place a few days prior to the air-crash an attempt was made to clarify the understanding of this pre-season meeting with regards to this season's expenditure. However this matter was not resolved, however an agreement was reached that further discussions would take place within the next few days. Prior to that Board Meeting neither Mike Diamandis or Bill Power were totally aware of the various undertakings that the Executives of the Club had committed to, and it was at this Board Meeting that further clarification was asked for by both Mike Diamandis and Bill Power. Several months earlier a memorandum was circulated to the Chief Executive and all senior managers clearly detailing what level of decisions and financial obligations could be undertaken, without prior Board approval. As regards the reported overspend to the budget, the Club are currently rigorously conducting internal inquiry into these matters. Such investigations will take place in private, and the Board has no further comment to make at this stage with regards to this matter.
The Board is confused as to where the rumour of a 'Rift' between Mr Diamandis and Mr Power originated, as it has been well documented that there had been no contact made since the air-crash with Bill Power or his representatives due to the severity of his injuries. Once again, the Board would like to go on record by saying that reports of a 'Rift' are totally unfounded. It is the Board's belief that there are a small minority of individuals who have their personnel grievances with Mr Diamandis and are putting into the public domain inaccurate and deliberately misleading reports, to the detriment of both Mr Diamandis and the Club. The Board would urge these individuals to stop misleading the fans of STFC in this way.
The first time any communication took place since the previously mentioned Board Meeting was last Wednesday. In attendance were Sir Seton Wills, James Wills, Mike Diamandis, Bob Holt, Bill Power's wife Terry Bill Power's business partner Phil Emmel, and a lawyer who represented Bill Power's interests. This lawyer had in the past, represented both Mark Devlin and STFC.The purpose of the meeting was for Terry and Phil to advise us that Bill's return to full health was somewhat protracted, and for those reasons he wished to withdraw from his involvement with the Club. Bill Power's lawyer also expressed his understanding of Bill Power's investment in STFC, which differed from the Board's understanding, however we are sure that these differences can be resolved within the next few weeks. These matters are private and at this time cannot be reported on further.
The Board acknowledges that the way the events of the last week have been inaccurately reported have generated anger and frustration amongst certain sections of the STFC fanbase. The Board also recognises the rights of fans protest peacefully and welcomes discussions with fans to air their concerns. The Board, however, cannot condone the personal insults, slurs and attacks that have been directed towards its members and advisors in recent days. Sir Seton Wills has expressed his personal concern, and should the health, welfare and safety of the board and its advisors, their families, or property, be compromised in any way then Sir Seton will have to consider his continued financial support for the club, the consequences of which are obvious.
As regards the long-term future of STFC, the departure of Bill Power will result in the need for extra funds to be sought. The Board and its advisors will be working tirelessly to secure these funds, and are committed to securing the long-term future stability of STFC. One such meeting with a potential investor took place this morning. As has been the case in the past, Mike Diamandis will be at the forefront of these discussions. The Board therefore finds it irksome that Mr Diamandis is being labelled as the instigator of all the Club's woes. In reality, he has spent the last five years ensuring the club's very survival, whilst simultaneously trying to find a consensus with The Borough Council so that Swindon Town Football Club can move to a 21st century stadium and thereby secure the long term prosperity of the club. The Board urges these individuals who have been so vocal in their opinions of Mr Diamandis to stop hiding behind the anonymity of the internet, make themselves known to the Board, and enter into constructive dialogue as to how best to move the Club forward. The Board also requests that journalists refrain from repeating in the media the plethora of untruths and rumours that are to found on various websites.
If any individual or group can provide additional funding for the Club we would urge these individuals to come forward expressing a desire to invest and become involved in the running of the Club, in part or in full. The Board have made clear, on numerous occasions in the past, that they would welcome and encourage these discussions. Should an individual or group prove to have the financial backing and management ability to ensure the future of the Club an agreement would be formalised and immediately the current Board would resign and relinquish the day to day running of the Club. Prior to the air-crash Mr Power was offered such an opportunity.
The challenges of the next few weeks and months to ensure that the long-term survival and prosperity of the Club are the Boards prime objective. We urge the loyal supporters of STFC to get behind the Club and help us achieve this objective.
The Board of Directors, Swindon Town Football Club
Swindon
Paladini Taking Legal Action re "A Kick Up The Rs" Publication
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Official Site-CLUB STATEMENT
Statement by Gianni Paladini on the recent edition of 'A Kick Up The Rs:'
The publication 'A Kick Up The Rs' has recently published a deeply misleading, inaccurate and scandalous article about myself and Queens Park Rangers FC.
A number of serious allegations have been made in that publication which are not true. The publication failed to contact myself or anyone else at the Club to verify their allegations.
Considering the seriousness of the allegations, I have been reluctantly forced to take legal action. The matter is now in the hands of my solicitors.
I expect a comprehensive retraction and apology from the publication for publishing these falsehoods. If they are not prepared to provide that, the matter will be dealt with by the courts.
I am sorry it must come to this, but in order for me to be able to defend myself from such blatant and hurtful untruths, I have no alternative than to take this action.
I shall make no further comment on this matter until either the apology and retraction has been received or legal proceedings are concluded."
Official Site
Official Site-CLUB STATEMENT
Statement by Gianni Paladini on the recent edition of 'A Kick Up The Rs:'
The publication 'A Kick Up The Rs' has recently published a deeply misleading, inaccurate and scandalous article about myself and Queens Park Rangers FC.
A number of serious allegations have been made in that publication which are not true. The publication failed to contact myself or anyone else at the Club to verify their allegations.
Considering the seriousness of the allegations, I have been reluctantly forced to take legal action. The matter is now in the hands of my solicitors.
I expect a comprehensive retraction and apology from the publication for publishing these falsehoods. If they are not prepared to provide that, the matter will be dealt with by the courts.
I am sorry it must come to this, but in order for me to be able to defend myself from such blatant and hurtful untruths, I have no alternative than to take this action.
I shall make no further comment on this matter until either the apology and retraction has been received or legal proceedings are concluded."
Official Site
Ten Years Ago today: Home Cup Exit for QPR!
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QPR, under just-appointed manager Stuart Houston, got knocked out of the Coca Cup second round, losing 1-3 at home to Swindon. In those days the second round was played over two legs. We'd won the previous week 2-1 at Swindon....and all was set. But unfortunately not!
(In the next round, Swindon played Manchester United at Old Trafford!)
QPR, under just-appointed manager Stuart Houston, got knocked out of the Coca Cup second round, losing 1-3 at home to Swindon. In those days the second round was played over two legs. We'd won the previous week 2-1 at Swindon....and all was set. But unfortunately not!
(In the next round, Swindon played Manchester United at Old Trafford!)
A Year Ago, Taking Issue with the Standard
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["This issue" concluded a few months later with an apology from The Standard - See below or Standard Apology]
From a year ago
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - September 23, 2005 -NO FA PROBE
Rangers Director Gianni Paladini has told qpr.co.uk that the FA are NOT investigating Queens Park Rangers.
Friday's Evening Standard contains an article claiming that the Football Association are considering a probe following a complaint from an agent regarding the signing of Ian Evatt.
But Paladini has dismissed the whole story as 'ridiculous' and says that he has spoken to the FA himself about the matter.
"This is simply ridiculous and I am getting very tired with the agenda of other parties who have leaked information and who are clearly seeking to discredit me and the Club for their own ends," he said.
"I have spoken to a well-known senior executive at the FA and he has assured me that, as he understands it, there will be no probe and no investgation.
"For whatever reason, this newspaper is trying to make a big story out of a puff of nothing."
Paladini then went on to discuss further details of Ian Evatt's transfer, and refuted suggestions printed in Friday's paper.
"First and foremost, Ian Holloway wanted the player. So when we spoke to the lad we asked him to meet us with his representative.
"Ian came along with his agent Jonathan Wall and Mel Eves and because Mr Wall is not licensed, Mel formally brokered the deal.
"Then out of the blue this company, First Artist, complained that he was their player. Well if that was the case, why did Ian Evatt come along with someone else?
"This is an issue between First Artist and Ian Evatt and yet the Standard are suggesting impropriety on our part. It's pathetic.
"First we had this nonsense on Thursday which appeared to imply wrongdoing and now this. And yet the governing bodies are perfectly happy and there are other clubs spending vastly bigger sums than us.
"Leeds spent £1.89million on agents fees last season and Leicester spent £611,000. So why this nasty piece? Why the accusations and the negativity towards OUR football club?
"For whatever reason, this newspaper has chosen to make a big issue out of this and I have nothing but contempt for them."
QPR Official Site
And a few days later on the QPR Official Site
QPR Official Site - September 30, 2005 THE REAL STORY
Contrary to reports in Friday's Evening Standard Queens Park Rangers Football Club once again confirms that it has NOT been the subject of a 'full-scale' FA probe in to 'the management and ownership of the club'.
A representative of the FA's Financial Advisory Unit visited Loftus Road on Thursday afternoon as part of an ongoing review of all Football League clubs. This constituted a 'follow-up' to an original visit to the Club which took place in June 2004.
The actual details of the process leading up to the FA's visit are as follows. In November 2003 the Club received a letter from the Football League referring to the establishment of a Panel in 2001 to: "co-ordinate and review the workings of the Football Association's Financial Advisory Unit in relation to its dealings with League Clubs."
The letter continues: "The Panel's objectives are to ensure that each League Club is normally subjected to one visit in each five year cycle... to understand the financial position and processes of the member club and to provide advice and recommendations where appropriate to clubs on a confidential basis, in the form of a report.
"The Panel has selected Queens Park Rangers to be the subject of a visit during 2003/04."
On May 5th 2004 the FA then wrote to confirm a date for the visit from the Financial Advisory Unit and the visit itself took place in June 2004 with a report finalised in September of that year.
12 months later, earlier this month, the FA wrote to the Club once again, stating: "As you are aware we performed a financial review of QPR FC in September 2004. As stated at the time of issuing the final report, we intended to perform a follow up visit to assess the progress the club had made implementing our recommendations."
A date was then arranged for the 'follow-up' which took place yesterday on Thursday September 29th 2005.
The visit was undertaken by one representative of the Financial Advisory Unit who spoke to the Club's Chief Financial Officer about Club matters since the initial review. The initial review was then studied to establish whether any changes to company procedures had taken place in the intervening 12 months.
The Evening Standard blusters that this is all a "dramatic new development". But the truth - confirming an ongoing process of review across the whole Football League, first established in 2001 - would suggest otherwise.
QPR Official Site
QPR Official Site - Septmber 30, 2005 - ENOUGH IS ENOUGH
GIANNI Paladini today began legal action against the London Evening Standard after the paper published yet another libellous and factually inaccurate article about QPR.
The QPR Chairman has instructed one of the country's top libel firms, Carter-Ruck, to commence legal proceedings immediately by formally requesting an immediate apology and retraction of damning statements made by the paper.
Paladini will also be writing to the Press Complaints Commission, urging them to conduct an immediate inquiry into the unprofessional way the Standard has conducted its so-called investigation.
"I held detailed talks with Carter-Ruck yesterday," Paladini confirmed. "It is their belief I have been libelled by the paper and on that basis I have instructed them to commence legal action. This will be on a strictly no-win, no fee basis so it will have no financial impact on the club.
"I am demanding an immediate apology - not just for me, but for everyone who works for, and who loves, QPR.
"I am deeply saddened that this is happening but enough is enough. The Standard has chosen to mount a witch-hunt against QPR and are clearly being fed a string of deceitful lies, inaccuracies and misleading information by individuals who have their own axe to grind against the club and me.
"These individuals cannot possibly be true fans - how could they harm us by pedalling such rubbish?"
Once again, the Standard is falsely claiming the FA are investigating how much QPR has paid agents to bring players into the club.
Paladini added: "Let me state this clearly and categorically. I have spoken to the FA and there is no probe or investigation into our finances - or how much we have paid agents. Yes, they ask to be kept informed of how the club is being run - as they do with all clubs.
"That is right and proper and we have always co-operated. But we have nothing to hide and there is nothing that has caused them any concern. I have their assurance that we are not under suspicion.
"Anyone reading the Standard right now would think QPR is being run by the mafia. Let me tell you the only crime being committed at the moment is by the Standard. Every club, no matter how big or small, has to deal with agents - there's nothing I can do about that.
"If I tried to by-pass them, players would simply refuse to come to QPR. Is that what the Standard wants? A club with no players? What would our fans think of that?
"The Standard has made me look like someone out of the Godfather and that's why I will also be writing to the Press Complaints Commission, urging them to launch their own investigation into the journalistic standards of this paper.
"Not only have they printed lies about the club, their columnist David Mellor has launched a particularly nasty and deeply personal attack on me - even though we have never met.
"It is my belief the Commission will want to seriously reprimand this paper for the way they are conducting themselves."
Standard
In December came this Official QPR Statement re an apology from the Standard
QPR Offiical Site - DECEMBER 7, 2005 - STANDARD RESPONSE
Today the Evening Standard issued an apology to QPR Chairman Gianni Paladini.
The statement comes two months after the London newspaper printed articles relating to business dealings conducted by Paladini.
London's evening paper also falsely claimed that the FA were investigating how much QPR had paid agents to bring players into the club.
The apology reads:
On September 30 we published two articles which referred to Gianni Paladini, the chairman of Queens Park Rangers.
If these articles were interpreted by readers as suggesting that Mr Paladini was guilty of fraud, corruption and malpractice, we apologise.
We did not intend to give this impression and have no reason to believe such allegations are true.
We are happy to set the record straight.
Paladini was delighted with the retraction.
"Justice has been done for myself and most importantly, for the club. That was always the most important point for me to get across as I do not want the club's name blackened.
"I hope that now this matter can be put behind us and everyone connected with Queens Park Rangers can now focus on getting behind the team in what I hope will be successful season."
Standard
["This issue" concluded a few months later with an apology from The Standard - See below or Standard Apology]
From a year ago
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - September 23, 2005 -NO FA PROBE
Rangers Director Gianni Paladini has told qpr.co.uk that the FA are NOT investigating Queens Park Rangers.
Friday's Evening Standard contains an article claiming that the Football Association are considering a probe following a complaint from an agent regarding the signing of Ian Evatt.
But Paladini has dismissed the whole story as 'ridiculous' and says that he has spoken to the FA himself about the matter.
"This is simply ridiculous and I am getting very tired with the agenda of other parties who have leaked information and who are clearly seeking to discredit me and the Club for their own ends," he said.
"I have spoken to a well-known senior executive at the FA and he has assured me that, as he understands it, there will be no probe and no investgation.
"For whatever reason, this newspaper is trying to make a big story out of a puff of nothing."
Paladini then went on to discuss further details of Ian Evatt's transfer, and refuted suggestions printed in Friday's paper.
"First and foremost, Ian Holloway wanted the player. So when we spoke to the lad we asked him to meet us with his representative.
"Ian came along with his agent Jonathan Wall and Mel Eves and because Mr Wall is not licensed, Mel formally brokered the deal.
"Then out of the blue this company, First Artist, complained that he was their player. Well if that was the case, why did Ian Evatt come along with someone else?
"This is an issue between First Artist and Ian Evatt and yet the Standard are suggesting impropriety on our part. It's pathetic.
"First we had this nonsense on Thursday which appeared to imply wrongdoing and now this. And yet the governing bodies are perfectly happy and there are other clubs spending vastly bigger sums than us.
"Leeds spent £1.89million on agents fees last season and Leicester spent £611,000. So why this nasty piece? Why the accusations and the negativity towards OUR football club?
"For whatever reason, this newspaper has chosen to make a big issue out of this and I have nothing but contempt for them."
QPR Official Site
And a few days later on the QPR Official Site
QPR Official Site - September 30, 2005 THE REAL STORY
Contrary to reports in Friday's Evening Standard Queens Park Rangers Football Club once again confirms that it has NOT been the subject of a 'full-scale' FA probe in to 'the management and ownership of the club'.
A representative of the FA's Financial Advisory Unit visited Loftus Road on Thursday afternoon as part of an ongoing review of all Football League clubs. This constituted a 'follow-up' to an original visit to the Club which took place in June 2004.
The actual details of the process leading up to the FA's visit are as follows. In November 2003 the Club received a letter from the Football League referring to the establishment of a Panel in 2001 to: "co-ordinate and review the workings of the Football Association's Financial Advisory Unit in relation to its dealings with League Clubs."
The letter continues: "The Panel's objectives are to ensure that each League Club is normally subjected to one visit in each five year cycle... to understand the financial position and processes of the member club and to provide advice and recommendations where appropriate to clubs on a confidential basis, in the form of a report.
"The Panel has selected Queens Park Rangers to be the subject of a visit during 2003/04."
On May 5th 2004 the FA then wrote to confirm a date for the visit from the Financial Advisory Unit and the visit itself took place in June 2004 with a report finalised in September of that year.
12 months later, earlier this month, the FA wrote to the Club once again, stating: "As you are aware we performed a financial review of QPR FC in September 2004. As stated at the time of issuing the final report, we intended to perform a follow up visit to assess the progress the club had made implementing our recommendations."
A date was then arranged for the 'follow-up' which took place yesterday on Thursday September 29th 2005.
The visit was undertaken by one representative of the Financial Advisory Unit who spoke to the Club's Chief Financial Officer about Club matters since the initial review. The initial review was then studied to establish whether any changes to company procedures had taken place in the intervening 12 months.
The Evening Standard blusters that this is all a "dramatic new development". But the truth - confirming an ongoing process of review across the whole Football League, first established in 2001 - would suggest otherwise.
QPR Official Site
QPR Official Site - Septmber 30, 2005 - ENOUGH IS ENOUGH
GIANNI Paladini today began legal action against the London Evening Standard after the paper published yet another libellous and factually inaccurate article about QPR.
The QPR Chairman has instructed one of the country's top libel firms, Carter-Ruck, to commence legal proceedings immediately by formally requesting an immediate apology and retraction of damning statements made by the paper.
Paladini will also be writing to the Press Complaints Commission, urging them to conduct an immediate inquiry into the unprofessional way the Standard has conducted its so-called investigation.
"I held detailed talks with Carter-Ruck yesterday," Paladini confirmed. "It is their belief I have been libelled by the paper and on that basis I have instructed them to commence legal action. This will be on a strictly no-win, no fee basis so it will have no financial impact on the club.
"I am demanding an immediate apology - not just for me, but for everyone who works for, and who loves, QPR.
"I am deeply saddened that this is happening but enough is enough. The Standard has chosen to mount a witch-hunt against QPR and are clearly being fed a string of deceitful lies, inaccuracies and misleading information by individuals who have their own axe to grind against the club and me.
"These individuals cannot possibly be true fans - how could they harm us by pedalling such rubbish?"
Once again, the Standard is falsely claiming the FA are investigating how much QPR has paid agents to bring players into the club.
Paladini added: "Let me state this clearly and categorically. I have spoken to the FA and there is no probe or investigation into our finances - or how much we have paid agents. Yes, they ask to be kept informed of how the club is being run - as they do with all clubs.
"That is right and proper and we have always co-operated. But we have nothing to hide and there is nothing that has caused them any concern. I have their assurance that we are not under suspicion.
"Anyone reading the Standard right now would think QPR is being run by the mafia. Let me tell you the only crime being committed at the moment is by the Standard. Every club, no matter how big or small, has to deal with agents - there's nothing I can do about that.
"If I tried to by-pass them, players would simply refuse to come to QPR. Is that what the Standard wants? A club with no players? What would our fans think of that?
"The Standard has made me look like someone out of the Godfather and that's why I will also be writing to the Press Complaints Commission, urging them to launch their own investigation into the journalistic standards of this paper.
"Not only have they printed lies about the club, their columnist David Mellor has launched a particularly nasty and deeply personal attack on me - even though we have never met.
"It is my belief the Commission will want to seriously reprimand this paper for the way they are conducting themselves."
Standard
In December came this Official QPR Statement re an apology from the Standard
QPR Offiical Site - DECEMBER 7, 2005 - STANDARD RESPONSE
Today the Evening Standard issued an apology to QPR Chairman Gianni Paladini.
The statement comes two months after the London newspaper printed articles relating to business dealings conducted by Paladini.
London's evening paper also falsely claimed that the FA were investigating how much QPR had paid agents to bring players into the club.
The apology reads:
On September 30 we published two articles which referred to Gianni Paladini, the chairman of Queens Park Rangers.
If these articles were interpreted by readers as suggesting that Mr Paladini was guilty of fraud, corruption and malpractice, we apologise.
We did not intend to give this impression and have no reason to believe such allegations are true.
We are happy to set the record straight.
Paladini was delighted with the retraction.
"Justice has been done for myself and most importantly, for the club. That was always the most important point for me to get across as I do not want the club's name blackened.
"I hope that now this matter can be put behind us and everyone connected with Queens Park Rangers can now focus on getting behind the team in what I hope will be successful season."
Standard
QPR 2 Hull 0 - Additional Match Reports
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Guardian - Monday September 25, 2006
Mark Tallentire at Loftus Road
Gregory starts to paper over Rangers' cracks
John Gregory has spent 3½ years away from club football, says he missed match days most and while he concedes that the big clubs have become increasingly bloated in that time, he feels that the Football League is broadly unaltered. And despite his appointment being the 14th change of manager since Terry Venables was doing the job and signed him in 1982, another thing is also very much as it was.
"This place hasn't changed since I left here 21 years ago," Gregory said. "There's still the same wallpaper in Terry's old office, same desk and the same old leather chair which I've inherited. It all needs a spruce-up. It's like moving into an old ramshackle house and decorating it the way you want it. And it's generally going to be a case of changing the habits of everybody right the way through the club."
It will take more than a few cosmetic changes to improve the long-term outlook for the west London side who have become the capital's punch bag since finishing fifth in the inaugural Premiership table in 1993, but in Gregory they have hired a manager who needs the success as much as they do.
This is the third time that he has returned to manage a club where he was well thought of as a player but the previous two he left under clouds and the experience at the last one, Derby County, which he successfully sued for wrongful dismissal after departing in March 2003, rendered him virtually unemployable.
"I've been absolutely positive all the way through it," he said of his unscheduled career break and after a win which took QPR off the bottom and out of the relegation zone. "Every day that I didn't get up and go to work I felt I was getting closer to a job. I've been desperate to get back into the game but not to somewhere that I didn't want to go."
Working for Gianni Paladini and a Monaco-based consortium would not seem such an attractive a prospect to many but Gregory has promised to throw himself into his task, had the players training at Loftus Road on Friday and managed to get a response out of Gary Waddock's players a day later, when the former manager, now coach was given a generous cheer although he was reduced to supervising the warm-up and handing out isotonic drinks.
The Rangers goals were headers from the strikers Ray Jones and Dexter Blackstock, a pairing which Gregory feels can cause problems in the division and one which has already given Hull's manager, Phil Parkinson, something to think about as his punchless team slumped to the bottom of the table.
"The fitness of my players can be better and it will be better," said Gregory, who considers himself to be a more mellow character these days, although after Blackstock met Lee Cook's hanging cross to clinch the game the manager's display of emotion was straight out from the Martin O'Neill school of celebration. "It was a mixture of happiness and delight, and frustration and anger for things that have happened in the last few years," he said. "It has been building up for a long time."
The fans were perhaps rightly sceptical about the change at the top and the 11,381 gate was a thousand less than their previous Saturday game. Give it a few weeks.
Man of the match: Lee Cook (QPR)
Guardian
INDEPENDENT
Queen's Park Rangers 2 Hull City 0: Gregory's Rangers return begins with a bang
For more than three years John Gregory has been on our television screens but not in the way he would like, explaining results and performances to viewers but not to any footballers. The pundit's seat is a more comfortable one than the hard plastic ones in the manager's dug-out but Gregory has ached for a return to running a club once more.
Not that he didn't have some doubts after returning to the job this week with QPR. Having overseen his first training sessions back at the club he played for more than 20 years ago, he confessed to asking himself if he had done the right thing. He only took a day to deliberate over the offer of taking charge for this season. If they stay up, his deal will be extended.
Despite having left so long ago, Gregory has noticed that not much has changed. He recalled the former manager Terry Venables luring him to the club. As a comment on how the club has barely moved on, you cannot do better than his remark that the wallpaper in the manager's office is still the same. In Gregory's time as a player, QPR reached the 1982 FA Cup final. Their priority right now is to avoid relegation and the former Aston Villa and Derby County manager does not boast huge resources.
What he will do is prepare his team better than his predecessor Gary Waddock, who is now first-team coach. Gregory was shocked to find there was no research prepared for Hull's arrival.
However, headers from Ray Jones and Dexter Blackstock were enough to dispatch Phil Parkinson's feeble side. Defeat sent them to the bottom, took QPR out of the relegation zone and put Gregory back where he likes to be.
Goals: R Jones (60) 1-0; Blackstock (80) 2-0.
Queen's Park Rangers (4-4-2): P Jones; Bignot, Rehman, Stewart, Rose (Kanyuka, h-t); Rowlands, Bircham (Ward, 65), Bailey (Lomas, 65), Cook; Blackstock, R Jones. Substitutes not used: Royce (gk), Baidoo.
Hull City (4-4-2): Myhill; Mills, Turner, Collins, Dawson; Fagan, Ashbee, Livermore (Marney, 75), France (Forster, 67); Parkin, Bridges (Yeates, 67). Substitutes not used: Duke (gk), Thelwell.
Referee: D Deadman (Cambridgeshire).
Booked: QPR: R Jones, P Jones.
Man of the Match: R Jones.
Attendance: 11,381.
Independent
Telegraph - Lift for Gregory
By Nick Hoult
Queens Park Rangers (0) 2 Hull City (0) 0
The pitch is now made of grass and Terry Venables' sheepskin coat is nowhere to be seen, but Loftus Road has a familiar feel about it for John Gregory.
As a Rangers player in the 1980s, he was used to winning matches. Now, as the club's manager, he has restored that feeling and lifted them off the bottom of the table.
It was a comfortable start for Gregory; Hull offered nothing in attacking ambition.
In contrast, Ray Jones and Dexter Blackstock are both decent forwards; both scored, with headers, for Gregory. Lee Cook's invention on the right adds a dash of class and it was his cross, 10 minutes from time, to an unmarked Blackstock for the second goal, that decided the match.
Gregory's demeanour – arms folded, dark eyes piercing the play – suddenly dashed off on a victory jig. After three and a half years without a job, Rangers seems to suit him. "It hasn't changed since I was a player, 21 years ago. There is still the same wallpaper in Venables' office. I'm sat in his chair, at his old desk. He didn't leave his coat behind though. Or his wallet."
Telegraph
Guardian - Monday September 25, 2006
Mark Tallentire at Loftus Road
Gregory starts to paper over Rangers' cracks
John Gregory has spent 3½ years away from club football, says he missed match days most and while he concedes that the big clubs have become increasingly bloated in that time, he feels that the Football League is broadly unaltered. And despite his appointment being the 14th change of manager since Terry Venables was doing the job and signed him in 1982, another thing is also very much as it was.
"This place hasn't changed since I left here 21 years ago," Gregory said. "There's still the same wallpaper in Terry's old office, same desk and the same old leather chair which I've inherited. It all needs a spruce-up. It's like moving into an old ramshackle house and decorating it the way you want it. And it's generally going to be a case of changing the habits of everybody right the way through the club."
It will take more than a few cosmetic changes to improve the long-term outlook for the west London side who have become the capital's punch bag since finishing fifth in the inaugural Premiership table in 1993, but in Gregory they have hired a manager who needs the success as much as they do.
This is the third time that he has returned to manage a club where he was well thought of as a player but the previous two he left under clouds and the experience at the last one, Derby County, which he successfully sued for wrongful dismissal after departing in March 2003, rendered him virtually unemployable.
"I've been absolutely positive all the way through it," he said of his unscheduled career break and after a win which took QPR off the bottom and out of the relegation zone. "Every day that I didn't get up and go to work I felt I was getting closer to a job. I've been desperate to get back into the game but not to somewhere that I didn't want to go."
Working for Gianni Paladini and a Monaco-based consortium would not seem such an attractive a prospect to many but Gregory has promised to throw himself into his task, had the players training at Loftus Road on Friday and managed to get a response out of Gary Waddock's players a day later, when the former manager, now coach was given a generous cheer although he was reduced to supervising the warm-up and handing out isotonic drinks.
The Rangers goals were headers from the strikers Ray Jones and Dexter Blackstock, a pairing which Gregory feels can cause problems in the division and one which has already given Hull's manager, Phil Parkinson, something to think about as his punchless team slumped to the bottom of the table.
"The fitness of my players can be better and it will be better," said Gregory, who considers himself to be a more mellow character these days, although after Blackstock met Lee Cook's hanging cross to clinch the game the manager's display of emotion was straight out from the Martin O'Neill school of celebration. "It was a mixture of happiness and delight, and frustration and anger for things that have happened in the last few years," he said. "It has been building up for a long time."
The fans were perhaps rightly sceptical about the change at the top and the 11,381 gate was a thousand less than their previous Saturday game. Give it a few weeks.
Man of the match: Lee Cook (QPR)
Guardian
INDEPENDENT
Queen's Park Rangers 2 Hull City 0: Gregory's Rangers return begins with a bang
For more than three years John Gregory has been on our television screens but not in the way he would like, explaining results and performances to viewers but not to any footballers. The pundit's seat is a more comfortable one than the hard plastic ones in the manager's dug-out but Gregory has ached for a return to running a club once more.
Not that he didn't have some doubts after returning to the job this week with QPR. Having overseen his first training sessions back at the club he played for more than 20 years ago, he confessed to asking himself if he had done the right thing. He only took a day to deliberate over the offer of taking charge for this season. If they stay up, his deal will be extended.
Despite having left so long ago, Gregory has noticed that not much has changed. He recalled the former manager Terry Venables luring him to the club. As a comment on how the club has barely moved on, you cannot do better than his remark that the wallpaper in the manager's office is still the same. In Gregory's time as a player, QPR reached the 1982 FA Cup final. Their priority right now is to avoid relegation and the former Aston Villa and Derby County manager does not boast huge resources.
What he will do is prepare his team better than his predecessor Gary Waddock, who is now first-team coach. Gregory was shocked to find there was no research prepared for Hull's arrival.
However, headers from Ray Jones and Dexter Blackstock were enough to dispatch Phil Parkinson's feeble side. Defeat sent them to the bottom, took QPR out of the relegation zone and put Gregory back where he likes to be.
Goals: R Jones (60) 1-0; Blackstock (80) 2-0.
Queen's Park Rangers (4-4-2): P Jones; Bignot, Rehman, Stewart, Rose (Kanyuka, h-t); Rowlands, Bircham (Ward, 65), Bailey (Lomas, 65), Cook; Blackstock, R Jones. Substitutes not used: Royce (gk), Baidoo.
Hull City (4-4-2): Myhill; Mills, Turner, Collins, Dawson; Fagan, Ashbee, Livermore (Marney, 75), France (Forster, 67); Parkin, Bridges (Yeates, 67). Substitutes not used: Duke (gk), Thelwell.
Referee: D Deadman (Cambridgeshire).
Booked: QPR: R Jones, P Jones.
Man of the Match: R Jones.
Attendance: 11,381.
Independent
Telegraph - Lift for Gregory
By Nick Hoult
Queens Park Rangers (0) 2 Hull City (0) 0
The pitch is now made of grass and Terry Venables' sheepskin coat is nowhere to be seen, but Loftus Road has a familiar feel about it for John Gregory.
As a Rangers player in the 1980s, he was used to winning matches. Now, as the club's manager, he has restored that feeling and lifted them off the bottom of the table.
It was a comfortable start for Gregory; Hull offered nothing in attacking ambition.
In contrast, Ray Jones and Dexter Blackstock are both decent forwards; both scored, with headers, for Gregory. Lee Cook's invention on the right adds a dash of class and it was his cross, 10 minutes from time, to an unmarked Blackstock for the second goal, that decided the match.
Gregory's demeanour – arms folded, dark eyes piercing the play – suddenly dashed off on a victory jig. After three and a half years without a job, Rangers seems to suit him. "It hasn't changed since I was a player, 21 years ago. There is still the same wallpaper in Venables' office. I'm sat in his chair, at his old desk. He didn't leave his coat behind though. Or his wallet."
Telegraph
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Another Interesting Week for QPR Fans
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WEEK IN REVIEW
The week began with the club traveling to Colchester having lost at home in midweek to Birmingham. Unfortunately QPR lost 2-1 at Colchester and sank to the bottom of the table. After that game, Bircham spoke about QPR being in a relegation fight.
Then in midweek, QPR travelled to Port Vale in the second round of the "League" Cup. (Port Vale, of course are the club that QPR Chairman Gianni Paladini came so close to taking over, in December 2003
[ Recalling Paladini's Port Vale Plans (scroll down to Stoke Sentinel stories) QPR took the lead, before unfortunately, Port Vale struck three times to knock out QPR.
The next day, QPR announced a suddenly-arranged press conference. John Gregory was announced as the new manager (till the end of the season, with a year extension if QPR stay up). Gary Waddock drops down to Assistant Manager. (The association of the name of John Gregory to take over at QPR has been reported several times in the press over the past year since Paladini took over from Bill Power. [Previous Gregory such as "rumours/reports or here
And it subsequently transpired that Alan Macdonald was out. In the words of the Official Site "Alan McDonald has been given notice to terminate his employment at Queens Park Rangers Football Club." Official
Over the weekend, there were reports on the message boards that other QPR staff were also on the way out.
And then come Saturday, came the visit of Hull to Loftus Road. Two second half goals and QPR were off the bottom of the table.
Elsewhere: Gary Penrice FINALLY, officially ended his association with QPR (with no word from QPR) and joined Ian Holloway at Plymouth.
And finally on a positive note, BBC's much-awaited Panorama "Bungs expose" made no reference to anyone currently or previously associated with QPR.
WEEK IN REVIEW
The week began with the club traveling to Colchester having lost at home in midweek to Birmingham. Unfortunately QPR lost 2-1 at Colchester and sank to the bottom of the table. After that game, Bircham spoke about QPR being in a relegation fight.
Then in midweek, QPR travelled to Port Vale in the second round of the "League" Cup. (Port Vale, of course are the club that QPR Chairman Gianni Paladini came so close to taking over, in December 2003
[ Recalling Paladini's Port Vale Plans (scroll down to Stoke Sentinel stories) QPR took the lead, before unfortunately, Port Vale struck three times to knock out QPR.
The next day, QPR announced a suddenly-arranged press conference. John Gregory was announced as the new manager (till the end of the season, with a year extension if QPR stay up). Gary Waddock drops down to Assistant Manager. (The association of the name of John Gregory to take over at QPR has been reported several times in the press over the past year since Paladini took over from Bill Power. [Previous Gregory such as "rumours/reports or here
And it subsequently transpired that Alan Macdonald was out. In the words of the Official Site "Alan McDonald has been given notice to terminate his employment at Queens Park Rangers Football Club." Official
Over the weekend, there were reports on the message boards that other QPR staff were also on the way out.
And then come Saturday, came the visit of Hull to Loftus Road. Two second half goals and QPR were off the bottom of the table.
Elsewhere: Gary Penrice FINALLY, officially ended his association with QPR (with no word from QPR) and joined Ian Holloway at Plymouth.
And finally on a positive note, BBC's much-awaited Panorama "Bungs expose" made no reference to anyone currently or previously associated with QPR.
Birthdays: Current Defender Matt Rose & Former Defender Rufus Brevett
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QPR Defender, Matt Rose Turns 31. Born September 24, 1975
Now in his Tenth season with QPR, the unluckily often-injured Rose has played some 200+ games. Rose was signed for 500,000 pounds from Arsenal by Stuart Houston in the summmer of 1997.
Rose
Rufus Brevett Turns 37 - Born September 24, 1969
Signed by Don Howe from Doncaster Rovers in March 1991, (around the same time that QPR also signed defenders Peacock and Tillson.) Brevett played almost 150 games for QPR before being sold to Fulham in January 1998 (in what generally came to be seen as a bad move by QPR!)
Breveitt
QPR Defender, Matt Rose Turns 31. Born September 24, 1975
Now in his Tenth season with QPR, the unluckily often-injured Rose has played some 200+ games. Rose was signed for 500,000 pounds from Arsenal by Stuart Houston in the summmer of 1997.
Rose
Rufus Brevett Turns 37 - Born September 24, 1969
Signed by Don Howe from Doncaster Rovers in March 1991, (around the same time that QPR also signed defenders Peacock and Tillson.) Brevett played almost 150 games for QPR before being sold to Fulham in January 1998 (in what generally came to be seen as a bad move by QPR!)
Breveitt
Further Reports - QPR 2 Hull 0
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Independent 24 September 2006
New boss Gregory launches the rising By Conrad Leach at Loftus Road
"....The west Londoners were stuck at the bottom of the Championship at kick-off, thanks to the efforts of the previous incumbent Gary Waddock and were without a win in the League since mid-August. Furthermore they were knocked out of the Carling Cup in mid-week by Port Vale, so Gregory could not have picked a club at a lower ebb. But Gregory's timing was good in other respects, in coming up against a poor Hull side, he could not have had an easier reintroduction to life at a football club.
Out of work since he left Derby County in acrimonious circumstances in 2003, Gregory turned up with only Leeds United separating the two sides in the relegation zone. It is a far cry from when he was in charge of Aston Villa and guided them to a club record run of 12 unbeaten games. He also took the midland side to the 2000 FA Cup final, which they lost against Chelsea by a single goal, while they never finished outside the top eight in his four years at Villa Park.
Finishing outside the bottom three this season with QPR will be a success, but they made a start towards that thanks to Ray Jones' header on the hour, which was backed up by Dexter Blackstock's effort 20 minutes later. Not that the home fans were grabbed by the appointment of their former player, there were fewer here than for the Southend match last month, but Gregory admitted that second goal was a huge personal relief for him. "There was a lot of frustration that came out then after three years out of work. It's been building up for quite a long time."
Gregory, speaking in midweek, feels his reputation had been unfairly damaged during the latter part of his stint under Doug Ellis, with transfer bung allegations that were never proved. Gregory thinks those rumours were what prevented people from asking him back into management....
Independent
Independent 24 September 2006
New boss Gregory launches the rising By Conrad Leach at Loftus Road
"....The west Londoners were stuck at the bottom of the Championship at kick-off, thanks to the efforts of the previous incumbent Gary Waddock and were without a win in the League since mid-August. Furthermore they were knocked out of the Carling Cup in mid-week by Port Vale, so Gregory could not have picked a club at a lower ebb. But Gregory's timing was good in other respects, in coming up against a poor Hull side, he could not have had an easier reintroduction to life at a football club.
Out of work since he left Derby County in acrimonious circumstances in 2003, Gregory turned up with only Leeds United separating the two sides in the relegation zone. It is a far cry from when he was in charge of Aston Villa and guided them to a club record run of 12 unbeaten games. He also took the midland side to the 2000 FA Cup final, which they lost against Chelsea by a single goal, while they never finished outside the top eight in his four years at Villa Park.
Finishing outside the bottom three this season with QPR will be a success, but they made a start towards that thanks to Ray Jones' header on the hour, which was backed up by Dexter Blackstock's effort 20 minutes later. Not that the home fans were grabbed by the appointment of their former player, there were fewer here than for the Southend match last month, but Gregory admitted that second goal was a huge personal relief for him. "There was a lot of frustration that came out then after three years out of work. It's been building up for quite a long time."
Gregory, speaking in midweek, feels his reputation had been unfairly damaged during the latter part of his stint under Doug Ellis, with transfer bung allegations that were never proved. Gregory thinks those rumours were what prevented people from asking him back into management....
Independent
Saturday, September 23, 2006
Comments - Gregory AND Paladini Commenting on QPR's Victory
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John Gregory on QPR's Victory - Official Site
John Gregory was on top of the world after the R's clinched a 2-0 win against Hull at Loftus Road.
Just four days after being appointed QPR manager, the former Aston Villa manager inspired his side to maximum points, and in doing so, saw them climb off the foot of the table.
"Hopefully we've put a few smiles back on the faces of our fans today,'' he told qpr.co.uk.
Goals from Ray Jones and Dexter Blackstock sealed the points, but it was Gregory's touchline celebration for goal number two that was the main talking point.
"The second goal won us the game which is why I probably went so overboard with my celebration and darted down the touchline.
"It was a mixture of happiness and delight, and frustration and anger, for things that have happened in the last few years.''
Gregory continued: "Getting the clean sheet was the best part of the day for me.
"They got the ball forward very quickly and were difficult to play against, so credit has to go to the back four and Jonah who were absolutely magnificent.
"I thought Lee Cook was terrific. His cross for the second goal was different class and him, Martin Rowlands and Marc Bircham led from the front.
Gregory clearly isn't one to rest on his laurels though, commenting: "We'll be back on the training ground tomorrow to iron out those things that went wrong, but in general I was satisifed with the performance and delighted with the result.
QPR Official
QPR OFFICIAL
Chairman Gianni Paladini was left speechless after the R's got off to a winning start under John Gregory.
"I'm speechless,'' he told qpr.co.uk.
"I'm just so, so happy. It's a great result for the Club and it's a fantastic start to John Gregory's reign as QPR boss.
"The fans and everyone connected to the Club deserved that result.''
Paladini continued: "Considering the week we've had, that's the most important victory in my time here.
"It's been an amazing day.''
QPR
Sporting Life - GREGORY GRATEFUL FOR QPR CHANCE
By Andy Sims, PA Sport
John Gregory breezed back into management and lifted QPR off the foot of the Coca-Cola Championship before vowing to try to bring the glory days back to Loftus Road.
Gregory landed his first job in three-and-a-half years when his good friend QPR chairman Gianni Paladini offered him a return to the dug-out this week with the club he graced as a midfielder in the early 1980s.
And following his side's 2-0 win over Hull, courtesy of goals from Ray Jones and Dexter Blackstock, Gregory admitted he is looking to take Rangers back to those heady days under Terry Venables.
"When Terry signed me, he kept telling me what a great club this is and he was right," said Gregory.
"There is a great set-up, it's in a great area in west London and always had great players. I want to repeat that with the opportunity I've got."
Gregory admitted when he took the reins at QPR that he felt he had been tarnished by unsubstantiated 'bung' rumours which stopped him getting another job, and he admitted his return to management had been emotional.
"It felt strange starting again," he added. "At half past two I was sitting there thinking, 'What are you doing'?
"But as soon as we kicked off it was all okay. I'm pleased to be back at work, I've enjoyed the last couple of days but it's all about Saturday afternoons.
"And then when our second goal went in lots of frustration came out. That had been building up for quite a while, but it's gone now."
Gregory was full of praise for his new side, whom he only met for the first time on Thursday, and admitted he was also in the dark about opponents Hull.
"I knew nothing about Hull, other than they are a strong, powerful team, and I was pleased we stood up to them," he said.
"Lots of the lads have given everything for the cause today and if they keep doing that, then I won't be able to complain.
"The players will be feeling fantastic but I'm feeling 10 times better than any of them."
[PARKINSON]
City boss Phil Parkinson refused to hide behind the 'Gregory effect' as an excuse for a strangely subdued performance from his side, who have now replaced Rangers at the foot of the table.
The Tigers held out for an hour before Jones got on the end of Martin Rowlands' free-kick, via Damion Stewart's header, to nod Rangers in front for his first league goal.
Blackstock grabbed the killer second 10 minutes from time with another header from a superb Lee Cook cross to leave Parkinson with plenty to ponder.
"Obviously that (Gregory) didn't help but I won't use it as an excuse," said Parkinson.
"We looked off the pace and when that happens you have to stick together and try to grind out a draw.
"And until the first goal, which came from a set-play, I didn't think either team looked like scoring. If we'd defended that we could have come in with a draw.
"But that's the first game for a while we haven't looked a goal threat. We didn't threaten the opposition goal enough to say we deserved anything."
Sporting Life
John Gregory on QPR's Victory - Official Site
John Gregory was on top of the world after the R's clinched a 2-0 win against Hull at Loftus Road.
Just four days after being appointed QPR manager, the former Aston Villa manager inspired his side to maximum points, and in doing so, saw them climb off the foot of the table.
"Hopefully we've put a few smiles back on the faces of our fans today,'' he told qpr.co.uk.
Goals from Ray Jones and Dexter Blackstock sealed the points, but it was Gregory's touchline celebration for goal number two that was the main talking point.
"The second goal won us the game which is why I probably went so overboard with my celebration and darted down the touchline.
"It was a mixture of happiness and delight, and frustration and anger, for things that have happened in the last few years.''
Gregory continued: "Getting the clean sheet was the best part of the day for me.
"They got the ball forward very quickly and were difficult to play against, so credit has to go to the back four and Jonah who were absolutely magnificent.
"I thought Lee Cook was terrific. His cross for the second goal was different class and him, Martin Rowlands and Marc Bircham led from the front.
Gregory clearly isn't one to rest on his laurels though, commenting: "We'll be back on the training ground tomorrow to iron out those things that went wrong, but in general I was satisifed with the performance and delighted with the result.
QPR Official
QPR OFFICIAL
Chairman Gianni Paladini was left speechless after the R's got off to a winning start under John Gregory.
"I'm speechless,'' he told qpr.co.uk.
"I'm just so, so happy. It's a great result for the Club and it's a fantastic start to John Gregory's reign as QPR boss.
"The fans and everyone connected to the Club deserved that result.''
Paladini continued: "Considering the week we've had, that's the most important victory in my time here.
"It's been an amazing day.''
QPR
Sporting Life - GREGORY GRATEFUL FOR QPR CHANCE
By Andy Sims, PA Sport
John Gregory breezed back into management and lifted QPR off the foot of the Coca-Cola Championship before vowing to try to bring the glory days back to Loftus Road.
Gregory landed his first job in three-and-a-half years when his good friend QPR chairman Gianni Paladini offered him a return to the dug-out this week with the club he graced as a midfielder in the early 1980s.
And following his side's 2-0 win over Hull, courtesy of goals from Ray Jones and Dexter Blackstock, Gregory admitted he is looking to take Rangers back to those heady days under Terry Venables.
"When Terry signed me, he kept telling me what a great club this is and he was right," said Gregory.
"There is a great set-up, it's in a great area in west London and always had great players. I want to repeat that with the opportunity I've got."
Gregory admitted when he took the reins at QPR that he felt he had been tarnished by unsubstantiated 'bung' rumours which stopped him getting another job, and he admitted his return to management had been emotional.
"It felt strange starting again," he added. "At half past two I was sitting there thinking, 'What are you doing'?
"But as soon as we kicked off it was all okay. I'm pleased to be back at work, I've enjoyed the last couple of days but it's all about Saturday afternoons.
"And then when our second goal went in lots of frustration came out. That had been building up for quite a while, but it's gone now."
Gregory was full of praise for his new side, whom he only met for the first time on Thursday, and admitted he was also in the dark about opponents Hull.
"I knew nothing about Hull, other than they are a strong, powerful team, and I was pleased we stood up to them," he said.
"Lots of the lads have given everything for the cause today and if they keep doing that, then I won't be able to complain.
"The players will be feeling fantastic but I'm feeling 10 times better than any of them."
[PARKINSON]
City boss Phil Parkinson refused to hide behind the 'Gregory effect' as an excuse for a strangely subdued performance from his side, who have now replaced Rangers at the foot of the table.
The Tigers held out for an hour before Jones got on the end of Martin Rowlands' free-kick, via Damion Stewart's header, to nod Rangers in front for his first league goal.
Blackstock grabbed the killer second 10 minutes from time with another header from a superb Lee Cook cross to leave Parkinson with plenty to ponder.
"Obviously that (Gregory) didn't help but I won't use it as an excuse," said Parkinson.
"We looked off the pace and when that happens you have to stick together and try to grind out a draw.
"And until the first goal, which came from a set-play, I didn't think either team looked like scoring. If we'd defended that we could have come in with a draw.
"But that's the first game for a while we haven't looked a goal threat. We didn't threaten the opposition goal enough to say we deserved anything."
Sporting Life
QPR Win...Climb out of Bottom Three! Reports & Comments
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QPR won 2-0 against Hull (Jones and Blackstock and climbed out of the bottom three.
TABLE
BBC - QPR 2-0 Hull
John Gregory's reign as QPR boss got off to a winning start as goals from Ray Jones and Dexter Blackstock earned a deserved win over struggling Hull.
Hull were under pressure, but could have led but for QPR keeper Paul Jones' fine save from Michael Turner's header.
Rangers broke through on the hour as Jones tapped in his first league goal after being set up by Damion Stewart.
And Blackstock sealed the victory as he headed home after Lee Cook supplied a superb curling cross.
BBC
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - Match Report
Second half goals from Ray Jones and Dexter Blackstock ensured John Gregory's reign as Rangers boss got off to the perfect start against Hull.
Teenager Jones headed home on the hour, before Blackstock put the icing on the cake ten minutes from time, as the R's leapfrogged their opponents in the Championship table.
Victory was no less than QPR deserved, with the added bonus of a first clean sheet in eight sending the large majority of an 11,000 strong crowd home happy.
It was goalless at the break, at the end of 45 minutes of nervy football at Loftus Road.
Neither side created any clear-cut chances, although Lee Cook provided the odd moment of magic, in a half in which the R's enjoyed the lion's share of territory and possession.
Gregory had the luxury of selecting Paul Jones, Martin Rowlands and Blackstock, while the previously out-of-favour Marcus Bignot returned to the starting XI.
The fit-again Simon Royce returned to the bench, alongside Nicky Ward, who made way.
After a tentative opening, Rangers forced the first corner when Lee Cook's teasing delivery was cleared by Andy Dawson.
The same player's resultant set-piece was expertly punched away by Boaz Myhill, as the R's forced the Tigers on to the back foot for the first time.
It was the returning Rowlands who fashioned the first chance of the contest on 14 minutes, letting fly with a spectacular dipping shot from the left corner of the box, which Myhill did well to tip to safety.
The R's soon forced a corner, which after two bites at the cherry, Manchester City loanee Danny Mills hacked to safety.
Cook was the thorn in the Tigers' side early on and when his curling delivery breached the last line of the Hull defence, Damion Stewart came within inches of adding the finishing touch from close range.
Cook was at it again on 21 minutes, leaving two defenders in his wake before dragging his shot wide of Myhill's left hand upright.
Ray Jones became the first player of Gregory's reign to receive a booking, when he was shown a yellow card in the 30th minute, for an apparent flailing arm in the direction of Andy Dawson.
Phil Parkinson's men grew in stature as the half wore on, but it was a case of so far, so good, for the R's back four, who remained resolute throughout the first half.
Rowlands' deflected free-kick on the stroke of half-time forced Myhill to gather on the edge of his six-yard box, as the half drew to a quiet conclusion.
Gregory introduced Pat Kanyuka at the expense of Matthew Rose at the break, although it was unclear as to whether it was a tactical change or an enforced substitution.
Zesh Rehman moved to right back, with Marcus Bignot switching to the left side of the R's defence.
Hull started the half confidently and when Craig Fagan flighted an out-swinging corner into the R's box on 48 minutes, Paul Jones was in the right place at the right time to tip away Michael Turner's downward header.
But it was Rangers who took the lead on 60 minutes, courtesy of Ray Jones.
The talented teenager arrived bang on cue to head home Blackstock's knock-down from little more than a yard, after a well-worked quick free-kick from Rowlands.
It was definitely a case of cometh the hour, cometh the man, as the 17 year-old bagged his first goal in Championship football.
Gregory wasted no time in introducing fresh legs after the goal, with Ward and Steve Lomas replacing Bircham and Bailey respectively four minutes later.
Jon Parkin - clearly having seen Xavi Alonso's wonder-goal for Liverpool earlier in the week - tried his luck from long range on 67 minutes, only to get his effort all wrong, as the ball sailed towards the corner flag.
Rangers continued to pose a threat as the match reached its conclusion, with Blackstock heading over in the 79th minute from the edge of the six-yard box after more good wide play from Cook.
Sixty seconds later the former Southampton man sealed all three points for the Hoops, heading an unstoppable effort past Myhill, after Cook left Mills chasing shadows for the umpteenth time.
It was no less than the pacy front-man deserved, after a tireless forward display.
The roar at full-time told its own story, as Rangers registered their first league victory in six fixtures.
QPR: P Jones,Bignot, Rehman, Stewart, Rose (Kanyuka 46), Rowlands, Bailey (Lomas 64), Bircham (Ward 64), Cook, R Jones, Blackstock.
Subs: Royce, Baidoo.
Scorers: R Jones 60, Blackstock 80
Bookings: R Jones 30, Rehman 72, P Jones 85
Hull City: Myhill, Dawson, Ashbee, Turner, Parkin, Bridges (Forster 66), Collins, Livermore (Marney 74), Mills, Fagan, France (Yeates 66).
Subs: Duke, Thelwell.
Bookings: Collins 53, Mills 62, Livermore 68
Referee: D Deadman
Attendance: 11,381
QPR OFFICIAL
HULL'S PERSPECTIVE - REPORT - City Beaten By QPR
The Tigers' winning run came to a disappointing end this afternoon as they went down 2-0 to Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road.
In a game where City rarely looked like scoring, they were punished by second half headers from Ray Jones and Dexter Blackstock.
There were several changes to the side that started against Hartlepool in the Carling Cup in midweek as the team mirrored the one that beat Sheffield Wednesday in the last league game.
Danny Mills, Ian Ashbee, David Livermore, Michael Bridges and Jon Parkin were all restored to the starting eleven.
In the absence of Sam Ricketts, Mills played at right back with Sam Collins remaining at centre half.
Nicky Forster returned from injury to take a place on the bench and was joined by Mark Yeates and Dean Marney, both of whom had started in midweek.
QPR forced the first corner of the game in the sixth minute when Andy Dawson headed a deep cross behind, but Boaz Myhill did well to fist Lee Cook's set piece away.
Myhill was forced to make the first save of the game on 14 minutes. Livermore was dispossessed on the edge of his own box and when the ball came back to Martin Rowlands, his shot was palmed away by the City keeper.
Rangers should have taken the lead two minutes later. Cook curled a beautiful free kick over to the back post, but Damion Stewart couldn't connect with his head and the chance went away.
A good run from Rowlands saw him have another shot on 21 minutes, but this time it went across goal and wide.
City went on the counter attack in the 26th minute as Craig Fagan charged up the field. It was three-on-three as Fagan played the ball out to Parkin on the right, but his cut back went behind Fagan and the home side cleared.
QPR striker Ray Jones was booked on half an hour following a challenge on Andy Dawason, which left the full back needing treatment from physio Simon Maltby.
The Tigers won their first corner on 33 minutes after Fagan had chased down what seemed like a lost cause. The delivery from Dawson was cleared at the near post and when he returned the ball, Ryan France was flagged offside.
In added time, Rangers won a corner after some good play down the right. The corner went deep and was headed behind by Parkin for another set piece, but this one was well claimed by Myhill.
Half Time: Tigers 0-0 QPR.
Rangers made a change at half time as Pat Kanyuka came on for Matthew Rose.
The Tigers won a corner four minutes into the second period as Stewart headed behind. The delivery from Dawson was perfect for Michael Turner who rose the highest to head goalwards, only to see his effort well saved by Paul Jones.
Collins went into the book on 53 minutes following a foul on Dexter Blackstock.
Rangers took the lead in the 60th minute. A free kick from the right was swung over to the back post to Blackstock who headed back across goal to Jones who headed home from close range.
Mills was booked for a foul on Cook as the home side looked to turn up the pressure.
QPR then made a double change as Steve Lomas and Nick Ward replaced Stefan Bailey and Marc Bircham.
The Tigers responded with a double change of their own. Yeates came on to make his City league debut in place of France while Forster replaced Bridges.
Livermore was shown a yellow card following a tackle from behind on Zesh Rehman.
Rehman himself was booked on 72 minutes after a wild challenge on Yeates before Marney replaced Livermore as City made their final change.
QPR went close to doubling the lead when Blackstock got on the end of a left wing cross, but his header sailed over.
Rangers sealed the points ten minutes from time. Cook beat his marker down the left and produced a beautiful cross for Blackstock to head home.
City tried to hit back. Collins crossed to the back post for Forster, but his glancing header went wide.
Despite being two goals up, goalkeeper Jones still managed to get himself a yellow card for time wasting.
There was no way back for City, despite four minutes of added time, and they got what they deserved from the game as QPR leapfrogged them in the table.
Hull
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QPR won 2-0 against Hull (Jones and Blackstock and climbed out of the bottom three.
TABLE
BBC - QPR 2-0 Hull
John Gregory's reign as QPR boss got off to a winning start as goals from Ray Jones and Dexter Blackstock earned a deserved win over struggling Hull.
Hull were under pressure, but could have led but for QPR keeper Paul Jones' fine save from Michael Turner's header.
Rangers broke through on the hour as Jones tapped in his first league goal after being set up by Damion Stewart.
And Blackstock sealed the victory as he headed home after Lee Cook supplied a superb curling cross.
BBC
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - Match Report
Second half goals from Ray Jones and Dexter Blackstock ensured John Gregory's reign as Rangers boss got off to the perfect start against Hull.
Teenager Jones headed home on the hour, before Blackstock put the icing on the cake ten minutes from time, as the R's leapfrogged their opponents in the Championship table.
Victory was no less than QPR deserved, with the added bonus of a first clean sheet in eight sending the large majority of an 11,000 strong crowd home happy.
It was goalless at the break, at the end of 45 minutes of nervy football at Loftus Road.
Neither side created any clear-cut chances, although Lee Cook provided the odd moment of magic, in a half in which the R's enjoyed the lion's share of territory and possession.
Gregory had the luxury of selecting Paul Jones, Martin Rowlands and Blackstock, while the previously out-of-favour Marcus Bignot returned to the starting XI.
The fit-again Simon Royce returned to the bench, alongside Nicky Ward, who made way.
After a tentative opening, Rangers forced the first corner when Lee Cook's teasing delivery was cleared by Andy Dawson.
The same player's resultant set-piece was expertly punched away by Boaz Myhill, as the R's forced the Tigers on to the back foot for the first time.
It was the returning Rowlands who fashioned the first chance of the contest on 14 minutes, letting fly with a spectacular dipping shot from the left corner of the box, which Myhill did well to tip to safety.
The R's soon forced a corner, which after two bites at the cherry, Manchester City loanee Danny Mills hacked to safety.
Cook was the thorn in the Tigers' side early on and when his curling delivery breached the last line of the Hull defence, Damion Stewart came within inches of adding the finishing touch from close range.
Cook was at it again on 21 minutes, leaving two defenders in his wake before dragging his shot wide of Myhill's left hand upright.
Ray Jones became the first player of Gregory's reign to receive a booking, when he was shown a yellow card in the 30th minute, for an apparent flailing arm in the direction of Andy Dawson.
Phil Parkinson's men grew in stature as the half wore on, but it was a case of so far, so good, for the R's back four, who remained resolute throughout the first half.
Rowlands' deflected free-kick on the stroke of half-time forced Myhill to gather on the edge of his six-yard box, as the half drew to a quiet conclusion.
Gregory introduced Pat Kanyuka at the expense of Matthew Rose at the break, although it was unclear as to whether it was a tactical change or an enforced substitution.
Zesh Rehman moved to right back, with Marcus Bignot switching to the left side of the R's defence.
Hull started the half confidently and when Craig Fagan flighted an out-swinging corner into the R's box on 48 minutes, Paul Jones was in the right place at the right time to tip away Michael Turner's downward header.
But it was Rangers who took the lead on 60 minutes, courtesy of Ray Jones.
The talented teenager arrived bang on cue to head home Blackstock's knock-down from little more than a yard, after a well-worked quick free-kick from Rowlands.
It was definitely a case of cometh the hour, cometh the man, as the 17 year-old bagged his first goal in Championship football.
Gregory wasted no time in introducing fresh legs after the goal, with Ward and Steve Lomas replacing Bircham and Bailey respectively four minutes later.
Jon Parkin - clearly having seen Xavi Alonso's wonder-goal for Liverpool earlier in the week - tried his luck from long range on 67 minutes, only to get his effort all wrong, as the ball sailed towards the corner flag.
Rangers continued to pose a threat as the match reached its conclusion, with Blackstock heading over in the 79th minute from the edge of the six-yard box after more good wide play from Cook.
Sixty seconds later the former Southampton man sealed all three points for the Hoops, heading an unstoppable effort past Myhill, after Cook left Mills chasing shadows for the umpteenth time.
It was no less than the pacy front-man deserved, after a tireless forward display.
The roar at full-time told its own story, as Rangers registered their first league victory in six fixtures.
QPR: P Jones,Bignot, Rehman, Stewart, Rose (Kanyuka 46), Rowlands, Bailey (Lomas 64), Bircham (Ward 64), Cook, R Jones, Blackstock.
Subs: Royce, Baidoo.
Scorers: R Jones 60, Blackstock 80
Bookings: R Jones 30, Rehman 72, P Jones 85
Hull City: Myhill, Dawson, Ashbee, Turner, Parkin, Bridges (Forster 66), Collins, Livermore (Marney 74), Mills, Fagan, France (Yeates 66).
Subs: Duke, Thelwell.
Bookings: Collins 53, Mills 62, Livermore 68
Referee: D Deadman
Attendance: 11,381
QPR OFFICIAL
HULL'S PERSPECTIVE - REPORT - City Beaten By QPR
The Tigers' winning run came to a disappointing end this afternoon as they went down 2-0 to Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road.
In a game where City rarely looked like scoring, they were punished by second half headers from Ray Jones and Dexter Blackstock.
There were several changes to the side that started against Hartlepool in the Carling Cup in midweek as the team mirrored the one that beat Sheffield Wednesday in the last league game.
Danny Mills, Ian Ashbee, David Livermore, Michael Bridges and Jon Parkin were all restored to the starting eleven.
In the absence of Sam Ricketts, Mills played at right back with Sam Collins remaining at centre half.
Nicky Forster returned from injury to take a place on the bench and was joined by Mark Yeates and Dean Marney, both of whom had started in midweek.
QPR forced the first corner of the game in the sixth minute when Andy Dawson headed a deep cross behind, but Boaz Myhill did well to fist Lee Cook's set piece away.
Myhill was forced to make the first save of the game on 14 minutes. Livermore was dispossessed on the edge of his own box and when the ball came back to Martin Rowlands, his shot was palmed away by the City keeper.
Rangers should have taken the lead two minutes later. Cook curled a beautiful free kick over to the back post, but Damion Stewart couldn't connect with his head and the chance went away.
A good run from Rowlands saw him have another shot on 21 minutes, but this time it went across goal and wide.
City went on the counter attack in the 26th minute as Craig Fagan charged up the field. It was three-on-three as Fagan played the ball out to Parkin on the right, but his cut back went behind Fagan and the home side cleared.
QPR striker Ray Jones was booked on half an hour following a challenge on Andy Dawason, which left the full back needing treatment from physio Simon Maltby.
The Tigers won their first corner on 33 minutes after Fagan had chased down what seemed like a lost cause. The delivery from Dawson was cleared at the near post and when he returned the ball, Ryan France was flagged offside.
In added time, Rangers won a corner after some good play down the right. The corner went deep and was headed behind by Parkin for another set piece, but this one was well claimed by Myhill.
Half Time: Tigers 0-0 QPR.
Rangers made a change at half time as Pat Kanyuka came on for Matthew Rose.
The Tigers won a corner four minutes into the second period as Stewart headed behind. The delivery from Dawson was perfect for Michael Turner who rose the highest to head goalwards, only to see his effort well saved by Paul Jones.
Collins went into the book on 53 minutes following a foul on Dexter Blackstock.
Rangers took the lead in the 60th minute. A free kick from the right was swung over to the back post to Blackstock who headed back across goal to Jones who headed home from close range.
Mills was booked for a foul on Cook as the home side looked to turn up the pressure.
QPR then made a double change as Steve Lomas and Nick Ward replaced Stefan Bailey and Marc Bircham.
The Tigers responded with a double change of their own. Yeates came on to make his City league debut in place of France while Forster replaced Bridges.
Livermore was shown a yellow card following a tackle from behind on Zesh Rehman.
Rehman himself was booked on 72 minutes after a wild challenge on Yeates before Marney replaced Livermore as City made their final change.
QPR went close to doubling the lead when Blackstock got on the end of a left wing cross, but his header sailed over.
Rangers sealed the points ten minutes from time. Cook beat his marker down the left and produced a beautiful cross for Blackstock to head home.
City tried to hit back. Collins crossed to the back post for Forster, but his glancing header went wide.
Despite being two goals up, goalkeeper Jones still managed to get himself a yellow card for time wasting.
There was no way back for City, despite four minutes of added time, and they got what they deserved from the game as QPR leapfrogged them in the table.
Hull
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Ex-QPR Chris Day Cites His Times at QPR and Promotion
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Chris Day Speaking - South London Press
Sep 22 2006 - By Toby Porter
"CHRIS Day is keeping his eye on the ball.
Results may not be going according to plan. But the 31-year-old keeper believes Millwall are edging towards turning the corner.
Putting aside the set-back of Tuesday night's 4-0 Carling Cup defeat by Southampton, he knows how much the fans crave some wins...
...And this is the target Day and his teammates are aiming for: "What we most want to do is put a smile back on the fans' faces," he said. "We want them to go home happy.That is what it's all about."
Day knows what it feels like for those fans when things aren't going well.
"I've seen some of them standing there in shock, thinking 'It's happened again'," he said. "We are desperate to change that. There has to be some positivity in the camp and we'll work hard to turn the corner.
"One of the first things the fans told me was that if you give 100 per cent, they will give it back,"he added. "That has to be our aim.
"We'll give our all and the rest is in the lap of the gods.
"It can be like the lottery.Sooner or later,the right balls will come up and we will get a small reward.
"We want to walk away at 5pm with three points in the bag. Then the fans can hold their heads up high all week. We want to see those smiling faces on a Saturday night. That is our job.
"Then we can start building a bond with the fans. And then we'll feel proud."
There is another prize to aim for after that. The keeper remembers the day he won promotion from League One with QPR. "It was in a 3-1 win at Sheffield Wednesday two years ago and we took 12,000 fans with us to Hillsbrough. I would like to get hold of a video of that day and show it to the lads, because it would give us something to aim for...."
But Day warns: "It took us three years to go up at QPR. First we were 10th, then we lost in the play-offs, then we were promoted. It is a tough battle.
"We had a great manager in Ian Holloway,but even so it still took three seasons."
Day would love to be back in the Championship as soon as possible. "The Premiership is full of foreign keepers so if you can get a berth one level down, it is a bit like the Holy Grail for an English keeper.There are a lot of very talented ones in the Championship -even some on the bench.
"It would be great if we could get promoted so we can prove ourselves at that level."
Day is desperate to continue his run in the team.
He is now at his peak, and knows what it's like to miss out for a long period.
He only played 100 games for QPR at this level in four years up to 2004, because of a broken leg.
Last season at Oldham he played more than 36 games, while at Watford he had to play second fiddle to Alec Chamberlain, who is still playing at the age of 42.
"But all that time I was learning good habits," he said.
Day brings a wealth of experience to the role, which Millwall will find immensely valuable this season, especially when his rival for the number one shirt, Lennie Pidgeley, has played so little at this level.
"I had an inkling Lennie would get the nod at the beginning of the season," said Day. "I knew what the situation would be when I joined. I will always be there to help any of the boys, especially Lennie. I'll try and help install belief and help the younger players.
"But I had just been told I could leave Oldham and it was nice to be wanted here.
"I always hope I'll get my chance..."
South London Press
Chris Day Speaking - South London Press
Sep 22 2006 - By Toby Porter
"CHRIS Day is keeping his eye on the ball.
Results may not be going according to plan. But the 31-year-old keeper believes Millwall are edging towards turning the corner.
Putting aside the set-back of Tuesday night's 4-0 Carling Cup defeat by Southampton, he knows how much the fans crave some wins...
...And this is the target Day and his teammates are aiming for: "What we most want to do is put a smile back on the fans' faces," he said. "We want them to go home happy.That is what it's all about."
Day knows what it feels like for those fans when things aren't going well.
"I've seen some of them standing there in shock, thinking 'It's happened again'," he said. "We are desperate to change that. There has to be some positivity in the camp and we'll work hard to turn the corner.
"One of the first things the fans told me was that if you give 100 per cent, they will give it back,"he added. "That has to be our aim.
"We'll give our all and the rest is in the lap of the gods.
"It can be like the lottery.Sooner or later,the right balls will come up and we will get a small reward.
"We want to walk away at 5pm with three points in the bag. Then the fans can hold their heads up high all week. We want to see those smiling faces on a Saturday night. That is our job.
"Then we can start building a bond with the fans. And then we'll feel proud."
There is another prize to aim for after that. The keeper remembers the day he won promotion from League One with QPR. "It was in a 3-1 win at Sheffield Wednesday two years ago and we took 12,000 fans with us to Hillsbrough. I would like to get hold of a video of that day and show it to the lads, because it would give us something to aim for...."
But Day warns: "It took us three years to go up at QPR. First we were 10th, then we lost in the play-offs, then we were promoted. It is a tough battle.
"We had a great manager in Ian Holloway,but even so it still took three seasons."
Day would love to be back in the Championship as soon as possible. "The Premiership is full of foreign keepers so if you can get a berth one level down, it is a bit like the Holy Grail for an English keeper.There are a lot of very talented ones in the Championship -even some on the bench.
"It would be great if we could get promoted so we can prove ourselves at that level."
Day is desperate to continue his run in the team.
He is now at his peak, and knows what it's like to miss out for a long period.
He only played 100 games for QPR at this level in four years up to 2004, because of a broken leg.
Last season at Oldham he played more than 36 games, while at Watford he had to play second fiddle to Alec Chamberlain, who is still playing at the age of 42.
"But all that time I was learning good habits," he said.
Day brings a wealth of experience to the role, which Millwall will find immensely valuable this season, especially when his rival for the number one shirt, Lennie Pidgeley, has played so little at this level.
"I had an inkling Lennie would get the nod at the beginning of the season," said Day. "I knew what the situation would be when I joined. I will always be there to help any of the boys, especially Lennie. I'll try and help install belief and help the younger players.
"But I had just been told I could leave Oldham and it was nice to be wanted here.
"I always hope I'll get my chance..."
South London Press
Holloway Speaking Out in Plymouth!
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Plymouth Official - MEET THE MANAGER
Ian Holloway with the team at St Dennis Club - Picture by Paul Williams
Photo by Paul Williams
ARGYLE manager Ian Holloway attended a meeting with Cornish supporters on Tuesday evening and thoroughly enjoyed the occasion.
The event was organized by the Cornish Supporters' Association and took place in St Dennis.
"It was absolutely outstanding with outstanding people," said Holloway.
"Life is about people and football is about people.
"My Dad was right when he said 'I hope you like football because you will meet some wonderful people.'
"I have also met some absolute pillocks that really do use it as a business and treat people horribly.
"It becomes about them and not about the club but at my level, with this club, with these people, my players, I am delighted and these fans are something else."
Holloway was accompanied by some of the Argyle squad, much to the delight of the attendees.
"They were gobsmacked and one lady even started crying," said Holloway.
"I made them (the players) shake everybody's hand and mingle.
"After I finished blabbering away and boring everybody to tears, we stayed on for an extra 30 minutes and it was great."
The evening was also a perfect opportunity to talk about the recent achievements of the club.
Since the current chairman, Paul Stapleton, took control, Argyle have won two promotions and now compete in the second tier of English football.
Holloway was keen to remind people of this extraordinary rise through the divisions.
"I asked them (supporters) to remember how far we have come in the last six years," said Holloway.
"I have watched it from afar. Remember the great achievement to get here and remember who has been at the helm.
"I want to build again because that is what we have got to do.
"I want to build the youth team but it is not me on my own, it is the structure, the training regime and the people.
"Since Mr Stapleton and his friends took over, it has been absolutely remarkable.
"Where were you going before that?"
Plymouth Official
MANAGER'S OUTBURST AT COUNCIL - This is Plymouth
Plymouth Argyle manager Ian Holloway has launched an astonishing attack on the city council - accusing the authority of failing to support the club's Premiership ambitions.
The Argyle boss said that the council 'owed' the club some £6million and criticised its handling of the sale of Home Park.
He claimed that council chiefs had offered to pay Argyle £3million in the past, and had even offered to give the freehold of the ground to the club for nothing.
But the council today said it was 'mystified and disappointed' by the claims, and insisted that the £2.7million Home Park deal was still going ahead, as agreed by senior councillors in March.
Negotiations between Argyle and the council have been continuing for six months, but the transfer of the freehold has yet to be finalised.
And Mr Holloway, who only took over as manager at the end of June, said that it was time for the council to 'wake up and smell the coffee'.
In a Press conference ahead of tomorrow's match between Argyle and Norwich City, he said: "I'm pretty upset with one group at the moment. That's the council.
"They owe me £6 million by the look of it. They promised us £3 million the other year. They were shouting on the steps 'yes, we will give you £3 million, we are going to help this club'. Where's that then?
"They were going to give us the freehold, and now they are not. They are going to sell it to us. Hang on a minute, that's a £6 million turnaround almost."
When Argyle were promoted to the Championship in 2004, the council held a civic reception in their honour.
Council leader Tudor Evans told thousands of the club's supporters that the authority would get a new grandstand at Home Park completed.
But, despite much speculation since, the plans are still on the drawing board - and some fans are getting impatient.
However, Mr Holloway said that Argyle's board, led by chairman Paul Stapleton, should not be blamed for any delay.
Mr Holloway said: "I want the council on board as well. I don't feel they are on board at the minute.
"They have got to help the people of this area get Premiership football down here. They had better wake up and smell the coffee, I'm telling you, because I'm after them.
"I want some help from them - big time - and if that upsets an apple cart, I'm sorry.
"The people of this area deserve better, and that's what I want. All these starry-eyed kids with the green shirt on, I want them to see fantastic players on that pitch.
"Is it all our responsibility? It has got to be a marriage. How much can we bring this area if we are a Premiership club? And how much are they helping us? I can't see it."
But a spokesman for the council said Mr Holloway's claims that the authority owed Argyle £6million were unfounded.
The spokesman said: "We are mystified and disappointed about the comments attributed to Mr Holloway because the criticism is not based on fact and does not reflect the ongoing productive negotiations between the council and the board.
"We have responded in a timely manner to the points raised by the club's legal adviser and we will ensure the agreed terms will be entirely in accordance with what Cabinet agreed."
Mr Stapleton declined to comment earlier this morning. Argyle chiefs were due to meet the council this morning to discuss the deal. The club is expected to make an official statement after the meeting.
This is Plymouth
PLYMOUTH Argyle issued the following statement today:
Chairman Paul Stapleton: "Plymouth Argyle Football Club has been working with officers at Plymouth City Council over the last few months to bring the complex deal over the purchase of the Home Park freehold to completion.
"There have been legal and technical issues involved that are normal for a deal of this nature, but the fact is that all the principles have been resolved and lawyers are working to conclude matters imminently."
Argyle manager Ian Holloway, who spoke out about the deal earlier this week, said: "I have talked to the chairman, who has appraised me of certain facts, and now appreciate that these things take time.
"I have always been convinced that the chairman and the board of directors have been acting in the best interests of the football club and it is music to my ears to hear that the Council are doing likewise."
Plymouth
Plymouth Official - MEET THE MANAGER
Ian Holloway with the team at St Dennis Club - Picture by Paul Williams
Photo by Paul Williams
ARGYLE manager Ian Holloway attended a meeting with Cornish supporters on Tuesday evening and thoroughly enjoyed the occasion.
The event was organized by the Cornish Supporters' Association and took place in St Dennis.
"It was absolutely outstanding with outstanding people," said Holloway.
"Life is about people and football is about people.
"My Dad was right when he said 'I hope you like football because you will meet some wonderful people.'
"I have also met some absolute pillocks that really do use it as a business and treat people horribly.
"It becomes about them and not about the club but at my level, with this club, with these people, my players, I am delighted and these fans are something else."
Holloway was accompanied by some of the Argyle squad, much to the delight of the attendees.
"They were gobsmacked and one lady even started crying," said Holloway.
"I made them (the players) shake everybody's hand and mingle.
"After I finished blabbering away and boring everybody to tears, we stayed on for an extra 30 minutes and it was great."
The evening was also a perfect opportunity to talk about the recent achievements of the club.
Since the current chairman, Paul Stapleton, took control, Argyle have won two promotions and now compete in the second tier of English football.
Holloway was keen to remind people of this extraordinary rise through the divisions.
"I asked them (supporters) to remember how far we have come in the last six years," said Holloway.
"I have watched it from afar. Remember the great achievement to get here and remember who has been at the helm.
"I want to build again because that is what we have got to do.
"I want to build the youth team but it is not me on my own, it is the structure, the training regime and the people.
"Since Mr Stapleton and his friends took over, it has been absolutely remarkable.
"Where were you going before that?"
Plymouth Official
MANAGER'S OUTBURST AT COUNCIL - This is Plymouth
Plymouth Argyle manager Ian Holloway has launched an astonishing attack on the city council - accusing the authority of failing to support the club's Premiership ambitions.
The Argyle boss said that the council 'owed' the club some £6million and criticised its handling of the sale of Home Park.
He claimed that council chiefs had offered to pay Argyle £3million in the past, and had even offered to give the freehold of the ground to the club for nothing.
But the council today said it was 'mystified and disappointed' by the claims, and insisted that the £2.7million Home Park deal was still going ahead, as agreed by senior councillors in March.
Negotiations between Argyle and the council have been continuing for six months, but the transfer of the freehold has yet to be finalised.
And Mr Holloway, who only took over as manager at the end of June, said that it was time for the council to 'wake up and smell the coffee'.
In a Press conference ahead of tomorrow's match between Argyle and Norwich City, he said: "I'm pretty upset with one group at the moment. That's the council.
"They owe me £6 million by the look of it. They promised us £3 million the other year. They were shouting on the steps 'yes, we will give you £3 million, we are going to help this club'. Where's that then?
"They were going to give us the freehold, and now they are not. They are going to sell it to us. Hang on a minute, that's a £6 million turnaround almost."
When Argyle were promoted to the Championship in 2004, the council held a civic reception in their honour.
Council leader Tudor Evans told thousands of the club's supporters that the authority would get a new grandstand at Home Park completed.
But, despite much speculation since, the plans are still on the drawing board - and some fans are getting impatient.
However, Mr Holloway said that Argyle's board, led by chairman Paul Stapleton, should not be blamed for any delay.
Mr Holloway said: "I want the council on board as well. I don't feel they are on board at the minute.
"They have got to help the people of this area get Premiership football down here. They had better wake up and smell the coffee, I'm telling you, because I'm after them.
"I want some help from them - big time - and if that upsets an apple cart, I'm sorry.
"The people of this area deserve better, and that's what I want. All these starry-eyed kids with the green shirt on, I want them to see fantastic players on that pitch.
"Is it all our responsibility? It has got to be a marriage. How much can we bring this area if we are a Premiership club? And how much are they helping us? I can't see it."
But a spokesman for the council said Mr Holloway's claims that the authority owed Argyle £6million were unfounded.
The spokesman said: "We are mystified and disappointed about the comments attributed to Mr Holloway because the criticism is not based on fact and does not reflect the ongoing productive negotiations between the council and the board.
"We have responded in a timely manner to the points raised by the club's legal adviser and we will ensure the agreed terms will be entirely in accordance with what Cabinet agreed."
Mr Stapleton declined to comment earlier this morning. Argyle chiefs were due to meet the council this morning to discuss the deal. The club is expected to make an official statement after the meeting.
This is Plymouth
PLYMOUTH Argyle issued the following statement today:
Chairman Paul Stapleton: "Plymouth Argyle Football Club has been working with officers at Plymouth City Council over the last few months to bring the complex deal over the purchase of the Home Park freehold to completion.
"There have been legal and technical issues involved that are normal for a deal of this nature, but the fact is that all the principles have been resolved and lawyers are working to conclude matters imminently."
Argyle manager Ian Holloway, who spoke out about the deal earlier this week, said: "I have talked to the chairman, who has appraised me of certain facts, and now appreciate that these things take time.
"I have always been convinced that the chairman and the board of directors have been acting in the best interests of the football club and it is music to my ears to hear that the Council are doing likewise."
Plymouth
Friday, September 22, 2006
Power & Devlin - "Developments" at Swindon
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This is Swindon Town FC/Swindon Advertiser - September 22, 2006
No crisis,’ but Town lose Power
BILL Power has severed all connections with Swindon Town with ill-health rather than a ‘rift’ cited as the sole reason for his departure.
The club insist the sudden loss of financial clout does not suddenly constitute a ‘crisis’ although they admit there is now a projected overspend of around £700,000.
The former QPR chairman is still recovering from the injuries sustained in last month’s plane crash and following a meeting with Power’s wife and business partner Phil Emmel, the club have said an amicable parting is the outcome.
Power has invested more than a million pounds in the club since arriving on the County Ground scene back in May.
Director Bob Holt says the news is disappointing but not entirely surprising and that it should not be seen as the catalyst for a fresh County Ground crisis.
Holt and acting chief executive Martin Stames admit Power’s departure does leave a hole but they deny that it is a gap that cannot be filled.
However, they are unable to yet say whether Power will be seeking his investment back.
A projected six-figure overspend is predicted for this year but Holt is adamant that it is ‘manageable’.
Holt insists Town have been through much tougher scrapes than this and that the dark days of four years ago are not looming on the horizon once again.
He said: “We are all very disappointed as we did think we had a final solution (to the financial woes).
“There was media speculation about some rift within the board. It is not the case.
“We had a very friendly meeting with Bill’s wife and Phil (Emmel).
“The disappointing news was that because of the seriousness of Bill’s illness and the fact that he won’t be returning to work for at least 18 months, he is unable to fulfil the role at the County Ground that he originally intended, therefore would not be taking up a position as a director or an executive role.
“But you have to respect the seriousness of the plane crash.
“A person’s health is of paramount importance and must be respected.
“If he doesn’t feel he’s up to doing the job because of the injuries, there’s no question he has to look after his own health.
“His wife said she’d never known Bill have such little interest in sport and football since the accident.
“I think there is disappointment on their side as well as ours.”
Holt says there is an overspend and authorisation issue which they expect to discuss with chief executive Mark Devlin upon his return to the County Ground.
He said: “We are over budget in playing and non-playing areas but that can be addressed because we’ve still got eight months of the season and we’ve time to put it right.
“Overspends on costs may be justified by expected increase in revenues.”
So with Power gone and no hope of his return, will he be seeking to take out what he so recently put in?
Holt said it was a question the club did not yet have an answer to.
He said: “He put a million pounds in for 33 per cent of the football club (the shares purchased from major shareholder Sir Seton Wills).
“As I understand it this was share capital which was purchased.
“There are some smaller amounts that Bill put in on top of that, which may treated as a loan.
“As far as I’m aware, and we’ll take advice on this, this was a share capital purchase and as such, he can sell his shares to whoever he likes, subject to their shareholders agreement.
“So, yes, it is a bit of a worry and a concern but nowhere near the magnitude of the problems we’ve faced in the past.”
Swindon Town
Swindon Advertiser
This is Swindon Town
Fans digest loss of club investor
BILL Power’s County Ground departure has been described as a “devastating blow” for Swindon Town, with Robins fans fearing it could also spell the end for boss Dennis Wise.
Yesterday’s announcement revealing Power won’t be taking his place as a director due to health reasons after his plane crash, has sparked widespread concern, especially with Wise being strongly linked with the vacant Leeds United hot seat.
Paul Davis, spokesman for the Supporters Trust, hailed Town’s revival since the arrival of Power and Wise this summer but insists questions have to be asked as to the club’s future direction.
While not revealing specifics, Davis said members would be consulted over the next few days before deciding whether or not to call a public meeting.
He said: “It is extremely disappointing. Bill Power’s arrival over the summer was one of the bright points for Swindon fans.
“We believe it was one of the main reasons behind the revival of optimism at the club and of course it is devastating for Swindon fans.
“At the moment we are trying to establish and gain clarification of the exact issues surrounding the situation.
“We will be consulting our members and fans as a whole in the next few days before we decide what to do next.”
To complete a day to forget for Town fans, Wise, who has led the Robins to second in the League Two table, has been made bookies favourite to replace Kevin Blackwell at Elland Road.
Davis said: “Dennis’ arrival is part of the same reason behind the club’s revival.
“Anything that might contribute to the team failing and the management team considering their future would be something that would produce a very negative reaction among fans.
“The fans are still 100 per cent behind the team and Dennis Wise and we are hoping for three points at Notts County tomorrow.
“We wish Bill Power, Stan and Mike Sullivan our best and hope to see them at Swindon Town soon.”
Meanwhile Nigel Bennett, chairman of Swindon Town Supporters Club, has urged Wise to stay at the club, while insisting this is not the time to panic.
He said: “We still have a club to support on the field. Over the years the club has come through some very difficult situations, sometimes by the skin of their teeth.
“This situation, one hopes, is not threatening to the team’s long-term future and we hope Dennis will carry on his work.
“Virtually every fan is behind Dennis Wise 100 per cent and any rumours about him going to Leeds is just that at the moment, speculation.
“The fans all wish Bill Power well in his recovery and we are sad he has had to leave for health reasons.”
Swindon
This is Swindon Town
No huge surprise, but still questions
Jon Ritson...asks what is next for Swindon Town?
CALL it a gut feeling but the ‘announcement’ we’d all been waiting for was not a huge surprise.
Bill Power’s departure from the club has been labelled ‘very disappointing’ by the board with ill-health the reason stated.
They remain adamant there was no ‘rift’ and that the parting of the ways was an amicable one.
Clearly, Bill’s health is far, far from perfect and I’m sure you’ll join me in wishing him a full recovery.
He will be a loss, no mistake – and not just his money.
He did strike me as the sort of bloke who would buy the fans a beer down the pub and there’s no question that his arrival triggered fresh optimism, belief and enthusiasm among supporters who have endured more than their fair share of misery over the last decade.
Everyone loves a good conspiracy theory and the club will argue that whatever they say in this situation, it is likely to be ‘rubbished’ by certain sections.
Yesterday’s press briefing gave off the distinct air that both sides were anxious for a civilised ‘goodbye’ but it leaves questions to be answered.
Apparently there is a projected £700,000 shortfall, one the club insist is ‘manageable’ at this stage.
I’m sure that’s the case but what happens if Bill wants his million back?
Then there is the final CVA installment due in May/June next year.
I remember Bill telling me that there was no need to worry about the £900,000 final payment.
Creditors may grant the club a bit of leeway if they’re a bit short when it comes time to pay but it’s a little less comforting to know that a problem we thought was ‘sorted’ isn’t quite so.
Maybe the club has been in worse financial situations than this.
Maybe we aren’t about to plummet back towards financial disaster.
But there is no question of suddenly feeling flat when we should really be feeling quite chuffed with ourselves.
And while there may be no ‘rift’ something has broken down somewhere - hopefully Mark Devlin’s imminent return to work will restore some semblance of normality to proceedings.
Still, it’s not like it has any bearing on matters on the pitch does it?
Err, well. Ken Bates’ timing in sacking Kevin Blackwell really stinks.
It’s not surprising that the bookies have installed Wisey as the favourite for the Leeds job bearing in mind his close links with Bates.
But losing Bill and Dennis in quick succession would be a double whammy that no-one saw coming just four months ago.
Just what is it about Swindon Town Football Club?
Why can’t we just enjoy the experience without enduring periodic ‘episodes’?
Bill’s gone, we want Dennis to stay and if anyone out there’s got a few bob, then Bob and the boys would be happy to hear from you. What’s that? Milan Mandaric has left Pompey?
Swindon
This is Swindon Town - September 22, 2006
Devlin will address ‘overspend’ issues
MARK Devlin insists he will address any ‘overspend’ issues when they are presented to him in the boardroom and not through the media, writes JON RITSON.
Director Bob Holt has made it clear the club’s chief executive will be asked to clarify certain expenditures when he returns to work.
The club say there is currently a projected budget overspend of around £700,000.
Devlin himself (pictured) is eyeing a return to work sooner rather than later but he is adamant that he is not going to conduct such matters through the media.
He feels the correct procedure is to talk face to face with his directors rather than responding to comments made in the press.
Devlin told the Swindon Advertiser: “I have no further comment to make on the overspend to which Bob (Holt) refers.
“I don’t think talking about it through the media is the appropriate or professional way to deal with it.
“As I said, I will give my response when I am given details and will respond to them accordingly.”
Sales and marketing manager Mike Sullivan, who was also injured in August’s plane crash, has indicated that he is likely to be back at the club the week after next, all being well.
He made his first trip back to the County Ground at Saturday’s game with Peterborough United.
As for the Power ‘camp’, Phil Emmel did not wish to make any comment last night following the day’s developments at the County Ground.
Swindon Towm
This is Swindon Town FC/Swindon Advertiser - September 22, 2006
No crisis,’ but Town lose Power
BILL Power has severed all connections with Swindon Town with ill-health rather than a ‘rift’ cited as the sole reason for his departure.
The club insist the sudden loss of financial clout does not suddenly constitute a ‘crisis’ although they admit there is now a projected overspend of around £700,000.
The former QPR chairman is still recovering from the injuries sustained in last month’s plane crash and following a meeting with Power’s wife and business partner Phil Emmel, the club have said an amicable parting is the outcome.
Power has invested more than a million pounds in the club since arriving on the County Ground scene back in May.
Director Bob Holt says the news is disappointing but not entirely surprising and that it should not be seen as the catalyst for a fresh County Ground crisis.
Holt and acting chief executive Martin Stames admit Power’s departure does leave a hole but they deny that it is a gap that cannot be filled.
However, they are unable to yet say whether Power will be seeking his investment back.
A projected six-figure overspend is predicted for this year but Holt is adamant that it is ‘manageable’.
Holt insists Town have been through much tougher scrapes than this and that the dark days of four years ago are not looming on the horizon once again.
He said: “We are all very disappointed as we did think we had a final solution (to the financial woes).
“There was media speculation about some rift within the board. It is not the case.
“We had a very friendly meeting with Bill’s wife and Phil (Emmel).
“The disappointing news was that because of the seriousness of Bill’s illness and the fact that he won’t be returning to work for at least 18 months, he is unable to fulfil the role at the County Ground that he originally intended, therefore would not be taking up a position as a director or an executive role.
“But you have to respect the seriousness of the plane crash.
“A person’s health is of paramount importance and must be respected.
“If he doesn’t feel he’s up to doing the job because of the injuries, there’s no question he has to look after his own health.
“His wife said she’d never known Bill have such little interest in sport and football since the accident.
“I think there is disappointment on their side as well as ours.”
Holt says there is an overspend and authorisation issue which they expect to discuss with chief executive Mark Devlin upon his return to the County Ground.
He said: “We are over budget in playing and non-playing areas but that can be addressed because we’ve still got eight months of the season and we’ve time to put it right.
“Overspends on costs may be justified by expected increase in revenues.”
So with Power gone and no hope of his return, will he be seeking to take out what he so recently put in?
Holt said it was a question the club did not yet have an answer to.
He said: “He put a million pounds in for 33 per cent of the football club (the shares purchased from major shareholder Sir Seton Wills).
“As I understand it this was share capital which was purchased.
“There are some smaller amounts that Bill put in on top of that, which may treated as a loan.
“As far as I’m aware, and we’ll take advice on this, this was a share capital purchase and as such, he can sell his shares to whoever he likes, subject to their shareholders agreement.
“So, yes, it is a bit of a worry and a concern but nowhere near the magnitude of the problems we’ve faced in the past.”
Swindon Town
Swindon Advertiser
This is Swindon Town
Fans digest loss of club investor
BILL Power’s County Ground departure has been described as a “devastating blow” for Swindon Town, with Robins fans fearing it could also spell the end for boss Dennis Wise.
Yesterday’s announcement revealing Power won’t be taking his place as a director due to health reasons after his plane crash, has sparked widespread concern, especially with Wise being strongly linked with the vacant Leeds United hot seat.
Paul Davis, spokesman for the Supporters Trust, hailed Town’s revival since the arrival of Power and Wise this summer but insists questions have to be asked as to the club’s future direction.
While not revealing specifics, Davis said members would be consulted over the next few days before deciding whether or not to call a public meeting.
He said: “It is extremely disappointing. Bill Power’s arrival over the summer was one of the bright points for Swindon fans.
“We believe it was one of the main reasons behind the revival of optimism at the club and of course it is devastating for Swindon fans.
“At the moment we are trying to establish and gain clarification of the exact issues surrounding the situation.
“We will be consulting our members and fans as a whole in the next few days before we decide what to do next.”
To complete a day to forget for Town fans, Wise, who has led the Robins to second in the League Two table, has been made bookies favourite to replace Kevin Blackwell at Elland Road.
Davis said: “Dennis’ arrival is part of the same reason behind the club’s revival.
“Anything that might contribute to the team failing and the management team considering their future would be something that would produce a very negative reaction among fans.
“The fans are still 100 per cent behind the team and Dennis Wise and we are hoping for three points at Notts County tomorrow.
“We wish Bill Power, Stan and Mike Sullivan our best and hope to see them at Swindon Town soon.”
Meanwhile Nigel Bennett, chairman of Swindon Town Supporters Club, has urged Wise to stay at the club, while insisting this is not the time to panic.
He said: “We still have a club to support on the field. Over the years the club has come through some very difficult situations, sometimes by the skin of their teeth.
“This situation, one hopes, is not threatening to the team’s long-term future and we hope Dennis will carry on his work.
“Virtually every fan is behind Dennis Wise 100 per cent and any rumours about him going to Leeds is just that at the moment, speculation.
“The fans all wish Bill Power well in his recovery and we are sad he has had to leave for health reasons.”
Swindon
This is Swindon Town
No huge surprise, but still questions
Jon Ritson...asks what is next for Swindon Town?
CALL it a gut feeling but the ‘announcement’ we’d all been waiting for was not a huge surprise.
Bill Power’s departure from the club has been labelled ‘very disappointing’ by the board with ill-health the reason stated.
They remain adamant there was no ‘rift’ and that the parting of the ways was an amicable one.
Clearly, Bill’s health is far, far from perfect and I’m sure you’ll join me in wishing him a full recovery.
He will be a loss, no mistake – and not just his money.
He did strike me as the sort of bloke who would buy the fans a beer down the pub and there’s no question that his arrival triggered fresh optimism, belief and enthusiasm among supporters who have endured more than their fair share of misery over the last decade.
Everyone loves a good conspiracy theory and the club will argue that whatever they say in this situation, it is likely to be ‘rubbished’ by certain sections.
Yesterday’s press briefing gave off the distinct air that both sides were anxious for a civilised ‘goodbye’ but it leaves questions to be answered.
Apparently there is a projected £700,000 shortfall, one the club insist is ‘manageable’ at this stage.
I’m sure that’s the case but what happens if Bill wants his million back?
Then there is the final CVA installment due in May/June next year.
I remember Bill telling me that there was no need to worry about the £900,000 final payment.
Creditors may grant the club a bit of leeway if they’re a bit short when it comes time to pay but it’s a little less comforting to know that a problem we thought was ‘sorted’ isn’t quite so.
Maybe the club has been in worse financial situations than this.
Maybe we aren’t about to plummet back towards financial disaster.
But there is no question of suddenly feeling flat when we should really be feeling quite chuffed with ourselves.
And while there may be no ‘rift’ something has broken down somewhere - hopefully Mark Devlin’s imminent return to work will restore some semblance of normality to proceedings.
Still, it’s not like it has any bearing on matters on the pitch does it?
Err, well. Ken Bates’ timing in sacking Kevin Blackwell really stinks.
It’s not surprising that the bookies have installed Wisey as the favourite for the Leeds job bearing in mind his close links with Bates.
But losing Bill and Dennis in quick succession would be a double whammy that no-one saw coming just four months ago.
Just what is it about Swindon Town Football Club?
Why can’t we just enjoy the experience without enduring periodic ‘episodes’?
Bill’s gone, we want Dennis to stay and if anyone out there’s got a few bob, then Bob and the boys would be happy to hear from you. What’s that? Milan Mandaric has left Pompey?
Swindon
This is Swindon Town - September 22, 2006
Devlin will address ‘overspend’ issues
MARK Devlin insists he will address any ‘overspend’ issues when they are presented to him in the boardroom and not through the media, writes JON RITSON.
Director Bob Holt has made it clear the club’s chief executive will be asked to clarify certain expenditures when he returns to work.
The club say there is currently a projected budget overspend of around £700,000.
Devlin himself (pictured) is eyeing a return to work sooner rather than later but he is adamant that he is not going to conduct such matters through the media.
He feels the correct procedure is to talk face to face with his directors rather than responding to comments made in the press.
Devlin told the Swindon Advertiser: “I have no further comment to make on the overspend to which Bob (Holt) refers.
“I don’t think talking about it through the media is the appropriate or professional way to deal with it.
“As I said, I will give my response when I am given details and will respond to them accordingly.”
Sales and marketing manager Mike Sullivan, who was also injured in August’s plane crash, has indicated that he is likely to be back at the club the week after next, all being well.
He made his first trip back to the County Ground at Saturday’s game with Peterborough United.
As for the Power ‘camp’, Phil Emmel did not wish to make any comment last night following the day’s developments at the County Ground.
Swindon Towm
Remembering 22 Years Ago Today: QPR 5 Newcastle 5
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September 22, 1984...QPR 5 Newcastle 5
A crowd of 14,234 turned up at Loftus Road to see Alan Mullery/Frank Sibley's QPR take on Jack Charlton's Newcastle. QPR had begin by winning two and drawing two (including at Liverpool)...Then the previous week had lost to Clive Allen's Spurs 5-0...And then came the Newcastle game and QPR's incredible comeback from 0-4 at half-time. Among the scorers, QPR latest manager, John Gregory!
0-1...0-2...0-3...0-4...1-4...2-4...3-4...3-5...4-5...5-5
QPR's Team:
Hucker
Neil Wicks Fenwick Dawes
Micklewhite Fillery Gregory Fereday
Stainrod Bannister
Ian Stewart coming on for Fillery
QPR Scorers: Bannister, Stainrod, Gregory, Wicks, Micklewhite
A Newcastle Site, Toonarama, Match Report of that Day
Absolutely Diabolical - a 10 goal extravaganza
Tighten Up Mister
On the 22nd of September 1984 United travelled to Loftus Road to take on QPR in their 7th game of the season on their return to Division 1. After winning the first 3 games United had lost three on the trot, conceding 10 goals in the process.
Manager Charlton decided that changes were necessary. He adopted for a more defensive line-up but the match ended up as one of the highest scoring games in the club's history.
Crowded Out
Newcastle lined up with Kevin Carr in goal, Malcolm Brown and Wesley Saunders at full-back and three centre-backs; Roeder, Anderson and Haddock In midfield he played Neil Macdonald, David Mcreery, Kenny Wharton and Peter Beardsley who dropped in behind the sole attacker Chrissy Waddle.
The QPR side was: Hucker in goal, full backs Neill and Dawes, centre-backs Fenwick and Wicks, midfield of Wayne Fereday (a player who would later "play" for the Toon), Micklewhite, Fillery and John Gregory and an attack of Bannister and Stainrod.
The tactics were very simple and classic Charlton; crowd the midfield and defence to cut down the space for the opposition and boot diagonal balls out to the wings in the general direction of Waddle. Even if Waddle didn't get it the ball was deep into QPR territory.
All We Want For Xmas is a Plastic Pitch
Three minutes gone and the first real chance of the match. Waddle attacks down the left, reaches the byeline and crosses deep to the far post where the ball is headed in by Macdonald at point blank range (0-1)
QPR try and hit back immediately and Newcastle are forced to defend desperately. Carr pulls off a magnificent save, QPR have a decent penalty appeal turned down and Roeder clears another shot off the line. But on seventeen minutes Waddle gets away on the right side of the area, cooly rounds Hucker and slots it in from an acute angle (0-2)
Five minutes later and United win a free-kick on the edge of the centre-circle . Roeder floats it in and a poor headed clearance drops perfectly for Wharton who volleys goalwards. His shot deflects off a defender and hits the post. Waddle gleefully slots in the rebound with Hucker grounded.(0-3)
Almost immediately QPR pull a "goal" back, but to the Hoops fans displeasure, the referee disallows the goal having already whistled for a free-kick to the home side. The free kick is easily fielded by Carr.
With 4 minutes of the first half remaining Waddle picks up a loose ball just outside the area and curls in a superb shot into the top left-hand corner to register a 24 minute hat-trick( 0-4)
So, four goals up at half time and surely the match is over. The Toon Army are (for the one and only time I imagine) singing the praises of the artificial turf. Charlton's tactics seem to be coming up trumps. However United's football has been scrappy and QPR did have chances while Newcastle had scored from all four of theirs....
In Your Face
QPR bring on left-winger Ian Stewart (another player who would later have a deeply unimpressive spell at Gallowgate) for Fillery.
The second half begins and almost immediately Carr has to make a superb save to deny QPR from a free kick. At the other end Waddle makes space for a shot but his effort is blocked. He tries to win a penalty with a ludicrous dive. The referee is not fooled, but there is no booking as players got away with that sort of thing then.
Four minutes into the second half and the ball is punted upfield by the QPR keeper, it is flicked on and suddenly Gary Bannister is in on goal. Carr (not for the first time in his career) rushes from his line and manages to parry the shot. Unfortunately it goes straight back to the QPR player who heads into the empty net (1-4)
Play is now switching from end to end, Carr is forced into another brilliant save and a shot from Wharton is saved at the other end. A free-kick from QPR goes narrowly past the post. What then followed had to be seen to be believed. All through the game United's defensive strategy had appeared to be to get a foot in and kick the ball as hard as possible, in whatever direction you happened to be facing.
Well in this case Haddock was on the edge of the area facing the corner post. He blasts the ball towards the corner but only succeeds in hitting Wharton full in the face. He hits it at such pace that the ball ricochets off Wharton's head right across the goal and passed a startled Kevin Carr into the far corner of the net (2-4)
Almost immediately QPR try and score an even better own-goal. The ball is passed back so hard and high from the half-way line in the QPR goal is forced to back-pedal furiously to get a hand to it and tip it over the crossbar just before it crossed the line.
QPR are now full of confidence and are attacking at will. Just past the hour mark and Roeder makes a hash of a clearance - completely missing his kick- and the ball is in the Toon net again; but once again the referee disallows Stainrod's effort. However after 74 minutes Carr again rushes out of his goal and is left in no-mans land as the ball is steered home by John Gregory for QPR's third (3-4)
You're Not Singing Any more
During the next ten minutes the game becomes even more scrappy and is littered with fouls. Another QPR header flies narrowly wide of the post before Waddle heads just over and then has another shot deflected for a corner.
Then with six minutes to go, Beardsley picks up the ball ten yards within his own half and hits a great cross-field pass to Waddle out on the right-wing. Waddle lollops into the area and crosses for Kenny Wharton to slot the ball home from three yards out. This brings the stunned Toon Army back to life.
However, just as they were starting a chorus of "You're not singing any more" the words stuck in their throats as a free kick was headed in by Steve Wicks at the far post (4-5)
Then with 90 minutes on the clock more slack defending allowed Gary Micklewhite to burst into the area and cooly lift the ball over Carr who had already gone to ground (5-5)
A Total Embarrassment
After the game Charlton was livid. "Saturdays game was a total embarrassment, absolutely diabolical. I have never seen anything like it in my 32 years in the game. I went mad at the players because there were times when they were going to give me a heart attack. They just stopped playing"
Big Jack obviously thought the problems went deeper than just the one game. "There are so many things wrong at Newcastle it is incredible. People are asking me where I intend to start with the problems, but I just don't know. It will take years to put right. Some of the players couldn't even breathe in the second half. I don't know where they got their education from before, but, believe me they'll get it from me in the months to come."
QPR manager Alan Mullery added "These kind of games are great for the fans but they give managers heart attacks. We needed a miracle in the second half and we got it"
High Fives
Ten goals were also shared with West Ham at SJP on 10th December 1960, during a season in which Newcastle conceded more goals per game than any other season in the club's history. Their scoring rate was also high and therefore the aggregate number of goals per game is also the highest ever.
But the highest scoring draw ever was the game in 1992/93 against Tranmere at Prenton Park in the Zenith Data Systems Cup. The game finished 6-6 after extra time with Newcastle predictably losing on penalties
Toonarama
NOBOK SPORTS - Top Five comebacks
5. QPR 5 Newcastle United 5, First Division, 1984
With a 4-0 half-time lead and Chris Waddle in inspirational form, you could have forgiven Newcastle for thinking they had QPR beaten at Loftus Road in 1984.
But this titanic Division One match took a huge twist when Rangers responded to manager Alan Mullery's furious half-time team-talk with a stirring comeback.
Gary Bannister, John Gregory and an own goal dragged the home side back into it only for Kenny Wharton to restore Newcastle's two-goal lead with six minutes left.
But Rangers were still not done as Steve Wicks and Gary Micklewhite grabbed a share of the points with two last-gasp strikes.
Nobok Sports
[Aside: From a Peter Doherty Interview in Time Out
"...What’s the best sporting event you’ve ever been to?
When I was five or six I went to a QPR game and the score was QPR 5, Newcastle 5. [Chants] ‘Say we are QPR, say we are QPR!’
"http://homepage.ntlworld.com/mickzoe/matches/qpr55.html
September 22, 1984...QPR 5 Newcastle 5
A crowd of 14,234 turned up at Loftus Road to see Alan Mullery/Frank Sibley's QPR take on Jack Charlton's Newcastle. QPR had begin by winning two and drawing two (including at Liverpool)...Then the previous week had lost to Clive Allen's Spurs 5-0...And then came the Newcastle game and QPR's incredible comeback from 0-4 at half-time. Among the scorers, QPR latest manager, John Gregory!
0-1...0-2...0-3...0-4...1-4...2-4...3-4...3-5...4-5...5-5
QPR's Team:
Hucker
Neil Wicks Fenwick Dawes
Micklewhite Fillery Gregory Fereday
Stainrod Bannister
Ian Stewart coming on for Fillery
QPR Scorers: Bannister, Stainrod, Gregory, Wicks, Micklewhite
A Newcastle Site, Toonarama, Match Report of that Day
Absolutely Diabolical - a 10 goal extravaganza
Tighten Up Mister
On the 22nd of September 1984 United travelled to Loftus Road to take on QPR in their 7th game of the season on their return to Division 1. After winning the first 3 games United had lost three on the trot, conceding 10 goals in the process.
Manager Charlton decided that changes were necessary. He adopted for a more defensive line-up but the match ended up as one of the highest scoring games in the club's history.
Crowded Out
Newcastle lined up with Kevin Carr in goal, Malcolm Brown and Wesley Saunders at full-back and three centre-backs; Roeder, Anderson and Haddock In midfield he played Neil Macdonald, David Mcreery, Kenny Wharton and Peter Beardsley who dropped in behind the sole attacker Chrissy Waddle.
The QPR side was: Hucker in goal, full backs Neill and Dawes, centre-backs Fenwick and Wicks, midfield of Wayne Fereday (a player who would later "play" for the Toon), Micklewhite, Fillery and John Gregory and an attack of Bannister and Stainrod.
The tactics were very simple and classic Charlton; crowd the midfield and defence to cut down the space for the opposition and boot diagonal balls out to the wings in the general direction of Waddle. Even if Waddle didn't get it the ball was deep into QPR territory.
All We Want For Xmas is a Plastic Pitch
Three minutes gone and the first real chance of the match. Waddle attacks down the left, reaches the byeline and crosses deep to the far post where the ball is headed in by Macdonald at point blank range (0-1)
QPR try and hit back immediately and Newcastle are forced to defend desperately. Carr pulls off a magnificent save, QPR have a decent penalty appeal turned down and Roeder clears another shot off the line. But on seventeen minutes Waddle gets away on the right side of the area, cooly rounds Hucker and slots it in from an acute angle (0-2)
Five minutes later and United win a free-kick on the edge of the centre-circle . Roeder floats it in and a poor headed clearance drops perfectly for Wharton who volleys goalwards. His shot deflects off a defender and hits the post. Waddle gleefully slots in the rebound with Hucker grounded.(0-3)
Almost immediately QPR pull a "goal" back, but to the Hoops fans displeasure, the referee disallows the goal having already whistled for a free-kick to the home side. The free kick is easily fielded by Carr.
With 4 minutes of the first half remaining Waddle picks up a loose ball just outside the area and curls in a superb shot into the top left-hand corner to register a 24 minute hat-trick( 0-4)
So, four goals up at half time and surely the match is over. The Toon Army are (for the one and only time I imagine) singing the praises of the artificial turf. Charlton's tactics seem to be coming up trumps. However United's football has been scrappy and QPR did have chances while Newcastle had scored from all four of theirs....
In Your Face
QPR bring on left-winger Ian Stewart (another player who would later have a deeply unimpressive spell at Gallowgate) for Fillery.
The second half begins and almost immediately Carr has to make a superb save to deny QPR from a free kick. At the other end Waddle makes space for a shot but his effort is blocked. He tries to win a penalty with a ludicrous dive. The referee is not fooled, but there is no booking as players got away with that sort of thing then.
Four minutes into the second half and the ball is punted upfield by the QPR keeper, it is flicked on and suddenly Gary Bannister is in on goal. Carr (not for the first time in his career) rushes from his line and manages to parry the shot. Unfortunately it goes straight back to the QPR player who heads into the empty net (1-4)
Play is now switching from end to end, Carr is forced into another brilliant save and a shot from Wharton is saved at the other end. A free-kick from QPR goes narrowly past the post. What then followed had to be seen to be believed. All through the game United's defensive strategy had appeared to be to get a foot in and kick the ball as hard as possible, in whatever direction you happened to be facing.
Well in this case Haddock was on the edge of the area facing the corner post. He blasts the ball towards the corner but only succeeds in hitting Wharton full in the face. He hits it at such pace that the ball ricochets off Wharton's head right across the goal and passed a startled Kevin Carr into the far corner of the net (2-4)
Almost immediately QPR try and score an even better own-goal. The ball is passed back so hard and high from the half-way line in the QPR goal is forced to back-pedal furiously to get a hand to it and tip it over the crossbar just before it crossed the line.
QPR are now full of confidence and are attacking at will. Just past the hour mark and Roeder makes a hash of a clearance - completely missing his kick- and the ball is in the Toon net again; but once again the referee disallows Stainrod's effort. However after 74 minutes Carr again rushes out of his goal and is left in no-mans land as the ball is steered home by John Gregory for QPR's third (3-4)
You're Not Singing Any more
During the next ten minutes the game becomes even more scrappy and is littered with fouls. Another QPR header flies narrowly wide of the post before Waddle heads just over and then has another shot deflected for a corner.
Then with six minutes to go, Beardsley picks up the ball ten yards within his own half and hits a great cross-field pass to Waddle out on the right-wing. Waddle lollops into the area and crosses for Kenny Wharton to slot the ball home from three yards out. This brings the stunned Toon Army back to life.
However, just as they were starting a chorus of "You're not singing any more" the words stuck in their throats as a free kick was headed in by Steve Wicks at the far post (4-5)
Then with 90 minutes on the clock more slack defending allowed Gary Micklewhite to burst into the area and cooly lift the ball over Carr who had already gone to ground (5-5)
A Total Embarrassment
After the game Charlton was livid. "Saturdays game was a total embarrassment, absolutely diabolical. I have never seen anything like it in my 32 years in the game. I went mad at the players because there were times when they were going to give me a heart attack. They just stopped playing"
Big Jack obviously thought the problems went deeper than just the one game. "There are so many things wrong at Newcastle it is incredible. People are asking me where I intend to start with the problems, but I just don't know. It will take years to put right. Some of the players couldn't even breathe in the second half. I don't know where they got their education from before, but, believe me they'll get it from me in the months to come."
QPR manager Alan Mullery added "These kind of games are great for the fans but they give managers heart attacks. We needed a miracle in the second half and we got it"
High Fives
Ten goals were also shared with West Ham at SJP on 10th December 1960, during a season in which Newcastle conceded more goals per game than any other season in the club's history. Their scoring rate was also high and therefore the aggregate number of goals per game is also the highest ever.
But the highest scoring draw ever was the game in 1992/93 against Tranmere at Prenton Park in the Zenith Data Systems Cup. The game finished 6-6 after extra time with Newcastle predictably losing on penalties
Toonarama
NOBOK SPORTS - Top Five comebacks
5. QPR 5 Newcastle United 5, First Division, 1984
With a 4-0 half-time lead and Chris Waddle in inspirational form, you could have forgiven Newcastle for thinking they had QPR beaten at Loftus Road in 1984.
But this titanic Division One match took a huge twist when Rangers responded to manager Alan Mullery's furious half-time team-talk with a stirring comeback.
Gary Bannister, John Gregory and an own goal dragged the home side back into it only for Kenny Wharton to restore Newcastle's two-goal lead with six minutes left.
But Rangers were still not done as Steve Wicks and Gary Micklewhite grabbed a share of the points with two last-gasp strikes.
Nobok Sports
[Aside: From a Peter Doherty Interview in Time Out
"...What’s the best sporting event you’ve ever been to?
When I was five or six I went to a QPR game and the score was QPR 5, Newcastle 5. [Chants] ‘Say we are QPR, say we are QPR!’
"http://homepage.ntlworld.com/mickzoe/matches/qpr55.html
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Former QPR Chairman Bill Power "Leaves" Swindon
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SWINDON TOWN OFFICIAL STATEMENT
The Club has learnt today that Bill Power, due to the severity of the injuries that he sustained in the 5th. August air crash, will not be able fulfil his role at The County Ground as he originally intended.
Phil Emmel, Bill's business partner, informed the Directors of STFC at a meeting that, whilst it is hoped that Bill will make a full recovery in the long-term, it is likely that he will be sidelined for up to eighteen months consequently he will not be taking an active role in the Club nor will take up his position on the Board of STFC.
Speaking on behalf of the Club Bob Holt said that whilst the announcement was a great disappointment, it was not entirely unexpected.
"We recently received an email from Terry, Bill's wife, informing the Board that Bill was not in any condition to have visitors other than close friends and family and that he was in no position to contribute to the running of the Club," said Holt, adding that it was then we realised that his return to The County Ground seemed unlikely.
On behalf of the Board Holt stressed that the Directors respect Bill's decision and recognise that his long-term return to good health must be a priority and do appreciate both Bill and business partner Phil's contributions over recent months, whilst wishing Bill well with his recovery.
Swindon Official Site
BBC - Power steps down after air crash
The former QPR chairman Bill Power, who invested £1m into Swindon Town FC, is to step down from the club after he was injured in a air crash in August.
The news from the County Ground follows a meeting between his business partner, Phil Emmel, and representatives of major shareholder Sir Seton Wills.
Club director Bob Holt said although the news was a "great disappointment" it was not entirely unexpected.
It is unclear what will happen to Mr Power's investment in the club.
Mr Holt added: "We received an email from Bill's wife saying he was in no position to contribute to the club and his return to the County Ground seemed unlikely."
"On behalf of the club Mr Holt stressed the directors respected Bill's decision and recognise his long-term return to health must be a priority."
On the opening day of the season, 5 August, he was seriously injured in a light-aircraft crash which also involved chief executive Mark Devlin and his 10-year-old son Stan.
Also taken to hospital were marketing manager Mike Sullivan, an unnamed passenger and the pilot, 60, who was seriously hurt.
BBC
SWINDON TOWN OFFICIAL STATEMENT
The Club has learnt today that Bill Power, due to the severity of the injuries that he sustained in the 5th. August air crash, will not be able fulfil his role at The County Ground as he originally intended.
Phil Emmel, Bill's business partner, informed the Directors of STFC at a meeting that, whilst it is hoped that Bill will make a full recovery in the long-term, it is likely that he will be sidelined for up to eighteen months consequently he will not be taking an active role in the Club nor will take up his position on the Board of STFC.
Speaking on behalf of the Club Bob Holt said that whilst the announcement was a great disappointment, it was not entirely unexpected.
"We recently received an email from Terry, Bill's wife, informing the Board that Bill was not in any condition to have visitors other than close friends and family and that he was in no position to contribute to the running of the Club," said Holt, adding that it was then we realised that his return to The County Ground seemed unlikely.
On behalf of the Board Holt stressed that the Directors respect Bill's decision and recognise that his long-term return to good health must be a priority and do appreciate both Bill and business partner Phil's contributions over recent months, whilst wishing Bill well with his recovery.
Swindon Official Site
BBC - Power steps down after air crash
The former QPR chairman Bill Power, who invested £1m into Swindon Town FC, is to step down from the club after he was injured in a air crash in August.
The news from the County Ground follows a meeting between his business partner, Phil Emmel, and representatives of major shareholder Sir Seton Wills.
Club director Bob Holt said although the news was a "great disappointment" it was not entirely unexpected.
It is unclear what will happen to Mr Power's investment in the club.
Mr Holt added: "We received an email from Bill's wife saying he was in no position to contribute to the club and his return to the County Ground seemed unlikely."
"On behalf of the club Mr Holt stressed the directors respected Bill's decision and recognise his long-term return to health must be a priority."
On the opening day of the season, 5 August, he was seriously injured in a light-aircraft crash which also involved chief executive Mark Devlin and his 10-year-old son Stan.
Also taken to hospital were marketing manager Mike Sullivan, an unnamed passenger and the pilot, 60, who was seriously hurt.
BBC
McDonald Departs QPR: "Given Notice to Terminate his Employment"
-
-
Best of luck to Alan McDonald who deserves a lot of gratitude for his current time of QPR - regardless of whether it may not have worked out as wishes; and for his previous QPR playing career.
QPR Official Site - MACCA DEPARTS
Alan McDonald has been given notice to terminate his employment at Queens Park Rangers Football Club.
After making 483 appearances for the Hoops in a successful 16-year spell as a player, McDonald joined the R's as Caretaker Assistant Manager in February 2006, prior to taking up the position of Assistant Manager towards the end of June.
Chairman Gianni Paladini told qpr.co.uk: "I'd like to thank Alan McDonald for all the hard work he's done here since February.
"He's been a great servant for this Club, both as a player and in his role as Assistant Manager, and I wish him all the best for the future.''
OFFICIAL SITE
-
Best of luck to Alan McDonald who deserves a lot of gratitude for his current time of QPR - regardless of whether it may not have worked out as wishes; and for his previous QPR playing career.
QPR Official Site - MACCA DEPARTS
Alan McDonald has been given notice to terminate his employment at Queens Park Rangers Football Club.
After making 483 appearances for the Hoops in a successful 16-year spell as a player, McDonald joined the R's as Caretaker Assistant Manager in February 2006, prior to taking up the position of Assistant Manager towards the end of June.
Chairman Gianni Paladini told qpr.co.uk: "I'd like to thank Alan McDonald for all the hard work he's done here since February.
"He's been a great servant for this Club, both as a player and in his role as Assistant Manager, and I wish him all the best for the future.''
OFFICIAL SITE
QPR Captain, Kevin Gallen Turns 31
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Kevin Gallen Turns 31 - Born September 21, 1975.
Gerry Francis gave Gallen his debut as an 18 year-old in the game at Manchester United (August 20, 1994). In his two periods at QPR, Gallen has played 300+ games for QPR scoring nearly 100 goals.
Gallen
Also See:
QPR Net
Daves' Unofficial QUeens Park Rangers Website
Kevin Gallen Turns 31 - Born September 21, 1975.
Gerry Francis gave Gallen his debut as an 18 year-old in the game at Manchester United (August 20, 1994). In his two periods at QPR, Gallen has played 300+ games for QPR scoring nearly 100 goals.
Gallen
Also See:
QPR Net
Daves' Unofficial QUeens Park Rangers Website
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
John Gregory on Past Transfer Slurs Against Him & on the Panorama "Expose"
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TEAMTALK
Gregory reveals transfer slurs
New QPR boss John Gregory claimed unproven allegations about transfer dealings stopped clubs employing him.
On the day he took over as QPR manager after a three-and-a-half year absence from the sport, Gregory said he believed his reputation in football had taken a battering.
In December 2002, the FA investigated Gregory's transfer activities while he was manager of Aston Villa, with the deals for defender Alpay from Fenerbahce, and forwards Juan Pablo Angel - the club's £9.5million record signing from River Plate - and Bosko Balaban from Dinamo Zagreb coming under scrutiny.
Gregory was never charged, but he insisted the allegations had been enough to damage his career.
"Were my job prospects harmed by the innuendo? Yes, absolutely," said the 51-year-old. "Rumours were spread about me which I am sure deterred a few chairmen up and down the country.
"A lot of people were put off, but what can you do?
"I was given the cold shoulder by most of the football world, when not long before that I had been linked with the England job.
"Because of rumour, people would not take me on. There were no facts - but I'm sure that during my first away match as QPR manager, someone will shout: "Had a bung today?" at me."
Gregory also derided last night's BBC Panorama programme, which investigated the alleged widespread corruption within football....
Gregory continued: "The Panorama programme was an absolute waste of the licence fee.
"All the trailers focused on Harry Redknapp, but his only contribution was to tell an agent (Peter Harrison) that he liked (Blackburn defender) Andy Todd.
"How they can then associate him with transfer irregularities after that is beyond me.
"Sam Allardyce did not even speak during the programme. He was not caught on camera talking about anything. There was nothing substantial whatsoever in the programme."
But the game's governing body are taking the content of Panorama more seriously, a....
Gregory believes Allardyce will survive the storm, but warned the 51-year-old boss he would face difficult times.
The former Aston Villa and Derby chief added: "Sam will need his family and all his pals to gather around him, look after him and keep him smiling.
"But he has a thick enough skin, and he is big enough to overcome it.
"What will the FA do? Look under his mattress, find there is nothing there and bring it to an end?
"Sam is an outstanding manager - one of the best in the country - and I just hope he is strong enough to overcome the insinuations."
Teamtalk
TEAMTALK
Gregory reveals transfer slurs
New QPR boss John Gregory claimed unproven allegations about transfer dealings stopped clubs employing him.
On the day he took over as QPR manager after a three-and-a-half year absence from the sport, Gregory said he believed his reputation in football had taken a battering.
In December 2002, the FA investigated Gregory's transfer activities while he was manager of Aston Villa, with the deals for defender Alpay from Fenerbahce, and forwards Juan Pablo Angel - the club's £9.5million record signing from River Plate - and Bosko Balaban from Dinamo Zagreb coming under scrutiny.
Gregory was never charged, but he insisted the allegations had been enough to damage his career.
"Were my job prospects harmed by the innuendo? Yes, absolutely," said the 51-year-old. "Rumours were spread about me which I am sure deterred a few chairmen up and down the country.
"A lot of people were put off, but what can you do?
"I was given the cold shoulder by most of the football world, when not long before that I had been linked with the England job.
"Because of rumour, people would not take me on. There were no facts - but I'm sure that during my first away match as QPR manager, someone will shout: "Had a bung today?" at me."
Gregory also derided last night's BBC Panorama programme, which investigated the alleged widespread corruption within football....
Gregory continued: "The Panorama programme was an absolute waste of the licence fee.
"All the trailers focused on Harry Redknapp, but his only contribution was to tell an agent (Peter Harrison) that he liked (Blackburn defender) Andy Todd.
"How they can then associate him with transfer irregularities after that is beyond me.
"Sam Allardyce did not even speak during the programme. He was not caught on camera talking about anything. There was nothing substantial whatsoever in the programme."
But the game's governing body are taking the content of Panorama more seriously, a....
Gregory believes Allardyce will survive the storm, but warned the 51-year-old boss he would face difficult times.
The former Aston Villa and Derby chief added: "Sam will need his family and all his pals to gather around him, look after him and keep him smiling.
"But he has a thick enough skin, and he is big enough to overcome it.
"What will the FA do? Look under his mattress, find there is nothing there and bring it to an end?
"Sam is an outstanding manager - one of the best in the country - and I just hope he is strong enough to overcome the insinuations."
Teamtalk
Gregory Warns of Relegation Fight & Notes Finances
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TEAMTALK Gregory warns of tough times ahead
John Gregory has warned QPR they face "a serious relegation threat" after succeeding Gary Waddock as manager at Loftus Road.
The former Aston Villa and Derby boss has signed a contract until the end of the season with Rangers, with the option of a one-year rolling contract to follow if he does well.
Gregory takes over with Rangers bottom of the Championship and out of the Carling Cup - and he urged the players to show more heart in the battles that lie ahead.
"There is a serious threat of relegation at this club," Gregory said. "I saw them knocked out of the Carling Cup at Port Vale last night.
"Some of the players turned up - but quite a few of them did not bother going.
"Every player will have a fresh chance to impress me, and that is what they are here to do.
"I still have lots of points to prove to myself - although not to anyone else. I hope I can improve the fortunes of the team."
Waddock was relieved of his duties after meeting Rangers chairman Gianni Paladini - a close friend of Gregory - after the 3-2 defeat at Vale Park.
During the reigns of Ian Holloway and Waddock, there was considerable speculation regarding how much influence Paladini exerted over team selection and transfer policy - but Gregory made it clear he would tolerate no such interference.
The 51-year-old continued: "The training ground is the one place where I do not want anyone to interfere with my work.
"That is my domain. Having success is about keeping good habits, working hard and getting things right.
"In terms of transfers, we will work with what we have, although there is the opportunity to make loan signings, which has been a blessing for Championship clubs."
Gregory's friendship with Paladini is likely to raise some eyebrows among Rangers fans, with whom the Italian former agent has never been wholly popular.
Backed by a consortium of Monte Carlo-based businessmen, Paladini took control from former chairman Bill Power in a boardroom coup in September 2005.
Rangers have suffered considerable financial problems in recent seasons and spent the 2001-02 season - before Paladini had become involved with the club - in administration, but Gregory was quick to defend Paladini and fellow director Antonio Caliendo.
He added: "I have known Gianni for some time, and, were it not for he and Antonio, the club might not be here today.
"Our results can dictate the direction of the financial side of things.
"If we can improve on the pitch, more supporters will start coming to watch us, and it will help everything."
Teamtalk
SKYSPORTS
Gregory happy to be back
By Lewis Rutledge - Created on 20 Sep 2006
John Gregory has expressed his delight at returning to management with Queens Park Rangers.
Gregory has been away from football since being sacked by Derby in 2003, but QPR decided to bring him in following a disastrous start to the season.
Having played for QPR in the past Gregory admits he is pained to see the club bottom of The Championship, and he is determined to guide them clear of relegation.
He also explained that his history at the club had been a factor in his decision to return to Loftus Road.
"It feels very good," he told Sky Sports News. "I'm ready to come back to work.
"It (news of the appointment) kind of broke towards the end of the weekend. I spoke to the chairman and the board of directors and we sorted things out very quickly.
"You can start romancing about the past and what it was like during my time here.
"I was here for four-and-a-half seasons and we won almost every week. We had a tremendous success rate, so they were very happy times.
"So that did influence me but it wasn't the overriding issue.
"From a geography point of view it is ideal for me, and just knowing that there is an opportunity here to improve the team, to get us back up the table, and look for Championship safety."
Gregory's predecessor Gary Waddock, who played alongside the 51-year-old at QPR, is to remain at the club as assistant manager.
"It's been a tough time for Gary but he'll cope. He's a really strong personality and I want him to continue to be part of my staff," said Gregory.
"We'll work together and I hope the next time he sits in the big chair he'll be a lot more experienced and he'll have learned from his time in charge here."
Skysports
Ben Kosky/Wembley & Kingsbury TimesSeptember 20, 2006
New boss Gregory aims to win at all costs
JOHN Gregory says he will gladly sacrifice attractive football to gain the points that haul QPR out of the Championship relegation zone.
Gregory, a former Rangers midfielder, signed a nine-month contract to become the club's new manager on Wednesday - just hours after the Rs had crashed out of the Carling Cup at Port Vale.
Former boss Gary Waddock and his assistant Alan McDonald remain on the coaching staff, although their new roles have yet to be defined.
Rangers host fellow strugglers Hull City on Saturday and Gregory told the Times: "Style might have to go out of the window.
"It's about winning and you do whatever you need to achieve that. I love to be on the winning side and I love people that are prepared to kick their granny to win - that's the business I'm in.
"I like my teams to get it down and pass it - I played here for four and a half years and the ball hardly ever left the floor. But what's the point of being the most attractive team in the country if you're getting beaten every week?
"When all the talking and the claptrap's done, you need to look at that league table and make sure you're not in the bottom three. I don't want to hear 'we played some great stuff but we lost 1-0' - it's pointless."
Gregory, who previously managed Portsmouth, Wycombe Wanderers, Aston Villa and Derby County, takes over from Waddock less than three months after his former QPR team-mate succeeded Ian Holloway.
"I spent four and a half years here as a player and you become attached to the place," Gregory added. "I was very sad when I left and it's fantastic to be back at Loftus Road.
"There is a serious relegation threat - this club worked exceptionally hard to get up to this division and they don't want to go back. But I know what can be achieved here."
Press
TEAMTALK Gregory warns of tough times ahead
John Gregory has warned QPR they face "a serious relegation threat" after succeeding Gary Waddock as manager at Loftus Road.
The former Aston Villa and Derby boss has signed a contract until the end of the season with Rangers, with the option of a one-year rolling contract to follow if he does well.
Gregory takes over with Rangers bottom of the Championship and out of the Carling Cup - and he urged the players to show more heart in the battles that lie ahead.
"There is a serious threat of relegation at this club," Gregory said. "I saw them knocked out of the Carling Cup at Port Vale last night.
"Some of the players turned up - but quite a few of them did not bother going.
"Every player will have a fresh chance to impress me, and that is what they are here to do.
"I still have lots of points to prove to myself - although not to anyone else. I hope I can improve the fortunes of the team."
Waddock was relieved of his duties after meeting Rangers chairman Gianni Paladini - a close friend of Gregory - after the 3-2 defeat at Vale Park.
During the reigns of Ian Holloway and Waddock, there was considerable speculation regarding how much influence Paladini exerted over team selection and transfer policy - but Gregory made it clear he would tolerate no such interference.
The 51-year-old continued: "The training ground is the one place where I do not want anyone to interfere with my work.
"That is my domain. Having success is about keeping good habits, working hard and getting things right.
"In terms of transfers, we will work with what we have, although there is the opportunity to make loan signings, which has been a blessing for Championship clubs."
Gregory's friendship with Paladini is likely to raise some eyebrows among Rangers fans, with whom the Italian former agent has never been wholly popular.
Backed by a consortium of Monte Carlo-based businessmen, Paladini took control from former chairman Bill Power in a boardroom coup in September 2005.
Rangers have suffered considerable financial problems in recent seasons and spent the 2001-02 season - before Paladini had become involved with the club - in administration, but Gregory was quick to defend Paladini and fellow director Antonio Caliendo.
He added: "I have known Gianni for some time, and, were it not for he and Antonio, the club might not be here today.
"Our results can dictate the direction of the financial side of things.
"If we can improve on the pitch, more supporters will start coming to watch us, and it will help everything."
Teamtalk
SKYSPORTS
Gregory happy to be back
By Lewis Rutledge - Created on 20 Sep 2006
John Gregory has expressed his delight at returning to management with Queens Park Rangers.
Gregory has been away from football since being sacked by Derby in 2003, but QPR decided to bring him in following a disastrous start to the season.
Having played for QPR in the past Gregory admits he is pained to see the club bottom of The Championship, and he is determined to guide them clear of relegation.
He also explained that his history at the club had been a factor in his decision to return to Loftus Road.
"It feels very good," he told Sky Sports News. "I'm ready to come back to work.
"It (news of the appointment) kind of broke towards the end of the weekend. I spoke to the chairman and the board of directors and we sorted things out very quickly.
"You can start romancing about the past and what it was like during my time here.
"I was here for four-and-a-half seasons and we won almost every week. We had a tremendous success rate, so they were very happy times.
"So that did influence me but it wasn't the overriding issue.
"From a geography point of view it is ideal for me, and just knowing that there is an opportunity here to improve the team, to get us back up the table, and look for Championship safety."
Gregory's predecessor Gary Waddock, who played alongside the 51-year-old at QPR, is to remain at the club as assistant manager.
"It's been a tough time for Gary but he'll cope. He's a really strong personality and I want him to continue to be part of my staff," said Gregory.
"We'll work together and I hope the next time he sits in the big chair he'll be a lot more experienced and he'll have learned from his time in charge here."
Skysports
Ben Kosky/Wembley & Kingsbury TimesSeptember 20, 2006
New boss Gregory aims to win at all costs
JOHN Gregory says he will gladly sacrifice attractive football to gain the points that haul QPR out of the Championship relegation zone.
Gregory, a former Rangers midfielder, signed a nine-month contract to become the club's new manager on Wednesday - just hours after the Rs had crashed out of the Carling Cup at Port Vale.
Former boss Gary Waddock and his assistant Alan McDonald remain on the coaching staff, although their new roles have yet to be defined.
Rangers host fellow strugglers Hull City on Saturday and Gregory told the Times: "Style might have to go out of the window.
"It's about winning and you do whatever you need to achieve that. I love to be on the winning side and I love people that are prepared to kick their granny to win - that's the business I'm in.
"I like my teams to get it down and pass it - I played here for four and a half years and the ball hardly ever left the floor. But what's the point of being the most attractive team in the country if you're getting beaten every week?
"When all the talking and the claptrap's done, you need to look at that league table and make sure you're not in the bottom three. I don't want to hear 'we played some great stuff but we lost 1-0' - it's pointless."
Gregory, who previously managed Portsmouth, Wycombe Wanderers, Aston Villa and Derby County, takes over from Waddock less than three months after his former QPR team-mate succeeded Ian Holloway.
"I spent four and a half years here as a player and you become attached to the place," Gregory added. "I was very sad when I left and it's fantastic to be back at Loftus Road.
"There is a serious relegation threat - this club worked exceptionally hard to get up to this division and they don't want to go back. But I know what can be achieved here."
Press
Gary Penrice FINALLY Joins Plymouth
-
Plymouth Official Site - Penny Finally Drops For Greens strong>
GARY Penrice resumed a partnership with Ian Holloway that goes back to their earliest days when Penrice officially joined the Argyle back-room team this week. Penrice, 42, and Holloway were schoolboy friends in Bristol more than 30 years ago, and their paths have criss-crossed often ever since.
"He's like a missing bit of my personality," said Holloway, confirming the appointment of Penrice, whose chief role at the club will be that of chief scout. "We're that close.
Penrice will also have a coaching input and Holloway said: "Tiger Woods is the best golfer in the world, but he needs someone to coach him, and Penny is as good as that with strikers. There's not a thing he doesn't know about centre-forward play, body-shape, finishing and all that. He knows it all.
"He also sees things slightly differently than anyone else, which makes him a bit special, and he's a fine man."
A pacy striker for much of his career, Penrice ended his playing days alongside Bristol Rovers' player-manager Holloway in the Gas central midfield which propelled the side to the 1997 Division Two play-offs.
He had begun his professional days at Rovers some 13 years earlier after moving up from non-league Mangotsfield, and fired 20 goals as Rovers reached the 1989 Third Division play-off final which they lost 2-1 to Port Vale.
He subsequently joined Watford for a then club-record £500,000 and was sold on to Aston Villa for twice that amount. His stay at Villa Park proved to be a short one before he was sold to another Premiership club, Queens Park Rangers, teaming up once again with Holloway and former Bristol Rovers manager Gerry Francis.
After another four years, he returned to Watford and adapted to a deeper lying role, before winding up his career back in the Westcountry.
In a career spanning 14 years, Penrice made 526 first-team appearances, scoring 121 goals.
He became Holloway's assistant manager at Rovers when Phil Bater took control of the youth team, and teamed up with his fellow Bristolian after Holloway took up the Queens Park Rangers' managerial reins.
Like Holloway, he was put on gardening leave by Rangers in February this year, following the installation of Gary Waddock as manager.
Plymouth
Plymouth Official Site - Penny Finally Drops For Greens strong>
GARY Penrice resumed a partnership with Ian Holloway that goes back to their earliest days when Penrice officially joined the Argyle back-room team this week. Penrice, 42, and Holloway were schoolboy friends in Bristol more than 30 years ago, and their paths have criss-crossed often ever since.
"He's like a missing bit of my personality," said Holloway, confirming the appointment of Penrice, whose chief role at the club will be that of chief scout. "We're that close.
Penrice will also have a coaching input and Holloway said: "Tiger Woods is the best golfer in the world, but he needs someone to coach him, and Penny is as good as that with strikers. There's not a thing he doesn't know about centre-forward play, body-shape, finishing and all that. He knows it all.
"He also sees things slightly differently than anyone else, which makes him a bit special, and he's a fine man."
A pacy striker for much of his career, Penrice ended his playing days alongside Bristol Rovers' player-manager Holloway in the Gas central midfield which propelled the side to the 1997 Division Two play-offs.
He had begun his professional days at Rovers some 13 years earlier after moving up from non-league Mangotsfield, and fired 20 goals as Rovers reached the 1989 Third Division play-off final which they lost 2-1 to Port Vale.
He subsequently joined Watford for a then club-record £500,000 and was sold on to Aston Villa for twice that amount. His stay at Villa Park proved to be a short one before he was sold to another Premiership club, Queens Park Rangers, teaming up once again with Holloway and former Bristol Rovers manager Gerry Francis.
After another four years, he returned to Watford and adapted to a deeper lying role, before winding up his career back in the Westcountry.
In a career spanning 14 years, Penrice made 526 first-team appearances, scoring 121 goals.
He became Holloway's assistant manager at Rovers when Phil Bater took control of the youth team, and teamed up with his fellow Bristolian after Holloway took up the Queens Park Rangers' managerial reins.
Like Holloway, he was put on gardening leave by Rangers in February this year, following the installation of Gary Waddock as manager.
Plymouth
John Gregory Takes Over at QPR
-
OFFICIAL SITE - GREGORY APPOINTED
John Gregory has been appointed as QPR First Team Manager with immediate effect.
Gary Waddock will now work under the former Aston Villa boss in an Assistant Manager's role.
In an exclusive interview with www.qpr.co.uk, Chairman Gianni Paladini revealed his delight at the appointment: "It's a fantastic scoop for the Club.
"John is a proven manager at the highest level and is very eager to get back in to the managerial game.
"He's sat down with Gary and talked everything through and the situation is perfect as we look to climb the Championship table.
"I'd like to wish the pair of them the very best in their new roles.''
Gregory - who has been out of the game since leaving Derby County in 2003 - commented: "I'm back in the hot-seat and it's a huge challenge.
"QPR are very close to my heart and it's a fantastic opportunity for me.
"This is a job I can very much get my teeth into and I'm relishing the challenge that lies ahead.
"Winning matches is what matters most in the business and we aim to do that, starting Saturday.''
Waddock said: "It's the right decision for the club, I'm just thankful that Gianni thinks enough of me to keep me here as Assistant Manager.
"I look forward to working with John, we both played together under Terry Venables and have the same work ethic.
"I'll learn a lot from him and I'm sure that this appointment will benefit the club I love."
QPR Official Site
BBC - Gregory appointed as new QPR boss
Gregory makes his return after three-and-a-half years
Queens Park Rangers have unveiled John Gregory as their new manager, with former boss Gary Waddock handed the job of first-team coach.
Former Aston Villa boss Gregory, 51, returns to management three-and-a-half years after leaving Derby.
Waddock replaced the sacked Ian Holloway in February and was handed the position full-time in the summer.
But the former QPR midfielder has struggled and Gregory takes over with the club bottom of the Championship.
QPR have won just one league game this season and were knocked out of the Carling Cup by Port Vale on Tuesday evening.
Gregory, a close friend of Rangers chairman Gianni Paladini, began his managerial career at Portsmouth and he also had a spell at Plymouth.
He took over at Wycombe Wanderers in October 1996, where he helped the team avoid relegation and remained in charge for two years.
The former England midfielder took over at Villa in the 1997/98 season and during the four years under Gregory's management Villa never finished outside the top eight in the Premiership.
He has also managed Derby and has been out of management since leaving the Rams in March 2003.
BBC
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - GREGORY IN PROFILE
www.qpr.co.uk brings you an exclusive insight into the professional career of the R's new gaffer John Gregory.
John Gregory served his managerial apprenticeship at a variety of clubs.
He started his career with Portsmouth, before a brief spell at Plymouth Argyle.
Soon after he joined Leicester City in a coaching capacity, before being appointed First Team Coach at Villa Park in November 1994.
He left Villa to become manager of Wycombe Wanderers in October 1996.
After taking over a struggling Wanderers squad, he steered them clear of relegation in the 1996/97 season by eight points.
He led Villa to the top of the Premiership following an unbeaten start to the season in 1998, which lasted a club record 12 matches. However, they were not able to sustain their title tilt and fell away in the second half of the season.
In his four years in charge at Villa Park, the Villains never finished outside the top eight, finishing seventh in his first half-season as manager, sixth in 1999 and 2000 and eighth in 2001.
Noted for speaking his mind, Gregory had his fair share of run-in's with players and Chairman Doug Ellis alike, but he was always 100 per cent committed to the club and was unfortunate not to taste success in the FA Cup Final in 2000, losing to a single goal from Chelsea's Roberto di Matteo.
He had criticised the club for failing to invest sufficiently in new players, but his passion and determination to lead Villa to glory remained undiminished.
His departure came as a shock to players and fans alike and his achievements at Villa Park will be long-remembered by everyone connected with the Midlands club.
He was immediately linked with the managerial vacancy at his old club Derby County and, after being contacted by the club about the position, he was unveiled as Colin Todd's successor on January 30 2002.
His first priority at Pride Park was to keep The Rams in the Premiership, but with Derby lying second from bottom and six points adrift from safety at the time of his arrival, he was unable to save them.
Despite a slight improvement in their results, The Rams were relegated to the First Division, and Gregory eventually left the Club in March 2003.
As a player, Gregory enjoyed a distinguished career, which saw him play for several teams.
He was signed from apprentice at Northampton Town before moving to Aston Villa in 1977, where he spent two years before signing for Brighton.
From there he went to QPR, in 1981, making 188 appearances for the R's, before signing for Derby County in 1985, staying with the Rams for two years before effectively hanging up his boots.
Gregory was a tireless midfielder who made nearly 600 appearances in his career, scoring 83 goals, and winning six full international caps for England.
QPR
SKY SPORTS - Rangers turn to Gregory
By Peter ORourke - Created on 20 Sep 2006
Queens Park Rangers have appointed John Gregory as their new manager with Gary Waddock becoming his assistant.
The Rangers board have lost patience with Waddock and have turned to Gregory to try and transform their fortunes.
Rangers have endured a terrible run of form lately, culminating in their 3-2 defeat to Port vale in the Carling Cup on Tuesday.
The Loftus Road outfit are currently languishing at the bottom of The Championship and have won only one league game all term.
Waddock only took charge of Rangers in February after Ian Holloway left the club and was handed the job on a permanent basis in the summer.
Waddock has struggled since taking over and won just four of his 24 games in charge.
Gregory has been out of work since March 2003 after leaving Derby County.
Gregory, who is a former QPR player, will be given the task of helping the side climb out of trouble and he knows he faces a huge challenge.
"I'm back in the hot-seat and it's a huge challenge," Gregory told the club's official website.
"QPR are very close to my heart and it's a fantastic opportunity for me.
"This is a job I can very much get my teeth into and I'm relishing the challenge that lies ahead.
"Winning matches is what matters most in the business and we aim to do that, starting Saturday.''
SKY
GUARDIAN -Gregory resurfaces at QPR
New appointment sees Waddock moves to first-team coach
Gregory resurfaces at QPR - Bottom-of-the-Championship QPR think John Gregory is the man to halt their downward slide. Anyone else?
Staff and agencies Wednesday September 20, 2006
Guardian Unlimited
QPR today unveiled John Gregory as their new manager, with former boss Gary Waddock handed the job of first-team coach.
Former Aston Villa and Derby manager Gregory is a close friend of Rangers chairman Gianni Paladini, and takes over with the club bottom of the Championship. The 51-year-old returns to management three-and-a-half years after leaving Derby.
"John is a proven manager at the highest level and is very eager to back into the managerial game," said Paladini. "It's a fantastic scoop for the club."
Waddock replaced Ian Holloway in February and was handed the position full-time in the summer. But the former QPR midfielder has struggled, winning just three league games during his Loftus Park reign, and saw his team knocked out of the Carling Cup by Port Vale last night
GUARDIAN
TEAMTALK - GREGORY FACT FILE
954: Born Scunthorpe, May 11.
1970: Joins Northampton as a trainee.
1972: Signs professionally for Northampton and goes on to make 187 league appearances.
1977: Joins Aston Villa for £40,000, making 65 league appearances and scoring 10 goals.
1979: Moves to Brighton for £250,000.
1981: Signs for QPR in a £300,000 deal.
1982: Part of the QPR team who lose in the FA Cup final to Tottenham after a replay.
1983: Wins the first of six full England caps against Australia.
1985: Moves to Derby for £100,000.
1988: Retires and becomes assistant manager to Alan Ball at Portsmouth.
1989: Becomes Pompey manager when Ball is sacked.
1990: Sacked by Portsmouth, who are 23rd in the Second Division after a run of two victories in nine matches. Plays briefly for Plymouth and Bolton on a non-contract basis.
1991: Joins Leicester as coach to Brian Little.
1994: Follows Little to Aston Villa, becoming first team coach.
1996: Appointed manager of Second Division Wycombe after Alan Smith is sacked. Steers side from second bottom to safety.
1998: January - Succeeds Little as manager of Aston Villa.
August - Claims he could have 'shot' Dwight Yorke after striker revealed he wanted to go to Manchester United before his eventual £12.6million move.
2000: Leads Villa to the FA Cup final where they lose 1-0 to Chelsea, Roberto di Matteo scoring the winner.
December - Raps chairman Doug Ellis, claiming his boss is 'stuck in a time warp'. Ellis responds by accusing Gregory of 'talking big but acting small'.
2001: After an eighth-place finish in the Premiership, Gregory guides Villa into the UEFA Cup after a successful Intertoto Cup campaign. The European adventure is brief though as Croatian outsiders Varteks humiliate the former European champions in the first round.
2002: January 24 - Resigns as Villa manager, citing the 'pressures of the job'.
January 30 - Takes over as manager at Derby following the departure of Colin Todd but cannot help the club stave off relegation from the Premiership.
August 10 - The Rams begin the new season in fine style with a 3-0 win over Reading but it does not last with the club spending most of the campaign in the bottom half of the table.
2003: March 21 - Gregory, already under pressure due to the club's poor form, is suspended following allegations that midfielder Craig Burley was mistreated whilst injured.
May 29 - Derby uphold their decision, following appeal by Gregory.
2006: September 20 - Appointed manager of QPR.
Teamtalk
OFFICIAL SITE - GREGORY APPOINTED
John Gregory has been appointed as QPR First Team Manager with immediate effect.
Gary Waddock will now work under the former Aston Villa boss in an Assistant Manager's role.
In an exclusive interview with www.qpr.co.uk, Chairman Gianni Paladini revealed his delight at the appointment: "It's a fantastic scoop for the Club.
"John is a proven manager at the highest level and is very eager to get back in to the managerial game.
"He's sat down with Gary and talked everything through and the situation is perfect as we look to climb the Championship table.
"I'd like to wish the pair of them the very best in their new roles.''
Gregory - who has been out of the game since leaving Derby County in 2003 - commented: "I'm back in the hot-seat and it's a huge challenge.
"QPR are very close to my heart and it's a fantastic opportunity for me.
"This is a job I can very much get my teeth into and I'm relishing the challenge that lies ahead.
"Winning matches is what matters most in the business and we aim to do that, starting Saturday.''
Waddock said: "It's the right decision for the club, I'm just thankful that Gianni thinks enough of me to keep me here as Assistant Manager.
"I look forward to working with John, we both played together under Terry Venables and have the same work ethic.
"I'll learn a lot from him and I'm sure that this appointment will benefit the club I love."
QPR Official Site
BBC - Gregory appointed as new QPR boss
Gregory makes his return after three-and-a-half years
Queens Park Rangers have unveiled John Gregory as their new manager, with former boss Gary Waddock handed the job of first-team coach.
Former Aston Villa boss Gregory, 51, returns to management three-and-a-half years after leaving Derby.
Waddock replaced the sacked Ian Holloway in February and was handed the position full-time in the summer.
But the former QPR midfielder has struggled and Gregory takes over with the club bottom of the Championship.
QPR have won just one league game this season and were knocked out of the Carling Cup by Port Vale on Tuesday evening.
Gregory, a close friend of Rangers chairman Gianni Paladini, began his managerial career at Portsmouth and he also had a spell at Plymouth.
He took over at Wycombe Wanderers in October 1996, where he helped the team avoid relegation and remained in charge for two years.
The former England midfielder took over at Villa in the 1997/98 season and during the four years under Gregory's management Villa never finished outside the top eight in the Premiership.
He has also managed Derby and has been out of management since leaving the Rams in March 2003.
BBC
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - GREGORY IN PROFILE
www.qpr.co.uk brings you an exclusive insight into the professional career of the R's new gaffer John Gregory.
John Gregory served his managerial apprenticeship at a variety of clubs.
He started his career with Portsmouth, before a brief spell at Plymouth Argyle.
Soon after he joined Leicester City in a coaching capacity, before being appointed First Team Coach at Villa Park in November 1994.
He left Villa to become manager of Wycombe Wanderers in October 1996.
After taking over a struggling Wanderers squad, he steered them clear of relegation in the 1996/97 season by eight points.
He led Villa to the top of the Premiership following an unbeaten start to the season in 1998, which lasted a club record 12 matches. However, they were not able to sustain their title tilt and fell away in the second half of the season.
In his four years in charge at Villa Park, the Villains never finished outside the top eight, finishing seventh in his first half-season as manager, sixth in 1999 and 2000 and eighth in 2001.
Noted for speaking his mind, Gregory had his fair share of run-in's with players and Chairman Doug Ellis alike, but he was always 100 per cent committed to the club and was unfortunate not to taste success in the FA Cup Final in 2000, losing to a single goal from Chelsea's Roberto di Matteo.
He had criticised the club for failing to invest sufficiently in new players, but his passion and determination to lead Villa to glory remained undiminished.
His departure came as a shock to players and fans alike and his achievements at Villa Park will be long-remembered by everyone connected with the Midlands club.
He was immediately linked with the managerial vacancy at his old club Derby County and, after being contacted by the club about the position, he was unveiled as Colin Todd's successor on January 30 2002.
His first priority at Pride Park was to keep The Rams in the Premiership, but with Derby lying second from bottom and six points adrift from safety at the time of his arrival, he was unable to save them.
Despite a slight improvement in their results, The Rams were relegated to the First Division, and Gregory eventually left the Club in March 2003.
As a player, Gregory enjoyed a distinguished career, which saw him play for several teams.
He was signed from apprentice at Northampton Town before moving to Aston Villa in 1977, where he spent two years before signing for Brighton.
From there he went to QPR, in 1981, making 188 appearances for the R's, before signing for Derby County in 1985, staying with the Rams for two years before effectively hanging up his boots.
Gregory was a tireless midfielder who made nearly 600 appearances in his career, scoring 83 goals, and winning six full international caps for England.
QPR
SKY SPORTS - Rangers turn to Gregory
By Peter ORourke - Created on 20 Sep 2006
Queens Park Rangers have appointed John Gregory as their new manager with Gary Waddock becoming his assistant.
The Rangers board have lost patience with Waddock and have turned to Gregory to try and transform their fortunes.
Rangers have endured a terrible run of form lately, culminating in their 3-2 defeat to Port vale in the Carling Cup on Tuesday.
The Loftus Road outfit are currently languishing at the bottom of The Championship and have won only one league game all term.
Waddock only took charge of Rangers in February after Ian Holloway left the club and was handed the job on a permanent basis in the summer.
Waddock has struggled since taking over and won just four of his 24 games in charge.
Gregory has been out of work since March 2003 after leaving Derby County.
Gregory, who is a former QPR player, will be given the task of helping the side climb out of trouble and he knows he faces a huge challenge.
"I'm back in the hot-seat and it's a huge challenge," Gregory told the club's official website.
"QPR are very close to my heart and it's a fantastic opportunity for me.
"This is a job I can very much get my teeth into and I'm relishing the challenge that lies ahead.
"Winning matches is what matters most in the business and we aim to do that, starting Saturday.''
SKY
GUARDIAN -Gregory resurfaces at QPR
New appointment sees Waddock moves to first-team coach
Gregory resurfaces at QPR - Bottom-of-the-Championship QPR think John Gregory is the man to halt their downward slide. Anyone else?
Staff and agencies Wednesday September 20, 2006
Guardian Unlimited
QPR today unveiled John Gregory as their new manager, with former boss Gary Waddock handed the job of first-team coach.
Former Aston Villa and Derby manager Gregory is a close friend of Rangers chairman Gianni Paladini, and takes over with the club bottom of the Championship. The 51-year-old returns to management three-and-a-half years after leaving Derby.
"John is a proven manager at the highest level and is very eager to back into the managerial game," said Paladini. "It's a fantastic scoop for the club."
Waddock replaced Ian Holloway in February and was handed the position full-time in the summer. But the former QPR midfielder has struggled, winning just three league games during his Loftus Park reign, and saw his team knocked out of the Carling Cup by Port Vale last night
GUARDIAN
TEAMTALK - GREGORY FACT FILE
954: Born Scunthorpe, May 11.
1970: Joins Northampton as a trainee.
1972: Signs professionally for Northampton and goes on to make 187 league appearances.
1977: Joins Aston Villa for £40,000, making 65 league appearances and scoring 10 goals.
1979: Moves to Brighton for £250,000.
1981: Signs for QPR in a £300,000 deal.
1982: Part of the QPR team who lose in the FA Cup final to Tottenham after a replay.
1983: Wins the first of six full England caps against Australia.
1985: Moves to Derby for £100,000.
1988: Retires and becomes assistant manager to Alan Ball at Portsmouth.
1989: Becomes Pompey manager when Ball is sacked.
1990: Sacked by Portsmouth, who are 23rd in the Second Division after a run of two victories in nine matches. Plays briefly for Plymouth and Bolton on a non-contract basis.
1991: Joins Leicester as coach to Brian Little.
1994: Follows Little to Aston Villa, becoming first team coach.
1996: Appointed manager of Second Division Wycombe after Alan Smith is sacked. Steers side from second bottom to safety.
1998: January - Succeeds Little as manager of Aston Villa.
August - Claims he could have 'shot' Dwight Yorke after striker revealed he wanted to go to Manchester United before his eventual £12.6million move.
2000: Leads Villa to the FA Cup final where they lose 1-0 to Chelsea, Roberto di Matteo scoring the winner.
December - Raps chairman Doug Ellis, claiming his boss is 'stuck in a time warp'. Ellis responds by accusing Gregory of 'talking big but acting small'.
2001: After an eighth-place finish in the Premiership, Gregory guides Villa into the UEFA Cup after a successful Intertoto Cup campaign. The European adventure is brief though as Croatian outsiders Varteks humiliate the former European champions in the first round.
2002: January 24 - Resigns as Villa manager, citing the 'pressures of the job'.
January 30 - Takes over as manager at Derby following the departure of Colin Todd but cannot help the club stave off relegation from the Premiership.
August 10 - The Rams begin the new season in fine style with a 3-0 win over Reading but it does not last with the club spending most of the campaign in the bottom half of the table.
2003: March 21 - Gregory, already under pressure due to the club's poor form, is suspended following allegations that midfielder Craig Burley was mistreated whilst injured.
May 29 - Derby uphold their decision, following appeal by Gregory.
2006: September 20 - Appointed manager of QPR.
Teamtalk
QPR Announce Press Conference (2:00 PM)
-
QPR Official Site
PRESS CONFERENCE
A Press Conference will be held at Loftus Road at 2pm this afternoon.
Members of the national and local press are invited and there will be live streaming on QPR World.
Subscribers to QPR World will be able to hear live audio from this afternoon's press conference.
If you haven't already subscribed, you can do so now by clicking here.
Stay tuned to www.qpr.co.uk for further details throughout the day.
QPR Official Site
QPR Official Site
PRESS CONFERENCE
A Press Conference will be held at Loftus Road at 2pm this afternoon.
Members of the national and local press are invited and there will be live streaming on QPR World.
Subscribers to QPR World will be able to hear live audio from this afternoon's press conference.
If you haven't already subscribed, you can do so now by clicking here.
Stay tuned to www.qpr.co.uk for further details throughout the day.
QPR Official Site
Waddock on Tommy Doherty: Could Still have Future with QPR
-
Kilburn Times - September 20, 2006
Door still open for Doherty
"QPR manager Gary Waddock insists Tommy Doherty could still have a future at Loftus Road after the midfielder joined Wycombe Wanderers on a three-month loan...
But the Rangers boss said: "The door's not closed for anybody if they perform well on loan. The reason for them going on loan is that there's no point in senior players kicking around in the reserves.
"If youth team players are performing well enough, they need something to progress to and they won't be able to move on to the reserves if others are blocking the path."
"Tommy's one of those players who needs to be playing first-team football.
"There was some interest from one or two other clubs, but Wycombe were the ones that came in with a firm offer and we'll see how he gets on."
Kilburn Times
Kilburn Times - September 20, 2006
Door still open for Doherty
"QPR manager Gary Waddock insists Tommy Doherty could still have a future at Loftus Road after the midfielder joined Wycombe Wanderers on a three-month loan...
But the Rangers boss said: "The door's not closed for anybody if they perform well on loan. The reason for them going on loan is that there's no point in senior players kicking around in the reserves.
"If youth team players are performing well enough, they need something to progress to and they won't be able to move on to the reserves if others are blocking the path."
"Tommy's one of those players who needs to be playing first-team football.
"There was some interest from one or two other clubs, but Wycombe were the ones that came in with a firm offer and we'll see how he gets on."
Kilburn Times
Waddock - "We Have to Win" Against Hull...Against Port Vale "I can't fault their effort and commitment"
-
No hiding place for Hull clash
Kilburn Times - 20 September 2006
"UNDER-FIRE Gary Waddock acknowledged that Saturday's crucial Championship clash with Hull is a must-win situation after QPR crashed out of the Carling Cup at Port Vale.....
Victory against the Tigers this weekend would lift QPR off the bottom of the table, but Waddock admitted: "There is an obvious lack of confidence at the moment and that's because of the results.
"The players fought and I can't fault their effort and commitment, but we've lost again and it's a habit I don't like.
"Saturday's match is a massive one now, not just for me and the players, but for the whole club. There are no ifs, buts or maybes - we have to win the game."
Kilburn Times
No hiding place for Hull clash
Kilburn Times - 20 September 2006
"UNDER-FIRE Gary Waddock acknowledged that Saturday's crucial Championship clash with Hull is a must-win situation after QPR crashed out of the Carling Cup at Port Vale.....
Victory against the Tigers this weekend would lift QPR off the bottom of the table, but Waddock admitted: "There is an obvious lack of confidence at the moment and that's because of the results.
"The players fought and I can't fault their effort and commitment, but we've lost again and it's a habit I don't like.
"Saturday's match is a massive one now, not just for me and the players, but for the whole club. There are no ifs, buts or maybes - we have to win the game."
Kilburn Times
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
QPR Out of the Cup: Port Vale 3 QPR 2
-
WADDOCK'S POST MATCH COMMENTS
MORE MISTAKES
Gary Waddock cut a disconsolate figure, as the R's were dumped out of the Carling Cup.
Rangers bowed out in the second round, after throwing away an early lead at Vale Park.
Goals from Jeff Smith, Danny Whitaker and Richard Walker wiped out Marc Nygaard's opener, and although Damion Stewart pulled one back late on, it was a night to forget for the R's.
"It's difficult to sum up. At 1-0 up we were comfortable, but we're out of the Cup because of our own silly mistakes, yet again.
"We approached the game in the right manner and in the opening exchanges we felt quite comfortable.
"But there is an obvious lack of confidence at the moment and that's because of our results.
"The players fought which was an improvement from Saturday and I can't fault their effort and commitment, but we've lost and it's a habit I don't like.''
Waddock's focus soon turned to Saturday's fixture against fellow strugglers Hull City at Loftus Road, with the R's gaffer commenting: "Saturday's match is a massive one now, not just for me and the players, but for the whole Club.''
Official Site
OFFICIAL SITE - MATCH REPORT
Rangers bowed out of the Carling Cup, after throwing away an early lead at Vale Park.
Goals from Jeff Smith, Danny Whitaker and Richard Walker wiped out Marc Nygaard's opener, and although Damion Stewart pulled one back late on, it was a night to forget for the R's.
Rangers trailed 2-1 at the break, despite Nygaard's first goal of the season.
The Danish front-man opened his account inside the opening nine minutes at Vale Park, finishing with aplomb after a goalkeeping howler from Vale custodian Mark Goodlad.
Port Vale were on terms within ten minutes though, with Smith smashing an unstoppable strike beyond the despairing dive of Jake Cole.
And the first half comeback was complete on 27 minutes, when Whitaker bundled the ball home after Akpo Sodje's initial effort had cannoned off the post.
Walker made it 3-1 midway through the second half, before Stewart bagged his first in QPR colours to give the R's hope on 77 minutes.
But it was not to be for Gary Waddock's men, as the R's poor form in Cup competitions continued.
Waddock made four changes from the embarrassing defeat at Layer Road on Saturday, with Marcus Bignot, Pat Kanyuka, Stefan Bailey and Adam Czerkas returning to the fray.
cky Ward and Lee Cook occupied the wide midfield roles, as the R's - skippered by Marc Bircham - went gunning for only their third win of the campaign.
Rangers orchestrated the opening exchanges, with Ward and Cook both feeling the force of a couple of rash challenges which referee Mr Salisbury.
But it was R's midfielder Bailey who marked his return to the starting XI with a booking inside the opening six minutes, for a rash challenge on Jeff Smith.
The R's positive start paid dividends with an opening goal on nine minutes and it was Nygaard who got it.
Chasing down an innocuous looking through ball, the Danish front-man blocked Vale custodian Mark Goodlad's attempted clearance, before curling the ball into an empty net from an acute angle.
It was a textbook finish from the Dane, who could count himself extremely unlucky not to open his account just three days earlier at Layer Road, when the dubious goals panel gave the R's consolation to U's defender Wayne Brown.
Buoyed by their goal, the Super Hoops continued to enjoy the lion's share of possession, with Cook at the heart of their impressive start.
After leaving three in his wake with a superb piece of wing play, the R's left winger delivered a piercing near post cross, which Goodlad did well to gather under pressure from Ward.
Port Vale were by no means overawed by their Championship opponents though and from their very first attack of the tie, Smith smashed an unstoppable half volley past Cole to put the Valiants on terms.
Undeterred, the R's were back on the front foot almost immediately, with Nygaard stinging the palms of Goodlad with a speculative 25-yard drive.
Smith was the undoubted star of the show for the hosts and when he sent in an inch-perfect centre on 27 minutes, Sodje beat Cole to the cross and headed against the upright.
The danger wasn't over though and Whitaker was in the right place at the right time to bundle home the rebound, to leave the small gathering of Rangers fearing yet another woeful away day.
Cole's evening almost went from bad to worse on 33 minutes, when was adjudged to have sent Whitaker sprawling to ground on the edge of the box.
Fortunately for the R's custodian, Mr Salisbury let the challenge go unpunished, which was of some relief to Waddock, who had no fit goalkeepers at his disposal on the bench.
The pressure on the R's back four was relentless and after Sodje headed inches over, Cole had to be at his agile best to tip round Paul Harsley's 25-yard screamer.
Nygaard squandered a glorious chance on the stroke of half-time, volleying high and wide after breaking through the last line of the Vale defence.
It proved to be his last involvement, as the R's crippling injury crisis took yet another turn for the worse, with teenager Ray Jones replacing the unlucky Dane.
Matthew Rose replaced the out-of-sorts Mauro Milanese at the break, with the experienced defender slotting in at left back
Ward offered hope to the R's faithful when his mazy run ended with a speculative shot which flew inches wide on 53 minutes, but it was Vale who carved out the best opening of the second half on the hour.
Fine interplay between Constantine and Sodje released Mark McGregor, whose shot was deflected inches wide of Cole's left hand post.
Rangers didn't heed the warning though and from the resultant corner kick, Walker stooped to head home unchallenged from the edge of the six-yard box.
Bailey blasted high and wide from 20-yards on 70 minutes, but in truth, that was the best the R's could offer, despite enjoying prolonged spells of possession.
But Stewart handed them a lifeline with 13 minutes left on the clock - firing home from little more than three yards from Cook's in-swinging free-kick - to set up a grandstand finish.
Shabazz Baidoo went close in stoppage time, but Rangers bowed out.
Official Site
BBC - Port Vale 3-2 QPR
Port Vale piled more misery on to Championship strugglers QPR by dumping the visitors out of the Carling Cup.
QPR netted on nine minutes when Vale keeper Mark Goodlad's clearance hit striker Marc Nygaard, who tapped in.
Vale levelled 10 minutes later when Jeff Smith drove in a left-footed shot before Danny Whitaker bundled the ball home to put the home side in front.
Richard Walker's header extended Vale's lead, while Damion Stewart's goal proved to be a mere consolation.
BBC
Sporting Life
Qort Vale 3 QPR 2
QPR's dismal start to the season continued as they were dumped out of the Carling Cup by Coca-Cola League One outfit Port Vale.
Bottom of the Championship with just one league win so far this season, manager Gary Waddock had no respite at Vale Park as the hosts bounced back from conceding an early goal to claim the win.
Rangers were gifted the opener in the ninth minute when Mark Goodlad drilled a clearance into Marc Nygaard and the Danish frontman was left to tap into an open goal for his first of the season.
But Vale were on level terms 10 minutes later when Jeff Smith met a Danny Whitaker cross with a rasping left-footed shot which gave Jake Cole no chance.
Goodlad then made amends with a good save with his feet from Nygaard before the League One high-fliers took the lead.
The goal was a scrappy affair which was eventually given to Whitaker, although Leon Constantine also tried to claim it.
Rangers' evening got even worse when Nygaard was forced off just before the break with an injury, to be replaced by Ray Jones, whose late winner accounted for Northampton in the first round.
The second period got off to a slow start but the game burst into life just before the hour mark when Vale extended their lead, Richard Walker heading Danny Sonner's corner past Cole from six yards out.
Cole had to be alert to deny Constantine a fourth for Vale before the Hoops gave themselves a lifeline with 12 minutes remaining.
Vale struggled to clear a Lee Cook cross and it eventually fell to Damion Stewart, who prodded home his first goal for the club.
But Rangers were unable to muster any more chances and Vale, conquerors of Preston in round one, were left to celebrate another Championship scalp.
Sporting Life
WADDOCK'S POST MATCH COMMENTS
MORE MISTAKES
Gary Waddock cut a disconsolate figure, as the R's were dumped out of the Carling Cup.
Rangers bowed out in the second round, after throwing away an early lead at Vale Park.
Goals from Jeff Smith, Danny Whitaker and Richard Walker wiped out Marc Nygaard's opener, and although Damion Stewart pulled one back late on, it was a night to forget for the R's.
"It's difficult to sum up. At 1-0 up we were comfortable, but we're out of the Cup because of our own silly mistakes, yet again.
"We approached the game in the right manner and in the opening exchanges we felt quite comfortable.
"But there is an obvious lack of confidence at the moment and that's because of our results.
"The players fought which was an improvement from Saturday and I can't fault their effort and commitment, but we've lost and it's a habit I don't like.''
Waddock's focus soon turned to Saturday's fixture against fellow strugglers Hull City at Loftus Road, with the R's gaffer commenting: "Saturday's match is a massive one now, not just for me and the players, but for the whole Club.''
Official Site
OFFICIAL SITE - MATCH REPORT
Rangers bowed out of the Carling Cup, after throwing away an early lead at Vale Park.
Goals from Jeff Smith, Danny Whitaker and Richard Walker wiped out Marc Nygaard's opener, and although Damion Stewart pulled one back late on, it was a night to forget for the R's.
Rangers trailed 2-1 at the break, despite Nygaard's first goal of the season.
The Danish front-man opened his account inside the opening nine minutes at Vale Park, finishing with aplomb after a goalkeeping howler from Vale custodian Mark Goodlad.
Port Vale were on terms within ten minutes though, with Smith smashing an unstoppable strike beyond the despairing dive of Jake Cole.
And the first half comeback was complete on 27 minutes, when Whitaker bundled the ball home after Akpo Sodje's initial effort had cannoned off the post.
Walker made it 3-1 midway through the second half, before Stewart bagged his first in QPR colours to give the R's hope on 77 minutes.
But it was not to be for Gary Waddock's men, as the R's poor form in Cup competitions continued.
Waddock made four changes from the embarrassing defeat at Layer Road on Saturday, with Marcus Bignot, Pat Kanyuka, Stefan Bailey and Adam Czerkas returning to the fray.
cky Ward and Lee Cook occupied the wide midfield roles, as the R's - skippered by Marc Bircham - went gunning for only their third win of the campaign.
Rangers orchestrated the opening exchanges, with Ward and Cook both feeling the force of a couple of rash challenges which referee Mr Salisbury.
But it was R's midfielder Bailey who marked his return to the starting XI with a booking inside the opening six minutes, for a rash challenge on Jeff Smith.
The R's positive start paid dividends with an opening goal on nine minutes and it was Nygaard who got it.
Chasing down an innocuous looking through ball, the Danish front-man blocked Vale custodian Mark Goodlad's attempted clearance, before curling the ball into an empty net from an acute angle.
It was a textbook finish from the Dane, who could count himself extremely unlucky not to open his account just three days earlier at Layer Road, when the dubious goals panel gave the R's consolation to U's defender Wayne Brown.
Buoyed by their goal, the Super Hoops continued to enjoy the lion's share of possession, with Cook at the heart of their impressive start.
After leaving three in his wake with a superb piece of wing play, the R's left winger delivered a piercing near post cross, which Goodlad did well to gather under pressure from Ward.
Port Vale were by no means overawed by their Championship opponents though and from their very first attack of the tie, Smith smashed an unstoppable half volley past Cole to put the Valiants on terms.
Undeterred, the R's were back on the front foot almost immediately, with Nygaard stinging the palms of Goodlad with a speculative 25-yard drive.
Smith was the undoubted star of the show for the hosts and when he sent in an inch-perfect centre on 27 minutes, Sodje beat Cole to the cross and headed against the upright.
The danger wasn't over though and Whitaker was in the right place at the right time to bundle home the rebound, to leave the small gathering of Rangers fearing yet another woeful away day.
Cole's evening almost went from bad to worse on 33 minutes, when was adjudged to have sent Whitaker sprawling to ground on the edge of the box.
Fortunately for the R's custodian, Mr Salisbury let the challenge go unpunished, which was of some relief to Waddock, who had no fit goalkeepers at his disposal on the bench.
The pressure on the R's back four was relentless and after Sodje headed inches over, Cole had to be at his agile best to tip round Paul Harsley's 25-yard screamer.
Nygaard squandered a glorious chance on the stroke of half-time, volleying high and wide after breaking through the last line of the Vale defence.
It proved to be his last involvement, as the R's crippling injury crisis took yet another turn for the worse, with teenager Ray Jones replacing the unlucky Dane.
Matthew Rose replaced the out-of-sorts Mauro Milanese at the break, with the experienced defender slotting in at left back
Ward offered hope to the R's faithful when his mazy run ended with a speculative shot which flew inches wide on 53 minutes, but it was Vale who carved out the best opening of the second half on the hour.
Fine interplay between Constantine and Sodje released Mark McGregor, whose shot was deflected inches wide of Cole's left hand post.
Rangers didn't heed the warning though and from the resultant corner kick, Walker stooped to head home unchallenged from the edge of the six-yard box.
Bailey blasted high and wide from 20-yards on 70 minutes, but in truth, that was the best the R's could offer, despite enjoying prolonged spells of possession.
But Stewart handed them a lifeline with 13 minutes left on the clock - firing home from little more than three yards from Cook's in-swinging free-kick - to set up a grandstand finish.
Shabazz Baidoo went close in stoppage time, but Rangers bowed out.
Official Site
BBC - Port Vale 3-2 QPR
Port Vale piled more misery on to Championship strugglers QPR by dumping the visitors out of the Carling Cup.
QPR netted on nine minutes when Vale keeper Mark Goodlad's clearance hit striker Marc Nygaard, who tapped in.
Vale levelled 10 minutes later when Jeff Smith drove in a left-footed shot before Danny Whitaker bundled the ball home to put the home side in front.
Richard Walker's header extended Vale's lead, while Damion Stewart's goal proved to be a mere consolation.
BBC
Sporting Life
Qort Vale 3 QPR 2
QPR's dismal start to the season continued as they were dumped out of the Carling Cup by Coca-Cola League One outfit Port Vale.
Bottom of the Championship with just one league win so far this season, manager Gary Waddock had no respite at Vale Park as the hosts bounced back from conceding an early goal to claim the win.
Rangers were gifted the opener in the ninth minute when Mark Goodlad drilled a clearance into Marc Nygaard and the Danish frontman was left to tap into an open goal for his first of the season.
But Vale were on level terms 10 minutes later when Jeff Smith met a Danny Whitaker cross with a rasping left-footed shot which gave Jake Cole no chance.
Goodlad then made amends with a good save with his feet from Nygaard before the League One high-fliers took the lead.
The goal was a scrappy affair which was eventually given to Whitaker, although Leon Constantine also tried to claim it.
Rangers' evening got even worse when Nygaard was forced off just before the break with an injury, to be replaced by Ray Jones, whose late winner accounted for Northampton in the first round.
The second period got off to a slow start but the game burst into life just before the hour mark when Vale extended their lead, Richard Walker heading Danny Sonner's corner past Cole from six yards out.
Cole had to be alert to deny Constantine a fourth for Vale before the Hoops gave themselves a lifeline with 12 minutes remaining.
Vale struggled to clear a Lee Cook cross and it eventually fell to Damion Stewart, who prodded home his first goal for the club.
But Rangers were unable to muster any more chances and Vale, conquerors of Preston in round one, were left to celebrate another Championship scalp.
Sporting Life
Ex-QPR Birthdays: Tony Hazell Starts 60th Year ....David Seaman Turns 43
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Ex-QPR Stalwart, Tony Hazell Turns 59
Born September 19, 1947, Defender Tony Hazell played 350+ League games for QPR from the mid-1960s until he was sold in December 1974 to Millwall. He was also part of the 1967 League Cup Final Team.
Hazell
Also ex-QPR and England (and Leeds...Peterbrough...Arsenal...) Goalkeeper David Seaman turns 43...
Signed by QPR for 250,000 pounds from Birmingham in 1986, played for England while at QPR...Sold to Arsenal in 1990 for 1.3 million pounds
Seaman
Ex-QPR Stalwart, Tony Hazell Turns 59
Born September 19, 1947, Defender Tony Hazell played 350+ League games for QPR from the mid-1960s until he was sold in December 1974 to Millwall. He was also part of the 1967 League Cup Final Team.
Hazell
Also ex-QPR and England (and Leeds...Peterbrough...Arsenal...) Goalkeeper David Seaman turns 43...
Signed by QPR for 250,000 pounds from Birmingham in 1986, played for England while at QPR...Sold to Arsenal in 1990 for 1.3 million pounds
Seaman
Supposed Newell Assertion re Langley in Tonight's BBC Panorama "Bungs" Documentary
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This is London - 18.09.06
Six to eight managers involved in undercover 'bung' probe
An agent who Luton Town manager Mike Newell claims offered him bungs will tonight be named in the BBC's explosive documentary on corruption in football.
Newell caused a storm last season when he became the first manager to reveal he had been offered illegal financial incentives by agents. He gave their names to the FA for them to investigate. Newell's revelations also triggered a Premier League inquiry, led by Lord Stevens, into the alleged bungs scandal...
It is understood that when Newell took his bungs dossier to the FA, he alleged that he had been offered inducements on three occasions, twice to conduct transfers and once to renegotiate a player's contract.
The first instance occurred when Luton striker Steve Howard was the subject of transfer interest from Sheffield Wednesday.
Sportsmail understands that Newell claims to have been offered a bung if he agreed to the deal. Newell refused and the transfer never took place.
Newell also told the FA he was offered a kickback two years ago if he agreed to a new contract for Luton player Enoch Showunmi, doubling his money plus a bonus for appearances. ... Newell says he was also offered a bung if he signed midfielder Richard Langley from Queens Park Rangers. On this occasion, Newell claimed the player was not even represented by Collymore and Wilson. .....
This is London
This is London - 18.09.06
Six to eight managers involved in undercover 'bung' probe
An agent who Luton Town manager Mike Newell claims offered him bungs will tonight be named in the BBC's explosive documentary on corruption in football.
Newell caused a storm last season when he became the first manager to reveal he had been offered illegal financial incentives by agents. He gave their names to the FA for them to investigate. Newell's revelations also triggered a Premier League inquiry, led by Lord Stevens, into the alleged bungs scandal...
It is understood that when Newell took his bungs dossier to the FA, he alleged that he had been offered inducements on three occasions, twice to conduct transfers and once to renegotiate a player's contract.
The first instance occurred when Luton striker Steve Howard was the subject of transfer interest from Sheffield Wednesday.
Sportsmail understands that Newell claims to have been offered a bung if he agreed to the deal. Newell refused and the transfer never took place.
Newell also told the FA he was offered a kickback two years ago if he agreed to a new contract for Luton player Enoch Showunmi, doubling his money plus a bonus for appearances. ... Newell says he was also offered a bung if he signed midfielder Richard Langley from Queens Park Rangers. On this occasion, Newell claimed the player was not even represented by Collymore and Wilson. .....
This is London
Monday, September 18, 2006
Marc Bircham Criticizes QPR's Performance "..We're in a Relegation Battle"
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Daily Mirror - 18 September 2006
BIRCHAM: SHAME WILL BOOST US
Colchester 2 QPR 1
MARC BIRCHAM believes Rangers are already locked in a desperate relegation battle and hopes the embarrassment of being bottom finally stirs them into life.
QPR have won just four times in 23 games since Gary Waddock succeeded Ian Holloway as boss at Loftus Road in February.
The Londoners' dire form continued against promoted Colchester, who coasted into an early 2-0 lead.
And with the Hoops hosting fellow strugglers Hull this Saturday, life-long QPR fan Bircham is anxious his teammates respond.
The midfielder said: "We should look at the table and it should turn our stomachs.
"Seeing QPR at the bottom is my worst nightmare and we need to get that feeling into the team.
"We owe it to ourselves to go home, look at the table and see where we are - that's all the desire and determination we should need. The message has got through and I hope it will mean we're fired up for the next game because I was disappointed with our work-rate.
"When you come in after the first half and it's 2-0 and you're not up for the battle, it's not acceptable.
"But we're in a relegation battle now and it doesn't matter what tactics or formations we play we've got to win the battle."Mirror
[Just to note Friday's Mirror story and how it depicted the situation.
Mirror 15 September 2006 - QPR PAY PRICE FOR BIRCHAM
MARC BIRCHAM will cost his boyhood heroes QPR a cool £1million - by refusing to leave until he walks away on a Bosman next summer.
The midfielder, 28, has been on the transfer list since May but is refusing to even consider a move.
Bircham said: "I've got a contract until the end of the season and I'm sticking to it. There's no way I'm leaving while I can still stay."
Mirror
Daily Mirror - 18 September 2006
BIRCHAM: SHAME WILL BOOST US
Colchester 2 QPR 1
MARC BIRCHAM believes Rangers are already locked in a desperate relegation battle and hopes the embarrassment of being bottom finally stirs them into life.
QPR have won just four times in 23 games since Gary Waddock succeeded Ian Holloway as boss at Loftus Road in February.
The Londoners' dire form continued against promoted Colchester, who coasted into an early 2-0 lead.
And with the Hoops hosting fellow strugglers Hull this Saturday, life-long QPR fan Bircham is anxious his teammates respond.
The midfielder said: "We should look at the table and it should turn our stomachs.
"Seeing QPR at the bottom is my worst nightmare and we need to get that feeling into the team.
"We owe it to ourselves to go home, look at the table and see where we are - that's all the desire and determination we should need. The message has got through and I hope it will mean we're fired up for the next game because I was disappointed with our work-rate.
"When you come in after the first half and it's 2-0 and you're not up for the battle, it's not acceptable.
"But we're in a relegation battle now and it doesn't matter what tactics or formations we play we've got to win the battle."Mirror
[Just to note Friday's Mirror story and how it depicted the situation.
Mirror 15 September 2006 - QPR PAY PRICE FOR BIRCHAM
MARC BIRCHAM will cost his boyhood heroes QPR a cool £1million - by refusing to leave until he walks away on a Bosman next summer.
The midfielder, 28, has been on the transfer list since May but is refusing to even consider a move.
Bircham said: "I've got a contract until the end of the season and I'm sticking to it. There's no way I'm leaving while I can still stay."
Mirror
Waddock's Managerial Record
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Garry Waddock's Managerial Record in the Championship since he took over at QPR - First as Acting/Caretaker manager and then in the summer as permanent manager.
As of September 18, 2006:3 wins in 22 games. One win in the past 19 games.
2005/06 Played 14: 2 wins 5 draws 7 Lost
2006/2007: Played 8: 1 Win, 3 Draws, 3 Losses
2005/2006
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W - QPR 1-0 Millwall 11-02-2006
L - C Palace 2-1 QPR 14-02-2006
W - Sheff Utd 2-3 QPR 25-02-2006
D - QPR 0-0 Wolves 04-03-2006
D - Sheff Wed 1-1 QPR 11-03-2006
D - QPR 1-1 Brighton 18-03-2006
D - Cardiff 0-0 QPR 25-03-2006
L - QPR 1-2 Stoke 29-03-2006
L - QPR 1-2 Crewe 01-04-2006
L - Burnley 1-0 QPR 08-04-2006
D - QPR 1-1 Derby 15-04-2006
L - Norwich 3-2 QPR 17-04-2006
L - QPR 1-2 Watford 22-04-2006
L - Reading 2-1 QPR 30-04-2006
2006/2007
L - Burnley 2-0 QPR 05-08-2006
D - QPR 2-2 Leeds 08-08-2006
W - QPR 2-0 Southend 12-08-2006
D - Preston 1-1 QPR 19-08-2006
L - QPR 1-3 Ipswich 25-08-2006
D - Plymouth 1-1 QPR 09-09-2006
L - QPR 0-2 Birmingham 12-09-2006
L - Colchester 2-1 QPR 16-09-2006
[Results from www.soccerbase.com ]
[Results for the earlier part of 2005/2006 under Ian Holloway
Hull City 0-0 QPR 06-08-2005
QPR 2-1 Ipswich 09-08-2005
QPR 2-1 Sheff Utd 13-08-2005
Coventry 3-0 QPR 20-08-2005
QPR 0-0 Sheff Wed 26-08-2005
Wolves 3-1 QPR 30-08-2005
Southampton 1-1 QPR 10-09-2005
QPR 1-0 Luton 13-09-2005
QPR 0-1 Leeds 17-09-2005
Leicester 1-2 QPR 24-09-2005
Millwall 1-1 QPR 27-09-2005
QPR 1-3 C Palace 03-10-2005
Preston 1-1 QPR 15-10-2005
QPR 1-1 Plymouth 18-10-2005
QPR 3-0 Norwich 22-10-2005
Derby 1-2 QPR 29-10-2005
Watford 3-1 QPR 01-11-2005
QPR 1-2 Reading 05-11-2005
Plymouth 3-1 QPR 19-11-2005
QPR 0-2 Preston 22-11-2005
QPR 2-2 Hull City 26-11-2005
Stoke 1-2 QPR 03-12-2005
Ipswich 2-2 QPR 10-12-2005
QPR 0-1 Coventry 19-12-2005
Brighton 1-0 QPR 26-12-2005
QPR 1-0 Cardiff 28-12-2005
Crewe 3-4 QPR 31-12-2005
QPR 1-1 Burnley 02-01-2006
QPR 1-0 Southampton 14-01-2006
Luton 2-0 QPR 21-01-2006
QPR 2-3 Leicester 31-01-2006
Leeds 2-0 QPR 04-02-
Garry Waddock's Managerial Record in the Championship since he took over at QPR - First as Acting/Caretaker manager and then in the summer as permanent manager.
As of September 18, 2006:3 wins in 22 games. One win in the past 19 games.
2005/06 Played 14: 2 wins 5 draws 7 Lost
2006/2007: Played 8: 1 Win, 3 Draws, 3 Losses
2005/2006
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W - QPR 1-0 Millwall 11-02-2006
L - C Palace 2-1 QPR 14-02-2006
W - Sheff Utd 2-3 QPR 25-02-2006
D - QPR 0-0 Wolves 04-03-2006
D - Sheff Wed 1-1 QPR 11-03-2006
D - QPR 1-1 Brighton 18-03-2006
D - Cardiff 0-0 QPR 25-03-2006
L - QPR 1-2 Stoke 29-03-2006
L - QPR 1-2 Crewe 01-04-2006
L - Burnley 1-0 QPR 08-04-2006
D - QPR 1-1 Derby 15-04-2006
L - Norwich 3-2 QPR 17-04-2006
L - QPR 1-2 Watford 22-04-2006
L - Reading 2-1 QPR 30-04-2006
2006/2007
L - Burnley 2-0 QPR 05-08-2006
D - QPR 2-2 Leeds 08-08-2006
W - QPR 2-0 Southend 12-08-2006
D - Preston 1-1 QPR 19-08-2006
L - QPR 1-3 Ipswich 25-08-2006
D - Plymouth 1-1 QPR 09-09-2006
L - QPR 0-2 Birmingham 12-09-2006
L - Colchester 2-1 QPR 16-09-2006
[Results from www.soccerbase.com ]
[Results for the earlier part of 2005/2006 under Ian Holloway
Hull City 0-0 QPR 06-08-2005
QPR 2-1 Ipswich 09-08-2005
QPR 2-1 Sheff Utd 13-08-2005
Coventry 3-0 QPR 20-08-2005
QPR 0-0 Sheff Wed 26-08-2005
Wolves 3-1 QPR 30-08-2005
Southampton 1-1 QPR 10-09-2005
QPR 1-0 Luton 13-09-2005
QPR 0-1 Leeds 17-09-2005
Leicester 1-2 QPR 24-09-2005
Millwall 1-1 QPR 27-09-2005
QPR 1-3 C Palace 03-10-2005
Preston 1-1 QPR 15-10-2005
QPR 1-1 Plymouth 18-10-2005
QPR 3-0 Norwich 22-10-2005
Derby 1-2 QPR 29-10-2005
Watford 3-1 QPR 01-11-2005
QPR 1-2 Reading 05-11-2005
Plymouth 3-1 QPR 19-11-2005
QPR 0-2 Preston 22-11-2005
QPR 2-2 Hull City 26-11-2005
Stoke 1-2 QPR 03-12-2005
Ipswich 2-2 QPR 10-12-2005
QPR 0-1 Coventry 19-12-2005
Brighton 1-0 QPR 26-12-2005
QPR 1-0 Cardiff 28-12-2005
Crewe 3-4 QPR 31-12-2005
QPR 1-1 Burnley 02-01-2006
QPR 1-0 Southampton 14-01-2006
Luton 2-0 QPR 21-01-2006
QPR 2-3 Leicester 31-01-2006
Leeds 2-0 QPR 04-02-
Ex-QPR Dean Coney Turns 43
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Dean Coney Turns 43: Born September 18, 1963
Forward signed from Fulham for about 150,000 pounds (along with Paul Parker who signed for 250,000 pounds) in June 1987. Remained with QPR till March 1989, when he joined Norwich
Coney;s
Dean Coney Turns 43: Born September 18, 1963
Forward signed from Fulham for about 150,000 pounds (along with Paul Parker who signed for 250,000 pounds) in June 1987. Remained with QPR till March 1989, when he joined Norwich
Coney;s
Colchester 2 QPR 1 - Further Reports
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Telegraph -
Championship Round-up: Waddock wades in
Colchester United 2 Queens Park Rangers 1
Gary Waddock branded his QPR team 'a shambles' after they slumped to the foot of the table following defeat at Layer Road.
"It was a complete embarrassment," fumed Waddock. "The players simply didn't respond in the first half. If you know you are bottom of the table you expect a bit more passion than we saw."
Chris Iwelumo and Richard Garcia scored first-half goals for the hosts with Wayne Brown helping a Marc Nygaard lob into his own net late on for QPR.
Colchester: Gerken, Halford, Baldwin, Brown, Barker, Garcia (McLeod 67), Izzet, Watson, Duguid, Cureton, Iwelumo. Subs: Cousins, White, Jackson, Guy. Goals: Iwelumo (9), Garcia (18).
QPR: Cole, Rose, Stewart, Rehman, Milanese, Baidoo (Donnelly 79), Ward, Bircham, Cook, Nygaard, Ray Jones (Czerkas 45). Subs: Bignot, Bailey, Kanyuka. Goal: Brown (76 og). Booked: Cook, Bircham, Milanese.
Referee: A Wiley (Staffordshire)
Telegraph
Telegraph -
Championship Round-up: Waddock wades in
Colchester United 2 Queens Park Rangers 1
Gary Waddock branded his QPR team 'a shambles' after they slumped to the foot of the table following defeat at Layer Road.
"It was a complete embarrassment," fumed Waddock. "The players simply didn't respond in the first half. If you know you are bottom of the table you expect a bit more passion than we saw."
Chris Iwelumo and Richard Garcia scored first-half goals for the hosts with Wayne Brown helping a Marc Nygaard lob into his own net late on for QPR.
Colchester: Gerken, Halford, Baldwin, Brown, Barker, Garcia (McLeod 67), Izzet, Watson, Duguid, Cureton, Iwelumo. Subs: Cousins, White, Jackson, Guy. Goals: Iwelumo (9), Garcia (18).
QPR: Cole, Rose, Stewart, Rehman, Milanese, Baidoo (Donnelly 79), Ward, Bircham, Cook, Nygaard, Ray Jones (Czerkas 45). Subs: Bignot, Bailey, Kanyuka. Goal: Brown (76 og). Booked: Cook, Bircham, Milanese.
Referee: A Wiley (Staffordshire)
Telegraph
Sunday, September 17, 2006
Marking a Decade Since Stuart Houston Was Appointed QPR Manager
-
And Bruce Rioch became the Assistant Manager.
According to QPRNet's dates, Houston lasted at QPR from September 16th 1996 till November 10, 1997.
http://qprnet.com/history/managers.shtml
See Also:
http://www.leaguemanagers.com/manager/profile-531.html
Profile of Houston - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stewart_Houston
And Bruce Rioch became the Assistant Manager.
According to QPRNet's dates, Houston lasted at QPR from September 16th 1996 till November 10, 1997.
http://qprnet.com/history/managers.shtml
See Also:
http://www.leaguemanagers.com/manager/profile-531.html
Profile of Houston - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stewart_Houston
Birthdays: Mauro Milanese Turns 35...Ex-QPR, Mike Fillery turns 46
-
Birthdays Today:
Mauro Milanese Turns 35 - Born September 17, 1971
Milanese
Ex-QPR Mike Fillery - Turns 46 - Born September 17, 1960
Signed by Terry Venables from Chelsea in August 1973 (after QPR failed to sign Hoddle or Wilkins), Fillery stayed for 3-4 years before joining Portsmouth on a free in July 1987.
Fillery
Also Former Coach, and West Ham Midfielder, Billy Bonds, Turns 60
Bonds
Birthdays Today:
Mauro Milanese Turns 35 - Born September 17, 1971
Milanese
Ex-QPR Mike Fillery - Turns 46 - Born September 17, 1960
Signed by Terry Venables from Chelsea in August 1973 (after QPR failed to sign Hoddle or Wilkins), Fillery stayed for 3-4 years before joining Portsmouth on a free in July 1987.
Fillery
Also Former Coach, and West Ham Midfielder, Billy Bonds, Turns 60
Bonds
QPR Sink into the Mire...Colchester 2 QPR 1
-
Colchester 2 QPR 1...QPR Bottom
league Table
Waddock's Comments - Official Site
Gary Waddock didn't mince his words and called on his men to show pride and passion.
Rangers found themselves 2-0 down at half time and pulled a goal back thanks to a Colchester own goal, and Waddock was not a happy man.
Harking back to his days as a player, the Rangers manager asked his men to take a good look at themselves in the mirror tonight.
"I don't know where to start, where was the pride? Where was the passion?
"I wasn't the best player, but in mine and Alan McDonald's day we knew what it meant to wear the shirt.
"I'm getting sick of coming out here and talking about good football, and I'm sure the fans are as well. I'd rather play the sort of football that wins games.
"All I know is, we're bottom of the table and I don't like it one bit.
"We didn't improve in the second half in my opinion; we were bad from start to finish.
"We had injuries and that's not what this performance was down to. All that proves to me is that those who filled in didn't do enough to nail down a spot.
"Myself and Alan McDonald both said the same thing to the players after the game, they need to take a long, hard look at themselves."
QPR Official
QPR OFFICIAL SITE MATCH REPORT
It was a case of too little too late for Rangers as they succumbed to a 2-1 defeat at Layer Road.
Colchester were out of the traps early and had already struck twice before the 20 minute mark.
Rangers didn't start to get a look in until an hour in to the game, but slowly the visitors started to look more dangerous.
Marc Nygaard's goal bound shot was headed over the goal line by Wayne Brown and suddenly Colchester had a nervy finale.
Rangers were unable to do enough to steal a share of the points however and find themselves rooted to the bottom of the table.
Gary Waddock was forced to make several changes this morning after finding several of his squad members injured or ill.
Kevin Gallen, Dexter Blackstock, Egutu Oliseh and more importantly, Paul Jones were all unfit to play.
Jake Cole came in for his first start of the season and Ray Jones was back in the starting eleven.
The defence remained as you were, and Shabazz Baidoo came in to take up a place on the right of midfield.
With Hull's victory on Friday night, QPR found themselves at the foot of the table and were hoping to put that right at Layer Road.
Colchester were the first to attempt any sort of attack, but Karl Duguid's shot was sent sky high when he was in fact well placed in front of goal.
There was then some desperate defending by Zesh Rehman, Marc Bircham and finally Nicky Ward to thwart Colchester as the ball was repetitively fired into the box.
Rangers then got off to the worst possible start, falling behind after Bircham had been taken out of the game.
Wayne Brown's shot was blocked by the Rs midfielder, but as he went down winded, the ball fell into the path of Chris Iwelumo who made no mistake from six yards.
It went from bad to worse when Richard Garcia doubled the lead with a vicious shot from the edge of the box.
The ball rocketed straight down the middle and in to the roof of the net, leaving Cole helpless.
The R's continued to be put under pressure when Duguid took advantage of Damion Stewart's slip, but Rangers were saved when he lifted his shot high of the target.
With half an hour gone, QPR were yet to have a shot on target whereas in comparison Colchester had been raining the shots in on goal.
Bircham was able to muster the first change when his free kick eluded the wall and spun towards the bottom of the goal. Dean Gerken was equal to it though and gathered at his far post.
Garcia was proving to be a real threat and only a last ditch block from Bircham prevented the Australian from doubling his tally.
It was far from ideal as first halves go and if Rangers were to rescue anything from this game it would all have to be done after the break.
Waddock was obviously aware that changes needed to be made and Ray Jones made way for Adam Czerkas as the second half kicked off.
But the change still failed to enable Rangers to clear their lines as yet another flurry of pressure harassed the QPR back line.
Lee Cook then tried to take the game by the scruff of the neck when he stormed half the length of the pitch and pulled the trigger 30 yards from goal. Sadly the effort didn't have enough zip on it and it bobbled wide of the upright.
Now Rangers were starting to show promise with Cook really looking as though he had the bit between his teeth. The winger's mazy runs were cutting through the Colchester defence and his service into the box was just lacking a finishing touch.
Marc Nygaard then troubled Gerken when his shot on the turn had to be gathered as it spun its way towards goal and Rangers continued to improve.
Matthew Rose even fancied his chances in front of goal with two shots on targets within two minutes.
Baidoo then looked certain to score after carrying out all the hard work. He took on his man on the edge of the box, moved inside and let loose. How the ball passed on the wrong side of the upright will remain a mystery and the youngster reeled away with his head in his hands.
Finally, Rangers got one of the breaks that have eluded them all season.
Nygaard lobbed the U's keeper and his goalbound shot was helped on its way by Wayne Brown who headed into his own net.
Scott Donnelly caused Gerken to panic when his long range effort needed to be tipped round the post for a corner and there was a slight feeling of optimism in the Rangers camp.
Now it was Rangers' turn to rain balls in on the Colchester box.
Nygaard looked certain to equalise when his header was deflected no more than a foot wide of the post.
But once again the points eluded Rangers and the battle of the bottom clash against Hull City next weekend will hopefully bring a more positive result.
Colchester: Gerken, Halford, Brown, Watson, Duguid, Cureton, Izzet, Iwelumo, Baldwin, Garcia (McLeod 67), Barker
Subs: White, Jackson, Guy, Cousins
Booked:
Scorer: Iwelumo 9, Garcia 18
QPR: Cole, Milanese, Rehman, Stewart, Rose, Cook, Ward, Bircham, Baidoo (Donnelly 79), Nygaard, Jones (Czerkas 46)
Subs: Kanyuka, Bignot, Bailey
Booked: Cook, Bircham, Milanese
Scorers: Brown OG 76
Ref: A Wiley
Att: 5,246
QPR
Observer - Jason Tomas Sunday September 17, 2006
QPR, the only team below Leeds, struggled at Colchester to cope with the home team's set pieces. The goals that gave Colchester a 2-0 lead - from Chris Iwelumo and Richard Garcia - both stemmed from QPR's failure to properly clear corners directed to Wayne Brown. QPR found the net only once themselves, through a Brown own goal.
-Observer
BBC
Colchester 2-1 QPR
Colchester survived a second-half revival from basement side QPR to secure all three points at Layer Road.
United opened the scoring when Chris Iwelumo smashed home a right-footed drive across the face of goal and in at the far post.
Richard Garcia added the second when he picked up a headed down ball from Wayne Brown and blasted in from close range.
Brown headed into his own net to give QPR hope, who also came close through Lee Cook, Nick Ward and Marc Nygaard.
Colchester boss Geraint Williams:
"We're not making it easy, but what we are learning these days is how to win games. The performance may not be there but the results are coming.
"I was disappointed in how we performed in the second half and we still have work to do on closing games down.
"We were two goals up, but it still wasn't enough and looked for a third."
QPR boss Gary Waddock:
"It was a shambles, it was a complete embarrassment of a performance. We are bottom of the table and in the first half you could see why.
"There was a lack of commitment in the first half. We didn't pressurise.
"I'm not happy. The players just didn't respond in the first half. They haven't shown the passion. If you know you are bottom you expect a bit more passion."
BBC
http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/5330186.stm
COLCHESTER OFFICIAL
Goals from Chris Iwelumo and Richard Garcia made it three wins out of four for the U's as they extended their unbeaten run against QPR.
Once again, the U's came flying out of the blocks against their opponents and made their pressure count as two goals in the first twenty minutes gave them a cushion to protect.
The R's improved after the break, but despite an own goal from Wayne Brown, they repelled the revived visitors to move up to sixteenth in the table and away from the danger zone.
The U's made just one change from the side that had picked up four points on their travels in the past week.
Aidan Davison failed a late fitness test on a groin strain picked up on Thursday, with Dean Gerken coming into the starting eleven.
The U's started brightly and had the first chance with two minutes on the clock. A Greg Halford throw was flicked on by Chris Iwelumo lashed his volley over the crossbar.
And when they took a quick free kick on five minutes, Garcia's efforts forced the ball through to Cureton and Iwelumo who could both consider themselves unlucky not to have had a clearer sight of goal.
They got the lead their efforts deserved with just nine minutes on the clock. A corner into the box was volleyed towards goal by Wayne Brown - his effort cannoning into the nether regions of Marc Bircham and as the ball rebounded, Iwelumo lashed home past the dive of Jake Cole.
The attacks kept coming after the goal but the R's began to get a foothold of their own after the goal with the aerial threat of Nygaard in particular providing a useful outlet for the visitors.
However, Colchester doubled their advantage with 18 minutes on the clock.
Again it came from a set piece and, although there was a hint of offside when Brown first got to the ball, Garcia made no mistake as he lashed home a volley over Cole and into the roof of the net.
The Aussie nearly made it three four minutes later as Cureton and Iwelumo charged down on Cole as he went to clear the ball.
The pressure made the young keeper miscue his clearance and as Garcia drove the ball toward goal, it was bound for the back of the net before it struck the retreating Cureton.
There were clearly more goals in the game for the U's and when Bircham and Stewart got in each other's way trying to clear the ball, Duguid had time to do better as he lifted his curling effort over the bar.
The R's were struggling to pose an attacking threat but warmed Gerken's gloves for the first time in earnest on 32 minutes when Bircham struck a free kick straight into the young keeper's hands.
Barker was the man to defend well on 33 minutes when a good move down the Rangers left saw a ball thrust in and the loanee headed clear under pressure.
Despite Rangers having an element of possession in the final ten minutes of the half, the U's remained trouble free and went into the break with their advantage in tact.
The R's players were sent out early after the break, with manager Gary Waddock making one change in an attempt to liven things up. Ray Jones made way, with Adam Czerkas coming on.
Rangers' frustration boiled over a couple of minutes after the restart, Cook hauling Halford down after the U's man intercepted the pass intended for the winger.
Cole was then forced into an acrobatic save as Rehman's tackle on Izzet turned into a shot and needed to be tipped over the bar.
The same defender then turned the resulting set pieces only inches over the goal and from that corner, Stewart was relieved to see his clearance only go just wide!
At the other end, it looked like Brown had been outwitted by Czerkas down the left, only for the U's man to save the day as the striker hesitated with a shot on offer.
Cook was doing his best to lift the visitors and his surging run eight minutes into the second half saw Colchester players backing off before he drove wide of goal.
The visitors had started the half strongly and the U's needed someone to put their foot on the ball and retain possession.
The home fans sensed their side were under the cosh and tried to lift their team to see off the R's threat - although there were also nerves in the crowd.
Ten minutes after the break, main R's protagonist Cook was again in action, sending over a cross which just eluded Ward, the Aussie seeing the ball brush off his head as it went wide.
The U's first effort after the interval arrived on the hour mark - Duguid skipping past a weak tackle from Rose to send over a low cross that Iwelumo couldn't quite connect fully with.
A minute later and the U's striking duo bore down once again on Cole as he prepared a clearance and Cureton was unlucky to see the ball deflect wide as he blocked it.
At the other end, the ball reached Nygaard in a dangerous position and his first time effort was well blocked by Gerken.
Rehman had had a tough first half but he had to come to the rescue as the U's again exploited space down their left to send over a cross that almost found Iwelumo.
Cook was rising to the challenge posed to him by the Barside, embarking on a fantastic run into the box before hitting a shot that was well blocked by Baldwin.
The U's made their first change midway through the second half, replacing Garcia - who went off to a standing ovation - to be replaced by Kevin McLeod who made his home debut.
Less than five minutes after he came on, it was a current R's winger who nearly pulled them back into the game.
Boodoo collected a loose ball from a Barker header, drove into the box and, with only Gerken to beat, he smacked a shot that went inches wide of the post when he should have done better.
However, the visitors did pull one back on 76 minutes. A ball over the top found Nygaard and his lob over Gerken was bound for goal and, despite the desperate efforts of Brown, he could only help it on its way into the net.
Their efforts to get back into the match were hindered though when Boodoo was substituted with injury five minutes after the goal.
At the other end, when the R's defence again dealt unconvincingly with a set piece, Cureton twice had efforts blocked at the far post as he failed to connect sweetly with the ball.
The R's were giving their all in an attempt to get back into the match but could not find a path to goal as the U's back line held firm.
However, the home fans had their hearts in their mouths just before time as a Donnelly shot from the edge of the box was spilt by Gerken who could only watch it go past the post.
The home keeper did far better from the resultant set piece, claiming the corner firmly through a mass of bodies.
And there was another desperate moment for the U's when a cross into the box came off the head of Baldwin and dropped only inches wide once again.
Ball after ball was thrust into the penalty area but the home defence repelled their efforts to move further up the table and away from trouble.
Colchester
Colchester - Evening Star
U's dazzle against QPR as they win again
A DAZZLING first-half display earned Colchester United their third victory in the last four games, at the expense of basement club QPR at Layer Road this afternoon.
First-half goals from Chris Iwelumo and Richard Garcia put the U's in command, although they were holding on at the end after Wayne Brown had headed into his own net on 76 minutes. Iwelumo rifled home the opener after only nine minutes, and Garcia then hit the target with a thumping volley to put Geraint Williams' men 2-0 up in the 18th minute.
The U's should really have been out of sight before the interval, such was their dominance. QPR were hardly at the races. But it was a much tighter second-half. Rangers were handed a lifeline when Brown headed Marc Nygaard's lob into his own net, and that set up a nervous finale.
However, the hosts stood firm to make further progress up the Championship table.
- Colchester
Colchester 2 QPR 1...QPR Bottom
league Table
Waddock's Comments - Official Site
Gary Waddock didn't mince his words and called on his men to show pride and passion.
Rangers found themselves 2-0 down at half time and pulled a goal back thanks to a Colchester own goal, and Waddock was not a happy man.
Harking back to his days as a player, the Rangers manager asked his men to take a good look at themselves in the mirror tonight.
"I don't know where to start, where was the pride? Where was the passion?
"I wasn't the best player, but in mine and Alan McDonald's day we knew what it meant to wear the shirt.
"I'm getting sick of coming out here and talking about good football, and I'm sure the fans are as well. I'd rather play the sort of football that wins games.
"All I know is, we're bottom of the table and I don't like it one bit.
"We didn't improve in the second half in my opinion; we were bad from start to finish.
"We had injuries and that's not what this performance was down to. All that proves to me is that those who filled in didn't do enough to nail down a spot.
"Myself and Alan McDonald both said the same thing to the players after the game, they need to take a long, hard look at themselves."
QPR Official
QPR OFFICIAL SITE MATCH REPORT
It was a case of too little too late for Rangers as they succumbed to a 2-1 defeat at Layer Road.
Colchester were out of the traps early and had already struck twice before the 20 minute mark.
Rangers didn't start to get a look in until an hour in to the game, but slowly the visitors started to look more dangerous.
Marc Nygaard's goal bound shot was headed over the goal line by Wayne Brown and suddenly Colchester had a nervy finale.
Rangers were unable to do enough to steal a share of the points however and find themselves rooted to the bottom of the table.
Gary Waddock was forced to make several changes this morning after finding several of his squad members injured or ill.
Kevin Gallen, Dexter Blackstock, Egutu Oliseh and more importantly, Paul Jones were all unfit to play.
Jake Cole came in for his first start of the season and Ray Jones was back in the starting eleven.
The defence remained as you were, and Shabazz Baidoo came in to take up a place on the right of midfield.
With Hull's victory on Friday night, QPR found themselves at the foot of the table and were hoping to put that right at Layer Road.
Colchester were the first to attempt any sort of attack, but Karl Duguid's shot was sent sky high when he was in fact well placed in front of goal.
There was then some desperate defending by Zesh Rehman, Marc Bircham and finally Nicky Ward to thwart Colchester as the ball was repetitively fired into the box.
Rangers then got off to the worst possible start, falling behind after Bircham had been taken out of the game.
Wayne Brown's shot was blocked by the Rs midfielder, but as he went down winded, the ball fell into the path of Chris Iwelumo who made no mistake from six yards.
It went from bad to worse when Richard Garcia doubled the lead with a vicious shot from the edge of the box.
The ball rocketed straight down the middle and in to the roof of the net, leaving Cole helpless.
The R's continued to be put under pressure when Duguid took advantage of Damion Stewart's slip, but Rangers were saved when he lifted his shot high of the target.
With half an hour gone, QPR were yet to have a shot on target whereas in comparison Colchester had been raining the shots in on goal.
Bircham was able to muster the first change when his free kick eluded the wall and spun towards the bottom of the goal. Dean Gerken was equal to it though and gathered at his far post.
Garcia was proving to be a real threat and only a last ditch block from Bircham prevented the Australian from doubling his tally.
It was far from ideal as first halves go and if Rangers were to rescue anything from this game it would all have to be done after the break.
Waddock was obviously aware that changes needed to be made and Ray Jones made way for Adam Czerkas as the second half kicked off.
But the change still failed to enable Rangers to clear their lines as yet another flurry of pressure harassed the QPR back line.
Lee Cook then tried to take the game by the scruff of the neck when he stormed half the length of the pitch and pulled the trigger 30 yards from goal. Sadly the effort didn't have enough zip on it and it bobbled wide of the upright.
Now Rangers were starting to show promise with Cook really looking as though he had the bit between his teeth. The winger's mazy runs were cutting through the Colchester defence and his service into the box was just lacking a finishing touch.
Marc Nygaard then troubled Gerken when his shot on the turn had to be gathered as it spun its way towards goal and Rangers continued to improve.
Matthew Rose even fancied his chances in front of goal with two shots on targets within two minutes.
Baidoo then looked certain to score after carrying out all the hard work. He took on his man on the edge of the box, moved inside and let loose. How the ball passed on the wrong side of the upright will remain a mystery and the youngster reeled away with his head in his hands.
Finally, Rangers got one of the breaks that have eluded them all season.
Nygaard lobbed the U's keeper and his goalbound shot was helped on its way by Wayne Brown who headed into his own net.
Scott Donnelly caused Gerken to panic when his long range effort needed to be tipped round the post for a corner and there was a slight feeling of optimism in the Rangers camp.
Now it was Rangers' turn to rain balls in on the Colchester box.
Nygaard looked certain to equalise when his header was deflected no more than a foot wide of the post.
But once again the points eluded Rangers and the battle of the bottom clash against Hull City next weekend will hopefully bring a more positive result.
Colchester: Gerken, Halford, Brown, Watson, Duguid, Cureton, Izzet, Iwelumo, Baldwin, Garcia (McLeod 67), Barker
Subs: White, Jackson, Guy, Cousins
Booked:
Scorer: Iwelumo 9, Garcia 18
QPR: Cole, Milanese, Rehman, Stewart, Rose, Cook, Ward, Bircham, Baidoo (Donnelly 79), Nygaard, Jones (Czerkas 46)
Subs: Kanyuka, Bignot, Bailey
Booked: Cook, Bircham, Milanese
Scorers: Brown OG 76
Ref: A Wiley
Att: 5,246
QPR
Observer - Jason Tomas Sunday September 17, 2006
QPR, the only team below Leeds, struggled at Colchester to cope with the home team's set pieces. The goals that gave Colchester a 2-0 lead - from Chris Iwelumo and Richard Garcia - both stemmed from QPR's failure to properly clear corners directed to Wayne Brown. QPR found the net only once themselves, through a Brown own goal.
-Observer
BBC
Colchester 2-1 QPR
Colchester survived a second-half revival from basement side QPR to secure all three points at Layer Road.
United opened the scoring when Chris Iwelumo smashed home a right-footed drive across the face of goal and in at the far post.
Richard Garcia added the second when he picked up a headed down ball from Wayne Brown and blasted in from close range.
Brown headed into his own net to give QPR hope, who also came close through Lee Cook, Nick Ward and Marc Nygaard.
Colchester boss Geraint Williams:
"We're not making it easy, but what we are learning these days is how to win games. The performance may not be there but the results are coming.
"I was disappointed in how we performed in the second half and we still have work to do on closing games down.
"We were two goals up, but it still wasn't enough and looked for a third."
QPR boss Gary Waddock:
"It was a shambles, it was a complete embarrassment of a performance. We are bottom of the table and in the first half you could see why.
"There was a lack of commitment in the first half. We didn't pressurise.
"I'm not happy. The players just didn't respond in the first half. They haven't shown the passion. If you know you are bottom you expect a bit more passion."
BBC
http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/5330186.stm
COLCHESTER OFFICIAL
Goals from Chris Iwelumo and Richard Garcia made it three wins out of four for the U's as they extended their unbeaten run against QPR.
Once again, the U's came flying out of the blocks against their opponents and made their pressure count as two goals in the first twenty minutes gave them a cushion to protect.
The R's improved after the break, but despite an own goal from Wayne Brown, they repelled the revived visitors to move up to sixteenth in the table and away from the danger zone.
The U's made just one change from the side that had picked up four points on their travels in the past week.
Aidan Davison failed a late fitness test on a groin strain picked up on Thursday, with Dean Gerken coming into the starting eleven.
The U's started brightly and had the first chance with two minutes on the clock. A Greg Halford throw was flicked on by Chris Iwelumo lashed his volley over the crossbar.
And when they took a quick free kick on five minutes, Garcia's efforts forced the ball through to Cureton and Iwelumo who could both consider themselves unlucky not to have had a clearer sight of goal.
They got the lead their efforts deserved with just nine minutes on the clock. A corner into the box was volleyed towards goal by Wayne Brown - his effort cannoning into the nether regions of Marc Bircham and as the ball rebounded, Iwelumo lashed home past the dive of Jake Cole.
The attacks kept coming after the goal but the R's began to get a foothold of their own after the goal with the aerial threat of Nygaard in particular providing a useful outlet for the visitors.
However, Colchester doubled their advantage with 18 minutes on the clock.
Again it came from a set piece and, although there was a hint of offside when Brown first got to the ball, Garcia made no mistake as he lashed home a volley over Cole and into the roof of the net.
The Aussie nearly made it three four minutes later as Cureton and Iwelumo charged down on Cole as he went to clear the ball.
The pressure made the young keeper miscue his clearance and as Garcia drove the ball toward goal, it was bound for the back of the net before it struck the retreating Cureton.
There were clearly more goals in the game for the U's and when Bircham and Stewart got in each other's way trying to clear the ball, Duguid had time to do better as he lifted his curling effort over the bar.
The R's were struggling to pose an attacking threat but warmed Gerken's gloves for the first time in earnest on 32 minutes when Bircham struck a free kick straight into the young keeper's hands.
Barker was the man to defend well on 33 minutes when a good move down the Rangers left saw a ball thrust in and the loanee headed clear under pressure.
Despite Rangers having an element of possession in the final ten minutes of the half, the U's remained trouble free and went into the break with their advantage in tact.
The R's players were sent out early after the break, with manager Gary Waddock making one change in an attempt to liven things up. Ray Jones made way, with Adam Czerkas coming on.
Rangers' frustration boiled over a couple of minutes after the restart, Cook hauling Halford down after the U's man intercepted the pass intended for the winger.
Cole was then forced into an acrobatic save as Rehman's tackle on Izzet turned into a shot and needed to be tipped over the bar.
The same defender then turned the resulting set pieces only inches over the goal and from that corner, Stewart was relieved to see his clearance only go just wide!
At the other end, it looked like Brown had been outwitted by Czerkas down the left, only for the U's man to save the day as the striker hesitated with a shot on offer.
Cook was doing his best to lift the visitors and his surging run eight minutes into the second half saw Colchester players backing off before he drove wide of goal.
The visitors had started the half strongly and the U's needed someone to put their foot on the ball and retain possession.
The home fans sensed their side were under the cosh and tried to lift their team to see off the R's threat - although there were also nerves in the crowd.
Ten minutes after the break, main R's protagonist Cook was again in action, sending over a cross which just eluded Ward, the Aussie seeing the ball brush off his head as it went wide.
The U's first effort after the interval arrived on the hour mark - Duguid skipping past a weak tackle from Rose to send over a low cross that Iwelumo couldn't quite connect fully with.
A minute later and the U's striking duo bore down once again on Cole as he prepared a clearance and Cureton was unlucky to see the ball deflect wide as he blocked it.
At the other end, the ball reached Nygaard in a dangerous position and his first time effort was well blocked by Gerken.
Rehman had had a tough first half but he had to come to the rescue as the U's again exploited space down their left to send over a cross that almost found Iwelumo.
Cook was rising to the challenge posed to him by the Barside, embarking on a fantastic run into the box before hitting a shot that was well blocked by Baldwin.
The U's made their first change midway through the second half, replacing Garcia - who went off to a standing ovation - to be replaced by Kevin McLeod who made his home debut.
Less than five minutes after he came on, it was a current R's winger who nearly pulled them back into the game.
Boodoo collected a loose ball from a Barker header, drove into the box and, with only Gerken to beat, he smacked a shot that went inches wide of the post when he should have done better.
However, the visitors did pull one back on 76 minutes. A ball over the top found Nygaard and his lob over Gerken was bound for goal and, despite the desperate efforts of Brown, he could only help it on its way into the net.
Their efforts to get back into the match were hindered though when Boodoo was substituted with injury five minutes after the goal.
At the other end, when the R's defence again dealt unconvincingly with a set piece, Cureton twice had efforts blocked at the far post as he failed to connect sweetly with the ball.
The R's were giving their all in an attempt to get back into the match but could not find a path to goal as the U's back line held firm.
However, the home fans had their hearts in their mouths just before time as a Donnelly shot from the edge of the box was spilt by Gerken who could only watch it go past the post.
The home keeper did far better from the resultant set piece, claiming the corner firmly through a mass of bodies.
And there was another desperate moment for the U's when a cross into the box came off the head of Baldwin and dropped only inches wide once again.
Ball after ball was thrust into the penalty area but the home defence repelled their efforts to move further up the table and away from trouble.
Colchester
Colchester - Evening Star
U's dazzle against QPR as they win again
A DAZZLING first-half display earned Colchester United their third victory in the last four games, at the expense of basement club QPR at Layer Road this afternoon.
First-half goals from Chris Iwelumo and Richard Garcia put the U's in command, although they were holding on at the end after Wayne Brown had headed into his own net on 76 minutes. Iwelumo rifled home the opener after only nine minutes, and Garcia then hit the target with a thumping volley to put Geraint Williams' men 2-0 up in the 18th minute.
The U's should really have been out of sight before the interval, such was their dominance. QPR were hardly at the races. But it was a much tighter second-half. Rangers were handed a lifeline when Brown headed Marc Nygaard's lob into his own net, and that set up a nervous finale.
However, the hosts stood firm to make further progress up the Championship table.
- Colchester
Friday, September 15, 2006
Penrice & Breaker Joining Plymouth - Hopefully - Next Week!
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Now up to 222 Days since Penrice and Breaker were placed on Gardening Leave...
Plymouth Official Site
COACHING UPDATE
THE saga of Gary Penrice and Tim Breacker joining the coaching staff at Argyle is apparently nearing a conclusion.
Manager Ian Holloway confirmed that all the loose ends have almost been tied up with regard to Penrice, and he is hoping to have his former QPR colleague on board within a week.
The pair have been negotiating a settlement with the QPR chairman Gianni Palladini, and Holloway had initially hoped they would be working at Home Park at the start of September.
"It is like a soap opera," said Holloway.
"I think Gary Penrice is sorted but he won't be on the trip to Southampton, so I will have to wait until at least next week.
"It was a mixture of the two but I think Michael (Dunford) has finally come up with something that is acceptable to Gary, and now it is left to Mr Palladini to organize things.
"I am very optimistic and there are not a lot of things that get me down."
Plymouth Official Site
See Also From Last Week
Now up to 222 Days since Penrice and Breaker were placed on Gardening Leave...
Plymouth Official Site
COACHING UPDATE
THE saga of Gary Penrice and Tim Breacker joining the coaching staff at Argyle is apparently nearing a conclusion.
Manager Ian Holloway confirmed that all the loose ends have almost been tied up with regard to Penrice, and he is hoping to have his former QPR colleague on board within a week.
The pair have been negotiating a settlement with the QPR chairman Gianni Palladini, and Holloway had initially hoped they would be working at Home Park at the start of September.
"It is like a soap opera," said Holloway.
"I think Gary Penrice is sorted but he won't be on the trip to Southampton, so I will have to wait until at least next week.
"It was a mixture of the two but I think Michael (Dunford) has finally come up with something that is acceptable to Gary, and now it is left to Mr Palladini to organize things.
"I am very optimistic and there are not a lot of things that get me down."
Plymouth Official Site
See Also From Last Week
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Ray Wilkins Turns 50
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Happy Birthday to Former QPR Midfielder and Manager, Ray Wilkins, Turning 50.
Born September 14, 1956. Signed by QPR on the cusp of Trevor Francis and Don Howe succeeding him, November 30, 1989. Left QPR in May 1994 to join Crystal Palace on a free. Returned to QPR in November 1994 as player manager, when Gerry Francis moved on to Spurs. Had a great first season. Unfortunately the second season, Les Ferdinand was sold, and some of the signings were not so great and QPR were relegated. Started the following season, but resigned/was sacked exactly 10 years ago (+ a few days)
Dave Sexton originally tried to sign Wilkins when he was an 18 year old at Chelsea in 1974/1975. And QPR were linked again with him when he was at Manchester United and Terry Venables QPR had just won promotion.
Wilkins
Happy Birthday to Former QPR Midfielder and Manager, Ray Wilkins, Turning 50.
Born September 14, 1956. Signed by QPR on the cusp of Trevor Francis and Don Howe succeeding him, November 30, 1989. Left QPR in May 1994 to join Crystal Palace on a free. Returned to QPR in November 1994 as player manager, when Gerry Francis moved on to Spurs. Had a great first season. Unfortunately the second season, Les Ferdinand was sold, and some of the signings were not so great and QPR were relegated. Started the following season, but resigned/was sacked exactly 10 years ago (+ a few days)
Dave Sexton originally tried to sign Wilkins when he was an 18 year old at Chelsea in 1974/1975. And QPR were linked again with him when he was at Manchester United and Terry Venables QPR had just won promotion.
Wilkins
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Mark Devlin & Son - Update
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Plane crash boy is back at home
By Matt Jackson Swindon Advertiser
Stan Devlin pictured at his home with his mother Jocie and father Mark Picture Ref: 203721
THE son of Swindon Town's chief executive who survived a plane crash has spoken of the nightmare flashbacks that still haunt him.
Stan Devlin, 10, has returned home after spending 25 nights in hospital with severe leg injuries.
Stan was sitting in the front of the plane with pilot Frank Kratky when it careered into woodland near a Buckinghamshire golf course on Saturday, August 5, following Swindon's opening day win at Hartlepool United.
Six people were injured in the crash, including Stan, his father Mark, investor Bill Power and marketing executive Mike Sullivan.
continued...
"I was sat up with the pilot. He had let me read some maps and it was a fun afternoon," Stan recalled.
"As we came down and the plane started shaking very violently. We shuddered and moved to the right.
"The last thing I saw was the green of the trees. When I woke up there were golfers peering into the plane.
"The steering control was the only thing that looked normal, the rest was all twisted and my seat was the only one remaining.
"The pilot was covered in blood, telling the golfers he wanted to get out."
Stan heard moaning in the back of the plane and tried to find out what had happened to his father.
"I called Dad, where are you' and eventually after about two or three calls I heard him say yeah.' "He couldn't say anything else, he just said yeah.'"
Stan suffered two broken legs and a broken ankle.
"It was strange, I didn't feel any pain until they asked me to move on to the pilot's lap," he said.
Stan was taken to hospital and went through several operations on his legs.
He spent the next three weeks in hospital.
"The food was okay, but my grandmother is Italian so she cooked me pasta," he said.
"After all the operations I have a hole in my leg that looks like a crater."
The most disturbing thing for Stan is the memories he gets of that fateful afternoon.
"In hospital I had a few flashbacks and every time I get upset. There are so many plane crashes, just think of the Nimrod accident last week.
"It's amazing that six people survived in this one but it still worries me.
"I'm just really looking forward to getting back to school to see my mates.
"I go back on Monday and I can't wait."
Stan's mother Jocie said: "With all the drama he forgets how much he has been through.
"After the operations on his legs, they went into shock.
"They swelled, so they had to make two big cuts to relieve the pressure."
Jocie was with Stan for 20 nights of his hospital stay.
"It was really difficult having to go from looking after Mark at home to Stan in the hospital," she said.
A metal rod was put into Mark's back and he had several operations on a broken shoulder blade.
Jocie said: "The operation was a major one and quite scary.
"There is always the thought, will he walk again after this?'"
Mark said: "I'm hoping to be back at work by the end of September."
But his son's return home has been a major boost.
"Stan was there for the best part of a month and there's nothing quite like being at home to help you get back to normal," he said.
Although he is recuperating well, Mark is still nervous of planes.
He said: "I don't think I will be hopping onto a light aircraft any time soon. It was so surreal to be so close to being home and then having that taken away from you."
9:00am Friday 8th September 2006
Swindon Advertiser
Also BBC - September 7, 2006
Football boss 'jinxed by crash'
Mr Devlin and his son are expected to make a full recovery
The chief executive of Swindon Town Football Club has spoken about surviving a plane crash with his 10-year-old son.
The accident happened as Mark and Stan Devlin were returning from the club's first game of the season last month.
Mr Devlin suffered back injuries - his son broke both legs when the plane came down on a Buckinghamshire golf course.
Mr Devlin said he was keen to get back to work, although he was concerned he might now be seen as a jinx.
Full recovery
"I'm frightened to go back near the place now because if I go there and we don't win a game, I'm going to be blamed, such is the superstition of football," he said.
Both father and son are expected to make a full recovery, as are the four other people who were on board with them.
Stan, whose return to school has been delayed, said the accident has not put him off air travel.
"I like flying, it's fun, but that wasn't too fun," he said.
The Cessna 310 aircraft came down in woods close to Denham Golf Course on 5 August.
The cause of the accident is being investigated.
BBC
Plane crash boy is back at home
By Matt Jackson Swindon Advertiser
Stan Devlin pictured at his home with his mother Jocie and father Mark Picture Ref: 203721
THE son of Swindon Town's chief executive who survived a plane crash has spoken of the nightmare flashbacks that still haunt him.
Stan Devlin, 10, has returned home after spending 25 nights in hospital with severe leg injuries.
Stan was sitting in the front of the plane with pilot Frank Kratky when it careered into woodland near a Buckinghamshire golf course on Saturday, August 5, following Swindon's opening day win at Hartlepool United.
Six people were injured in the crash, including Stan, his father Mark, investor Bill Power and marketing executive Mike Sullivan.
continued...
"I was sat up with the pilot. He had let me read some maps and it was a fun afternoon," Stan recalled.
"As we came down and the plane started shaking very violently. We shuddered and moved to the right.
"The last thing I saw was the green of the trees. When I woke up there were golfers peering into the plane.
"The steering control was the only thing that looked normal, the rest was all twisted and my seat was the only one remaining.
"The pilot was covered in blood, telling the golfers he wanted to get out."
Stan heard moaning in the back of the plane and tried to find out what had happened to his father.
"I called Dad, where are you' and eventually after about two or three calls I heard him say yeah.' "He couldn't say anything else, he just said yeah.'"
Stan suffered two broken legs and a broken ankle.
"It was strange, I didn't feel any pain until they asked me to move on to the pilot's lap," he said.
Stan was taken to hospital and went through several operations on his legs.
He spent the next three weeks in hospital.
"The food was okay, but my grandmother is Italian so she cooked me pasta," he said.
"After all the operations I have a hole in my leg that looks like a crater."
The most disturbing thing for Stan is the memories he gets of that fateful afternoon.
"In hospital I had a few flashbacks and every time I get upset. There are so many plane crashes, just think of the Nimrod accident last week.
"It's amazing that six people survived in this one but it still worries me.
"I'm just really looking forward to getting back to school to see my mates.
"I go back on Monday and I can't wait."
Stan's mother Jocie said: "With all the drama he forgets how much he has been through.
"After the operations on his legs, they went into shock.
"They swelled, so they had to make two big cuts to relieve the pressure."
Jocie was with Stan for 20 nights of his hospital stay.
"It was really difficult having to go from looking after Mark at home to Stan in the hospital," she said.
A metal rod was put into Mark's back and he had several operations on a broken shoulder blade.
Jocie said: "The operation was a major one and quite scary.
"There is always the thought, will he walk again after this?'"
Mark said: "I'm hoping to be back at work by the end of September."
But his son's return home has been a major boost.
"Stan was there for the best part of a month and there's nothing quite like being at home to help you get back to normal," he said.
Although he is recuperating well, Mark is still nervous of planes.
He said: "I don't think I will be hopping onto a light aircraft any time soon. It was so surreal to be so close to being home and then having that taken away from you."
9:00am Friday 8th September 2006
Swindon Advertiser
Also BBC - September 7, 2006
Football boss 'jinxed by crash'
Mr Devlin and his son are expected to make a full recovery
The chief executive of Swindon Town Football Club has spoken about surviving a plane crash with his 10-year-old son.
The accident happened as Mark and Stan Devlin were returning from the club's first game of the season last month.
Mr Devlin suffered back injuries - his son broke both legs when the plane came down on a Buckinghamshire golf course.
Mr Devlin said he was keen to get back to work, although he was concerned he might now be seen as a jinx.
Full recovery
"I'm frightened to go back near the place now because if I go there and we don't win a game, I'm going to be blamed, such is the superstition of football," he said.
Both father and son are expected to make a full recovery, as are the four other people who were on board with them.
Stan, whose return to school has been delayed, said the accident has not put him off air travel.
"I like flying, it's fun, but that wasn't too fun," he said.
The Cessna 310 aircraft came down in woods close to Denham Golf Course on 5 August.
The cause of the accident is being investigated.
BBC
Cureton Speaks about QPR (Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times)
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Cureton: no point to prove
Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times -13 September 2006
JAMIE Cureton insists he has no unfinished business when he lines up against QPR on Saturday for the first time since leaving Loftus Road.
Cureton, released by former Rangers boss Ian Holloway after a disappointing 18 months at the club, is successfully rebuilding his career with Championship newcomers Colchester United.
"It'd be nice to do well against QPR, but I don't want to go into the game thinking I've got to prove something," Cureton told the Times.
"I was given the opportunity to play for a big club and it was an exciting place to be, especially in the promotion season. I felt comfortable at QPR and got on well with everyone.
"My only disappointment was that I hadn't shown people at the club what they were expecting from me. It was still a bit of a shock when Ollie told me he felt it was best for my career if I moved on, but I understood his reasons.
"I still speak to some of the QPR lads - Birch, Cookie and Biggy - so it'll be nice to have a chinwag, but I'm pleased Danny Shittu's not there any more. I'm sure he'd have given me a kick or two!"
No-one could describe Cureton's Rangers career as unremarkable - the striker provided fans with two highly memorable nights and several more mediocre ones.
His dramatic injury-time winner against Port Vale in February 2004, just a few weeks after his arrival from Korean side Busan Icons, was pivotal in getting the Rs' promotion push back on course.
Nine months later Cureton claimed the match ball with a stunning hat-trick as QPR beat Coventry 4-1, part of a seven-match winning streak that lifted them to third place in the Championship - but never scaled those heights again in the remainder of the season.
"I never really got settled and got a run of form. A lot of the time I was being played out wide and that was probably a factor," recalled the 31-year-old striker.
"I'd done well in a wide role when I was with Ollie at Bristol Rovers and he knew I could do it, but I hadn't played there in the five years since I'd left.
"We had a lot of forwards at the time, so I could understand why he put me there. Despite that, I felt there might have been an opportunity for me to get another year."
But Cureton was one of six out of contract players released in that summer of 2005, and signed for struggling Swindon, where he failed to make much impact until a loan spell with Colchester revitalised his prospects.
Seven goals in 10 appearances persuaded the promoted Essex club to sign Cureton on a permanent basis during the close season and his recent hat-trick against Derby secured their first ever victory in the second tier.
"It was great for me personally to score three, but the most important thing was to win and do well as a team," said Cureton.
"Everyone's tipped us to go down and the longer you go on without getting that first win, the more the pressure mounts. Now we've got that out of the way, hopefully we can move on.
"I'm pleased with my form now and hopefully this will be the season when I show I can play at this level again."..
(Kilburn Times
Cureton: no point to prove
Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times -13 September 2006
JAMIE Cureton insists he has no unfinished business when he lines up against QPR on Saturday for the first time since leaving Loftus Road.
Cureton, released by former Rangers boss Ian Holloway after a disappointing 18 months at the club, is successfully rebuilding his career with Championship newcomers Colchester United.
"It'd be nice to do well against QPR, but I don't want to go into the game thinking I've got to prove something," Cureton told the Times.
"I was given the opportunity to play for a big club and it was an exciting place to be, especially in the promotion season. I felt comfortable at QPR and got on well with everyone.
"My only disappointment was that I hadn't shown people at the club what they were expecting from me. It was still a bit of a shock when Ollie told me he felt it was best for my career if I moved on, but I understood his reasons.
"I still speak to some of the QPR lads - Birch, Cookie and Biggy - so it'll be nice to have a chinwag, but I'm pleased Danny Shittu's not there any more. I'm sure he'd have given me a kick or two!"
No-one could describe Cureton's Rangers career as unremarkable - the striker provided fans with two highly memorable nights and several more mediocre ones.
His dramatic injury-time winner against Port Vale in February 2004, just a few weeks after his arrival from Korean side Busan Icons, was pivotal in getting the Rs' promotion push back on course.
Nine months later Cureton claimed the match ball with a stunning hat-trick as QPR beat Coventry 4-1, part of a seven-match winning streak that lifted them to third place in the Championship - but never scaled those heights again in the remainder of the season.
"I never really got settled and got a run of form. A lot of the time I was being played out wide and that was probably a factor," recalled the 31-year-old striker.
"I'd done well in a wide role when I was with Ollie at Bristol Rovers and he knew I could do it, but I hadn't played there in the five years since I'd left.
"We had a lot of forwards at the time, so I could understand why he put me there. Despite that, I felt there might have been an opportunity for me to get another year."
But Cureton was one of six out of contract players released in that summer of 2005, and signed for struggling Swindon, where he failed to make much impact until a loan spell with Colchester revitalised his prospects.
Seven goals in 10 appearances persuaded the promoted Essex club to sign Cureton on a permanent basis during the close season and his recent hat-trick against Derby secured their first ever victory in the second tier.
"It was great for me personally to score three, but the most important thing was to win and do well as a team," said Cureton.
"Everyone's tipped us to go down and the longer you go on without getting that first win, the more the pressure mounts. Now we've got that out of the way, hopefully we can move on.
"I'm pleased with my form now and hopefully this will be the season when I show I can play at this level again."..
(Kilburn Times
Birthdays Today: Bradley Allen & Andy Impey - Both Turn 36
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Bradley Allen - Turns 36 Born September 13, 1971
Brother of Clive Allen...Son of Les Allen...Cousin of Martin Allen
Allen
Andy Impey Also Turns 36 Today
Impey
Bradley Allen - Turns 36 Born September 13, 1971
Brother of Clive Allen...Son of Les Allen...Cousin of Martin Allen
Allen
Andy Impey Also Turns 36 Today
Impey
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
League Table: QPR One from the Bottom
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League Table
Leeds 6 7
Sheffield Wed 7 7
Colchester 7 7
Leicester 7 7
Sunderland 6 6
QPR 7 6
Hull 7 4
League Table
League Table
Leeds 6 7
Sheffield Wed 7 7
Colchester 7 7
Leicester 7 7
Sunderland 6 6
QPR 7 6
Hull 7 4
League Table
QPR 0 Birmingham 2 - Reports & Comments
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Reuters
Birmingham beat QPR to move top of second division
Birmingham City moved top of the English second division on Tuesday with a 2-0 win at struggling Queen's Park Rangers despite having a player sent off. Reuters
TELEGRAPH
Queens Park Rangers (0) 0 Birmingham City (1) 2
Birmingham had talked of the need to be more clinical in matches after another narrow win on Saturday, and they were almost made to pay the price for failing to finish off Queens Park Rangers last night.
Leading by Bruno N'Gotty's first-half header, a succession of chances came and went for the visitors before striker Nicklas Bendtner was sent off for a second yellow card 20 minutes from time. Cue a tense finale, when Steve Bruce's side really should have been out of sight, until substitute Cameron Jerome lobbed in an impressive second late into added time.
Eric Black, the Birmingham assistant manager, said: "It was a difficult game. We couldn't get that elusive second goal, and then the sending-off obviously gets the crowd going. We had to hang on and defend a fair bit.
"If we're getting opportunities, though, that's the main thing. D J Campbell was magnificent tonight. We'd like the second goal quicker, but we're not overly worried."
Birmingham, level on points with Cardiff and Wolves at the top of the Championship at kick-off, settled first. Sebastian Larsson, standing in impressively at left-back, fired in a long-range effort, then in the 21st minute N'Gotty glanced a corner wide. His sighter out of the way, minutes later the French centre-back headed home Gary McSheffrey's inswinging free kick to give Birmingham a deserved lead. Campbell, who was released by Rangers as a boy, thought he had a taste of revenge after burying the ball in the corner from 15 yards, only to be pulled up for handball.
Danish striker Bendtner – the quietest of Birmingham's trio of loan signings from Arsenal after Larsson and Fabrice Muamba – made his mark on the game midway through the second half.
Having just burst clear to set up Campbell with an effort that he rattled against a post, Bendtner was then booked twice in a matter of minutes.
First he talked his way into a yellow card via a spot of dissent, then an arm up on Marc Bircham meant an early bath. Black said: "That had a massive impact on the game. Nicklas said something happened with the player, and he retaliated with his arm to just push him away."
In the 79th minute, clever interplay on the right between Neil Danns and Jerome set up the lively McSheffrey for a spectacular overhead effort. Fortunately for Rangers it fell to the winger's weaker right foot, and the shot went wide.
A nervy final 10 minutes ensued for Birmingham as a committed Rangers probed for an opening, but they ultimately failed to force Maik Taylor into a save of note.
Telegraph
GUARDIAN
Jerome strike sees Birmingham complete slow rise to the top
Rob Smyth at Loftus Road Wednesday September 13, 2006
The Guardian
It has taken Birmingham a while to find their feet in the Championship but now they have landed exactly where most neutrals expected - in top spot. After a series of laboured victories they gave their most convincing performance of the season last night, outclassing and outmuscling Queens Park Rangers. It was hairier than it needed to be thanks to Nicklas Bendtner's needless sending-off but, having reached the top, few will be surprised if Birmingham stay there.
Steve Bruce has purpose-built a side for the rugged terrain of the Championship: two flinty centre-halves in Bruno N'Gotty and Radhi Jaidi, two menacing, jet-heeled attackers in Gary McSheffrey and DJ Campbell, and the natural-born finisher that is Cameron Jerome, who came off the bench to lob a sublime first goal for the club in injury-time.
"We don't think we're firing on all cylinders but we're delighted to be where we are," said Eric Black, the Birmingham assistant manager. "It takes time for Premiership players to adjust to the Championship because it's a different type of game. Now they're getting an idea of what's expected and I thought the two centre-halves were exceptional tonight."
Rangers have won one of their past 18 league games and looked lost from the moment they went behind in the 23rd minute, when the criminally unmarked N'Gotty battered in a header from McSheffrey's lovely, curling free-kick. They had little to offer even when Bendtner received two yellow cards in quick succession just after the hour, for dissent and retaliation; they barely extended the Birmingham keeper Maik Taylor.
"I'm not panicking," said their manager Gary Waddock unconvincingly. "I thought we were in the game for long periods of time, but two mistakes have cost us again. We have to start picking up points, though. I'm not that silly - I know it's a results-based business."
Bruce knows that too and, provided Birmingham stay at the top of the table, he will not care how they do it.
Guardian
The TIMES
N'Gotty puts Birmingham on course to high ground
By Bill Edgar
Queens Park Rangers 0 Birmingham City 2
STEVE BRUCE criticised his players’ showboating against Hull City at the weekend, but last night the Birmingham City team who navigated their way to the top of the Coca-Cola Championship were strictly tugboats.
A workmanlike performance ground out a win achieved despite the sending-off of Nicklas Bendtner, the young Denmark striker, whose indiscipline showed that he is a Danish Blue who has yet to mature.
Bendtner, on loan from Arsenal, received two bookings in a minute midway through the second half, the first for dissent and the second for raising an arm in retaliation against Marc Bircham. Having dominated until then, taking the lead through Bruno N’Gotty’s first-half header, Birmingham withstood a sustained Queens Park Rangers rally until Cameron Jerome’s lob in the final seconds confirmed their victory.
Bendtner has impressed in scoring three goals this season and Eric Black, Bruce’s assistant, said that the 18-year-old would learn from his sending-off. “He’s a young lad with a massive talent,” Black said. “It’s experience for him. It [the red card] had a massive impact on the game. People ask if we’ve got passion — that was answered without question today.”
The better team until Bendtner’s departure, Birmingham took a 23rd-minute lead when N’Gotty headed home Gary McSheffrey’s curling free kick. The latter also tested Paul Jones, the QPR goalkeeper, after wriggling away from three opponents, while D. J. Campbell struck the inside of a post and shot straight at Jones when sent clear by David Dunn.
Jerome scored his first goal for the club since his £3 million move in the summer from Cardiff City when he pounced on an error by Matthew Rose, but QPR also gave hope to their fans. “Everyone wrote us off before the game, but we put in a reasonable performance,” Gary Waddock, the manager, said.
At half-time, Waddock sent on Ray Jones, 6ft 4in, to form a forward partnership with Marc Nygaard, who is an inch taller, demonstrating that the club that gave Peter Crouch his break in football have a fondness for giant strikers. But it was Birmingham who scaled the heights in the table
Times
The Independent
Queen's Park Rangers 0 Birmingham City 2: Jerome strike puts Birmingham top
By Conrad Leach Published: 13 September 2006
Birmingham City were deservedly beaten by Cardiff City in late August but Steve Bruce's Blues reclaimed first place in the Championship from the Welsh side with this straightforward victory. In contrast, Queen's Park Rangers now lie one off the bottom, having won only once this season.
That Birmingham achieved victory despite playing with 10 men for the last 13 minutes showed up the west Londoners' deficiencies in even greater relief and emphasised Birmingham's credentials as the division's front-runners.
After relegation from the Premiership, the Midlanders are showing no signs yet of a sophomore slump.
Both teams here displayed a laudable insistence on playing - or attempting to play - a neat, short-passing game but it was still somehow inevitable that when the first goal came it was not from a one-two around the penalty area.
Nicklas Bendtner, the Danish striker on loan from Arsenal, was the recipient of the red card but when he was on the pitch he was involved and was brought down after 24 minutes. From the ensuing free-kick 35 yards out, taken by Gary McSheffrey, the midfielder drifted the ball in behind the home defence. Bruno N'Gotty, the central defender signed in the summer from Bolton, has certainly scored harder goals than the one he headed in from eight yards out.
QPR were slow to react. It was not unexpected that they should concede the advantage to one of the favourites for automatic promotion but Loftus Road can still play a part in stirring its struggling inhabitants. However, the atmosphere was more muted than usual in this part of west London and would have been quieter still had McSheffrey's weaving run and shot seen a second goal just before the break.
However, Bruce's men were given a warning 10 minutes after the interval when Egutu Oliseh, brother of the former Juventus midfielder and Nigeria captain, Sunday Oliseh, saw his shot deflected wide off Rahdi Jaidi.
DJ Campbell's shot 10 minutes after that, which hit the post and ran across the line, was proof the Blues were not sitting back. Bendtner's dismissal for two yellow cards within 60 seconds gave QPR a glimmer of hope which finally disappeared in injury time when Matthew Rose failed to deal with a high clearance.
Cameron Jerome still had his back to goal and plenty to do but swiftly turned and lobbed Paul Jones with an expertly judged shot, leaving Eric Black, Bruce's assistant, to say: "It's nice to be where we are [top] and the players deserve enormous credit for the work they've put in."
QPR's manager, Gary Waddock, stayed upbeat. He said: "I felt we put in a reasonable performance but two mistakes cost us dearly."
Independent
BBC - QPR 0-2 Birmingham
Birmingham climbed to the top of the Championship after seeing off QPR, despite Nicklas Bendtner's red card.
The Blues took a first-half lead when Bruno N'Gotty - who had earlier gone close - headed past Paul Jones.
DJ Campbell had a goal ruled out for handball, while David Dunn and Neil Danns both saw shots deflected wide.
Campbell hit the post before Bendtner was dismissed for two quick bookings, but the Blues sealed the win when Cameron Jerome lobbed in at the death.
QPR: Paul Jones, Rose, Rehman (Baidoo 74), Stewart, Milanese, Oliseh, Bircham, Ward, Cook, Nygaard, Blackstock (Ray Jones 45).
Subs Not Used: Cole, Bailey, Kanyuka.
Birmingham: Maik Taylor, Johnson, Jaidi, N'Gotty, Larsson, Danns, Dunn (Kilkenny 76), Muamba (Martin Taylor 90), McSheffrey, Campbell (Jerome 71), Bendtner.
Subs Not Used: Doyle, Forssell.
Sent Off: Bendtner (68).
Booked: Johnson, Dunn, Bendtner.
Goals: N'Gotty 23, Jerome 90.
Att: 10,936.
Ref: P Melin (Surrey)
BBC
SPORTING LIFE
QPR 0 Birmingham 2
By Mike McGrath, PA Sport
Birmingham swept to the top of the Coca-Cola Championship after beating QPR but were forced play the last quarter of the match with 10 men after Nicklas Bendtner picked up two yellow cards in as many minutes.
Bruno N'Gotty's first-half header opened the scoring at Loftus Road as Steve Bruce's men maintained their bid to get back into the top flight at the first attempt.
Bendtner had looked impressive in attack for the visitors but received two cautions in quick succession midway through the second period, the first for dissent and the second for an aerial challenge.
However, Bruce's men held on despite late attacks from the hosts, who came closest through a deflected effort from Egutu Oliseh which dipped just wide of the post, with substitute Cameron Jerome lobbing home a second in stoppage time.
Of the attacks QPR did launch, Lee Cook was at the heart of their more promising, the midfielder collecting a wayward clearance from David Dunn but tumbling over rather than shooting from the edge of the area after three minutes.
Seven minutes later Cook broke forward but his final pass lacked quality when he had team-mates in support.
The visitors mustered the first effort on goal, although Bendtner's drilled shot was going not on target and DJ Campbell, who played at Loftus Road as a schoolboy, could not control the drive.
Gary McSheffrey's wicked delivery from set-pieces looked the most likely source of a goal, and after 21 minutes his corner was headed wide by N'Gotty, but the former Bolton centre-back made no mistake three minutes later.
McSheffrey's left boot again provided the chance, this time from a free-kick on the left flank, and N'Gotty headed powerfully past Paul Jones, the French defender opening his account for his new side after a summer switch.
Cook then had a long-range volley easily held by Maik Taylor but it was Birmingham who were looking likely to double their lead.
Campbell finished well but had his effort ruled out for handball while bundling his way past Damion Stewart, while Dunn and Neil Danns both had efforts deflected wide as half-time approached.
Damien Johnson was booked for a foul on Dexter Blackstock, with Taylor saving Marc Bircham's free-kick, but Birmingham looked in control at the interval.
QPR boss Gary Waddock responded by taking off Blackstock for promising striker Ray Jones, but it made little initial difference as the youngster lost the ball and Fabrice Muamba eventually volleyed over.
Muamba's chance was set up by the pace of Campbell, and the striker ran at the hosts' defence again in the 48th minute before finding Dunn, whose powerful effort from 25 yards was parried by Jones.
Dunn, busy throughout, is enjoying a run in the team after long-term injury problems, but his enthusiasm resulted in a booking after 51 minutes when he hacked at Bircham.
Oliseh's deflected shot dipped just wide for the hosts but it was Birmingham who carried more threat going forward, Campbell hitting the post after 64 minutes when Bendtner crossed from the right.
Bendtner was cautioned in the 67th minute when he protested to Paul Melin when he wanted a penalty, then barely a minute later was given another yellow card, this time for an aerial challenge.
QPR striker Jones went close late on with a header but Birmingham held on for victory, with substitute Jerome muscling in during injury time and lobbing home for a second.
Sporting Life
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - MANAGER GARY WADDOCK: COSTLY ERRORS
Gary Waddock was critical of the defending which, in his own words, 'gifted' Birmingham victory at Loftus Road.
"The players have got a responsibility to mark at set-pieces and they didn't do it for their first goal.
"The second goal should've been dealt with too, so in my opinion we've gifted them both goals.''
Bruno N'Gotty and Cameron Jerome sent the Blues to the top of the Championship table - despite Steve Bruce's men having Nicklas Bendtner sent off in 67th minute.
But Waddock has backed his players to bounce back: "I'm right behind these players and they are with me. We'll work our socks off to get this right.
"Marc Bircham was outstanding, as he was against Plymouth on Saturday.
"Ollie showed glimpses of what he's capable of, but we need to start picking up points at the end of the day.''
Waddock added: "We've lost the game 2-0, but I honestly believe the scoreline doesn't reflect how well we played.''
QPR Official
QPR OFFICIAL SITE MATCH REPORT
Ten-man Birmingham City moved to the top of the Championship thanks to goals from Bruno N'Gotty and Cameron Jerome at Loftus Road.
Steve Bruce's side leapfrogged Cardiff at the summit of the division, despite playing the final 23 minutes with ten-men in W12.
Nicklas Bendtner saw red for two bookable offences, and although Rangers enjoyed the lion's share of territory and possession in the second half, the 'shots on goal' column ultimately told the story, with the R's failing to register a single effort on target throughout the 90 minutes.
N'Gotty's unstoppable header separated the two sides at the break, before Jerome put the icing on the cake in stoppage time.
Rangers threatened in patches during the first period, with the instrumental Marc Bircham at the heart of their most positive play.
Gary Waddock named an unchanged side after the 1-1 draw with Plymouth Argyle on Saturday, which meant Mathew Rose retained the captaincy.
The R's gaffer yet again showed faith in the Club's youth policy by including five youngsters on the bench, namely Jake Cole, Pat Kanyuka, Stefan Bailey, Shabazz Baidoo and Ray Jones.
Steve Bruce opted for the tried and tested front-two of Nicklas Bendtner and Dudley Campbell, which meant Mikael Forssell and Cameron Jerome had to make do with places on the substitute's bench.
The first opening of the contest fell the way of the hosts on two minutes.
David Dunn's misplaced place fell at the feet of Lee Cook on the edge of the 18-yard box, but instead of letting fly, the left winger took one too many touches and Birmingham cleared their lines with ease.
Dunn was soon in the groove though, showing his undoubted class with a fine piece of close control on the left flank that left two Rangers defenders trailing in his wake.
But it was Rangers who were playing the more expansive football and when Marc Nygaard, Nicky Ward and Cook combined in the eighth minute, only a poor final ball from the latter prevented Egutu Oliseh from testing Maik Taylor.
Birmingham's first shot in anger arrived on 19 minutes, but Arsenal loanee Sebastian Larsson got his effort horribly wrong, dragging his right foot strike well wide of Paul Jones right hand post.
Former Bolton defender Radhi Jaidi squandered a glorious chance two minutes later, heading wide from six yards after being gifted the freedom of the penalty box from a corner.
But his central defensive partner N'Gotty made no mistake 60 seconds later, powering an unstoppable header past the exposed Jones from little more than five yards.
In truth, Rangers only had themselves to blame, with more poor marking proving to be their downfall.
Undeterred, the R's were by no means overawed by their former Premiership opponents, with Cook forcing Taylor into a fine save with a dipping 25-yard volley.
Blues boss Bruce was up in arms on 33 minutes, when Campbell broke through the last line of the Rangers defence. Fortunately for the Hoops, referee Mr Melin adjudged the former Yeading man to have used a hand in getting clear of Stewart and his superb finish was ruled out.
The lively McSheffrey was proving a constant threat and when he nicked the ball off the toe of Oliseh, Jones was down well to hold his fizzing right foot shot at his far post.
Blues skipper Damien Johnson entered the referee's notebook for a late lunge on Dexter Blackstock on 38 minutes and from the resultant free-kick, Taylor did well to hang on to Bircham's set-piece, albeit at the second attempt.
Buoyed by that chance, the R's finished the half on top, with Oliseh teasing Larsson one way then the other, only to see Taylor snuffle the cross with Nygaard and Blackstock ready to pounce.
Neil Danns' deflected effort forced Jones to dive at full stretch across his goal on the stroke of half-time, before the impressive Dunn blasted a piercing volley inches wide from fully 22-yards.
Waddock was forced into one change at the break, with Ray Jones replacing Blackstock - the former Southampton front-man the victim of a groin injury.
Dunn picked up where he left off at the end of the first half, powering a fizzing volley at Jones, which the Welshman did well to palm to safety.
The Welsh number one was in the right place at the right time again on 49 minutes, saving at his near post from Larsson's teasing free-kick.
But it was by no means one-way traffic and when Ward found Oliseh - playing in an unorthodox left sided role in the second half - the winger seemed destined to draw Rangers level, only for a cruel touch to deflect the ball inches wide of Taylor's left hand post.
Play quickly switched to the other end, with Jones saving well from the impressive Campbell after a breathtaking Blues counter-attack, before Nygaard headed a half chance wide on the hour.
Campbell should've made the game safe for the visitors on 64 minutes, but when he got goal-side of Zesh Rehman, his powerful strike from five yards cannoned off the foot of the post before flying across the face of goal.
The Blues were reduced to ten men on 67 minutes, after Arsenal loanee Bendtner received two yellow cards in as many minutes.
If the first for dissent angered Bruce, the second 60 seconds later for raising an arm in the direction of Rose would've left the former Manchester United defender raging.
Waddock threw caution to the wind seven minutes later, introducing Baidoo at the expense of Rehman and switching to a 3-5-2 formation in the process.
But it was Birmingham who continued to pose a greater threat in the attacking third, with substitute Cameron Jerome firing high and wide from the edge of the box.
Jones nearly drew the R's level with four minutes left on the clock, but his deft header effort flew over the bar to the obvious relief of the flat-footed Taylor.
And Baidoo did his best to raise the tempo moments later, turning Larsson inside-out, only for his piercing cross to evade Nygaard, Jones and the onrushing Ward.
But it was Blues' second half substitute Jerome who had the last laugh when he lobbed Jones in the dying minutes, after Rose's decision to let the ball bounce cost Rangers any chance they had of gaining something from the contest.
QPR: P Jones, Rose, Rehman (Baidoo 74), Stewart, Milanese, Oliseh, Ward, Bircham, Cook, Blackstock (R Jones 46), Nygaard.
Subs: Cole, Bailey, Kanyuka.
Birmingham City: Taylor, Larsson, Dunn (Kilkenny 75), Campbell (Jerome 70), Danns, N'Gotty, Johnson, Jaidi, Muamba (Taylor 94), Bendtner, McSheffrey.
Subs: Doyle, Forssell.
Scorers: N'Gotty 23, Jerome 91
Bookings: Johnson 38, Dunn 51, Bendtner 66 & 67
Red Cards: Bendtner 67
Attendance: 10, 936
Referee: Mr P W Melin
QPR OFFICIAL
BIRMINGHAM OFFICIAL SITE
Bruno N'Gotty and Cameron Jerome scored their first goals for Blues to secure an excellent away victory to put Steve Bruce's boys top of the table, despite the second half dismissal of Nicklas Bendtner.
N'Gotty's first half goal put Blues on their way but Bendtner's sending off midway through the second half threatened to undo all the good work.
However, Jerome's injury time goal sealed the points as Blues pulled away clear at the top of the Championship courtesy of Darren Purse's late own goal at Plymouth that prevented Cardiff from picking up maximum points.
There were two changes to the Blues side with Neil Danns making the starting line-up at the expense of Julian Gray.
It meant another reshuffle to the side with Seb Larsson dropping to left-back for the first time this season.
N'GottyAlso back in the side was Fabrice Muamba in his expected midfield role at the expense of the injured Mehdi Nafti.
Blues started brightly forcing two corners early on but neither Gary McSheffrey or David Dunn could create an opening for the visitors.
In the ninth minute burly centre-half N'Gotty was on hand to head clear Marc Bircham's outswinging corner.
Moments later Dunn cleared Lee Cook's free-kick to keep the home side at bay.
Blues' first shot came on 20 minutes with a weak effort from long range by Larsson that rolled wide.
Bruno N'Gotty goalMidway through the half McSheffrey picked out the unmarked N'Gotty but he failed to meet the target with his header.
Just over a minute later N'Gotty made amends as he headed Blues into the lead.
It was the same combination again, only this time McSheffrey picked him out again from a free-kick and N'Gotty made no mistake with his header from eight yards.
On the half-hour mark Dunn continued to show his defensive qualities with another clearance from Bircham's free-kick.
Bruno N'GottyA minute later Maik Taylor was tested for the first time with a rising volley by Paul Cook from 25 yards that saw the Blues number one handle safely.
Moments later Bendtner had a great chance to double the lead but took too many touches and the chance was gone.
In the 38th minute McSheffrey had another attempt to break his duck but once again the keeper was equal to the task with Paul Jones saving safely.
Five minutes before half-time Damien Johnson was the first man in the book for a wild challenge on Dexter Blackstock who was racing towards the penalty box.
N'GottyBircham swung the free-kick into the box where Taylor fumbled but was able to gather at the second attempt.
Dunn almost doubled the lead in injury time with a fierce volley that Brummie Zesh Rehman blocked for a corner.
McSheffrey's resultant kick proved to be the last action of the half.
Half-time: QPR 0 Blues 1
QPR made one change for the re-start with Ray Jones replacing the injured Blackstock.
David DunnBlues had a chance early on with DJ Campbell getting clear before slipping and then recovering to set up Bendtner.
The ball was eventually cleared to Muamba who hit his shot high into the Blues fans in the top tier.
In the 52nd minute Dunn was the second Blues man in the book for a foul on Bircham.
The further the game went on, the more the need to increase the slender one-goal lead became apparent as Blues sought to put away the home side.
Ten minutes into the half Campbell tested keeper Jones with another effort from 12 yards.
JaidiMarc Nygaard worried the Blues fans on the hour mark when he headed just wide from just inside the box.
Campbell went even closer in the 64th when Bendtner teed up his strike partner but his shot rebounded back off the post.
Disaster struck in the space of two minutes when Bendtner received a yellow card and then a red following an altercation with Matthew Rose.
Both bookings were needless and Steve Bruce showed his disdain for the young striker by ignoring him as he trudged off.
Bruce then replaced the tireless Campbell with fit-again Jerome coming on to lead the line on his own.
This now left Blues in a situation that once again they should never have been in.
BendtnerIn the 73rd minute Gary Waddock threw on striker Shabazz Baidoo for defender Zeshan Rehman in a bid to grab something from the game.
Minutes later Dunn was replaced with the fresh legs of Neil Kilkenny.
In the 78th minute Danns set up McSheffrey for a spectacular scissor kick that flew wide of the target.
Despite Blues being a man down they still carved out chances and McSheffrey was guilty of being greedy, choosing to shoot from a tight angle instead of passing to Jerome.
Moments later QPR substitute Jones went close with an overhead kick for the home side but still Blues managed to maintain the one goal advantage.
A couple of minutes later Jones went close again, this time with his head but the same end result.
Two minutes before the end Nygaard got clear of Larsson and fired the ball across the box but failed to pick out any of his team mates bombing into the box.
Cameron JeromeBlues fans' hearts were in their mouths but the visitors worries soon turned into joy as Jerome doubled the lead.
The substitute got off the mark when he latched onto Maik Taylor's long clearance before hooking the ball over keeper Jones.
Bruce threw on Martin Taylor for Muamba in the dying seconds.
As the final whistle blew the 1,300 loyal Blues fans celebrated as the Cardiff result filtered through confirming their place clear at the top.
Birmingham Official Site
Reuters
Birmingham beat QPR to move top of second division
Birmingham City moved top of the English second division on Tuesday with a 2-0 win at struggling Queen's Park Rangers despite having a player sent off. Reuters
TELEGRAPH
Queens Park Rangers (0) 0 Birmingham City (1) 2
Birmingham had talked of the need to be more clinical in matches after another narrow win on Saturday, and they were almost made to pay the price for failing to finish off Queens Park Rangers last night.
Leading by Bruno N'Gotty's first-half header, a succession of chances came and went for the visitors before striker Nicklas Bendtner was sent off for a second yellow card 20 minutes from time. Cue a tense finale, when Steve Bruce's side really should have been out of sight, until substitute Cameron Jerome lobbed in an impressive second late into added time.
Eric Black, the Birmingham assistant manager, said: "It was a difficult game. We couldn't get that elusive second goal, and then the sending-off obviously gets the crowd going. We had to hang on and defend a fair bit.
"If we're getting opportunities, though, that's the main thing. D J Campbell was magnificent tonight. We'd like the second goal quicker, but we're not overly worried."
Birmingham, level on points with Cardiff and Wolves at the top of the Championship at kick-off, settled first. Sebastian Larsson, standing in impressively at left-back, fired in a long-range effort, then in the 21st minute N'Gotty glanced a corner wide. His sighter out of the way, minutes later the French centre-back headed home Gary McSheffrey's inswinging free kick to give Birmingham a deserved lead. Campbell, who was released by Rangers as a boy, thought he had a taste of revenge after burying the ball in the corner from 15 yards, only to be pulled up for handball.
Danish striker Bendtner – the quietest of Birmingham's trio of loan signings from Arsenal after Larsson and Fabrice Muamba – made his mark on the game midway through the second half.
Having just burst clear to set up Campbell with an effort that he rattled against a post, Bendtner was then booked twice in a matter of minutes.
First he talked his way into a yellow card via a spot of dissent, then an arm up on Marc Bircham meant an early bath. Black said: "That had a massive impact on the game. Nicklas said something happened with the player, and he retaliated with his arm to just push him away."
In the 79th minute, clever interplay on the right between Neil Danns and Jerome set up the lively McSheffrey for a spectacular overhead effort. Fortunately for Rangers it fell to the winger's weaker right foot, and the shot went wide.
A nervy final 10 minutes ensued for Birmingham as a committed Rangers probed for an opening, but they ultimately failed to force Maik Taylor into a save of note.
Telegraph
GUARDIAN
Jerome strike sees Birmingham complete slow rise to the top
Rob Smyth at Loftus Road Wednesday September 13, 2006
The Guardian
It has taken Birmingham a while to find their feet in the Championship but now they have landed exactly where most neutrals expected - in top spot. After a series of laboured victories they gave their most convincing performance of the season last night, outclassing and outmuscling Queens Park Rangers. It was hairier than it needed to be thanks to Nicklas Bendtner's needless sending-off but, having reached the top, few will be surprised if Birmingham stay there.
Steve Bruce has purpose-built a side for the rugged terrain of the Championship: two flinty centre-halves in Bruno N'Gotty and Radhi Jaidi, two menacing, jet-heeled attackers in Gary McSheffrey and DJ Campbell, and the natural-born finisher that is Cameron Jerome, who came off the bench to lob a sublime first goal for the club in injury-time.
"We don't think we're firing on all cylinders but we're delighted to be where we are," said Eric Black, the Birmingham assistant manager. "It takes time for Premiership players to adjust to the Championship because it's a different type of game. Now they're getting an idea of what's expected and I thought the two centre-halves were exceptional tonight."
Rangers have won one of their past 18 league games and looked lost from the moment they went behind in the 23rd minute, when the criminally unmarked N'Gotty battered in a header from McSheffrey's lovely, curling free-kick. They had little to offer even when Bendtner received two yellow cards in quick succession just after the hour, for dissent and retaliation; they barely extended the Birmingham keeper Maik Taylor.
"I'm not panicking," said their manager Gary Waddock unconvincingly. "I thought we were in the game for long periods of time, but two mistakes have cost us again. We have to start picking up points, though. I'm not that silly - I know it's a results-based business."
Bruce knows that too and, provided Birmingham stay at the top of the table, he will not care how they do it.
Guardian
The TIMES
N'Gotty puts Birmingham on course to high ground
By Bill Edgar
Queens Park Rangers 0 Birmingham City 2
STEVE BRUCE criticised his players’ showboating against Hull City at the weekend, but last night the Birmingham City team who navigated their way to the top of the Coca-Cola Championship were strictly tugboats.
A workmanlike performance ground out a win achieved despite the sending-off of Nicklas Bendtner, the young Denmark striker, whose indiscipline showed that he is a Danish Blue who has yet to mature.
Bendtner, on loan from Arsenal, received two bookings in a minute midway through the second half, the first for dissent and the second for raising an arm in retaliation against Marc Bircham. Having dominated until then, taking the lead through Bruno N’Gotty’s first-half header, Birmingham withstood a sustained Queens Park Rangers rally until Cameron Jerome’s lob in the final seconds confirmed their victory.
Bendtner has impressed in scoring three goals this season and Eric Black, Bruce’s assistant, said that the 18-year-old would learn from his sending-off. “He’s a young lad with a massive talent,” Black said. “It’s experience for him. It [the red card] had a massive impact on the game. People ask if we’ve got passion — that was answered without question today.”
The better team until Bendtner’s departure, Birmingham took a 23rd-minute lead when N’Gotty headed home Gary McSheffrey’s curling free kick. The latter also tested Paul Jones, the QPR goalkeeper, after wriggling away from three opponents, while D. J. Campbell struck the inside of a post and shot straight at Jones when sent clear by David Dunn.
Jerome scored his first goal for the club since his £3 million move in the summer from Cardiff City when he pounced on an error by Matthew Rose, but QPR also gave hope to their fans. “Everyone wrote us off before the game, but we put in a reasonable performance,” Gary Waddock, the manager, said.
At half-time, Waddock sent on Ray Jones, 6ft 4in, to form a forward partnership with Marc Nygaard, who is an inch taller, demonstrating that the club that gave Peter Crouch his break in football have a fondness for giant strikers. But it was Birmingham who scaled the heights in the table
Times
The Independent
Queen's Park Rangers 0 Birmingham City 2: Jerome strike puts Birmingham top
By Conrad Leach Published: 13 September 2006
Birmingham City were deservedly beaten by Cardiff City in late August but Steve Bruce's Blues reclaimed first place in the Championship from the Welsh side with this straightforward victory. In contrast, Queen's Park Rangers now lie one off the bottom, having won only once this season.
That Birmingham achieved victory despite playing with 10 men for the last 13 minutes showed up the west Londoners' deficiencies in even greater relief and emphasised Birmingham's credentials as the division's front-runners.
After relegation from the Premiership, the Midlanders are showing no signs yet of a sophomore slump.
Both teams here displayed a laudable insistence on playing - or attempting to play - a neat, short-passing game but it was still somehow inevitable that when the first goal came it was not from a one-two around the penalty area.
Nicklas Bendtner, the Danish striker on loan from Arsenal, was the recipient of the red card but when he was on the pitch he was involved and was brought down after 24 minutes. From the ensuing free-kick 35 yards out, taken by Gary McSheffrey, the midfielder drifted the ball in behind the home defence. Bruno N'Gotty, the central defender signed in the summer from Bolton, has certainly scored harder goals than the one he headed in from eight yards out.
QPR were slow to react. It was not unexpected that they should concede the advantage to one of the favourites for automatic promotion but Loftus Road can still play a part in stirring its struggling inhabitants. However, the atmosphere was more muted than usual in this part of west London and would have been quieter still had McSheffrey's weaving run and shot seen a second goal just before the break.
However, Bruce's men were given a warning 10 minutes after the interval when Egutu Oliseh, brother of the former Juventus midfielder and Nigeria captain, Sunday Oliseh, saw his shot deflected wide off Rahdi Jaidi.
DJ Campbell's shot 10 minutes after that, which hit the post and ran across the line, was proof the Blues were not sitting back. Bendtner's dismissal for two yellow cards within 60 seconds gave QPR a glimmer of hope which finally disappeared in injury time when Matthew Rose failed to deal with a high clearance.
Cameron Jerome still had his back to goal and plenty to do but swiftly turned and lobbed Paul Jones with an expertly judged shot, leaving Eric Black, Bruce's assistant, to say: "It's nice to be where we are [top] and the players deserve enormous credit for the work they've put in."
QPR's manager, Gary Waddock, stayed upbeat. He said: "I felt we put in a reasonable performance but two mistakes cost us dearly."
Independent
BBC - QPR 0-2 Birmingham
Birmingham climbed to the top of the Championship after seeing off QPR, despite Nicklas Bendtner's red card.
The Blues took a first-half lead when Bruno N'Gotty - who had earlier gone close - headed past Paul Jones.
DJ Campbell had a goal ruled out for handball, while David Dunn and Neil Danns both saw shots deflected wide.
Campbell hit the post before Bendtner was dismissed for two quick bookings, but the Blues sealed the win when Cameron Jerome lobbed in at the death.
QPR: Paul Jones, Rose, Rehman (Baidoo 74), Stewart, Milanese, Oliseh, Bircham, Ward, Cook, Nygaard, Blackstock (Ray Jones 45).
Subs Not Used: Cole, Bailey, Kanyuka.
Birmingham: Maik Taylor, Johnson, Jaidi, N'Gotty, Larsson, Danns, Dunn (Kilkenny 76), Muamba (Martin Taylor 90), McSheffrey, Campbell (Jerome 71), Bendtner.
Subs Not Used: Doyle, Forssell.
Sent Off: Bendtner (68).
Booked: Johnson, Dunn, Bendtner.
Goals: N'Gotty 23, Jerome 90.
Att: 10,936.
Ref: P Melin (Surrey)
BBC
SPORTING LIFE
QPR 0 Birmingham 2
By Mike McGrath, PA Sport
Birmingham swept to the top of the Coca-Cola Championship after beating QPR but were forced play the last quarter of the match with 10 men after Nicklas Bendtner picked up two yellow cards in as many minutes.
Bruno N'Gotty's first-half header opened the scoring at Loftus Road as Steve Bruce's men maintained their bid to get back into the top flight at the first attempt.
Bendtner had looked impressive in attack for the visitors but received two cautions in quick succession midway through the second period, the first for dissent and the second for an aerial challenge.
However, Bruce's men held on despite late attacks from the hosts, who came closest through a deflected effort from Egutu Oliseh which dipped just wide of the post, with substitute Cameron Jerome lobbing home a second in stoppage time.
Of the attacks QPR did launch, Lee Cook was at the heart of their more promising, the midfielder collecting a wayward clearance from David Dunn but tumbling over rather than shooting from the edge of the area after three minutes.
Seven minutes later Cook broke forward but his final pass lacked quality when he had team-mates in support.
The visitors mustered the first effort on goal, although Bendtner's drilled shot was going not on target and DJ Campbell, who played at Loftus Road as a schoolboy, could not control the drive.
Gary McSheffrey's wicked delivery from set-pieces looked the most likely source of a goal, and after 21 minutes his corner was headed wide by N'Gotty, but the former Bolton centre-back made no mistake three minutes later.
McSheffrey's left boot again provided the chance, this time from a free-kick on the left flank, and N'Gotty headed powerfully past Paul Jones, the French defender opening his account for his new side after a summer switch.
Cook then had a long-range volley easily held by Maik Taylor but it was Birmingham who were looking likely to double their lead.
Campbell finished well but had his effort ruled out for handball while bundling his way past Damion Stewart, while Dunn and Neil Danns both had efforts deflected wide as half-time approached.
Damien Johnson was booked for a foul on Dexter Blackstock, with Taylor saving Marc Bircham's free-kick, but Birmingham looked in control at the interval.
QPR boss Gary Waddock responded by taking off Blackstock for promising striker Ray Jones, but it made little initial difference as the youngster lost the ball and Fabrice Muamba eventually volleyed over.
Muamba's chance was set up by the pace of Campbell, and the striker ran at the hosts' defence again in the 48th minute before finding Dunn, whose powerful effort from 25 yards was parried by Jones.
Dunn, busy throughout, is enjoying a run in the team after long-term injury problems, but his enthusiasm resulted in a booking after 51 minutes when he hacked at Bircham.
Oliseh's deflected shot dipped just wide for the hosts but it was Birmingham who carried more threat going forward, Campbell hitting the post after 64 minutes when Bendtner crossed from the right.
Bendtner was cautioned in the 67th minute when he protested to Paul Melin when he wanted a penalty, then barely a minute later was given another yellow card, this time for an aerial challenge.
QPR striker Jones went close late on with a header but Birmingham held on for victory, with substitute Jerome muscling in during injury time and lobbing home for a second.
Sporting Life
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - MANAGER GARY WADDOCK: COSTLY ERRORS
Gary Waddock was critical of the defending which, in his own words, 'gifted' Birmingham victory at Loftus Road.
"The players have got a responsibility to mark at set-pieces and they didn't do it for their first goal.
"The second goal should've been dealt with too, so in my opinion we've gifted them both goals.''
Bruno N'Gotty and Cameron Jerome sent the Blues to the top of the Championship table - despite Steve Bruce's men having Nicklas Bendtner sent off in 67th minute.
But Waddock has backed his players to bounce back: "I'm right behind these players and they are with me. We'll work our socks off to get this right.
"Marc Bircham was outstanding, as he was against Plymouth on Saturday.
"Ollie showed glimpses of what he's capable of, but we need to start picking up points at the end of the day.''
Waddock added: "We've lost the game 2-0, but I honestly believe the scoreline doesn't reflect how well we played.''
QPR Official
QPR OFFICIAL SITE MATCH REPORT
Ten-man Birmingham City moved to the top of the Championship thanks to goals from Bruno N'Gotty and Cameron Jerome at Loftus Road.
Steve Bruce's side leapfrogged Cardiff at the summit of the division, despite playing the final 23 minutes with ten-men in W12.
Nicklas Bendtner saw red for two bookable offences, and although Rangers enjoyed the lion's share of territory and possession in the second half, the 'shots on goal' column ultimately told the story, with the R's failing to register a single effort on target throughout the 90 minutes.
N'Gotty's unstoppable header separated the two sides at the break, before Jerome put the icing on the cake in stoppage time.
Rangers threatened in patches during the first period, with the instrumental Marc Bircham at the heart of their most positive play.
Gary Waddock named an unchanged side after the 1-1 draw with Plymouth Argyle on Saturday, which meant Mathew Rose retained the captaincy.
The R's gaffer yet again showed faith in the Club's youth policy by including five youngsters on the bench, namely Jake Cole, Pat Kanyuka, Stefan Bailey, Shabazz Baidoo and Ray Jones.
Steve Bruce opted for the tried and tested front-two of Nicklas Bendtner and Dudley Campbell, which meant Mikael Forssell and Cameron Jerome had to make do with places on the substitute's bench.
The first opening of the contest fell the way of the hosts on two minutes.
David Dunn's misplaced place fell at the feet of Lee Cook on the edge of the 18-yard box, but instead of letting fly, the left winger took one too many touches and Birmingham cleared their lines with ease.
Dunn was soon in the groove though, showing his undoubted class with a fine piece of close control on the left flank that left two Rangers defenders trailing in his wake.
But it was Rangers who were playing the more expansive football and when Marc Nygaard, Nicky Ward and Cook combined in the eighth minute, only a poor final ball from the latter prevented Egutu Oliseh from testing Maik Taylor.
Birmingham's first shot in anger arrived on 19 minutes, but Arsenal loanee Sebastian Larsson got his effort horribly wrong, dragging his right foot strike well wide of Paul Jones right hand post.
Former Bolton defender Radhi Jaidi squandered a glorious chance two minutes later, heading wide from six yards after being gifted the freedom of the penalty box from a corner.
But his central defensive partner N'Gotty made no mistake 60 seconds later, powering an unstoppable header past the exposed Jones from little more than five yards.
In truth, Rangers only had themselves to blame, with more poor marking proving to be their downfall.
Undeterred, the R's were by no means overawed by their former Premiership opponents, with Cook forcing Taylor into a fine save with a dipping 25-yard volley.
Blues boss Bruce was up in arms on 33 minutes, when Campbell broke through the last line of the Rangers defence. Fortunately for the Hoops, referee Mr Melin adjudged the former Yeading man to have used a hand in getting clear of Stewart and his superb finish was ruled out.
The lively McSheffrey was proving a constant threat and when he nicked the ball off the toe of Oliseh, Jones was down well to hold his fizzing right foot shot at his far post.
Blues skipper Damien Johnson entered the referee's notebook for a late lunge on Dexter Blackstock on 38 minutes and from the resultant free-kick, Taylor did well to hang on to Bircham's set-piece, albeit at the second attempt.
Buoyed by that chance, the R's finished the half on top, with Oliseh teasing Larsson one way then the other, only to see Taylor snuffle the cross with Nygaard and Blackstock ready to pounce.
Neil Danns' deflected effort forced Jones to dive at full stretch across his goal on the stroke of half-time, before the impressive Dunn blasted a piercing volley inches wide from fully 22-yards.
Waddock was forced into one change at the break, with Ray Jones replacing Blackstock - the former Southampton front-man the victim of a groin injury.
Dunn picked up where he left off at the end of the first half, powering a fizzing volley at Jones, which the Welshman did well to palm to safety.
The Welsh number one was in the right place at the right time again on 49 minutes, saving at his near post from Larsson's teasing free-kick.
But it was by no means one-way traffic and when Ward found Oliseh - playing in an unorthodox left sided role in the second half - the winger seemed destined to draw Rangers level, only for a cruel touch to deflect the ball inches wide of Taylor's left hand post.
Play quickly switched to the other end, with Jones saving well from the impressive Campbell after a breathtaking Blues counter-attack, before Nygaard headed a half chance wide on the hour.
Campbell should've made the game safe for the visitors on 64 minutes, but when he got goal-side of Zesh Rehman, his powerful strike from five yards cannoned off the foot of the post before flying across the face of goal.
The Blues were reduced to ten men on 67 minutes, after Arsenal loanee Bendtner received two yellow cards in as many minutes.
If the first for dissent angered Bruce, the second 60 seconds later for raising an arm in the direction of Rose would've left the former Manchester United defender raging.
Waddock threw caution to the wind seven minutes later, introducing Baidoo at the expense of Rehman and switching to a 3-5-2 formation in the process.
But it was Birmingham who continued to pose a greater threat in the attacking third, with substitute Cameron Jerome firing high and wide from the edge of the box.
Jones nearly drew the R's level with four minutes left on the clock, but his deft header effort flew over the bar to the obvious relief of the flat-footed Taylor.
And Baidoo did his best to raise the tempo moments later, turning Larsson inside-out, only for his piercing cross to evade Nygaard, Jones and the onrushing Ward.
But it was Blues' second half substitute Jerome who had the last laugh when he lobbed Jones in the dying minutes, after Rose's decision to let the ball bounce cost Rangers any chance they had of gaining something from the contest.
QPR: P Jones, Rose, Rehman (Baidoo 74), Stewart, Milanese, Oliseh, Ward, Bircham, Cook, Blackstock (R Jones 46), Nygaard.
Subs: Cole, Bailey, Kanyuka.
Birmingham City: Taylor, Larsson, Dunn (Kilkenny 75), Campbell (Jerome 70), Danns, N'Gotty, Johnson, Jaidi, Muamba (Taylor 94), Bendtner, McSheffrey.
Subs: Doyle, Forssell.
Scorers: N'Gotty 23, Jerome 91
Bookings: Johnson 38, Dunn 51, Bendtner 66 & 67
Red Cards: Bendtner 67
Attendance: 10, 936
Referee: Mr P W Melin
QPR OFFICIAL
BIRMINGHAM OFFICIAL SITE
Bruno N'Gotty and Cameron Jerome scored their first goals for Blues to secure an excellent away victory to put Steve Bruce's boys top of the table, despite the second half dismissal of Nicklas Bendtner.
N'Gotty's first half goal put Blues on their way but Bendtner's sending off midway through the second half threatened to undo all the good work.
However, Jerome's injury time goal sealed the points as Blues pulled away clear at the top of the Championship courtesy of Darren Purse's late own goal at Plymouth that prevented Cardiff from picking up maximum points.
There were two changes to the Blues side with Neil Danns making the starting line-up at the expense of Julian Gray.
It meant another reshuffle to the side with Seb Larsson dropping to left-back for the first time this season.
N'GottyAlso back in the side was Fabrice Muamba in his expected midfield role at the expense of the injured Mehdi Nafti.
Blues started brightly forcing two corners early on but neither Gary McSheffrey or David Dunn could create an opening for the visitors.
In the ninth minute burly centre-half N'Gotty was on hand to head clear Marc Bircham's outswinging corner.
Moments later Dunn cleared Lee Cook's free-kick to keep the home side at bay.
Blues' first shot came on 20 minutes with a weak effort from long range by Larsson that rolled wide.
Bruno N'Gotty goalMidway through the half McSheffrey picked out the unmarked N'Gotty but he failed to meet the target with his header.
Just over a minute later N'Gotty made amends as he headed Blues into the lead.
It was the same combination again, only this time McSheffrey picked him out again from a free-kick and N'Gotty made no mistake with his header from eight yards.
On the half-hour mark Dunn continued to show his defensive qualities with another clearance from Bircham's free-kick.
Bruno N'GottyA minute later Maik Taylor was tested for the first time with a rising volley by Paul Cook from 25 yards that saw the Blues number one handle safely.
Moments later Bendtner had a great chance to double the lead but took too many touches and the chance was gone.
In the 38th minute McSheffrey had another attempt to break his duck but once again the keeper was equal to the task with Paul Jones saving safely.
Five minutes before half-time Damien Johnson was the first man in the book for a wild challenge on Dexter Blackstock who was racing towards the penalty box.
N'GottyBircham swung the free-kick into the box where Taylor fumbled but was able to gather at the second attempt.
Dunn almost doubled the lead in injury time with a fierce volley that Brummie Zesh Rehman blocked for a corner.
McSheffrey's resultant kick proved to be the last action of the half.
Half-time: QPR 0 Blues 1
QPR made one change for the re-start with Ray Jones replacing the injured Blackstock.
David DunnBlues had a chance early on with DJ Campbell getting clear before slipping and then recovering to set up Bendtner.
The ball was eventually cleared to Muamba who hit his shot high into the Blues fans in the top tier.
In the 52nd minute Dunn was the second Blues man in the book for a foul on Bircham.
The further the game went on, the more the need to increase the slender one-goal lead became apparent as Blues sought to put away the home side.
Ten minutes into the half Campbell tested keeper Jones with another effort from 12 yards.
JaidiMarc Nygaard worried the Blues fans on the hour mark when he headed just wide from just inside the box.
Campbell went even closer in the 64th when Bendtner teed up his strike partner but his shot rebounded back off the post.
Disaster struck in the space of two minutes when Bendtner received a yellow card and then a red following an altercation with Matthew Rose.
Both bookings were needless and Steve Bruce showed his disdain for the young striker by ignoring him as he trudged off.
Bruce then replaced the tireless Campbell with fit-again Jerome coming on to lead the line on his own.
This now left Blues in a situation that once again they should never have been in.
BendtnerIn the 73rd minute Gary Waddock threw on striker Shabazz Baidoo for defender Zeshan Rehman in a bid to grab something from the game.
Minutes later Dunn was replaced with the fresh legs of Neil Kilkenny.
In the 78th minute Danns set up McSheffrey for a spectacular scissor kick that flew wide of the target.
Despite Blues being a man down they still carved out chances and McSheffrey was guilty of being greedy, choosing to shoot from a tight angle instead of passing to Jerome.
Moments later QPR substitute Jones went close with an overhead kick for the home side but still Blues managed to maintain the one goal advantage.
A couple of minutes later Jones went close again, this time with his head but the same end result.
Two minutes before the end Nygaard got clear of Larsson and fired the ball across the box but failed to pick out any of his team mates bombing into the box.
Cameron JeromeBlues fans' hearts were in their mouths but the visitors worries soon turned into joy as Jerome doubled the lead.
The substitute got off the mark when he latched onto Maik Taylor's long clearance before hooking the ball over keeper Jones.
Bruce threw on Martin Taylor for Muamba in the dying seconds.
As the final whistle blew the 1,300 loyal Blues fans celebrated as the Cardiff result filtered through confirming their place clear at the top.
Birmingham Official Site
Penrice to Plymouth in Next Couple of Days?
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This is Plymouth - 12 September 2006
11:50 - 12 September 2006
Manager Ian Holloway believes Argyle striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake is getting better with every game he plays....
The Pilgrims' boss is convinced the striker will benefit from the coaching of Gary Penrice when he finally arrives at the club in the next couple of days.....
[Holloway said] "Hopefully, I will sort out the Gary Penrice situation because everybody needs a bit of one-on-one work and I haven't been able to do that....
This is Plymouth
This is Plymouth - 12 September 2006
11:50 - 12 September 2006
Manager Ian Holloway believes Argyle striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake is getting better with every game he plays....
The Pilgrims' boss is convinced the striker will benefit from the coaching of Gary Penrice when he finally arrives at the club in the next couple of days.....
[Holloway said] "Hopefully, I will sort out the Gary Penrice situation because everybody needs a bit of one-on-one work and I haven't been able to do that....
This is Plymouth
Holloway's Comments re QPR Included in BBC's Quotes of the Week
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Iam Holloway's Comments about QPR Included in BBC "Quotes of the Week"
"I was starved of cash, lost my chief scout, wasn't allowed to make decisions about the team. Then they threw me out and chucked me in the garden after five years. I thought it was unfair. I'm glad today's over because I shouldn't be sweating up in the paddock and today I was rather too lathered up for a horse of my experience."
Also included in BBC "Quotes of the Week, Holloway..
When you're a manager it's a case of have suitcase will travel. And I certainly didn't want to travel with my trousers down."
Plymouth boss Ian Holloway. Not quite sure what he's talking about, but who cares?
BBC "Quotes of the Week"
Iam Holloway's Comments about QPR Included in BBC "Quotes of the Week"
"I was starved of cash, lost my chief scout, wasn't allowed to make decisions about the team. Then they threw me out and chucked me in the garden after five years. I thought it was unfair. I'm glad today's over because I shouldn't be sweating up in the paddock and today I was rather too lathered up for a horse of my experience."
Also included in BBC "Quotes of the Week, Holloway..
When you're a manager it's a case of have suitcase will travel. And I certainly didn't want to travel with my trousers down."
Plymouth boss Ian Holloway. Not quite sure what he's talking about, but who cares?
BBC "Quotes of the Week"
Ex-QPR News
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BBC- Sturridge to undergo tendon scan
Kidderminster Harriers striker Dean Sturridge is to undergo a scan on an Achilles tendon injury he sustained in Saturday's 2-0 home defeat by Tamworth.
He was stretchered off after coming on as a substitute in the game.
Harriers boss Mark Yates told the club website: "Dean will go for a scan and we will see where we are after that."
Sturridge, 33, joined Kidderminster in the summer after leaving QPR, but has so far started just one Conference game and is yet to score.
BBC
Kidderminster Site
BBC - Dean Wilkins - Wilkins coy about Brighton role
Brighton caretaker boss Dean Wilkins is not giving much away about whether he is set to be offered the job full-time.
He took his first game in charge for Saturday's 1-0 win against Millwall.
Wilkins told BBC Southern Counties Radio: "I genuinely do the job on a daily basis and try and help every individual and be honest with them.
"If it takes me further, it takes me further - if it doesn't then so be it. I love the club and do not look at anything beyond that."
BBC
From the Brighton Site
BBC- Sturridge to undergo tendon scan
Kidderminster Harriers striker Dean Sturridge is to undergo a scan on an Achilles tendon injury he sustained in Saturday's 2-0 home defeat by Tamworth.
He was stretchered off after coming on as a substitute in the game.
Harriers boss Mark Yates told the club website: "Dean will go for a scan and we will see where we are after that."
Sturridge, 33, joined Kidderminster in the summer after leaving QPR, but has so far started just one Conference game and is yet to score.
BBC
Kidderminster Site
BBC - Dean Wilkins - Wilkins coy about Brighton role
Brighton caretaker boss Dean Wilkins is not giving much away about whether he is set to be offered the job full-time.
He took his first game in charge for Saturday's 1-0 win against Millwall.
Wilkins told BBC Southern Counties Radio: "I genuinely do the job on a daily basis and try and help every individual and be honest with them.
"If it takes me further, it takes me further - if it doesn't then so be it. I love the club and do not look at anything beyond that."
BBC
From the Brighton Site
Ex-QPR Youth Player Giles Coke Now Highly Rated
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BBC - Ex-QPR Player, Giles
Giles Coke has endured some of the lows football has to offer but his sights are now set on sampling the highs after rescuing his career.
Coke has just turned down a new contract at Mansfield
The 20-year-old midfielder saw his dream of playing League football shattered when told by QPR he was not good enough to make the grade at Loftus Road.
But he is now at Mansfield and, after returning to fitness, aiming to build on the impressive form which last season saw the League Two club reject a bid for him from Championship side Wolves.
Coke was also linked to several clubs, including Premiership newcomers Watord, as he was rewarded for the attitude and focus that helped him resurface back into the Football League after falling into the depths of the non-league game.
"I was in pieces after being let go by QPR," Coke told BBC Sport.
"I had a meeting, along with my mum and dad, where QPR's then assistant Tim Breaker and their current manager Gary Waddock told me they weren't going to keep me on.
"It did affect me. I was really upset but you can't let that get to you because it can be bad for your football. You just have to work hard to try and get back up.
I've always wanted to play football so I had to work hard and try and come back - I never thought of giving up
"I trialled at a few clubs but it didn't go my way. I had to drop into non-league and was determined to get back into the League so I just worked hard, had a good attitude and got on with it.
"A lot of young players do let it get to them and they do sack football off completely but there was only one thing in my mind.
"I've always wanted to play football so I had to work hard and try and come back. I never thought of giving up."
Coke's perseverance paid off when he was signed by ex-Mansfield boss Carlton Palmer in March 2005 and, despite being thrown in at the deep end, he rose to the challenge.
He added: "Carlton Palmer took me on trial and the first week I was there he put me in a first-team game straight away.
"I was a bit shocked and nervous but as soon as I got out there I felt good.
I can't let things get to me and whatever happens happens - I just need to get on with my football and that is my priority
Giles Coke
"It was great achievement for me. After getting released, coming back and having clubs sniff around made me really happy."
This campaign was supposed to see Coke push on, but an ankle ligament injury in the first game of the season left him sidelined for four weeks.
His enthusiasm saw him make the injury worse when he played on rather than coming off, although he is now back and aiming to re-establish his reputation as one of the division's most promising youngsters.
Coke does have the backdrop of having refused a new deal with Mansfield to contend with but, after the club activated a clause in his contract to keep him for the current campaign, the youngster indicated a sign of his maturity in shrugging off the situation.
"I'm not really thinking about it to be honest," said Coke. "I'm just getting on with my football.
"I can't let things get to me and whatever happens happens. I just need to get on with my football and that is my priority."
BBC
Coke Playing Record
Coke Profile - Wikopedia
BBC - Ex-QPR Player, Giles
Giles Coke has endured some of the lows football has to offer but his sights are now set on sampling the highs after rescuing his career.
Coke has just turned down a new contract at Mansfield
The 20-year-old midfielder saw his dream of playing League football shattered when told by QPR he was not good enough to make the grade at Loftus Road.
But he is now at Mansfield and, after returning to fitness, aiming to build on the impressive form which last season saw the League Two club reject a bid for him from Championship side Wolves.
Coke was also linked to several clubs, including Premiership newcomers Watord, as he was rewarded for the attitude and focus that helped him resurface back into the Football League after falling into the depths of the non-league game.
"I was in pieces after being let go by QPR," Coke told BBC Sport.
"I had a meeting, along with my mum and dad, where QPR's then assistant Tim Breaker and their current manager Gary Waddock told me they weren't going to keep me on.
"It did affect me. I was really upset but you can't let that get to you because it can be bad for your football. You just have to work hard to try and get back up.
I've always wanted to play football so I had to work hard and try and come back - I never thought of giving up
"I trialled at a few clubs but it didn't go my way. I had to drop into non-league and was determined to get back into the League so I just worked hard, had a good attitude and got on with it.
"A lot of young players do let it get to them and they do sack football off completely but there was only one thing in my mind.
"I've always wanted to play football so I had to work hard and try and come back. I never thought of giving up."
Coke's perseverance paid off when he was signed by ex-Mansfield boss Carlton Palmer in March 2005 and, despite being thrown in at the deep end, he rose to the challenge.
He added: "Carlton Palmer took me on trial and the first week I was there he put me in a first-team game straight away.
"I was a bit shocked and nervous but as soon as I got out there I felt good.
I can't let things get to me and whatever happens happens - I just need to get on with my football and that is my priority
Giles Coke
"It was great achievement for me. After getting released, coming back and having clubs sniff around made me really happy."
This campaign was supposed to see Coke push on, but an ankle ligament injury in the first game of the season left him sidelined for four weeks.
His enthusiasm saw him make the injury worse when he played on rather than coming off, although he is now back and aiming to re-establish his reputation as one of the division's most promising youngsters.
Coke does have the backdrop of having refused a new deal with Mansfield to contend with but, after the club activated a clause in his contract to keep him for the current campaign, the youngster indicated a sign of his maturity in shrugging off the situation.
"I'm not really thinking about it to be honest," said Coke. "I'm just getting on with my football.
"I can't let things get to me and whatever happens happens. I just need to get on with my football and that is my priority."
BBC
Coke Playing Record
Coke Profile - Wikopedia
Monday, September 11, 2006
Holloway on Penrice's Hoped-for Arrival...and on Waddock
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This is Plymouth -11 September 2006
ARGYLE BOSS RUES MISSED CHANCES
Ian Holloway admitted Argyle paid the price for not taking their chances against his former club Queens Park Rangers.
The Pilgrims had to settle for a point as a 31st minute goal from Sylvan Ebanks-Blake cancelled out an early strike from Dexter Blackstock.
Holloway said: "I was disappointed we went behind, but I didn't think we got started in the first 20 minutes.
"I asked them to hit our centre-forwards within four or five passes because I think we look a good team when we do that. I didn't say hit them in one pass.
"But I felt they caused their back four trouble all afternoon, to be honest.
"Unfortunately, those chances that we are mssing at the moment are costing us, and we need to nail down our set pieces.
....."Unfortunately, at the minute, we are not getting what we deserve.
"I think the lads have got to believe in themselves and be a little bit more clincal," added Holloway.
The Pilgrims' boss hopes the imminent arrival of Gary Penrice will improve that aspect.
Penrice, a former striker with Bristol Rovers, Watford, Aston Villa and QPR, has worked as a coach with Holloway for all of his managerial career.
QPR are now ready to do a deal that will see the pair reunited at Home Park this week.
Penrice will work closely with Argyle's five strikers - Nick Chadwick, Ebanks-Blake, Barry Hayles, Reuben Reid and Cherno Samba.
Holloway said: "If you look at all of them, they are a mixed bag. They have all got different strengths.
"When I moved Haylesy out on the left today, we almost need him too much up the middle, so I have got to work with these kids.
"Hopefully, we can sort it out for Gary Penrice to come down because he's very good with centre-forwards.
"They need a little bit of TLC - tender loving care - and a little bit of knowledge, and I'm sure we can make some of these really tasty. I think Reuben Reid has got a lot to offer and Chadwick, for me, is a very good player.
"He was unfortunate not to be in the team today but he took it in the right way. I just felt we needed Sylvan out there."
This is Plymouth
This is Plymouth - 11 September 2006 - OLLIE AND WODDOCK CLASH ON TOUCHLINE
Ian Holloway shook hands with Gary Waddock, his successor as Queens Park Rangers manager, before and after the Championship clash on Saturday.
But it was clear from Holloway's comments in his post-match Press conference he had little time for Waddock.
Holloway was suspended on full-pay by QPR chairman Gianni Paladini in February, after expressing an interest in the managerial vacancy at Leicester City.
It was Waddock, who was taken on by Holloway as youth team coach, who stepped in to replace him.
And Holloway clearly believes Waddock, a former QPR team-mate, was not as supportive to him as he could have been.
There were a couple of occasions on Saturday when there were heated exchanges between them on the touchline.
Holloway said: "Our toes were almost on the edge of the pitch, weren't they? I thought his players fouled my players far too much.
"The referee didn't see it half the time and didn't give any cards out, which is pretty ridiculous.
"At the end of the day, you are competitors and you are trying to win, but there are things, for me, that should be said, and should have been said at the time that I lost my job, that weren't.
"And there were some things said that were very upsetting from my point of mine.
"I have already told him about that and I didn't carry it into today's game. I shook his hand at the start and I shook his hand at the end, so is there a problem?
"I have never been rude in my life."
The Pilgrims' boss added: "Shall I tell you exactly what brassed me off about it? He (Waddock) said 'I'm going to change the style of football overnight'.
"I put it down to a tad of inexperience, probably. But it wasn't said just once. It was said over and over again.
"I don't think that was what should have been said about the job I did in the circumstances I had to deal with, having given the fella a job in the first place."
Holloway admitted he had felt tense before the clash with his former club.
He said: "To be fair, I'm glad today is over. Sometimes my emotions are what make me, but they can also break me. I have to be very careful.
"I'm going to put it in horse racing terms, I shouldn't be sweating up in the paddock before I run the race.
"I have to say, I was probably a little bit too lathered up for a horse of my experience."
This is Plymouth
This is Plymouth -11 September 2006
ARGYLE BOSS RUES MISSED CHANCES
Ian Holloway admitted Argyle paid the price for not taking their chances against his former club Queens Park Rangers.
The Pilgrims had to settle for a point as a 31st minute goal from Sylvan Ebanks-Blake cancelled out an early strike from Dexter Blackstock.
Holloway said: "I was disappointed we went behind, but I didn't think we got started in the first 20 minutes.
"I asked them to hit our centre-forwards within four or five passes because I think we look a good team when we do that. I didn't say hit them in one pass.
"But I felt they caused their back four trouble all afternoon, to be honest.
"Unfortunately, those chances that we are mssing at the moment are costing us, and we need to nail down our set pieces.
....."Unfortunately, at the minute, we are not getting what we deserve.
"I think the lads have got to believe in themselves and be a little bit more clincal," added Holloway.
The Pilgrims' boss hopes the imminent arrival of Gary Penrice will improve that aspect.
Penrice, a former striker with Bristol Rovers, Watford, Aston Villa and QPR, has worked as a coach with Holloway for all of his managerial career.
QPR are now ready to do a deal that will see the pair reunited at Home Park this week.
Penrice will work closely with Argyle's five strikers - Nick Chadwick, Ebanks-Blake, Barry Hayles, Reuben Reid and Cherno Samba.
Holloway said: "If you look at all of them, they are a mixed bag. They have all got different strengths.
"When I moved Haylesy out on the left today, we almost need him too much up the middle, so I have got to work with these kids.
"Hopefully, we can sort it out for Gary Penrice to come down because he's very good with centre-forwards.
"They need a little bit of TLC - tender loving care - and a little bit of knowledge, and I'm sure we can make some of these really tasty. I think Reuben Reid has got a lot to offer and Chadwick, for me, is a very good player.
"He was unfortunate not to be in the team today but he took it in the right way. I just felt we needed Sylvan out there."
This is Plymouth
This is Plymouth - 11 September 2006 - OLLIE AND WODDOCK CLASH ON TOUCHLINE
Ian Holloway shook hands with Gary Waddock, his successor as Queens Park Rangers manager, before and after the Championship clash on Saturday.
But it was clear from Holloway's comments in his post-match Press conference he had little time for Waddock.
Holloway was suspended on full-pay by QPR chairman Gianni Paladini in February, after expressing an interest in the managerial vacancy at Leicester City.
It was Waddock, who was taken on by Holloway as youth team coach, who stepped in to replace him.
And Holloway clearly believes Waddock, a former QPR team-mate, was not as supportive to him as he could have been.
There were a couple of occasions on Saturday when there were heated exchanges between them on the touchline.
Holloway said: "Our toes were almost on the edge of the pitch, weren't they? I thought his players fouled my players far too much.
"The referee didn't see it half the time and didn't give any cards out, which is pretty ridiculous.
"At the end of the day, you are competitors and you are trying to win, but there are things, for me, that should be said, and should have been said at the time that I lost my job, that weren't.
"And there were some things said that were very upsetting from my point of mine.
"I have already told him about that and I didn't carry it into today's game. I shook his hand at the start and I shook his hand at the end, so is there a problem?
"I have never been rude in my life."
The Pilgrims' boss added: "Shall I tell you exactly what brassed me off about it? He (Waddock) said 'I'm going to change the style of football overnight'.
"I put it down to a tad of inexperience, probably. But it wasn't said just once. It was said over and over again.
"I don't think that was what should have been said about the job I did in the circumstances I had to deal with, having given the fella a job in the first place."
Holloway admitted he had felt tense before the clash with his former club.
He said: "To be fair, I'm glad today is over. Sometimes my emotions are what make me, but they can also break me. I have to be very careful.
"I'm going to put it in horse racing terms, I shouldn't be sweating up in the paddock before I run the race.
"I have to say, I was probably a little bit too lathered up for a horse of my experience."
This is Plymouth
QPR Play Birmingham - Not Beaten them since 1985
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Sporting Life
FULL-BACKS OUT FOR QPR TRIP
Birmingham manager Steve Bruce is expected to be without his two first-choice full-backs when they travel to QPR.
Right-back Stephen Kelly has been laid low by a calf problem and Mat Sadler by a groin injury, meaning Sebastian Larsson and Damien Johnson are once more expected to deputise.
But Bruce has no fresh injury or suspension concerns, with Matthew Upson the only long-term absentee...
QPR will be aiming to beat the Blues for the first time in almost 21 years.
The Hoops have not overcome the midlands club since defeating them 3-1 in the old Division One on September 28, 1985 - and they have won only once in the Championship since February 25.
Midfielders Martin Rowlands (calf) and Gareth Ainsworth (hamstring) are unlikely to recover in time for the clash, so manager Gary Waddock could field an unchanged side.
That would mean Marc Bircham earning his first league start of the season following his impressive display in the 1-1 draw at Plymouth on Saturday.
But long-term injury victims Simon Royce (groin) and Dominic Shimmin (hamstring) are virtually certain to miss out.
Sporting Life
Birmingham Statistics - Sporting Lifef
QPR Official Site - Profiling Birmingham
Installed as the bookies' favourites before a ball had even been kicked, Birmingham City have made a superb start to life in the Championship.
The high-profile double exit of Emile Heskey and Jermaine Pennant saw in excess of £12million burning a hole in gaffer Steve Bruce's pocket during the close season.
But to be fair to the former Manchester United defender, he's spent wisely this summer, with the notable additions of Bruno N'Gotty, Radhi Jaidi, Cameron Jerome, Gary McSheffrey and Arsenal loanees Sebastian Larsson and Nicklas Bendtner, adding to an already healthy squad at St Andrews.
Arsenal loan duo Bendtner and Larsson have probably made the biggest impact since the start of the season, with the pair scoring priceless goals in Birmingham's impressive start to the campaign.
Indeed it was Bendtner who bagged the all-important last gasp winner in Blues' opening day victory against Colchester United.
Reduced to ten men after the dismissal of new-boy Jerome, Birmingham required a hero and Bendter duly obliged, coming off the bench to kick-start the Blues campaign with a 79th minute winner.
Mikael Forssell's spot-kick at the Stadium of Light made it two wins on the bounce and although the Blues were held to a goalless draw at the Britannia Stadium - home of Stoke City - a few days later, they were soon back in the groove, clinching a 2-1 win against another promotion hopeful in the shape of Peter Taylor's Crystal Palace.
The only blip so far in Birmingham's season arrived at Ninian Park on their last away day.
Goals from Joe Ledley and Paul Parry sealed the Blues' fate that day, yet despite that setback, victory against Hull City on Saturday afternoon got them back on track and the early signs after positive, as Bruce's men seek an instant return to the top tier of English football after last season's relegation.
...
Top scorer: Nicklas Bendtner 3
Nicklas Bendtner has made an immediate
impact at St Andrews
Last league game:
Birmingham City 2, Hull City 1.
Football League Championship.
September 9th 2006.
Birmingham City: Maik Taylor, Johnson, N'Gotty, Jaidi, Gray, Larsson, Dunn (Danns 68), Nafti (Kilkenny 81), McSheffrey, Campbell, Bendtner.
Subs Not Used: Doyle, Forssell, Martin Taylor.
.....
Head to head:
QPR wins: 9
Birmingham wins: 18
Draws: 13
Last meeting:
Birmingham City 0, QPR 0.
Football League Championship.
December 23rd 2000....
QPR Official Site
Sporting Life
FULL-BACKS OUT FOR QPR TRIP
Birmingham manager Steve Bruce is expected to be without his two first-choice full-backs when they travel to QPR.
Right-back Stephen Kelly has been laid low by a calf problem and Mat Sadler by a groin injury, meaning Sebastian Larsson and Damien Johnson are once more expected to deputise.
But Bruce has no fresh injury or suspension concerns, with Matthew Upson the only long-term absentee...
QPR will be aiming to beat the Blues for the first time in almost 21 years.
The Hoops have not overcome the midlands club since defeating them 3-1 in the old Division One on September 28, 1985 - and they have won only once in the Championship since February 25.
Midfielders Martin Rowlands (calf) and Gareth Ainsworth (hamstring) are unlikely to recover in time for the clash, so manager Gary Waddock could field an unchanged side.
That would mean Marc Bircham earning his first league start of the season following his impressive display in the 1-1 draw at Plymouth on Saturday.
But long-term injury victims Simon Royce (groin) and Dominic Shimmin (hamstring) are virtually certain to miss out.
Sporting Life
Birmingham Statistics - Sporting Lifef
QPR Official Site - Profiling Birmingham
Installed as the bookies' favourites before a ball had even been kicked, Birmingham City have made a superb start to life in the Championship.
The high-profile double exit of Emile Heskey and Jermaine Pennant saw in excess of £12million burning a hole in gaffer Steve Bruce's pocket during the close season.
But to be fair to the former Manchester United defender, he's spent wisely this summer, with the notable additions of Bruno N'Gotty, Radhi Jaidi, Cameron Jerome, Gary McSheffrey and Arsenal loanees Sebastian Larsson and Nicklas Bendtner, adding to an already healthy squad at St Andrews.
Arsenal loan duo Bendtner and Larsson have probably made the biggest impact since the start of the season, with the pair scoring priceless goals in Birmingham's impressive start to the campaign.
Indeed it was Bendtner who bagged the all-important last gasp winner in Blues' opening day victory against Colchester United.
Reduced to ten men after the dismissal of new-boy Jerome, Birmingham required a hero and Bendter duly obliged, coming off the bench to kick-start the Blues campaign with a 79th minute winner.
Mikael Forssell's spot-kick at the Stadium of Light made it two wins on the bounce and although the Blues were held to a goalless draw at the Britannia Stadium - home of Stoke City - a few days later, they were soon back in the groove, clinching a 2-1 win against another promotion hopeful in the shape of Peter Taylor's Crystal Palace.
The only blip so far in Birmingham's season arrived at Ninian Park on their last away day.
Goals from Joe Ledley and Paul Parry sealed the Blues' fate that day, yet despite that setback, victory against Hull City on Saturday afternoon got them back on track and the early signs after positive, as Bruce's men seek an instant return to the top tier of English football after last season's relegation.
...
Top scorer: Nicklas Bendtner 3
Nicklas Bendtner has made an immediate
impact at St Andrews
Last league game:
Birmingham City 2, Hull City 1.
Football League Championship.
September 9th 2006.
Birmingham City: Maik Taylor, Johnson, N'Gotty, Jaidi, Gray, Larsson, Dunn (Danns 68), Nafti (Kilkenny 81), McSheffrey, Campbell, Bendtner.
Subs Not Used: Doyle, Forssell, Martin Taylor.
.....
Head to head:
QPR wins: 9
Birmingham wins: 18
Draws: 13
Last meeting:
Birmingham City 0, QPR 0.
Football League Championship.
December 23rd 2000....
QPR Official Site
BIrthdays: David Bardsley Turns 44...John Spencer Turns 36
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David Bardsley Turns 44
Born September 11, 1964, QPR's England International fullback, Signed by Trevor Francis in 1989 from Oxford. Bardsley played almost nine seasons with QPR.
David Bardsley
John Spencer Turns 36
Born September 11, 1970, Stuart Houston signed Spencer from Chelsea in November 1996, for £2.5 million, a couple of months after taking over from Ray Wilkins. For one season, Spencer was a super-hot striker for just-relegated QPR - 17 goals in 25 games. The following season was less successful for Spencer (and for QPR) and he moved on to Everton for £1.5 million in March 1998.
Spencer
David Bardsley Turns 44
Born September 11, 1964, QPR's England International fullback, Signed by Trevor Francis in 1989 from Oxford. Bardsley played almost nine seasons with QPR.
David Bardsley
John Spencer Turns 36
Born September 11, 1970, Stuart Houston signed Spencer from Chelsea in November 1996, for £2.5 million, a couple of months after taking over from Ray Wilkins. For one season, Spencer was a super-hot striker for just-relegated QPR - 17 goals in 25 games. The following season was less successful for Spencer (and for QPR) and he moved on to Everton for £1.5 million in March 1998.
Spencer
Sunday, September 10, 2006
After 216 Days, Penrice & Breaker Remain on Gardening Leave
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It's now 216 days since Gary Penrice and Tim Breaker were placed on Gardening Leave (along with Ian Holloway) with no explanation as to what THEY had done to be placed on Gardening Leave. Despite Ian Holloway talking about them joining him at Plymouth, as of yesterday, this still had not occurred. Hopefully this soon will change.
Penrice and Breaker
216 days And counting...Since Gary Penrice and Tim Breaker were placed on Gardening Leave (with no explanation as to what THEY had done to merit such treatment)
216 Days...31 weeks..Seven months...6,384 hours...From the depth of winter...through spring...Summer...and now Autumn is approaching
On February 6, thhe club issued the following statemnt
"QPR have announced that Ian Holloway has been placed on 'gardening leave.'
Gary Waddock has been appointed as caretaker manager....The move follows speculation about Holloway joining Leicester City as their new manager. The club is keen to avoid any distraction to the playing side and to move forward with the rest of the season as speedily as possible. It has therefore put Ian Holloway and his managerial staff, Gary Penrice and Tim Breacker, on gardening leave with immediate effect....
Gianni Paladini said: "QPR has not sacked Ian, but we are concerned about recent performances and the effect the speculation about Ian joining Leicester City might have on the players.
"I hope we can sort something out with Ian as soon as possible. QPR will always be enormously grateful for the contribution he has made over the past five years, in particular gaining promotion for us in 2004.
"However, it is crucial the team are focussed and able to move forward, which is why we have appointed Gary as Caretaker Manager. I hope the fans will get behind Gary for the home derby against Millwall on Saturday."
Club Statement
It's now 216 days since Gary Penrice and Tim Breaker were placed on Gardening Leave (along with Ian Holloway) with no explanation as to what THEY had done to be placed on Gardening Leave. Despite Ian Holloway talking about them joining him at Plymouth, as of yesterday, this still had not occurred. Hopefully this soon will change.
Penrice and Breaker
216 days And counting...Since Gary Penrice and Tim Breaker were placed on Gardening Leave (with no explanation as to what THEY had done to merit such treatment)
216 Days...31 weeks..Seven months...6,384 hours...From the depth of winter...through spring...Summer...and now Autumn is approaching
On February 6, thhe club issued the following statemnt
"QPR have announced that Ian Holloway has been placed on 'gardening leave.'
Gary Waddock has been appointed as caretaker manager....The move follows speculation about Holloway joining Leicester City as their new manager. The club is keen to avoid any distraction to the playing side and to move forward with the rest of the season as speedily as possible. It has therefore put Ian Holloway and his managerial staff, Gary Penrice and Tim Breacker, on gardening leave with immediate effect....
Gianni Paladini said: "QPR has not sacked Ian, but we are concerned about recent performances and the effect the speculation about Ian joining Leicester City might have on the players.
"I hope we can sort something out with Ian as soon as possible. QPR will always be enormously grateful for the contribution he has made over the past five years, in particular gaining promotion for us in 2004.
"However, it is crucial the team are focussed and able to move forward, which is why we have appointed Gary as Caretaker Manager. I hope the fans will get behind Gary for the home derby against Millwall on Saturday."
Club Statement
How Ex-QPRs Fared on Saturday
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EX-QPRS
At Port Vale versus Blackpool, it was two QPR players out on loan: Steffan Moore and Ian Evatt, playing against each other (while a third, Marcus Bean stayed on the Port Vale bench)
Millwall managed by ex-QPR's Nigel Spackman had Chris Day back in goal with almost QPR player, Senda in defense. Millwall lost 1-0 at home to Brighton with Santos in defense, and under the caretaker managership of ex-QPR player (and brother of Ray Wilkins) Dean Wilkins.
See "Wilkins: We Deserved It
And Colchester with Cureton and then subbed by Mcleod beat Burnley 2-1
BBC
EX-QPRS
At Port Vale versus Blackpool, it was two QPR players out on loan: Steffan Moore and Ian Evatt, playing against each other (while a third, Marcus Bean stayed on the Port Vale bench)
Millwall managed by ex-QPR's Nigel Spackman had Chris Day back in goal with almost QPR player, Senda in defense. Millwall lost 1-0 at home to Brighton with Santos in defense, and under the caretaker managership of ex-QPR player (and brother of Ray Wilkins) Dean Wilkins.
See "Wilkins: We Deserved It
And Colchester with Cureton and then subbed by Mcleod beat Burnley 2-1
BBC
Holloway - Additional Post Match Comments re Gary Waddock
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Plymouth Official Site - Holloway on Gary Waddock
SWEAT'S OFF FOR OLLIE
ARGYLE manager Ian Holloway revealed that he had made his peace with QPR manager Gary Waddock after the two teams had fought out a 1-1 draw at Home Park on Saturday.
Waddock replaced Holloway at Loftus Road after Argyle's new manager was put on gardening leave by his former employers earlier this year prior to severing his ties with Rangers in favour of taking charge of the Pilgrims.
That background to the game affected Holloway before the game.
"To be fair, I am glad today is over," he said afterwards, "because of my emotions.
"I have to be very careful. I will put it in horse's terms. I should not be sweating in the paddock before I run the race and, I have to say, I was probably a bit too lathered up for a horse of my experience."
Referring to Waddock, Holloway said: "At the end of the day, we are competitors and we are trying to win. For me, there are things that should have been said at the time that I lost my job, that were not.
"There were some things that were said that were very upsetting from my point of view, but I have already told him that.
"What brassed me off was that he said that was going to change the style of football overnight, and it was said over and over again
"I don't think that was what should have been said about the job that I did in the circumstances I had, when I gave the fella a job in the first place.
"Today, I shook his hand at the start and I shook it at the end.
"I have never been rude in my life."
Plymouth
Plymouth Official Site - Holloway on Gary Waddock
SWEAT'S OFF FOR OLLIE
ARGYLE manager Ian Holloway revealed that he had made his peace with QPR manager Gary Waddock after the two teams had fought out a 1-1 draw at Home Park on Saturday.
Waddock replaced Holloway at Loftus Road after Argyle's new manager was put on gardening leave by his former employers earlier this year prior to severing his ties with Rangers in favour of taking charge of the Pilgrims.
That background to the game affected Holloway before the game.
"To be fair, I am glad today is over," he said afterwards, "because of my emotions.
"I have to be very careful. I will put it in horse's terms. I should not be sweating in the paddock before I run the race and, I have to say, I was probably a bit too lathered up for a horse of my experience."
Referring to Waddock, Holloway said: "At the end of the day, we are competitors and we are trying to win. For me, there are things that should have been said at the time that I lost my job, that were not.
"There were some things that were said that were very upsetting from my point of view, but I have already told him that.
"What brassed me off was that he said that was going to change the style of football overnight, and it was said over and over again
"I don't think that was what should have been said about the job that I did in the circumstances I had, when I gave the fella a job in the first place.
"Today, I shook his hand at the start and I shook it at the end.
"I have never been rude in my life."
Plymouth
Ex-QPR's Irish International Winger, Ian Stewart, Turns 45
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Ian Stewart Turns 45. (Born September 10, 1961).
Played 30 Times for Northern Ireland and not that many more games for QPR.
Stewart
Ian Stewart Turns 45. (Born September 10, 1961).
Played 30 Times for Northern Ireland and not that many more games for QPR.
Stewart
Holloway Expressing Himself About QPR!
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All even on south coast as Holloway vents his anger
Anna Kessel at Home Park
Sunday September 10, 2006
The Observer
Ian Holloway left behind pistol hold-ups, courtroom drama, boardroom wranglings and severe debt problems for a sunny spot on the south coast - and some spending money. But the former QPR manager's feelings still burn on the subject of his treatment by the London club. And so guessed the press who turned up hungry for some 'BMW' (bitching, moaning, and whingeing, in Holloway speak) after he faced his old club.
Holloway was initially restrained - he didn't even mention QPR in his programme notes - but succumbed after the match. 'I'd be a liar if I said I wasn't emotional about it. Shall I tell you what brassed me off? When I left and he [Gary Waddock, current QPR manager] said, "I'm going to change the style of football played here overnight." He said it over and over again. But it was me who gave the fella a job in the first place.'
Holloway went on to list his frustrations. 'I was starved of cash, lost my chief scout, wasn't allowed to make decisions about the team. Then they threw me out and chucked me in the garden after five years. I thought it was unfair. I'm glad today's over because I shouldn't be sweating up in the paddock and today I was rather too lathered up for a horse of my experience.'
It was experience versus the upstart then as the two managers paced the touchline. The visitors had the better start as Dexter Blackstock, the 21-year-old former Southampton striker who sojourned at Plymouth two seasons ago, got a touch to Lee Cook's pass. The resulting shot was weak but crept its way over the goalline. Plymouth, however, would not be overawed.
Their 34-year-old signing Barry Hayles threatened with a number of chances, and the team pressed right from the back, with Paul Connolly a major presence. The growing confidence produced an equaliser through Connolly's incisive pass to home debutant Sylvain Ebanks-Blake, who struck to level the score. The 20-year-old was a £300,000 signing from Manchester United, who had spent last season in the doldrums at their feeder club Royal Antwerp. His consequent frustration was now put to good use. On the touchline Holloway did his best to gee up the crowd, whooping his arms at the referee and gesticulating at his opposite, Waddock.
The former Ireland international's team were physical on the field but failed to replicate Plymouth's passing game. The home side should have capitalised following a series of near misses from Hayles and Ebanks-Blake in the second half, and QPR were - quite rightly - happy to go home with a point. Waddock insisted the occasion had been unmarked by any personal differences but admitted he was pleased with the draw. 'They put us under a hell of a lot of pressure,' he said, 'other teams will come down here and not leave with anything.' Except perhaps an ear-bashing from Holloway. But who would have it any other way?
Man of the match: Sylvain Ebanks-Blake
The youngster harried and jostled and did not look out of place alongside a player 14 years his senior. He scored on his debut, but if he can convert a better percentage of the chances he creates he will be a Home Park legend.
-Observer
All even on south coast as Holloway vents his anger
Anna Kessel at Home Park
Sunday September 10, 2006
The Observer
Ian Holloway left behind pistol hold-ups, courtroom drama, boardroom wranglings and severe debt problems for a sunny spot on the south coast - and some spending money. But the former QPR manager's feelings still burn on the subject of his treatment by the London club. And so guessed the press who turned up hungry for some 'BMW' (bitching, moaning, and whingeing, in Holloway speak) after he faced his old club.
Holloway was initially restrained - he didn't even mention QPR in his programme notes - but succumbed after the match. 'I'd be a liar if I said I wasn't emotional about it. Shall I tell you what brassed me off? When I left and he [Gary Waddock, current QPR manager] said, "I'm going to change the style of football played here overnight." He said it over and over again. But it was me who gave the fella a job in the first place.'
Holloway went on to list his frustrations. 'I was starved of cash, lost my chief scout, wasn't allowed to make decisions about the team. Then they threw me out and chucked me in the garden after five years. I thought it was unfair. I'm glad today's over because I shouldn't be sweating up in the paddock and today I was rather too lathered up for a horse of my experience.'
It was experience versus the upstart then as the two managers paced the touchline. The visitors had the better start as Dexter Blackstock, the 21-year-old former Southampton striker who sojourned at Plymouth two seasons ago, got a touch to Lee Cook's pass. The resulting shot was weak but crept its way over the goalline. Plymouth, however, would not be overawed.
Their 34-year-old signing Barry Hayles threatened with a number of chances, and the team pressed right from the back, with Paul Connolly a major presence. The growing confidence produced an equaliser through Connolly's incisive pass to home debutant Sylvain Ebanks-Blake, who struck to level the score. The 20-year-old was a £300,000 signing from Manchester United, who had spent last season in the doldrums at their feeder club Royal Antwerp. His consequent frustration was now put to good use. On the touchline Holloway did his best to gee up the crowd, whooping his arms at the referee and gesticulating at his opposite, Waddock.
The former Ireland international's team were physical on the field but failed to replicate Plymouth's passing game. The home side should have capitalised following a series of near misses from Hayles and Ebanks-Blake in the second half, and QPR were - quite rightly - happy to go home with a point. Waddock insisted the occasion had been unmarked by any personal differences but admitted he was pleased with the draw. 'They put us under a hell of a lot of pressure,' he said, 'other teams will come down here and not leave with anything.' Except perhaps an ear-bashing from Holloway. But who would have it any other way?
Man of the match: Sylvain Ebanks-Blake
The youngster harried and jostled and did not look out of place alongside a player 14 years his senior. He scored on his debut, but if he can convert a better percentage of the chances he creates he will be a Home Park legend.
-Observer
Saturday, September 09, 2006
Plymouth 1 QPR 1 - Reports & Comments
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QPR Drop to Third from bottom - Table
Plymouth had 14 Corners...QPR had 2 (from Sporting Life)
Plymouth Official - Holloway Evaluation NOT TAKING CHANCES
MISSED chances were once again the biggest problem for Argyle manager Ian Holloway after his side were held to a 1-1 home draw by his former club QPR.
The Pilgrims fell behind to a soft goal from Dexter Blackstock on 16 minutes, but equalized through Sylvan Ebanks-Blake 15 minutes later.
Holloway was disappointed with Argyle's lacklustre start to the game and felt his team should have taken their chances better.
"I was disappointed we went behind but I did not think we started in the first 20 minutes," said Holloway.
"I said before the game that I wanted them to enjoy the game but maybe I was too tense.
"I asked them to hit our centre-forward within five passes because I think we look a good team when we do that. I did not say hit them in one pass.
"I felt we caused their back four problems all afternoon but, unfortunately, those chances that we are missing at the moment are costing us."
Argyle also had countless free-kicks and corners but were unable to score, and it is a worrying trend for Holloway.
He said: "If I was disappointed with anything, at set-pieces we need to nail down a bit better.
"I don't think we have scored from one since I have been here. It may be a lack of height.
"At the minute, some people who can deliver did not today and we need some more practice.
Holloway was delighted with the effort of his team, however, and now wants to see bigger crowds at Home Park to cheer on the troops.
"I can't ask for more effort and I thought we seemed to relax once we got the equalizer," said Holloway.
"I have heard a lot of people say that we have got to win our home games. Why have you got to win your home games? If you win away and draw at home, then that is four points out of six.
"I am not overly concerned but I would love to send people away singing and chanting, and bringing other people with them because we need more bums on seats. I saw far too many empty seats around the place.
"If I won the lottery I would buy loads of people season-tickets in the area to come along.
"Unfortunately, we are not getting what we deserve. I think the lads have got to believe in themselves and be a bit more clinical.
"Once we got settled down and moved the ball, we pulled them around and created enough chances to win the game."
Despite the missed chances, Holloway is pleased with the variety of forwards he has at his disposal.
He said: "I started off with one striker and two young lads when I arrived and I think we have added two strikers and now (Cherno) Samba as well.
"They are a mixed bag and they offer different things. When I moved Hayles out to the left, we need him too much up the middle, so I have got to work with them.
"Hopefully, when we get (Gary) Penrice to come down, he can work with them because he is very good with forwards and they need a bit of TLC.
"With a bit of knowledge I think we can make some of these really tasty. Reuben Reid has an awful lot to offer.
"Nick Chadwick, for me, is a very good player and he was unfortunate today but he took it in the right way because I felt we needed Sylvan (Ebanks-Blake) today.
"I knew they would get their line right, so we needed to hit the forwards with the right type of ball, hold it and then turn, and we would cause them some problems.
"Unfortunately, the chances we did create, we did not finish them off.
"I thought the best move of the match deserved a goal but Chuck Norris struck it straight at the keeper."
Holloway was not pleased with the nature of the QPR goal, which came from Lee Cook cross and Dexter Blackstock stole in behind the Argyle defence to apply the finishing touch.
Holloway said: "Obviously, I was disappointed with the goal because it looked like a bit of a scuff and someone took a gamble on it but well done to him, he got something on it and it trickled in.
The sight of Hungarian midfielder Akos Buzsaky in the starting line-up was a happy one for the Green Army, and he showed glimpses of his magical skills.
Holloway obviously rates Buzsaky very highly but replaced him in the second-half after the magnificent Magyar started to drift out of the game.
"He (Buzsaky) ran out of steam a bit," said Holloway.
"We have got some wonderful attacking players and, if you saw the reserves the other night we scored five goals, but let in five as well.
"I think Akos is one of them players I have not seen the likes of.
"Roy Wegerle was a terrific player with fantastic ability, and I think Akos has got some of the things that excite football fans and they wish they could see it and it won games every week.
"I would pay money to see some of the things he does but what I have to do is make sure he gets back in shape when we have not got the ball.
"I believe the boy is desperately trying to do it because he has had so many sacrifices for his career.
"It is all he eats, sleeps and drinks and I can see it in him.
"He missed all of pre-season and he has only played about four games in the reserves, and two sub appearances for the first-team.
"I believe in the boys' talent and I have always wanted to surround myself with players who are more talented than I was, and rub off on them.
"I just want him to play like he did against me when I was QPR manager, scoring from 30 yards out.
"Today, he was trying so hard and it was not quite working for him.
"In the playground, I was never the best player but I wanted to be a player more than anybody else, and I want this team to be the best I have ever seen."
Plymouth
Gary Waddock - Official Site
SUPER CHARACTER
Gary Waddock praised the grit and determination of the R's, after the 1-1 draw at Home Park.
Wads had just seen his side grind out a point against Plymouth Argyle, when he spoke exclusively to qpr.co.uk.
"The lads stuck to their task superbly.
"Each and every one of them worked their socks off and they were a credit to this football club today.
''They dug in when it mattered most and got the point their display deserved.''
Dexter Blackstock gave Rangers the lead on 16 minutes, only for Sylvan Ebanks-Blake to grab an equaliser.
"Dexter's done everything but score so far this season, but he's broke his duck and I'm sure the goals will flow now.
"I'm glad he got it here because he was on loan here for a while and their fans were giving him a bit of stick.
"His all-round display was fantastic, but he wasn't the only one - Birch, Ollie, Cooky, Ward and Marc were superb. They kept going and going, despite having hardly anything in the tank late on.''
The manner of Plymouth's goal angered Waddock though: "Zesh was gutted at half time because he knew he was at fault.
"But credit has to go to him for picking himself up in the second half, when they applied a bit of pressure.''
Official Site
Holloway & Waddock's Comments -Sporting Life
WADDOCK PRAISES RANGERS DEFENCE
QPR boss Gary Waddock praised his side's defensive qualities following a 1-1 draw at Plymouth which got them back on track in the Coca-Cola Championship.
Waddock - whose side took a 17th-minute lead through summer signing Dexter Blackstock - said: "If we had taken a point against Ipswich and not lost then this would have been a reasonable start for us.
"But to get a point here is good because it shows that the hard work that we have put in on the training ground over the past two weeks has paid off.
"Not many people will come to Plymouth and be going home with something."
Waddock praised former Argyle loan signing Blackstock for getting off the mark with his first goal for the Hoops since his summer move from Southampton.
Blackstock redirected Lee Cook's left wing cross past Argyle keeper Luke McCormick to put the London side ahead.
Waddock added: "Dexter has been doing well all that was missing was a goal and now he has got it."
The Hoops boss also denied there was any edge to the game because former QPR manager Ian Holloway is now Argyle chief.
Waddock said: "It's Plymouth today, Birmingham on Tuesday. They are both tough games but that's the nature of the Championship. It's just another game for us."
[IAN HOLLOWAY]
Holloway was more concerned his side only had a superb 31st-minute Sylvan Ebanks-Blake goal to show for their dominance.
Holloway said: "I am just disappointed that we did not take more of our chances because if we had taken our chances, we would have won the game."
Ebanks-Blake crowned a man-of-the-match performance with his first goal on his first home start since joining for £200,000 from Manchester United.
The recalled 20-year-old striker beat his marker, central defender Zesh Rehman, with a deft touch before curling the ball past Hoops keeper Paul Jones to make it 1-1 after a superb through ball from Paul Connolly.
Of Ebanks-Blake, Holloway said: "I know what he has got and I think he was frustrated with himself.
"I felt today some of that frustration was eased by the goal and a very good finish.
"Any striker in the world needs their first competitive goal - and now he's got that."
Holloway was not concerned that he has yet to oversee a home win since taking over the managerial reins at Home Park in summer.
He said: "If you win away and draw at home it's four points the same as if you win at home and draw away.
"Obviously, I would love to send these fans here home happy with a win and I sure it will come."
Sporting Life
Sporting Life Match Report
Plymouth 1 OPR 1
Plymouth are still searching for their first home win of the season after they could manage only a draw against QPR - despite dominating the match.
Saturday's meeting at Home Park was the first time Pilgrims boss Ian Holloway had faced the west London club since his sacking in February.
And he will be disappointed with the result as his side had a host of second-half chances to secure the three points.
Rangers took a 16th-minute lead thanks to Dexter Blackstock's right-footed shot but Sylvan Ebanks-Blake levelled for the home side with his first league goal of the season.
Fit-again midfielder Akos Buzsaky made his first start for the Pilgrims following a pelvic operation in the summer.
There was no place in Holloway's squad for recent signings Marcel Seip and Cherno Samba while Northern Ireland utility man Tony Capaldi started on the bench after a spell on international duty.
QPR boss Gary Waddock was without key midfielders Martin Rowlands (calf) and Gareth Ainsworth (hamstring) as the pair continued to recover from injury.
But Rangers were boosted by the unexpected return of Marc Nygaard who had been troubled by persistent back and hamstring problems.
Plymouth - searching for their first home win of the season - dominated the opening quarter and should have taken the lead in the 12th minute only for Barry Hayles' close-range header to fall agonisingly wide of the target.
Hayles was left to rue his profligacy four minutes later as Blackstock gave Rangers the lead. The striker connected with Lee Cook's cross.
Undeterred, Plymouth continued to attack and were level in the 30th minute thanks to Ebanks-Blake's curling 12-yard shot.
Plymouth maintained their attacking verve after the break and Ebanks-Blake came close to scoring his second of the match, but his 54th-minute header went over the bar.
Goalkeeper Paul Jones was forced into action in the 62nd minute when David Norris struck from six yards, but, thankfully for the visitors, the Wales international was alert to the danger.
Barry Hayles was the next Pilgrims player to test Jones with an 18-yard shot, which the former Southampton man comfortably caught.
QPR finally managed to break from their own half in the 72nd minute and Nygaard produced a save from Luke McCormick with a right-footed shot from inside the box.
Holloway, in search for the winner, made a double substitution with Reuben Reid replacing Ebanks-Blake and Nick Chadwick coming on for Buzsaky.
But the change proved fruitless as the hosts continued to miss chances. Paul Connolly was the culprit in the 80th minute and Paul Wotton wasted an opportunity to grab a 90th-minute winner.
Sporting Life
BBC - Plymouth 1-1 QPR
Plymouth are still searching for their first home win as boss Ian Holloway faced his old club for the first time since his sacking in February.
QPR took an early lead when Dexter Blackstock's right-footed shot beat Plymouth keeper Luke McCormick.
Plymouth drew level on the hlaf-hour thanks to Sylvan Ebanks-Blake's curling shot for his first goal of the season
In the last 10 minutes Paul Connolly and Paul Wotton wasted two good opportunities for the home side. Plymouth
QPR Official Site - Plymouth 1 QPR 1
Dexter Blackstock opened his R's goalscoring account, but honours ended even at Home Park.
Rangers' most expensive summer signing bagged his first goal in a QPR shirt on 16 minutes, only for Sylvan Ebanks-Blake to equalise just after the half hour.
A lively second half produced a flurry of half chances, but in truth, neither side did enough to warrant maximum points.
It was all square at the break, after a lively opening 45 minutes in the West Country.
Blackstock broke his duck on 16 minutes, when he ghosted into the box unchallenged to poke the ball past the advancing Luke McCormick.
Undeterred, Ebanks-Blake - a summer signing from Manchester United - capitalised on a defensive error at the heart of the R's back four to level the tie.
Gary Waddock made three changes to the starting XI after the disappointing 3-1 defeat to Ipswich Town last time out.
In came Marc Nygaard, Marc Bircham and debutant Egutu Oliseh, with Kevin Gallen, Steve Lomas and Ray Jones all making way.
Barry Hayles led the Argyle attack, as former R's boss Ian Holloway locked horns with his former club for the first time since being appointed Pilgrims gaffer.
Rangers created the first chance as early as the third minute.
Lee Cook's in-swinging free kick found the head of Nicky Ward, but the Aussie - despite being gifted time and space at the near post - headed high and wide.
Buoyed by that early opening, the R's fans - who again turned out in force - broke into their first rendition of ''Gary Waddock's Blue & White Army,'' which was met with a wave of acknowledgement from the R's gaffer.
The Pilgrims took time to find their feet, but when they eventually did, it was Hayles who stung them into life, heading inches wide of Paul Jones' left hand post from Akos Buzsaky's 12th minute free kick.
The goal Rangers' fast start deserved arrived on 16 minutes, courtesy of Blackstock.
The former Southampton striker - who scored four goals while on loan at Home Park in season 2004/05 - ghosted into the box unmarked and applied the faintest of touches to Cook's defence splitting centre to nutmeg McCormick.
Argyle centre half Hasney Ajofree became the first player to enter referee Mr Marriner's notebook on 23 minutes, for a late lunge on the lively Oliseh.
Undeterred, Argyle improved as the half wore on, with firstly Buzsaky, and then Hayles, each going close.
Buzsaky's 20-yard free kick flew a yard or so over, before the much-travelled Hayles squandered a glorious chance, when he headed wide from just inside the six-yard box.
The pressure was relentless and when Hayles broke free down the right flank on the half hour, Zesh Rehman was in the right place at the right time to clear the danger with Ebanks-Blake ready to pounce.
The pressure eventually told a minute later when a mix-up in the R's defence involving Rehman and Paul Jones allowed Ebanks-Blake to round the Welsh number one and roll the ball into an empty net from an acute angle.
Buzsaky's free kicks were a constant threat throughout the half and when his fizzing effort ricocheted of Cook's head, Jones was down well to smother the ball at his near post.
Ebanks-Blake was leading the R's defence a merry dance as the half drew to a conclusion and when he got to the by-line on the stroke of half time, the advancing Hayles was inches away from connecting at the back stick.
With the pitch bathed in sunshine at the start of the second half, it was Rangers who signalled their intentions on the resumption.
Blackstock rose tallest to Ward's right foot cross and when his knock-down fell at the feet of Nygaard, only a splendid block tackle from Ajofree denied the R's man from slotting the ball home.
The loose ball fell to the onrushing Bircham, but he got his effort all wrong, scuffing the ball into the stands from the edge of the box.
Buzsaky continued to cause problems for the R's back four and when he left Cook and then Milanese trailing in his wake, only a poor finish let him down with Rangers all at sea in their own penalty area.
Wearing the armband for the first time this season clearly had a positive effect on the impressive Rose, who was on hand to execute a perfectly timed tackle on 60 minutes, just as Hayles was setting himself to let fly.
Stewart was next in line to make a last ditch tackle, this time thwarting David Norris after the Argyle midfielder coasted into the box unchallenged.
Ebanks-Blake squandered a golden opportunity on 65 minutes, heading over from eight-yards from another Buzsaky cross, as the Pilgrims slowly but surely took control.
Rangers' best opportunities arrived on the counter attack and when Oliseh found Nygaard on the right wing, his piercing drive forced McCormick into a fine parry at his near post.
At the other end, Stewart produced another sensational block to deny Hayles from a tight angle, as both sides went in search of a winner.
Both manager's made a series of late substitutions in an attempt to breathe new life into their respective outfits, but the all-important third goal remained elusive, despite Jones forcing McCormick into a simple save with a deft header in the fifth and final minute of stoppage time.
Plymouth Argyle: McCormick, Nalis, Aljofree, Norris, Buzsaky (Chadwick 75), Ebanks-Blake (Reid 76), Hayles, Kouo-Doumbe, Wotton, Hodges, Connolly.
QPR: P Jones, Rose, Rehman, Stewart, Milanese, Oliseh, Ward, Bircham (Lomas 76), Cook, Nygaard (Gallen 95), Blackstock (R Jones 88).
QPR
Plymouth Official Site
Argyle 1 Queens Park Rangers 1
TWO strikers representing Argyle's past and its future ensured honours finished even between Ian Holloway's current club and his previous one.
Holloway saw his side fail to win a fourth successive home game under his management after former Pilgrim Dexter Blackstock had returned to haunt the club he played for on loan from Southampton two seasons ago by giving Rangers a 16th-minute lead.
Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, Holloway's £200,000 summer buy from Manchester United, equalized within 15 minutes, but although Argyle bossed proceedings thereafter, they could not find what would have inarguably been a deserved winner.
Argyle tore into Rangers for the remaining hour of the game, with Ebanks-Blake, Hayles and Akos Buzsaky their chief tormentors, and created any number of potential decent chances.
However, to their credit, Rangers clung on to the point, even it was fingertip stuff at times.
Holloway had made two changes to the side that had drawn 1-1 at Stoke last time out to maintain the Pilgrims' unbeaten start away from home.
Tony Capaldi was dropped from the left side, allowing Buzsaky to make a seasonal full debut on the opposite wing to which he was almost exclusively employed by previous manager Tony Pulis.
The rare benching ended a rollercoaster week on a miserable note for the Northern Ireland international who had equaled an 80-year-old club record the previous Saturday by joining Moses Russell as the club's most capped international.
However, after winning his 20th cap in a 3-0 home defeat by Iceland, Capaldi was discarded by manager Lawrie Sanchez, missing out on even a place on the substitutes' bench for Wednesday's historic victory over Spain.
The other change was less of a surprise, with Ebanks-Blake drafted in as Sir Barrington's partner up front, swapping places with Nick Chadwick as he has done in or before every game this season.
Holloway's successor as Rangers' manager, Gary Waddock, made three changes to the starting line-up that had capitulated 3-1 at home to Ipswich in their last game before the international break, though none to the defence.
Off to the bench went long-serving midfielders Kevin Gallen and Steve Lomas, along with young striker Ray Jones.
Marc Bircham, now bereft of that questionable blue and off-white quiff he used to sport, came into the middle of the middle, with youngster Egutu Oliseh making his first-team debut on the right wing.
Great Dane Marc Nygaard came back from injury in place of Jones to partner Blackstock in attack - Blackstock, who spent several successful months at Home Park at the end of the 200-4-05 season, having joined Rangers in the summer.
The two sides spent a circumspect opening quarter of an hour testing each other's mettle without either goalkeeper being called into action.
The nearest either side came to breaking the deadlock was a strong near-post header from Hayles from Buzsaky's right-wing corner that flashed past Rangers' goalkeeper Paul Jones' post.
Almost immediately, Rangers responded with what was pretty well their first attack of the game, Lee Cook threading the ball through the Pilgrims' rearguard for Blackstock, who stretched to get a feather touch on the ball that was enough to deflect it home through the legs of hopelessly exposed goalkeeper Luke McCormick.
Blackstock's dart represented the first time Argyle had been behind in the first half of a game on their home turf since March, and they responded as positively as you would have hoped.
Buzsaky flopped a Wotton-range free-kick on to the top of Jones's net and Hayles exposed a perceived weakness on the left side of the Hoops' defence to drive a cross into the near post that was cleared amid some panic.
Given the head of steam, it was no real surprise when Argyle leveled. Like Rangers' opener, the chance came from a wonderful through-pass - this time from right-back Paul Connolly - but the similarity ended there as Ebanks-Blake needed to show composure beyond his years and experience to beat Zesh Rehman and Jones, and then curl the ball home.
The goal completely changed the game, as goals tend to do. The confidence flowed into Argyle's game, while Rangers suddenly appeared to be jitteriness personified, with the back four all at sea.
No-one looked more ill at ease than Italian left-back Mauro Milanese, who did well to recover and thwart David Norris after his mistake had played in the Argyle midfielder.
That was not the only chance that Argyle created leading up to the break, with Hayles and Ebanks-Blake terrorising the Rangers' defence, the latter's rampaging down the right nearly setting up the former for a tap-in.
Argyle began the second period more or less where they had left off the first. Buzsaky, having now switched wings to pour more pressure on the head-banded Milanese, went close with a decent drive following a run that totally baffled his Italian marker.
The next attack saw Paul Wotton's determination win the ball from Matthew Rose and invite Lee Hodges to send in a curling cross that was only a few inches too high for Ebanks-Blake to apply a meaningful header.
The next wave saw Norris play in Ebanks-Blake for an apparently free run on goal, but the eager youngster's first touch was too heavy and Rehman got across to snuff out the threat.
Norris was then himself denied a rare Home Park goal when centre-back Damion Stewart timed a tackle from behind to perfection, before the Argyle midfielder set up Ebanks-Blake for another header that flew over the crossbar. If he had been six inches taller, he would have had a hat-trick.
The danger with having so many attacks and so much of the play is a susceptibility to the counter attack, and Argyle nearly paid the penalty for their forward thinking when Rangers worked the ball forward to Nygaard for the first shot that McCormick had to save.
Holloway threw on Chadwick and teenager Reuben Reid for the last 15 minutes, withdrawing Buzsaky and Ebanks-Blake, and Reid was soon in the thick of things, teeing up Hayles for a shot that Jones tipped round his post for a corner.
That, though, proved to be the Pilgrims' last clear chance as Rangers ran down the clock, and not even five minutes of added time could aid Argyle's endeavours.
Argyle (4-4-2): 23 Luke McCormick; 22 Paul Connolly, 13 Mathias Kouo-Doumbe, 6 Hasney Aljofree, 20 Lee Hodges; 7 David Norris, 15 Paul Wotton (capt), 4 Lilian Nalis, 8 Akos Buzsaky (11 Nick Chadwick 75); 9 Sylvan Ebanks-Blake (27 Reuben Reid 76), 10 Barry Hayles. Substitutes (not used): 14 Tony Capaldi, 18 Gary Sawyer, 29 Luke Summerfield.
Bookings: Aljofree 22.
Queens Park Rangers (4-4-2): 13 Paul Jones (gk); 7 Matthew Rose (capt), 25 Damion Stewart, 5 Zeshan Rehman, 3 Mauro Milanese; 28 Egutu Oliseh, 8 Marc Bircham (16 Steve Lomas 77), 9 Nick Ward, 17 Lee Cook; 32 Dexter Blackstock (31 Ray Jones 89), 30 Marc Nygaard (10 Kevin Gallen 90). Substitutes (not used): 12 Jake Cole (gk), 24 Patrick Kanyuka.
Bookings: Bircham 32, Stewart 42, Cook 65.
Referee: Andre Marriner (West midlands).
Attendance: 12,138 (940 away
Plymouth
QPR Drop to Third from bottom - Table
Plymouth had 14 Corners...QPR had 2 (from Sporting Life)
Plymouth Official - Holloway Evaluation NOT TAKING CHANCES
MISSED chances were once again the biggest problem for Argyle manager Ian Holloway after his side were held to a 1-1 home draw by his former club QPR.
The Pilgrims fell behind to a soft goal from Dexter Blackstock on 16 minutes, but equalized through Sylvan Ebanks-Blake 15 minutes later.
Holloway was disappointed with Argyle's lacklustre start to the game and felt his team should have taken their chances better.
"I was disappointed we went behind but I did not think we started in the first 20 minutes," said Holloway.
"I said before the game that I wanted them to enjoy the game but maybe I was too tense.
"I asked them to hit our centre-forward within five passes because I think we look a good team when we do that. I did not say hit them in one pass.
"I felt we caused their back four problems all afternoon but, unfortunately, those chances that we are missing at the moment are costing us."
Argyle also had countless free-kicks and corners but were unable to score, and it is a worrying trend for Holloway.
He said: "If I was disappointed with anything, at set-pieces we need to nail down a bit better.
"I don't think we have scored from one since I have been here. It may be a lack of height.
"At the minute, some people who can deliver did not today and we need some more practice.
Holloway was delighted with the effort of his team, however, and now wants to see bigger crowds at Home Park to cheer on the troops.
"I can't ask for more effort and I thought we seemed to relax once we got the equalizer," said Holloway.
"I have heard a lot of people say that we have got to win our home games. Why have you got to win your home games? If you win away and draw at home, then that is four points out of six.
"I am not overly concerned but I would love to send people away singing and chanting, and bringing other people with them because we need more bums on seats. I saw far too many empty seats around the place.
"If I won the lottery I would buy loads of people season-tickets in the area to come along.
"Unfortunately, we are not getting what we deserve. I think the lads have got to believe in themselves and be a bit more clinical.
"Once we got settled down and moved the ball, we pulled them around and created enough chances to win the game."
Despite the missed chances, Holloway is pleased with the variety of forwards he has at his disposal.
He said: "I started off with one striker and two young lads when I arrived and I think we have added two strikers and now (Cherno) Samba as well.
"They are a mixed bag and they offer different things. When I moved Hayles out to the left, we need him too much up the middle, so I have got to work with them.
"Hopefully, when we get (Gary) Penrice to come down, he can work with them because he is very good with forwards and they need a bit of TLC.
"With a bit of knowledge I think we can make some of these really tasty. Reuben Reid has an awful lot to offer.
"Nick Chadwick, for me, is a very good player and he was unfortunate today but he took it in the right way because I felt we needed Sylvan (Ebanks-Blake) today.
"I knew they would get their line right, so we needed to hit the forwards with the right type of ball, hold it and then turn, and we would cause them some problems.
"Unfortunately, the chances we did create, we did not finish them off.
"I thought the best move of the match deserved a goal but Chuck Norris struck it straight at the keeper."
Holloway was not pleased with the nature of the QPR goal, which came from Lee Cook cross and Dexter Blackstock stole in behind the Argyle defence to apply the finishing touch.
Holloway said: "Obviously, I was disappointed with the goal because it looked like a bit of a scuff and someone took a gamble on it but well done to him, he got something on it and it trickled in.
The sight of Hungarian midfielder Akos Buzsaky in the starting line-up was a happy one for the Green Army, and he showed glimpses of his magical skills.
Holloway obviously rates Buzsaky very highly but replaced him in the second-half after the magnificent Magyar started to drift out of the game.
"He (Buzsaky) ran out of steam a bit," said Holloway.
"We have got some wonderful attacking players and, if you saw the reserves the other night we scored five goals, but let in five as well.
"I think Akos is one of them players I have not seen the likes of.
"Roy Wegerle was a terrific player with fantastic ability, and I think Akos has got some of the things that excite football fans and they wish they could see it and it won games every week.
"I would pay money to see some of the things he does but what I have to do is make sure he gets back in shape when we have not got the ball.
"I believe the boy is desperately trying to do it because he has had so many sacrifices for his career.
"It is all he eats, sleeps and drinks and I can see it in him.
"He missed all of pre-season and he has only played about four games in the reserves, and two sub appearances for the first-team.
"I believe in the boys' talent and I have always wanted to surround myself with players who are more talented than I was, and rub off on them.
"I just want him to play like he did against me when I was QPR manager, scoring from 30 yards out.
"Today, he was trying so hard and it was not quite working for him.
"In the playground, I was never the best player but I wanted to be a player more than anybody else, and I want this team to be the best I have ever seen."
Plymouth
Gary Waddock - Official Site
SUPER CHARACTER
Gary Waddock praised the grit and determination of the R's, after the 1-1 draw at Home Park.
Wads had just seen his side grind out a point against Plymouth Argyle, when he spoke exclusively to qpr.co.uk.
"The lads stuck to their task superbly.
"Each and every one of them worked their socks off and they were a credit to this football club today.
''They dug in when it mattered most and got the point their display deserved.''
Dexter Blackstock gave Rangers the lead on 16 minutes, only for Sylvan Ebanks-Blake to grab an equaliser.
"Dexter's done everything but score so far this season, but he's broke his duck and I'm sure the goals will flow now.
"I'm glad he got it here because he was on loan here for a while and their fans were giving him a bit of stick.
"His all-round display was fantastic, but he wasn't the only one - Birch, Ollie, Cooky, Ward and Marc were superb. They kept going and going, despite having hardly anything in the tank late on.''
The manner of Plymouth's goal angered Waddock though: "Zesh was gutted at half time because he knew he was at fault.
"But credit has to go to him for picking himself up in the second half, when they applied a bit of pressure.''
Official Site
Holloway & Waddock's Comments -Sporting Life
WADDOCK PRAISES RANGERS DEFENCE
QPR boss Gary Waddock praised his side's defensive qualities following a 1-1 draw at Plymouth which got them back on track in the Coca-Cola Championship.
Waddock - whose side took a 17th-minute lead through summer signing Dexter Blackstock - said: "If we had taken a point against Ipswich and not lost then this would have been a reasonable start for us.
"But to get a point here is good because it shows that the hard work that we have put in on the training ground over the past two weeks has paid off.
"Not many people will come to Plymouth and be going home with something."
Waddock praised former Argyle loan signing Blackstock for getting off the mark with his first goal for the Hoops since his summer move from Southampton.
Blackstock redirected Lee Cook's left wing cross past Argyle keeper Luke McCormick to put the London side ahead.
Waddock added: "Dexter has been doing well all that was missing was a goal and now he has got it."
The Hoops boss also denied there was any edge to the game because former QPR manager Ian Holloway is now Argyle chief.
Waddock said: "It's Plymouth today, Birmingham on Tuesday. They are both tough games but that's the nature of the Championship. It's just another game for us."
[IAN HOLLOWAY]
Holloway was more concerned his side only had a superb 31st-minute Sylvan Ebanks-Blake goal to show for their dominance.
Holloway said: "I am just disappointed that we did not take more of our chances because if we had taken our chances, we would have won the game."
Ebanks-Blake crowned a man-of-the-match performance with his first goal on his first home start since joining for £200,000 from Manchester United.
The recalled 20-year-old striker beat his marker, central defender Zesh Rehman, with a deft touch before curling the ball past Hoops keeper Paul Jones to make it 1-1 after a superb through ball from Paul Connolly.
Of Ebanks-Blake, Holloway said: "I know what he has got and I think he was frustrated with himself.
"I felt today some of that frustration was eased by the goal and a very good finish.
"Any striker in the world needs their first competitive goal - and now he's got that."
Holloway was not concerned that he has yet to oversee a home win since taking over the managerial reins at Home Park in summer.
He said: "If you win away and draw at home it's four points the same as if you win at home and draw away.
"Obviously, I would love to send these fans here home happy with a win and I sure it will come."
Sporting Life
Sporting Life Match Report
Plymouth 1 OPR 1
Plymouth are still searching for their first home win of the season after they could manage only a draw against QPR - despite dominating the match.
Saturday's meeting at Home Park was the first time Pilgrims boss Ian Holloway had faced the west London club since his sacking in February.
And he will be disappointed with the result as his side had a host of second-half chances to secure the three points.
Rangers took a 16th-minute lead thanks to Dexter Blackstock's right-footed shot but Sylvan Ebanks-Blake levelled for the home side with his first league goal of the season.
Fit-again midfielder Akos Buzsaky made his first start for the Pilgrims following a pelvic operation in the summer.
There was no place in Holloway's squad for recent signings Marcel Seip and Cherno Samba while Northern Ireland utility man Tony Capaldi started on the bench after a spell on international duty.
QPR boss Gary Waddock was without key midfielders Martin Rowlands (calf) and Gareth Ainsworth (hamstring) as the pair continued to recover from injury.
But Rangers were boosted by the unexpected return of Marc Nygaard who had been troubled by persistent back and hamstring problems.
Plymouth - searching for their first home win of the season - dominated the opening quarter and should have taken the lead in the 12th minute only for Barry Hayles' close-range header to fall agonisingly wide of the target.
Hayles was left to rue his profligacy four minutes later as Blackstock gave Rangers the lead. The striker connected with Lee Cook's cross.
Undeterred, Plymouth continued to attack and were level in the 30th minute thanks to Ebanks-Blake's curling 12-yard shot.
Plymouth maintained their attacking verve after the break and Ebanks-Blake came close to scoring his second of the match, but his 54th-minute header went over the bar.
Goalkeeper Paul Jones was forced into action in the 62nd minute when David Norris struck from six yards, but, thankfully for the visitors, the Wales international was alert to the danger.
Barry Hayles was the next Pilgrims player to test Jones with an 18-yard shot, which the former Southampton man comfortably caught.
QPR finally managed to break from their own half in the 72nd minute and Nygaard produced a save from Luke McCormick with a right-footed shot from inside the box.
Holloway, in search for the winner, made a double substitution with Reuben Reid replacing Ebanks-Blake and Nick Chadwick coming on for Buzsaky.
But the change proved fruitless as the hosts continued to miss chances. Paul Connolly was the culprit in the 80th minute and Paul Wotton wasted an opportunity to grab a 90th-minute winner.
Sporting Life
BBC - Plymouth 1-1 QPR
Plymouth are still searching for their first home win as boss Ian Holloway faced his old club for the first time since his sacking in February.
QPR took an early lead when Dexter Blackstock's right-footed shot beat Plymouth keeper Luke McCormick.
Plymouth drew level on the hlaf-hour thanks to Sylvan Ebanks-Blake's curling shot for his first goal of the season
In the last 10 minutes Paul Connolly and Paul Wotton wasted two good opportunities for the home side. Plymouth
QPR Official Site - Plymouth 1 QPR 1
Dexter Blackstock opened his R's goalscoring account, but honours ended even at Home Park.
Rangers' most expensive summer signing bagged his first goal in a QPR shirt on 16 minutes, only for Sylvan Ebanks-Blake to equalise just after the half hour.
A lively second half produced a flurry of half chances, but in truth, neither side did enough to warrant maximum points.
It was all square at the break, after a lively opening 45 minutes in the West Country.
Blackstock broke his duck on 16 minutes, when he ghosted into the box unchallenged to poke the ball past the advancing Luke McCormick.
Undeterred, Ebanks-Blake - a summer signing from Manchester United - capitalised on a defensive error at the heart of the R's back four to level the tie.
Gary Waddock made three changes to the starting XI after the disappointing 3-1 defeat to Ipswich Town last time out.
In came Marc Nygaard, Marc Bircham and debutant Egutu Oliseh, with Kevin Gallen, Steve Lomas and Ray Jones all making way.
Barry Hayles led the Argyle attack, as former R's boss Ian Holloway locked horns with his former club for the first time since being appointed Pilgrims gaffer.
Rangers created the first chance as early as the third minute.
Lee Cook's in-swinging free kick found the head of Nicky Ward, but the Aussie - despite being gifted time and space at the near post - headed high and wide.
Buoyed by that early opening, the R's fans - who again turned out in force - broke into their first rendition of ''Gary Waddock's Blue & White Army,'' which was met with a wave of acknowledgement from the R's gaffer.
The Pilgrims took time to find their feet, but when they eventually did, it was Hayles who stung them into life, heading inches wide of Paul Jones' left hand post from Akos Buzsaky's 12th minute free kick.
The goal Rangers' fast start deserved arrived on 16 minutes, courtesy of Blackstock.
The former Southampton striker - who scored four goals while on loan at Home Park in season 2004/05 - ghosted into the box unmarked and applied the faintest of touches to Cook's defence splitting centre to nutmeg McCormick.
Argyle centre half Hasney Ajofree became the first player to enter referee Mr Marriner's notebook on 23 minutes, for a late lunge on the lively Oliseh.
Undeterred, Argyle improved as the half wore on, with firstly Buzsaky, and then Hayles, each going close.
Buzsaky's 20-yard free kick flew a yard or so over, before the much-travelled Hayles squandered a glorious chance, when he headed wide from just inside the six-yard box.
The pressure was relentless and when Hayles broke free down the right flank on the half hour, Zesh Rehman was in the right place at the right time to clear the danger with Ebanks-Blake ready to pounce.
The pressure eventually told a minute later when a mix-up in the R's defence involving Rehman and Paul Jones allowed Ebanks-Blake to round the Welsh number one and roll the ball into an empty net from an acute angle.
Buzsaky's free kicks were a constant threat throughout the half and when his fizzing effort ricocheted of Cook's head, Jones was down well to smother the ball at his near post.
Ebanks-Blake was leading the R's defence a merry dance as the half drew to a conclusion and when he got to the by-line on the stroke of half time, the advancing Hayles was inches away from connecting at the back stick.
With the pitch bathed in sunshine at the start of the second half, it was Rangers who signalled their intentions on the resumption.
Blackstock rose tallest to Ward's right foot cross and when his knock-down fell at the feet of Nygaard, only a splendid block tackle from Ajofree denied the R's man from slotting the ball home.
The loose ball fell to the onrushing Bircham, but he got his effort all wrong, scuffing the ball into the stands from the edge of the box.
Buzsaky continued to cause problems for the R's back four and when he left Cook and then Milanese trailing in his wake, only a poor finish let him down with Rangers all at sea in their own penalty area.
Wearing the armband for the first time this season clearly had a positive effect on the impressive Rose, who was on hand to execute a perfectly timed tackle on 60 minutes, just as Hayles was setting himself to let fly.
Stewart was next in line to make a last ditch tackle, this time thwarting David Norris after the Argyle midfielder coasted into the box unchallenged.
Ebanks-Blake squandered a golden opportunity on 65 minutes, heading over from eight-yards from another Buzsaky cross, as the Pilgrims slowly but surely took control.
Rangers' best opportunities arrived on the counter attack and when Oliseh found Nygaard on the right wing, his piercing drive forced McCormick into a fine parry at his near post.
At the other end, Stewart produced another sensational block to deny Hayles from a tight angle, as both sides went in search of a winner.
Both manager's made a series of late substitutions in an attempt to breathe new life into their respective outfits, but the all-important third goal remained elusive, despite Jones forcing McCormick into a simple save with a deft header in the fifth and final minute of stoppage time.
Plymouth Argyle: McCormick, Nalis, Aljofree, Norris, Buzsaky (Chadwick 75), Ebanks-Blake (Reid 76), Hayles, Kouo-Doumbe, Wotton, Hodges, Connolly.
QPR: P Jones, Rose, Rehman, Stewart, Milanese, Oliseh, Ward, Bircham (Lomas 76), Cook, Nygaard (Gallen 95), Blackstock (R Jones 88).
QPR
Plymouth Official Site
Argyle 1 Queens Park Rangers 1
TWO strikers representing Argyle's past and its future ensured honours finished even between Ian Holloway's current club and his previous one.
Holloway saw his side fail to win a fourth successive home game under his management after former Pilgrim Dexter Blackstock had returned to haunt the club he played for on loan from Southampton two seasons ago by giving Rangers a 16th-minute lead.
Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, Holloway's £200,000 summer buy from Manchester United, equalized within 15 minutes, but although Argyle bossed proceedings thereafter, they could not find what would have inarguably been a deserved winner.
Argyle tore into Rangers for the remaining hour of the game, with Ebanks-Blake, Hayles and Akos Buzsaky their chief tormentors, and created any number of potential decent chances.
However, to their credit, Rangers clung on to the point, even it was fingertip stuff at times.
Holloway had made two changes to the side that had drawn 1-1 at Stoke last time out to maintain the Pilgrims' unbeaten start away from home.
Tony Capaldi was dropped from the left side, allowing Buzsaky to make a seasonal full debut on the opposite wing to which he was almost exclusively employed by previous manager Tony Pulis.
The rare benching ended a rollercoaster week on a miserable note for the Northern Ireland international who had equaled an 80-year-old club record the previous Saturday by joining Moses Russell as the club's most capped international.
However, after winning his 20th cap in a 3-0 home defeat by Iceland, Capaldi was discarded by manager Lawrie Sanchez, missing out on even a place on the substitutes' bench for Wednesday's historic victory over Spain.
The other change was less of a surprise, with Ebanks-Blake drafted in as Sir Barrington's partner up front, swapping places with Nick Chadwick as he has done in or before every game this season.
Holloway's successor as Rangers' manager, Gary Waddock, made three changes to the starting line-up that had capitulated 3-1 at home to Ipswich in their last game before the international break, though none to the defence.
Off to the bench went long-serving midfielders Kevin Gallen and Steve Lomas, along with young striker Ray Jones.
Marc Bircham, now bereft of that questionable blue and off-white quiff he used to sport, came into the middle of the middle, with youngster Egutu Oliseh making his first-team debut on the right wing.
Great Dane Marc Nygaard came back from injury in place of Jones to partner Blackstock in attack - Blackstock, who spent several successful months at Home Park at the end of the 200-4-05 season, having joined Rangers in the summer.
The two sides spent a circumspect opening quarter of an hour testing each other's mettle without either goalkeeper being called into action.
The nearest either side came to breaking the deadlock was a strong near-post header from Hayles from Buzsaky's right-wing corner that flashed past Rangers' goalkeeper Paul Jones' post.
Almost immediately, Rangers responded with what was pretty well their first attack of the game, Lee Cook threading the ball through the Pilgrims' rearguard for Blackstock, who stretched to get a feather touch on the ball that was enough to deflect it home through the legs of hopelessly exposed goalkeeper Luke McCormick.
Blackstock's dart represented the first time Argyle had been behind in the first half of a game on their home turf since March, and they responded as positively as you would have hoped.
Buzsaky flopped a Wotton-range free-kick on to the top of Jones's net and Hayles exposed a perceived weakness on the left side of the Hoops' defence to drive a cross into the near post that was cleared amid some panic.
Given the head of steam, it was no real surprise when Argyle leveled. Like Rangers' opener, the chance came from a wonderful through-pass - this time from right-back Paul Connolly - but the similarity ended there as Ebanks-Blake needed to show composure beyond his years and experience to beat Zesh Rehman and Jones, and then curl the ball home.
The goal completely changed the game, as goals tend to do. The confidence flowed into Argyle's game, while Rangers suddenly appeared to be jitteriness personified, with the back four all at sea.
No-one looked more ill at ease than Italian left-back Mauro Milanese, who did well to recover and thwart David Norris after his mistake had played in the Argyle midfielder.
That was not the only chance that Argyle created leading up to the break, with Hayles and Ebanks-Blake terrorising the Rangers' defence, the latter's rampaging down the right nearly setting up the former for a tap-in.
Argyle began the second period more or less where they had left off the first. Buzsaky, having now switched wings to pour more pressure on the head-banded Milanese, went close with a decent drive following a run that totally baffled his Italian marker.
The next attack saw Paul Wotton's determination win the ball from Matthew Rose and invite Lee Hodges to send in a curling cross that was only a few inches too high for Ebanks-Blake to apply a meaningful header.
The next wave saw Norris play in Ebanks-Blake for an apparently free run on goal, but the eager youngster's first touch was too heavy and Rehman got across to snuff out the threat.
Norris was then himself denied a rare Home Park goal when centre-back Damion Stewart timed a tackle from behind to perfection, before the Argyle midfielder set up Ebanks-Blake for another header that flew over the crossbar. If he had been six inches taller, he would have had a hat-trick.
The danger with having so many attacks and so much of the play is a susceptibility to the counter attack, and Argyle nearly paid the penalty for their forward thinking when Rangers worked the ball forward to Nygaard for the first shot that McCormick had to save.
Holloway threw on Chadwick and teenager Reuben Reid for the last 15 minutes, withdrawing Buzsaky and Ebanks-Blake, and Reid was soon in the thick of things, teeing up Hayles for a shot that Jones tipped round his post for a corner.
That, though, proved to be the Pilgrims' last clear chance as Rangers ran down the clock, and not even five minutes of added time could aid Argyle's endeavours.
Argyle (4-4-2): 23 Luke McCormick; 22 Paul Connolly, 13 Mathias Kouo-Doumbe, 6 Hasney Aljofree, 20 Lee Hodges; 7 David Norris, 15 Paul Wotton (capt), 4 Lilian Nalis, 8 Akos Buzsaky (11 Nick Chadwick 75); 9 Sylvan Ebanks-Blake (27 Reuben Reid 76), 10 Barry Hayles. Substitutes (not used): 14 Tony Capaldi, 18 Gary Sawyer, 29 Luke Summerfield.
Bookings: Aljofree 22.
Queens Park Rangers (4-4-2): 13 Paul Jones (gk); 7 Matthew Rose (capt), 25 Damion Stewart, 5 Zeshan Rehman, 3 Mauro Milanese; 28 Egutu Oliseh, 8 Marc Bircham (16 Steve Lomas 77), 9 Nick Ward, 17 Lee Cook; 32 Dexter Blackstock (31 Ray Jones 89), 30 Marc Nygaard (10 Kevin Gallen 90). Substitutes (not used): 12 Jake Cole (gk), 24 Patrick Kanyuka.
Bookings: Bircham 32, Stewart 42, Cook 65.
Referee: Andre Marriner (West midlands).
Attendance: 12,138 (940 away
Plymouth
A Year Ago Today, Paladini Spoke about the Recent Changes
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From a Year Ago...
QPR Official Site - September 9, 2005
PALADINI ON CHANGES
Gianni Paladini on Boardroom changes, his relationship with Ollie 'the legend' and more.
Enjoy a free video interview in which the Rangers director reflects on an eventful month and discusses a whole range of topics.
Listen to Paladini on Bill Power, Mark Devlin,squad strengthening and what his wife thinks about his 'relationship' with Ian Holloway!
http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~711205,00.html
From a Year Ago...
QPR Official Site - September 9, 2005
PALADINI ON CHANGES
Gianni Paladini on Boardroom changes, his relationship with Ollie 'the legend' and more.
Enjoy a free video interview in which the Rangers director reflects on an eventful month and discusses a whole range of topics.
Listen to Paladini on Bill Power, Mark Devlin,squad strengthening and what his wife thinks about his 'relationship' with Ian Holloway!
http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~711205,00.html
Holloway: Penrice & Breaker Still NOT Yet at Plymouth
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"...Ian Holloway is still awaiting the arrival of Gary Penrice and Tim Breacker, who formed his backroom team during his time at QPR.
"It's dragging on a bit. The contracts and negotiations are very complicated," he said. "Hopefully, Mr Paladini will be able to deal with the monetary side of things for losing their jobs. They will be giving up more money to come here, that's a fact, so they are trying to sort that out. It hasn't been plain sailing but, hopefully, Mr and Mrs Stapleton are having a meal with Mr Paladini and his wife tonight and they are very good friends. I'm sure I wouldn't be here now if Mr Stapleton hadn't intervened with my situation."
Plymouth Diary
BACKGROUND:
Penrice & Breaker were put on Gardening Leave back in February at the same time as Ian Holloway. (Although unlike with Holloway, I don't recall any "explanation" given as to why they were put on leave.)
On August 25, QPR's Official site was updated and for the first time since they were put on Gardening leave, no longer listed Penrice and Breaker as QPR coaches.
Blog
The removal of Penrice & Breaker's names from the QPR site came a day after Plymouth issued a statement saying Penrice and Breaker Set to Join Holloway at Plymouth
Plymouth Official Site - Argyle's New Coaches
August 24 -IAN Holloway's back-room team at Argyle will be completed next month when coaches Gary Penrice and Tim Breacker finalise their moves from Queens Park Rangers.
The two have been in limbo since the Pilgrims' new manager himself was put on gardening leave by Rangers' chairman Gianni Paladini towards the end of last season.
However, that situation is set to be resolved, and Holloway believes that Argyle will benefit from the input of his trusted lieutenants.
"They've both got to go back to QPR for their deals to be settled but they have agreed their contracts with us," said Holloway. "That's vital for me, and vital for us.
"Hopefully, they will be starting on September 1, providing their negotiations go okay with Gianni Paladini, which I'm sure they will.
"All I've been doing is trying to get my staff, my players - hopefully those two situations will be sorted in the next couple of days. I'm delighted."
Plymouth
On August 4, the Plymouth Evening Herald reported Penrice should be joining Plymouth the following week
" Penrice Set to Link up with Holloway"
Gary Penrice should become the latest addition to Ian Holloway's backroom staff at Home Park by next week.
Penrice was a coach for Holloway at both Bristol Rovers and Queens Park Rangers and is a trusted ally of the new Pilgrims' boss.
When Holloway was put on 'gardening leave' by QPR in February after a fall-out with chairman Gianni Paladini, his two coaches - Penrice and Tim Breacker - suffered the same fate.
Holloway took over at Argyle on June 28 but Penrice and Breacker remain on the payroll at the west London club.
"I have offered something to Gary Penrice and he has had a problem to sort out with QPR," said Holloway. "I think they are doing that as we speak. The role I will be talking about will be different to what he did at QPR."
Holloway confirmed no offer had been made yet to Breacker.
When asked whether he would like to bring Breacker to Home Park, Holloway replied: "We will have to wait and see. Other things will have to happen at this end first."...
This is Plymouth
"...Ian Holloway is still awaiting the arrival of Gary Penrice and Tim Breacker, who formed his backroom team during his time at QPR.
"It's dragging on a bit. The contracts and negotiations are very complicated," he said. "Hopefully, Mr Paladini will be able to deal with the monetary side of things for losing their jobs. They will be giving up more money to come here, that's a fact, so they are trying to sort that out. It hasn't been plain sailing but, hopefully, Mr and Mrs Stapleton are having a meal with Mr Paladini and his wife tonight and they are very good friends. I'm sure I wouldn't be here now if Mr Stapleton hadn't intervened with my situation."
Plymouth Diary
BACKGROUND:
Penrice & Breaker were put on Gardening Leave back in February at the same time as Ian Holloway. (Although unlike with Holloway, I don't recall any "explanation" given as to why they were put on leave.)
On August 25, QPR's Official site was updated and for the first time since they were put on Gardening leave, no longer listed Penrice and Breaker as QPR coaches.
Blog
The removal of Penrice & Breaker's names from the QPR site came a day after Plymouth issued a statement saying Penrice and Breaker Set to Join Holloway at Plymouth
Plymouth Official Site - Argyle's New Coaches
August 24 -IAN Holloway's back-room team at Argyle will be completed next month when coaches Gary Penrice and Tim Breacker finalise their moves from Queens Park Rangers.
The two have been in limbo since the Pilgrims' new manager himself was put on gardening leave by Rangers' chairman Gianni Paladini towards the end of last season.
However, that situation is set to be resolved, and Holloway believes that Argyle will benefit from the input of his trusted lieutenants.
"They've both got to go back to QPR for their deals to be settled but they have agreed their contracts with us," said Holloway. "That's vital for me, and vital for us.
"Hopefully, they will be starting on September 1, providing their negotiations go okay with Gianni Paladini, which I'm sure they will.
"All I've been doing is trying to get my staff, my players - hopefully those two situations will be sorted in the next couple of days. I'm delighted."
Plymouth
On August 4, the Plymouth Evening Herald reported Penrice should be joining Plymouth the following week
" Penrice Set to Link up with Holloway"
Gary Penrice should become the latest addition to Ian Holloway's backroom staff at Home Park by next week.
Penrice was a coach for Holloway at both Bristol Rovers and Queens Park Rangers and is a trusted ally of the new Pilgrims' boss.
When Holloway was put on 'gardening leave' by QPR in February after a fall-out with chairman Gianni Paladini, his two coaches - Penrice and Tim Breacker - suffered the same fate.
Holloway took over at Argyle on June 28 but Penrice and Breacker remain on the payroll at the west London club.
"I have offered something to Gary Penrice and he has had a problem to sort out with QPR," said Holloway. "I think they are doing that as we speak. The role I will be talking about will be different to what he did at QPR."
Holloway confirmed no offer had been made yet to Breacker.
When asked whether he would like to bring Breacker to Home Park, Holloway replied: "We will have to wait and see. Other things will have to happen at this end first."...
This is Plymouth
Birthdays: Simon Royce Turns 35...Ex-QPR Kevin Brock is 44
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QPR (currently-injured) Goalie, Simon Royce Turns 35 - Born September 9, 1971. Spent two periods on loan at QPR, before signing for QPR. Was also at Southend, Charlton, Leicester.
Royce
Former QPR player, Kevin Brock Turns 44 - Born September 9, 1962.
Signed by Jim Smith from Oxford in August 1987(a year after he helped destroy QPR in the League Cup Final), Brock played a year and bit for QPR, before following Jim Smith to Newcastle, when Smith took over as Newcastle manager in December 1988.
Brock
QPR (currently-injured) Goalie, Simon Royce Turns 35 - Born September 9, 1971. Spent two periods on loan at QPR, before signing for QPR. Was also at Southend, Charlton, Leicester.
Royce
Former QPR player, Kevin Brock Turns 44 - Born September 9, 1962.
Signed by Jim Smith from Oxford in August 1987(a year after he helped destroy QPR in the League Cup Final), Brock played a year and bit for QPR, before following Jim Smith to Newcastle, when Smith took over as Newcastle manager in December 1988.
Brock
Friday, September 08, 2006
Plymouth Look at QPR
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This is Plymouth - 08 September 2006
The last league meeting at Home Park
Saturday, November 19, 2005
Argyle 3 (Wotton pen 6, Doumbe 38, Chadwick 51)
QPR 1 (Baidoo 61)
Argyle: Romain Larrieu; Paul Connolly, Mathias Doumbe, Hasney Aljofree, Anthony Barness; Akos Buzsaky (Keith Lasley 54), Paul Wotton, David Norris, Tony Capaldi; Nick Chadwick (Scott Taylor 80), Mickey Evans (Matt Derbyshire 90). Substitutes (not used): Luke McCormick, Bojan Djordjic.
Attendance: 13,213
Argyle have won 15 and lost five of their previous 20 home league games against QPR.
Rangers have lost three successive matches at Home Park since beating Argyle 1-0 in January 2003.
Plymouth
Plymouth Official 08.09.2006 LATEST NEWS THE QPR SEASON
Review of the campaign so far for the Loftus Road outfit
THE QPR SEASON
Burnley 2 QPR 0
A brace from former Crewe striker Steve Jones condemned Rangers to a disappointing opening day defeat at Turf Moor.
An embarrasing defensive mix-up gifted Jones with the first goal and he followed that up with a sublime finish to secure a deserved three points for the Clarets.
QPR 2 Leeds 2
Rangers twice came back to earn a battling point in their firsat home game of the season. USA international Eddie Lewis opened the scoring for Leeds but a Martin Rowlands penalty nine minutes from time brough the home side level.
A minute later, however, burly striker Geoff Horsfield scored a second for Leeds but QPR were rescued by an injury time equaliser from Shabazz Baidoo.
QPR 2 Southend 0
QPR secured their first win in 14 games with two first-half goals from Martin Rowlands and Nick Ward.
Rowlands fired in a fantastic free-kick and Ward bagged a strikers' goal to give Rangers all three points.
Preston 1 QPR 1
They were five minutes away from making it two successive wins at Deepdale but Paul McKenna stole a point for the home side.
Gareth Ainsworth had given QPR a deserved lead on four minutes and, after surviving for 81 minutes, manager Gary Waddock will be gutted that his team couldn't hold on for another five.
QPR 1 Ipswich 3
A disappointing televised defeat at home to Ipswich was the worst possible preparation for QPR ahead of the game with Argyle, especially after they had taken the lead on the hour through Kevin Gallen.
Ipswich had turned it around within ten minutes thanks to goals from Simon Walton and Jason De Vos, and Dean Bowditch added a third on 86 minutes.
Plymouth
Plymouth Official Site -
08.09.2006 LATEST NEWS QPR IMAGE FILE
Pictorial guide to Gary Waddock's team ahead of Saturday's Coca-Cola Championship encounter at Home ParkPlymouth Look
This is Plymouth - Waddock & QPR Assessed
NEW BOSS WADDOCK MAKES HIS MARK
Manager Gary Waddock made a series of signings over the summer as he tried to stamp his mark on Queens Park Rangers.
Waddock was initially appointed caretaker boss in February, after Ian Holloway was suspended by the west London club.
Coaches Gary Penrice and Tim Breacker were also put on 'gardening leave' and all the upheaval seemed to disrupt QPR as they ended up in 21st position in the Championship.
It was not until Holloway took over at Argyle at the end of June that Waddock shed the caretaker tag and named former Rangers team-mate Alan McDonald as his assistant.
Four of Waddock's new recruits were in the starting line-up for QPR's last match, the Sky-televised 3-1 home defeat by Ipswich Town on August 25.
Two of them played in central defence, with 26-year-old Jamaican international Damion Stewart partnered by Zesh Rehman.
Stewart played for Jamaica when they lost 1-0 to Canada in a friendly in Montreal on Monday.
Rehman, 22, was signed for an undisclosed fee from Fulham after the £1.6 million sale of centre-back Dan Shittu to Watford.
Waddock also added Australian international midfielder Nick Ward and Southampton striker Dexter Blackstock to his squad.
Ward has been away on international duty this week, with Australia playing Kuwait in an Asian Cup qualifier.
The 21-year-old was signed from Perth Glory in July and has started all five of QPR's Championship fixtures this season, and scored once.
Blackstock, 20, arrived from Southampton five days after the start of the season for an undisclosed fee.
The former Argyle loan signing has yet to open his goalscoring account for his new club in four league and cup appearances.
Blackstock led Rangers' attack against Ipswich with teenage prospect Ray Jones, who made his England under-19 debut on Wednesday.
He came on as a second half substitute in a 0-0 draw with Holland at Walsall's Bescot Stadium.
On the bench against Ipswich was another of Rangers' summer signings, Nigerian midfielder Egutu Oliseh.
The 25-year-old arrived from Belgian club La Louviere but he has had a thigh injury and has made only one substitute appearance for Rangers.
However, Oliseh did play 63 minutes for the reserves in their 3-0 win at Aldershot Town on Tuesday.
Danish striker Marc Nygaard, signed by Holloway from Italian club Brescia last summer, returned from a back injury in that match and could come into contention tomorrow.
QPR (from): Paul Jones, Jake Cole, Matthew Rose, Damion Stewart, Zesh Rehman, Mauro Milanese, Patrick Kanyuka, Kevin Gallen, Steve Lomas, Nick Ward, Lee Cook, Marc Bircham, Shabazz Baidoo, Egutu Oliseh, Gareth Ainsworth, Martin Rowlands, Ray Jones, Dexter Blackstock, Adam Czerkas, Marc Nygaard.
Plymouth
This is Plymouth - Rowlands Profiled
ONE TO WATCH - MARTIN ROWLANDS (MIDFIELDER)
The 27-year-old Republic of Ireland international is very similar in style to Argyle's midfield dynamo David Norris.
He usually plays on the right-side of midfield for QPR, but is versatile enough to play other positions should the need arise.
Rowlands was sidelined for Rangers' last game, the Sky-televised 3-1 home defeat by Ipswich Town, by a calf injury.
But he returned to training on Monday and manager Gary Waddock is expected to recall him to the starting line-up tomorrow.
Waddock has revealed that Rangers are in talks with Rowlands about a new long-term deal.
The midfielder's contract ends next June and the west London club want to extend it until the summer of 2010.
Waddock said: "Martin missed a large part of last season through injury but he has started this season very well.
"He's a good footballer and is someone we feel will take this club forward."
Rowlands began his professional career with Brentford, when he was signed from non-league Farnborough Town for £45,000 in August 1998.
He made 186 first team appearances for the Bees over a five-year spell before moving to QPR on a Bosman transfer in 2003.
In his first season at Loftus Road, Rowlands was a key figure when Rangers were promoted to the Championship as runners-up to Argyle.
Rowlands only started 12 league games last term, however, because of two long-term knee injuries.
Plymouth
This is Plymouth - 08 September 2006
The last league meeting at Home Park
Saturday, November 19, 2005
Argyle 3 (Wotton pen 6, Doumbe 38, Chadwick 51)
QPR 1 (Baidoo 61)
Argyle: Romain Larrieu; Paul Connolly, Mathias Doumbe, Hasney Aljofree, Anthony Barness; Akos Buzsaky (Keith Lasley 54), Paul Wotton, David Norris, Tony Capaldi; Nick Chadwick (Scott Taylor 80), Mickey Evans (Matt Derbyshire 90). Substitutes (not used): Luke McCormick, Bojan Djordjic.
Attendance: 13,213
Argyle have won 15 and lost five of their previous 20 home league games against QPR.
Rangers have lost three successive matches at Home Park since beating Argyle 1-0 in January 2003.
Plymouth
Plymouth Official 08.09.2006 LATEST NEWS THE QPR SEASON
Review of the campaign so far for the Loftus Road outfit
THE QPR SEASON
Burnley 2 QPR 0
A brace from former Crewe striker Steve Jones condemned Rangers to a disappointing opening day defeat at Turf Moor.
An embarrasing defensive mix-up gifted Jones with the first goal and he followed that up with a sublime finish to secure a deserved three points for the Clarets.
QPR 2 Leeds 2
Rangers twice came back to earn a battling point in their firsat home game of the season. USA international Eddie Lewis opened the scoring for Leeds but a Martin Rowlands penalty nine minutes from time brough the home side level.
A minute later, however, burly striker Geoff Horsfield scored a second for Leeds but QPR were rescued by an injury time equaliser from Shabazz Baidoo.
QPR 2 Southend 0
QPR secured their first win in 14 games with two first-half goals from Martin Rowlands and Nick Ward.
Rowlands fired in a fantastic free-kick and Ward bagged a strikers' goal to give Rangers all three points.
Preston 1 QPR 1
They were five minutes away from making it two successive wins at Deepdale but Paul McKenna stole a point for the home side.
Gareth Ainsworth had given QPR a deserved lead on four minutes and, after surviving for 81 minutes, manager Gary Waddock will be gutted that his team couldn't hold on for another five.
QPR 1 Ipswich 3
A disappointing televised defeat at home to Ipswich was the worst possible preparation for QPR ahead of the game with Argyle, especially after they had taken the lead on the hour through Kevin Gallen.
Ipswich had turned it around within ten minutes thanks to goals from Simon Walton and Jason De Vos, and Dean Bowditch added a third on 86 minutes.
Plymouth
Plymouth Official Site -
08.09.2006 LATEST NEWS QPR IMAGE FILE
Pictorial guide to Gary Waddock's team ahead of Saturday's Coca-Cola Championship encounter at Home ParkPlymouth Look
This is Plymouth - Waddock & QPR Assessed
NEW BOSS WADDOCK MAKES HIS MARK
Manager Gary Waddock made a series of signings over the summer as he tried to stamp his mark on Queens Park Rangers.
Waddock was initially appointed caretaker boss in February, after Ian Holloway was suspended by the west London club.
Coaches Gary Penrice and Tim Breacker were also put on 'gardening leave' and all the upheaval seemed to disrupt QPR as they ended up in 21st position in the Championship.
It was not until Holloway took over at Argyle at the end of June that Waddock shed the caretaker tag and named former Rangers team-mate Alan McDonald as his assistant.
Four of Waddock's new recruits were in the starting line-up for QPR's last match, the Sky-televised 3-1 home defeat by Ipswich Town on August 25.
Two of them played in central defence, with 26-year-old Jamaican international Damion Stewart partnered by Zesh Rehman.
Stewart played for Jamaica when they lost 1-0 to Canada in a friendly in Montreal on Monday.
Rehman, 22, was signed for an undisclosed fee from Fulham after the £1.6 million sale of centre-back Dan Shittu to Watford.
Waddock also added Australian international midfielder Nick Ward and Southampton striker Dexter Blackstock to his squad.
Ward has been away on international duty this week, with Australia playing Kuwait in an Asian Cup qualifier.
The 21-year-old was signed from Perth Glory in July and has started all five of QPR's Championship fixtures this season, and scored once.
Blackstock, 20, arrived from Southampton five days after the start of the season for an undisclosed fee.
The former Argyle loan signing has yet to open his goalscoring account for his new club in four league and cup appearances.
Blackstock led Rangers' attack against Ipswich with teenage prospect Ray Jones, who made his England under-19 debut on Wednesday.
He came on as a second half substitute in a 0-0 draw with Holland at Walsall's Bescot Stadium.
On the bench against Ipswich was another of Rangers' summer signings, Nigerian midfielder Egutu Oliseh.
The 25-year-old arrived from Belgian club La Louviere but he has had a thigh injury and has made only one substitute appearance for Rangers.
However, Oliseh did play 63 minutes for the reserves in their 3-0 win at Aldershot Town on Tuesday.
Danish striker Marc Nygaard, signed by Holloway from Italian club Brescia last summer, returned from a back injury in that match and could come into contention tomorrow.
QPR (from): Paul Jones, Jake Cole, Matthew Rose, Damion Stewart, Zesh Rehman, Mauro Milanese, Patrick Kanyuka, Kevin Gallen, Steve Lomas, Nick Ward, Lee Cook, Marc Bircham, Shabazz Baidoo, Egutu Oliseh, Gareth Ainsworth, Martin Rowlands, Ray Jones, Dexter Blackstock, Adam Czerkas, Marc Nygaard.
Plymouth
This is Plymouth - Rowlands Profiled
ONE TO WATCH - MARTIN ROWLANDS (MIDFIELDER)
The 27-year-old Republic of Ireland international is very similar in style to Argyle's midfield dynamo David Norris.
He usually plays on the right-side of midfield for QPR, but is versatile enough to play other positions should the need arise.
Rowlands was sidelined for Rangers' last game, the Sky-televised 3-1 home defeat by Ipswich Town, by a calf injury.
But he returned to training on Monday and manager Gary Waddock is expected to recall him to the starting line-up tomorrow.
Waddock has revealed that Rangers are in talks with Rowlands about a new long-term deal.
The midfielder's contract ends next June and the west London club want to extend it until the summer of 2010.
Waddock said: "Martin missed a large part of last season through injury but he has started this season very well.
"He's a good footballer and is someone we feel will take this club forward."
Rowlands began his professional career with Brentford, when he was signed from non-league Farnborough Town for £45,000 in August 1998.
He made 186 first team appearances for the Bees over a five-year spell before moving to QPR on a Bosman transfer in 2003.
In his first season at Loftus Road, Rowlands was a key figure when Rangers were promoted to the Championship as runners-up to Argyle.
Rowlands only started 12 league games last term, however, because of two long-term knee injuries.
Plymouth
Holloway on His Time at QPR
-
Plymouth Official Site
OLLIE MEETS HIS FORMER CLUB
IAN Holloway comes up against his former club QPR for the first time as Argyle manager when Rangers visit Home Park on Saturday, and he admitted to feeling strange about the whole episode.
Holloway was place on gardening leave by the London club back in February, and spent five months out of the game before being appointed the new manager of Argyle in the summer.
Good times, however, are the way he prefers to remember his five years at Loftus Road.
"It is a strange old feeling really, it is an occupational hazard," said Holloway.
"All I can say is there were very difficult times but when I reflect, which sometimes you do about the things you have done in your life, I will look back on it as a very good time.
"I met some great people; got some wonderful memories and even now I can't say how privileged and proud I am to have been the manager of a London club like that.
"The support I received from the fans was immense and you need that in life, so all in all it was a very positive experience.
"As life always is, there are good bits and bad bits in relationships and, fortunately, I am choosing to remember the good bits.
"I remember the good performances and I actually got my first promotion there, and I am after more.
"it was a good time for my family but you draw a line under it and you move on.
"This is the first time and, hopefully, after the fifth, sixth or seventh time we play them I will learn to handle it better than I am at the moment."
Ollie
The Green Army are now the main priority for Holloway, and he is determined to put emotion aside and focus on winning the game for Argyle.
"The fact of the matter is that I am now a full-fledged, proud member of the Green Army," said Holloway.
"If I could have a number on my back it would definitely be 12, so my alliances and allegiances are with the Green Army.
"I will be determined to get what we deserve on Saturday but there will be very little emotion on my part because my job is to try and stay cool, calm and collective on the sideline."
Holloway would dearly love to secure his first win at Home Park as manager of the Pilgrims with a victory over his old team.
Argyle were beaten 2-1 by former manager Paul Sturrock's Sheffield Wednesday in their last home game in the Coca-Cola Championship.
That defeat, however, was countered by an excellent point at Stoke City, where Argyle dominated the game and were unlucky not to win.
Holloway said: "I tried to win the game against Sheffield Wednesday too much and my players went too open and a wily old fox [Sturrock] nicked it on the break, which he has done a lot.
"I think I realized that at Stoke and I managed to restrain my desire to win, and we kept our shape and formation, which got us a point and I think we deserved three points.
"What I want now is to break this home-duck against my old team.
"It would be a very nice story wouldn't it but that story is yet to be written.
"The emotion is nothing to do with my players here because what do QPR mean to them?
"It is just another game and I am the one that has got to deal with it but, as I say, I belong to PAFC now and I am very proud of it."
Holloway also refused to discuss his feelings towards QPR chairman Gianni Palladini, who placed him on gardening leave in February.
His focus will be on producing a similar performance to the one at Stoke but, this time, finishing up with all three points.
"It is irrelevant; it is my relationship with the chairman of PAFC that matters," said Holloway.
"I need to put my stamp on the team and after Stoke I was very pleased, I had one of my signings in the team and they started to play the way I wanted.
"The shape was right, the attitude was right, and the organization was right.
"It took a long time to get what we deserved but we eventually got it and, unfortunately, we still did not get that other goal."
Plymouth
This is Plymouth/Plymouth Evening Herald - September 8, 2006
PROUD 'JANNER' OLLIE HAPPY TO ROLL THE R'S
Ian Holloway had been the manager of Queens Park Rangers for five years until he was suspended in February.
Now, seven months later, the 43-year-old is ready to lead Argyle into battle against his former club at Home Park tomorrow.
And he has promised the Green Army that his alliegance is 100-per-cent with the Pilgrims.
Holloway's successful stint as QPR boss ended abruptly when he was put on 'gardening leave' following a fall-out with chairman Gianni Paladini.
It came after Holloway expressed an interest in the then managerial vacancy at Championship rivals Leicester City.
Holloway was suspended on full pay by QPR until he was appointed by Argyle at the end of June, and this is the first time the two sides have met since then.
But, in the build-up to the match, Holloway was upbeat about his tenure at Loftus Road.
He said: "When I reflect, which sometimes you do about some of the things you have done in your life, I will look back on that as a very good time.
"I met some great people and have got some wonderful memories of it.
"I couldn't tell you, even now, how proud and privileged I was to have been the manager of a London club like that. The support I received from the fans was immense.
"You need that in life so, all in all, it was a very positive experience.
"Sometimes, there are good bits and bad bits in relationships and I'm choosing to remember all the good bits."
One of the highlights was when QPR finshed as runners-up to Argyle in Division Two in 2004.
Holloway said: "I got my first promotion there - I say first promotion because I'm after more than that.
"It was a good time for my family, but you draw a line under it and you move on.
"This is the first time I have come up against them and, hopefully, after the fifth or sixth or seventh or eighth time I will probably learn to handle it better than I am at the moment.
"But the fact of the matter is that I'm a very fully-fledged, proud member of the Green Army.
"If I could have a number of my back it would definitely be number 12, so my alliegance now is totally with Plymouth Argyle.
"I shall be determined to get what we deserve on Saturday.
"But there will be very little emotion in it from my point of view, because my job is to try to stay cool, calm and collected on the side."
Argyle lost 2-1 to Paul Sturrock's Sheffield Wednesday in their last home match on August 19.
But the Pilgrims put in a much-improved performance when they drew 1-1 away to Stoke City - managed by former boss Tony Pulis - a week later.
Holloway said: "I think against Sheffield Wednesday I tried to win that game too much.
"My team went too open, lost too much space and a wily old fox (Sturrock) nicked it on the break, which he used to do a lot.
"I think at Stoke I managed to realise that and I restrained my wanting to win, even at 1-0 down.
"We still kept our shape and our formation and that got us a point, and I thought we deserved three."
Argyle have failed to win any of their three fixtures in league and cup at Home Park this season.
Holloway added: "What I want now is to break this home duck against my old team. It would be a very nice story wouldn't it? But that story has yet to be written.
"We have got to earn that right, and that's all that matters.
"But the emotion is probably nothing to do with my players here, because what do QPR mean to them? It's just another game, isn't it?
"I'm the one who has got to deal with it and you (the Press) are the people who want to write about it.
"As I say, I belong to PAFC now, and I'm very proud of that."
Defender Hasney Aljofree has shaken off a slight back injury so Holloway has a fully fit squad to choose from.
Holloway admitted it was still too early for new signings Cherno Samba and Marcel Seip to be considered for first team selection.
Samba limped off in the reserves' 5-5 draw at home to Cheltenham Town on Tuesday, but was only suffering from cramp.
Argyle (from): Luke McCormick, Josh Clapham, Paul Connolly, Mathias Doumbe, Hasney Aljofree, Lee Hodges, Anthony Barness, Gary Sawyer, David Norris, Paul Wotton, Lilian Nalis, Tony Capaldi, Akos Buzsaky, Luke Summerfield, Nick Chadwick, Barry Hayles, Nick Chadwick, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, Reuben Reid.
Plymouth
PLYMOUTH DIARY
"....Ian Holloway was the manager of QPR for five years until he was suspended in February. He is now ready to lead Argyle against his former club and promised the Green Army that his allegiance is 100-per-cent with Plymouth. He said: "When I reflect, which sometimes you do about some of the things you have done in your life, I will look back on that as a very good time. I met some great people and have got some wonderful memories of it. I couldn't tell you, even now, how proud and privileged I was to have been the manager of a London club like that. The support I received from the fans was immense. You need that in life so, all in all, it was a very positive experience. Sometimes, there are good bits and bad bits in relationships and I'm choosing to remember all the good bits."|
One of the highlights was when QPR finished as runners-up to Argyle in Division Two in 2004. He said: "I got my first promotion there - I say first promotion because I'm after more than that. It was a good time for my family, but you draw a line under it and you move on. This is the first time I have come up against them and, hopefully, after the fifth or sixth or seventh or eighth time I will probably learn to handle it better than I am at the moment. But the fact of the matter is that I'm a very fully-fledged, proud member of the Green Army. If I could have a number of my back it would definitely be number 12, so my allegiance now is totally with Plymouth Argyle.
I shall be determined to get what we deserve on Saturday. But there will be very little emotion in it from my point of view, because my job is to try to stay cool, calm and collected on the side." Argyle lost to Sheffield Wednesday in their last home match and Holloway said: "I think against Sheffield Wednesday I tried to win that game too much. My team went too open, lost too much space and a wily old fox nicked it on the break, which he used to do a lot. I think at Stoke I managed to realise that and I restrained my wanting to win, even at 1-0 down. We still kept our shape and our formation and that got us a point, and I thought we deserved three." Argyle have failed to win any of their three fixtures at Home Park this season, and
Holloway added: "What I want now is to break this home duck against my old team. It would be a very nice story wouldn't it? But that story has yet to be written. We have got to earn that right, and that's all that matters. But the emotion is probably nothing to do with my players here, because what do QPR mean to them? It's just another game, isn't it? I'm the one who has got to deal with it and the Press are the people who want to write about it. As I say, I belong to PAFC now, and I'm very proud of that."
Diary
Plymouth Official Site
OLLIE MEETS HIS FORMER CLUB
IAN Holloway comes up against his former club QPR for the first time as Argyle manager when Rangers visit Home Park on Saturday, and he admitted to feeling strange about the whole episode.
Holloway was place on gardening leave by the London club back in February, and spent five months out of the game before being appointed the new manager of Argyle in the summer.
Good times, however, are the way he prefers to remember his five years at Loftus Road.
"It is a strange old feeling really, it is an occupational hazard," said Holloway.
"All I can say is there were very difficult times but when I reflect, which sometimes you do about the things you have done in your life, I will look back on it as a very good time.
"I met some great people; got some wonderful memories and even now I can't say how privileged and proud I am to have been the manager of a London club like that.
"The support I received from the fans was immense and you need that in life, so all in all it was a very positive experience.
"As life always is, there are good bits and bad bits in relationships and, fortunately, I am choosing to remember the good bits.
"I remember the good performances and I actually got my first promotion there, and I am after more.
"it was a good time for my family but you draw a line under it and you move on.
"This is the first time and, hopefully, after the fifth, sixth or seventh time we play them I will learn to handle it better than I am at the moment."
Ollie
The Green Army are now the main priority for Holloway, and he is determined to put emotion aside and focus on winning the game for Argyle.
"The fact of the matter is that I am now a full-fledged, proud member of the Green Army," said Holloway.
"If I could have a number on my back it would definitely be 12, so my alliances and allegiances are with the Green Army.
"I will be determined to get what we deserve on Saturday but there will be very little emotion on my part because my job is to try and stay cool, calm and collective on the sideline."
Holloway would dearly love to secure his first win at Home Park as manager of the Pilgrims with a victory over his old team.
Argyle were beaten 2-1 by former manager Paul Sturrock's Sheffield Wednesday in their last home game in the Coca-Cola Championship.
That defeat, however, was countered by an excellent point at Stoke City, where Argyle dominated the game and were unlucky not to win.
Holloway said: "I tried to win the game against Sheffield Wednesday too much and my players went too open and a wily old fox [Sturrock] nicked it on the break, which he has done a lot.
"I think I realized that at Stoke and I managed to restrain my desire to win, and we kept our shape and formation, which got us a point and I think we deserved three points.
"What I want now is to break this home-duck against my old team.
"It would be a very nice story wouldn't it but that story is yet to be written.
"The emotion is nothing to do with my players here because what do QPR mean to them?
"It is just another game and I am the one that has got to deal with it but, as I say, I belong to PAFC now and I am very proud of it."
Holloway also refused to discuss his feelings towards QPR chairman Gianni Palladini, who placed him on gardening leave in February.
His focus will be on producing a similar performance to the one at Stoke but, this time, finishing up with all three points.
"It is irrelevant; it is my relationship with the chairman of PAFC that matters," said Holloway.
"I need to put my stamp on the team and after Stoke I was very pleased, I had one of my signings in the team and they started to play the way I wanted.
"The shape was right, the attitude was right, and the organization was right.
"It took a long time to get what we deserved but we eventually got it and, unfortunately, we still did not get that other goal."
Plymouth
This is Plymouth/Plymouth Evening Herald - September 8, 2006
PROUD 'JANNER' OLLIE HAPPY TO ROLL THE R'S
Ian Holloway had been the manager of Queens Park Rangers for five years until he was suspended in February.
Now, seven months later, the 43-year-old is ready to lead Argyle into battle against his former club at Home Park tomorrow.
And he has promised the Green Army that his alliegance is 100-per-cent with the Pilgrims.
Holloway's successful stint as QPR boss ended abruptly when he was put on 'gardening leave' following a fall-out with chairman Gianni Paladini.
It came after Holloway expressed an interest in the then managerial vacancy at Championship rivals Leicester City.
Holloway was suspended on full pay by QPR until he was appointed by Argyle at the end of June, and this is the first time the two sides have met since then.
But, in the build-up to the match, Holloway was upbeat about his tenure at Loftus Road.
He said: "When I reflect, which sometimes you do about some of the things you have done in your life, I will look back on that as a very good time.
"I met some great people and have got some wonderful memories of it.
"I couldn't tell you, even now, how proud and privileged I was to have been the manager of a London club like that. The support I received from the fans was immense.
"You need that in life so, all in all, it was a very positive experience.
"Sometimes, there are good bits and bad bits in relationships and I'm choosing to remember all the good bits."
One of the highlights was when QPR finshed as runners-up to Argyle in Division Two in 2004.
Holloway said: "I got my first promotion there - I say first promotion because I'm after more than that.
"It was a good time for my family, but you draw a line under it and you move on.
"This is the first time I have come up against them and, hopefully, after the fifth or sixth or seventh or eighth time I will probably learn to handle it better than I am at the moment.
"But the fact of the matter is that I'm a very fully-fledged, proud member of the Green Army.
"If I could have a number of my back it would definitely be number 12, so my alliegance now is totally with Plymouth Argyle.
"I shall be determined to get what we deserve on Saturday.
"But there will be very little emotion in it from my point of view, because my job is to try to stay cool, calm and collected on the side."
Argyle lost 2-1 to Paul Sturrock's Sheffield Wednesday in their last home match on August 19.
But the Pilgrims put in a much-improved performance when they drew 1-1 away to Stoke City - managed by former boss Tony Pulis - a week later.
Holloway said: "I think against Sheffield Wednesday I tried to win that game too much.
"My team went too open, lost too much space and a wily old fox (Sturrock) nicked it on the break, which he used to do a lot.
"I think at Stoke I managed to realise that and I restrained my wanting to win, even at 1-0 down.
"We still kept our shape and our formation and that got us a point, and I thought we deserved three."
Argyle have failed to win any of their three fixtures in league and cup at Home Park this season.
Holloway added: "What I want now is to break this home duck against my old team. It would be a very nice story wouldn't it? But that story has yet to be written.
"We have got to earn that right, and that's all that matters.
"But the emotion is probably nothing to do with my players here, because what do QPR mean to them? It's just another game, isn't it?
"I'm the one who has got to deal with it and you (the Press) are the people who want to write about it.
"As I say, I belong to PAFC now, and I'm very proud of that."
Defender Hasney Aljofree has shaken off a slight back injury so Holloway has a fully fit squad to choose from.
Holloway admitted it was still too early for new signings Cherno Samba and Marcel Seip to be considered for first team selection.
Samba limped off in the reserves' 5-5 draw at home to Cheltenham Town on Tuesday, but was only suffering from cramp.
Argyle (from): Luke McCormick, Josh Clapham, Paul Connolly, Mathias Doumbe, Hasney Aljofree, Lee Hodges, Anthony Barness, Gary Sawyer, David Norris, Paul Wotton, Lilian Nalis, Tony Capaldi, Akos Buzsaky, Luke Summerfield, Nick Chadwick, Barry Hayles, Nick Chadwick, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, Reuben Reid.
Plymouth
PLYMOUTH DIARY
"....Ian Holloway was the manager of QPR for five years until he was suspended in February. He is now ready to lead Argyle against his former club and promised the Green Army that his allegiance is 100-per-cent with Plymouth. He said: "When I reflect, which sometimes you do about some of the things you have done in your life, I will look back on that as a very good time. I met some great people and have got some wonderful memories of it. I couldn't tell you, even now, how proud and privileged I was to have been the manager of a London club like that. The support I received from the fans was immense. You need that in life so, all in all, it was a very positive experience. Sometimes, there are good bits and bad bits in relationships and I'm choosing to remember all the good bits."|
One of the highlights was when QPR finished as runners-up to Argyle in Division Two in 2004. He said: "I got my first promotion there - I say first promotion because I'm after more than that. It was a good time for my family, but you draw a line under it and you move on. This is the first time I have come up against them and, hopefully, after the fifth or sixth or seventh or eighth time I will probably learn to handle it better than I am at the moment. But the fact of the matter is that I'm a very fully-fledged, proud member of the Green Army. If I could have a number of my back it would definitely be number 12, so my allegiance now is totally with Plymouth Argyle.
I shall be determined to get what we deserve on Saturday. But there will be very little emotion in it from my point of view, because my job is to try to stay cool, calm and collected on the side." Argyle lost to Sheffield Wednesday in their last home match and Holloway said: "I think against Sheffield Wednesday I tried to win that game too much. My team went too open, lost too much space and a wily old fox nicked it on the break, which he used to do a lot. I think at Stoke I managed to realise that and I restrained my wanting to win, even at 1-0 down. We still kept our shape and our formation and that got us a point, and I thought we deserved three." Argyle have failed to win any of their three fixtures at Home Park this season, and
Holloway added: "What I want now is to break this home duck against my old team. It would be a very nice story wouldn't it? But that story has yet to be written. We have got to earn that right, and that's all that matters. But the emotion is probably nothing to do with my players here, because what do QPR mean to them? It's just another game, isn't it? I'm the one who has got to deal with it and the Press are the people who want to write about it. As I say, I belong to PAFC now, and I'm very proud of that."
Diary
Plymouth Look at QPR
-
Plymouth Rivals/Dave Pay - September 7, 2006
Can Waddock turn it round?
And again this Saturday's clash is more than likely going to be overshadowed by the fact that it will be one man against his former team. At least this is the last of all the friends reunited clashes for a while, and more focus can be placed on the actual football.
From the Argyle fans' point of view, the main priority will be to get a first home win of the season. And it's not often we say that once we have reached September. Mind you we don't often talk about being undefeated away from home this far into the season do we?
With just 2 wins from their six games so far, it would seem that this is the ideal chance to get that first win, but just as we saw against Sheffield Wednesday, football is not as straight forward as we would like sometimes.
With QPR in 20th place, Gary Waddock knows that an improvement must come soon otherwise he runs the risk of being replaced, even this early. Having just survived last season - okay pedants, I know it was by 8 points but it was only 1 place - the R's will not want another relegation battle this time round.
With a good number of players leaving and arriving throughout the close season it is going to take time for players to gel, but will Waddock have that time?
The biggest departure from Loftus Road was of course Dan Shittu's move to Watford. As well as his defensive attributes Shittu scored 17 goals in his not quite 5 year spell. At least QPR made a profit on the player, but will they rue the decision on the field?
Also leaving were Richard Langley, who went up the M1 to our favourite team, Luton Town. Georges Santos, who was rumoured to be a Holloway target, has moved south and joined Brighton, whilst Dean Sturridge has found himself in the Conference at Kidderminster. To complete the departures, Ugo Ukah left for Nuorese Calcio, who will be playing in Serie C2 - alongside Gianluca Festa no less. Nuorese do play in green and white though!
Temporary departures have been much less with Ian Evatt being loaned to Blackpool and another Holloway-linked player, Stefan Moore, off to the paradise that is Port Vale.
So who has arrived at Loftus Road? Well, the one we are most likely to recognise is a certain Dexter Blackstock, who moved from Southampton. So far he has played 4 times for Rangers and has yet to score, so will he notch his first goal for his new club on Saturday?
Making a much longer journey is midfield player Nick Ward, who used to play 'down under' for Perth Glory. Ward was keen to play on the European continent, but why he chose QPR - other than the fact that they used to be in the top flight - is unclear. Ward is looking to break into the Australian first team squad, having been one of the outstanding players at the 2005 Youth World Cup, so much is expected of him.
Also arrived during the summer have been Adam Czerkas - on loan from Polish club Odra Wodzislaw. Eguto Oliseh came from La Louviere, a Belgian club that plays in Green and White. They finished bottom of the Belgian top division but were refused a licence to play in the 2nd tier, so will be in the Belgian 3rd Division this season. They were also implicated in a match fixing scandal this year as well, although I don't think that any charges have yet been proved.
After that the arrival of Zesh Rehman from Fulham and Jamaican international Damion Stewart seem almost mundane. Stewart played for Jamaica at Old Trafford as England's pre World Cup hype grew to enormous proportions. Anyone part of a defence that allows Crouch to score at will can't be that good…
That's the ground troops, what about the manager? Waddock started his playing career at Loftus Road, and after 8 years went abroad to play for Charleroi in Belgium. On his return to the UK Waddock signed for Millwall before returning to Loftus Rd, although this time he did not play for the club. He went on loan to Swindon, before transferring to Bristol Rovers and ending his career at Luton.
After his playing career ended, Waddock was manager of QPR's youth and reserve squads before Holloway's alleged interest in the Leicester City managerial vacancy caused him to be suspended. Waddock, together with Alan McDonald, saved QPR, but was that because the bottom 3 were doomed from about Christmas?
If the newly promoted clubs defy expectations and manage to get a decent points haul it could be tough for Rangers this season. For a club that once missed out on the (old) Division One Title by one point, sinking back to Division 3 (as was) is not an option....
Plymouth Rivals
Plymouth Rivals/Dave Pay - September 7, 2006
Can Waddock turn it round?
And again this Saturday's clash is more than likely going to be overshadowed by the fact that it will be one man against his former team. At least this is the last of all the friends reunited clashes for a while, and more focus can be placed on the actual football.
From the Argyle fans' point of view, the main priority will be to get a first home win of the season. And it's not often we say that once we have reached September. Mind you we don't often talk about being undefeated away from home this far into the season do we?
With just 2 wins from their six games so far, it would seem that this is the ideal chance to get that first win, but just as we saw against Sheffield Wednesday, football is not as straight forward as we would like sometimes.
With QPR in 20th place, Gary Waddock knows that an improvement must come soon otherwise he runs the risk of being replaced, even this early. Having just survived last season - okay pedants, I know it was by 8 points but it was only 1 place - the R's will not want another relegation battle this time round.
With a good number of players leaving and arriving throughout the close season it is going to take time for players to gel, but will Waddock have that time?
The biggest departure from Loftus Road was of course Dan Shittu's move to Watford. As well as his defensive attributes Shittu scored 17 goals in his not quite 5 year spell. At least QPR made a profit on the player, but will they rue the decision on the field?
Also leaving were Richard Langley, who went up the M1 to our favourite team, Luton Town. Georges Santos, who was rumoured to be a Holloway target, has moved south and joined Brighton, whilst Dean Sturridge has found himself in the Conference at Kidderminster. To complete the departures, Ugo Ukah left for Nuorese Calcio, who will be playing in Serie C2 - alongside Gianluca Festa no less. Nuorese do play in green and white though!
Temporary departures have been much less with Ian Evatt being loaned to Blackpool and another Holloway-linked player, Stefan Moore, off to the paradise that is Port Vale.
So who has arrived at Loftus Road? Well, the one we are most likely to recognise is a certain Dexter Blackstock, who moved from Southampton. So far he has played 4 times for Rangers and has yet to score, so will he notch his first goal for his new club on Saturday?
Making a much longer journey is midfield player Nick Ward, who used to play 'down under' for Perth Glory. Ward was keen to play on the European continent, but why he chose QPR - other than the fact that they used to be in the top flight - is unclear. Ward is looking to break into the Australian first team squad, having been one of the outstanding players at the 2005 Youth World Cup, so much is expected of him.
Also arrived during the summer have been Adam Czerkas - on loan from Polish club Odra Wodzislaw. Eguto Oliseh came from La Louviere, a Belgian club that plays in Green and White. They finished bottom of the Belgian top division but were refused a licence to play in the 2nd tier, so will be in the Belgian 3rd Division this season. They were also implicated in a match fixing scandal this year as well, although I don't think that any charges have yet been proved.
After that the arrival of Zesh Rehman from Fulham and Jamaican international Damion Stewart seem almost mundane. Stewart played for Jamaica at Old Trafford as England's pre World Cup hype grew to enormous proportions. Anyone part of a defence that allows Crouch to score at will can't be that good…
That's the ground troops, what about the manager? Waddock started his playing career at Loftus Road, and after 8 years went abroad to play for Charleroi in Belgium. On his return to the UK Waddock signed for Millwall before returning to Loftus Rd, although this time he did not play for the club. He went on loan to Swindon, before transferring to Bristol Rovers and ending his career at Luton.
After his playing career ended, Waddock was manager of QPR's youth and reserve squads before Holloway's alleged interest in the Leicester City managerial vacancy caused him to be suspended. Waddock, together with Alan McDonald, saved QPR, but was that because the bottom 3 were doomed from about Christmas?
If the newly promoted clubs defy expectations and manage to get a decent points haul it could be tough for Rangers this season. For a club that once missed out on the (old) Division One Title by one point, sinking back to Division 3 (as was) is not an option....
Plymouth Rivals
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Nostalgia! 35 Years Ago Today - "The Battle of the Two Francises"
-
Thirty-Five Years Ago Today (September 7, 1971) Gordon Jago's promotion challenging QPR played promotion challenging Birmingham in the Football League Cup opening round. QPR had the emerging Gerry Francis. Birmingham had "The New Jimmy Greaves" - Trevor Francis, the previous season had emerged with 15 goals in 15 games.
QPR won 2-0 with Gerry Francis and Rodney Marsh scoring before a 15,000+ crowd.
QPR's Team
Parkes
Clement Hazell Hunt Gillard
Busby Francis Venables
McCulloch Marsh Saul
Six home growns; one non-league; two bargain buys...
And who would have guessed the two Francises would both subsequently manage QPR
[QPR eventually went out of the cup to Bristol Rovers away after drawing at home]
Thirty-Five Years Ago Today (September 7, 1971) Gordon Jago's promotion challenging QPR played promotion challenging Birmingham in the Football League Cup opening round. QPR had the emerging Gerry Francis. Birmingham had "The New Jimmy Greaves" - Trevor Francis, the previous season had emerged with 15 goals in 15 games.
QPR won 2-0 with Gerry Francis and Rodney Marsh scoring before a 15,000+ crowd.
QPR's Team
Parkes
Clement Hazell Hunt Gillard
Busby Francis Venables
McCulloch Marsh Saul
Six home growns; one non-league; two bargain buys...
And who would have guessed the two Francises would both subsequently manage QPR
[QPR eventually went out of the cup to Bristol Rovers away after drawing at home]
Kevin Gallen on Holloway, Plymouth, QPR & Winning & Losing
-
Kevin Gallen Speaks about Holloway, Plymouth, QPR and Winning and Losing QPR
Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times
"...Ian Holloway brought me back to QPR and I've got a lot of time for him because of what he did for me in the past," said the Rs skipper.
"Apart from sending a few text messages and wishing him all the best, we never really got to speak to him after he left, which was disappointing because he put some good years and a lot of hard work into this club.
"We're playing against our former manager and there's no more to it than that as far as we're concerned. What's far more important is for us to go there and get something out of the game.
"It's 11 against 11 and I know it'll be a tough game because he'll have them fired up, as you'd expect. But the league's very tight and if we win we could jump up several places...."
"I learned a lot from Kenny - whether we won or lost the attitude on Monday was always the same," said Gallen. "No-one was allowed to think that, because he scored a goal on Saturday, he didn't need to try.
"Kenny said everyone should be on the same level - when you win you shouldn't be on top of the world and when you lose you shouldn't be rock bottom.
"If you win, that's great - now it's on to the next game, try your best and let's win this one as well. I think in a way that applies to the supporters as well.
"Obviously they're very up and down and they need to stay on the same level.
"There's a long way to go and it's not just about what happened after Burnley, or equally what happened after Southend.
Kilburn Times
Kevin Gallen Speaks about Holloway, Plymouth, QPR and Winning and Losing QPR
Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times
"...Ian Holloway brought me back to QPR and I've got a lot of time for him because of what he did for me in the past," said the Rs skipper.
"Apart from sending a few text messages and wishing him all the best, we never really got to speak to him after he left, which was disappointing because he put some good years and a lot of hard work into this club.
"We're playing against our former manager and there's no more to it than that as far as we're concerned. What's far more important is for us to go there and get something out of the game.
"It's 11 against 11 and I know it'll be a tough game because he'll have them fired up, as you'd expect. But the league's very tight and if we win we could jump up several places...."
"I learned a lot from Kenny - whether we won or lost the attitude on Monday was always the same," said Gallen. "No-one was allowed to think that, because he scored a goal on Saturday, he didn't need to try.
"Kenny said everyone should be on the same level - when you win you shouldn't be on top of the world and when you lose you shouldn't be rock bottom.
"If you win, that's great - now it's on to the next game, try your best and let's win this one as well. I think in a way that applies to the supporters as well.
"Obviously they're very up and down and they need to stay on the same level.
"There's a long way to go and it's not just about what happened after Burnley, or equally what happened after Southend.
Kilburn Times
QPR Fans NOT Among The Loudest!
-
Football League Official Site
Coca-Cola Championship newcomers Colchester United have triumphed in the 'Real Football Roar' award - The Football League's initiative that measured crowd noise levels at each of its 72 clubs during the first month of the new season.
The U's supporters held off stiff competition from Norwich City and Carlisle United, to register the loudest crowd 'roar' of all 72 clubs in The League, with a recording of 128.3 decibels taken as the players took to the pitch for the recent Coca-Cola Championship fixture with Derby County at Layer Road...
United manager, Geraint Williams, said: "The players always appreciate it when the fans open their lungs to back the team and it's great that they've proved they are the noisiest around. We know how fervent the fans are and the noise they made against Derby County certainly helped us on our way to our first win of the season."
Throughout August journalists from PA Sport have been measuring noise levels at League games using sound meters provided by Cirrus Research - a leading developer and producer of noise measurement instrumentation.
In explaining how the U's managed to beat bigger clubs, with bigger crowds in bigger stadia James Tingay, Marketing Manager at Cirrus Research, said: "The results overall suggest that a large attendance in a large ground is not necessarily required to create the loudest crowd noise, and smaller crowds are also capable of generating high levels of noise in compact grounds where fans are close to the pitch. Colchester fans have demonstrated this with the fantastic atmosphere they produced."
In fact, the Layer Road crowd were not alone in showing that smaller crowds can make just as big a noise as The League's best-supported clubs, with five of the top ten readings occurring at matches attended by crowds of less than 6,000.These included matches at Crewe Alexandra, Bristol Rovers, Rochdale and Stockport County.
In congratulating Colchester United, Football League Head of Communications, John Nagle, said: "Winning this award is a terrific achievement by Colchester United's supporters and anyone that has heard the Barside in full voice will know just how loud they can be.
"We often hear of managers talking about how intimidating it can be to play in front of a full house at a tight, compact ground and these results show why."
Colchester United will be presented with the 'Real Football Roar' award at a forthcoming home match.
Real Football Roar Top 10
1 Colchester United (Coca-Cola Championship)
2 Norwich City (Coca-Cola Championship)
3 Carlisle United (Coca-Cola League 1)
4 Crewe Alexandra (Coca-Cola League 1)
5 Bristol Rovers (Coca-Cola League 2)
6 Southend United (Coca-Cola Championship)
7 Rochdale (Coca-Cola League 2)
8 Southampton (Coca-Cola Championship)
9 Stockport County (Coca-Cola League 2)
10 Plymouth Argyle (Coca-Cola Championship)
Top 5 Coca-Cola Championship results
1 Colchester United
2 Norwich City
3 Southend United
4 Southampton
5 Plymouth Argyle
Top 5 Coca-Cola League 1 results
1 Carlisle United
2 Crewe Alexandra
3 Bristol City
4 Brighton and Hove Albion
5 Swansea City
Top 5 Coca-Cola League 2 results
1 Bristol Rovers
2 Rochdale
3 Stockport County
4 Hartlepool United
5 Milton Keynes Dons
Football League
How the "Search" was Described
Football League Official Site - Search is on
Fans Show Off Their Roar Talent
The search is on for the loudest and most passionate supporters in The Football League, with the launch of the 'Real Football Roar' award.
With The Football League being the sole focus of attention for the first fortnight of the new season, the award has been developed to encourage fans to play an active, and vocal, role in welcoming back the return of Real Football.
'The Real Football Roar' award will see The Football League measure the decibel levels at every Coca-Cola Football League match played during the opening two weekends of the season - with the club whose supporters generate the most noise, as the teams emerge from the tunnel, winning the honour of being named the loudest fans in The Coca-Cola Football League.
In launching the 'Real Football Roar' award Football League Chairman Lord Mawhinney said: "The start of the new season is an exciting time for all supporters and the atmosphere they generate is vital to the spectacle of League football.
The 'Real Football Roar' award is something that all fans will want to win for their club and I encourage everyone to make themselves heard as the big kick-off approaches."
The findings of The Football League Supporters' Survey 2006 - which featured the views of more than 43,000 fans - show that, on matchdays, 'It is good match atmosphere that the supporter is looking for above anything else'.
Coca-Cola Football League Ambassador, Chris Kamara, has also welcomed the new award: "I think this is a great idea" he said "and I would encourage all supporters to get along to their local club's 'Real Football Roar' match and sing their hearts out for the lads."
The measurements at each ground will be taken from the centre-circle as the teams emerge by a representative of PA Sport. They will be using sound meters provided by Cirrus Research - a leading developer and producer of noise measurement instrumentation.
Marketing Manager at Cirrus Research, James Tingay said: "We are delighted to work with The Football League on this initiative. Cirrus Research is one of the leading manufacturers of noise measurement instruments and we look forward to finding out which fans are the loudest."
Football League
Football League Official Site
Coca-Cola Championship newcomers Colchester United have triumphed in the 'Real Football Roar' award - The Football League's initiative that measured crowd noise levels at each of its 72 clubs during the first month of the new season.
The U's supporters held off stiff competition from Norwich City and Carlisle United, to register the loudest crowd 'roar' of all 72 clubs in The League, with a recording of 128.3 decibels taken as the players took to the pitch for the recent Coca-Cola Championship fixture with Derby County at Layer Road...
United manager, Geraint Williams, said: "The players always appreciate it when the fans open their lungs to back the team and it's great that they've proved they are the noisiest around. We know how fervent the fans are and the noise they made against Derby County certainly helped us on our way to our first win of the season."
Throughout August journalists from PA Sport have been measuring noise levels at League games using sound meters provided by Cirrus Research - a leading developer and producer of noise measurement instrumentation.
In explaining how the U's managed to beat bigger clubs, with bigger crowds in bigger stadia James Tingay, Marketing Manager at Cirrus Research, said: "The results overall suggest that a large attendance in a large ground is not necessarily required to create the loudest crowd noise, and smaller crowds are also capable of generating high levels of noise in compact grounds where fans are close to the pitch. Colchester fans have demonstrated this with the fantastic atmosphere they produced."
In fact, the Layer Road crowd were not alone in showing that smaller crowds can make just as big a noise as The League's best-supported clubs, with five of the top ten readings occurring at matches attended by crowds of less than 6,000.These included matches at Crewe Alexandra, Bristol Rovers, Rochdale and Stockport County.
In congratulating Colchester United, Football League Head of Communications, John Nagle, said: "Winning this award is a terrific achievement by Colchester United's supporters and anyone that has heard the Barside in full voice will know just how loud they can be.
"We often hear of managers talking about how intimidating it can be to play in front of a full house at a tight, compact ground and these results show why."
Colchester United will be presented with the 'Real Football Roar' award at a forthcoming home match.
Real Football Roar Top 10
1 Colchester United (Coca-Cola Championship)
2 Norwich City (Coca-Cola Championship)
3 Carlisle United (Coca-Cola League 1)
4 Crewe Alexandra (Coca-Cola League 1)
5 Bristol Rovers (Coca-Cola League 2)
6 Southend United (Coca-Cola Championship)
7 Rochdale (Coca-Cola League 2)
8 Southampton (Coca-Cola Championship)
9 Stockport County (Coca-Cola League 2)
10 Plymouth Argyle (Coca-Cola Championship)
Top 5 Coca-Cola Championship results
1 Colchester United
2 Norwich City
3 Southend United
4 Southampton
5 Plymouth Argyle
Top 5 Coca-Cola League 1 results
1 Carlisle United
2 Crewe Alexandra
3 Bristol City
4 Brighton and Hove Albion
5 Swansea City
Top 5 Coca-Cola League 2 results
1 Bristol Rovers
2 Rochdale
3 Stockport County
4 Hartlepool United
5 Milton Keynes Dons
Football League
How the "Search" was Described
Football League Official Site - Search is on
Fans Show Off Their Roar Talent
The search is on for the loudest and most passionate supporters in The Football League, with the launch of the 'Real Football Roar' award.
With The Football League being the sole focus of attention for the first fortnight of the new season, the award has been developed to encourage fans to play an active, and vocal, role in welcoming back the return of Real Football.
'The Real Football Roar' award will see The Football League measure the decibel levels at every Coca-Cola Football League match played during the opening two weekends of the season - with the club whose supporters generate the most noise, as the teams emerge from the tunnel, winning the honour of being named the loudest fans in The Coca-Cola Football League.
In launching the 'Real Football Roar' award Football League Chairman Lord Mawhinney said: "The start of the new season is an exciting time for all supporters and the atmosphere they generate is vital to the spectacle of League football.
The 'Real Football Roar' award is something that all fans will want to win for their club and I encourage everyone to make themselves heard as the big kick-off approaches."
The findings of The Football League Supporters' Survey 2006 - which featured the views of more than 43,000 fans - show that, on matchdays, 'It is good match atmosphere that the supporter is looking for above anything else'.
Coca-Cola Football League Ambassador, Chris Kamara, has also welcomed the new award: "I think this is a great idea" he said "and I would encourage all supporters to get along to their local club's 'Real Football Roar' match and sing their hearts out for the lads."
The measurements at each ground will be taken from the centre-circle as the teams emerge by a representative of PA Sport. They will be using sound meters provided by Cirrus Research - a leading developer and producer of noise measurement instrumentation.
Marketing Manager at Cirrus Research, James Tingay said: "We are delighted to work with The Football League on this initiative. Cirrus Research is one of the leading manufacturers of noise measurement instruments and we look forward to finding out which fans are the loudest."
Football League
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
One Month Ago: Paladini's "Bullet-proof Vest" & "Enemy Within"
-
One month ago today, the Sunday Mirror reported
Sunday Mirror 6 August 2006 LIVING IN FEAR
Contract killer threat forces QPR chairman to wear a bullet-proof vest GIANNI PALADINI EXCLUSIVE
Anthony Clavane
QPR chairman Gianni Paladini is living in fear after a contract was allegedly put out on his life.
Following advice by the police, the controversial Rangers chief now has to wear a bullet-proof vest.
In an exclusive interview with Sunday Mirror Sport, Paladini hit out at fans opposed to his regime at Loftus Road, calling them the "enemy within".
Paladini said: "I find it incredible what's going on here. You have to fight against so many things. This must be the only club where the fans love to put s**t on their own club on the website."
Two weeks ago, a group of men were cleared of forcing Paladini to resign at gunpoint during a match against Sheffield United.
The Italian tycoon claimed he was surrounded by hired thugs, punched and slapped, and then warned he'd be killed if he refused to sign a letter of resignation.
But a judge threw out the case against the men. There is no suggestion that any of those men are involved in the alleged contract on Paladini. ...
Ever since Paladini became a director of the debt-ridden Championship club he has faced hostile criticism from a section of supporters.
The Italian tycoon was furious to discover an attempt to sabotage an interview with him on the QPR website after he returned from the R's pre-season tour of his home country.
He said: "I went mad. It's been cancelled now. They're trying to wind me up. I give up, I really do. I nearly got a heart attack when I saw it.
"They put the face of a fan up there, somebody is stirring things up.
"Sometimes I wonder why I got myself involved in this situation. Whatever you do, you can't win. Even if you win the league and get promoted, you'll still have people who criticise.
"I feel like a dartboard. People are always throwing darts at me.
"We have an enemy within. What kind of people do these things? How can you be a QPR fan when you put this s**t in?"
Paladini also suspected foul play when one newspaper reported last week that Rangers players were turned away from their training ground because the rent had not been paid.
He blasted: "This did not happen. I have a statement showing we paid Imperial College, who we rent the ground from, £32,250 on 18 July. How can they shut it for non-payment two weeks after paying the rent? It's insane.
"There were people from a QPR fan group outside the training ground at 7.20am, putting it out that the players had been locked out.
"But people were asleep at that time. The players didn't go in until 10am.
"They put out so much s**t, so much rubbish, that I just give up.
"Since I've come here there's been problem after problem after problem but now, thank God, it's all left behind. Now we will only concentrate on the football and take this club forward.
"With the players we've brought in and the new manager, Gary Waddock, we're looking forward to an exciting season.
"We've reduced the average age of the team and we've brought in players to give us stability for the next two or three years.
"It's been a very difficult time. But it's business as usual. I just carry on doing my job.
"In this game you need a lot of money. When I came here we were losing more than £500,000 a year but, by the end of next season, we should be out of debt.
"I'm lucky that the people with me they are prepared to put in money. This month, to pay the wages, they had to put in more money."
"When I came here we got promoted and we've been two years in the Championship. ...
"Fortunately I've been involved in foot ball for the last 30 years and it's helped me a lot, because I1 can get certain players in."
Sunday Mirror
"
Th Sunday Mirror article came a few days after, Paladini's Statement on the Official Site in which among other things, he spoke of "[those] who "seem intent on Damaging Team Morale and destroying the club"- <strong>Paladini
OFFICIAL SITE AUGUST STATEMENT FROM CHAIRMAN, GIANNI PALADINI
"..."It is frustrating that, despite all the hard work everyone has been doing during pre-season, a tiny minority of people seem intent on damaging team morale and destroying the Club in the run up to our important first game.
"Not only have they once again invented wholly false rumours about the state of the Club, but unfortunately a couple of journalists with a record of writing stories against QPR, and with links to some of the individuals intent on destabilising the Club, have blown up these rumours and made up stories from nothing.
"Last week it was suggested in some of the press that we were putting QPR up for sale. Unfortunately the journalists responsible for this story failed to even check the official statement from Antonio Caliendo, Chairman of Holdings, on the Club's official website, making clear the Board's continued commitment to QPR.
"I have always said if someone with QPR's best interests at heart wants to come along and buy out the existing Board we would not stand in their way. Nothing has changed and nobody has come forward. We will continue to seek out new investors to take the Club even further forward, but as Antonio made clear last week, we are committed to QPR.
"The Club is in a better financial position than it has been in for a number of years. Things are still tough, but we have reduced the annual debt by millions and intend to reduce it further. Yet ridiculous rumours still seem to be invented by a few people for reasons beyond me.
"The latest is the absurd rumour suggested on a message board that the players were locked out of the Harlington training ground, when in fact Gary Waddock had just given them the day off as they had only recently arrived back from a busy schedule in Italy.
"The same newspaper that had to apologise for a series of inaccurate stories about me last season, the Evening Standard, then chose to repeat this wholly false rumour as fact without even checking with me, the coaching staff, or even Imperial College - the owners of the training ground.
"In an article by a journalist named Wayne Vesey, under the headline 'Locked-out Rangers are unable to train' the Standard claimed that the Club was locked out of the training ground on Monday. Such a clearly false statement damages the reputation of the Club, and the morale of the players and supporters. I have been advised it is libellous and our lawyers will be contacting the Standard immediately to demand a retraction.
"QPR fans will ask themselves why should people invent such rumours? The purpose can only be to destabilise the Club and to injure the morale of players and fans just days before the season kicks off. The Club will not allow another season to be derailed by these people."The Board, Gary Waddock and the coaching staff, and the players and other members of staff, are all united in our focus to move this great club forward and to achieve success this season on the pitch. We believe we have the squad and the resources to do so. We will not allow a tiny group of people, driven by an agenda that has nothing to do with football, to destroy this Club.
"I urge all fans to treat such rumour-mongers with the contempt and scepticism they deserve. They have been claiming we would go into administration every week for the past year, and they never admit they are wrong when we don't.
"They claimed we were locked out of the training ground before and even that the groundsmen would not cut the grass at the stadium. They predicted we would spend all the Club's money on agents' fees when we have spent less than nearly any other club in this division. They predicted we would sell off Loftus Road and all our best players because we could not afford their wages.
"Just yesterday they claimed we were locked out of the training ground because we could not afford the rent; but today, as scheduled, our players are training at the training ground. On each and every occasion their rumours have been proven false.
"As I believe you say in England, when someone cries wolf so many times, people stop listening. But every time the rumour-mongers are proven wrong they invent another rumour, so desperate to be proven right and for the Club to fail.
"For the last time I say to those who's criticism of the Board has developed into an agenda to undermine the Club, if you know of a better alternative to take QPR forward with the necessary funding to support it, then please let us know. Otherwise stop pursuing a divisive and destructive agenda. The Board, the players and staff and the thousands of fans of QPR will not allow a small selfish group to ruin the season for the rest of us."I know most QPR fans will be sensible enough to take every rumour and press speculation with a hefty pinch of salt.....
"...Gianni Paladini
Official
OFFICIAL SITE's AUGUST STATEMENT RE GROUND CLOSING
CLUB STATEMENT Queens Park Rangers Football Club would like to issue the following statement to clear the air over yet more wildly inaccurate reporting in the press and on various message boards.QPR staff were admitted to the training ground on Monday. No players were refused admittance to the ground yesterday. This is because no players turned up as it had been decided to give them an extra day off after their pre-season tour to Italy. The players are back at the training ground today (Tuesday) working hard for the opening match of the season at Turf Moor on Saturday. We can confirm that there was no Portsmouth player on trial with the Club either yesterday or today. It should also be noted that the items printed in the press had not been checked with either QPR or Imperial College before being published.And remember... www.qpr.co.uk is the R's official website - where all the breaking news comes first and fastest. Official
One month ago today, the Sunday Mirror reported
Sunday Mirror 6 August 2006 LIVING IN FEAR
Contract killer threat forces QPR chairman to wear a bullet-proof vest GIANNI PALADINI EXCLUSIVE
Anthony Clavane
QPR chairman Gianni Paladini is living in fear after a contract was allegedly put out on his life.
Following advice by the police, the controversial Rangers chief now has to wear a bullet-proof vest.
In an exclusive interview with Sunday Mirror Sport, Paladini hit out at fans opposed to his regime at Loftus Road, calling them the "enemy within".
Paladini said: "I find it incredible what's going on here. You have to fight against so many things. This must be the only club where the fans love to put s**t on their own club on the website."
Two weeks ago, a group of men were cleared of forcing Paladini to resign at gunpoint during a match against Sheffield United.
The Italian tycoon claimed he was surrounded by hired thugs, punched and slapped, and then warned he'd be killed if he refused to sign a letter of resignation.
But a judge threw out the case against the men. There is no suggestion that any of those men are involved in the alleged contract on Paladini. ...
Ever since Paladini became a director of the debt-ridden Championship club he has faced hostile criticism from a section of supporters.
The Italian tycoon was furious to discover an attempt to sabotage an interview with him on the QPR website after he returned from the R's pre-season tour of his home country.
He said: "I went mad. It's been cancelled now. They're trying to wind me up. I give up, I really do. I nearly got a heart attack when I saw it.
"They put the face of a fan up there, somebody is stirring things up.
"Sometimes I wonder why I got myself involved in this situation. Whatever you do, you can't win. Even if you win the league and get promoted, you'll still have people who criticise.
"I feel like a dartboard. People are always throwing darts at me.
"We have an enemy within. What kind of people do these things? How can you be a QPR fan when you put this s**t in?"
Paladini also suspected foul play when one newspaper reported last week that Rangers players were turned away from their training ground because the rent had not been paid.
He blasted: "This did not happen. I have a statement showing we paid Imperial College, who we rent the ground from, £32,250 on 18 July. How can they shut it for non-payment two weeks after paying the rent? It's insane.
"There were people from a QPR fan group outside the training ground at 7.20am, putting it out that the players had been locked out.
"But people were asleep at that time. The players didn't go in until 10am.
"They put out so much s**t, so much rubbish, that I just give up.
"Since I've come here there's been problem after problem after problem but now, thank God, it's all left behind. Now we will only concentrate on the football and take this club forward.
"With the players we've brought in and the new manager, Gary Waddock, we're looking forward to an exciting season.
"We've reduced the average age of the team and we've brought in players to give us stability for the next two or three years.
"It's been a very difficult time. But it's business as usual. I just carry on doing my job.
"In this game you need a lot of money. When I came here we were losing more than £500,000 a year but, by the end of next season, we should be out of debt.
"I'm lucky that the people with me they are prepared to put in money. This month, to pay the wages, they had to put in more money."
"When I came here we got promoted and we've been two years in the Championship. ...
"Fortunately I've been involved in foot ball for the last 30 years and it's helped me a lot, because I1 can get certain players in."
Sunday Mirror
"
Th Sunday Mirror article came a few days after, Paladini's Statement on the Official Site in which among other things, he spoke of "[those] who "seem intent on Damaging Team Morale and destroying the club"- <strong>Paladini
OFFICIAL SITE AUGUST STATEMENT FROM CHAIRMAN, GIANNI PALADINI
"..."It is frustrating that, despite all the hard work everyone has been doing during pre-season, a tiny minority of people seem intent on damaging team morale and destroying the Club in the run up to our important first game.
"Not only have they once again invented wholly false rumours about the state of the Club, but unfortunately a couple of journalists with a record of writing stories against QPR, and with links to some of the individuals intent on destabilising the Club, have blown up these rumours and made up stories from nothing.
"Last week it was suggested in some of the press that we were putting QPR up for sale. Unfortunately the journalists responsible for this story failed to even check the official statement from Antonio Caliendo, Chairman of Holdings, on the Club's official website, making clear the Board's continued commitment to QPR.
"I have always said if someone with QPR's best interests at heart wants to come along and buy out the existing Board we would not stand in their way. Nothing has changed and nobody has come forward. We will continue to seek out new investors to take the Club even further forward, but as Antonio made clear last week, we are committed to QPR.
"The Club is in a better financial position than it has been in for a number of years. Things are still tough, but we have reduced the annual debt by millions and intend to reduce it further. Yet ridiculous rumours still seem to be invented by a few people for reasons beyond me.
"The latest is the absurd rumour suggested on a message board that the players were locked out of the Harlington training ground, when in fact Gary Waddock had just given them the day off as they had only recently arrived back from a busy schedule in Italy.
"The same newspaper that had to apologise for a series of inaccurate stories about me last season, the Evening Standard, then chose to repeat this wholly false rumour as fact without even checking with me, the coaching staff, or even Imperial College - the owners of the training ground.
"In an article by a journalist named Wayne Vesey, under the headline 'Locked-out Rangers are unable to train' the Standard claimed that the Club was locked out of the training ground on Monday. Such a clearly false statement damages the reputation of the Club, and the morale of the players and supporters. I have been advised it is libellous and our lawyers will be contacting the Standard immediately to demand a retraction.
"QPR fans will ask themselves why should people invent such rumours? The purpose can only be to destabilise the Club and to injure the morale of players and fans just days before the season kicks off. The Club will not allow another season to be derailed by these people."The Board, Gary Waddock and the coaching staff, and the players and other members of staff, are all united in our focus to move this great club forward and to achieve success this season on the pitch. We believe we have the squad and the resources to do so. We will not allow a tiny group of people, driven by an agenda that has nothing to do with football, to destroy this Club.
"I urge all fans to treat such rumour-mongers with the contempt and scepticism they deserve. They have been claiming we would go into administration every week for the past year, and they never admit they are wrong when we don't.
"They claimed we were locked out of the training ground before and even that the groundsmen would not cut the grass at the stadium. They predicted we would spend all the Club's money on agents' fees when we have spent less than nearly any other club in this division. They predicted we would sell off Loftus Road and all our best players because we could not afford their wages.
"Just yesterday they claimed we were locked out of the training ground because we could not afford the rent; but today, as scheduled, our players are training at the training ground. On each and every occasion their rumours have been proven false.
"As I believe you say in England, when someone cries wolf so many times, people stop listening. But every time the rumour-mongers are proven wrong they invent another rumour, so desperate to be proven right and for the Club to fail.
"For the last time I say to those who's criticism of the Board has developed into an agenda to undermine the Club, if you know of a better alternative to take QPR forward with the necessary funding to support it, then please let us know. Otherwise stop pursuing a divisive and destructive agenda. The Board, the players and staff and the thousands of fans of QPR will not allow a small selfish group to ruin the season for the rest of us."I know most QPR fans will be sensible enough to take every rumour and press speculation with a hefty pinch of salt.....
"...Gianni Paladini
Official
OFFICIAL SITE's AUGUST STATEMENT RE GROUND CLOSING
CLUB STATEMENT Queens Park Rangers Football Club would like to issue the following statement to clear the air over yet more wildly inaccurate reporting in the press and on various message boards.QPR staff were admitted to the training ground on Monday. No players were refused admittance to the ground yesterday. This is because no players turned up as it had been decided to give them an extra day off after their pre-season tour to Italy. The players are back at the training ground today (Tuesday) working hard for the opening match of the season at Turf Moor on Saturday. We can confirm that there was no Portsmouth player on trial with the Club either yesterday or today. It should also be noted that the items printed in the press had not been checked with either QPR or Imperial College before being published.And remember... www.qpr.co.uk is the R's official website - where all the breaking news comes first and fastest. Official
Mark Devlin Recuperation Update
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Devlin sets his sights on a Posh return
By Jon Ritson - This is Wiltshire, August 30
MARK Devlin hopes his body will allow him a post-Posh return to work as he battles to beat the boredom' blues.
The club's chief executive is continuing to recuperate from the injuries he sustained in last month's plane crash, following Town's opening day win at Hartlepool United.
Devlin, pictured above with wife Jocie, may not be steering the County Ground ship at the moment but supporters can rest assured that he is hardly out of the loop.
He said: "I'm due again at the hospital today. I'm obviously still sore and aching but I don't feel too bad in myself.
"I can't say for sure at this stage but I'm now looking towards the home game with Peterborough United on September 16.
"The hope would then be that I can return to work on the Monday following that game but we'll have to see.
"I have to listen to my body and take note of it.
"As it stands, Bob Holt, Linda Birrell (club secretary) and the rest of the staff are running things and they've all made it clear they want me to focus on recuperating.
"Having said that, I'm speaking to Linda, Dennis (Wise) and am happy to deal with any queries.
"I'll be honest, I'm very, very bored and there's only so much day time television you can watch isn't there?
"Still, the results on the pitch are helping and hopefully Dennis and the players can continue to build on a great start."....
This is Windsor
Devlin sets his sights on a Posh return
By Jon Ritson - This is Wiltshire, August 30
MARK Devlin hopes his body will allow him a post-Posh return to work as he battles to beat the boredom' blues.
The club's chief executive is continuing to recuperate from the injuries he sustained in last month's plane crash, following Town's opening day win at Hartlepool United.
Devlin, pictured above with wife Jocie, may not be steering the County Ground ship at the moment but supporters can rest assured that he is hardly out of the loop.
He said: "I'm due again at the hospital today. I'm obviously still sore and aching but I don't feel too bad in myself.
"I can't say for sure at this stage but I'm now looking towards the home game with Peterborough United on September 16.
"The hope would then be that I can return to work on the Monday following that game but we'll have to see.
"I have to listen to my body and take note of it.
"As it stands, Bob Holt, Linda Birrell (club secretary) and the rest of the staff are running things and they've all made it clear they want me to focus on recuperating.
"Having said that, I'm speaking to Linda, Dennis (Wise) and am happy to deal with any queries.
"I'll be honest, I'm very, very bored and there's only so much day time television you can watch isn't there?
"Still, the results on the pitch are helping and hopefully Dennis and the players can continue to build on a great start."....
This is Windsor
Gary Waddock on Moore Loan & Loaning out one of our Young Goalies
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Wembley & Kingsbury Times - September 6 ON STEFAN MOORE & OUR GOALIES
"...Striker Stefan Moore was the only player to move in or out ahead of the deadline, joining League One side Port Vale for an initial month's loan...
"The club did a lot of business in the summer and we have got a big squad, so it was a case of trying to get one or two players out on loan before we could do anything else," said Waddock.
"We haven't stopped looking around and obviously if something crops up, I'll see what we can do. But the offer for Stefan was the only concrete one we had..... "At his age he needs to be playing first team football - reserve games are no good to him - and we'll review the situation with Port Vale after a month."
ROYCE
Meanwhile, Waddock confirmed that he would have been seeking to loan one of his two younger goalkeepers, Jake Cole or Sean Thomas, but for the groin injury that has kept Simon Royce on the sidelines.
No decision has yet been made on whether Royce will require surgery and Waddock said: "We're pleased with what Roycey's done in training, but we can only monitor him on a day-to-day basis.
"If he was fully fit we'd have been looking to do something with Jake or Sean because I think, for their development, they need to be playing regular first team football."...
Wembley & Kingsbury
Wembley & Kingsbury Times - September 6 ON STEFAN MOORE & OUR GOALIES
"...Striker Stefan Moore was the only player to move in or out ahead of the deadline, joining League One side Port Vale for an initial month's loan...
"The club did a lot of business in the summer and we have got a big squad, so it was a case of trying to get one or two players out on loan before we could do anything else," said Waddock.
"We haven't stopped looking around and obviously if something crops up, I'll see what we can do. But the offer for Stefan was the only concrete one we had..... "At his age he needs to be playing first team football - reserve games are no good to him - and we'll review the situation with Port Vale after a month."
ROYCE
Meanwhile, Waddock confirmed that he would have been seeking to loan one of his two younger goalkeepers, Jake Cole or Sean Thomas, but for the groin injury that has kept Simon Royce on the sidelines.
No decision has yet been made on whether Royce will require surgery and Waddock said: "We're pleased with what Roycey's done in training, but we can only monitor him on a day-to-day basis.
"If he was fully fit we'd have been looking to do something with Jake or Sean because I think, for their development, they need to be playing regular first team football."...
Wembley & Kingsbury
Ainsworth on Plymouth Game & Contrasts Ian Holloway & Gary Waddock
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Gareth Ainsworth/Kilburn Times - September 6, 2006
"... Ian Holloway against his old club - and I know Ollie well enough to say with certainty that he'll be up for this.He's a noisy character and he'll be getting the Plymouth dressing room fired up with an emotional speech before the game.
I think Ollie has something to prove to QPR - and, by the same token, Gary will want to show everyone that he's a worthy successor.
Gary's belief is that we should all be motivated for the game anyway. In terms of preparation, he's got superb attention to detail and we do a lot more work on ball skills and fitness than previously.
Obviously I hope we can take three points off Ollie on Saturday, but I won't forget the faith he showed by giving me a chance at QPR. I wasn't sure whether I'd get another deal at Cardiff, but Ollie was 100 per cent sure and told me 'I want to get you back to the player you were at Wimbledon'.
Ollie signed Rowly and myself at the same time and we'd both love to be involved on Saturday, but it looks like a race against time.
We're improving slowly, but there's no miracle cure for our injuries and, with so many games coming up in the next fortnight, the gaffer's made it clear he won't pick us unless we're 100 per cent fit.
Kilburn Times
Gareth Ainsworth/Kilburn Times - September 6, 2006
"... Ian Holloway against his old club - and I know Ollie well enough to say with certainty that he'll be up for this.He's a noisy character and he'll be getting the Plymouth dressing room fired up with an emotional speech before the game.
I think Ollie has something to prove to QPR - and, by the same token, Gary will want to show everyone that he's a worthy successor.
Gary's belief is that we should all be motivated for the game anyway. In terms of preparation, he's got superb attention to detail and we do a lot more work on ball skills and fitness than previously.
Obviously I hope we can take three points off Ollie on Saturday, but I won't forget the faith he showed by giving me a chance at QPR. I wasn't sure whether I'd get another deal at Cardiff, but Ollie was 100 per cent sure and told me 'I want to get you back to the player you were at Wimbledon'.
Ollie signed Rowly and myself at the same time and we'd both love to be involved on Saturday, but it looks like a race against time.
We're improving slowly, but there's no miracle cure for our injuries and, with so many games coming up in the next fortnight, the gaffer's made it clear he won't pick us unless we're 100 per cent fit.
Kilburn Times
Aldershot's Perspective/Report - Aldershot Reserves 0 QPR Reserves 3
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Aldershot Official Site
Shots Reserves 0-3 QPR Reserves
A full round up of Tuesday afternoon's events at the Rec together with photographs from Ian Morsman
ALDERSHOT TOWN 0 V 3 QUEEN'S PARK RANGERS
(The Recreation Ground)
Pontin's Holiday Combination
Tuesday 5th September 2006
(Report by Gordon Macey)
Manager Terry Brown used the game to give a run out to the members of the playing squad who did not start Saturday's Conference match against Halifax, the exception being new arrival Ben Harding who started both games.
Aldershot started with a 4-3-3 formation of Louis Wells in goal, a defence of Ryan Scott, Will Salmon, Phil Anderson, and Jason Milletti; a midfield of Sean Ridgway, David Lee and Ben Harding; with Kirk Hudson, Joel Grant and Mark Pritchard up front.
The QPR side contained a mixture of fringe first team squad and youth players. The front pair of Nygaard and Czerkas being given an outing to prove their fitness prior to Rangers' league match at Plymouth on Saturday.
Following early pressure The Shots earned a corner from which a move involving Scott, Lee and Harding ended with a saving tackle from a Rangers defender in the box. QPR then came more into the game with some good passing movements and a couple a crosses into the box which were held by Wells.
On 13 minutes the visitors took the lead through the lively Baidoo when a pass from Hislop curled round Scott to the feet of the running Baidoo who rolled the ball passed the advancing Wells. The Shots had an immediate chance to restore parity but both the shots from Harding and Hudson were blocked by defenders. After 20 minutes a good inter-change between Grant and Ridgway led to a looped effort from Harding that was headed of the line by a retreating defender.
With the balance of play more with the visitors they had a move when Czerkas laid the ball off to Nygaard and his pass back the Polish U21 International resulted in a shot that was deflected for a corner. Aldershot responded well with a deep cross from Salmon just evading the outstretched leg of Pritchard. On 34 minutes Rangers had a strong appeal for a penalty when Czerkas ran through from midfield only to go down in the box under a challenge. The referee was not swayed and waved play on.
Five minutes before the break a quick free kick from Salmon to Ridgway who passed to Lee to float a cross into the box, which just cleared the bar. Both sides had a chance to score before the interval with Rangers coming closest when Tchakounte won the ball from the midfield and advanced before firing in an effort from 25 yards. The Shots response was a Ridgway effort from a similar distance after a good forward run by Anderson from the back.
So at the break the Championship side held onto their slender lead but neither side had really had made a threatening effort on goal to test the keeper. Although Aldershot had a fair percentage of possession they were unable to get the ball through the front men mainly due to the tight covering from the R's defence.
At the break Rangers substituted Nygaard with the similar styled Sappleton. Five minutes into the second period Aldershot had a half chance when good footwork from Grant enabled him to get the ball out wide to Milletti who crossed in to the middle for Hudson, whose scuffed shot went past the left hand post. On the hour the visitors had an opportunity to double their lead when Czerkas turned well on the edge of the penalty area and chipped the retreating Wells, but thankfully for Aldershot the ball just cleared the bar. Once again the Shots responded well with a move from deep which saw Grant feed through to Hudson for a cross shot that had the Rangers keeper scampering across his goal.
Halfway through the half Rangers made another substation with O'Connell replacing Oliseh on the right wing. Shortly after the change Pritchard headed a Lee cross on to the post, only to be given offside. On 76 minutes Rangers extended their lead when after a good run down the left by Baidoo, he crossed into the box and with the ball not being cleared properly Sappleton pounced on the loose ball to fire low passed Wells. With 10 minutes to go Rangers made their 3rd change when Czerkas was replaced by Taku.
On 85 minutes The Shots had a patient build up which involved many short passes to feet among several players before Pritchard had a snap effort just go the wrong side of the post. Just a minute later the game was put beyond the home side when Baidoo took the ball off Wells as he dribbled inside the area to roll the ball into an empty net.
Overall the visitors had the edge in possession and made use of their extra physical presence. Although a fairly entertaining game the match was devoid of any real goal mouth action from either side. The 3 goal margin was probably more than the visitors deserved but they did get the ball through to their front men on many occasions, which Aldershot were not able to do.
After the game Terry Brown said that he was pleased with game as it gave a good run out for the youngsters and they played well, but just lacked a cutting edge. With a number of square pegs in round holes in defence (two full backs playing in central positions) it made it a bit more difficult. He added that he thought that Joel Grant showed fine movement up front.
Teams:
Aldershot Town:
Louis Wells, Ryan Scott, Jason Milletti, David Lee, Phil Anderson, Will Salmon, Sean Ridgway, Ben Harding, Mark Pritchard, Joel Grant, Kirk Hudson.
Subs ' Barry Breen, Craig Parker, Matt Madders (all unused)
Queen's Park Rangers:
Jake Cole, Aaron Goode, Matt Hislop, Armel Tchakounte, Pat Kanyuka, Andrew Howell, Shabazz Baidoo, Stefan Bailey, Marc Nygaard, Adam Czerkas, Egutu Oliseh
Subs ' Jon Munday (not used), Harry Smart (not used), Taku Watanabe (for Czerkas 80 mins.), Matthew O'Connell (for Oliseh 64 mins.), Ricky Sappleton (for Nygaard at half time)
Goals
Aldershot Town '
QPR ' Baidoo 13, Sappleton 76, Baidoo 86
Aldershot
Aldershot Official Site
Shots Reserves 0-3 QPR Reserves
A full round up of Tuesday afternoon's events at the Rec together with photographs from Ian Morsman
ALDERSHOT TOWN 0 V 3 QUEEN'S PARK RANGERS
(The Recreation Ground)
Pontin's Holiday Combination
Tuesday 5th September 2006
(Report by Gordon Macey)
Manager Terry Brown used the game to give a run out to the members of the playing squad who did not start Saturday's Conference match against Halifax, the exception being new arrival Ben Harding who started both games.
Aldershot started with a 4-3-3 formation of Louis Wells in goal, a defence of Ryan Scott, Will Salmon, Phil Anderson, and Jason Milletti; a midfield of Sean Ridgway, David Lee and Ben Harding; with Kirk Hudson, Joel Grant and Mark Pritchard up front.
The QPR side contained a mixture of fringe first team squad and youth players. The front pair of Nygaard and Czerkas being given an outing to prove their fitness prior to Rangers' league match at Plymouth on Saturday.
Following early pressure The Shots earned a corner from which a move involving Scott, Lee and Harding ended with a saving tackle from a Rangers defender in the box. QPR then came more into the game with some good passing movements and a couple a crosses into the box which were held by Wells.
On 13 minutes the visitors took the lead through the lively Baidoo when a pass from Hislop curled round Scott to the feet of the running Baidoo who rolled the ball passed the advancing Wells. The Shots had an immediate chance to restore parity but both the shots from Harding and Hudson were blocked by defenders. After 20 minutes a good inter-change between Grant and Ridgway led to a looped effort from Harding that was headed of the line by a retreating defender.
With the balance of play more with the visitors they had a move when Czerkas laid the ball off to Nygaard and his pass back the Polish U21 International resulted in a shot that was deflected for a corner. Aldershot responded well with a deep cross from Salmon just evading the outstretched leg of Pritchard. On 34 minutes Rangers had a strong appeal for a penalty when Czerkas ran through from midfield only to go down in the box under a challenge. The referee was not swayed and waved play on.
Five minutes before the break a quick free kick from Salmon to Ridgway who passed to Lee to float a cross into the box, which just cleared the bar. Both sides had a chance to score before the interval with Rangers coming closest when Tchakounte won the ball from the midfield and advanced before firing in an effort from 25 yards. The Shots response was a Ridgway effort from a similar distance after a good forward run by Anderson from the back.
So at the break the Championship side held onto their slender lead but neither side had really had made a threatening effort on goal to test the keeper. Although Aldershot had a fair percentage of possession they were unable to get the ball through the front men mainly due to the tight covering from the R's defence.
At the break Rangers substituted Nygaard with the similar styled Sappleton. Five minutes into the second period Aldershot had a half chance when good footwork from Grant enabled him to get the ball out wide to Milletti who crossed in to the middle for Hudson, whose scuffed shot went past the left hand post. On the hour the visitors had an opportunity to double their lead when Czerkas turned well on the edge of the penalty area and chipped the retreating Wells, but thankfully for Aldershot the ball just cleared the bar. Once again the Shots responded well with a move from deep which saw Grant feed through to Hudson for a cross shot that had the Rangers keeper scampering across his goal.
Halfway through the half Rangers made another substation with O'Connell replacing Oliseh on the right wing. Shortly after the change Pritchard headed a Lee cross on to the post, only to be given offside. On 76 minutes Rangers extended their lead when after a good run down the left by Baidoo, he crossed into the box and with the ball not being cleared properly Sappleton pounced on the loose ball to fire low passed Wells. With 10 minutes to go Rangers made their 3rd change when Czerkas was replaced by Taku.
On 85 minutes The Shots had a patient build up which involved many short passes to feet among several players before Pritchard had a snap effort just go the wrong side of the post. Just a minute later the game was put beyond the home side when Baidoo took the ball off Wells as he dribbled inside the area to roll the ball into an empty net.
Overall the visitors had the edge in possession and made use of their extra physical presence. Although a fairly entertaining game the match was devoid of any real goal mouth action from either side. The 3 goal margin was probably more than the visitors deserved but they did get the ball through to their front men on many occasions, which Aldershot were not able to do.
After the game Terry Brown said that he was pleased with game as it gave a good run out for the youngsters and they played well, but just lacked a cutting edge. With a number of square pegs in round holes in defence (two full backs playing in central positions) it made it a bit more difficult. He added that he thought that Joel Grant showed fine movement up front.
Teams:
Aldershot Town:
Louis Wells, Ryan Scott, Jason Milletti, David Lee, Phil Anderson, Will Salmon, Sean Ridgway, Ben Harding, Mark Pritchard, Joel Grant, Kirk Hudson.
Subs ' Barry Breen, Craig Parker, Matt Madders (all unused)
Queen's Park Rangers:
Jake Cole, Aaron Goode, Matt Hislop, Armel Tchakounte, Pat Kanyuka, Andrew Howell, Shabazz Baidoo, Stefan Bailey, Marc Nygaard, Adam Czerkas, Egutu Oliseh
Subs ' Jon Munday (not used), Harry Smart (not used), Taku Watanabe (for Czerkas 80 mins.), Matthew O'Connell (for Oliseh 64 mins.), Ricky Sappleton (for Nygaard at half time)
Goals
Aldershot Town '
QPR ' Baidoo 13, Sappleton 76, Baidoo 86
Aldershot
Snideness From The Guardian's "Knowledge"
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Rob Smyth and Paolo Bandini - The Guardian Wednesday September 6, 2006
The Knowledge
KNOWLEDGE ARCHIVE
"In 1967, Nottingham Forest came very close to winning the league and Cup double despite having no success in either competition a decade either side of this season. Is there another example of a club having a single, isolated season of brilliance in a lengthy period of relative mediocrity?" asked Alan Sheridan a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away.
We can think of a couple of recent - albeit obvious - examples to set the ball rolling. In 1975-76, a QPR team containing the likes of Gerry Francis, Stan Bowles, John Hollins, Don Masson and Phil Parkes was pipped by a single point to the league championship by Liverpool, the Anfield side only denying the west London club by scoring with 13 minutes to go in their final match of the season against Wolves.
QPR, who had done nothing of note since winning the League Cup as a Third Division team in 1967, went on a downward spiral which culminated in their relegation three years later. OK, so they made the 1982 FA Cup final, but God those matches were tedious...
Guardian "the Knowledge"
Rob Smyth and Paolo Bandini - The Guardian Wednesday September 6, 2006
The Knowledge
KNOWLEDGE ARCHIVE
"In 1967, Nottingham Forest came very close to winning the league and Cup double despite having no success in either competition a decade either side of this season. Is there another example of a club having a single, isolated season of brilliance in a lengthy period of relative mediocrity?" asked Alan Sheridan a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away.
We can think of a couple of recent - albeit obvious - examples to set the ball rolling. In 1975-76, a QPR team containing the likes of Gerry Francis, Stan Bowles, John Hollins, Don Masson and Phil Parkes was pipped by a single point to the league championship by Liverpool, the Anfield side only denying the west London club by scoring with 13 minutes to go in their final match of the season against Wolves.
QPR, who had done nothing of note since winning the League Cup as a Third Division team in 1967, went on a downward spiral which culminated in their relegation three years later. OK, so they made the 1982 FA Cup final, but God those matches were tedious...
Guardian "the Knowledge"
Birthdays - Bruce Rioch Turns 59...Stephen Kelly is 23
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QPR's ex-Assistant Manager (or more) Bruce Rioch Turns 59 - September 6, 1947
Not perhaps QPR's most beloved ex-coach. Was brought in by Stuart Houston when he became manager; left when Houston left. But as a player, was a forward and the midfielder in the late 1960s and 1970s with Luton, Aston Villa, Derby, etc.
Rioch
[For more on Bruce Rioch's Career, see Wikipedia
QPR's Loan Defender, Kelly Turns 23 - September 6, 1983
Kelly played only seven games for QPR...including the playoff final loss in Cardiff!
Kelly
QPR's ex-Assistant Manager (or more) Bruce Rioch Turns 59 - September 6, 1947
Not perhaps QPR's most beloved ex-coach. Was brought in by Stuart Houston when he became manager; left when Houston left. But as a player, was a forward and the midfielder in the late 1960s and 1970s with Luton, Aston Villa, Derby, etc.
Rioch
[For more on Bruce Rioch's Career, see Wikipedia
QPR's Loan Defender, Kelly Turns 23 - September 6, 1983
Kelly played only seven games for QPR...including the playoff final loss in Cardiff!
Kelly
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Ex-QPR Youth Goalie, Tim Sandercombe now at Plymouth
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Part of the Plymouth Youth Squad
Tim Sandercombe
Tim recently signed from QPR as we took over the second year of his apprenticeship.
At 6ft 3in he is an imposing figure on the field and a very promising goalkeeper.
Picture Unavailable
Plymouth
Part of the Plymouth Youth Squad
Tim Sandercombe
Tim recently signed from QPR as we took over the second year of his apprenticeship.
At 6ft 3in he is an imposing figure on the field and a very promising goalkeeper.
Picture Unavailable
Plymouth
Barry Hayles, Ian Holloway & QPR - Strange, ostensible Assertion
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Plymouth Barry Hayles
Plymouth Argyle striker Barry Hayles has made a great start to the new Championship season.
The 34-year old front man has weighed in with three goals from five Championship games to help his new club to seventh position in the league.
Hayles was signed by Argyle manager Ian Holloway just before the season started, paying League One side Millwall £100,000 and Holloway's judgement has been proved sound with Hayles currently rated the best striker in the Championship, according to Actim Stats.
Holloway first gave Hayles his big break into league football back in 1997 when, as manager of Bristol Rovers, he signed Hayles from non-league Stevenage Borough for £250,000.
Hayles was a relative late comer to professional football at the age of 25 but was eager to make up for lost time scoring 34 goals in 66 league games for the Pirates.
Hayles form in front of goal did not go un-noticed and Fulham beat several clubs to secure the signature of Hayles for a £2m transfer fee.
Hayles goal scoring form continued for his new club, helping Fulham to two promotions and securing a place in the Premiership.
Hayles played for three seasons in the Premiership, including notching up some Uefa cup games and eight caps for national side Jamaica.
Hayles then spent two months at Championship side Sheffield United following a free transfer before being transferred to Millwall for £25,000. Hayles stayed at Millwall for two seasons but could not stop the London side from being relegated from the Championship last season.
Holloway then came calling once again and Hayles looks to have revived his career at Plymouth.
Holloway also tried to sign Hayles whilst he was manager at Queens Park Rangers but the QPR chairman, Gianni Paladini, blocked that move. The controversial Paladini recently admitted he left his phone switched off for two days to prevent Holloway from talking to him about signing Hayles. Paladini felt that Hayles was too old and wanted Holloway to sign the more younger striker Dexter Blackstock at Southampton. Paladini said: 'By the time Barry Hayles career is over, Blackstock will be in his prime.'Hayles is enjoying his time at Plymouth but admits it was a big decision to move to the south-west, he said: 'I did have a good long hard think about it, but the manager was not taking no for an answer.
'The chance to work with Ollie again was something I was looking forward to. He seems to get the best out of me, allowing me the freedom to express myself.
'Personally things have been going well at Plymouth and we have been playing well as a team. So I think I made the right choice in moving here.'
Hayles was also brought to Plymouth by Holloway to help out the young strikers at Home Park, in particular Sylvan Ebanks-Blake who signed from Manchester United for an initial £200,000 transfer fee. Hayles added: 'Myself and Sylvan have been staying in a hotel and we have built up a rapport. He hasn`t scored yet for the first team but if he relaxes it will come because there is no doubt the ability is there.'
If Hayles can maintain his goal scoring form throughout the season and other players chip in with some goals then Plymouth Argyle will be in for a successful season.
Fulham
Plymouth Barry Hayles
Plymouth Argyle striker Barry Hayles has made a great start to the new Championship season.
The 34-year old front man has weighed in with three goals from five Championship games to help his new club to seventh position in the league.
Hayles was signed by Argyle manager Ian Holloway just before the season started, paying League One side Millwall £100,000 and Holloway's judgement has been proved sound with Hayles currently rated the best striker in the Championship, according to Actim Stats.
Holloway first gave Hayles his big break into league football back in 1997 when, as manager of Bristol Rovers, he signed Hayles from non-league Stevenage Borough for £250,000.
Hayles was a relative late comer to professional football at the age of 25 but was eager to make up for lost time scoring 34 goals in 66 league games for the Pirates.
Hayles form in front of goal did not go un-noticed and Fulham beat several clubs to secure the signature of Hayles for a £2m transfer fee.
Hayles goal scoring form continued for his new club, helping Fulham to two promotions and securing a place in the Premiership.
Hayles played for three seasons in the Premiership, including notching up some Uefa cup games and eight caps for national side Jamaica.
Hayles then spent two months at Championship side Sheffield United following a free transfer before being transferred to Millwall for £25,000. Hayles stayed at Millwall for two seasons but could not stop the London side from being relegated from the Championship last season.
Holloway then came calling once again and Hayles looks to have revived his career at Plymouth.
Holloway also tried to sign Hayles whilst he was manager at Queens Park Rangers but the QPR chairman, Gianni Paladini, blocked that move. The controversial Paladini recently admitted he left his phone switched off for two days to prevent Holloway from talking to him about signing Hayles. Paladini felt that Hayles was too old and wanted Holloway to sign the more younger striker Dexter Blackstock at Southampton. Paladini said: 'By the time Barry Hayles career is over, Blackstock will be in his prime.'Hayles is enjoying his time at Plymouth but admits it was a big decision to move to the south-west, he said: 'I did have a good long hard think about it, but the manager was not taking no for an answer.
'The chance to work with Ollie again was something I was looking forward to. He seems to get the best out of me, allowing me the freedom to express myself.
'Personally things have been going well at Plymouth and we have been playing well as a team. So I think I made the right choice in moving here.'
Hayles was also brought to Plymouth by Holloway to help out the young strikers at Home Park, in particular Sylvan Ebanks-Blake who signed from Manchester United for an initial £200,000 transfer fee. Hayles added: 'Myself and Sylvan have been staying in a hotel and we have built up a rapport. He hasn`t scored yet for the first team but if he relaxes it will come because there is no doubt the ability is there.'
If Hayles can maintain his goal scoring form throughout the season and other players chip in with some goals then Plymouth Argyle will be in for a successful season.
Fulham
QPR Reserves Win 3-0 at Aldershot
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QPR Official Site Reports on QPR Reserves 3-0 Win at Aldershot
Shabazz Baidoo bagged a brace and Ricky Sappleton was also on target as QPR Reserves eased to a 3-0 victory against Aldershot Town on Tuesday afternoon.
In a first half in which Rangers totally orchestrated proceedings, Baidoo staked a huge claim for a starting berth in the R's first team when he made the most of the time and space he was gifted in the 15th minute.
Second half substitute Sappleton made it two on 75 minutes, playing a neat one-two with Baidoo, before calmly slotting home from 14-yards.
But it was left to R's man-of-the-match Baidoo to wrap it up on 86 minutes, notching his third goal in two Reserve outings this term with a simple close-range finish.
Earlier, after neat build-up play involving Armel Tchakounte and Adam Czerkas, the diminutive Baidoo cut in from the left flank before delivering a composed finish past the Shots custodian.
Czerkas and fellow strike-partner Marc Nygaard linked up nicely in attack during the first period - with the latter seeing his stinging shot blocked in the 20th minute, before the former had a goal-bound shot deflected wide for a corner midway through the half.
The Shots threatened sporadically, with Joel Grant unlucky not to put the hosts on terms in the 21st minute, when his looping header was headed off the line by Egutu Oliseh.
Rangers had a strong claim for a penalty when Czerkas went to ground in the 32nd minute, but after initially going to blow his whistle, the referee waved play on, much to the disappointment of Justin Skinner and the R's bench.
The R's picked up where they left off at the start of the second half, with Sappleton - on for the returning Nygaard - opting for placement instead of power in the 56th minute, only to be denied by the Shots keeper.
Czerkas was also denied the goal his performance undoubtedly deserved when his attempted 35-yard chip landed on the roof of the net, while at the other end, Jake Cole was on hand to dive to his right to thwart Kirk Hudson.
Sappleton made sure of the points 15 minutes from time when he finished in style from inside the box, before Baidoo intercepted goalkeeper Louis Wells' attempted clearance and rolled the ball into an empty net to complete the rout.
QPR Reserves: Cole, Goode, Hislop, Oliseh (O'Connell 63), Kanyuka, Howell, Baidoo, Bailey, Nygaard (Sappleton 46), Czerkas (Taku 79), Tchakounte.
Subs: Munday, Smart.
QPR
Aldershot Perspective
Aldershot Pre-Match
Brief Post Match
QPR Official Site Reports on QPR Reserves 3-0 Win at Aldershot
Shabazz Baidoo bagged a brace and Ricky Sappleton was also on target as QPR Reserves eased to a 3-0 victory against Aldershot Town on Tuesday afternoon.
In a first half in which Rangers totally orchestrated proceedings, Baidoo staked a huge claim for a starting berth in the R's first team when he made the most of the time and space he was gifted in the 15th minute.
Second half substitute Sappleton made it two on 75 minutes, playing a neat one-two with Baidoo, before calmly slotting home from 14-yards.
But it was left to R's man-of-the-match Baidoo to wrap it up on 86 minutes, notching his third goal in two Reserve outings this term with a simple close-range finish.
Earlier, after neat build-up play involving Armel Tchakounte and Adam Czerkas, the diminutive Baidoo cut in from the left flank before delivering a composed finish past the Shots custodian.
Czerkas and fellow strike-partner Marc Nygaard linked up nicely in attack during the first period - with the latter seeing his stinging shot blocked in the 20th minute, before the former had a goal-bound shot deflected wide for a corner midway through the half.
The Shots threatened sporadically, with Joel Grant unlucky not to put the hosts on terms in the 21st minute, when his looping header was headed off the line by Egutu Oliseh.
Rangers had a strong claim for a penalty when Czerkas went to ground in the 32nd minute, but after initially going to blow his whistle, the referee waved play on, much to the disappointment of Justin Skinner and the R's bench.
The R's picked up where they left off at the start of the second half, with Sappleton - on for the returning Nygaard - opting for placement instead of power in the 56th minute, only to be denied by the Shots keeper.
Czerkas was also denied the goal his performance undoubtedly deserved when his attempted 35-yard chip landed on the roof of the net, while at the other end, Jake Cole was on hand to dive to his right to thwart Kirk Hudson.
Sappleton made sure of the points 15 minutes from time when he finished in style from inside the box, before Baidoo intercepted goalkeeper Louis Wells' attempted clearance and rolled the ball into an empty net to complete the rout.
QPR Reserves: Cole, Goode, Hislop, Oliseh (O'Connell 63), Kanyuka, Howell, Baidoo, Bailey, Nygaard (Sappleton 46), Czerkas (Taku 79), Tchakounte.
Subs: Munday, Smart.
QPR
Aldershot Perspective
Aldershot Pre-Match
Brief Post Match
Nick Ward on Playing *and Needing to learn a little bit more about London Clubs in the Lower Divisions)
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QPR's Ward cools Fulham talk
tribalfooball.com - September 04, 2006
QPR midfielder Nick Ward has played down talk of a move to Fulham.
Fulham boss Chris Coleman is already tracking the young Aussie after he only joined QPR over the summer.
"I haven't heard anything official so I've just got to keep playing well," he told the Daily Telegraph."If I was in a little town it would be a bit harder to adjust, I think it's good being in London it's not too lonely, there's always something to do to keep yourself busy and you're in a shop window.
"Us and Luton Town are the only London clubs that aren't in the EPL."
Tribal Football
Ward's got no regrets
By David Davutovic - Australian Telegraph September 05, 2006
NICK Ward is a test case dummy for Australian football.
Perth's midfield player won the A-League's first under-21 player of the year award but soon headed overseas.
Ward put a few local noses out of joint with his move to English Championship club Queens Park Rangers after his Glory contract was beefed up and FFA took control of the club.
But the words of Graham Arnold were still ringing in Ward's ears.
On the cusp of joining the World Cup train-on squad, Ward was told that he was unfit and overweight.
In Ward's view, 21 domestic games are not enough and after netting a goal in one of four QPR starts, he believes selection in this week's Socceroo squad vindicates his move abroad.
"I need to be playing lots of games and I felt it hampered me with Australian selection because I was told I wasn't match fit," Ward said.
"When I get back from this tour of Kuwait I've got five games in two weeks. I'm a midfielder so I need match fitness."
Ward's Olyroo teammates, Kristian Sarkies, Stuart Musialik and Adrian Leijer, were called up to the train-on squad to experience training with senior Socceroos stars.
Johan Neeskens was a big fan of the versatile goalscoring midfield player, so much so Ward was even considered to be an outside chance to make the 23-man squad.
But he and fellow Australian officials felt Ward had not done enough to stay fit.
"I was pretty realistic about it. With Cahill, Bresciano and that in the midfield I wasn't expecting to get into the 23 but I thought I had done enough to warrant getting into the train-on squad and that was disappointing," he said.
Ward is now hoping Kuwait City will mark his Socceroo debut.
"I'm very keen to play, with the Asian Cup coming up and the under-23 camps. It's always good to play for your country," he said.
Telegraph (Australia)
QPR's Ward cools Fulham talk
tribalfooball.com - September 04, 2006
QPR midfielder Nick Ward has played down talk of a move to Fulham.
Fulham boss Chris Coleman is already tracking the young Aussie after he only joined QPR over the summer.
"I haven't heard anything official so I've just got to keep playing well," he told the Daily Telegraph."If I was in a little town it would be a bit harder to adjust, I think it's good being in London it's not too lonely, there's always something to do to keep yourself busy and you're in a shop window.
"Us and Luton Town are the only London clubs that aren't in the EPL."
Tribal Football
Ward's got no regrets
By David Davutovic - Australian Telegraph September 05, 2006
NICK Ward is a test case dummy for Australian football.
Perth's midfield player won the A-League's first under-21 player of the year award but soon headed overseas.
Ward put a few local noses out of joint with his move to English Championship club Queens Park Rangers after his Glory contract was beefed up and FFA took control of the club.
But the words of Graham Arnold were still ringing in Ward's ears.
On the cusp of joining the World Cup train-on squad, Ward was told that he was unfit and overweight.
In Ward's view, 21 domestic games are not enough and after netting a goal in one of four QPR starts, he believes selection in this week's Socceroo squad vindicates his move abroad.
"I need to be playing lots of games and I felt it hampered me with Australian selection because I was told I wasn't match fit," Ward said.
"When I get back from this tour of Kuwait I've got five games in two weeks. I'm a midfielder so I need match fitness."
Ward's Olyroo teammates, Kristian Sarkies, Stuart Musialik and Adrian Leijer, were called up to the train-on squad to experience training with senior Socceroos stars.
Johan Neeskens was a big fan of the versatile goalscoring midfield player, so much so Ward was even considered to be an outside chance to make the 23-man squad.
But he and fellow Australian officials felt Ward had not done enough to stay fit.
"I was pretty realistic about it. With Cahill, Bresciano and that in the midfield I wasn't expecting to get into the 23 but I thought I had done enough to warrant getting into the train-on squad and that was disappointing," he said.
Ward is now hoping Kuwait City will mark his Socceroo debut.
"I'm very keen to play, with the Asian Cup coming up and the under-23 camps. It's always good to play for your country," he said.
Telegraph (Australia)
Monday, September 04, 2006
Stoke Fight FA Charges re Fan Attack Against QPR's Royce, last DECEMBER!
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POTTERS FIGHT FA CHARGE
04 September 2006
Stoke City will fight an FA charge over an incident in which QPR goalkeeper Simon Royce was attacked on the pitch by a fan. City have requested a personal hearing to put their case to the FA after a supporter confronted Royce during a 2-1 defeat at the Britannia on December 3.
The FA eventually charged the club with failing to control their supporters in May - six months after the incident. No date has since been set for a hearing.
"Stoke City have denied the charge and have requested a personal hearing. A date has not yet been confirmed, but we expect it to happen soon," said an FA spokesman.
City's chief executive Tony Scholes feels the case has dragged on too long and has spoken out against the FA's decision to pursue the charge. He explained: "The FA investigated the matter immediately after the game. We carried out our investigation to ensure our procedures were operating as well as they should be.
"We helped the FA with all their inquiries about our procedures. The police were involved and they were happy with the procedures in place at the club.
"The FA finally decided to charge us in May and we are now some nine months after the incident. They believe we have a case to answer and were determined a charge would be brought, but we reject that and will be defending ourselves against it.
"Clearly the incident shouldn't have happened. The supporters who came on to the pitch have been dealt with in the manner we would expect for an incident of that nature. But in terms of whether our procedures are operating effectively, we say they are."
If the FA upholds the charge its disciplinary committee may hit the Potters with a fine.
But an FA spokesman has previously said the club are unlikely to be punished with having to play behind closed doors.
QPR faced the same charge earlier this year over the incident. The West London club were fined £5,000 and warned as to their future conduct.
A 19-year-old man was told to spend 164 days in custody after admitting he punched Royce and unlawfully entered the field of play.
Sentinel
POTTERS FIGHT FA CHARGE
04 September 2006
Stoke City will fight an FA charge over an incident in which QPR goalkeeper Simon Royce was attacked on the pitch by a fan. City have requested a personal hearing to put their case to the FA after a supporter confronted Royce during a 2-1 defeat at the Britannia on December 3.
The FA eventually charged the club with failing to control their supporters in May - six months after the incident. No date has since been set for a hearing.
"Stoke City have denied the charge and have requested a personal hearing. A date has not yet been confirmed, but we expect it to happen soon," said an FA spokesman.
City's chief executive Tony Scholes feels the case has dragged on too long and has spoken out against the FA's decision to pursue the charge. He explained: "The FA investigated the matter immediately after the game. We carried out our investigation to ensure our procedures were operating as well as they should be.
"We helped the FA with all their inquiries about our procedures. The police were involved and they were happy with the procedures in place at the club.
"The FA finally decided to charge us in May and we are now some nine months after the incident. They believe we have a case to answer and were determined a charge would be brought, but we reject that and will be defending ourselves against it.
"Clearly the incident shouldn't have happened. The supporters who came on to the pitch have been dealt with in the manner we would expect for an incident of that nature. But in terms of whether our procedures are operating effectively, we say they are."
If the FA upholds the charge its disciplinary committee may hit the Potters with a fine.
But an FA spokesman has previously said the club are unlikely to be punished with having to play behind closed doors.
QPR faced the same charge earlier this year over the incident. The West London club were fined £5,000 and warned as to their future conduct.
A 19-year-old man was told to spend 164 days in custody after admitting he punched Royce and unlawfully entered the field of play.
Sentinel
QPR Away to Ian Holloway's Plymouth
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20th placed QPR travel this Saturday to 7th-placed Plymouth (managed by former QPR Manager, Ian Holloway, who was finally "released" from his Gardening Leave in the summer.) A win for Plymouth could leave QPR in the bottom 3. A QPR win probably shoots them up to mid-table.
QPR's coaches, Gary Penrice and Tim Breaker who were also plaed on gardening leave, at the same time as Holloway, were last week removed from the QPR website list of coaches. And Holloway announced August 24th that they would be coming to Plymouth, subject to finalizing with QPR Chairman Paladini. As of this date, there has been no official announcement or news report that they had actually arrived at Plymouth.
Plymouth's squad includes, Barry Hayles, who was on several occasions linked to Holloway when he was at QPR.
The two teams of course, won promotion together, three seasons ago (Plymouth as Champions). When QPR played Plymouth last season: They drew 1-1 at Loftus Road in October at then lost 3-1 at Plymouth in November.
QPR Team News
Waddock hopeful~over Hoops pair
QPR manager Gary Waddock is hoping Martin Rowlands and Gareth Ainsworth can return to first-team contention ahead of the trip to Plymouth.
Rowlands has been troubled by a calf injury and Ainsworth sidelined by a hamstring injury.
Ahead of Saturday's clash at Home Park, Waddock told the club's official website: "Hopefully we'll have Rowlands back in for training on Monday and we'll see how Gareth is, so slowly but surely everybody's coming back into the group.
"I'll soon have competition for places, which I keep saying is healthy for the club.
"Everybody's getting fit, which is great, and it'll give me a nice problem picking the 11 to go down to Plymouth." QPR Team News
20th placed QPR travel this Saturday to 7th-placed Plymouth (managed by former QPR Manager, Ian Holloway, who was finally "released" from his Gardening Leave in the summer.) A win for Plymouth could leave QPR in the bottom 3. A QPR win probably shoots them up to mid-table.
QPR's coaches, Gary Penrice and Tim Breaker who were also plaed on gardening leave, at the same time as Holloway, were last week removed from the QPR website list of coaches. And Holloway announced August 24th that they would be coming to Plymouth, subject to finalizing with QPR Chairman Paladini. As of this date, there has been no official announcement or news report that they had actually arrived at Plymouth.
Plymouth's squad includes, Barry Hayles, who was on several occasions linked to Holloway when he was at QPR.
The two teams of course, won promotion together, three seasons ago (Plymouth as Champions). When QPR played Plymouth last season: They drew 1-1 at Loftus Road in October at then lost 3-1 at Plymouth in November.
QPR Team News
Waddock hopeful~over Hoops pair
QPR manager Gary Waddock is hoping Martin Rowlands and Gareth Ainsworth can return to first-team contention ahead of the trip to Plymouth.
Rowlands has been troubled by a calf injury and Ainsworth sidelined by a hamstring injury.
Ahead of Saturday's clash at Home Park, Waddock told the club's official website: "Hopefully we'll have Rowlands back in for training on Monday and we'll see how Gareth is, so slowly but surely everybody's coming back into the group.
"I'll soon have competition for places, which I keep saying is healthy for the club.
"Everybody's getting fit, which is great, and it'll give me a nice problem picking the 11 to go down to Plymouth." QPR Team News
Ex-QPRs in the Non-League...QPR Coach, Tony Roberts went off Injured
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Ex-QPR Goalie (and current QPR Goalie coach) Tony Roberts was taken off injured in the 55th minute, playing Dagenham (Dagenham won 5-0 at Altrincham). No word about the extent of the injury. Report . (Of course an interesting question: How does a coach, coach if he's injured). Also playing for Dagenham: Ex-QPR's Paul Bruce.
Ex-QPR player and coach (and Acting Manager), John Hollins currently managing Crawley was unhappy at his team's 2-0 home Defeat
BBC - Hollins dismay at Crawley display
Crawley Town boss John Hollins felt his side did not get going in their 2-0 home defeat by Northwich Victoria.
"We looked lethargic and heavy, for no good reason," Hollins said. "Northwich worked extremely hard and mistakes from us led to both their goals.
"The overall performance was poor - and I felt it was our worst display of the season so far.
"We have got the 10 point penalty back but Northwich were hungrier - like we were in our opening games." BBC
Ex-QPR Manager (who came close to returning a few months ago) Jim Smith celebrated his shared manager of the month Award, by Oxford beating St Albans 2-1 Report
Denis Oli was part of the Grays Athletic Team that lost 0-1 at home to Burton Albion. - Report
Nikki Bull played for Aldershot in their 1-0 Win over Halifax - Report
Ex-QPR Goalie (and current QPR Goalie coach) Tony Roberts was taken off injured in the 55th minute, playing Dagenham (Dagenham won 5-0 at Altrincham). No word about the extent of the injury. Report . (Of course an interesting question: How does a coach, coach if he's injured). Also playing for Dagenham: Ex-QPR's Paul Bruce.
Ex-QPR player and coach (and Acting Manager), John Hollins currently managing Crawley was unhappy at his team's 2-0 home Defeat
BBC - Hollins dismay at Crawley display
Crawley Town boss John Hollins felt his side did not get going in their 2-0 home defeat by Northwich Victoria.
"We looked lethargic and heavy, for no good reason," Hollins said. "Northwich worked extremely hard and mistakes from us led to both their goals.
"The overall performance was poor - and I felt it was our worst display of the season so far.
"We have got the 10 point penalty back but Northwich were hungrier - like we were in our opening games." BBC
Ex-QPR Manager (who came close to returning a few months ago) Jim Smith celebrated his shared manager of the month Award, by Oxford beating St Albans 2-1 Report
Denis Oli was part of the Grays Athletic Team that lost 0-1 at home to Burton Albion. - Report
Nikki Bull played for Aldershot in their 1-0 Win over Halifax - Report
Headline, Two Years Ago Today - "QPR line up Argentinian Manager"
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QPR line up Argentinian manager
Jon Brodkin Saturday September 4, 2004
The Guardian
Queens Park Rangers are ready to make an extraordinary managerial appointment, replacing Ian Holloway with Ramón Díaz, a former Argentina striker who has coached River Plate to several trophies in his homeland.
The struggling Football League Championship club are preparing to dismiss Holloway and turn to Díaz, who played with Diego Maradona, Ossie Ardiles and others in the 1982 World Cup, scoring during the team's defeat by Brazil.
Holloway could be sacked as early as next week, although QPR - 20th in the table - may wait for another defeat or two before removing their popular manager.
Díaz has connections with a Monaco-based consortium, Barnaby Holdings, which recently acquired a stake in QPR. The consortium, headed by the former Brazil captain Dunga, has bought 10% of the club's shares and plans to purchase another 19.9% in the near future.
Díaz has an impressive CV as both player and coach. He turned out for Napoli, Internazionale, Fiorentina and Monaco among other teams before moving into coaching. The 45-year-old has had more than one spell in charge of River Plate, winning the Libertadores Cup in 1996 and several domestic championships.
He has not worked for two years after falling out with River over his salary and, after spending time with his family, has been looking for work outside Argentina. Having failed to secure employment in France, Spain or Italy he has happily accepted the overtures of QPR.
He watched the team two weeks ago at Loftus Road against Derby County and is understood to have spoken to Gino Padula, the club's left-back who was born in Argentina and played under him at River in the mid-90s.
QPR said last night that "at no stage have negotiations taken place between the club and Mr Díaz regarding managerial or coaching positions at QPR".
They stated that the club "wants nothing more than success for both Ian and the team". However, time seems to be running out for Holloway, who led QPR to promotion last season.
Guardian
QPR line up Argentinian manager
Jon Brodkin Saturday September 4, 2004
The Guardian
Queens Park Rangers are ready to make an extraordinary managerial appointment, replacing Ian Holloway with Ramón Díaz, a former Argentina striker who has coached River Plate to several trophies in his homeland.
The struggling Football League Championship club are preparing to dismiss Holloway and turn to Díaz, who played with Diego Maradona, Ossie Ardiles and others in the 1982 World Cup, scoring during the team's defeat by Brazil.
Holloway could be sacked as early as next week, although QPR - 20th in the table - may wait for another defeat or two before removing their popular manager.
Díaz has connections with a Monaco-based consortium, Barnaby Holdings, which recently acquired a stake in QPR. The consortium, headed by the former Brazil captain Dunga, has bought 10% of the club's shares and plans to purchase another 19.9% in the near future.
Díaz has an impressive CV as both player and coach. He turned out for Napoli, Internazionale, Fiorentina and Monaco among other teams before moving into coaching. The 45-year-old has had more than one spell in charge of River Plate, winning the Libertadores Cup in 1996 and several domestic championships.
He has not worked for two years after falling out with River over his salary and, after spending time with his family, has been looking for work outside Argentina. Having failed to secure employment in France, Spain or Italy he has happily accepted the overtures of QPR.
He watched the team two weeks ago at Loftus Road against Derby County and is understood to have spoken to Gino Padula, the club's left-back who was born in Argentina and played under him at River in the mid-90s.
QPR said last night that "at no stage have negotiations taken place between the club and Mr Díaz regarding managerial or coaching positions at QPR".
They stated that the club "wants nothing more than success for both Ian and the team". However, time seems to be running out for Holloway, who led QPR to promotion last season.
Guardian
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Refocusing on QPR's "Mysterious" ABC Loan
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In May 2002 QPR exited Administration with a 10 year, 10 Million pound, 10% per year loan from the mysterious ABC...Over the past years, there have been a number of stories about QPR (and also Derby County's) ABC Loan, and who the people behind it may be. A few months ago, local Derby County "investors" bought out the ABC Loan.
The issue of the ABC Loan and how to get out of it, has been repeatedly asked in the various meetings & Q&As with current and past QPR Chairmen
Also See For Past QPR statements re the Loan
David Conn, The Independent, April 9, 2005
FOOTBALL: From ABC to QPR, the tangled tale of how football gambled
Michael Hunt, the former managing director of Nissan UK, who was sentenced to eight years for his role in the largest tax fraud ever perpetrated in Britain, is, according to sources, the man behind the ABC Corporation, a Panama-registered company which has lent pounds 10m and pounds 15m to Queen's Park Rangers and Derby County respectively, and has mortgages on both Loftus Road and Pride Park.
Hunt was convicted in 1993 of conspiring to cheat the Inland Revenue, after Southwark Crown Court heard that for nine years Hunt, along with the company's chairman Octav Botnar and another director, had orchestrated a 'truly massive' tax fraud, by using bogus invoices and a sham shipping agent to siphon pounds 149.2m from the company and launder it through offshore companies, depriving the Inland Revenue of pounds 56.3m tax and pounds 36m interest.
Botnar stayed in Switzerland and refused to come back to face trial, although he later agreed a settlement with the Inland Revenue. Hunt, however, who was said by the prosecution to have made pounds 30m personally from the frauds, and another former Nissan UK director, Frank Shannon, were convicted for their parts in the scam. Hunt appealed, but his conviction and sentence were upheld in May 1994.
QPR, who had long been in administration following their financial collapse under Chris Wright's ownership, borrowed pounds 10m from the ABC Corporation in May 2002, at an interest rate of 10 per cent, pounds 1m a year, a huge amount for the once-chirpy club to pay. Companies registered in Panama, a tax haven, do not have to disclose their shareholders or directors, but in March 2003 rumours began to circulate on QPR fans' messageboards that Hunt was behind ABC.
After ABC provided the money, a 'consultant legal adviser,' Philip Englefield, became a director of QPR to represent ABC's interests on the club's board. The club's supporters' trust, QPR 1st , then discovered that in 1991 Englefield had been struck off the roll of solicitors by the Law Society for improperly taking nearly pounds 900,000 from his firm's clients' bank account.
QPR asked him to stand down, which he did, although he continued to act as ABC's contact, a role the club said he discharged professionally. Englefield, it turns out, had also been convicted of theft and fraud offences for taking pounds 4.7m from his firm's client account, and been sentenced in March 1993 to seven years in prison, reduced to six on appeal. A year later, he wrote to The Sunday Times, praising the fish and chip supper, 'the gastronomic highlight of the week' " served up on Fridays in his prison.
In October 2003, Derby County, relegated after six seasons in the Premier League and, under their former owner Lionel Pickering, sagging beneath pounds 31m debts, were suddenly put into receivership. The club and their ground were sold to a newly formed company, Sharmine Limited, and new directors were unveiled: Jeremy Keith, a 'business doctor' specialising in financially failing businesses, who had briefly been involved at Portsmouth FC before they went into administration in 1998; Steven Harding, an advertising executive, and a perhaps unlikely figure as the new chairman of Derby: John Sleightholme, a barrister and the deputy coroner for North Yorkshire.
At the time the directors said they would not reveal who owned the club, a stance they have maintained ever since. A month later, it emerged that the pounds 15m finance for their takeover had come from the same ABC Corporation, registered in Panama City.
Sleightholme had been previously involved in a venture with a former Scottish players' agent, Murdo MacKay, who, a few months later, joined Derby as the club's director of football. MacKay's own business career is somewhat chequered; he was a Fifa-registered players' agent for what he described as 11 'unblemished' years, but one of his companies, Inside Soccer Recruitment, which had a high- profile launch in 2001 and was backed by the former Rangers and England centre-back Terry Butcher among others, went bust just 18 months later, owing a large tax bill and leaving creditors, including a furious Butcher, unpaid.
From 1993 to 1996, MacKay was made personally bankrupt after the failure of another recruitment agency, MMK Associates, when 19 creditors, ranging from the Inland Revenue to a furniture loan company, were left owed pounds 157,659. MacKay has, however, said he has put that behind him and is applying his knowledge of football to reviving Derby's fortunes.
Last month, Sharmine Limited, which owns Derby, finally revealed who its owners are, but that only opened into a new layer of opaque anonymity in yet more tax havens: two of its shareholders are registered as companies in Belize, the other in the British Virgin Islands.
Sources close to the deals, however, confirmed to me this week that Michael Hunt is the ultimate source of the ABC cash. He is understood to operate a family trust registered in Switzerland, whose size, the sources said, runs into 'nine figures'. A lawyer in Basle, Dr Hans Georg Hinderling, has represented ABC Corporation in their dealings with QPR.
QPR's current board, chaired by lifelong Rangers fan Bill Power, who took the club over last year, has since been scathing about the ABC loan it inherited: 'It is scandalous,' Power told me, 'that we've been saddled with this debt, from a Panama corporation of all places, at such an outrageous interest rate.'
David Davies, the chief executive at the time the deal was done, who is now working for London Wasps Rugby Club, maintained however that QPR had no alternatives at the time: 'Looking back, yes I am uncomfortable about the loan we had to take out, but no banks would lend to us. It was a matter of keeping the club in business.'
At Derby, ABC replaced one load of debt, owed to Lombard and the Co-op Bank, with the money now owed to them. The club's directors have told the Supporters' Trust, Ramstrust, that the debts have increased another pounds 4m since they took over, to pounds 35m. Ted McMinn, the former Rams' winger who now commentates for BBC Radio Derby, has been a sceptic from the start: 'We know very little about these people, or why they took over,' he told me. 'They appear to have put no money in themselves, and the debt isn't getting smaller.'
In a meeting with Ramstrust last December, Jeremy Keith said of Michael Hunt's rumoured involvement with ABC: 'We can't categorically say who is involved,' although Michael Hunt's name was not on any documentation and was not an officer of the organisation. This week John Sleightholme said they had had no dealings with Hunt
Independent
The ABC of boardroom intrigue at Loftus Road
David Conn, sports news reporter of the year
The Guardian - Wednesday October 19, 2005
We know plenty more now about how Chelsea were airlifted from Ken Bates' debt mountain by the billionaire from nowhere, but for their near-neighbours, Queens Park Rangers, no such outrageous fortune has delivered them from turmoil. QPR were threatened with expulsion by the Football League in 2002, having been in administration for a year, and staggered out only by clutching a £10m loan from the mysterious Panama-registered ABC Corporation, which has burdened them ever since....
...QPR are still reaping the consequences of their version of living the dream, after they were taken over and floated on the stock market in 1996 by Chris Wright, the Chrysalis music entrepreneur. He invested £10m but, in April 2001, with QPR having lost £27m, Wright put QPR into administration. A month later they were relegated to the then Second Division.
In May 2002, with the Football League insisting the club could not start the new season in administration, QPR accepted the £10m loan from the ABC Corporation, at 10%, £1m, annual interest, secured on Loftus Road. ABC's owners cannot be officially identified, but sources at QPR believe the man behind the company is Michael Hunt, the former Nissan UK director who in 1993 was sentenced to eight years in jail for his role in what was then Britain's largest tax fraud.
Guardian
Loftus Road and Pride Park mortgaged to Panamanian company
David Conn - Independent, 8 November 2003
Derby follow Queen's Park Rangers in restructuring debt via faceless ABC Corporation represented by struck-off solicitor
The identity of the so-called "mystery backer" that loaned £15m to take Derby County from the Co-Op Bank's receivers a fortnight ago can now be revealed; and what could possibly reassure Derby fans more than to know their club is in debt and has mortgaged its celebrated new stadium to a faceless company registered in Panama?
Quite why the newly appointed board at Derby, led by the new chairman, John Sleightholme, a barrister and the deputy coroner of South Yorkshire, felt compelled to withhold this news when he took over at the end of last month, is unclear. Mortgages have to be registered at Companies House, and so, a few days later, a document duly appeared on the public record which succinctly stated that: "All that freehold property known as Derby County Stadium Pride Park", is mortgaged to ABC Corporation, of Calle Aquilino de la Guardia no 8, Panama City, the Republic of Panama.
This, of course, only gets anyone so far, which is one of the whole points of registering companies in Panama. The Panamanian Consulate in London proudly advertises on its website that a principal advantage for people registering "offshore corporations" in the country is that the Republic operates "the most secure confidentiality laws to be found anywhere." Companies must name officers, but these are usually lawyers working for the owners, whose identity does not have to be disclosed, and the companies do not have to file accounts or regular financial information.
The other main advantage is that a company registered in Panama which does not actually operate in the country - like ABC Corporation and most of the 350,000 other companies registered there - pay no tax except a token annual administration fee. The consulate particularly stresses the advantages for banking: "The income derived is exempt from Panamanian taxes, which is a very attractive feature."
The limited information available from the public registry in Panama City states that ABC Corporation was formed in October 1984. The address at Calle Aquilino de la Guardia is that of a law firm. Its first officers, a president, secretary and treasurer, were three Swiss lawyers, Peter Lenz, Marcel Muff and Hans Hinderling, who is a registered footballers' agent. Then in 1992 following a meeting at Hinderling's offices in Basle, the officers of the
company were changed to lawyers in another offshore tax haven, the Bahamas: Richard Lightbourne, Hartis Pinder and Lourey Smith, of the firm McKinney Bancroft and Hughes in Nassau. But that's it. The identity of the owner, or the source of the money, is hidden.
Derby themselves refused to elaborate this week, consistent with Sleightholme's statement when he took over with his fellow new directors, Steven Harding and Jeremy Keith - the prime mover of the takeover - that they would keep the source of the £15m loan confidential. A club spokesman said the loan had been "passed" by the Football Association and League, but this does not mean that the source has been disclosed or vetted in any way. The FA has no system yet for vetting football club directors - the long-promised "fit and proper person test" - let alone to examine the ever more far-flung sources of finance to which many clubs are turning as ordinary banks pull out of the game with their fingers singed.
The League did pass ABC Corporation's loan, but under a different rule, the one which prohibits one person or company having an interest in two clubs - as it turns out, the Panamanian nameplate is also on a sizeable loan outstanding at another club, Queen's Park Rangers, and ABC have a mortgage on their c
In May 2002 QPR exited Administration with a 10 year, 10 Million pound, 10% per year loan from the mysterious ABC...Over the past years, there have been a number of stories about QPR (and also Derby County's) ABC Loan, and who the people behind it may be. A few months ago, local Derby County "investors" bought out the ABC Loan.
The issue of the ABC Loan and how to get out of it, has been repeatedly asked in the various meetings & Q&As with current and past QPR Chairmen
Also See For Past QPR statements re the Loan
David Conn, The Independent, April 9, 2005
FOOTBALL: From ABC to QPR, the tangled tale of how football gambled
Michael Hunt, the former managing director of Nissan UK, who was sentenced to eight years for his role in the largest tax fraud ever perpetrated in Britain, is, according to sources, the man behind the ABC Corporation, a Panama-registered company which has lent pounds 10m and pounds 15m to Queen's Park Rangers and Derby County respectively, and has mortgages on both Loftus Road and Pride Park.
Hunt was convicted in 1993 of conspiring to cheat the Inland Revenue, after Southwark Crown Court heard that for nine years Hunt, along with the company's chairman Octav Botnar and another director, had orchestrated a 'truly massive' tax fraud, by using bogus invoices and a sham shipping agent to siphon pounds 149.2m from the company and launder it through offshore companies, depriving the Inland Revenue of pounds 56.3m tax and pounds 36m interest.
Botnar stayed in Switzerland and refused to come back to face trial, although he later agreed a settlement with the Inland Revenue. Hunt, however, who was said by the prosecution to have made pounds 30m personally from the frauds, and another former Nissan UK director, Frank Shannon, were convicted for their parts in the scam. Hunt appealed, but his conviction and sentence were upheld in May 1994.
QPR, who had long been in administration following their financial collapse under Chris Wright's ownership, borrowed pounds 10m from the ABC Corporation in May 2002, at an interest rate of 10 per cent, pounds 1m a year, a huge amount for the once-chirpy club to pay. Companies registered in Panama, a tax haven, do not have to disclose their shareholders or directors, but in March 2003 rumours began to circulate on QPR fans' messageboards that Hunt was behind ABC.
After ABC provided the money, a 'consultant legal adviser,' Philip Englefield, became a director of QPR to represent ABC's interests on the club's board. The club's supporters' trust, QPR 1st , then discovered that in 1991 Englefield had been struck off the roll of solicitors by the Law Society for improperly taking nearly pounds 900,000 from his firm's clients' bank account.
QPR asked him to stand down, which he did, although he continued to act as ABC's contact, a role the club said he discharged professionally. Englefield, it turns out, had also been convicted of theft and fraud offences for taking pounds 4.7m from his firm's client account, and been sentenced in March 1993 to seven years in prison, reduced to six on appeal. A year later, he wrote to The Sunday Times, praising the fish and chip supper, 'the gastronomic highlight of the week' " served up on Fridays in his prison.
In October 2003, Derby County, relegated after six seasons in the Premier League and, under their former owner Lionel Pickering, sagging beneath pounds 31m debts, were suddenly put into receivership. The club and their ground were sold to a newly formed company, Sharmine Limited, and new directors were unveiled: Jeremy Keith, a 'business doctor' specialising in financially failing businesses, who had briefly been involved at Portsmouth FC before they went into administration in 1998; Steven Harding, an advertising executive, and a perhaps unlikely figure as the new chairman of Derby: John Sleightholme, a barrister and the deputy coroner for North Yorkshire.
At the time the directors said they would not reveal who owned the club, a stance they have maintained ever since. A month later, it emerged that the pounds 15m finance for their takeover had come from the same ABC Corporation, registered in Panama City.
Sleightholme had been previously involved in a venture with a former Scottish players' agent, Murdo MacKay, who, a few months later, joined Derby as the club's director of football. MacKay's own business career is somewhat chequered; he was a Fifa-registered players' agent for what he described as 11 'unblemished' years, but one of his companies, Inside Soccer Recruitment, which had a high- profile launch in 2001 and was backed by the former Rangers and England centre-back Terry Butcher among others, went bust just 18 months later, owing a large tax bill and leaving creditors, including a furious Butcher, unpaid.
From 1993 to 1996, MacKay was made personally bankrupt after the failure of another recruitment agency, MMK Associates, when 19 creditors, ranging from the Inland Revenue to a furniture loan company, were left owed pounds 157,659. MacKay has, however, said he has put that behind him and is applying his knowledge of football to reviving Derby's fortunes.
Last month, Sharmine Limited, which owns Derby, finally revealed who its owners are, but that only opened into a new layer of opaque anonymity in yet more tax havens: two of its shareholders are registered as companies in Belize, the other in the British Virgin Islands.
Sources close to the deals, however, confirmed to me this week that Michael Hunt is the ultimate source of the ABC cash. He is understood to operate a family trust registered in Switzerland, whose size, the sources said, runs into 'nine figures'. A lawyer in Basle, Dr Hans Georg Hinderling, has represented ABC Corporation in their dealings with QPR.
QPR's current board, chaired by lifelong Rangers fan Bill Power, who took the club over last year, has since been scathing about the ABC loan it inherited: 'It is scandalous,' Power told me, 'that we've been saddled with this debt, from a Panama corporation of all places, at such an outrageous interest rate.'
David Davies, the chief executive at the time the deal was done, who is now working for London Wasps Rugby Club, maintained however that QPR had no alternatives at the time: 'Looking back, yes I am uncomfortable about the loan we had to take out, but no banks would lend to us. It was a matter of keeping the club in business.'
At Derby, ABC replaced one load of debt, owed to Lombard and the Co-op Bank, with the money now owed to them. The club's directors have told the Supporters' Trust, Ramstrust, that the debts have increased another pounds 4m since they took over, to pounds 35m. Ted McMinn, the former Rams' winger who now commentates for BBC Radio Derby, has been a sceptic from the start: 'We know very little about these people, or why they took over,' he told me. 'They appear to have put no money in themselves, and the debt isn't getting smaller.'
In a meeting with Ramstrust last December, Jeremy Keith said of Michael Hunt's rumoured involvement with ABC: 'We can't categorically say who is involved,' although Michael Hunt's name was not on any documentation and was not an officer of the organisation. This week John Sleightholme said they had had no dealings with Hunt
Independent
The ABC of boardroom intrigue at Loftus Road
David Conn, sports news reporter of the year
The Guardian - Wednesday October 19, 2005
We know plenty more now about how Chelsea were airlifted from Ken Bates' debt mountain by the billionaire from nowhere, but for their near-neighbours, Queens Park Rangers, no such outrageous fortune has delivered them from turmoil. QPR were threatened with expulsion by the Football League in 2002, having been in administration for a year, and staggered out only by clutching a £10m loan from the mysterious Panama-registered ABC Corporation, which has burdened them ever since....
...QPR are still reaping the consequences of their version of living the dream, after they were taken over and floated on the stock market in 1996 by Chris Wright, the Chrysalis music entrepreneur. He invested £10m but, in April 2001, with QPR having lost £27m, Wright put QPR into administration. A month later they were relegated to the then Second Division.
In May 2002, with the Football League insisting the club could not start the new season in administration, QPR accepted the £10m loan from the ABC Corporation, at 10%, £1m, annual interest, secured on Loftus Road. ABC's owners cannot be officially identified, but sources at QPR believe the man behind the company is Michael Hunt, the former Nissan UK director who in 1993 was sentenced to eight years in jail for his role in what was then Britain's largest tax fraud.
Guardian
Loftus Road and Pride Park mortgaged to Panamanian company
David Conn - Independent, 8 November 2003
Derby follow Queen's Park Rangers in restructuring debt via faceless ABC Corporation represented by struck-off solicitor
The identity of the so-called "mystery backer" that loaned £15m to take Derby County from the Co-Op Bank's receivers a fortnight ago can now be revealed; and what could possibly reassure Derby fans more than to know their club is in debt and has mortgaged its celebrated new stadium to a faceless company registered in Panama?
Quite why the newly appointed board at Derby, led by the new chairman, John Sleightholme, a barrister and the deputy coroner of South Yorkshire, felt compelled to withhold this news when he took over at the end of last month, is unclear. Mortgages have to be registered at Companies House, and so, a few days later, a document duly appeared on the public record which succinctly stated that: "All that freehold property known as Derby County Stadium Pride Park", is mortgaged to ABC Corporation, of Calle Aquilino de la Guardia no 8, Panama City, the Republic of Panama.
This, of course, only gets anyone so far, which is one of the whole points of registering companies in Panama. The Panamanian Consulate in London proudly advertises on its website that a principal advantage for people registering "offshore corporations" in the country is that the Republic operates "the most secure confidentiality laws to be found anywhere." Companies must name officers, but these are usually lawyers working for the owners, whose identity does not have to be disclosed, and the companies do not have to file accounts or regular financial information.
The other main advantage is that a company registered in Panama which does not actually operate in the country - like ABC Corporation and most of the 350,000 other companies registered there - pay no tax except a token annual administration fee. The consulate particularly stresses the advantages for banking: "The income derived is exempt from Panamanian taxes, which is a very attractive feature."
The limited information available from the public registry in Panama City states that ABC Corporation was formed in October 1984. The address at Calle Aquilino de la Guardia is that of a law firm. Its first officers, a president, secretary and treasurer, were three Swiss lawyers, Peter Lenz, Marcel Muff and Hans Hinderling, who is a registered footballers' agent. Then in 1992 following a meeting at Hinderling's offices in Basle, the officers of the
company were changed to lawyers in another offshore tax haven, the Bahamas: Richard Lightbourne, Hartis Pinder and Lourey Smith, of the firm McKinney Bancroft and Hughes in Nassau. But that's it. The identity of the owner, or the source of the money, is hidden.
Derby themselves refused to elaborate this week, consistent with Sleightholme's statement when he took over with his fellow new directors, Steven Harding and Jeremy Keith - the prime mover of the takeover - that they would keep the source of the £15m loan confidential. A club spokesman said the loan had been "passed" by the Football Association and League, but this does not mean that the source has been disclosed or vetted in any way. The FA has no system yet for vetting football club directors - the long-promised "fit and proper person test" - let alone to examine the ever more far-flung sources of finance to which many clubs are turning as ordinary banks pull out of the game with their fingers singed.
The League did pass ABC Corporation's loan, but under a different rule, the one which prohibits one person or company having an interest in two clubs - as it turns out, the Panamanian nameplate is also on a sizeable loan outstanding at another club, Queen's Park Rangers, and ABC have a mortgage on their c