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FA - Clubs charged for brawls Thursday, 30 November 2006.
"Shrewsbury Town and Chester City have been charged by The FA in relation to two separate incidents during and following the match on Saturday 25 November.
The two clubs were charged with failing to ensure that their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and have until 13 December to respond.
The FA is also investigating reports that Chester chairman Stephen Vaughan was involved in a tunnel incident after the final whistle.
The FA has written to QPR and Stoke City requesting information with regard to missiles thrown from the crowd during the matches against Sunderland and Cardiff City respectively on Tuesday 28 November.
The FA has also written to Preston North End for observations regarding comments made by the PA announcer about referee Uriah Rennie.
FA Disciplinary
BBC- FA to probe QPR & Stoke incidents
The FA has demanded an explanation on the incident that saw a bottle thrown towards referee Uriah Rennie during QPR's 2-1 defeat to Sunderland.
The FA also want information regarding a similar incident in the clash between Stoke and Cardiff on the same evening.
An FA statement read: "The FA have written to QPR and Stoke requesting information with regard to missiles thrown from the crowd."
QPR boss John Gregory said: "We can do without this sort of thing."
The missile was hurled from the home section of Loftus Road crowd and Gregory added: "We could get punished for this, the authorities need to clamp down on it."
BBC
Welcome to QPR REPORT - A completely unofficial and unaffiliated fan site focusing on G-d's Chosen Team, Queen's Park Rangers (QPR) FC. (Visit also QPR Report Messageboard and Follow on Twitter.) QPR Report accepts no sponsorship, advertising or financial contributions. In 2008, QPR Report was named as one of the top two blogs in the Football League
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Speculation re Bircham Sale
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Skysports - Bircham eyed by duo By Alex Dunn - 30 Nov 2006
Queens Park Rangers midfielder Marc Bircham could be on the move to either Leeds or Nottingham Forest, according to widespread reports. The Canada international is out of contract at Loftus Road in the summer and with QPR yet to propose fresh terms, speculation is rife that he will be on the move......
Skysports
Skysports - Bircham eyed by duo By Alex Dunn - 30 Nov 2006
Queens Park Rangers midfielder Marc Bircham could be on the move to either Leeds or Nottingham Forest, according to widespread reports. The Canada international is out of contract at Loftus Road in the summer and with QPR yet to propose fresh terms, speculation is rife that he will be on the move......
Skysports
Crystal Palace Peter Taylor on John Gregory and Managing
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Crystal Palace Official Site - BATTLE OF THE BOSSES
Eagles boss Peter Taylor is looking forward to locking horns with opposite number John Gregory on Saturday, as he prepares to face Queens Park Rangers at Selhurst Park.
Gregory was in charge of Aston Villa whilst Taylor was at Midland rivals Leicester City several years ago and now the pair are to meet in derby circumstances again.
He is a manager that Taylor rates highly too and he admits to being pleased at seeing him back in the managerial game after several years away.
"John's a good man and I'm delighted he's back in football," said Taylor.
"He was at Villa when I was at Leicester and games between the two were always a bit of a derby match. In my first game at Leicester we played Villa and drew 0-0 and we lost in the league at Villa and then won in the FA Cup.
"He's a very enthusiastic football man and was a fantastic player as well.. When you think about what he achieved at Villa, he took an all-British team to the top of the table so he did very well."
After leaving Villa, he tried his luck with Derby County but a contentious departure from Pride Park saw him move more into the world of media punditry before arriving in west London in September after previously being linked with a number of roles elsewhere.
"There are other former Premiership managers around who are now in the lower divisions doing well, so that's how tough it is to get back into the game," added Taylor.
"You're always fortunate to be in work and appreciate being in work, because if you haven't got any it takes a while to get back in."
See who wins this London derby! Call 08712 000071 now to get your tickets for the match!
Crystal Palace
And the QPR Perspective of Crystal Palace- QPR Official Site
QPR
Crystal Palace Official Site - BATTLE OF THE BOSSES
Eagles boss Peter Taylor is looking forward to locking horns with opposite number John Gregory on Saturday, as he prepares to face Queens Park Rangers at Selhurst Park.
Gregory was in charge of Aston Villa whilst Taylor was at Midland rivals Leicester City several years ago and now the pair are to meet in derby circumstances again.
He is a manager that Taylor rates highly too and he admits to being pleased at seeing him back in the managerial game after several years away.
"John's a good man and I'm delighted he's back in football," said Taylor.
"He was at Villa when I was at Leicester and games between the two were always a bit of a derby match. In my first game at Leicester we played Villa and drew 0-0 and we lost in the league at Villa and then won in the FA Cup.
"He's a very enthusiastic football man and was a fantastic player as well.. When you think about what he achieved at Villa, he took an all-British team to the top of the table so he did very well."
After leaving Villa, he tried his luck with Derby County but a contentious departure from Pride Park saw him move more into the world of media punditry before arriving in west London in September after previously being linked with a number of roles elsewhere.
"There are other former Premiership managers around who are now in the lower divisions doing well, so that's how tough it is to get back into the game," added Taylor.
"You're always fortunate to be in work and appreciate being in work, because if you haven't got any it takes a while to get back in."
See who wins this London derby! Call 08712 000071 now to get your tickets for the match!
Crystal Palace
And the QPR Perspective of Crystal Palace- QPR Official Site
QPR
Ugo Ukah Now Officially Back at QPR
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Six months after announcing Ugo Ukah had left the club, Ukah - without explanation - is back at the club. The QPR squad on the Official Site lists Ugo Ukah as #40 - QPR Squad
What the Club said in May:
"May 22, 2006: QPR Official Site on Ukah Departures "UGO A GO-GO
The Club can confirm that Ugo Ukah has today joined Italian outfit Nourese Calcio on a free transfer. Ukah, who made just two appearances for the R's, has signed a three year contract with the Serie C2 side.
Chairman Gianni Paladini confirmed the news to qpr.co.uk: "We've negotiated a fifty per-cent sell-on clause and we wish him all the best.''
The Nigerian defender, who joined the club in the summer of 2005, figured in back-to-back 3-0 defeats against Coventry City and Northampton Town in August.
QPR Departure
And the updated Squad Page for Ukah
First Team
Name: Ugo Ukah
Nationality: Nigerian
Date of Birth: 18/01/1984
Height: 6' 0" (183cm)
Weight: 12st 11lbs (81.26kg)
Position: Defender
QPR completed the signing of Ugo Ukah on a three year deal after a successful trial with the club.
Despite a series of promising outings for the Reserves, Ukah - who can play in the centre of defence or at right back - has failed to make the breakthrough to first team level and was placed on the transfer list by Gary Waddock in April 2006.
Ukah
Season 2006 - 07
Career History:
Club Season Comp. Apps
(as sub) Goals
QPR 2005 - 06 League 0 (1) 0
QPR Official Site Squad Page
See Also re Ukah - Ukah
Six months after announcing Ugo Ukah had left the club, Ukah - without explanation - is back at the club. The QPR squad on the Official Site lists Ugo Ukah as #40 - QPR Squad
What the Club said in May:
"May 22, 2006: QPR Official Site on Ukah Departures "UGO A GO-GO
The Club can confirm that Ugo Ukah has today joined Italian outfit Nourese Calcio on a free transfer. Ukah, who made just two appearances for the R's, has signed a three year contract with the Serie C2 side.
Chairman Gianni Paladini confirmed the news to qpr.co.uk: "We've negotiated a fifty per-cent sell-on clause and we wish him all the best.''
The Nigerian defender, who joined the club in the summer of 2005, figured in back-to-back 3-0 defeats against Coventry City and Northampton Town in August.
QPR Departure
And the updated Squad Page for Ukah
First Team
Name: Ugo Ukah
Nationality: Nigerian
Date of Birth: 18/01/1984
Height: 6' 0" (183cm)
Weight: 12st 11lbs (81.26kg)
Position: Defender
QPR completed the signing of Ugo Ukah on a three year deal after a successful trial with the club.
Despite a series of promising outings for the Reserves, Ukah - who can play in the centre of defence or at right back - has failed to make the breakthrough to first team level and was placed on the transfer list by Gary Waddock in April 2006.
Ukah
Season 2006 - 07
Career History:
Club Season Comp. Apps
(as sub) Goals
QPR 2005 - 06 League 0 (1) 0
QPR Official Site Squad Page
See Also re Ukah - Ukah
Seven Years To the Day
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QPR 3 Sheffield United 1: Scorers: Robbie Steiner, Stuart Wardley & Tim Breacker before a Loftus Road crowd of just under 10,000. QPR managed by Gerry Francis and Ian Dowie moved up to 8th.
QPR's Team that day;
Harper
Breacker Plummer Rose Barraclough
Darlington Wardley Kulscar Murray
Steiner Gallen
Sub: Rowland & Scully & Weare
Other players at Loftus Road at this Time: Ready, Kiwomya, Koejoe, Peacock, Jeanne, Langley, Slade, Morrow, Maddix, Bankole, Bruce, Perry & various youngsters such as Cochrane, Bull, Bubb
QPR 3 Sheffield United 1: Scorers: Robbie Steiner, Stuart Wardley & Tim Breacker before a Loftus Road crowd of just under 10,000. QPR managed by Gerry Francis and Ian Dowie moved up to 8th.
QPR's Team that day;
Harper
Breacker Plummer Rose Barraclough
Darlington Wardley Kulscar Murray
Steiner Gallen
Sub: Rowland & Scully & Weare
Other players at Loftus Road at this Time: Ready, Kiwomya, Koejoe, Peacock, Jeanne, Langley, Slade, Morrow, Maddix, Bankole, Bruce, Perry & various youngsters such as Cochrane, Bull, Bubb
Next: QPR at Crystal Palace & Ex-QPR Dougie Freedman
-
QPR Travel to Crystal Palace on Saturday. If Palace win they overtake QPR in the table. Crystal Palace's home record is 4 wins; 1 draw; 5 losses (QPR's away record: 3 wins, 3 draws, 3 losses)- Table
From earlier this Month: QPR 4 Crystal Palace 2
Queens Park Rangers : S Royce — M Mancienne, D Stewart, Z Rehman, M Bignot — G Ainsworth, S Lomas, J Smith (sub: N Ward, 90min), L Cook — K Gallen (sub: M Nygaard, 81). Substitutes not used: P Jones, M Milanese, M Rose. Booked: Lomas.
Crystal Palace S Flinders — D Butterfield (sub: D Freedman, 70), L Cort, D Ward, D Granville — T Soares, M Lawrence, M Kennedy, J McAnuff (sub: M Hughes, 82) — C Morrison, S Kuqi. Substitutes not used: G Kiraly, C Fletcher, S Green. Booked: Butterfield
Scorers: QPR: Smith 34, 69, Lomas 59, Gallen 66 pen
Crystal Palace: Soares 30, Morrison 43
Match Reports & Comments on QPR's home win against Crystal Palace, November 4: - Reports I - Reports II - Reports III
Crystal Palace Results this season - Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace Playing Squad - Squad
Two with a QPR Connection:
Dougie Freedman - Freedman
"...Despie being born north of the border in Glasgow, Freedman's football career began as a youngster in the capital with Queens Park Rangers. Having been released by the Loftus Road outfit without making a first team appearance in 1994, he found his way to north London and Barnet, where he immediately caught the eye with his goalscoring record..."
Crystal Palace Profile Dougie Freedman
Palace striker Dougie Freedman netted his second goal of the season to secure a point from Tuesday's trip to Molineux and took his tally of League goals for the club to 92, over-taking Ian Wright in the process.
A fine left footed volley did the trick against Wolves, ironically one of Freedman's former teams, as the popular Scot closes in on his next target of becoming one of the top five goalscorers in the club's history.
Another strike would make him equal fifth top scorer and manager Peter Taylor knows that he is well capable of adding to his tally again soon,despite most of his appearances being restricted to the substitute's bench so far this season.
"I think people who have seen Dougie play a lot will know that he's very capable of scoring a goal like that and it was a good finish from him," said Taylor following Tuesday's game.
"Dougie has had a tremendous impact when he's come on for us, so he's a dangerous substitute."
It isn't the first time that Palace have used the 32-year-old to good effect from the bench this season either, so Taylor believes it is a good way to get the best out of the player.
"In the first game of the season, we were 1-0 down and Dougie came on and changed the game and then he did it in the second game as well," added Taylor.
"In the last half an hour, when defenders can be quite tired, Dougie is a great impact player to come on so you are quite tempted to use him as a sub.
"Of course he wants to play and start the match, but he's a very good professional and works hard at his game and that's why you're never surprised that he gets a goal of that quality."
Taylor also revealed that he was delighted with the impact Freedman's fellow strike sub Shefki Kuqi made when he was introduced at Molineux. The big Finn provided the flick-on for the goal and caused a number of problems for the Wolves defence during his 20 minute appearance.
"It was very pleasing for me, because I thought Shefki looked a handful and worked exceptionally hard," explained Taylor.
"He's been getting in early every morning doing extra work and I thought he looked great when he came on.
"That's why we bought him, we know he's capable of that. He wasn't fully match fit when he came, but he looked very powerful."
Palace are back at Selhurst Park on Saturday, when London rivals QPR are the visitors in the Championship! Get your tickets for the game now by calling 08712 000071 or visiting the Box Office! - Crystal Palace
Other Players with QPR Connection (or almost)
Mark Kennedy - Kennedy
And almost-connection :
Clint Morrison - Morrison
QPR Travel to Crystal Palace on Saturday. If Palace win they overtake QPR in the table. Crystal Palace's home record is 4 wins; 1 draw; 5 losses (QPR's away record: 3 wins, 3 draws, 3 losses)- Table
From earlier this Month: QPR 4 Crystal Palace 2
Queens Park Rangers : S Royce — M Mancienne, D Stewart, Z Rehman, M Bignot — G Ainsworth, S Lomas, J Smith (sub: N Ward, 90min), L Cook — K Gallen (sub: M Nygaard, 81). Substitutes not used: P Jones, M Milanese, M Rose. Booked: Lomas.
Crystal Palace S Flinders — D Butterfield (sub: D Freedman, 70), L Cort, D Ward, D Granville — T Soares, M Lawrence, M Kennedy, J McAnuff (sub: M Hughes, 82) — C Morrison, S Kuqi. Substitutes not used: G Kiraly, C Fletcher, S Green. Booked: Butterfield
Scorers: QPR: Smith 34, 69, Lomas 59, Gallen 66 pen
Crystal Palace: Soares 30, Morrison 43
Match Reports & Comments on QPR's home win against Crystal Palace, November 4: - Reports I - Reports II - Reports III
Crystal Palace Results this season - Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace Playing Squad - Squad
Two with a QPR Connection:
Dougie Freedman - Freedman
"...Despie being born north of the border in Glasgow, Freedman's football career began as a youngster in the capital with Queens Park Rangers. Having been released by the Loftus Road outfit without making a first team appearance in 1994, he found his way to north London and Barnet, where he immediately caught the eye with his goalscoring record..."
Crystal Palace Profile Dougie Freedman
Palace striker Dougie Freedman netted his second goal of the season to secure a point from Tuesday's trip to Molineux and took his tally of League goals for the club to 92, over-taking Ian Wright in the process.
A fine left footed volley did the trick against Wolves, ironically one of Freedman's former teams, as the popular Scot closes in on his next target of becoming one of the top five goalscorers in the club's history.
Another strike would make him equal fifth top scorer and manager Peter Taylor knows that he is well capable of adding to his tally again soon,despite most of his appearances being restricted to the substitute's bench so far this season.
"I think people who have seen Dougie play a lot will know that he's very capable of scoring a goal like that and it was a good finish from him," said Taylor following Tuesday's game.
"Dougie has had a tremendous impact when he's come on for us, so he's a dangerous substitute."
It isn't the first time that Palace have used the 32-year-old to good effect from the bench this season either, so Taylor believes it is a good way to get the best out of the player.
"In the first game of the season, we were 1-0 down and Dougie came on and changed the game and then he did it in the second game as well," added Taylor.
"In the last half an hour, when defenders can be quite tired, Dougie is a great impact player to come on so you are quite tempted to use him as a sub.
"Of course he wants to play and start the match, but he's a very good professional and works hard at his game and that's why you're never surprised that he gets a goal of that quality."
Taylor also revealed that he was delighted with the impact Freedman's fellow strike sub Shefki Kuqi made when he was introduced at Molineux. The big Finn provided the flick-on for the goal and caused a number of problems for the Wolves defence during his 20 minute appearance.
"It was very pleasing for me, because I thought Shefki looked a handful and worked exceptionally hard," explained Taylor.
"He's been getting in early every morning doing extra work and I thought he looked great when he came on.
"That's why we bought him, we know he's capable of that. He wasn't fully match fit when he came, but he looked very powerful."
Palace are back at Selhurst Park on Saturday, when London rivals QPR are the visitors in the Championship! Get your tickets for the game now by calling 08712 000071 or visiting the Box Office! - Crystal Palace
Other Players with QPR Connection (or almost)
Mark Kennedy - Kennedy
And almost-connection :
Clint Morrison - Morrison
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Bignot's Future & Lee Cook's (Minor) Injury (Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times)
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Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times - 29 November 2006
Big decision still to be made
MARCUS Bignot's fortunes have turned full circle in recent weeks - but the QPR captain admits he could still be dumped back on the scrapheap next summer.
Bignot is one of 10 first-team regulars whose Loftus Road contracts run out in six months' time and, despite wearing the skipper's armband in recent games, he has received no assurances about his future....
...Whereas Bircham has publicly expressed his desire for the issue of a new contract to be ironed out sooner rather than later, the Rangers full-back takes a more stoical attitude.
"We'd all love to see into the future, but at the moment mine can't be resolved and I could be out of work in the summer, it's as simple as that," Bignot observed. "We're all on trial and hopefully there will be a contract available. From the day I was put on the transfer list, I made it clear that I never wanted to leave this club and that didn't change, even during the dark days.
"But I'm saving for a rainy day because you never know what's around the corner. As we go into the Christmas period, the manager will be looking at everyone closely and deciding which players are there for him week in, week out."....
....Placed on the transfer list by Gary Waddock at the end of last season, he was nevertheless selected for QPR's first two games of the new campaign - and promptly dropped again.
But Bignot has been an ever-present since John Gregory took over and, in the absence of Bircham and Lomas, was appointed captain in the 3-2 win at Luton earlier this month.
"I don't think Mystic Meg could have seen that coming, but maybe it's an example to anyone who's not in the team at the moment. Things can change very quickly," said Bignot.
"When there was disappointment I tried not to show it and I acted in a professional manner - in fact there was a 'bomb squad' formed with the other players in the same situation!
"Seriously, they made themselves available for selection week in, week out and never moped around the place, behaved like bad apples or caused the previous manager a headache at all.
"It's a great honour to be given the captaincy and I see it as a pat on the back, but there was no song and dance about it. The gaffer just told me to play my normal game - the only difference is I have to try and win the toss too!"
Bignot did better than that at Kenilworth Road and again the following week at Cardiff as he led the Rs to maximum points, but home defeats by Coventry and Sunderland blunted suggestions of an unexpected play-off push.
Although renowned as one of the most positive characters in the QPR dressing room, the captain believes such talk was premature, adding: "I said straight after the Cardiff game that it was just another three points knocked off that magic 50.
"The quicker we get there, the better. If there are enough games left, we'll look at it then, but any supporter who's looking beyond safety at the moment has his head in the clouds.
"It's not a case of not being ambitious - the fact is change won't happen overnight. All we've done is get our heads above water.
Kilburn Times
Cook injury not too serious
Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times- November 29, 2006
LEE Cook should be fit for this weekend's derby clash with Crystal Palace despite going off at half-time in QPR's defeat by Sunderland on Tuesday.
Cook, who has been ever-present in the Rangers team this season, was struggling with bruised ribs and was replaced by Ray Jones, who went on to score in the 2-1 loss.
But Rs boss John Gregory confirmed that the winger - who was singled out for some physical treatment by both Coventry and Sunderland - is expected to be available for the trip to south London.
"We brought him off because he's hurt his ribs, but I think he'll be OK for Saturday," said Gregory. "Cookie's a target because he's a match-winner - if you can stop Lee Cook, you've got a good chance of stopping the supply for Rangers - and he's got to expect that."
Jones, however, will be missing for the Palace game after picking up his fifth yellow card of the campaign in the closing minutes on Tuesday.
Fellow striker Paul Furlong, who made his long-awaited injury comeback as a late substitute against Sunderland, is likely to be on the bench again at Selhurst Park.
Kilburn Times
Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times - 29 November 2006
Big decision still to be made
MARCUS Bignot's fortunes have turned full circle in recent weeks - but the QPR captain admits he could still be dumped back on the scrapheap next summer.
Bignot is one of 10 first-team regulars whose Loftus Road contracts run out in six months' time and, despite wearing the skipper's armband in recent games, he has received no assurances about his future....
...Whereas Bircham has publicly expressed his desire for the issue of a new contract to be ironed out sooner rather than later, the Rangers full-back takes a more stoical attitude.
"We'd all love to see into the future, but at the moment mine can't be resolved and I could be out of work in the summer, it's as simple as that," Bignot observed. "We're all on trial and hopefully there will be a contract available. From the day I was put on the transfer list, I made it clear that I never wanted to leave this club and that didn't change, even during the dark days.
"But I'm saving for a rainy day because you never know what's around the corner. As we go into the Christmas period, the manager will be looking at everyone closely and deciding which players are there for him week in, week out."....
....Placed on the transfer list by Gary Waddock at the end of last season, he was nevertheless selected for QPR's first two games of the new campaign - and promptly dropped again.
But Bignot has been an ever-present since John Gregory took over and, in the absence of Bircham and Lomas, was appointed captain in the 3-2 win at Luton earlier this month.
"I don't think Mystic Meg could have seen that coming, but maybe it's an example to anyone who's not in the team at the moment. Things can change very quickly," said Bignot.
"When there was disappointment I tried not to show it and I acted in a professional manner - in fact there was a 'bomb squad' formed with the other players in the same situation!
"Seriously, they made themselves available for selection week in, week out and never moped around the place, behaved like bad apples or caused the previous manager a headache at all.
"It's a great honour to be given the captaincy and I see it as a pat on the back, but there was no song and dance about it. The gaffer just told me to play my normal game - the only difference is I have to try and win the toss too!"
Bignot did better than that at Kenilworth Road and again the following week at Cardiff as he led the Rs to maximum points, but home defeats by Coventry and Sunderland blunted suggestions of an unexpected play-off push.
Although renowned as one of the most positive characters in the QPR dressing room, the captain believes such talk was premature, adding: "I said straight after the Cardiff game that it was just another three points knocked off that magic 50.
"The quicker we get there, the better. If there are enough games left, we'll look at it then, but any supporter who's looking beyond safety at the moment has his head in the clouds.
"It's not a case of not being ambitious - the fact is change won't happen overnight. All we've done is get our heads above water.
Kilburn Times
Cook injury not too serious
Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times- November 29, 2006
LEE Cook should be fit for this weekend's derby clash with Crystal Palace despite going off at half-time in QPR's defeat by Sunderland on Tuesday.
Cook, who has been ever-present in the Rangers team this season, was struggling with bruised ribs and was replaced by Ray Jones, who went on to score in the 2-1 loss.
But Rs boss John Gregory confirmed that the winger - who was singled out for some physical treatment by both Coventry and Sunderland - is expected to be available for the trip to south London.
"We brought him off because he's hurt his ribs, but I think he'll be OK for Saturday," said Gregory. "Cookie's a target because he's a match-winner - if you can stop Lee Cook, you've got a good chance of stopping the supply for Rangers - and he's got to expect that."
Jones, however, will be missing for the Palace game after picking up his fifth yellow card of the campaign in the closing minutes on Tuesday.
Fellow striker Paul Furlong, who made his long-awaited injury comeback as a late substitute against Sunderland, is likely to be on the bench again at Selhurst Park.
Kilburn Times
Fulham & Others' Interest in Rob Jones - (Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times)
-
Rangers fight Fulham for Jones
Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times-29 November 2006
QPR have warned clubs chasing Ray Jones they will go to a tribunal if anyone attempts to poach the teenager on the cheap. Jones, 18, has already attracted a cheeky £50,000 bid from Premiership neighbours Fulham ...
And Rs' chairman Gianni Paladini believes the young striker's agent has been trying to stump up interest from other clubs after encouraging him to reject several offers of a professional contract at Loftus Road.
"If Fulham think Ray Jones is worth £50,000, they obviously don't think very much of him," Paladini told the Times. "I think it's scandalous and I'm very annoyed with them. "We offered him a very good contract, six or seven times we've made an offer and his agent doesn't want to know - he just said the boy wasn't signing.
"I'm very disappointed that, now he's played for England, suddenly his agent's offering him to other clubs. When I was an agent, I always said to young players 'go and play first, then worry about the money'.
"He's playing well, he's scoring goals and John Gregory wants to keep him here, but I can't force him to sign a contract if he doesn't want to.
"If there's nothing more we can do, we'll have to go to arbitration. That's what I told Fulham and I'll tell anyone else the same."...
Kilburn Times
Rangers fight Fulham for Jones
Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times-29 November 2006
QPR have warned clubs chasing Ray Jones they will go to a tribunal if anyone attempts to poach the teenager on the cheap. Jones, 18, has already attracted a cheeky £50,000 bid from Premiership neighbours Fulham ...
And Rs' chairman Gianni Paladini believes the young striker's agent has been trying to stump up interest from other clubs after encouraging him to reject several offers of a professional contract at Loftus Road.
"If Fulham think Ray Jones is worth £50,000, they obviously don't think very much of him," Paladini told the Times. "I think it's scandalous and I'm very annoyed with them. "We offered him a very good contract, six or seven times we've made an offer and his agent doesn't want to know - he just said the boy wasn't signing.
"I'm very disappointed that, now he's played for England, suddenly his agent's offering him to other clubs. When I was an agent, I always said to young players 'go and play first, then worry about the money'.
"He's playing well, he's scoring goals and John Gregory wants to keep him here, but I can't force him to sign a contract if he doesn't want to.
"If there's nothing more we can do, we'll have to go to arbitration. That's what I told Fulham and I'll tell anyone else the same."...
Kilburn Times
BBC on Sunderland's Kavanagh's Dominating Performance Against QPR
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BBC - Best ouside the Premiership? by Jonathan S - BBC Sport 29 November 2006
When Roy Keane became Sunderland boss in August, one of his first delves into the transfer market was for the Wigan and Republic of Ireland midfielder Graham Kavanagh, for £500,000.
That the grey-haired schemer was available at all must have come as a major surprise to many clubs.
Kavanagh had after all played 42 games for Wigan last season as the Latics stunned the sceptics by finishing 10th in the Premiership and getting to the final of the Carling Cup.
But boss Paul Jewell wanted to improve further and signed a host of new players in the summer, which meant Kavanagh, just a few months ago an integral part of the side, had slipped down the pecking order and on to the bench for the first two games of the season.
Keane made his move, Kavanagh made the switch, and on the back of the 33-year-old's display in the 2-1 win at QPR on Tuesday, it could just turn out to be the Championship buy of the season.
Kavanagh was majestic, turning in a performance that suggested Sunderland could yet have a say in the end-of-season promotion shake-up.
In the first half, as Sunderland dominated possession and bossed proceedings, Kavanagh had almost exclusive rights to the football.
He always managed to find the time and space to play despite the furious action going on around him, creating little angles for passess and always being available for a team-mate.
As the home side fought their way back towards the end, Kavanagh astutely provided a shield for the Black Cats' defence. He sat in front of the back four and organised and cajoled his team-mates as they began to panic at the thought of letting a two-goal lead slip and having to share a dressing-room with Roy Keane.
The great thing about watching a player like Kavanagh on a night like that is just appreciating how well he can read a situation. He may not be the archetypal box-to-box midfielder, but when a situation calls for a certain type of player, he knows exactly what his job is.
And his knowledge of the Championship is crucial too, especially as he knows exactly how to get out of the league in recent times.
For my money, Graham Kavanagh is probably the best footballer in England plying his trade outside the Premiership.
What do you think? Let me know your thoughts...
BBC
BBC - Best ouside the Premiership? by Jonathan S - BBC Sport 29 November 2006
When Roy Keane became Sunderland boss in August, one of his first delves into the transfer market was for the Wigan and Republic of Ireland midfielder Graham Kavanagh, for £500,000.
That the grey-haired schemer was available at all must have come as a major surprise to many clubs.
Kavanagh had after all played 42 games for Wigan last season as the Latics stunned the sceptics by finishing 10th in the Premiership and getting to the final of the Carling Cup.
But boss Paul Jewell wanted to improve further and signed a host of new players in the summer, which meant Kavanagh, just a few months ago an integral part of the side, had slipped down the pecking order and on to the bench for the first two games of the season.
Keane made his move, Kavanagh made the switch, and on the back of the 33-year-old's display in the 2-1 win at QPR on Tuesday, it could just turn out to be the Championship buy of the season.
Kavanagh was majestic, turning in a performance that suggested Sunderland could yet have a say in the end-of-season promotion shake-up.
In the first half, as Sunderland dominated possession and bossed proceedings, Kavanagh had almost exclusive rights to the football.
He always managed to find the time and space to play despite the furious action going on around him, creating little angles for passess and always being available for a team-mate.
As the home side fought their way back towards the end, Kavanagh astutely provided a shield for the Black Cats' defence. He sat in front of the back four and organised and cajoled his team-mates as they began to panic at the thought of letting a two-goal lead slip and having to share a dressing-room with Roy Keane.
The great thing about watching a player like Kavanagh on a night like that is just appreciating how well he can read a situation. He may not be the archetypal box-to-box midfielder, but when a situation calls for a certain type of player, he knows exactly what his job is.
And his knowledge of the Championship is crucial too, especially as he knows exactly how to get out of the league in recent times.
For my money, Graham Kavanagh is probably the best footballer in England plying his trade outside the Premiership.
What do you think? Let me know your thoughts...
BBC
John Gregory's Post Match Comments - In Greater Detail
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Sunderland Today
Gregory admits: It could have been a landslide
JOHN GREGORY sent a sheepish QPR representative to tell the press that he had a headache and wouldn't be available for interview last night.
When the messenger was asked to go away and find someone else to comment on events at Loftus Road, the manager found a miracle cure to his migraine and arrived to deliver an honest assessment of a game that Sunderland could have won by a landslide."I'm disappointed we lost, but Sunderland should have won by more than they did," accepted Gregory.
"We got a goal back, but I look at the chances they had and they should have battered us completely.
"They defended very well and at the end we were not good enough to win the game."
Rangers top scorer Dexter Blackstock had a goal ruled out for offside in a game that saw home fans claiming the flag should have gone up for both of Sunderland's goals.
But Gregory, whose side's five game unbeaten run had ended at home to Coventry on Saturday, said: "I've seen replays and they might be marginal but I've no complaints.
"It would be clutching at straws looking to blame the linesman or referee.
"Sunderland are an experienced side. They have a lot of players who have just come out of the Premiership.
"Graham Kavanagh controlled the game showed his knowledge, experience and ability.
"We gave it our best shot, but we weren't good enough.
"My lads have climbed mountains to get where we are. In the 12 months I have been here we have only had a couple of poor performances – these last two games."
Gregory admits his club may be punished after missiles were thrown at assistant referee Mark Scholes.
Play was held up in the first-half while extra stewards were sent to one corner of the ground as home fans complained that Scholes should have flagged Daryl Murphy offside for his opener.
Gregory said: "We don't want to see that kind of thing creeping back into the game.
"Being honest, the referee (Uriah Rennie) should include it in his match report. There were a couple of bottles came over.
"Fans will want to vent their fury at someone if they feel a decision is wrong, but we could do without this sort of thing completely and we could be punished for it as a club.
"I thought the best thing Uriah Rennie could have done was get on with the game instead of having quite a bit of drama waiting for stewards, but that doesn't excuse what happened."
Sunderland Today
Sunderland Today
Gregory admits: It could have been a landslide
JOHN GREGORY sent a sheepish QPR representative to tell the press that he had a headache and wouldn't be available for interview last night.
When the messenger was asked to go away and find someone else to comment on events at Loftus Road, the manager found a miracle cure to his migraine and arrived to deliver an honest assessment of a game that Sunderland could have won by a landslide."I'm disappointed we lost, but Sunderland should have won by more than they did," accepted Gregory.
"We got a goal back, but I look at the chances they had and they should have battered us completely.
"They defended very well and at the end we were not good enough to win the game."
Rangers top scorer Dexter Blackstock had a goal ruled out for offside in a game that saw home fans claiming the flag should have gone up for both of Sunderland's goals.
But Gregory, whose side's five game unbeaten run had ended at home to Coventry on Saturday, said: "I've seen replays and they might be marginal but I've no complaints.
"It would be clutching at straws looking to blame the linesman or referee.
"Sunderland are an experienced side. They have a lot of players who have just come out of the Premiership.
"Graham Kavanagh controlled the game showed his knowledge, experience and ability.
"We gave it our best shot, but we weren't good enough.
"My lads have climbed mountains to get where we are. In the 12 months I have been here we have only had a couple of poor performances – these last two games."
Gregory admits his club may be punished after missiles were thrown at assistant referee Mark Scholes.
Play was held up in the first-half while extra stewards were sent to one corner of the ground as home fans complained that Scholes should have flagged Daryl Murphy offside for his opener.
Gregory said: "We don't want to see that kind of thing creeping back into the game.
"Being honest, the referee (Uriah Rennie) should include it in his match report. There were a couple of bottles came over.
"Fans will want to vent their fury at someone if they feel a decision is wrong, but we could do without this sort of thing completely and we could be punished for it as a club.
"I thought the best thing Uriah Rennie could have done was get on with the game instead of having quite a bit of drama waiting for stewards, but that doesn't excuse what happened."
Sunderland Today
On This Day: 37 Years Ago, a 6-4 loss; 30 Years Ago: Victory over Stoke... 20 Years Ago: Gavin Peacock's Debut
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November 29, 1986: QPR 2 Sheff Wed 2-2 - Gavin Peacock Made his Debut in his first time at QPR
Seman - Neil, McDonald, Chivers, Dawes, Fenwick, Lee, Peacock, Allen, Bannister, Byrne- Sub Rosenoir. Scorers: Bannister & McDonald
[In the "return Fixture" May 2, 1987, Peacock scored our only goal as we lost 1-7 at Hillsborough!)
November 29: 1969 An Amazing Game as Les Allen's QPR lost to Bolton 6 QPR 4
QPR's Scorers: Leach, Bridges, Clement, Marsh
QPR Team: Springett: Clement, Hunt, Hazell, Harris, Ferugson Venables, ???? Bridges, Clarke, Marsh
And November 29, 1975 QPR Beat Stoke 3-2
Goals from Masson, Clement & Webb
John Beck was playing; Phil Nutt was substitute.
November 29, 1986: QPR 2 Sheff Wed 2-2 - Gavin Peacock Made his Debut in his first time at QPR
Seman - Neil, McDonald, Chivers, Dawes, Fenwick, Lee, Peacock, Allen, Bannister, Byrne- Sub Rosenoir. Scorers: Bannister & McDonald
[In the "return Fixture" May 2, 1987, Peacock scored our only goal as we lost 1-7 at Hillsborough!)
November 29: 1969 An Amazing Game as Les Allen's QPR lost to Bolton 6 QPR 4
QPR's Scorers: Leach, Bridges, Clement, Marsh
QPR Team: Springett: Clement, Hunt, Hazell, Harris, Ferugson Venables, ???? Bridges, Clarke, Marsh
And November 29, 1975 QPR Beat Stoke 3-2
Goals from Masson, Clement & Webb
John Beck was playing; Phil Nutt was substitute.
QPR's Home Defeat to Sunderland: Further Reports & Comments
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Roy Keane's Post Match Comments - Sunderland Official Site
"We Played Some Good Stuff"
Roy Keane's reaction to Sunderland's win at QPR:
"It could have been 5, 6 or 7-1 tonight - the number of chances there were in the game.
"You always feel you're going to get a few chances, but we missed chance after chance, yet we got away with it.
"I'm sure it was a great game to watch for a neutral, but not from our point of view, and probably not for the supporters, but we got there in the end and that was the important thing.
"I wasn't too happy with the incident [the delay in first half], it seemed to take ages, and it went flat, it did affect us.
"It stopped the game for four or five minutes and it slowed things up a little. But then I suppose the referee has to look at the security issue and had to deal with it.
"I've not seen the goal [Murphy's] properly - you don't get a great view from the dug-out - but if the referee's assistant has got the decision right then well and good, that's what he's paid to do.
"We did get off to a good start, we knew they'd come and have a go at us, I'd have been happier if we'd got the third goal, then maybe we could have relaxed a bit.
"Credit to the players, they dug deep, the only disappointing thing was that we didn't kill the game off.
"Don't worry he [Ross Wallace] will be getting plenty of stick over that [missed chance]. We're lucky we got away with it, we can laugh and joke about it now, but they could have scored near the end but we got away with it. He reckoned it bobbled, but he got away with it.
"We had chance after chance, I think their manager was quite understanding and agreed it could have been a lot more.
"That's my only criticism - we should have killed the game off. But credit again to the lads, I changed it around again, we had lads come in, changed the midfield a little, and credit to them they did very well. We played some very good stuff.
"I'm delighted generally with the performance, we just need that cutting edge. We got away with it tonight, other times we won't.
"There's definitely a few more grey hairs! It would have been great to get the third goal and we could have enjoyed it - but it's no good for my health I have to say."
Sunderland
INDEPENDENT/Conrad Leach -
Queen's Park Rangers 1 Sunderland 2: Leadbitter's effort leaves sour taste in QPR mouths
Win your home games and you should be a long way down the path to safety. QPR, recently bearing an increasingly confident outlook under John Gregory, have now lost their last two fixtures at Loftus Road and things do not look so bright.
Having lost to Coventry at the weekend, they fell to a Sunderland side last night, who have begun to lose the jitters rather than matches. This win made it four games unbeaten for Roy Keane's men and took them above QPR to 14th place.
Not that this was a nerve-free win. "I don't know what it was like for the fans but it was bloody hell down on the bench," Keane said. In quick succession in the last 10 minutes, Sunderland's Ross Wallace missed an open goal and David Connolly squandered a good chance. Wallace, in particular, should be grateful to his keeper Darren Ward, who made a fine save from Nick Ward in the last minute.
The visitors took the lead after 17 minutes when a corner was headed out to Grant Leadbitter, with the midfielder trying his luck from the edge of the penalty box. His shot burst through the crowd and Daryl Murphy headed past Simon Royce, with the QPR defence claiming offside to no avail.
That decision was presumably what led to a plastic water bottle being lobbed on to the pitch soon afterwards, causing a delay that proved crucial as the visitors secured their ultimately decisive advantage in the last minute of first-half stoppage time. Liam Miller's accurate pass met Leadbitter's perfectly timed run, which he rounded off in style.
QPR finally got back into the match thanks to Ray Jones' turn and shot after 73 minutes, but Keane's side were in no mood to relinquish the rest of their advantage.
Independent
Telegraph/Stewart Jackson - QPR bottle throwers help Sunderland
Queens Park Rangers (0) 1 Sunderland (2) 2
The Queens Park Rangers fans who threw plastic bottles at referee Uriah Rennie and one of his assistants, in protest at what they saw as an offside opening goal for the visitors, achieved nothing but a helping hand in Sunderland's second strike. For it was deep into the five minutes that had been added on at the end of the first half for the incident that Ross Wallace put Grant Leadbitter through – again to the accompaniment of offside appeals – and the midfielder made no mistake in establishing a two-goal lead that was to prove beyond Rangers.
Roy Keane's confident Sunderland, on a three-game unbeaten run, deservedly took the lead in the 18th minute through lone striker Daryl Murphy, who headed home from six yards out. Three sides of Loftus Road screamed for a flag but the goal stood.
Five minutes later the first bottle was thrown and as Rennie went over to investigate another flew down from the Ellerslie Road Stand.
Substitute Ray Jones pulled one back for John Gregory's side with 20 minutes to play but the extra goal was to prove elusive.
Wallace had a glorious opportunity with five minutes to go, but he shot wide from five yards after being picked out by Dean Whitehead. David Connolly also hit a post in the final minute but, in the end, two goals proved enough.
Telegraph
Roy Keane's Post Match Comments - Sunderland Official Site
"We Played Some Good Stuff"
Roy Keane's reaction to Sunderland's win at QPR:
"It could have been 5, 6 or 7-1 tonight - the number of chances there were in the game.
"You always feel you're going to get a few chances, but we missed chance after chance, yet we got away with it.
"I'm sure it was a great game to watch for a neutral, but not from our point of view, and probably not for the supporters, but we got there in the end and that was the important thing.
"I wasn't too happy with the incident [the delay in first half], it seemed to take ages, and it went flat, it did affect us.
"It stopped the game for four or five minutes and it slowed things up a little. But then I suppose the referee has to look at the security issue and had to deal with it.
"I've not seen the goal [Murphy's] properly - you don't get a great view from the dug-out - but if the referee's assistant has got the decision right then well and good, that's what he's paid to do.
"We did get off to a good start, we knew they'd come and have a go at us, I'd have been happier if we'd got the third goal, then maybe we could have relaxed a bit.
"Credit to the players, they dug deep, the only disappointing thing was that we didn't kill the game off.
"Don't worry he [Ross Wallace] will be getting plenty of stick over that [missed chance]. We're lucky we got away with it, we can laugh and joke about it now, but they could have scored near the end but we got away with it. He reckoned it bobbled, but he got away with it.
"We had chance after chance, I think their manager was quite understanding and agreed it could have been a lot more.
"That's my only criticism - we should have killed the game off. But credit again to the lads, I changed it around again, we had lads come in, changed the midfield a little, and credit to them they did very well. We played some very good stuff.
"I'm delighted generally with the performance, we just need that cutting edge. We got away with it tonight, other times we won't.
"There's definitely a few more grey hairs! It would have been great to get the third goal and we could have enjoyed it - but it's no good for my health I have to say."
Sunderland
INDEPENDENT/Conrad Leach -
Queen's Park Rangers 1 Sunderland 2: Leadbitter's effort leaves sour taste in QPR mouths
Win your home games and you should be a long way down the path to safety. QPR, recently bearing an increasingly confident outlook under John Gregory, have now lost their last two fixtures at Loftus Road and things do not look so bright.
Having lost to Coventry at the weekend, they fell to a Sunderland side last night, who have begun to lose the jitters rather than matches. This win made it four games unbeaten for Roy Keane's men and took them above QPR to 14th place.
Not that this was a nerve-free win. "I don't know what it was like for the fans but it was bloody hell down on the bench," Keane said. In quick succession in the last 10 minutes, Sunderland's Ross Wallace missed an open goal and David Connolly squandered a good chance. Wallace, in particular, should be grateful to his keeper Darren Ward, who made a fine save from Nick Ward in the last minute.
The visitors took the lead after 17 minutes when a corner was headed out to Grant Leadbitter, with the midfielder trying his luck from the edge of the penalty box. His shot burst through the crowd and Daryl Murphy headed past Simon Royce, with the QPR defence claiming offside to no avail.
That decision was presumably what led to a plastic water bottle being lobbed on to the pitch soon afterwards, causing a delay that proved crucial as the visitors secured their ultimately decisive advantage in the last minute of first-half stoppage time. Liam Miller's accurate pass met Leadbitter's perfectly timed run, which he rounded off in style.
QPR finally got back into the match thanks to Ray Jones' turn and shot after 73 minutes, but Keane's side were in no mood to relinquish the rest of their advantage.
Independent
Telegraph/Stewart Jackson - QPR bottle throwers help Sunderland
Queens Park Rangers (0) 1 Sunderland (2) 2
The Queens Park Rangers fans who threw plastic bottles at referee Uriah Rennie and one of his assistants, in protest at what they saw as an offside opening goal for the visitors, achieved nothing but a helping hand in Sunderland's second strike. For it was deep into the five minutes that had been added on at the end of the first half for the incident that Ross Wallace put Grant Leadbitter through – again to the accompaniment of offside appeals – and the midfielder made no mistake in establishing a two-goal lead that was to prove beyond Rangers.
Roy Keane's confident Sunderland, on a three-game unbeaten run, deservedly took the lead in the 18th minute through lone striker Daryl Murphy, who headed home from six yards out. Three sides of Loftus Road screamed for a flag but the goal stood.
Five minutes later the first bottle was thrown and as Rennie went over to investigate another flew down from the Ellerslie Road Stand.
Substitute Ray Jones pulled one back for John Gregory's side with 20 minutes to play but the extra goal was to prove elusive.
Wallace had a glorious opportunity with five minutes to go, but he shot wide from five yards after being picked out by Dean Whitehead. David Connolly also hit a post in the final minute but, in the end, two goals proved enough.
Telegraph
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
QPR Go Down at Home to Sunderland - Reports & Comments
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QPR 1 Sunderland 2
QPR now have 24 points from 20 games (3 wins out of the 11 games which have been played at home "Loftus Road is our Cave"). That's 5 pointsahead of 3rd from bottom Leeds.
League Table
QPR's Team tonight: Royce, Bignot, Rehman, Ward, Gallen, Rowlands, Cook, Stewart, Blackstock, Smith, Mancienne. Subs: Cole, Bailey, Furlong, Nygaard, Jones.
John Gregory's Comments - NO HOME COMFORT - QPR Official Site
A 2-1 defeat at the hands of Sunderland left John Gregory bemoaning his sides form at Loftus Road.
First half goals from Daryl Murphy and Grant Leadbitter put Sunderland in the driving seat and although Ray Jones provided hope late on, Sunderland - in the words of Gregory - were 'good value' for their win.
"Sunderland gave us a footballing lesson for the first 45 minutes. I thought both their goals looked dubious in real time but I've looked at the video and I've got no complaints whatsoever.
"The performance was similar to Saturday and it wasn't good enough. There was plenty of passion and endeavour, but Sunderland largely outplayed us and kept the ball fantastically well.''
Gregory added: "We've climbed mountains in the last three away games, but the players seem to have a different mentality when we come back to the Bush.''
Gregory was also left to bemoan the crucial offside decision which resulted in Dexter Blackstock's header being chalked off 60 seconds after the Black Cats opened the scoring.
"Sometimes they go for you, other times they don't and it wasn't our night,'' he said.
"On another night the decision goes our way, but I've got no complaints whatsoever with the final score.''
QPR
QPR OFFICIAL SITE
A late salvo from the R's proved in vain, as Sunderland clinched a 2-1 victory at Loftus Road.
Trailing 2-0 at the break, substitute Ray Jones gave Rangers hope with just over a quarter of an hour to play, but the R's came up just short, against a Sunderland side surely destined for the play-off's.
A controversial Daryl Murphy goal and a stoppage time second from Grant Leadbitter put Sunderland in control at the break.
Murphy appeared to be yards offside when he headed home Ross Wallace's speculative shot from inside the six-yard box on 17 minutes, yet despite vocal appeals from players and fans alike, the Irishman's goal stood - and rightly so after assessing the TV replays.
Dexter Blackstock had a goal chalked out for offside a minute later, when TV replays later showed he was in line with the last Sunderland defender.
Yet in truth Sunderland were good value for their lead and when Leadbitter made it two on the stroke of half time, Rangers could have few complaints.
The R's created chances of their own, with the returning Kevin Gallen going closest when he headed inches wide on 34 minutes, but Sunderland were by far the better side, with Graham Kavanagh orchestrating proceedings from the middle of the park.
Rangers improved after the break and when Jones fired home Nicky Ward's extraordinary reverse pass, the home faithful sensed yet another comeback as on the cards.
But it wasn't to be for the hosts - despite the late introduction of fans favourite Paul Furlong and a last gasp Nicky Ward drive.
R's gaffer John Gregory was boosted by the news that Dexter Blackstock's cheek injury wasn't as bad as first feared - and the former Southampton man partnered Gallen in attack.
Martin Rowlands also returned to the R's starting XI, at the expense of Stefan Bailey, while the back four remain unchanged.
Sunderland started brightly, with Murphy seeing his snap shot blocked to safety inside the opening five minutes.
It really was all one-way traffic and when Leadbitter escaped the attentions of his marker to coast clean through on goal just 60 seconds later, Rangers were indebted to Simon Royce for keeping them on terms, as the keeper's outstretched leg diverted the ball wide.
Rangers were soon on the front foot themselves though, with Nicky Ward's half volley forcing Darren Ward into a fine save, after the ball had taken a heavy deflection on route to goal.
The R's were all at sea at the back, but thankfully for the hosts, Murphy appeared to have left his shooting boots in the North East.
After evading the last line of the Rangers defence with ease in the tenth minute, the Sunderland front-man's lob landed the wrong side of the post, despite premature celebrations from the Black Cats faithful at the School End.
Undeterred, that man Murphy made amends on 17 minutes, although it was not without controversy.
There appeared to be little danger when Wallace slammed the ball back into the danger zone from a half cleared corner, only for Murphy to pop up and head past Royce at the far post. It looked to all and sundry like the Mackems striker was in an offside position, but the goal - albeit after referee Uriah Rennie gave his assistant a long, hard glare - stood.
And as if to rub salt into the Rangers wounds 60 seconds later, the assistant at the other end raised his flag to rule out Blackstock's glancing header from a Cook free-kick.
Blackstock went close again on 27 minutes, firing over after a neat exchange with strike partner Gallen, but it was Sunderland who continued to dominate, with Republic of Ireland international Kavanagh pulling the strings from middle of the park.
Rangers fans were on their feet on 34 minutes, but Gallen's downward header from a Jimmy Smith corner fell agonisingly wide of Ward's near post.
It was Sunderland who finished the half in the ascendancy though, with Murphy forcing Royce into another full length save, this time with a dipping 20-yard volley.
Royce stood no chance 30 seconds later though, as the roaming Leadbitter coasted through unmarked, rounded the advancing Royce and rolled the ball into an empty net.
Cook - clearly feeling the effects of a bruising 90 minutes against Coventry on Saturday - made way for Ray Jones at half-time, with Gallen dropping into midfield.
Sunderland boss Roy Keane made a change of his own ten minutes later, with Liam Miller making way for former Wigan Athletic striker David Connolly.
In a carbon copy run to the one which led to his goal in the first half stoppage time, Leadbitter coasted through the R's defence again on 61 minutes, but this time the finish was lacking, as his half volley flew wide of Royce's left hand post.
Michael Mancienne attempted to spark Rangers into life 20 minutes from time, but he got his shot horribly wrong, firing into the upper tier of the Loft from fully 30-yards.
Undeterred, the lifeline Rangers craved arrived on 73 minutes and it was that man Jones who enhanced his reputation as the Championship's super-sub with a stunning finish.
A free-flowing passing move involving Rowlands, Gallen and Marcus Bignot culminated in a unbelievable reverse pass from Ward, which the R's teenager took in his stride before cooly firing home on the turn from 12-yards.
Sensing the R's could get something from the contest, Gregory introduced fans favourite Furlong late on, with the hardworking Blackstock making way.
Sunderland should have put the result beyond all doubt a minute later though, only for the unmarked Wallace to screw his shot wide with the goal gaping.
Bignot fired a left footed strike high and wide in the first added minute, before Wallace squandered yet another golden opportunity at the other end.
Rangers kept plugging away as the close ticked down, yet despite a spell of late pressure, Sunderland could and should have made it three, only for Connolly to fire onto the base of the post with Royce well beaten.
There was still time for Ward to bag a point for the R's in the dying stages, but Ward held on to his fizzing drive, as Roy Keane's men deservedly stretched their unbeaten run to four Championship matches.
QPR: Royce, Bignot, Rehman, Ward, Gallen, Rowlands, Cook (Jones 46), Stewart, Blackstock (Furlong 81), Smith, Mancienne.
Subs: Cole, Bailey, Nygaard.
Goals: Jones 73
Bookings: Jones 86
Sunderland: Ward, Caldwell, S Elliott, Murphy, Nosworthy, Collins, Leadbitter (Whitehead 62), Varga, Kavanagh, Wallace, Miller (Connolly 56).
Subs: Fulop, Hysen, R Elliott.
Goals: Murphy 17, Leadbitter 45
Bookings: Wallace 18
Referee: U Rennie
Attendance: 13, 108
QPR
Sunderland Minute by Minute
Sunderland
SPORTING LIFE QPR 1 Sunderland 2 By Andy Sims, PA Sport
Daryl Murphy and Grant Leadbitter fired Sunderland to a deserved win over QPR as Roy Keane's side continued their steady rise up the Coca-Cola Championship table.
Murphy struck from close range after 17 minutes for his first goal in 13 appearances and Leadbitter doubled the advantage during five minutes of first-half stoppage time with his second goal for the club.
Substitute Ray Jones pulled one back but the Black Cats, who were bottom when Keane took charge in August, stretched their unbeaten run to four games to leapfrog Rangers in the table.
Keane made four changes to the side which drew with Wolves, with Dwight Yorke perhaps wisely missing out on a reunion with Rangers boss John Gregory - who once admitted wanting to shoot him while the pair were at Aston Villa - through illness.
The visitors were quickly into their stride and should have gone ahead in the fifth minute when Leadbitter latched onto Murphy's flick-on, but Simon Royce was able to save his weak shot with an outstretched leg.
Murphy missed an even better chance after 12 minutes when put through by Stephen Elliott, the lone striker lobbing the advancing Royce only to see the ball drift the wrong side of the post.
He made amends five minutes later, however, when Rangers failed to deal with a corner and the ball fell to Leadbitter.
The midfielder's shot was careering wide until Murphy popped up to head past Royce, referee Uriah Rennie waving away appeals for offside as the Irishman celebrated his third goal of the season.
Dexter Blackstock immediately had the ball in the net at the other end but Rennie adjudged the striker to be offside when he headed Lee Cook's free-kick past Darren Ward.
Not for the first time Rennie found himself the centre of attention and he held the game up for a couple of minutes after two plastic bottles were hurled onto the pitch by disgruntled Rangers fans.
Blackstock fired over and Gallen headed Jimmy Smith's corner narrowly wide as Rangers rallied, but they found themselves two behind in stoppage time.
Royce had just pulled off a stunning save to deny Murphy from 15 yards when Leadbitter sprang the offside trap, waltzed around the goalkeeper and rolled the ball into an empty net.
Gregory threw on Jones at the break for Cook, who was struggling with a knock and looking a shadow of the player attracting Premiership interest.
But Sunderland were almost gifted a third when Royce threw the ball too far in front of himself as he went to clear and ended up having to win a 50-50 challenge with substitute David Connolly.
Jones pulled one back in the 74th minute, firing past Ward from inside a crowded area after being played in by Martin Rowlands.
But despite a first appearance of the season from veteran striker Paul Furlong off the bench, Rangers were unable to find an equaliser.
And Sunderland were only denied another by a miss of the season contender from Ross Wallace, who sliced wide from right in front of goal, while Connolly rattled a shot against the post in injury time.
Sporting Life
BBC QPR 1-2 Sunderland
Sunderland grabbed a deserved win at Loftus Road thanks to an impressive first-half display.
The visitors began brightly and Grant Leadbitter and Stephen Elliot missed good chances before Daryl Murphy headed home the opener from close range.
Kevin Gallen headed narrowly wide for QPR but Leadbitter made it 2-0 in first-half injury time when he rounded keeper Simon Royce and slotted in.
Substitute Ray Jones blasted QPR back into the game but Sunderland held on.
Sunderland boss Roy Keane:
"That was a long second-half. We played extremely well and should have killed the game off.
"You keep missing chances and you start to think it's going to be one of those nights. So we got away with it a bit.
"The players did well and they are giving it everything but we need one or two more bodies."
BBC
QPR 1 Sunderland 2
QPR now have 24 points from 20 games (3 wins out of the 11 games which have been played at home "Loftus Road is our Cave"). That's 5 pointsahead of 3rd from bottom Leeds.
League Table
QPR's Team tonight: Royce, Bignot, Rehman, Ward, Gallen, Rowlands, Cook, Stewart, Blackstock, Smith, Mancienne. Subs: Cole, Bailey, Furlong, Nygaard, Jones.
John Gregory's Comments - NO HOME COMFORT - QPR Official Site
A 2-1 defeat at the hands of Sunderland left John Gregory bemoaning his sides form at Loftus Road.
First half goals from Daryl Murphy and Grant Leadbitter put Sunderland in the driving seat and although Ray Jones provided hope late on, Sunderland - in the words of Gregory - were 'good value' for their win.
"Sunderland gave us a footballing lesson for the first 45 minutes. I thought both their goals looked dubious in real time but I've looked at the video and I've got no complaints whatsoever.
"The performance was similar to Saturday and it wasn't good enough. There was plenty of passion and endeavour, but Sunderland largely outplayed us and kept the ball fantastically well.''
Gregory added: "We've climbed mountains in the last three away games, but the players seem to have a different mentality when we come back to the Bush.''
Gregory was also left to bemoan the crucial offside decision which resulted in Dexter Blackstock's header being chalked off 60 seconds after the Black Cats opened the scoring.
"Sometimes they go for you, other times they don't and it wasn't our night,'' he said.
"On another night the decision goes our way, but I've got no complaints whatsoever with the final score.''
QPR
QPR OFFICIAL SITE
A late salvo from the R's proved in vain, as Sunderland clinched a 2-1 victory at Loftus Road.
Trailing 2-0 at the break, substitute Ray Jones gave Rangers hope with just over a quarter of an hour to play, but the R's came up just short, against a Sunderland side surely destined for the play-off's.
A controversial Daryl Murphy goal and a stoppage time second from Grant Leadbitter put Sunderland in control at the break.
Murphy appeared to be yards offside when he headed home Ross Wallace's speculative shot from inside the six-yard box on 17 minutes, yet despite vocal appeals from players and fans alike, the Irishman's goal stood - and rightly so after assessing the TV replays.
Dexter Blackstock had a goal chalked out for offside a minute later, when TV replays later showed he was in line with the last Sunderland defender.
Yet in truth Sunderland were good value for their lead and when Leadbitter made it two on the stroke of half time, Rangers could have few complaints.
The R's created chances of their own, with the returning Kevin Gallen going closest when he headed inches wide on 34 minutes, but Sunderland were by far the better side, with Graham Kavanagh orchestrating proceedings from the middle of the park.
Rangers improved after the break and when Jones fired home Nicky Ward's extraordinary reverse pass, the home faithful sensed yet another comeback as on the cards.
But it wasn't to be for the hosts - despite the late introduction of fans favourite Paul Furlong and a last gasp Nicky Ward drive.
R's gaffer John Gregory was boosted by the news that Dexter Blackstock's cheek injury wasn't as bad as first feared - and the former Southampton man partnered Gallen in attack.
Martin Rowlands also returned to the R's starting XI, at the expense of Stefan Bailey, while the back four remain unchanged.
Sunderland started brightly, with Murphy seeing his snap shot blocked to safety inside the opening five minutes.
It really was all one-way traffic and when Leadbitter escaped the attentions of his marker to coast clean through on goal just 60 seconds later, Rangers were indebted to Simon Royce for keeping them on terms, as the keeper's outstretched leg diverted the ball wide.
Rangers were soon on the front foot themselves though, with Nicky Ward's half volley forcing Darren Ward into a fine save, after the ball had taken a heavy deflection on route to goal.
The R's were all at sea at the back, but thankfully for the hosts, Murphy appeared to have left his shooting boots in the North East.
After evading the last line of the Rangers defence with ease in the tenth minute, the Sunderland front-man's lob landed the wrong side of the post, despite premature celebrations from the Black Cats faithful at the School End.
Undeterred, that man Murphy made amends on 17 minutes, although it was not without controversy.
There appeared to be little danger when Wallace slammed the ball back into the danger zone from a half cleared corner, only for Murphy to pop up and head past Royce at the far post. It looked to all and sundry like the Mackems striker was in an offside position, but the goal - albeit after referee Uriah Rennie gave his assistant a long, hard glare - stood.
And as if to rub salt into the Rangers wounds 60 seconds later, the assistant at the other end raised his flag to rule out Blackstock's glancing header from a Cook free-kick.
Blackstock went close again on 27 minutes, firing over after a neat exchange with strike partner Gallen, but it was Sunderland who continued to dominate, with Republic of Ireland international Kavanagh pulling the strings from middle of the park.
Rangers fans were on their feet on 34 minutes, but Gallen's downward header from a Jimmy Smith corner fell agonisingly wide of Ward's near post.
It was Sunderland who finished the half in the ascendancy though, with Murphy forcing Royce into another full length save, this time with a dipping 20-yard volley.
Royce stood no chance 30 seconds later though, as the roaming Leadbitter coasted through unmarked, rounded the advancing Royce and rolled the ball into an empty net.
Cook - clearly feeling the effects of a bruising 90 minutes against Coventry on Saturday - made way for Ray Jones at half-time, with Gallen dropping into midfield.
Sunderland boss Roy Keane made a change of his own ten minutes later, with Liam Miller making way for former Wigan Athletic striker David Connolly.
In a carbon copy run to the one which led to his goal in the first half stoppage time, Leadbitter coasted through the R's defence again on 61 minutes, but this time the finish was lacking, as his half volley flew wide of Royce's left hand post.
Michael Mancienne attempted to spark Rangers into life 20 minutes from time, but he got his shot horribly wrong, firing into the upper tier of the Loft from fully 30-yards.
Undeterred, the lifeline Rangers craved arrived on 73 minutes and it was that man Jones who enhanced his reputation as the Championship's super-sub with a stunning finish.
A free-flowing passing move involving Rowlands, Gallen and Marcus Bignot culminated in a unbelievable reverse pass from Ward, which the R's teenager took in his stride before cooly firing home on the turn from 12-yards.
Sensing the R's could get something from the contest, Gregory introduced fans favourite Furlong late on, with the hardworking Blackstock making way.
Sunderland should have put the result beyond all doubt a minute later though, only for the unmarked Wallace to screw his shot wide with the goal gaping.
Bignot fired a left footed strike high and wide in the first added minute, before Wallace squandered yet another golden opportunity at the other end.
Rangers kept plugging away as the close ticked down, yet despite a spell of late pressure, Sunderland could and should have made it three, only for Connolly to fire onto the base of the post with Royce well beaten.
There was still time for Ward to bag a point for the R's in the dying stages, but Ward held on to his fizzing drive, as Roy Keane's men deservedly stretched their unbeaten run to four Championship matches.
QPR: Royce, Bignot, Rehman, Ward, Gallen, Rowlands, Cook (Jones 46), Stewart, Blackstock (Furlong 81), Smith, Mancienne.
Subs: Cole, Bailey, Nygaard.
Goals: Jones 73
Bookings: Jones 86
Sunderland: Ward, Caldwell, S Elliott, Murphy, Nosworthy, Collins, Leadbitter (Whitehead 62), Varga, Kavanagh, Wallace, Miller (Connolly 56).
Subs: Fulop, Hysen, R Elliott.
Goals: Murphy 17, Leadbitter 45
Bookings: Wallace 18
Referee: U Rennie
Attendance: 13, 108
QPR
Sunderland Minute by Minute
Sunderland
SPORTING LIFE QPR 1 Sunderland 2 By Andy Sims, PA Sport
Daryl Murphy and Grant Leadbitter fired Sunderland to a deserved win over QPR as Roy Keane's side continued their steady rise up the Coca-Cola Championship table.
Murphy struck from close range after 17 minutes for his first goal in 13 appearances and Leadbitter doubled the advantage during five minutes of first-half stoppage time with his second goal for the club.
Substitute Ray Jones pulled one back but the Black Cats, who were bottom when Keane took charge in August, stretched their unbeaten run to four games to leapfrog Rangers in the table.
Keane made four changes to the side which drew with Wolves, with Dwight Yorke perhaps wisely missing out on a reunion with Rangers boss John Gregory - who once admitted wanting to shoot him while the pair were at Aston Villa - through illness.
The visitors were quickly into their stride and should have gone ahead in the fifth minute when Leadbitter latched onto Murphy's flick-on, but Simon Royce was able to save his weak shot with an outstretched leg.
Murphy missed an even better chance after 12 minutes when put through by Stephen Elliott, the lone striker lobbing the advancing Royce only to see the ball drift the wrong side of the post.
He made amends five minutes later, however, when Rangers failed to deal with a corner and the ball fell to Leadbitter.
The midfielder's shot was careering wide until Murphy popped up to head past Royce, referee Uriah Rennie waving away appeals for offside as the Irishman celebrated his third goal of the season.
Dexter Blackstock immediately had the ball in the net at the other end but Rennie adjudged the striker to be offside when he headed Lee Cook's free-kick past Darren Ward.
Not for the first time Rennie found himself the centre of attention and he held the game up for a couple of minutes after two plastic bottles were hurled onto the pitch by disgruntled Rangers fans.
Blackstock fired over and Gallen headed Jimmy Smith's corner narrowly wide as Rangers rallied, but they found themselves two behind in stoppage time.
Royce had just pulled off a stunning save to deny Murphy from 15 yards when Leadbitter sprang the offside trap, waltzed around the goalkeeper and rolled the ball into an empty net.
Gregory threw on Jones at the break for Cook, who was struggling with a knock and looking a shadow of the player attracting Premiership interest.
But Sunderland were almost gifted a third when Royce threw the ball too far in front of himself as he went to clear and ended up having to win a 50-50 challenge with substitute David Connolly.
Jones pulled one back in the 74th minute, firing past Ward from inside a crowded area after being played in by Martin Rowlands.
But despite a first appearance of the season from veteran striker Paul Furlong off the bench, Rangers were unable to find an equaliser.
And Sunderland were only denied another by a miss of the season contender from Ross Wallace, who sliced wide from right in front of goal, while Connolly rattled a shot against the post in injury time.
Sporting Life
BBC QPR 1-2 Sunderland
Sunderland grabbed a deserved win at Loftus Road thanks to an impressive first-half display.
The visitors began brightly and Grant Leadbitter and Stephen Elliot missed good chances before Daryl Murphy headed home the opener from close range.
Kevin Gallen headed narrowly wide for QPR but Leadbitter made it 2-0 in first-half injury time when he rounded keeper Simon Royce and slotted in.
Substitute Ray Jones blasted QPR back into the game but Sunderland held on.
Sunderland boss Roy Keane:
"That was a long second-half. We played extremely well and should have killed the game off.
"You keep missing chances and you start to think it's going to be one of those nights. So we got away with it a bit.
"The players did well and they are giving it everything but we need one or two more bodies."
BBC
Sunderland's Roy Keane Looks Forward to Tonight's Game
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Sunderland Official Site By Nick Alexander
Roy Keane wants Sunderland to end 2006 on a high.
The Black Cats are unbeaten in three games and go to QPR tonight looking to close the gap on the play-off places.
A win at Loftus Road (8pm) would leave them in good shape with successive home games to follow.
Keane said: "We've said it before, the league's very tight. Victory would be fantastic, especially with QPR just above us.
"We're three games unbeaten and we need to go on a run. If we can keep in touch and then bring in a couple of players in January, hopefully we'll have a decent season."
Keane added: "I've always found that going to QPR is a difficult challenge but if we can play well we'll have half a chance.
"We've played well for spells in recent games, I want us to do that for 90 minutes tonight. We want to come back from London with something."
Keane admitted that the Black Cats were lucky not to lose at Wolves on Friday night. He said: "We were fortunate to get a draw, the fact that we did was very much down to the goalkeeper.....
Keane could make changes tonight. Dwight Yorke has been unwell and could be rested while Nyron Nosworthy is pushing for a start. Chris Brown (ankle), Stephen Wright (ankle), Kenny Cunningham (knee), Ben Alnwick (shoulder) and Trevor Carson (unavailable) are out. Daryl Murphy is back after a pelvic injury and new keeper Marton Fulop is added to the squad.
Sunderland
BBC -QPR v Sunderland
QPR striker Dexter Blackstock has been passed fit after suffering a head injury last Saturday.
Rangers have no new injury worries, but Martin Rowlands could replace youngster Stefan Bailey in central midfield.
Sunderland striker Chris Brown is again a major doubt with an ankle strain, and while fellow forward Daryl Murphy is training again he is short of fitness.
Defenders Kenny Cunningham and Stephen Wright and keeper Ben Alnwick are also out while Dwight Yorke could be rested
BBC
Sunderland Official Site By Nick Alexander
Roy Keane wants Sunderland to end 2006 on a high.
The Black Cats are unbeaten in three games and go to QPR tonight looking to close the gap on the play-off places.
A win at Loftus Road (8pm) would leave them in good shape with successive home games to follow.
Keane said: "We've said it before, the league's very tight. Victory would be fantastic, especially with QPR just above us.
"We're three games unbeaten and we need to go on a run. If we can keep in touch and then bring in a couple of players in January, hopefully we'll have a decent season."
Keane added: "I've always found that going to QPR is a difficult challenge but if we can play well we'll have half a chance.
"We've played well for spells in recent games, I want us to do that for 90 minutes tonight. We want to come back from London with something."
Keane admitted that the Black Cats were lucky not to lose at Wolves on Friday night. He said: "We were fortunate to get a draw, the fact that we did was very much down to the goalkeeper.....
Keane could make changes tonight. Dwight Yorke has been unwell and could be rested while Nyron Nosworthy is pushing for a start. Chris Brown (ankle), Stephen Wright (ankle), Kenny Cunningham (knee), Ben Alnwick (shoulder) and Trevor Carson (unavailable) are out. Daryl Murphy is back after a pelvic injury and new keeper Marton Fulop is added to the squad.
Sunderland
BBC -QPR v Sunderland
QPR striker Dexter Blackstock has been passed fit after suffering a head injury last Saturday.
Rangers have no new injury worries, but Martin Rowlands could replace youngster Stefan Bailey in central midfield.
Sunderland striker Chris Brown is again a major doubt with an ankle strain, and while fellow forward Daryl Murphy is training again he is short of fitness.
Defenders Kenny Cunningham and Stephen Wright and keeper Ben Alnwick are also out while Dwight Yorke could be rested
BBC
For QPR Non-Lovers of Chelsea! "Chelsea, a soulless brand that loves to be loathed" - Telegraph/Michae Henderson
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In Today's Daily Telegraph, an unusual opinion piece about Chelsea by Michael Henderson - "Chelsea, a soulless brand that loves to be loathed"
Telegraph
In Today's Daily Telegraph, an unusual opinion piece about Chelsea by Michael Henderson - "Chelsea, a soulless brand that loves to be loathed"
Telegraph
Lee Cook: Intending to Stay. But if Club Decides to Sell Him, Out of His Hands
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Official Site - Excerpts from tonight's Programme "Hoops Magazine" ..."Everyone wants to do well and play at the highest level - and I want to do that with QPR...I signed an extension to my contract in the summer and I intend to see it out. If the club accepts a bid and chooses to sell me in January or at a later date then it's out of my hands, but I'll say it once again, I intend to be here for a long time yet!'' QPR
Official Site - Excerpts from tonight's Programme "Hoops Magazine" ..."Everyone wants to do well and play at the highest level - and I want to do that with QPR...I signed an extension to my contract in the summer and I intend to see it out. If the club accepts a bid and chooses to sell me in January or at a later date then it's out of my hands, but I'll say it once again, I intend to be here for a long time yet!'' QPR
One Year Ago: Questions to the Chairman...and some of the Answers
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November 28, 2005: QPR Official Site - LAST CHANCE
Today is your last chance to send in a question to be asked to the Chairman.
Gianni Paladini will sit down this week and answer questions sent in from fans.
Paladini said "I hope to put the record straight on a number of issues.
Just this weekend I had journalists phoning me asking me if we were going into administration. I just want to reassure fans that there is no chance of anything like that happening." Over 200 questions have already been received ....QPR
Among the Questions Asked & Answered by Chairman Paladini - Posted on the Official Site, December 2005
Q: Do you think that Ian Holloway has taken the club as far as he can, and do we need a manager that will be able to take us to the next level?
A: I think Ian is the man to take us forward, that's why we gave him a three year contract. Ian is a very good manager and I think he is the man to take us forward. Our relationship is very good, we speak everyday. I have commented on our relationship very often. I love Ian.
Q: How much truth was there in the rumour of Ramon Diaz coming to Rangers?
A: When I first joined I didn't know Ian Holloway. My friend Ramon Diaz came to watch our matches but he couldn't work for us anyway due to work permits. But once I got to know Ian then I knew he was the man for the job.
Q: Where do you see QPR in three years time?
A: First of all we need to clear our debts; we only took over from the October 1 and we found out we owed more than we originally thought. You need solid foundations, I'd love us to go up this year or next year, but we have to be realistic and budget accordingly.
When we first took over there was a big outstanding tax bill and Caliendo and I had to go down to Brighton to stop us going into Liquidation. We had to give our personal guarantee that the bill would be paid.
When we found out you can imagine our panic. The first thing you have to do as a company is pay the tax man as they can wind you up.
Q: Regarding the loan - it appears to me very easy and without access to the financial side at QPR, I guess I can only make assumptions. Are there negotiations taking place with solicitors, lenders and ABC in order to either re-negotiate with ABC or a high street lender?
A: We are arranging a new loan with the Lloyds TSB. The directors will give their personal guarantee on the loan. We hope to get an interest rate between 5.75% to 6%. Depending on the final interest rate we will save between £400-425k per year.
Q: What is the truth behind the stories that you signed players over the head of Holloway?
My background is an agent and I know many players. We couldn't afford many players in England so we looked abroad. I brought over Milanese, Nygaard and Ukah. Ian Holloway was able to look at them before they were signed.
Q: An awful lot of people seem to have left the Rangers behind the scenes staff. Are you sure that the club can function with so few behind the scenes?
A: We have reduced the staff wage bill. You need to balance your income with your overheads. QPR is a great club but it is not a massive one. We only have 20 odd big events a year - our home games. During the week we have a small number of staff working very hard. Much of what we do now is online anyway, such as ticket sales.
Q: Are there firm plans to invest more money in QPR so that we can be more of a challenge in this Division?
A: Firstly none of the investors are a new Roman Abramovich. We need to raise more revenue by improving on current deals, for example we want to increase the amount we get from sponsorship. We are bringing the loss down every year and within a few years we hope to break even. Then we can really move forward.
Q: Is it true we are behind with our payments?
A: We are paying people. In October we paid out £1.2 million. When we took over we found that many of our suppliers hadn't been paid since May. There is a backlog but we are putting a new structure in place. Instead of writing cheques out every day of the week, we will pay our suppliers on the 30th of every month. Therefore they know when they will get paid and we can also budget better.
COMPLETE Q&A to Paladini as posted online can be read here
Paladini Q&A
November 28, 2005: QPR Official Site - LAST CHANCE
Today is your last chance to send in a question to be asked to the Chairman.
Gianni Paladini will sit down this week and answer questions sent in from fans.
Paladini said "I hope to put the record straight on a number of issues.
Just this weekend I had journalists phoning me asking me if we were going into administration. I just want to reassure fans that there is no chance of anything like that happening." Over 200 questions have already been received ....QPR
Among the Questions Asked & Answered by Chairman Paladini - Posted on the Official Site, December 2005
Q: Do you think that Ian Holloway has taken the club as far as he can, and do we need a manager that will be able to take us to the next level?
A: I think Ian is the man to take us forward, that's why we gave him a three year contract. Ian is a very good manager and I think he is the man to take us forward. Our relationship is very good, we speak everyday. I have commented on our relationship very often. I love Ian.
Q: How much truth was there in the rumour of Ramon Diaz coming to Rangers?
A: When I first joined I didn't know Ian Holloway. My friend Ramon Diaz came to watch our matches but he couldn't work for us anyway due to work permits. But once I got to know Ian then I knew he was the man for the job.
Q: Where do you see QPR in three years time?
A: First of all we need to clear our debts; we only took over from the October 1 and we found out we owed more than we originally thought. You need solid foundations, I'd love us to go up this year or next year, but we have to be realistic and budget accordingly.
When we first took over there was a big outstanding tax bill and Caliendo and I had to go down to Brighton to stop us going into Liquidation. We had to give our personal guarantee that the bill would be paid.
When we found out you can imagine our panic. The first thing you have to do as a company is pay the tax man as they can wind you up.
Q: Regarding the loan - it appears to me very easy and without access to the financial side at QPR, I guess I can only make assumptions. Are there negotiations taking place with solicitors, lenders and ABC in order to either re-negotiate with ABC or a high street lender?
A: We are arranging a new loan with the Lloyds TSB. The directors will give their personal guarantee on the loan. We hope to get an interest rate between 5.75% to 6%. Depending on the final interest rate we will save between £400-425k per year.
Q: What is the truth behind the stories that you signed players over the head of Holloway?
My background is an agent and I know many players. We couldn't afford many players in England so we looked abroad. I brought over Milanese, Nygaard and Ukah. Ian Holloway was able to look at them before they were signed.
Q: An awful lot of people seem to have left the Rangers behind the scenes staff. Are you sure that the club can function with so few behind the scenes?
A: We have reduced the staff wage bill. You need to balance your income with your overheads. QPR is a great club but it is not a massive one. We only have 20 odd big events a year - our home games. During the week we have a small number of staff working very hard. Much of what we do now is online anyway, such as ticket sales.
Q: Are there firm plans to invest more money in QPR so that we can be more of a challenge in this Division?
A: Firstly none of the investors are a new Roman Abramovich. We need to raise more revenue by improving on current deals, for example we want to increase the amount we get from sponsorship. We are bringing the loss down every year and within a few years we hope to break even. Then we can really move forward.
Q: Is it true we are behind with our payments?
A: We are paying people. In October we paid out £1.2 million. When we took over we found that many of our suppliers hadn't been paid since May. There is a backlog but we are putting a new structure in place. Instead of writing cheques out every day of the week, we will pay our suppliers on the 30th of every month. Therefore they know when they will get paid and we can also budget better.
COMPLETE Q&A to Paladini as posted online can be read here
Paladini Q&A
An Eon Ago: November 28, 1998: Gerry Francis' QPR Win 3-0 at Bradford
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Sporting Life: November 28, 1998
Bradford 0 Queens Park Rangers 3
Queens Park Rangers gained a historic first-ever league win at Valley Parade, deservedly beating Bradford City with three second-half goals.
Their victory ended Bradford's eight-match unbeaten home run and there could be no complaints as the visitors were the better side throughout.
They were unfortunate not to be ahead at half-time after creating most of the chances, but took control with two goals in four minutes early in the second half.
Gavin Peacock put them ahead on 49 minutes when he drove the ball hard and low through a crowded goalmouth after Bradford failed to clear Ian Barraclough's corner.
Kevin Gallen scored a second four minutes later, racing on to a long clearance and holding off a challenge from defender Andrew O'Brien before firing low into the far corner.
Bradford striker Lee Mills had a superb 25-yard shot saved by Ludek Miklosko before Rangers put the result beyond doubt with their third goal on 72 minutes.
Gallen took the ball off defender Wayne Jacobs and passed inside for Mike Sheron to sidefoot the ball into an empty net.
Teams
Bradford: Walsh, Lawrence, Jacobs, McCall, Moore, O'Brien (Todd 61), Rankin, Blake (Watson 68), Mills, Whalley, Beagrie. Subs Not Used: Grant.
QPR: Miklosko, Heinola, Baraclough, Morrow, Ready, Maddix, Langley, Peacock, Sheron, Gallen, Rose (Rowland 87). Subs Not Used: Scully, Steiner.
Booked: Baraclough, Langley.
Goals: Peacock 49, Gallen 53, Sheron 72.
Sporting Life
Sporting Life: November 28, 1998
Bradford 0 Queens Park Rangers 3
Queens Park Rangers gained a historic first-ever league win at Valley Parade, deservedly beating Bradford City with three second-half goals.
Their victory ended Bradford's eight-match unbeaten home run and there could be no complaints as the visitors were the better side throughout.
They were unfortunate not to be ahead at half-time after creating most of the chances, but took control with two goals in four minutes early in the second half.
Gavin Peacock put them ahead on 49 minutes when he drove the ball hard and low through a crowded goalmouth after Bradford failed to clear Ian Barraclough's corner.
Kevin Gallen scored a second four minutes later, racing on to a long clearance and holding off a challenge from defender Andrew O'Brien before firing low into the far corner.
Bradford striker Lee Mills had a superb 25-yard shot saved by Ludek Miklosko before Rangers put the result beyond doubt with their third goal on 72 minutes.
Gallen took the ball off defender Wayne Jacobs and passed inside for Mike Sheron to sidefoot the ball into an empty net.
Teams
Bradford: Walsh, Lawrence, Jacobs, McCall, Moore, O'Brien (Todd 61), Rankin, Blake (Watson 68), Mills, Whalley, Beagrie. Subs Not Used: Grant.
QPR: Miklosko, Heinola, Baraclough, Morrow, Ready, Maddix, Langley, Peacock, Sheron, Gallen, Rose (Rowland 87). Subs Not Used: Scully, Steiner.
Booked: Baraclough, Langley.
Goals: Peacock 49, Gallen 53, Sheron 72.
Sporting Life
Monday, November 27, 2006
Questions, Questions, Questions
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A few questions re off-the-field issues...
1) Why is Ugo Ukah - a player whom QPR announced in May, had gone off to Italy - back at QPR?
2) Why did Chief Operating Officer, Graham Mackrell depart from QPR after less than three months? (There were reports in the Sun and Mail about Paladini unhappines with Mackrell over negotiating with Plymouth an end to Tim Breacker's contract)
3) Why was Tim Breacker kept on "Gardening Leave" for 300 days? What were the final terms under which he was allowed to join Plymouth? (It was never exactly clear why Breacker, and Gary Penrice were put on Gardening Leave, when Ian Holloway was)
4) AKUTRs: Why after protesting so vociferously and threatening legal action, was there no response from Gianni Paladini in the December issue of AKTRs? Apology
5) Why did QPR "part company with" Gary Waddock just a couple of weeks after saying he would be staying under John Gregory?
6) Why did Chief Financial Officer, Chris Pennington leave? And unlike some other staff departures - without any announcment of his departure, or of a replacement (Akin Yilmaz) coming in?
7) Whatever happened to the Club's declared intention at the beginning of August to demand a retraction from the Evening Standard re its claim that the training ground had been closed - Demand.
8) Any update or change to an August news story claiming that Chairman Paladini was being forced to wear a bullet-proof vest because of threats? And who were the threats from? See Mirror
9) Was the report in the Standard at the begining of October asserting that QPR had an unpaid police bill inaccurate? (Given that games have continued to be played at Loftus Road, this would seem to have been resolved, whatever the truth )
10) The QPR Statement last week: "Bank on US" - "QPR are delighted to announce that the club will be teaming up with Barclays Bank and Deloitte & Touche..."Bank What exactly is the Bank going to be doing at QPR?
11) Why was the squad permitted to get so large? Why were so many players bought in the summer before a number of the transfer listed players were actually moved off the books?
12) Any Chairman regrets about reportedly referring to an "enemy within" See Mirror or charging that there was "a tiny minority of people seem intent on damaging team morale and destroying the Club.." Official Site
And a "bonus question:" The perennial: Any update re the 10 Million Pound/10% ABC Loan?
A few questions re off-the-field issues...
1) Why is Ugo Ukah - a player whom QPR announced in May, had gone off to Italy - back at QPR?
2) Why did Chief Operating Officer, Graham Mackrell depart from QPR after less than three months? (There were reports in the Sun and Mail about Paladini unhappines with Mackrell over negotiating with Plymouth an end to Tim Breacker's contract)
3) Why was Tim Breacker kept on "Gardening Leave" for 300 days? What were the final terms under which he was allowed to join Plymouth? (It was never exactly clear why Breacker, and Gary Penrice were put on Gardening Leave, when Ian Holloway was)
4) AKUTRs: Why after protesting so vociferously and threatening legal action, was there no response from Gianni Paladini in the December issue of AKTRs? Apology
5) Why did QPR "part company with" Gary Waddock just a couple of weeks after saying he would be staying under John Gregory?
6) Why did Chief Financial Officer, Chris Pennington leave? And unlike some other staff departures - without any announcment of his departure, or of a replacement (Akin Yilmaz) coming in?
7) Whatever happened to the Club's declared intention at the beginning of August to demand a retraction from the Evening Standard re its claim that the training ground had been closed - Demand.
8) Any update or change to an August news story claiming that Chairman Paladini was being forced to wear a bullet-proof vest because of threats? And who were the threats from? See Mirror
9) Was the report in the Standard at the begining of October asserting that QPR had an unpaid police bill inaccurate? (Given that games have continued to be played at Loftus Road, this would seem to have been resolved, whatever the truth )
10) The QPR Statement last week: "Bank on US" - "QPR are delighted to announce that the club will be teaming up with Barclays Bank and Deloitte & Touche..."Bank What exactly is the Bank going to be doing at QPR?
11) Why was the squad permitted to get so large? Why were so many players bought in the summer before a number of the transfer listed players were actually moved off the books?
12) Any Chairman regrets about reportedly referring to an "enemy within" See Mirror or charging that there was "a tiny minority of people seem intent on damaging team morale and destroying the Club.." Official Site
And a "bonus question:" The perennial: Any update re the 10 Million Pound/10% ABC Loan?
Looking at Sunderland
-
Sunderland unbeaten in 3 games and with 1 loss in six games, are equal on points with QPR with 3 away wins; 1 draw and 6 away defeats =
Table
Sunderland Results- Results
Sunderland Official Site
By Nick Alexander
Marton Fulop will be added to Sunderland's squad for their game at QPR tomorrow.
The Hungarian goalkeeper, signed on loan on Thursday, trained with his new team-mates today and is almost certain to be on the bench at Loftus Road.
Spurs man Fulop now faces the task of trying to oust Darren Ward who has been in fine form in recent weeks.
Roy Keane said: "Marton will be involved tomorrow. He understands how well Wardy has been playing and he's aware he'll have to wait for his chance.
"But he seems hungry and ambitious and hopefully when he does get his chance, he'll take it."
Ward was man-of-the-match in Friday's 1-1 draw with Wolves.
He said: "I hope Marton is happy at Sunderland and does well. It will just increase my determination to stay in side, it's just another incentive."
Trevor Carson, who has provided back-up to Ward in recent weeks, is unavailable because of a family bereavement. Ben Alnwick is still sidelined with a shoulder injury.
Meanwhile, Keane has revealed that Chris Brown missed Friday night's game at Wolves after spraining his ankle in training the day before the game.
Brown is unlikely to feature at QPR and Daryl Murphy is also a doubt, though he returned to training today after recovering from a pelvic problem.
Keane said: "We lacked a physical presence in the game on Friday. Browny went over on his ankle the day before and Murphy was out.
"I don't think Browny has a chance for QPR, there's been a lot of swelling and bruising there. Hopefully Murphy will train today and we'll see, we need that physical threat."
Dwight Yorke was substituted at half-time at Molineux and could be taken out of the firing line at QPR.
Keane said: "Dwight was under the weather, but he wouldn't use that as an excuse, he gave away one or two sloppy passes.
"Since Dwight's come to the club he's played in every game. He's 35 now and it's hard, especially with the games coming up. It's a balancing act."
Sunderland
Sunderland Injury News By Martin Walker
General news:
Defender Clive Clarke has had his loan with Coventry extended. The left-back, who joined Sunderland from West Ham in the summer, joined the Sky Blues for a month, and has had his stay at the Ricoh Arena extended until January.
Stanislav Varga is currently on four yellow cards and will serve a one-match suspension upon his next booking.
Injuries:
Ben Alnwick faces another 10 days out with a shoulder joint problem.
Daryl Murphy has a slight pelvic problem but has a chance to be fit tonight.
Grant Leadbitter has a slight groin problem but also has a chance.
Kenny Cunningham is continuing his rehabilitation from medial knee ligament tear and isn't expected back until after Christmas.
Stephen Wright has started jogging as he continues his rehabilitation from an ankle operation - out until around Christmas.
Sunderland
Sunderland Players out (& In) on Loan
Ten Sunderland players have been loaned out since Roy Keane's arrival as manager. Here they are:
* Rory Delap (Stoke)
Liam Lawrence (Stoke)
Jonathan Stead (Derby)
Tommy Miller (Preston)
Andy Welsh (Leicester)
William Mocquet (Rochdale)
Arnau (Southend)
Kevin Smith (Wrexham)
Clive Clarke (Coventry, pictured)
Neill Collins (Wolves)
Keane has made two loan signings during his time as Sunderland manager, bringing in Lewin Nyatanga from Derby and Marton Fulop from Tottenham.
Stanislav Varga, Graham Kavanagh, David Connolly, Ross Wallace, Dwight Yorke and Liam Miller have all been signed on permanent deals by Keane.
Sunderland Players out on Loan
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - LOOKING AT SUNDERLAND
BLACK CATS
Many viewed it as a huge gamble, but few can deny that Roy Keane's arrival as Sunderland boss has already had a hugely positive impact at the Stadium of Light.
After finding themselves rooted to the foot of the Championship table after four defeats on the bounce at the start of the campaign, hope suddenly springs eternal for the Black Cats under the guidance of the former Manchester United legend.
When Keane took over the reigns from Chairman Niall Quinn in late August, all talk of promotion was put on the backburner, and although their current league position isn't exactly what the doctor ordered, the Black Cats lie just six points off the play-off's.
The 35 year-old's arrival at Sunderland sparked hopes of a new dawn in the North East and it was certainly a honeymoon period to remember for the man who enjoyed such a glittering career as a player under the guise of Sir Alex Ferguson.
Keane's will-to-win and desire seemed to rub off on his Sunderland charges almost instantaneously, as he inspired them to three wins on the spin against West Bromwich Albion, Derby County and Leeds United.
Buoyed by their nine-point haul, promotion talk suddenly began to resurface in the North East, but the honeymoon period was all but over a few days later.
A 1-1 draw with Leicester City was followed by Keane's first defeat in charge of the Black Cats - a heavy 3-1 loss at Portman Road - the home of Ipswich Town.
A timely 1-0 win at home to Sheffield Wednesday briefly stopped the rot, before two further defeats against high-flying Preston (4-1) and Stoke (2-1) again put Keane and his new backroom staff back to square one.
And in truth, it has been a story of inconsistency ever since, with Sunderland picking up 11 points from a possible 21 in their last seven matches....
Last league game: Wolverhampton Wanderers 1, Sunderland 1.
Coca Cola Championship.November 24th 2006.
Sunderland: Ward, Whitehead, Collins, Varga, Nyatanga, Miller (Kavanagh 64), Leadbitter, Yorke (Hysen 46), Wallace (Nosworthy 76), Stephen Elliott, Connolly.
Subs Not Used: Carson, Caldwell....
Superhoopsbet.co.uk match odds:
QPR 6/5 Sunderland 2/1 draw 11/5
Key player: Dwight YORKE
Striker Dwight Yorke (pictured, above) was Roy Keane's first signing as Sunderland manager in August 2006.
The highly-experienced Trinidad and Tobago international striker, who led his nation to the 2006 World Cup Finals in Germany, joined from Australian club Sydney FC, managed by former Black Cats boss Terry Butcher, for a fee of £200,000.
The former Manchester United and Aston Villa star signed a two-year contract at the Stadium of Light.
Head to head:
QPR wins: 10 Sunderland wins: 8 Draws: 6
Last meeting:
Queens Park Rangers 1 (Shittu), Sunderland 3 (Welsh, Brown, Arca).
Football League Championship. April 2nd 2005.
..QPR
Sunderland unbeaten in 3 games and with 1 loss in six games, are equal on points with QPR with 3 away wins; 1 draw and 6 away defeats =
Table
Sunderland Results- Results
Sunderland Official Site
By Nick Alexander
Marton Fulop will be added to Sunderland's squad for their game at QPR tomorrow.
The Hungarian goalkeeper, signed on loan on Thursday, trained with his new team-mates today and is almost certain to be on the bench at Loftus Road.
Spurs man Fulop now faces the task of trying to oust Darren Ward who has been in fine form in recent weeks.
Roy Keane said: "Marton will be involved tomorrow. He understands how well Wardy has been playing and he's aware he'll have to wait for his chance.
"But he seems hungry and ambitious and hopefully when he does get his chance, he'll take it."
Ward was man-of-the-match in Friday's 1-1 draw with Wolves.
He said: "I hope Marton is happy at Sunderland and does well. It will just increase my determination to stay in side, it's just another incentive."
Trevor Carson, who has provided back-up to Ward in recent weeks, is unavailable because of a family bereavement. Ben Alnwick is still sidelined with a shoulder injury.
Meanwhile, Keane has revealed that Chris Brown missed Friday night's game at Wolves after spraining his ankle in training the day before the game.
Brown is unlikely to feature at QPR and Daryl Murphy is also a doubt, though he returned to training today after recovering from a pelvic problem.
Keane said: "We lacked a physical presence in the game on Friday. Browny went over on his ankle the day before and Murphy was out.
"I don't think Browny has a chance for QPR, there's been a lot of swelling and bruising there. Hopefully Murphy will train today and we'll see, we need that physical threat."
Dwight Yorke was substituted at half-time at Molineux and could be taken out of the firing line at QPR.
Keane said: "Dwight was under the weather, but he wouldn't use that as an excuse, he gave away one or two sloppy passes.
"Since Dwight's come to the club he's played in every game. He's 35 now and it's hard, especially with the games coming up. It's a balancing act."
Sunderland
Sunderland Injury News By Martin Walker
General news:
Defender Clive Clarke has had his loan with Coventry extended. The left-back, who joined Sunderland from West Ham in the summer, joined the Sky Blues for a month, and has had his stay at the Ricoh Arena extended until January.
Stanislav Varga is currently on four yellow cards and will serve a one-match suspension upon his next booking.
Injuries:
Ben Alnwick faces another 10 days out with a shoulder joint problem.
Daryl Murphy has a slight pelvic problem but has a chance to be fit tonight.
Grant Leadbitter has a slight groin problem but also has a chance.
Kenny Cunningham is continuing his rehabilitation from medial knee ligament tear and isn't expected back until after Christmas.
Stephen Wright has started jogging as he continues his rehabilitation from an ankle operation - out until around Christmas.
Sunderland
Sunderland Players out (& In) on Loan
Ten Sunderland players have been loaned out since Roy Keane's arrival as manager. Here they are:
* Rory Delap (Stoke)
Liam Lawrence (Stoke)
Jonathan Stead (Derby)
Tommy Miller (Preston)
Andy Welsh (Leicester)
William Mocquet (Rochdale)
Arnau (Southend)
Kevin Smith (Wrexham)
Clive Clarke (Coventry, pictured)
Neill Collins (Wolves)
Keane has made two loan signings during his time as Sunderland manager, bringing in Lewin Nyatanga from Derby and Marton Fulop from Tottenham.
Stanislav Varga, Graham Kavanagh, David Connolly, Ross Wallace, Dwight Yorke and Liam Miller have all been signed on permanent deals by Keane.
Sunderland Players out on Loan
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - LOOKING AT SUNDERLAND
BLACK CATS
Many viewed it as a huge gamble, but few can deny that Roy Keane's arrival as Sunderland boss has already had a hugely positive impact at the Stadium of Light.
After finding themselves rooted to the foot of the Championship table after four defeats on the bounce at the start of the campaign, hope suddenly springs eternal for the Black Cats under the guidance of the former Manchester United legend.
When Keane took over the reigns from Chairman Niall Quinn in late August, all talk of promotion was put on the backburner, and although their current league position isn't exactly what the doctor ordered, the Black Cats lie just six points off the play-off's.
The 35 year-old's arrival at Sunderland sparked hopes of a new dawn in the North East and it was certainly a honeymoon period to remember for the man who enjoyed such a glittering career as a player under the guise of Sir Alex Ferguson.
Keane's will-to-win and desire seemed to rub off on his Sunderland charges almost instantaneously, as he inspired them to three wins on the spin against West Bromwich Albion, Derby County and Leeds United.
Buoyed by their nine-point haul, promotion talk suddenly began to resurface in the North East, but the honeymoon period was all but over a few days later.
A 1-1 draw with Leicester City was followed by Keane's first defeat in charge of the Black Cats - a heavy 3-1 loss at Portman Road - the home of Ipswich Town.
A timely 1-0 win at home to Sheffield Wednesday briefly stopped the rot, before two further defeats against high-flying Preston (4-1) and Stoke (2-1) again put Keane and his new backroom staff back to square one.
And in truth, it has been a story of inconsistency ever since, with Sunderland picking up 11 points from a possible 21 in their last seven matches....
Last league game: Wolverhampton Wanderers 1, Sunderland 1.
Coca Cola Championship.November 24th 2006.
Sunderland: Ward, Whitehead, Collins, Varga, Nyatanga, Miller (Kavanagh 64), Leadbitter, Yorke (Hysen 46), Wallace (Nosworthy 76), Stephen Elliott, Connolly.
Subs Not Used: Carson, Caldwell....
Superhoopsbet.co.uk match odds:
QPR 6/5 Sunderland 2/1 draw 11/5
Key player: Dwight YORKE
Striker Dwight Yorke (pictured, above) was Roy Keane's first signing as Sunderland manager in August 2006.
The highly-experienced Trinidad and Tobago international striker, who led his nation to the 2006 World Cup Finals in Germany, joined from Australian club Sydney FC, managed by former Black Cats boss Terry Butcher, for a fee of £200,000.
The former Manchester United and Aston Villa star signed a two-year contract at the Stadium of Light.
Head to head:
QPR wins: 10 Sunderland wins: 8 Draws: 6
Last meeting:
Queens Park Rangers 1 (Shittu), Sunderland 3 (Welsh, Brown, Arca).
Football League Championship. April 2nd 2005.
..QPR
Looking Back A Decade: John Spencer Joins QPR
-
November 1996: Ten Years since John Spencer - and Gavin Peacock - joined QPR.
Stuart Houston made Spencer his first signing when he paid Chelsea almost 2.5 million pounds. Ex-QPR forward/midfielder Peacock joined from Chelsea, initially on a month loan; then QPR paid almost one million pounds.
November 23: Spencer and Peacock made their QPR debuts in the 2-1 loss at Reading (Spencer of course scoring)
QPR Team vs Reading: Roberts, Brevitt, McDonald, Ready, Maddix, Sinclair, Barker, Peacock, Impey, Charles, Spencer- Sub: Dichio
[Spencer ended the season with 18 goals in 29 games and was player of the year. After that initial season, things went rather less well and Spencer moved on to Everton.]
Reading vs QPR Match Report: Report
November 1996: Ten Years since John Spencer - and Gavin Peacock - joined QPR.
Stuart Houston made Spencer his first signing when he paid Chelsea almost 2.5 million pounds. Ex-QPR forward/midfielder Peacock joined from Chelsea, initially on a month loan; then QPR paid almost one million pounds.
November 23: Spencer and Peacock made their QPR debuts in the 2-1 loss at Reading (Spencer of course scoring)
QPR Team vs Reading: Roberts, Brevitt, McDonald, Ready, Maddix, Sinclair, Barker, Peacock, Impey, Charles, Spencer- Sub: Dichio
[Spencer ended the season with 18 goals in 29 games and was player of the year. After that initial season, things went rather less well and Spencer moved on to Everton.]
Reading vs QPR Match Report: Report
Further QPR vs Coventry Reports & Focus on Lee Cook
-
The Times November 27, 2006 - Bill Edgar
Coventry owe Tabb hefty debt - Queens Park Rangers 0 Coventry City 1
As a Southend United striker, Stan Collymore would habitually drop back to collect the ball on the halfway line and run straight for goal, evading two or three challenges before unleashing a powerful shot. Now and again, a player emerges in the lower divisions who is superior to those around him and, on this evidence, Lee Cook is the latest example. The recent revelation that Manchester United were interested in the Queens Park Rangers winger was a surprise if only because, at 24, he is neither a promising teenager nor an international player, the two categories of player to which the leading clubs usually restrict themselves in the transfer market.
An Englishman capped at neither senior nor under-21 level, Cook arrived at Loftus Road on a free transfer from Watford two years ago. Initially, he did not stand out, but he appears to have stepped up a level and his nine assists this season are the most in the Championship. He would have added two or three more against Coventry City had his team-mates finished off his fine approach work. Able to beat opponents with ease, he can pick out a pass in a tight corner and deliver accurate crosses.
According to John Gregory, the QPR manager, too much reliance on Cook spoilt the broth on Saturday. “Lee Cook was outstanding, but a lot of the players seemed to be looking at him and saying, ‘Get us out of jail, Cooky,’ ” he said.
Cook was unable to lead QPR through the prison gates, but at least the home fans had the fix of entertainment with which they have become accustomed since Gregory took charge in mid-September. Five of the team’s previous eight matches had featured at least five goals and this open encounter would have been a sixth such occasion, but for some hesitancy in front of goal from both teams.
Gregory, whose departure from Aston Villa five years ago sparked their decline under Graham Taylor and David O’Leary, has revived fortunes at QPR. He has lifted the team from bottom of the standings to mid-table and he saw the positives of this defeat after three successive victories. “It will do us good because it will get our feet back on the ground,” he said.
Mixing with West Ham United and Fulham fans on an Underground train before the match ensured that the Coventry players had their feet on the ground. They had been forced to take the Tube because their team bus was stuck in traffic and unable to reach them, but the upheaval of arriving at Loftus Road 40 minutes before kick-off did not affect them as they made a storming start and achieved a deserved win.
“We were told that the bus was stuck in traffic, so we decided to get on the Tube,” Micky Adams, the Coventry manager, said. “We bought 23 single tickets and none of the fans could believe their eyes when they saw us. We took a bit of stick from West Ham fans and Fulham fans, but our unsung hero was Jay Tabb (a West London expert as a former Brentford player). He knew we had to change at Hammersmith and then go to Shepherd’s Bush. Everyone talks about preparation, but this proves it is a load of nonsense.”
Dele Adebola turned Zesh Rehman to score the only goal shortly after half-time to leave Cook unrewarded. However, a move to the Premiership in the January transfer window may be his long-term reward.
Queens Park Rangers (4-4-2): S Royce — M Mancienne, Z Rehman, D Stewart, M Bignot — N Ward, J Smith, S Bailey (sub: M Rowlands, 56min), L Cook — D Blackstock (sub: R Jones, 44), M Nygaard (sub: K Gallen, 55). Substitutes not used: S Thomas, M Milanese. Booked: Ward. FORM LWWWDD NEXT Sunderland (h)
Coventry City (4-4-2): A Marshall — R Duffy, R Page, E Ward, M Hall — C Cameron, M Doyle, C Clarke, D Currie (sub: K Kyle, 84) — D Adebola, L McKenzie. Substitutes not used: R Gonzalez-Robles, C Birchall, M Bischoff, J Tabb. Booked: Duffy, Hall, Kyle. FORM WWLLLW
NEXT Preston North End (a)
The Times
Telegraph/Richard Bright - Queens Park Rangers (0) 0 Coventry City (0) 1
...Rangers manager John Gregory accused his team of relying too much on winger Lee Cook as they slipped to their first defeat in six matches.
Telegraph
The Sun - QPR 0 Coventry 1
COVENTRY players had a Saturday afternoon in West London they will not forget in a hurry.
They had to get to Loftus Road by TUBE before winning to scupper QPR’s hopes of a fourth straight league win.
As Sky Blues forward Leon McKenzie explained: “When the time came to pick us up from the hotel the team bus was stuck in traffic.
“The decision had to be taken whether we wait and be really late or get the tube.
“A couple of fans were asking what we were doing on the train but we got no hassle.”
The whole squad arrived at Hammersmith tube station and walked to the ground with Jay Tabb out in front leading the way as he was the only one who knew the route to Loftus Road.
McKenzie added: “I recorded a little bit of the gaffer on my mobile phone — a few of the lads did while he was buying 23 train tickets to get to QPR.
“I am thinking about what to do with that clip!”
It may not have been the ideal preparation but Coventry were good value for the three points. Dele Adebola surged into the area to fire a powerful shot past keeper Simon Royce in the 48th minute for the only goal of the game.
Coventry could have gone further ahead but Darren Currie and then Leon McKenzie with a fine diving header both missed.
QPR were thwarted by keeper Andy Marshall, who did well to save Kevin Gallen’s header.
McKenzie said: “QPR have been on fire but I thought we were the better side.
“When Dele’s been asked to start, he’s done all right.”
In fact Adebola had been linked with a loan move to Leeds United, but Coventry boss Micky Adams has said he is going nowhere.
McKenzie said: “When things like that happen you can be a little bit unsettled. But you tend to work that little bit harder and I think that’s what he’s done.”
For QPR, the concern has been the lack of clean sheets — with manager John Gregory admitting he is short of defenders.
Sun
The Times November 27, 2006 - Bill Edgar
Coventry owe Tabb hefty debt - Queens Park Rangers 0 Coventry City 1
As a Southend United striker, Stan Collymore would habitually drop back to collect the ball on the halfway line and run straight for goal, evading two or three challenges before unleashing a powerful shot. Now and again, a player emerges in the lower divisions who is superior to those around him and, on this evidence, Lee Cook is the latest example. The recent revelation that Manchester United were interested in the Queens Park Rangers winger was a surprise if only because, at 24, he is neither a promising teenager nor an international player, the two categories of player to which the leading clubs usually restrict themselves in the transfer market.
An Englishman capped at neither senior nor under-21 level, Cook arrived at Loftus Road on a free transfer from Watford two years ago. Initially, he did not stand out, but he appears to have stepped up a level and his nine assists this season are the most in the Championship. He would have added two or three more against Coventry City had his team-mates finished off his fine approach work. Able to beat opponents with ease, he can pick out a pass in a tight corner and deliver accurate crosses.
According to John Gregory, the QPR manager, too much reliance on Cook spoilt the broth on Saturday. “Lee Cook was outstanding, but a lot of the players seemed to be looking at him and saying, ‘Get us out of jail, Cooky,’ ” he said.
Cook was unable to lead QPR through the prison gates, but at least the home fans had the fix of entertainment with which they have become accustomed since Gregory took charge in mid-September. Five of the team’s previous eight matches had featured at least five goals and this open encounter would have been a sixth such occasion, but for some hesitancy in front of goal from both teams.
Gregory, whose departure from Aston Villa five years ago sparked their decline under Graham Taylor and David O’Leary, has revived fortunes at QPR. He has lifted the team from bottom of the standings to mid-table and he saw the positives of this defeat after three successive victories. “It will do us good because it will get our feet back on the ground,” he said.
Mixing with West Ham United and Fulham fans on an Underground train before the match ensured that the Coventry players had their feet on the ground. They had been forced to take the Tube because their team bus was stuck in traffic and unable to reach them, but the upheaval of arriving at Loftus Road 40 minutes before kick-off did not affect them as they made a storming start and achieved a deserved win.
“We were told that the bus was stuck in traffic, so we decided to get on the Tube,” Micky Adams, the Coventry manager, said. “We bought 23 single tickets and none of the fans could believe their eyes when they saw us. We took a bit of stick from West Ham fans and Fulham fans, but our unsung hero was Jay Tabb (a West London expert as a former Brentford player). He knew we had to change at Hammersmith and then go to Shepherd’s Bush. Everyone talks about preparation, but this proves it is a load of nonsense.”
Dele Adebola turned Zesh Rehman to score the only goal shortly after half-time to leave Cook unrewarded. However, a move to the Premiership in the January transfer window may be his long-term reward.
Queens Park Rangers (4-4-2): S Royce — M Mancienne, Z Rehman, D Stewart, M Bignot — N Ward, J Smith, S Bailey (sub: M Rowlands, 56min), L Cook — D Blackstock (sub: R Jones, 44), M Nygaard (sub: K Gallen, 55). Substitutes not used: S Thomas, M Milanese. Booked: Ward. FORM LWWWDD NEXT Sunderland (h)
Coventry City (4-4-2): A Marshall — R Duffy, R Page, E Ward, M Hall — C Cameron, M Doyle, C Clarke, D Currie (sub: K Kyle, 84) — D Adebola, L McKenzie. Substitutes not used: R Gonzalez-Robles, C Birchall, M Bischoff, J Tabb. Booked: Duffy, Hall, Kyle. FORM WWLLLW
NEXT Preston North End (a)
The Times
Telegraph/Richard Bright - Queens Park Rangers (0) 0 Coventry City (0) 1
...Rangers manager John Gregory accused his team of relying too much on winger Lee Cook as they slipped to their first defeat in six matches.
Telegraph
The Sun - QPR 0 Coventry 1
COVENTRY players had a Saturday afternoon in West London they will not forget in a hurry.
They had to get to Loftus Road by TUBE before winning to scupper QPR’s hopes of a fourth straight league win.
As Sky Blues forward Leon McKenzie explained: “When the time came to pick us up from the hotel the team bus was stuck in traffic.
“The decision had to be taken whether we wait and be really late or get the tube.
“A couple of fans were asking what we were doing on the train but we got no hassle.”
The whole squad arrived at Hammersmith tube station and walked to the ground with Jay Tabb out in front leading the way as he was the only one who knew the route to Loftus Road.
McKenzie added: “I recorded a little bit of the gaffer on my mobile phone — a few of the lads did while he was buying 23 train tickets to get to QPR.
“I am thinking about what to do with that clip!”
It may not have been the ideal preparation but Coventry were good value for the three points. Dele Adebola surged into the area to fire a powerful shot past keeper Simon Royce in the 48th minute for the only goal of the game.
Coventry could have gone further ahead but Darren Currie and then Leon McKenzie with a fine diving header both missed.
QPR were thwarted by keeper Andy Marshall, who did well to save Kevin Gallen’s header.
McKenzie said: “QPR have been on fire but I thought we were the better side.
“When Dele’s been asked to start, he’s done all right.”
In fact Adebola had been linked with a loan move to Leeds United, but Coventry boss Micky Adams has said he is going nowhere.
McKenzie said: “When things like that happen you can be a little bit unsettled. But you tend to work that little bit harder and I think that’s what he’s done.”
For QPR, the concern has been the lack of clean sheets — with manager John Gregory admitting he is short of defenders.
Sun
Sunday, November 26, 2006
QPR's Week in Perspective: From High to Low With Queries
-
A week which began on a high and ended on a low with once again some off the field queries.
Last Saturday began with the euphoria of QPR's Friday night televized victory over Cardiff with Jones scoring a late, late goal. Cardiff Win
Tuesday: There's a QPR player in the Championship "Team of the Week." - But not "the usual" Rowlands or Cook or Smith. Zesham Rehman.
Wednesday: QPR Reserves played Millwall Reserves at Loftus Road. The puzzlement was that playing for QPR was someone called Ukah. The only person called Ukah who QPR people are familiar with is Ugo Ukah who was released from the club in May. QPR Departure Announcement
Thursday: the Loan Transfer Window Closed, with no new players arriving at QPR and no additional players moving on (unless Steffan Moore unannounced return to Port Vale counts as a move)
- And at Plymouth, Tim Breacker finally gets released by QPR after nearly 300 days of Gardening Leave. Breacker
- QPR win the F&C Investements "performance of the week" for their win at Cardiff. Award
Friday: Tim Breaker speaks to the press about QPR, Gardening Leave, Holloway and Plymouth. Breacker Talks
More than a week after his announced departure, Exited Chief Operating Officer, Graham Mackrell finally is removed from the online staff page (coincidentally, a couple of hours after his remaining listed was noted on this blog) Mackrell.
Saturday: On the field, QPR's 1-0 loss to Coventry. Coventry's Win
- And on the programme, Ugo Ukah listed as #40 (although NOT listed on the onsite See Ukahlist of First Team Squad.
- The latest issue of the AKUTRS comes out - without Paladini's response yet provided.
- And in a completely different realm: Off the field, a statement on the official site that four QPR youth players helping the police with their inquiries - QPR Statement.
Sunday: Just post-match regrets; concern about what possibly happened vis-a-vis these four QPR youth; and an as yet unanswered query about why Ugo Ukah is seemingly back at Loftus Road. And continued press "rumours" about various clubs being interested in Lee Cook.
A week which began on a high and ended on a low with once again some off the field queries.
Last Saturday began with the euphoria of QPR's Friday night televized victory over Cardiff with Jones scoring a late, late goal. Cardiff Win
Tuesday: There's a QPR player in the Championship "Team of the Week." - But not "the usual" Rowlands or Cook or Smith. Zesham Rehman.
Wednesday: QPR Reserves played Millwall Reserves at Loftus Road. The puzzlement was that playing for QPR was someone called Ukah. The only person called Ukah who QPR people are familiar with is Ugo Ukah who was released from the club in May. QPR Departure Announcement
Thursday: the Loan Transfer Window Closed, with no new players arriving at QPR and no additional players moving on (unless Steffan Moore unannounced return to Port Vale counts as a move)
- And at Plymouth, Tim Breacker finally gets released by QPR after nearly 300 days of Gardening Leave. Breacker
- QPR win the F&C Investements "performance of the week" for their win at Cardiff. Award
Friday: Tim Breaker speaks to the press about QPR, Gardening Leave, Holloway and Plymouth. Breacker Talks
More than a week after his announced departure, Exited Chief Operating Officer, Graham Mackrell finally is removed from the online staff page (coincidentally, a couple of hours after his remaining listed was noted on this blog) Mackrell.
Saturday: On the field, QPR's 1-0 loss to Coventry. Coventry's Win
- And on the programme, Ugo Ukah listed as #40 (although NOT listed on the onsite See Ukahlist of First Team Squad.
- The latest issue of the AKUTRS comes out - without Paladini's response yet provided.
- And in a completely different realm: Off the field, a statement on the official site that four QPR youth players helping the police with their inquiries - QPR Statement.
Sunday: Just post-match regrets; concern about what possibly happened vis-a-vis these four QPR youth; and an as yet unanswered query about why Ugo Ukah is seemingly back at Loftus Road. And continued press "rumours" about various clubs being interested in Lee Cook.
Stefan Moore's at Port Vale
-
Neither QPR nor Port Vale's official sites ever announced that Stefan Moore had returned to QPR. And neither announced he had return to Port Vale. That was just stories in the press.
But whatever did or did not occur: As of yesterday, Stefan Moore was at Port Vale. Moore played for Port Vale yesterday, coming on as an 82nd minute sub. Port Vale
See for example, Sky Sports November 1 "Moore to return to QPR"
Port Vale have opted against extending Queens Park Rangers striker Stefan Moore's loan for a third month. Moore has been at Vale Park for the past two months and has scored one goal in nine appearances.
The League One side had the option of keeping the 23-year-old for a further four weeks, with clubs allowed to loan players for three months prior to the transfer window. But, with Moore now due to face a fortnight on the sidelines with an ankle injury, Vale boss Martin Foyle feels it is more prudent to allow the forward to return to Loftus Road. "Stefan has to prove his fitness," Foyle told The Sentinel.
"He is suffering from deep bone bruising, but we will push him hard.
"But if in another two weeks he was no better, then there would be no point taking him then. "We will have to wait and see on that one."
Sky
Neither QPR nor Port Vale's official sites ever announced that Stefan Moore had returned to QPR. And neither announced he had return to Port Vale. That was just stories in the press.
But whatever did or did not occur: As of yesterday, Stefan Moore was at Port Vale. Moore played for Port Vale yesterday, coming on as an 82nd minute sub. Port Vale
See for example, Sky Sports November 1 "Moore to return to QPR"
Port Vale have opted against extending Queens Park Rangers striker Stefan Moore's loan for a third month. Moore has been at Vale Park for the past two months and has scored one goal in nine appearances.
The League One side had the option of keeping the 23-year-old for a further four weeks, with clubs allowed to loan players for three months prior to the transfer window. But, with Moore now due to face a fortnight on the sidelines with an ankle injury, Vale boss Martin Foyle feels it is more prudent to allow the forward to return to Loftus Road. "Stefan has to prove his fitness," Foyle told The Sentinel.
"He is suffering from deep bone bruising, but we will push him hard.
"But if in another two weeks he was no better, then there would be no point taking him then. "We will have to wait and see on that one."
Sky
Ugo Ukah & QPR
-
[See also re Ugo Ukah - Uhah's Puzzling Return
Ugo Ukah's QPR Timeline
August 2005, Ukah Plays for QPR on trial in Ibiza Tournament
July 20, 2005 - Ukah Signs for QPR on a free, apparently from the Italian club, Pro Vasta
January 2006: Holloway announces Ukah leaving
April 2006: Ukah one of the players Waddock announces is being released.
May 2006: QPR Announce Ukah's has gone to Italy.
November 2006: Ukah's name suddenly pops up as playing for QPR Reserves
November 25, 2006 - Ukah's name listed on the back of the QPR Programme, with the #40 shirt. (Official Site list of players does NOT currently list Ukah - Playing Squad)
BBC July 20, 2005 - QPR swoop for Nigerian defender
QPR have signed Nigerian defender Ugo Ukah on a three-year contract following a successful trial. Ukah, 21, played in Rangers' recent victory in the pre-season Copa de Ibiza tournament, and impressed boss Ian Holloway enough to earn a deal.
"Every day in training I give my all to improve, and Ian Holloway seems to like that," Ukah told the club's website. "I enjoyed my time in Ibiza, and to play in the final against Coventry there was amazing." BBC
QPR Official Site 2005-2006 Season
Name: Ugo Ukah
Nationality: Nigerian
Date of Birth: 18/01/1984
Height: 6' 0" (183cm)
Weight: 12st 11lbs (81.26kg)
Previous Clubs: QPR
QPR completed the signing of Ugo Ukah on a three year deal after a successful trial with the club.
Despite a series of promising outings for the Reserves, Ukah - who can play in the centre of defence or at right back - has failed to make the breakthrough to first team level and was placed on the transfer list by Gary Waddock in April 2006.
-QPR
BBC - Janaury 4, 2006 Ukah going as Holloway wields axe
An attempted clear-out is imminent at Loftus Road
Defender Ugo Ukah has been told he can leave Queens Park Rangers.
The Nigerian has made just two first-team appearances since being brought to the club by chairman Gianni Paladini last summer.
Manager Ian Holloway is set to tell at least four other players they are not in his plans and should move on.
"Some lads haven't done it for me. I've told Ugo that he can go and I'll be telling others the same. We need to move forward," said Holloway.
"I want to add to the squad. If I can't buy anyone I'll at least look to bring people in on loan."
BBC
April 28, 2006 - QPR Official Site Players Released
Today, following talks with Gary Waddock, several players have been released from Queens Park Rangers.
Those who still have contracts outstanding will be placed on the transfer list and those who have come to the end of their deals will be released.
Georges Santos, Richard Langley, Sammy Youssouf, Marcin Kus, Ryan Johnson and Luke Townsend will not be offered new deals by the club.
Stefan Moore, Tommy Doherty, Ian Evatt, Ugo Ukah, Marcus Bignot, Steve Lomas, Matthew Hislop and Marc Bircham will all be placed on the transfer list....
Official Site
May 22, 2006: QPR Official Site on Ukah Departures "GO A GO-GO
The Club can confirm that Ugo Ukah has today joined Italian outfit Nourese Calcio on a free transfer.
Ukah, who made just two appearances for the R's, has signed a three year contract with the Serie C2 side.
Chairman Gianni Paladini confirmed the news to qpr.co.uk: "We've negotiated a fifty per-cent sell-on clause and we wish him all the best.''
The Nigerian defender, who joined the club in the summer of 2005, figured in back-to-back 3-0 defeats against Coventry City and Northampton Town in August.
QPR Departure
SPORTING LIFE - ITALIAN JOB FOR UKAH
Defender Ugo Ukah has joined Italian side Nourese Calcio after failing to make an impact at QPR.
Nigerian-born Ukah, lured to Loftus Road last summer, has penned a three-year deal with the Serie C2 side after making just two appearances for Rangers.
SPorting Life
SIGNING FOR QPR
July 21, 2005 Football: QPR contract for Ukah after trial
Independent, The (London), Jul 21, 2005
The Nigerian defender Ugo Ukah has signed a three-year deal with Queen's Park Rangers following a trial spell. The 21-year-old, who played for Italian club Reggina last season, was involved in Rangers' victory in the Copa de Ibiza, and impressed the manager Ian Holloway enough to be given a contract. 'Every day in training I give my all to improve, and Ian Holloway seems to like that,' Ukah said.
Independent
EARLIER
SkySports Olly wants assurances
By Alex Dunn - Created on 14 Sep 2005
Queens Park Rangers boss Ian Holloway is to seek assurances from the club's hierarchy before putting pen-to-paper on a new five-year deal....
The popular chief is unhappy that some of the players brought into the club in the summer were not those hand picked by himself..."In the summer there were three players (believed to be Mauro Milanese, Ugo Ukah and Marc Nygaard) signed who I don't know much about - and that can't be right. "I will back my judgement (of players) all day long, and I don't need people telling me what to do....
Sky
THINGS SAID RE UGO UKAH
November/ 2005 QPR Board Q&A with Paladini
Q: What is the truth behind the stories that you signed players over the head of Holloway?
A:My background is an agent and I know many players. We couldn't afford many players in England so we looked abroad. I brought over Milanese, Nygaard and Ukah. Ian Holloway was able to look at them before they were signed.
Q&A
Dave's Queens Park Rangers Site- 32. Ugo Ukah
"... The deal came about after Ukah's previous club Reggina ran into financial problems in Italy. Ukah was ironically sharing a room with Dan Shittu on a Nigerian tour of London when he got the call from Gianni Paladini to join QPR on trial, which he gratefully accepted. Paladini had become aware of the 21 year old after he impressed in an under 21 tournament in Italy and Rangers beat off competition from several Italian clubs including Parma to get their man..."
- Dave's Queens Park Rangers
Note: Soccerbase currently Lists Ukah as being at Nourese Calcio - Ukah
[See also re Ugo Ukah - Uhah's Puzzling Return
Ugo Ukah's QPR Timeline
August 2005, Ukah Plays for QPR on trial in Ibiza Tournament
July 20, 2005 - Ukah Signs for QPR on a free, apparently from the Italian club, Pro Vasta
January 2006: Holloway announces Ukah leaving
April 2006: Ukah one of the players Waddock announces is being released.
May 2006: QPR Announce Ukah's has gone to Italy.
November 2006: Ukah's name suddenly pops up as playing for QPR Reserves
November 25, 2006 - Ukah's name listed on the back of the QPR Programme, with the #40 shirt. (Official Site list of players does NOT currently list Ukah - Playing Squad)
BBC July 20, 2005 - QPR swoop for Nigerian defender
QPR have signed Nigerian defender Ugo Ukah on a three-year contract following a successful trial. Ukah, 21, played in Rangers' recent victory in the pre-season Copa de Ibiza tournament, and impressed boss Ian Holloway enough to earn a deal.
"Every day in training I give my all to improve, and Ian Holloway seems to like that," Ukah told the club's website. "I enjoyed my time in Ibiza, and to play in the final against Coventry there was amazing." BBC
QPR Official Site 2005-2006 Season
Name: Ugo Ukah
Nationality: Nigerian
Date of Birth: 18/01/1984
Height: 6' 0" (183cm)
Weight: 12st 11lbs (81.26kg)
Previous Clubs: QPR
QPR completed the signing of Ugo Ukah on a three year deal after a successful trial with the club.
Despite a series of promising outings for the Reserves, Ukah - who can play in the centre of defence or at right back - has failed to make the breakthrough to first team level and was placed on the transfer list by Gary Waddock in April 2006.
-QPR
BBC - Janaury 4, 2006 Ukah going as Holloway wields axe
An attempted clear-out is imminent at Loftus Road
Defender Ugo Ukah has been told he can leave Queens Park Rangers.
The Nigerian has made just two first-team appearances since being brought to the club by chairman Gianni Paladini last summer.
Manager Ian Holloway is set to tell at least four other players they are not in his plans and should move on.
"Some lads haven't done it for me. I've told Ugo that he can go and I'll be telling others the same. We need to move forward," said Holloway.
"I want to add to the squad. If I can't buy anyone I'll at least look to bring people in on loan."
BBC
April 28, 2006 - QPR Official Site Players Released
Today, following talks with Gary Waddock, several players have been released from Queens Park Rangers.
Those who still have contracts outstanding will be placed on the transfer list and those who have come to the end of their deals will be released.
Georges Santos, Richard Langley, Sammy Youssouf, Marcin Kus, Ryan Johnson and Luke Townsend will not be offered new deals by the club.
Stefan Moore, Tommy Doherty, Ian Evatt, Ugo Ukah, Marcus Bignot, Steve Lomas, Matthew Hislop and Marc Bircham will all be placed on the transfer list....
Official Site
May 22, 2006: QPR Official Site on Ukah Departures "GO A GO-GO
The Club can confirm that Ugo Ukah has today joined Italian outfit Nourese Calcio on a free transfer.
Ukah, who made just two appearances for the R's, has signed a three year contract with the Serie C2 side.
Chairman Gianni Paladini confirmed the news to qpr.co.uk: "We've negotiated a fifty per-cent sell-on clause and we wish him all the best.''
The Nigerian defender, who joined the club in the summer of 2005, figured in back-to-back 3-0 defeats against Coventry City and Northampton Town in August.
QPR Departure
SPORTING LIFE - ITALIAN JOB FOR UKAH
Defender Ugo Ukah has joined Italian side Nourese Calcio after failing to make an impact at QPR.
Nigerian-born Ukah, lured to Loftus Road last summer, has penned a three-year deal with the Serie C2 side after making just two appearances for Rangers.
SPorting Life
SIGNING FOR QPR
July 21, 2005 Football: QPR contract for Ukah after trial
Independent, The (London), Jul 21, 2005
The Nigerian defender Ugo Ukah has signed a three-year deal with Queen's Park Rangers following a trial spell. The 21-year-old, who played for Italian club Reggina last season, was involved in Rangers' victory in the Copa de Ibiza, and impressed the manager Ian Holloway enough to be given a contract. 'Every day in training I give my all to improve, and Ian Holloway seems to like that,' Ukah said.
Independent
EARLIER
SkySports Olly wants assurances
By Alex Dunn - Created on 14 Sep 2005
Queens Park Rangers boss Ian Holloway is to seek assurances from the club's hierarchy before putting pen-to-paper on a new five-year deal....
The popular chief is unhappy that some of the players brought into the club in the summer were not those hand picked by himself..."In the summer there were three players (believed to be Mauro Milanese, Ugo Ukah and Marc Nygaard) signed who I don't know much about - and that can't be right. "I will back my judgement (of players) all day long, and I don't need people telling me what to do....
Sky
THINGS SAID RE UGO UKAH
November/ 2005 QPR Board Q&A with Paladini
Q: What is the truth behind the stories that you signed players over the head of Holloway?
A:My background is an agent and I know many players. We couldn't afford many players in England so we looked abroad. I brought over Milanese, Nygaard and Ukah. Ian Holloway was able to look at them before they were signed.
Q&A
Dave's Queens Park Rangers Site- 32. Ugo Ukah
"... The deal came about after Ukah's previous club Reggina ran into financial problems in Italy. Ukah was ironically sharing a room with Dan Shittu on a Nigerian tour of London when he got the call from Gianni Paladini to join QPR on trial, which he gratefully accepted. Paladini had become aware of the 21 year old after he impressed in an under 21 tournament in Italy and Rangers beat off competition from several Italian clubs including Parma to get their man..."
- Dave's Queens Park Rangers
Note: Soccerbase currently Lists Ukah as being at Nourese Calcio - Ukah
Vauxhall Motors: The Replay! Four Years Ago Today
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Vauxhall Motors - Need say no more!
Four years ago today! To fail to beat a non-league team at home in the cup, is not unique. But to be given a second bite of the apple; a replay at home...and still fail. Perhaps THE most embarassing cup defeat in QPR History (and there have been a number of embarassing defeats.) QPR Manager Ian Holloway called it "the worst day I've ever had in the office."
And this was the QPR team that did it (or failed to do it)
Digby, Forbes, Carlisle, Palmer, Padula, Burgess, Bircham, Langley, Williams, Thomson, Furlong. Subs: Culkin, Connolly, Murphy, Oli, Daly.
BBC - Tuesday, 26 November, 2002, -Vauxhall Motors stun QPR
QPR 1-1 Vauxhall Motors (aet)(Vauxhall won 4-3 on penalties)
Vauxhall Motors caused the upset of the FA Cup first round as they dumped out Second Division QPR on penalties at Loftus Road.
The Unibond League outfit thoroughly deserved their victory and should have won in normal time.
But it was left to goalkeeper Andy Ralph to save from Paul Furlong in the shootout before Karl Connolly's miss sent the part-timers through 4-3.
There did not look to be an upset on the cards when Andy Thomson shot QPR ahead after 18 minutes.
But when Vauxhall skipper Phil Brazier levelled four minutes later the game swung towards the part-timers.
They were denied four times in the first half after superb efforts by Terry Fearns, Robbie Lawton, Peter Cumiskey and Nicky Young as they dominated their opponents.
QPR hit back after the break as the non-League side tired. But Thomson, Clarke Carlisle and Connolly all missed chances as the game went first into extra time and then to penalties.
Vauxhall earned a second-round tie at Macclesfield with successful kicks from Cumiskey, Fearns, Carl Nesbitt and Kevin Lynch, and were given a standing ovation at the end.
QPR: Digby, Forbes, Carlisle, Palmer, Padula, Burgess, Bircham, Langley, Williams, Thomson, Furlong. Subs: Culkin, Connolly, Murphy, Oli, Daly.
Vauxhall Motors: Ralph, Lawton, Brazier, Collins, McDermott, Nesbitt, Aspinall, Haddrell, Cumiskey, Fearns, Young. Subs: Hogg, Thompson, Lynch, Derek Ward, Welton.
Referee: S Tomlin (E Sussex).
BBC
Guardian - QPR caught in Vauxhall spotlights
Matthew Hancock at Loftus Road Wednesday November 27, 2002
This was not meant to happen. Vauxhall Motors of the Unibond Premier League humiliated Second Division Queens Park Rangers by knocking them out of the Cup on penalties after two matches and 210 minutes of competition had failed to find a winner.
In surmounting the three- division gap between the sides Vauxhall found a hero in their 19-year-old goalkeeper Andy Ralph, who flung himself to his right to save Paul Furlong's opening spot-kick for Rangers.
Then, after seven successful penalties, the pressure was on Karl Connolly to score. He side-footed wide and the small band of supporters who had travelled down from the Wirral received their reward.
Not only had they achieved one of the great first-round upsets but they had banked £120,000 and TV bonuses as their second-round match at Macclesfield on Saturday week will be shown live on Sky.
"We fully deserved victory; it's an historic day for the club and tremendous publicity for us," said Tony Woodley, Vauxhall's chairman, who was also the club's first manager when it was formed in 1963. "It gives us extra finance to grow and build the club."
Any ambitions, however realistic, to join the Conference can wait for another day. Vauxhall will dwell on their biggest night for a while.
They were the true Cup underdogs, grittily fighting back after Andy Thomson put Rangers ahead in the 18th minute. But they equalised four minutes later. Peter Cumiskey sent in a cross that allowed Robbie Lawton to feed his captain Phil Brazier, who in turn slammed the ball into the net.
Rangers could have won the match in the second half and should have won in extra-time as the non-leaguers, understandably, tired. Marc Bircham came closest to scoring when he forced Ralph to dive to his left and parry a fierce effort and another shot rebounded to safety off the crossbar. When Thomson headed over from close range in the last minute it was down to penalties.
Rangers' manager Ian Holloway, who has yet to win any cup match from seven attempts, was disconsolate. "Where was the passion? Where was the commitment? We looked like we were on a different planet," he said. "It's the worst day I've ever had in the office."
But Vauxhall's manager Alvin McDonald did not care. He could barely keep the smile from his face. "The things these boys keep achieving just get better and better," he said. "It's absolutely fabulous. I would never write these lads off."
Then he put the whole night into perspective. "We had better get going because some of these lads have got to be at work tomorrow morning."
See also Vauxhall Motors: The First Game - QPR Report/Vauxhall Motors
Vauxhall Motors - Need say no more!
Four years ago today! To fail to beat a non-league team at home in the cup, is not unique. But to be given a second bite of the apple; a replay at home...and still fail. Perhaps THE most embarassing cup defeat in QPR History (and there have been a number of embarassing defeats.) QPR Manager Ian Holloway called it "the worst day I've ever had in the office."
And this was the QPR team that did it (or failed to do it)
Digby, Forbes, Carlisle, Palmer, Padula, Burgess, Bircham, Langley, Williams, Thomson, Furlong. Subs: Culkin, Connolly, Murphy, Oli, Daly.
BBC - Tuesday, 26 November, 2002, -Vauxhall Motors stun QPR
QPR 1-1 Vauxhall Motors (aet)(Vauxhall won 4-3 on penalties)
Vauxhall Motors caused the upset of the FA Cup first round as they dumped out Second Division QPR on penalties at Loftus Road.
The Unibond League outfit thoroughly deserved their victory and should have won in normal time.
But it was left to goalkeeper Andy Ralph to save from Paul Furlong in the shootout before Karl Connolly's miss sent the part-timers through 4-3.
There did not look to be an upset on the cards when Andy Thomson shot QPR ahead after 18 minutes.
But when Vauxhall skipper Phil Brazier levelled four minutes later the game swung towards the part-timers.
They were denied four times in the first half after superb efforts by Terry Fearns, Robbie Lawton, Peter Cumiskey and Nicky Young as they dominated their opponents.
QPR hit back after the break as the non-League side tired. But Thomson, Clarke Carlisle and Connolly all missed chances as the game went first into extra time and then to penalties.
Vauxhall earned a second-round tie at Macclesfield with successful kicks from Cumiskey, Fearns, Carl Nesbitt and Kevin Lynch, and were given a standing ovation at the end.
QPR: Digby, Forbes, Carlisle, Palmer, Padula, Burgess, Bircham, Langley, Williams, Thomson, Furlong. Subs: Culkin, Connolly, Murphy, Oli, Daly.
Vauxhall Motors: Ralph, Lawton, Brazier, Collins, McDermott, Nesbitt, Aspinall, Haddrell, Cumiskey, Fearns, Young. Subs: Hogg, Thompson, Lynch, Derek Ward, Welton.
Referee: S Tomlin (E Sussex).
BBC
Guardian - QPR caught in Vauxhall spotlights
Matthew Hancock at Loftus Road Wednesday November 27, 2002
This was not meant to happen. Vauxhall Motors of the Unibond Premier League humiliated Second Division Queens Park Rangers by knocking them out of the Cup on penalties after two matches and 210 minutes of competition had failed to find a winner.
In surmounting the three- division gap between the sides Vauxhall found a hero in their 19-year-old goalkeeper Andy Ralph, who flung himself to his right to save Paul Furlong's opening spot-kick for Rangers.
Then, after seven successful penalties, the pressure was on Karl Connolly to score. He side-footed wide and the small band of supporters who had travelled down from the Wirral received their reward.
Not only had they achieved one of the great first-round upsets but they had banked £120,000 and TV bonuses as their second-round match at Macclesfield on Saturday week will be shown live on Sky.
"We fully deserved victory; it's an historic day for the club and tremendous publicity for us," said Tony Woodley, Vauxhall's chairman, who was also the club's first manager when it was formed in 1963. "It gives us extra finance to grow and build the club."
Any ambitions, however realistic, to join the Conference can wait for another day. Vauxhall will dwell on their biggest night for a while.
They were the true Cup underdogs, grittily fighting back after Andy Thomson put Rangers ahead in the 18th minute. But they equalised four minutes later. Peter Cumiskey sent in a cross that allowed Robbie Lawton to feed his captain Phil Brazier, who in turn slammed the ball into the net.
Rangers could have won the match in the second half and should have won in extra-time as the non-leaguers, understandably, tired. Marc Bircham came closest to scoring when he forced Ralph to dive to his left and parry a fierce effort and another shot rebounded to safety off the crossbar. When Thomson headed over from close range in the last minute it was down to penalties.
Rangers' manager Ian Holloway, who has yet to win any cup match from seven attempts, was disconsolate. "Where was the passion? Where was the commitment? We looked like we were on a different planet," he said. "It's the worst day I've ever had in the office."
But Vauxhall's manager Alvin McDonald did not care. He could barely keep the smile from his face. "The things these boys keep achieving just get better and better," he said. "It's absolutely fabulous. I would never write these lads off."
Then he put the whole night into perspective. "We had better get going because some of these lads have got to be at work tomorrow morning."
See also Vauxhall Motors: The First Game - QPR Report/Vauxhall Motors
Saturday, November 25, 2006
How Ex-QPRs Did This Weekend
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Jamie Cureton scored - again! (his 8th or 9th) - for Colchester in their 3-0 win against Southend. Another ex-QPR at Colchester, McLeod was booked
Ex-QPR loan, Leon Knight made his debut for Barnsley and didn't score as Barnsley beat
In the non-leagues, Denis Oli scored for Grays Athleticsand Tony Scully scored for Crawley Nikki Bull kept a clean sheet for Aldershot against Chris Plummer's Rushden Diamonds. Tony Roberts let in 2 but Dagenham still won 3-2 at York.
Stefan Moore back on loan at Port Vale, come on as sub and didn't score.
And Friday night, Ian Evatt on loan at Blackpool was carried in the second half.
Nigel Quashie played but didnt score as WBA lost 1-0 at Stoke.
Peter Crouch's Liverpool won 1-0 (Gerrard scoring)
And in the Management world, Ian Holloway's Plymouth lost 1-2 at home to Leeds. Martin Allen's MK Dons lost.
Jamie Cureton scored - again! (his 8th or 9th) - for Colchester in their 3-0 win against Southend. Another ex-QPR at Colchester, McLeod was booked
Ex-QPR loan, Leon Knight made his debut for Barnsley and didn't score as Barnsley beat
In the non-leagues, Denis Oli scored for Grays Athleticsand Tony Scully scored for Crawley Nikki Bull kept a clean sheet for Aldershot against Chris Plummer's Rushden Diamonds. Tony Roberts let in 2 but Dagenham still won 3-2 at York.
Stefan Moore back on loan at Port Vale, come on as sub and didn't score.
And Friday night, Ian Evatt on loan at Blackpool was carried in the second half.
Nigel Quashie played but didnt score as WBA lost 1-0 at Stoke.
Peter Crouch's Liverpool won 1-0 (Gerrard scoring)
And in the Management world, Ian Holloway's Plymouth lost 1-2 at home to Leeds. Martin Allen's MK Dons lost.
Reports on Coventry's Win at QPR
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Updated:
Sunday Times/Ivo Tennant
QPR 0 Coventry City 1: City take Central line to success
For Coventry City a victory achieved and just about merited, through a characteristically muscular surge and purposeful shot by Dele Adebola. This was not exactly against the run of play, because QPR, the gifted Lee Cook apart, simply were not sufficiently creative. They conceded the winning goal almost immediately after half time and did not impose themselves thereafter. What was more, Coventry were non-plussed by being forced as a result of heavy traffic, to complete their journey to Loftus Road by tube from Hanger Lane. They arrived 40 minutes before kick-off.
"The fans we travelled with couldn’t believe it,” said Coventry manager Mickey Adams. ”It just shows all that talk about pre-match preparation is nonsense.”
“We bought 23 single tickets at Hanger Lane station. We took a bit of stick from West Ham and Fulham fans, but our unsung hero was Jay Tabb. He knew we had to change at Hammersmith and then go to Shepherd’s Bush.”
Tabb, a former Brentford player, was rewarded with being left out of the side.
As for Rangers, they were too reliant on Cooke, as John Gregory, their manager, admitted. In a first-half of much midfield congestion, a fair amount of head-tennis and neither team achieving any superiority, there were but three chances: one to Coventry in the form of Colin Cameron swinging and scuffing an excellent opportunity a few yards from Simon Royce’s goal.
The second fell to Rangers midway through the half. Nick Ward glimpsed a clear sight of Andy Marshall’s posts and timed his drive well enough, only for it to be parried for a corner. His team had won their previous three matches with some aplomb, including a memorable victory over Cardiff, the leaders. But where was the flair now? Where was Stan Bowles, that highly skilled Loftus Road entertainer, who was featured at length in the match program? In fairness to Rangers, they could be said to have looked more forceful at set pieces.
They lost Dexter Blackstock through a cheekbone injury shortly before the interval. Ray Jones, his replacement, had an attempt with just about his first kick, which went wide. The best chance of this period followed immediately afterwards when Cooke’s left-footed drive was blocked at full stretch by Marshall. After half-time, a chance and then a goal for Coventry. First Leon McKenzie squandered a fine opportunity with his left foot, which was closely followed by Adebola receiving from Michael Doyle and striking, also with his left boot, past Royce.
If anything was going to settle this match, it was that kind of raw, bustling strength. Or, just conceivably, the intricate ability of unquestionably the most talented performer on the pitch. Cooke, who is being watched by Tottenham, Everton and Aston Villa, looks a Premiership player. He can beat a man, crosses well and, at the age of 24, will only improve.
Unfortunately for him yesterday, he could not pick out his colleagues to the extent of making an impression on the score-line. Coventry just about survived five minutes of injury time. ”A lot of our players looked at him and asked after him to get us out of jail,” said Gregory. “We didn’t deserve to win and in the first half hour I didn’t recognise anyone on our team. I really thing it will do us the world of good to be defeated.”
Sunday Times
People Ratings:
QPR: Royce 7 - Mancienne 7, Rehman 6, Stewart6, Bignot 6 - Ward 6, Bailey 5, (Rowlands, 56mins, 6), *SMITH 8, Cook 6 - Nygaard 5, (Gallen, 57mins, 6), Blackstock 5 (Jones, 44mins, 6).
COVENTRY: Marshall 6 - Duffy 6, Page 7, Ward 7, Hall 7 - Currie 7, (Kyle, 84mins), Doyle 6, Cameron 6, Clarke 6 - McKenzie 7, *ADEBOLA 8. Ref: C. Penton 7 .
[Sunday People]
Reuters -Tube travel is just the ticket for triumphant Coventry
LONDON, Nov 25 (Reuters) - Coventry City's squad had to hurry to use the London Underground to get to their second division game at Queens Park Rangers on time after the team coach was stuck in traffic on Saturday.
"We decided to get on the tube," manager Micky Adams told reporters after the 1-0 victory at Loftus Road.
"We bought 23 single tickets at Hanger Lane station and our unsung hero was midfielder Jay Tabb, who knew we had to change at Hammersmith to get to our Shepherd's Bush destination. I felt a bit sorry for him as I did not even put him in the team." Adams said his players mixed with supporters of West Ham United and Fulham during their tube ride.
"We took a bit of stick from West Ham and Fulham fans and got to the ground 40 minutes before kickoff," he said. "Everyone talks about preparation but this proves it is a load of nonsense."
The win lifted Coventry to ninth place in the 24-team division.
Observer
BBC QPR 0-1 Coventry
Dele Adebola earned Coventry their fourth Championship away win of the season and ended QPR's three-match winning streak.
Adebola struck soon after the break, turning away from Zesh Rehman to stride on and drill his shot past Simon Royce.
Darren Currie and Leon McKenzie, with a diving header, both missed chances to extend Coventry's lead.
Rangers' last chance for a point disappeared when Kevin Gallen's header was saved by keeper Andy Marshall.
QPR manager John Gregory:
"We did not deserve to win today. After the run we have been on, people just expected us to turn up and roll Coventry over.
"So this was the first time for a while most of our player have been under pressure, but it will do us good.
"Lee Cook was outstanding today, but a lot of the players seemed to be looking at him and saying `get us out of jail, Cooky'."
Coventry boss Micky Adams:
"Dele Adebola has been frustrated by the relative lack of first-team opportunities he has had this season.
"But he led the line well today, and scored a good goal.
"His form at the beginning of last season was outstanding, and, if he rediscovers that, it will be very hard for me to leave him out."
QPR: Royce, Mancienne, Rehman, Stewart, Bignot, Ward, Bailey (Rowlands 56), Smith, Cook, Nygaard (Gallen 56), Blackstock (Ray Jones 44).
Subs Not Used: Thomas, Milanese.
Booked: Ward.
Coventry: Marshall, Duffy, Page, Ward, Hall, Currie (Kyle 84), Doyle, Cameron, Clarke, Adebola, McKenzie.
Subs Not Used: Gonzlalez-Robles, Birchall, Bischoff, Tabb.
Booked: Duffy, Hall, Kyle.
Goals: Adebola 48.
Att: 12,840
Referee: C Penton (Sussex).
BBC
INDEPENDENT - Go down the Tube and come up smiling By Tom Collomosse
Dig for victory? Coventry City went underground and came up with three points after a drama involving a coach, a manager, two Tube trains and a lad from Tooting.
Micky Adams, the Coventry City manager, must have been a fan of the mod revival in the Eighties. When he heard about the jam his thoughts immediately turned to going underground. He led his band of Sky Blues to the nearest Tube station to their north-west London hotel for a Championship game against Queens Park Rangers.
"None of the fans could believe their eyes when they saw us," he said. "We took a bit of stick from West Ham fans and Fulham fans, but our unsung hero was Jay Tabb." The lad from Tooting was the only one of the travelling band who knew they had to change at Hammersmith to get to Shepherd's Bush. "I feel a bit sorry for him as well," Adams said, "because I did not even put him in the team."
Tabb had to make do with an afternoon on the substiitutes' bench once the interpid travellers had walked down from the station through west London shoppers and football supporters to get to Loftus Road. That at least gave him a ringside seat as Coventry tied The Hoops in knots.
"We got to the ground at 2.20pm [for a 3pm kick-off], went on to the pitch and won 1-0," Adams explained with glee. The Tube trip and the late arrival was certainly a novel way of setting about collecting three points, especially since so many players and clubs put their faith their own special set of pre-match routines.
As Adams said: "Everyone talks about preparation, but this proves it is a load of nonsense."
Independent
Updated:
Sunday Times/Ivo Tennant
QPR 0 Coventry City 1: City take Central line to success
For Coventry City a victory achieved and just about merited, through a characteristically muscular surge and purposeful shot by Dele Adebola. This was not exactly against the run of play, because QPR, the gifted Lee Cook apart, simply were not sufficiently creative. They conceded the winning goal almost immediately after half time and did not impose themselves thereafter. What was more, Coventry were non-plussed by being forced as a result of heavy traffic, to complete their journey to Loftus Road by tube from Hanger Lane. They arrived 40 minutes before kick-off.
"The fans we travelled with couldn’t believe it,” said Coventry manager Mickey Adams. ”It just shows all that talk about pre-match preparation is nonsense.”
“We bought 23 single tickets at Hanger Lane station. We took a bit of stick from West Ham and Fulham fans, but our unsung hero was Jay Tabb. He knew we had to change at Hammersmith and then go to Shepherd’s Bush.”
Tabb, a former Brentford player, was rewarded with being left out of the side.
As for Rangers, they were too reliant on Cooke, as John Gregory, their manager, admitted. In a first-half of much midfield congestion, a fair amount of head-tennis and neither team achieving any superiority, there were but three chances: one to Coventry in the form of Colin Cameron swinging and scuffing an excellent opportunity a few yards from Simon Royce’s goal.
The second fell to Rangers midway through the half. Nick Ward glimpsed a clear sight of Andy Marshall’s posts and timed his drive well enough, only for it to be parried for a corner. His team had won their previous three matches with some aplomb, including a memorable victory over Cardiff, the leaders. But where was the flair now? Where was Stan Bowles, that highly skilled Loftus Road entertainer, who was featured at length in the match program? In fairness to Rangers, they could be said to have looked more forceful at set pieces.
They lost Dexter Blackstock through a cheekbone injury shortly before the interval. Ray Jones, his replacement, had an attempt with just about his first kick, which went wide. The best chance of this period followed immediately afterwards when Cooke’s left-footed drive was blocked at full stretch by Marshall. After half-time, a chance and then a goal for Coventry. First Leon McKenzie squandered a fine opportunity with his left foot, which was closely followed by Adebola receiving from Michael Doyle and striking, also with his left boot, past Royce.
If anything was going to settle this match, it was that kind of raw, bustling strength. Or, just conceivably, the intricate ability of unquestionably the most talented performer on the pitch. Cooke, who is being watched by Tottenham, Everton and Aston Villa, looks a Premiership player. He can beat a man, crosses well and, at the age of 24, will only improve.
Unfortunately for him yesterday, he could not pick out his colleagues to the extent of making an impression on the score-line. Coventry just about survived five minutes of injury time. ”A lot of our players looked at him and asked after him to get us out of jail,” said Gregory. “We didn’t deserve to win and in the first half hour I didn’t recognise anyone on our team. I really thing it will do us the world of good to be defeated.”
Sunday Times
People Ratings:
QPR: Royce 7 - Mancienne 7, Rehman 6, Stewart6, Bignot 6 - Ward 6, Bailey 5, (Rowlands, 56mins, 6), *SMITH 8, Cook 6 - Nygaard 5, (Gallen, 57mins, 6), Blackstock 5 (Jones, 44mins, 6).
COVENTRY: Marshall 6 - Duffy 6, Page 7, Ward 7, Hall 7 - Currie 7, (Kyle, 84mins), Doyle 6, Cameron 6, Clarke 6 - McKenzie 7, *ADEBOLA 8. Ref: C. Penton 7 .
[Sunday People]
Reuters -Tube travel is just the ticket for triumphant Coventry
LONDON, Nov 25 (Reuters) - Coventry City's squad had to hurry to use the London Underground to get to their second division game at Queens Park Rangers on time after the team coach was stuck in traffic on Saturday.
"We decided to get on the tube," manager Micky Adams told reporters after the 1-0 victory at Loftus Road.
"We bought 23 single tickets at Hanger Lane station and our unsung hero was midfielder Jay Tabb, who knew we had to change at Hammersmith to get to our Shepherd's Bush destination. I felt a bit sorry for him as I did not even put him in the team." Adams said his players mixed with supporters of West Ham United and Fulham during their tube ride.
"We took a bit of stick from West Ham and Fulham fans and got to the ground 40 minutes before kickoff," he said. "Everyone talks about preparation but this proves it is a load of nonsense."
The win lifted Coventry to ninth place in the 24-team division.
Observer
BBC QPR 0-1 Coventry
Dele Adebola earned Coventry their fourth Championship away win of the season and ended QPR's three-match winning streak.
Adebola struck soon after the break, turning away from Zesh Rehman to stride on and drill his shot past Simon Royce.
Darren Currie and Leon McKenzie, with a diving header, both missed chances to extend Coventry's lead.
Rangers' last chance for a point disappeared when Kevin Gallen's header was saved by keeper Andy Marshall.
QPR manager John Gregory:
"We did not deserve to win today. After the run we have been on, people just expected us to turn up and roll Coventry over.
"So this was the first time for a while most of our player have been under pressure, but it will do us good.
"Lee Cook was outstanding today, but a lot of the players seemed to be looking at him and saying `get us out of jail, Cooky'."
Coventry boss Micky Adams:
"Dele Adebola has been frustrated by the relative lack of first-team opportunities he has had this season.
"But he led the line well today, and scored a good goal.
"His form at the beginning of last season was outstanding, and, if he rediscovers that, it will be very hard for me to leave him out."
QPR: Royce, Mancienne, Rehman, Stewart, Bignot, Ward, Bailey (Rowlands 56), Smith, Cook, Nygaard (Gallen 56), Blackstock (Ray Jones 44).
Subs Not Used: Thomas, Milanese.
Booked: Ward.
Coventry: Marshall, Duffy, Page, Ward, Hall, Currie (Kyle 84), Doyle, Cameron, Clarke, Adebola, McKenzie.
Subs Not Used: Gonzlalez-Robles, Birchall, Bischoff, Tabb.
Booked: Duffy, Hall, Kyle.
Goals: Adebola 48.
Att: 12,840
Referee: C Penton (Sussex).
BBC
INDEPENDENT - Go down the Tube and come up smiling By Tom Collomosse
Dig for victory? Coventry City went underground and came up with three points after a drama involving a coach, a manager, two Tube trains and a lad from Tooting.
Micky Adams, the Coventry City manager, must have been a fan of the mod revival in the Eighties. When he heard about the jam his thoughts immediately turned to going underground. He led his band of Sky Blues to the nearest Tube station to their north-west London hotel for a Championship game against Queens Park Rangers.
"None of the fans could believe their eyes when they saw us," he said. "We took a bit of stick from West Ham fans and Fulham fans, but our unsung hero was Jay Tabb." The lad from Tooting was the only one of the travelling band who knew they had to change at Hammersmith to get to Shepherd's Bush. "I feel a bit sorry for him as well," Adams said, "because I did not even put him in the team."
Tabb had to make do with an afternoon on the substiitutes' bench once the interpid travellers had walked down from the station through west London shoppers and football supporters to get to Loftus Road. That at least gave him a ringside seat as Coventry tied The Hoops in knots.
"We got to the ground at 2.20pm [for a 3pm kick-off], went on to the pitch and won 1-0," Adams explained with glee. The Tube trip and the late arrival was certainly a novel way of setting about collecting three points, especially since so many players and clubs put their faith their own special set of pre-match routines.
As Adams said: "Everyone talks about preparation, but this proves it is a load of nonsense."
Independent
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