Thursday, November 30, 2006
FA Writes to QPR "requesting Information with regard to missiles thrown from the crowd"
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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
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
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
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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)
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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
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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
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[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
The Puzzling Return to QPR of Ugo Ukah
-
Six months after QPR Chairman Gianni Paladini announced that Ugo Ukah had joined Italian club Nourese Calcio on a three year contract, Ukah is supposedly back at QPR, and according to messageboard posters who saw today's programme, given the number #40 shirt. (As of now he is NOT listed on the Official Site Playing Squad - Squad
Ukah played for QPR Reserves on Wednesday, Reserve report and his name was just listed on the Reserve Lineup but there has been no announcement on the official site about his having returned - or why he had returned.
In May of this year, QPR announced "The Club can confirm that Ugo Ukah has today joined Italian outfit Nourese Calcio on a free transfer. Ukah...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.'' Ugo A Go-Go
This of course is scarcely the first instance in recent months of events occurring at Loftus Road without any explanation being offered: To cite but three instances: The departure of Chief Operating Officer, Graham Mackrell after less than three months in the job; the departure of Chief Financial Officer, Chris Pennington; and the departure of Gary Waddock, just weeks after the club said he was staying on under a Gregory Managership.
Re Ugo: See also
Ukah
NB: The website of the Italian club, Nourese Calcio where QPR announced Ukah was going (The website obviously in Italian) Nourese
Six months after QPR Chairman Gianni Paladini announced that Ugo Ukah had joined Italian club Nourese Calcio on a three year contract, Ukah is supposedly back at QPR, and according to messageboard posters who saw today's programme, given the number #40 shirt. (As of now he is NOT listed on the Official Site Playing Squad - Squad
Ukah played for QPR Reserves on Wednesday, Reserve report and his name was just listed on the Reserve Lineup but there has been no announcement on the official site about his having returned - or why he had returned.
In May of this year, QPR announced "The Club can confirm that Ugo Ukah has today joined Italian outfit Nourese Calcio on a free transfer. Ukah...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.'' Ugo A Go-Go
This of course is scarcely the first instance in recent months of events occurring at Loftus Road without any explanation being offered: To cite but three instances: The departure of Chief Operating Officer, Graham Mackrell after less than three months in the job; the departure of Chief Financial Officer, Chris Pennington; and the departure of Gary Waddock, just weeks after the club said he was staying on under a Gregory Managership.
Re Ugo: See also
Ukah
NB: The website of the Italian club, Nourese Calcio where QPR announced Ukah was going (The website obviously in Italian) Nourese
Managerial Comments: Gregory Unhappy
-
QPR Official Site
John Gregory - PAIN IN THE RAIN
"..."It's a disappointing outcome after an equally disappointing display,'' Gregory told www.qpr.co.uk.
"We were poor, very poor, especially in the first half. I didn't recognise any of my players at all during the first 30 minutes.''
Gregory believes the pressure of the occasion got to the R's, commenting: "We gave the ball away far too easily and we were a shadow of the side that won at Cardiff last Friday.
"There was pressure to produce today and we failed miserably. We looked like a side under pressure and too many players didn't turn up.
"It's easy to be critical but we've got another game on Tuesday and it's important we bounce back now.''
Gregory concluded: "I learnt a lot about my players today and hopefully it's just a blip. Sunderland is a massive game for us now.''
Gregory
QPR Official Site
John Gregory - PAIN IN THE RAIN
"..."It's a disappointing outcome after an equally disappointing display,'' Gregory told www.qpr.co.uk.
"We were poor, very poor, especially in the first half. I didn't recognise any of my players at all during the first 30 minutes.''
Gregory believes the pressure of the occasion got to the R's, commenting: "We gave the ball away far too easily and we were a shadow of the side that won at Cardiff last Friday.
"There was pressure to produce today and we failed miserably. We looked like a side under pressure and too many players didn't turn up.
"It's easy to be critical but we've got another game on Tuesday and it's important we bounce back now.''
Gregory concluded: "I learnt a lot about my players today and hopefully it's just a blip. Sunderland is a massive game for us now.''
Gregory
QPR 0 Coventry 1
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QPR lost 0-1 to Coventry at Loftus Road today before a crowd of a little less than 13,000. League Table after today - Table
Blackstock was replaced with Jones in the first half. Adebola scored in the 48th minute. Nygaard and Bailey were replaced by Gallen & Rowlands.
Starting Line ups
QPR: Royce, Bignot, Rehman, Stewart, Mancienne, Ward, Smith, Bailey, Cook, Blackstock, Nygaard.
Subs: Thomas, Milanese, Gallen, Rowlands, Jones.
Coventry City: Marshall, Hall, Page, Ward, Doyle, Adebola, McKenzie, Cameron, Duffy, Clarke, Currie.
Subs: Gonzalez-Robles, Kyle, Birchall, Bischoff, Tabb
SPORTING LIFE - By Tom Collomosse, PA Sport
Dele Adebola struck three minutes after half-time to condemn QPR to their first defeat in six matches.
Rangers came into the match in buoyant mood after three successive victories, but it was Coventry who claimed their fourth away win in the Coca-Cola Championship this season.
Rangers were below par for most of the match and Coventry wasted several chances, with Leon McKenzie, Darren Currie and Colin Cameron all culpable - although Micky Adams' team did survive late Rangers pressure.
The home side had started reasonably well, but the visitors should have gone in front in the 19th minute when Adebola barged past Michael Mancienne to set up the unmarked Cameron, only for the Scot somehow to fluff his finish from five yards and the danger passed.
Rangers goalkeeper Simon Royce showed alertness in the 33rd minute to reach Elliott Ward's long through ball before Leon McKenzie could latch onto it.
At the other end, Lee Cook then created a 43rd-minute chance for Dexter Blackstock, whose shot on the turn following Jimmy Smith's lay-off was saved by Andy Marshall.
Rangers then suffered a blow when Blackstock went off injured two minutes later and was replaced by Ray Jones.
But Jones almost made an instant impact, shooting just wide from 10 yards in first-half stoppage time, before Marshall saved from Cook following a thrilling burst.
McKenzie missed a glorious chance to put Coventry ahead a minute after half-time, when he fired well wide from 10 yards after out-muscling Marcus Bignot inside the penalty area.
But the Sky Blues' disappointment lasted less than a minute. Adebola turned the shaky Zesh Rehman before charging into the area and shooting confidently beyond Royce with his left foot.
Rangers could not deal with Adebola's pace and strength, and in the 53rd minute he held off three men before sending McKenzie clear to guide over a cross which Mancienne had to divert behind for a corner.
Three minutes later, Darren Currie should have scored a debut goal after joining Coventry on loan from Ipswich, but he could only head McKenzie's excellent cross too high.
The home team were rocking, but they gathered themselves again and substitute Kevin Gallen's 25-yard effort flew just over following Nick Ward's clever dummy.
Coventry were content to hold their lead, but they continued to pose an attacking threat and McKenzie put a diving header wide in the 80th minute after Marcus Hall had picked him out.
Rangers' last chances disappeared when Marshall saved well from Gallen from 20 yards, and Jones just failed to reach Gallen's flick-on.
Sporting Life
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - MATCH REPORT
Rangers succumbed to their first defeat in six matches, as Dele Adebola bagged the Sky Blues' winner at Loftus Road.
The R's five match unbeaten run ended in disappointing fashion, on an afternoon when they failed to hit the heady heights of previous performances.
To their credit, Coventry were efficient and workmanlike and when Adebola struck early in the second half, you just sensed it wasn't to be for the R's.
It was all square at the break, despite both sides creating a flurry of goal-scoring opportunities.
Coventry probably deserved to be ahead on chances created, but Rangers certainly finished the half in the ascendancy, with substitute Ray Jones and Lee Cook both going close.
Nicky Ward was handed his first start under John Gregory, with Gareth Ainsworth ruled out with a hamstring injury.
Martin Rowlands returned to the R's substitute's bench, while Coventry gave a debut to loan signing Darren Currie.
Buoyed by last week's stunning victory in Wales, Rangers started on the front foot, with Damion Stewart heading over Cook's second minute set-piece.
In what was a really lively opening to the game, play soon switched to the other end, with Colin Cameron firing straight at Simon Royce from fully 30-yards.
Coventry created another chance on seven minutes, but thankfully for the R's, Richard Duffy's cross-come-shot flew wide.
The Sky Blues should have been in front four minutes later, but after great wide play from Currie, there wasn't a Coventry player in sight as the ball zipped across the six-yard box.
Rangers were struggling to find any fluency of sorts and after Stefan Bailey conceded posession all too cheaply in the heart of the R's midfield, the lively Dele Adebola shot tamely at Royce.
Coventry were orchestrating proceedings by now, but when Adebola cut the ball back from the by-line, Colin Cameron got his close range effort horribly wrong, skewing the ball wide for a throw-in.
Undeterred, Rangers were soon on the front foot themselves and when the ball eventually found it's way to Ward on the right flank, the Aussie's 18-yard effort was deflected inches wide of Andy Marshall's near post.
Michael Doyle thought he'd given Coventry the lead on 23 minutes, but after he rose tallest to power his back post header on target, the ball took a wicked deflection off a Rangers defender and went out of play for a corner.
Royce came to Rangers rescue again on the half hour, sprinting from his line to deny Leon McKenzie, after the former Norwich City striker escaped the last line of the R's defence.
Cook was becoming more and more involved as the half wore on, but all too often his crosses evaded the onrushing Marc Nygaard and Dexter Blackstock.
There was a brief scare for Cook a moment or two later, but after lengthy treatment from Rangers physio Prav Mathema, the much sought-after winger returned to the fray.
Jimmy Smith smashed a speculative 25-yard strike into the arms of Marshall on 40 minutes, before Blackstock's impromptu shot on the turn flew straight at the Coventry stopper.
Rangers finished the half strongly, with Zesh Rehman heading inches wide from another sublime Smith delivery, before the hosts were forced into their first change.
After an early clash of heads, Blackstock appeared to be suffering with concussion and he was forced to make way for Jones.
The Rangers substitute very nearly handed the R's the lead on the stroke of half-time, only to shoot inches wide after a piece of neat close control.
There was yet more to come for the hosts 20 seconds before the break and again it was that man Cook who provided the spark.
After leaving three defenders in his wake, the R's winger forced Marshall into a stunning full length save at his near post.
The second half was only 60 seconds old when McKenzie squandered a golden opportunity to put the visitors in front.
After holding off Marcus Bignot with ease, the pacy front-man was gifted with a free run on goal, only to fire over from an acute angle.
His strike partner made no mistake a minute later though, as Adebola made the most of the time and space he was gifted to fire past Royce from 12-yards, and hand Coventry a lead they probably just about deserved.
The goal sparked Rangers into life and when Bignot's cross drifted towards the back post, Nygaard headed onto the top of the bar with Marshall seemingly beaten all ends up.
The outstanding Currie almost notched the goal his performance deserved on 55 minutes, but after getting goal-side of Michael Mancienne, he headed over from the edge of the six-yard box.
Sensing the game was slipping from his side's grasp, Gregory responded with a double substitution on 56 minutes, introducing Martin Rowlands and Kevin Gallen at the expense of Bailey and Nygaard.
Gallen fired a brief warning shot with a rasping 25-yard drive midway through the half, before Cook's free-kick flew inches over with Marshall all at sea.
Rangers were growing in belief as the clock ticked down, but Marshall was rarely troubled, with Smith firing high and wide from 20-yards.
The lively McKenzie should have put the result beyond any doubt on 79 minutes, but with the goal at his mercy, he somehow glanced his header wide.
That miss almost came back to haunt the visitors four minutes from time, only for Marshall to grab Gallen's snap shot at the second attempt.
Rangers were throwing everything bar the kitchen sink at the visitors by now, but the goal they craved failed to materialise, with Jones just failing to add the all-important touch to Bignot's far post cross.
QPR: Royce, Bignot, Rehman, Stewart, Mancienne, Ward, Smith, Bailey (Rowlands 56), Cook, Blackstock (Jones 44), Nygaard (Gallen 56).
Subs: Thomas, Milanese.
Bookings: Ward 82
Coventry City: Marshall, Hall, Page, Ward, Doyle, Adebola, McKenzie, Cameron, Duffy, Clarke, Currie (Kyle 83).
Subs: Gonzalez-Robles, Birchall, Bischoff, Tabb.
Scorers: Adebola 47
Bookings: Duffy 25, Hall 68, Kyle 90
Referee: Mr C Penton
Attendance: 12, 840
Official SIte
COVENTRY PERSPECTIVE - OFFICIAL MATCH REPORT
oventry deservedly beat QPR by a goal to nil thanks to a battling display with Dele Adebola getting the only goal of the game.
The Sky Blues went through a far-from-average warm-up for this one, having had to desert their coach, get the tube to Shepherd's Bush and walk to Loftus Road. The players only emerged for their pre-match run-through half an hour before kick-off but the game still got underway at 3pm.
Darren Currie was named in the starting eleven for his Coventry City debut, playing on the left hand side of midfield, while Colin Cameron replaced the injured Don Hutchison and surprisingly lined-up on the right.
Clive Clarke played in his third position since joining the Club on loan little over a month ago at centre midfield. Elliott Ward was back at centre half having recovered from a back strain, with Jay Tabb dropping to the bench at his expense.
Cameron got City's first shot on goal in the second minute but it was easily gathered by Rangers goalkeeper Simon Royce. And the former Wolves man was presented with the best chance of the game in the 19th minute when Dele Adebola went on a mazy run and pulled a lovely ball back which Cameron scuffed across the face of goal when he should have at least hit the target.
The match was flowing end-to-end but it was the Sky Blues who were creating the best of the early opportunities, although they failed to take any of them to establish a lead.
City were working their socks off throughout the team and Adebola in particular was seeing a lot of the ball up front, while Cameron looked impressive in the engine room.
The home side started to impose themselves more on the tie as the first half came to an end and Andy Marshall had to be alert to make an excellent one-handed save to ensure the scores remained goalless while substitute Ray Jones shot just wide from 15 yards.
The Hoops had finished the first half the stronger side but City emerged completely fired up at the start of the second and after McKenzie had wasted a glorious one-on-one chance to give the Sky Blues the lead, the impressive Adebola put City ahead in fine style.
The powerful striker collected a square ball, span his marker and hammered a shot high into the net past the helpless Royce to make it 1-0 in the 47th minute with his 100th career goal. QPR went straight up the other end and nearly equalized as a Marc Nygaard header clipped the top of the crossbar.
But it was City who continued to apply all the pressure and Currie could have marked his debut with a goal when McKenzie floated in a beautiful cross but the loan man could not get over his header and placed it over the bar.
John Gregory made a double substitution with just over half an hour remaining introducing the experienced strike partnership of Kevin Gallen and Martin Rowlands.
As you'd expect from a side that had beaten the league leaders away from home last week, QPR were not going to take things lying down and threw everything at the Sky Blues to get back in the match.
With eleven minutes left on the clock City carved out a great move which nearly sealed the three points. Marcus Hall went on an overlap down the left and whipped in a superb cross which McKenzie connected with a diving header but unfortunately his effort flew just wide of the upright.
With six minutes remaining Adams made his first switch as Kyle replaced Currie who'd had a competent if unspectacular first appearance in a City shirt.
Marshall has been performing superbly in goal in recent weeks and he pulled out an excellent one-handed stop from Gallen in the 87th minute to preserve Coventry's slender advantage.
With five minutes of stoppage time signaled there was a nervy end to the tie but the Sky Blues continued to stand firm to pick up a superb victory after an extremely committed performance.
Coventry
And Earlier, OFF THE FIELD THIS CLUB STATEMENT
QPR can confirm that four members of the Youth Team are currently helping the British Transport Police with their enquiries following an incident at Earls Court tube station on Thursday.
The thoughts of everyone at QPR are with the families of those involved.
The Club will make no further comment relating to this incident at this time.
Statemen
QPR lost 0-1 to Coventry at Loftus Road today before a crowd of a little less than 13,000. League Table after today - Table
Blackstock was replaced with Jones in the first half. Adebola scored in the 48th minute. Nygaard and Bailey were replaced by Gallen & Rowlands.
Starting Line ups
QPR: Royce, Bignot, Rehman, Stewart, Mancienne, Ward, Smith, Bailey, Cook, Blackstock, Nygaard.
Subs: Thomas, Milanese, Gallen, Rowlands, Jones.
Coventry City: Marshall, Hall, Page, Ward, Doyle, Adebola, McKenzie, Cameron, Duffy, Clarke, Currie.
Subs: Gonzalez-Robles, Kyle, Birchall, Bischoff, Tabb
SPORTING LIFE - By Tom Collomosse, PA Sport
Dele Adebola struck three minutes after half-time to condemn QPR to their first defeat in six matches.
Rangers came into the match in buoyant mood after three successive victories, but it was Coventry who claimed their fourth away win in the Coca-Cola Championship this season.
Rangers were below par for most of the match and Coventry wasted several chances, with Leon McKenzie, Darren Currie and Colin Cameron all culpable - although Micky Adams' team did survive late Rangers pressure.
The home side had started reasonably well, but the visitors should have gone in front in the 19th minute when Adebola barged past Michael Mancienne to set up the unmarked Cameron, only for the Scot somehow to fluff his finish from five yards and the danger passed.
Rangers goalkeeper Simon Royce showed alertness in the 33rd minute to reach Elliott Ward's long through ball before Leon McKenzie could latch onto it.
At the other end, Lee Cook then created a 43rd-minute chance for Dexter Blackstock, whose shot on the turn following Jimmy Smith's lay-off was saved by Andy Marshall.
Rangers then suffered a blow when Blackstock went off injured two minutes later and was replaced by Ray Jones.
But Jones almost made an instant impact, shooting just wide from 10 yards in first-half stoppage time, before Marshall saved from Cook following a thrilling burst.
McKenzie missed a glorious chance to put Coventry ahead a minute after half-time, when he fired well wide from 10 yards after out-muscling Marcus Bignot inside the penalty area.
But the Sky Blues' disappointment lasted less than a minute. Adebola turned the shaky Zesh Rehman before charging into the area and shooting confidently beyond Royce with his left foot.
Rangers could not deal with Adebola's pace and strength, and in the 53rd minute he held off three men before sending McKenzie clear to guide over a cross which Mancienne had to divert behind for a corner.
Three minutes later, Darren Currie should have scored a debut goal after joining Coventry on loan from Ipswich, but he could only head McKenzie's excellent cross too high.
The home team were rocking, but they gathered themselves again and substitute Kevin Gallen's 25-yard effort flew just over following Nick Ward's clever dummy.
Coventry were content to hold their lead, but they continued to pose an attacking threat and McKenzie put a diving header wide in the 80th minute after Marcus Hall had picked him out.
Rangers' last chances disappeared when Marshall saved well from Gallen from 20 yards, and Jones just failed to reach Gallen's flick-on.
Sporting Life
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - MATCH REPORT
Rangers succumbed to their first defeat in six matches, as Dele Adebola bagged the Sky Blues' winner at Loftus Road.
The R's five match unbeaten run ended in disappointing fashion, on an afternoon when they failed to hit the heady heights of previous performances.
To their credit, Coventry were efficient and workmanlike and when Adebola struck early in the second half, you just sensed it wasn't to be for the R's.
It was all square at the break, despite both sides creating a flurry of goal-scoring opportunities.
Coventry probably deserved to be ahead on chances created, but Rangers certainly finished the half in the ascendancy, with substitute Ray Jones and Lee Cook both going close.
Nicky Ward was handed his first start under John Gregory, with Gareth Ainsworth ruled out with a hamstring injury.
Martin Rowlands returned to the R's substitute's bench, while Coventry gave a debut to loan signing Darren Currie.
Buoyed by last week's stunning victory in Wales, Rangers started on the front foot, with Damion Stewart heading over Cook's second minute set-piece.
In what was a really lively opening to the game, play soon switched to the other end, with Colin Cameron firing straight at Simon Royce from fully 30-yards.
Coventry created another chance on seven minutes, but thankfully for the R's, Richard Duffy's cross-come-shot flew wide.
The Sky Blues should have been in front four minutes later, but after great wide play from Currie, there wasn't a Coventry player in sight as the ball zipped across the six-yard box.
Rangers were struggling to find any fluency of sorts and after Stefan Bailey conceded posession all too cheaply in the heart of the R's midfield, the lively Dele Adebola shot tamely at Royce.
Coventry were orchestrating proceedings by now, but when Adebola cut the ball back from the by-line, Colin Cameron got his close range effort horribly wrong, skewing the ball wide for a throw-in.
Undeterred, Rangers were soon on the front foot themselves and when the ball eventually found it's way to Ward on the right flank, the Aussie's 18-yard effort was deflected inches wide of Andy Marshall's near post.
Michael Doyle thought he'd given Coventry the lead on 23 minutes, but after he rose tallest to power his back post header on target, the ball took a wicked deflection off a Rangers defender and went out of play for a corner.
Royce came to Rangers rescue again on the half hour, sprinting from his line to deny Leon McKenzie, after the former Norwich City striker escaped the last line of the R's defence.
Cook was becoming more and more involved as the half wore on, but all too often his crosses evaded the onrushing Marc Nygaard and Dexter Blackstock.
There was a brief scare for Cook a moment or two later, but after lengthy treatment from Rangers physio Prav Mathema, the much sought-after winger returned to the fray.
Jimmy Smith smashed a speculative 25-yard strike into the arms of Marshall on 40 minutes, before Blackstock's impromptu shot on the turn flew straight at the Coventry stopper.
Rangers finished the half strongly, with Zesh Rehman heading inches wide from another sublime Smith delivery, before the hosts were forced into their first change.
After an early clash of heads, Blackstock appeared to be suffering with concussion and he was forced to make way for Jones.
The Rangers substitute very nearly handed the R's the lead on the stroke of half-time, only to shoot inches wide after a piece of neat close control.
There was yet more to come for the hosts 20 seconds before the break and again it was that man Cook who provided the spark.
After leaving three defenders in his wake, the R's winger forced Marshall into a stunning full length save at his near post.
The second half was only 60 seconds old when McKenzie squandered a golden opportunity to put the visitors in front.
After holding off Marcus Bignot with ease, the pacy front-man was gifted with a free run on goal, only to fire over from an acute angle.
His strike partner made no mistake a minute later though, as Adebola made the most of the time and space he was gifted to fire past Royce from 12-yards, and hand Coventry a lead they probably just about deserved.
The goal sparked Rangers into life and when Bignot's cross drifted towards the back post, Nygaard headed onto the top of the bar with Marshall seemingly beaten all ends up.
The outstanding Currie almost notched the goal his performance deserved on 55 minutes, but after getting goal-side of Michael Mancienne, he headed over from the edge of the six-yard box.
Sensing the game was slipping from his side's grasp, Gregory responded with a double substitution on 56 minutes, introducing Martin Rowlands and Kevin Gallen at the expense of Bailey and Nygaard.
Gallen fired a brief warning shot with a rasping 25-yard drive midway through the half, before Cook's free-kick flew inches over with Marshall all at sea.
Rangers were growing in belief as the clock ticked down, but Marshall was rarely troubled, with Smith firing high and wide from 20-yards.
The lively McKenzie should have put the result beyond any doubt on 79 minutes, but with the goal at his mercy, he somehow glanced his header wide.
That miss almost came back to haunt the visitors four minutes from time, only for Marshall to grab Gallen's snap shot at the second attempt.
Rangers were throwing everything bar the kitchen sink at the visitors by now, but the goal they craved failed to materialise, with Jones just failing to add the all-important touch to Bignot's far post cross.
QPR: Royce, Bignot, Rehman, Stewart, Mancienne, Ward, Smith, Bailey (Rowlands 56), Cook, Blackstock (Jones 44), Nygaard (Gallen 56).
Subs: Thomas, Milanese.
Bookings: Ward 82
Coventry City: Marshall, Hall, Page, Ward, Doyle, Adebola, McKenzie, Cameron, Duffy, Clarke, Currie (Kyle 83).
Subs: Gonzalez-Robles, Birchall, Bischoff, Tabb.
Scorers: Adebola 47
Bookings: Duffy 25, Hall 68, Kyle 90
Referee: Mr C Penton
Attendance: 12, 840
Official SIte
COVENTRY PERSPECTIVE - OFFICIAL MATCH REPORT
oventry deservedly beat QPR by a goal to nil thanks to a battling display with Dele Adebola getting the only goal of the game.
The Sky Blues went through a far-from-average warm-up for this one, having had to desert their coach, get the tube to Shepherd's Bush and walk to Loftus Road. The players only emerged for their pre-match run-through half an hour before kick-off but the game still got underway at 3pm.
Darren Currie was named in the starting eleven for his Coventry City debut, playing on the left hand side of midfield, while Colin Cameron replaced the injured Don Hutchison and surprisingly lined-up on the right.
Clive Clarke played in his third position since joining the Club on loan little over a month ago at centre midfield. Elliott Ward was back at centre half having recovered from a back strain, with Jay Tabb dropping to the bench at his expense.
Cameron got City's first shot on goal in the second minute but it was easily gathered by Rangers goalkeeper Simon Royce. And the former Wolves man was presented with the best chance of the game in the 19th minute when Dele Adebola went on a mazy run and pulled a lovely ball back which Cameron scuffed across the face of goal when he should have at least hit the target.
The match was flowing end-to-end but it was the Sky Blues who were creating the best of the early opportunities, although they failed to take any of them to establish a lead.
City were working their socks off throughout the team and Adebola in particular was seeing a lot of the ball up front, while Cameron looked impressive in the engine room.
The home side started to impose themselves more on the tie as the first half came to an end and Andy Marshall had to be alert to make an excellent one-handed save to ensure the scores remained goalless while substitute Ray Jones shot just wide from 15 yards.
The Hoops had finished the first half the stronger side but City emerged completely fired up at the start of the second and after McKenzie had wasted a glorious one-on-one chance to give the Sky Blues the lead, the impressive Adebola put City ahead in fine style.
The powerful striker collected a square ball, span his marker and hammered a shot high into the net past the helpless Royce to make it 1-0 in the 47th minute with his 100th career goal. QPR went straight up the other end and nearly equalized as a Marc Nygaard header clipped the top of the crossbar.
But it was City who continued to apply all the pressure and Currie could have marked his debut with a goal when McKenzie floated in a beautiful cross but the loan man could not get over his header and placed it over the bar.
John Gregory made a double substitution with just over half an hour remaining introducing the experienced strike partnership of Kevin Gallen and Martin Rowlands.
As you'd expect from a side that had beaten the league leaders away from home last week, QPR were not going to take things lying down and threw everything at the Sky Blues to get back in the match.
With eleven minutes left on the clock City carved out a great move which nearly sealed the three points. Marcus Hall went on an overlap down the left and whipped in a superb cross which McKenzie connected with a diving header but unfortunately his effort flew just wide of the upright.
With six minutes remaining Adams made his first switch as Kyle replaced Currie who'd had a competent if unspectacular first appearance in a City shirt.
Marshall has been performing superbly in goal in recent weeks and he pulled out an excellent one-handed stop from Gallen in the 87th minute to preserve Coventry's slender advantage.
With five minutes of stoppage time signaled there was a nervy end to the tie but the Sky Blues continued to stand firm to pick up a superb victory after an extremely committed performance.
Coventry
And Earlier, OFF THE FIELD THIS CLUB STATEMENT
QPR can confirm that four members of the Youth Team are currently helping the British Transport Police with their enquiries following an incident at Earls Court tube station on Thursday.
The thoughts of everyone at QPR are with the families of those involved.
The Club will make no further comment relating to this incident at this time.
Statemen
Thirty Years Ago, QPR Were Marching Through Europe!
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Thirty Years Ago, yesterday: November 24, 1976, QPR Marched on in Europe: In the EUFA Cup, first leg QPR 3 FC Cologne 0. Scorers, Givens, Webb & Bowles.
Full Team: Parkes Clement Webb McClintock Gillard, Hollins, Masson, Leach, Thomas, Bowles and Givens.
QPR then lost the away leg in Cologne 1-4 and went through.
[In the Quarter Finals. QPR played AEK Athens...Winning the home game 3-0...Losing the Away game 0-3 and going out on penalties.!]
Thirty Years Ago, yesterday: November 24, 1976, QPR Marched on in Europe: In the EUFA Cup, first leg QPR 3 FC Cologne 0. Scorers, Givens, Webb & Bowles.
Full Team: Parkes Clement Webb McClintock Gillard, Hollins, Masson, Leach, Thomas, Bowles and Givens.
QPR then lost the away leg in Cologne 1-4 and went through.
[In the Quarter Finals. QPR played AEK Athens...Winning the home game 3-0...Losing the Away game 0-3 and going out on penalties.!]
Five Years Ago QPR Fans Were Protesting
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November 21, 2001 - This is Local London - QPR Protest
Rs fans angry at the ongoing fight for ownership of their club planned to form a ring around its Loftus Road stadium in South Africa Road last night (Nov 21).
Fans living abroad or who couldn't make the fixture were encouraged by supporters' trust QPR1st to e-mail the club at the same time.
The club is in the throes of being sold by ex-chairman Chris Wright. A consortium led by Brian Melzack is currently negotiating and fans are worried that a deal may involve selling the ground - This is Local Lonon
See also QPR 1st for November 20 and 22 2001 - QPR1st
Also LSA for November 2001 - LSA
BBC -Tuesday, 20 November, 2001, The fall and fall of QPR
Ian Holloway must lead QPR out of trouble
QPR fan Ian Pyke reveals the heartache of watching his beloved club plummet towards obscurty.
QPR's season of suffering hit its lowest point with the 4-0 FA Cup first round exit at Swansea City.
It meant support for the team from long-suffering supporters came in the shape of barracking for players and some club officials at every opportunity.
This may seem an unusual method of backing - but it is an understandable reaction from fans who have suffered three cup exits and a series of poor performances in recent weeks.
It was a season of high expectations at Loftus Road under manager Ian Holloway, despite relegation in the previous campaign.
A home victory against Stoke on the opening day of the season seemed to support the optimism, especially as it was followed by an away win at Bury.
If you've followed QPR over recent years, you will know an away win is rarer than an Englishman playing for Chelsea.
Obviously the league table and the number of free Saturdays until the end of the season show the picture has changed.
If you allow me to reminisce, it was only eight years ago QPR finished as top London club.
And although no one expected us to remain in this position forever, we didn't expect to now have only Leyton Orient below us.
QPR was regarded by as many as a model of how to run a relatively small club.
Alan Curbishley was once quoted as saying "I want Charlton to be the new QPR" when they were restructuring their club and looking to return to The Valley.
Charlton announced a profit this week, and look to have established themselves as a Premiership club.
So QPR now aspire to be like Charlton.
The fall and fall of QPR can mainly be attributed to the previous club owners and their lack of foresight.
When we parted company with the Premiership, we had a wage bill that was unsustainable in the First Division.
Alan Curbishley was once quoted as saying 'I want Charlton to be the new QPR' when they were restructuring their club and looking to return to The Valley
QPR fan Ian Pyke
Not only did we fail to reduce this, we went on to sign players with limited ability on relatively big contracts.
Although some may say we gambled to get back into the top flight, I would argue the real gamble should have taken place a year earlier when were still there.
Last summer saw almost 30 players leave the club and QPR go into admistration - and yet this summer the sales of season tickets increased.
I have on three occasions had to queue at 7am to get tickets for away games. This is a measure of QPR's fan base and the club's potential.
So my final word is about the fans.
Yes we have voiced our opinions against individuals recently, but after two relegations and being dumped out of the FA Cup in the first round for the first time in almost 50 years, we have had cause to complain.
OK enough moaning - a home win against Swindon at Loftus Road on Wednesday and a win at Brentford will make things look better.
I can dream. And this is why we still have a healthy home attendance and we queue for tickets for away games.
We all dream of better times.
Sadly, at the moment we are not too fond of reality.
BBC
At this point, five years ago, Brian Melzak looked the likely takeover winner, as a number of people/groups had been making various bids to buy QPR
This is Local London - October 10, 2001 - Brian Makes An Offer For Qpr
Edgware property developer Brian Melzack is taking his obsession with Queens Park Rangers FC so seriously that he is heading a consortium bidding for ownership of the cash-strapped Second Division team.
The group is headed by Mr Melzack, 44, from Highview Avenue, and friend Laurence Selman, 43, from Bushey, is favourite to buy the club, based at the Loftus Road stadium in west London, for around £10million.
Owner Chris Wright and club administrators BDO Stoy Hayward have formally accepted a bid from the group, which secured a three-week deal blocking rival bids.
Mr Melzack is a lifelong QPR fan, a member of Edgware and District Reform Synagogue and a founder member of the Maccabi side Temple Fortune. He was part of a consortium led by Liberal Democrat peer Lord Tim Razzall to try to buy the club before it went into administration at the end of last season with debts of around £10 million.
QPR had been linked to a takeover bid by the religious cult the Moonies, after the club admitted to holding a meeting with the Church of Unification.
Mr Melzack has also fought off bids from a consortium led by businessman Maurice Fitzgerald and a mystery bidder from overseas.
Loftus Road chief executive David Davies said in a statement: "We are pleased to announce we have entered into this exclusivity period with Brian Melzack and his consortium.
"Due to confidentiality agreements signed by both parties we will be unable to discuss this any further until the matter is resolved one way or the other."
This is Local London
And on the field, QPR were winning 4-0 vs Swindon with Gallen returning
BBC -Wednesday, 21 November, 2001, QPR 4-0 Swindon
Striker Kevin Gallen was the QPR hero on his return to Loftus Road as he scored one and had a hand in two others as Rangers thrashed Swindon.
Gallen re-signed for Rangers on a free transfer on Monday and he took just three minutes to make an impression as his clever flick put Doudou away and he slotted home.
On eight minutes Rangers made it two and Gallen was at the heart of it again.
He crossed to Steve Palmer to shoot and though Robins keeper Bart Griemink made a brilliant save, he couldn't prevent Oliver Burgess scoring from the rebound.
The game was all over before half time as on 36 minutes Gallen grabbed a debut goal.
He beat Andy Gurney before storming into the box and firing into the corner.
Swindon had most of the possession in the second half but it was QPR who had the last word when in injury time Karl Connolly put away Andy Thomson and he rounded the keeper before slotting in the fourth.
QPR: Digby, Forbes, Rose, Shittu, Palmer, Warren, Burgess, Bonnot, Connolly, Gallen, Dodou. Subs: Bruce, Bignot, Paquette, Thomson, Evans.
Swindon: Griemink, Mark Robinson, Heywood, Gurney, Ruddock, Steve Robinson, Duke, Hewlett, Carlisle, Sabin, Invincible. Subs: Willis, Osei-Kuffour, Grazioli, McKinney, McAreavey.
BBC
And Kenny Jackett was praising QPR
BBC - Jackett lauds QPR November 26, 2001
QPR's 4-0 FA Cup defeat to Swansea has brought about an immediate improvement in the team's performances, according to assistant manager Kenny Jackett.
Since that defeat, QPR have beaten Swindon 4-0 and drawn 0-0 with promotion-chasing Brentford.
"Anyone who saw our performance at Swansea will recognise we have come a long way in just a week," said Jackett.
QPR's assisant manager added that the return of of Danny Shittu and Matthew Rose, plus the arrival of Kevin Gallen, had had an positive impact on the club already.
But Jackett cautioned that QPR would have to accept that opposition teams would always raise their game when they played the London side.
"We have got to handle the fact that for Second Division teams, playing against QPR is a big thing, he said.BBC
BBC - November 24, 2001 - Brentford 0 QPR 0
Brentford missed the chance to move clear at the top of Division Two after they were held to a draw by QPR at Griffin Park.
In a disappointing match, the Bees had the better chances and came close after 19 minutes when Paul Evans fired the ball wildly over the bar from a good position.
.... Brentford: Gottskalksson, Dobson, Powell, Ingimarsson, Gibbs, Rowlands, Evans, Mahon, Hunt, Owusu, Burgess. Subs: Paul Smith, McCammon, Hutchinson, O'Connor, Sidwell.
QPR: Digby, Forbes, Shittu, Rose, Warren, Bignot, Palmer, Bonnot, Connolly, Gallen, Dodou. Subs: Bruce, Wardley, Paquette, Thomson, Evans.
BBC
November 21, 2001 - This is Local London - QPR Protest
Rs fans angry at the ongoing fight for ownership of their club planned to form a ring around its Loftus Road stadium in South Africa Road last night (Nov 21).
Fans living abroad or who couldn't make the fixture were encouraged by supporters' trust QPR1st to e-mail the club at the same time.
The club is in the throes of being sold by ex-chairman Chris Wright. A consortium led by Brian Melzack is currently negotiating and fans are worried that a deal may involve selling the ground - This is Local Lonon
See also QPR 1st for November 20 and 22 2001 - QPR1st
Also LSA for November 2001 - LSA
BBC -Tuesday, 20 November, 2001, The fall and fall of QPR
Ian Holloway must lead QPR out of trouble
QPR fan Ian Pyke reveals the heartache of watching his beloved club plummet towards obscurty.
QPR's season of suffering hit its lowest point with the 4-0 FA Cup first round exit at Swansea City.
It meant support for the team from long-suffering supporters came in the shape of barracking for players and some club officials at every opportunity.
This may seem an unusual method of backing - but it is an understandable reaction from fans who have suffered three cup exits and a series of poor performances in recent weeks.
It was a season of high expectations at Loftus Road under manager Ian Holloway, despite relegation in the previous campaign.
A home victory against Stoke on the opening day of the season seemed to support the optimism, especially as it was followed by an away win at Bury.
If you've followed QPR over recent years, you will know an away win is rarer than an Englishman playing for Chelsea.
Obviously the league table and the number of free Saturdays until the end of the season show the picture has changed.
If you allow me to reminisce, it was only eight years ago QPR finished as top London club.
And although no one expected us to remain in this position forever, we didn't expect to now have only Leyton Orient below us.
QPR was regarded by as many as a model of how to run a relatively small club.
Alan Curbishley was once quoted as saying "I want Charlton to be the new QPR" when they were restructuring their club and looking to return to The Valley.
Charlton announced a profit this week, and look to have established themselves as a Premiership club.
So QPR now aspire to be like Charlton.
The fall and fall of QPR can mainly be attributed to the previous club owners and their lack of foresight.
When we parted company with the Premiership, we had a wage bill that was unsustainable in the First Division.
Alan Curbishley was once quoted as saying 'I want Charlton to be the new QPR' when they were restructuring their club and looking to return to The Valley
QPR fan Ian Pyke
Not only did we fail to reduce this, we went on to sign players with limited ability on relatively big contracts.
Although some may say we gambled to get back into the top flight, I would argue the real gamble should have taken place a year earlier when were still there.
Last summer saw almost 30 players leave the club and QPR go into admistration - and yet this summer the sales of season tickets increased.
I have on three occasions had to queue at 7am to get tickets for away games. This is a measure of QPR's fan base and the club's potential.
So my final word is about the fans.
Yes we have voiced our opinions against individuals recently, but after two relegations and being dumped out of the FA Cup in the first round for the first time in almost 50 years, we have had cause to complain.
OK enough moaning - a home win against Swindon at Loftus Road on Wednesday and a win at Brentford will make things look better.
I can dream. And this is why we still have a healthy home attendance and we queue for tickets for away games.
We all dream of better times.
Sadly, at the moment we are not too fond of reality.
BBC
At this point, five years ago, Brian Melzak looked the likely takeover winner, as a number of people/groups had been making various bids to buy QPR
This is Local London - October 10, 2001 - Brian Makes An Offer For Qpr
Edgware property developer Brian Melzack is taking his obsession with Queens Park Rangers FC so seriously that he is heading a consortium bidding for ownership of the cash-strapped Second Division team.
The group is headed by Mr Melzack, 44, from Highview Avenue, and friend Laurence Selman, 43, from Bushey, is favourite to buy the club, based at the Loftus Road stadium in west London, for around £10million.
Owner Chris Wright and club administrators BDO Stoy Hayward have formally accepted a bid from the group, which secured a three-week deal blocking rival bids.
Mr Melzack is a lifelong QPR fan, a member of Edgware and District Reform Synagogue and a founder member of the Maccabi side Temple Fortune. He was part of a consortium led by Liberal Democrat peer Lord Tim Razzall to try to buy the club before it went into administration at the end of last season with debts of around £10 million.
QPR had been linked to a takeover bid by the religious cult the Moonies, after the club admitted to holding a meeting with the Church of Unification.
Mr Melzack has also fought off bids from a consortium led by businessman Maurice Fitzgerald and a mystery bidder from overseas.
Loftus Road chief executive David Davies said in a statement: "We are pleased to announce we have entered into this exclusivity period with Brian Melzack and his consortium.
"Due to confidentiality agreements signed by both parties we will be unable to discuss this any further until the matter is resolved one way or the other."
This is Local London
And on the field, QPR were winning 4-0 vs Swindon with Gallen returning
BBC -Wednesday, 21 November, 2001, QPR 4-0 Swindon
Striker Kevin Gallen was the QPR hero on his return to Loftus Road as he scored one and had a hand in two others as Rangers thrashed Swindon.
Gallen re-signed for Rangers on a free transfer on Monday and he took just three minutes to make an impression as his clever flick put Doudou away and he slotted home.
On eight minutes Rangers made it two and Gallen was at the heart of it again.
He crossed to Steve Palmer to shoot and though Robins keeper Bart Griemink made a brilliant save, he couldn't prevent Oliver Burgess scoring from the rebound.
The game was all over before half time as on 36 minutes Gallen grabbed a debut goal.
He beat Andy Gurney before storming into the box and firing into the corner.
Swindon had most of the possession in the second half but it was QPR who had the last word when in injury time Karl Connolly put away Andy Thomson and he rounded the keeper before slotting in the fourth.
QPR: Digby, Forbes, Rose, Shittu, Palmer, Warren, Burgess, Bonnot, Connolly, Gallen, Dodou. Subs: Bruce, Bignot, Paquette, Thomson, Evans.
Swindon: Griemink, Mark Robinson, Heywood, Gurney, Ruddock, Steve Robinson, Duke, Hewlett, Carlisle, Sabin, Invincible. Subs: Willis, Osei-Kuffour, Grazioli, McKinney, McAreavey.
BBC
And Kenny Jackett was praising QPR
BBC - Jackett lauds QPR November 26, 2001
QPR's 4-0 FA Cup defeat to Swansea has brought about an immediate improvement in the team's performances, according to assistant manager Kenny Jackett.
Since that defeat, QPR have beaten Swindon 4-0 and drawn 0-0 with promotion-chasing Brentford.
"Anyone who saw our performance at Swansea will recognise we have come a long way in just a week," said Jackett.
QPR's assisant manager added that the return of of Danny Shittu and Matthew Rose, plus the arrival of Kevin Gallen, had had an positive impact on the club already.
But Jackett cautioned that QPR would have to accept that opposition teams would always raise their game when they played the London side.
"We have got to handle the fact that for Second Division teams, playing against QPR is a big thing, he said.BBC
BBC - November 24, 2001 - Brentford 0 QPR 0
Brentford missed the chance to move clear at the top of Division Two after they were held to a draw by QPR at Griffin Park.
In a disappointing match, the Bees had the better chances and came close after 19 minutes when Paul Evans fired the ball wildly over the bar from a good position.
.... Brentford: Gottskalksson, Dobson, Powell, Ingimarsson, Gibbs, Rowlands, Evans, Mahon, Hunt, Owusu, Burgess. Subs: Paul Smith, McCammon, Hutchinson, O'Connor, Sidwell.
QPR: Digby, Forbes, Shittu, Rose, Warren, Bignot, Palmer, Bonnot, Connolly, Gallen, Dodou. Subs: Bruce, Wardley, Paquette, Thomson, Evans.
BBC
Friday, November 24, 2006
Coventry's Perspective of QPR Game
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Update: Coventry Rivals Perspective of QPR - Rivals
Coventry's perspective of tomorrow's game:
Coventry Official Site QPR v Coventry City
The Sky Blues are off to Loftus Road on Saturday to take on one of an ever-growing number of clubs where there has been a change of manager this season and whose results have taken an upturn since then.
John Gregory took over at the helm at QPR in September, having spent four-and-a-half years there as a player in the early Eighties, at a time when crisis point may have been an over-exaggeration but the warning bells were clearly audible.
Rangers were bottom of the Championship and having just been dumped out of the Carling Cup by Port Vale it was clear that change was needed.
Gary Waddock had been at the helm on a permanent basis since the summer, after taking over from the sacked Ian Holloway in February on a caretaker basis, but with only one win and a paltry return of just six points from the opening eight games of the season, Chairman Gianni Paladani stepped in before things got any worse.
The flamboyant Italian and Gregory had links during the latter's spell in charge at Derby which he left in 2003 and he has been out of management ever since but maybe football management is just like riding a bike because he's certainly done a good job at Rangers so far. Since taking they have won five, drawn three and only lost twice.
The pinnacle of their good form came last week with a superb 1-0 victory away at league leaders Cardiff and Sky Blues boss Micky Adams is well aware that Gregory's charges will be buzzing ahead of Saturday's game.
"Sheffield Wednesday came to the Ricoh last week full of confidence and I'm expecting QPR, having just gone and beaten the league leaders, to be full of beans and full of confidence. Let's hope that they underestimate us and that we go there and put on a performance."
In recent weeks too, it does not seem to matter how many goals their opponent scores - QPR will either match them or beat them.
"They score loads and concede a few whereas we don't score or concede many so it will probably be a boring 0-0!" joked Micky.
"I think from our point of view, we need to get on a run. We've not had one yet but we're not far off the top six so the signs are encouraging. We are still so close to the play-offs in terms of points and league table when we've not had a run, so when we do get a run going, we shouldn't be too far away, hopefully.
"There's no easy games but the league is such that we don't have to fear anybody. I think that most teams can beat anyone on their day so let's hope we have a good day."
QPR's top scorer is Dexter Blackstock with six, but goals have been coming from everywhere recently with Jimmy Smith and Martin Rowlands on five apiece, and no less than 12 separate players getting on the scoresheet this term.
Coventry would not mind a repeat of last season's encounter down in West London when they won 1-0 thanks to a late Gary McSheffrey penalty. The Sky Blues have only been beaten once in their last four visits to Loftus Road with two of those matches ending in a draw.
Coventry
More re QPR vs Coventry
Other QPR vs Coventry
Update: Coventry Rivals Perspective of QPR - Rivals
Coventry's perspective of tomorrow's game:
Coventry Official Site QPR v Coventry City
The Sky Blues are off to Loftus Road on Saturday to take on one of an ever-growing number of clubs where there has been a change of manager this season and whose results have taken an upturn since then.
John Gregory took over at the helm at QPR in September, having spent four-and-a-half years there as a player in the early Eighties, at a time when crisis point may have been an over-exaggeration but the warning bells were clearly audible.
Rangers were bottom of the Championship and having just been dumped out of the Carling Cup by Port Vale it was clear that change was needed.
Gary Waddock had been at the helm on a permanent basis since the summer, after taking over from the sacked Ian Holloway in February on a caretaker basis, but with only one win and a paltry return of just six points from the opening eight games of the season, Chairman Gianni Paladani stepped in before things got any worse.
The flamboyant Italian and Gregory had links during the latter's spell in charge at Derby which he left in 2003 and he has been out of management ever since but maybe football management is just like riding a bike because he's certainly done a good job at Rangers so far. Since taking they have won five, drawn three and only lost twice.
The pinnacle of their good form came last week with a superb 1-0 victory away at league leaders Cardiff and Sky Blues boss Micky Adams is well aware that Gregory's charges will be buzzing ahead of Saturday's game.
"Sheffield Wednesday came to the Ricoh last week full of confidence and I'm expecting QPR, having just gone and beaten the league leaders, to be full of beans and full of confidence. Let's hope that they underestimate us and that we go there and put on a performance."
In recent weeks too, it does not seem to matter how many goals their opponent scores - QPR will either match them or beat them.
"They score loads and concede a few whereas we don't score or concede many so it will probably be a boring 0-0!" joked Micky.
"I think from our point of view, we need to get on a run. We've not had one yet but we're not far off the top six so the signs are encouraging. We are still so close to the play-offs in terms of points and league table when we've not had a run, so when we do get a run going, we shouldn't be too far away, hopefully.
"There's no easy games but the league is such that we don't have to fear anybody. I think that most teams can beat anyone on their day so let's hope we have a good day."
QPR's top scorer is Dexter Blackstock with six, but goals have been coming from everywhere recently with Jimmy Smith and Martin Rowlands on five apiece, and no less than 12 separate players getting on the scoresheet this term.
Coventry would not mind a repeat of last season's encounter down in West London when they won 1-0 thanks to a late Gary McSheffrey penalty. The Sky Blues have only been beaten once in their last four visits to Loftus Road with two of those matches ending in a draw.
Coventry
More re QPR vs Coventry
Other QPR vs Coventry
Graham Mackrell: Three Months Ago Arrived...One Week Ago Departure Announced....Remains Listed on QPR's Staff Page
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[Update: An hour or two after initial posting this blog entry, the club removed Mackrell's name from the staff list. Updated List]
Three months ago, to the day, QPR with great fanfare, announced they were "delighted to announce the appointment of Graham Mackrell, as Chief Operating Officer..." Mackrell
Just over a week ago, QPR inserted a few sentences announcing Mackrell's "departure" into a broader statement "Bank on US' " "QPR are delighted to announce that the club will be teaming up with Barclays Bank and Deloitte & Touche.... Following the departure of Chief Operating Officer, Graham Mackrell, QPR will still have sound financial and business advice from two of the financial world's experts. QPR would like to thank Graham Mackrell for all of his hard work over the last few months....".QPR Statement
There was no explanation for why Mackrell should be leaving so soon after his arrival (just the latest of a number of QPR off-the-field staff who have moved on in the past 18 months. Another staffer who's name suddenly ceased to be listed on the Staff page, is Chief Financial Officer, Chris Pennington. Pennington's departure was announced at the beginning of the year. Then the club announced he was not going. And then without any announcement on the Official site, he just ceased to be listed. )
The official announcement about Mackrell came after days of messageboard rumours) and after a couple of brief stories in te Mail and Sun saying Mackrell had been fired. As reported in the Daily Mail and The Sun last Thursday (November 16)
Daily Mail "The Screamer" Mackrell sacked by QPR over compensation row - QPR have sacked chief operating officer Graham Mackrell following a row over compensation for former assistant boss Tim Breacker.
Breacker is still on gardening leave nine months after leaving the club at the same time as ex-manager Ian Holloway and chairman Gianni Paladini has accused Mackrell of blundering over pay-off negotiations. Breacker hopes to agree a settlement within 48 hours so he can join Holloway at Plymouth."
The Sun "QPR have sacked executive Graham Mackrell in the row over compensation for coach Tim Breacker. Former West Ham ace Breacker, 41, is still on gardening leave nine months after being relieved of his duties at the same time as ex-boss Ian Holloway. Rangers chairman Gianni Paladini has accused Mackrell of bungling pay-off negotiations. Breacker hopes to agree a settlement so he can link up again with Holloway at Plymouth. But Paladini said: “I was unhappy with Graham’s involvement. “I believe the pay agreement is back in place but I didn’t feel I can work with Mr Mackrell" Sun & Mail
Meanwhile over a week after his announced departure, Mackrell continues to be listed on QPR's website as Chief Operating Officer. Staff Directory
August 24, 2006 - QPR Statement Mackrell AppointedQPR are delighted to announce the appointment of Graham Mackrell, as Chief Operating Officer.
A qualified accountant, Mackrell will offer assistance to the board, with the focus on improving the Club's off-the-field activities.
"I'm really looking forward to the challenge ahead,'' Mackrell told qpr.co.uk.
"QPR is a club with fantastic tradition and I'm excited about the prospect of working with the strong team we already have in place here.
"I'm here to add professionalism and my aim is to ensure the Club's off-the-field ambitions match those on it.''
Mackrell has worked in professional football for 25 years, including spells at Sheffield Wednesday, Luton Town, AFC Bournemouth and West Ham United.
He is also a Venue Director for UEFA.
Chairman Gianni Paladini is delighted to have Mackrell on board, commenting: "Graham will raise our profile within football thanks to his extensive work with UEFA and the League Managers Association.
"He is extremely well-known and respected within the game and also benefits from being a qualified accountant.
"I would like to wish Graham all the best and welcome him to QPR.''
QPR Official Statement
[Update: An hour or two after initial posting this blog entry, the club removed Mackrell's name from the staff list. Updated List]
Three months ago, to the day, QPR with great fanfare, announced they were "delighted to announce the appointment of Graham Mackrell, as Chief Operating Officer..." Mackrell
Just over a week ago, QPR inserted a few sentences announcing Mackrell's "departure" into a broader statement "Bank on US' " "QPR are delighted to announce that the club will be teaming up with Barclays Bank and Deloitte & Touche.... Following the departure of Chief Operating Officer, Graham Mackrell, QPR will still have sound financial and business advice from two of the financial world's experts. QPR would like to thank Graham Mackrell for all of his hard work over the last few months....".QPR Statement
There was no explanation for why Mackrell should be leaving so soon after his arrival (just the latest of a number of QPR off-the-field staff who have moved on in the past 18 months. Another staffer who's name suddenly ceased to be listed on the Staff page, is Chief Financial Officer, Chris Pennington. Pennington's departure was announced at the beginning of the year. Then the club announced he was not going. And then without any announcement on the Official site, he just ceased to be listed. )
The official announcement about Mackrell came after days of messageboard rumours) and after a couple of brief stories in te Mail and Sun saying Mackrell had been fired. As reported in the Daily Mail and The Sun last Thursday (November 16)
Daily Mail "The Screamer" Mackrell sacked by QPR over compensation row - QPR have sacked chief operating officer Graham Mackrell following a row over compensation for former assistant boss Tim Breacker.
Breacker is still on gardening leave nine months after leaving the club at the same time as ex-manager Ian Holloway and chairman Gianni Paladini has accused Mackrell of blundering over pay-off negotiations. Breacker hopes to agree a settlement within 48 hours so he can join Holloway at Plymouth."
The Sun "QPR have sacked executive Graham Mackrell in the row over compensation for coach Tim Breacker. Former West Ham ace Breacker, 41, is still on gardening leave nine months after being relieved of his duties at the same time as ex-boss Ian Holloway. Rangers chairman Gianni Paladini has accused Mackrell of bungling pay-off negotiations. Breacker hopes to agree a settlement so he can link up again with Holloway at Plymouth. But Paladini said: “I was unhappy with Graham’s involvement. “I believe the pay agreement is back in place but I didn’t feel I can work with Mr Mackrell" Sun & Mail
Meanwhile over a week after his announced departure, Mackrell continues to be listed on QPR's website as Chief Operating Officer. Staff Directory
August 24, 2006 - QPR Statement Mackrell AppointedQPR are delighted to announce the appointment of Graham Mackrell, as Chief Operating Officer.
A qualified accountant, Mackrell will offer assistance to the board, with the focus on improving the Club's off-the-field activities.
"I'm really looking forward to the challenge ahead,'' Mackrell told qpr.co.uk.
"QPR is a club with fantastic tradition and I'm excited about the prospect of working with the strong team we already have in place here.
"I'm here to add professionalism and my aim is to ensure the Club's off-the-field ambitions match those on it.''
Mackrell has worked in professional football for 25 years, including spells at Sheffield Wednesday, Luton Town, AFC Bournemouth and West Ham United.
He is also a Venue Director for UEFA.
Chairman Gianni Paladini is delighted to have Mackrell on board, commenting: "Graham will raise our profile within football thanks to his extensive work with UEFA and the League Managers Association.
"He is extremely well-known and respected within the game and also benefits from being a qualified accountant.
"I would like to wish Graham all the best and welcome him to QPR.''
QPR Official Statement
Tim Breacker Talks about QPR, Gardening Leave, Coaching, Holloway and Plymouth
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After almost 300 days of Gardening Leave, Tim Breacker finally joined up with Ian Holloway (and Gary Penrice & Des Bulpin) at Plymouth. At a press conference yesterday, Breacker and Holloway welcomed his arrival at Plymouth.
As reported yesterday: Plymouth
And on QPR Report
Plymouth Official Site - Breaker Talks
"Tim Breacker has finally arrived at Home Park as the newest addition to manager Ian Holloway's coaching team.
The two men worked together at QPR before both being placed on gardening leave back in February.
Holloway was named the new manager of Argyle in the summer but ongoing contractual negotiations with QPR delayed Breacker's arrival until now.
"I must have a bigger garden than him," said Breacker.
"I was basically placed on gardening leave the same day as Ollie. A fax to him had my name on it and that was it.
"I am glad that side is over and I want to get back working. I enjoyed my time with Ollie before. He gave me a chance in the coaching side of the game when I finished playing.
"I want to achieve something here with Ollie and I am looking forward to the challenge.
"It is not a nice period and I know that Premiership clubs are not allowed to put people on gardening leave and it should be the same in every division.
"It is different for a manager. If the club does well, you get a lot of praise and when things go wrong you tend to look at yourself.
"A lot of the time it was a case of speaking to Ollie and reminding him that he did well and should be proud. He is a good manager and it will be shown in the future.
"You can understand how he was feeling but maybe the way QPR struggled after he left made him feel a bit better.
"It is a difficult time mentally for a manager."
Breacker has not spent his time in the footballing wilderness being idle. The former Luton and West Ham full-back has been busy watching games and working on his coaching license.
He said: "I have been able to use my time well, although it is not the same as being at a club.
"Once Ollie arrived here, I spent my time going to matches, watching players and also doing my Pro License.
"I have watched a lot of games on video and I have been speaking to Ollie and Gary [Penrice]. I also know a lot of the players from when we faced them at QPR. I think there was a lot of mutual respect between the two sides at the time.
"The challenge is to keep what was here before and try to add to it. If you can do that, you have every chance of doing well in this division.
"It was similar at QPR where we had a lot of the strengths from League One and we took that into the Championship.
"Wigan and Reading are good examples. They have both now gone into the Premiership and kept the same ethos and attitude, and you can see that in their play.
"I think Ollie wants me to look at all aspects of the club and advise him, but there is not an immediate need to do things.
"The chairman has been very good with me and very patient. He spoke about his vision for the future and it all sounds very good."
Breacker is not a complete stranger to the South West, having been married in Ashburton and spent a number summer holidays in Devon.
He said: "My ex-wife has family in Devon and I actually got married in Ashburton.
"My boys, Jamie and Sam who are 14 and 13, have a cousin who is a season-ticket holder and they always go to games when they are down here on holiday.
"I have told them that I can get tickets now that Ollie is here but they want to stand where they normally stand. They spent a lot of time on holiday down here when I was playing.
"I have a feeling for the area already and you can immediately see that it is a community club, and there is that feeling about the place."
Plymouth Official Site
Herald on Breaker and Holloway's Comments
"...[Tim]Breacker, 41, officially started work with the Pilgrims yesterday after finally completing his much-delayed move from Championship rivals Queens Park Rangers.
He was put on 'gardening leave' by QPR in February at the same time as Holloway, and it was always likely he would follow him to Home Park once Holloway became Argyle manager in the summer.
Breacker agreed a two-year contract with the Pilgrims earlier this season and it was hoped he would start work for them on October 1.
But the former Luton Town, West Ham United and QPR left-back has had to wait until now to take up his new role because of difficulties in resolving some contractual issues with Rangers
....Holloway, meanwhile, was thrilled that Breacker was now on board at Home Park.
His main role will be to coach the first team squad, although he will be closely involved with the youth set-up as well.
Breacker's arrival means Holloway has all his backroom staff in place.
Des Bulpin will also work with the first team squad while Gary Penrice will be the chief scout and specialist strikers' coach.
Holloway said: "It's fantastic Tim is here at last. It's just another piece in the jigsaw.
"When you are a manager it's about looking at the players you have already got, recruiting new ones and training them all. It's a huge thing.
"I'm the one who keeps them all going, so I need a certain structure and amount of staff to keep them training.
"Tim has helped me with it before and my whole staff set-up is to make the players better people first.
"We can only do that if we care about them and I choose my people very carefully," added the Pilgrims' boss.
Breacker was relieved the waiting was over and he could get stuck into work at his new club.
He said: "It has taken a very long time, even longer than it did with Ollie. I was put on gardening leave the same day as he was.
"The fax to him had my name on it and that was it. I'm just glad that side is over with and I want to get on with working.
"I enjoyed my time with Ollie previously. He gave me a chance on the coaching side when my playing career was coming to an end and I loved every minute of it.
"I just want to achieve something here with Ollie and I'm looking forward to the challenge."
This is Plymouth
After almost 300 days of Gardening Leave, Tim Breacker finally joined up with Ian Holloway (and Gary Penrice & Des Bulpin) at Plymouth. At a press conference yesterday, Breacker and Holloway welcomed his arrival at Plymouth.
As reported yesterday: Plymouth
And on QPR Report
Plymouth Official Site - Breaker Talks
"Tim Breacker has finally arrived at Home Park as the newest addition to manager Ian Holloway's coaching team.
The two men worked together at QPR before both being placed on gardening leave back in February.
Holloway was named the new manager of Argyle in the summer but ongoing contractual negotiations with QPR delayed Breacker's arrival until now.
"I must have a bigger garden than him," said Breacker.
"I was basically placed on gardening leave the same day as Ollie. A fax to him had my name on it and that was it.
"I am glad that side is over and I want to get back working. I enjoyed my time with Ollie before. He gave me a chance in the coaching side of the game when I finished playing.
"I want to achieve something here with Ollie and I am looking forward to the challenge.
"It is not a nice period and I know that Premiership clubs are not allowed to put people on gardening leave and it should be the same in every division.
"It is different for a manager. If the club does well, you get a lot of praise and when things go wrong you tend to look at yourself.
"A lot of the time it was a case of speaking to Ollie and reminding him that he did well and should be proud. He is a good manager and it will be shown in the future.
"You can understand how he was feeling but maybe the way QPR struggled after he left made him feel a bit better.
"It is a difficult time mentally for a manager."
Breacker has not spent his time in the footballing wilderness being idle. The former Luton and West Ham full-back has been busy watching games and working on his coaching license.
He said: "I have been able to use my time well, although it is not the same as being at a club.
"Once Ollie arrived here, I spent my time going to matches, watching players and also doing my Pro License.
"I have watched a lot of games on video and I have been speaking to Ollie and Gary [Penrice]. I also know a lot of the players from when we faced them at QPR. I think there was a lot of mutual respect between the two sides at the time.
"The challenge is to keep what was here before and try to add to it. If you can do that, you have every chance of doing well in this division.
"It was similar at QPR where we had a lot of the strengths from League One and we took that into the Championship.
"Wigan and Reading are good examples. They have both now gone into the Premiership and kept the same ethos and attitude, and you can see that in their play.
"I think Ollie wants me to look at all aspects of the club and advise him, but there is not an immediate need to do things.
"The chairman has been very good with me and very patient. He spoke about his vision for the future and it all sounds very good."
Breacker is not a complete stranger to the South West, having been married in Ashburton and spent a number summer holidays in Devon.
He said: "My ex-wife has family in Devon and I actually got married in Ashburton.
"My boys, Jamie and Sam who are 14 and 13, have a cousin who is a season-ticket holder and they always go to games when they are down here on holiday.
"I have told them that I can get tickets now that Ollie is here but they want to stand where they normally stand. They spent a lot of time on holiday down here when I was playing.
"I have a feeling for the area already and you can immediately see that it is a community club, and there is that feeling about the place."
Plymouth Official Site
Herald on Breaker and Holloway's Comments
"...[Tim]Breacker, 41, officially started work with the Pilgrims yesterday after finally completing his much-delayed move from Championship rivals Queens Park Rangers.
He was put on 'gardening leave' by QPR in February at the same time as Holloway, and it was always likely he would follow him to Home Park once Holloway became Argyle manager in the summer.
Breacker agreed a two-year contract with the Pilgrims earlier this season and it was hoped he would start work for them on October 1.
But the former Luton Town, West Ham United and QPR left-back has had to wait until now to take up his new role because of difficulties in resolving some contractual issues with Rangers
....Holloway, meanwhile, was thrilled that Breacker was now on board at Home Park.
His main role will be to coach the first team squad, although he will be closely involved with the youth set-up as well.
Breacker's arrival means Holloway has all his backroom staff in place.
Des Bulpin will also work with the first team squad while Gary Penrice will be the chief scout and specialist strikers' coach.
Holloway said: "It's fantastic Tim is here at last. It's just another piece in the jigsaw.
"When you are a manager it's about looking at the players you have already got, recruiting new ones and training them all. It's a huge thing.
"I'm the one who keeps them all going, so I need a certain structure and amount of staff to keep them training.
"Tim has helped me with it before and my whole staff set-up is to make the players better people first.
"We can only do that if we care about them and I choose my people very carefully," added the Pilgrims' boss.
Breacker was relieved the waiting was over and he could get stuck into work at his new club.
He said: "It has taken a very long time, even longer than it did with Ollie. I was put on gardening leave the same day as he was.
"The fax to him had my name on it and that was it. I'm just glad that side is over with and I want to get on with working.
"I enjoyed my time with Ollie previously. He gave me a chance on the coaching side when my playing career was coming to an end and I loved every minute of it.
"I just want to achieve something here with Ollie and I'm looking forward to the challenge."
This is Plymouth
QPR vs Coventry
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15th Placed QPR at home to 11th Placed Coventry at Loftus Road.
Coventry's away record is 3 wins & 6 draws. Scored 6 conceded 10. Winning their games by 1 goal or losing their games by 1 or 2 goals.
(Coventry's Home Record is 5 wins 3 draws 1 defeat. Scored 12 conceded 7)
Table
Over the years been some great results against Coventry: Stan Bowles last (free) kick of the game FA Cup winner in 1974...Clive Allen's debut hatrick...Another 5-1 against Bobby Gould's Coventry...And then a number of single goal defeats...
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - TRIPLE BOOST
Rangers manager John Gregory has been boosted by the news that three key members of his squad have all returned to full training this week and are in the squad for Saturday's home match against Coventry City. Paul Furlong, Kevin Gallen and Martin Rowlands have all been declared fit to play, much to the joy of Gregory.... [Gregory] told qpr.co.uk: "I'm delighted that they are back. It gives me even better options for the next two very important matches."
QPR Official
QPR last played Coventry last December at Loftus Road (December 20) in a game shown on Sky. QPR lost 0-1 with Coventry scoring a penalty 5 minutes from time as Royce was sent off in a game that QPR completely dominated:
QPR's team that day: QPR: Royce; Bignot; Evatt; Shittu; Ainsworth; Rowlands; Santos (Bircham 82); Bean (Cook 67); Moore; Dyer; Langley. Subs (not used): Cole; Milanese; Rose
Booked: Rowlands (16); Santos (58) Sent-off: Royce (85)
Coventry: Fulop; Whing; Page; Shaw; Duffy; McSheffrey (Jorgensen 89); Doyle; Osbourne; Morrell (Impey 60); Adebola (Scowcroft); Hutchison. Subs (not used): Ince; Thornton
McSheffrey (18); Adebola (75)
Post Match Comments from the last Loftus Road game vs Coventry:
Besides talking about being in the dark about various off-the-field developments at Loftus Road, Holloway declared:
QPR OFFICIAL SITE
Ian Holloway was in a philosophical mood after seeing his Rangers side lose to an 86th minute penalty.
Rangers had bossed the game from the off, but when Simon Royce was given his marching orders for bringing down Gary McSheffrey, Coventry had a golden opportunity to seal the game.
They did just that with McSheffrey converting from the spot, but despite coming so close to winning, Holloway was calm and composed.
"I thought we dominated throughout but lacked the cutting edge. That's football and our lads have found out the hard way tonight.
"I'll admit it was a penalty but never in a million years is that a sending off - certainly not to the letter of the law anyway. Evatt was catching him and covering.
"But it was sloppy on our part because we conceded possession from our own throw-in and you just can't afford to do that at this level."
Ollie summed up the mood in the dressing room immediately after the game.
"The lads are gutted in the changing room and rightly so. We lacked the final ball but that was understandable given those we've got out injured at the moment."
With Simon Royce and Georges Santos now due to miss the Brighton game and with only Paul Furlong looking to be back, it will be a tough festive period.
"We can't go into the loan market for players anymore and I'd have certainly been in for some players this week if the circumstances were different.
"Our final third play wasn't good enough on the night and we paid the price. I don't know why we're not winning games at home. We were bright, so were the fans, but crazy things happen in football. It's a crazy game.
"We've got Jake Cole who is a professional at this club so we're not able to bring anyone else in. Simple as that.
"Paul Furlong will be back for Brighton but the others will all still be sidelined."
QPR
"QPR boss Ian Holloway:"Coventry had one shot - that was the penalty - and they scored a goal. I think they have had their Christmas present early.
"This is a results business and you need to win at home. Unfortunately we cannot buy a win at home at the moment.
"Stefan Moore's my only striker. Paul Furlong's suspensions have cost us."
Coventry boss Micky Adams:"Whether or not we deserved that is debatable but we'll take it. I'm not sure either side deserved to get all three points.
"My keeper certainly wasn't troubled and Royce wasn't either. We stood firm and got a bit of luck at the end.
"We didn't come to be defensive. QPR forced us backwards without creating too much. Then we had a lucky break."
BBC
Coventry's Results this season: Results
Coventry's PlayersCoventry City's First Team Squad
On Loan Transfer deadline day, Coventry signed the Ipswich winger, Darren Currie (relative of Tony Currie) - Currie
QPR PREVIEW - SKY BLUES
In his second full season in charge at the Ricoh Arena, Sky Blues gaffer Micky Adams will be quietly content with the start his charges have made to the 2006/07 Coca Cola Championship campaign. Sitting pretty in eleventh place and just four points off the top-six, the Sky Blues seem perfectly poised to mount a charge for the play-off's in the second half of the season.
However, if they are to reach the promised land of the Premiership - be it automatically or via the play-off's - Adams' men will need to drastically improve their form on the road.
While 16 points from 27 represents a decent return at home, the Sky Blues have averaged just a point per game on their travels.
......
Top scorer (league goals only): Stern John 5
Last league game: Coventry City 3, Sheffield Wednesday 1.
Coca Cola Championship.November 18th 2006.
Coventry City: Marshall, Duffy, Page, Hall, Clarke, Birchall (Andrews 74), Hutchison (Cameron 14), Doyle, Tabb, Adebola (Kyle 74), McKenzie.
Subs Not Used: Gonzlalez-Robles, Bischoff....
Superhoopsbet.co.uk match odds:
QPR 11/10 - Coventry City 11/5 -draw 11/5...
QPR wins: 32 Coventry City wins: 38 Draws: 24
Last meeting:
Queens Park Rangers 0, Coventry City 1.
Football League Championship.
December 19th 2005.
QPR
15th Placed QPR at home to 11th Placed Coventry at Loftus Road.
Coventry's away record is 3 wins & 6 draws. Scored 6 conceded 10. Winning their games by 1 goal or losing their games by 1 or 2 goals.
(Coventry's Home Record is 5 wins 3 draws 1 defeat. Scored 12 conceded 7)
Table
Over the years been some great results against Coventry: Stan Bowles last (free) kick of the game FA Cup winner in 1974...Clive Allen's debut hatrick...Another 5-1 against Bobby Gould's Coventry...And then a number of single goal defeats...
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - TRIPLE BOOST
Rangers manager John Gregory has been boosted by the news that three key members of his squad have all returned to full training this week and are in the squad for Saturday's home match against Coventry City. Paul Furlong, Kevin Gallen and Martin Rowlands have all been declared fit to play, much to the joy of Gregory.... [Gregory] told qpr.co.uk: "I'm delighted that they are back. It gives me even better options for the next two very important matches."
QPR Official
QPR last played Coventry last December at Loftus Road (December 20) in a game shown on Sky. QPR lost 0-1 with Coventry scoring a penalty 5 minutes from time as Royce was sent off in a game that QPR completely dominated:
QPR's team that day: QPR: Royce; Bignot; Evatt; Shittu; Ainsworth; Rowlands; Santos (Bircham 82); Bean (Cook 67); Moore; Dyer; Langley. Subs (not used): Cole; Milanese; Rose
Booked: Rowlands (16); Santos (58) Sent-off: Royce (85)
Coventry: Fulop; Whing; Page; Shaw; Duffy; McSheffrey (Jorgensen 89); Doyle; Osbourne; Morrell (Impey 60); Adebola (Scowcroft); Hutchison. Subs (not used): Ince; Thornton
McSheffrey (18); Adebola (75)
Post Match Comments from the last Loftus Road game vs Coventry:
Besides talking about being in the dark about various off-the-field developments at Loftus Road, Holloway declared:
QPR OFFICIAL SITE
Ian Holloway was in a philosophical mood after seeing his Rangers side lose to an 86th minute penalty.
Rangers had bossed the game from the off, but when Simon Royce was given his marching orders for bringing down Gary McSheffrey, Coventry had a golden opportunity to seal the game.
They did just that with McSheffrey converting from the spot, but despite coming so close to winning, Holloway was calm and composed.
"I thought we dominated throughout but lacked the cutting edge. That's football and our lads have found out the hard way tonight.
"I'll admit it was a penalty but never in a million years is that a sending off - certainly not to the letter of the law anyway. Evatt was catching him and covering.
"But it was sloppy on our part because we conceded possession from our own throw-in and you just can't afford to do that at this level."
Ollie summed up the mood in the dressing room immediately after the game.
"The lads are gutted in the changing room and rightly so. We lacked the final ball but that was understandable given those we've got out injured at the moment."
With Simon Royce and Georges Santos now due to miss the Brighton game and with only Paul Furlong looking to be back, it will be a tough festive period.
"We can't go into the loan market for players anymore and I'd have certainly been in for some players this week if the circumstances were different.
"Our final third play wasn't good enough on the night and we paid the price. I don't know why we're not winning games at home. We were bright, so were the fans, but crazy things happen in football. It's a crazy game.
"We've got Jake Cole who is a professional at this club so we're not able to bring anyone else in. Simple as that.
"Paul Furlong will be back for Brighton but the others will all still be sidelined."
QPR
"QPR boss Ian Holloway:"Coventry had one shot - that was the penalty - and they scored a goal. I think they have had their Christmas present early.
"This is a results business and you need to win at home. Unfortunately we cannot buy a win at home at the moment.
"Stefan Moore's my only striker. Paul Furlong's suspensions have cost us."
Coventry boss Micky Adams:"Whether or not we deserved that is debatable but we'll take it. I'm not sure either side deserved to get all three points.
"My keeper certainly wasn't troubled and Royce wasn't either. We stood firm and got a bit of luck at the end.
"We didn't come to be defensive. QPR forced us backwards without creating too much. Then we had a lucky break."
BBC
Coventry's Results this season: Results
Coventry's PlayersCoventry City's First Team Squad
On Loan Transfer deadline day, Coventry signed the Ipswich winger, Darren Currie (relative of Tony Currie) - Currie
QPR PREVIEW - SKY BLUES
In his second full season in charge at the Ricoh Arena, Sky Blues gaffer Micky Adams will be quietly content with the start his charges have made to the 2006/07 Coca Cola Championship campaign. Sitting pretty in eleventh place and just four points off the top-six, the Sky Blues seem perfectly poised to mount a charge for the play-off's in the second half of the season.
However, if they are to reach the promised land of the Premiership - be it automatically or via the play-off's - Adams' men will need to drastically improve their form on the road.
While 16 points from 27 represents a decent return at home, the Sky Blues have averaged just a point per game on their travels.
......
Top scorer (league goals only): Stern John 5
Last league game: Coventry City 3, Sheffield Wednesday 1.
Coca Cola Championship.November 18th 2006.
Coventry City: Marshall, Duffy, Page, Hall, Clarke, Birchall (Andrews 74), Hutchison (Cameron 14), Doyle, Tabb, Adebola (Kyle 74), McKenzie.
Subs Not Used: Gonzlalez-Robles, Bischoff....
Superhoopsbet.co.uk match odds:
QPR 11/10 - Coventry City 11/5 -draw 11/5...
QPR wins: 32 Coventry City wins: 38 Draws: 24
Last meeting:
Queens Park Rangers 0, Coventry City 1.
Football League Championship.
December 19th 2005.
QPR
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Breacker Joining Plymouth as Assistant Manager
-
Plymouth Official Site
TIM Breacker will be introduced to the media at Home Park today as the newest member of manager Ian Holloway's coaching team.
Breacker's arrival at Home Park had been delayed by continuing contractural negotiations with his former employers at QPR.
He was part of Holloway's management team at QPR before the pair were placed on gardening leave - a move that culminated in Holloway becoming Argyle's new manager in the summer.
Another member of that team at QPR, Gary Penrice, joined the Pilgrims as chief scout a couple of months ago and Breacker's arrival will give Holloway the coaching structure he has always wanted.
As a player, Breacker was a tough-tackling right-back. He began his career at Luton Town and made over 200 appearances for the Hatters before moving to West Ham for a fee of £600,000 in 1990.
He spent nine years at Upton Park and was the first choice right-back for most of the 1990's. Breacker finished his long playing career at QPR.
Watch this space for news from today's Press Conference...
Plymouth Official Site
Sporting Life - Breacker Appointed as Plymouth Assistant
Tim Breacker has become assistant manager to Ian Holloway at Plymouth.
Breacker's arrival at Home Park had been delayed by continuing contractural negotiations with his former employers at QPR. He was part of Holloway's management team at QPR before the pair were placed on gardening leave - a move that culminated in Holloway becoming Argyle's new manager in the summer. As a player, Breacker was a tough-tackling right-back. He began his career at Luton Town and made over 200 appearances for the Hatters before moving to West Ham for a fee of £600,000 in 1990.
Sporting Life
The Herald (Plymouth)- BREACKER FINALLY JOINS PILGRIMS
Tim Breacker has today become Plymouth Argyle's new assistant manager after finally reaching a settlement with his former club Queens Park Rangers.
The 41-year-old ex-Luton Town, West Ham United and QPR defender had hoped to start work at Home Park at the beginning of October, but his move was held up due contractual problems with Rangers.
Yet those problems have now been resolved and he was officially announced as part of Argyle's coaching staff this lunchtime... Herald
BBC - Breacker named Plymouth assistant
Tim Breacker has become assistant manager to Ian Holloway at Plymouth.
Breacker's arrival at Home Park had been delayed by continuing contract negotiations with his former employers at QPR.
He was part of Holloway's management team at QPR before the pair were placed on gardening leave - a move that led to Holloway becoming Argyle's boss.
BBC
[Previous Blog Posts re Tim Breacker at: Breacker
Plymouth Official Site
TIM Breacker will be introduced to the media at Home Park today as the newest member of manager Ian Holloway's coaching team.
Breacker's arrival at Home Park had been delayed by continuing contractural negotiations with his former employers at QPR.
He was part of Holloway's management team at QPR before the pair were placed on gardening leave - a move that culminated in Holloway becoming Argyle's new manager in the summer.
Another member of that team at QPR, Gary Penrice, joined the Pilgrims as chief scout a couple of months ago and Breacker's arrival will give Holloway the coaching structure he has always wanted.
As a player, Breacker was a tough-tackling right-back. He began his career at Luton Town and made over 200 appearances for the Hatters before moving to West Ham for a fee of £600,000 in 1990.
He spent nine years at Upton Park and was the first choice right-back for most of the 1990's. Breacker finished his long playing career at QPR.
Watch this space for news from today's Press Conference...
Plymouth Official Site
Sporting Life - Breacker Appointed as Plymouth Assistant
Tim Breacker has become assistant manager to Ian Holloway at Plymouth.
Breacker's arrival at Home Park had been delayed by continuing contractural negotiations with his former employers at QPR. He was part of Holloway's management team at QPR before the pair were placed on gardening leave - a move that culminated in Holloway becoming Argyle's new manager in the summer. As a player, Breacker was a tough-tackling right-back. He began his career at Luton Town and made over 200 appearances for the Hatters before moving to West Ham for a fee of £600,000 in 1990.
Sporting Life
The Herald (Plymouth)- BREACKER FINALLY JOINS PILGRIMS
Tim Breacker has today become Plymouth Argyle's new assistant manager after finally reaching a settlement with his former club Queens Park Rangers.
The 41-year-old ex-Luton Town, West Ham United and QPR defender had hoped to start work at Home Park at the beginning of October, but his move was held up due contractual problems with Rangers.
Yet those problems have now been resolved and he was officially announced as part of Argyle's coaching staff this lunchtime... Herald
BBC - Breacker named Plymouth assistant
Tim Breacker has become assistant manager to Ian Holloway at Plymouth.
Breacker's arrival at Home Park had been delayed by continuing contract negotiations with his former employers at QPR.
He was part of Holloway's management team at QPR before the pair were placed on gardening leave - a move that led to Holloway becoming Argyle's boss.
BBC
[Previous Blog Posts re Tim Breacker at: Breacker
Very Nice Profile of Ray Jones & His Pre-QPR Days
-
Ilford Recorder/Luke Wilson -Profiles Ray Jones
"...[Ray Jones] hails just a stone's throw from Upton Park. Born and raised in East Ham,....
It has been a meteoric rise for the former Langdon School pupil who just 18 months ago was playing Sunday League football for Redwood FC.
His talent caught the eye of QPR's youth development officer John O'Brien, who offered him a trial and the rest, as they say, is history.
"At the moment it's still sinking in that in just 18 months I've gone from playing parks football to being in the QPR first team!" Jones admitted.
"At Sunday league level my team was pretty good and we used to play against academy teams from several professional clubs and so initially playing for QPR's youth team was not much of a step up.
"However when I started training with the first team it was a massive change.
"The physical aspect was the biggest difference as I was playing against much stronger and more experienced players and it seemed to just get harder and harder.
"There's a lot of players at the club that have been there and done it and played at the highest level but they've been very encouraging to me and have helped me settle into the first team."
Things could have been a lot different for the target man, who made his Championship debut against Watford back in May, for at the age of 12 he decided to quit playing 'serious' football....
"Basically I stopped playing youth league football because I wasn't enjoying it as much as I used to," he revealed.
"I was still playing nearly every day in the playground and, without wanting to sound big-headed, I used to run past people for fun!
"However my shooting was a little all over the place and so I thought to myself 'I need to get back to playing regularly'!"
One thing that you certainly could not accuse Jones of being is 'big-headed'.
Having made his full debut for the R's at the start of the present campaign, the striker was subsequently handed his first opportunity to represent his country when he came on as a substitute in the England under-19s' clash with Holland in September.
Such moments in the limelight would have undoubtedly inflated the egos of more impressionable characters but not Jones.
His down-to-earth demeanour will certainly keep his feet on the ground along with the help of his highly supportive family, who have served as an inspiration for the young goal-getter.
"My family have all been amazing and they're just over the moon for me," he beamed. "They're all really proud of what I've achieved and they've all really supported me.
"Everyone has been over to see me play for QPR - my mum, my nan, my uncle, aunt, sister and cousins - it's been amazing."
One person who Ray is certainly indebted to is his grandma Maureen, who has watched with pride as her grandson has matured into a Championship footballer.
She, like many of his family, has been there since his humble beginnings in youth football, even making a scrapbook with her daughter (Ray's mother) of all the appearances that their boy has made in the press from a young age.
"My nan used to make all my sandwiches and wake up at the crack of dawn to take me to games," he recalled.
"She even used to make sandwiches for my team-mates and that just sums up the type of amazing person she is!
"The people on our street have all been amazing as well and when I came back home after scoring my first goal for QPR (the winner against Northampton in August), everyone was telling me that they'd just seen my goal on Sky Sports News, that was really weird!"
Jones it seems has the perfect entourage to remain focused on realising his dreams and his humility stands out when posed the question of what the future might hold for him.
"I just want to be the best player I can," he replied. "I hope that I will play at the highest level and hopefully that will be with QPR."
One thing that is for sure though is that in allowing a player like Jones, whose physical presence and eye for goal look set to make him a force to be reckoned with in the future, to escape their grasp, the Hammers may regret the fact they failed to unearth such a hidden gem.
Ilford Recorder
Ilford Recorder/Luke Wilson -Profiles Ray Jones
"...[Ray Jones] hails just a stone's throw from Upton Park. Born and raised in East Ham,....
It has been a meteoric rise for the former Langdon School pupil who just 18 months ago was playing Sunday League football for Redwood FC.
His talent caught the eye of QPR's youth development officer John O'Brien, who offered him a trial and the rest, as they say, is history.
"At the moment it's still sinking in that in just 18 months I've gone from playing parks football to being in the QPR first team!" Jones admitted.
"At Sunday league level my team was pretty good and we used to play against academy teams from several professional clubs and so initially playing for QPR's youth team was not much of a step up.
"However when I started training with the first team it was a massive change.
"The physical aspect was the biggest difference as I was playing against much stronger and more experienced players and it seemed to just get harder and harder.
"There's a lot of players at the club that have been there and done it and played at the highest level but they've been very encouraging to me and have helped me settle into the first team."
Things could have been a lot different for the target man, who made his Championship debut against Watford back in May, for at the age of 12 he decided to quit playing 'serious' football....
"Basically I stopped playing youth league football because I wasn't enjoying it as much as I used to," he revealed.
"I was still playing nearly every day in the playground and, without wanting to sound big-headed, I used to run past people for fun!
"However my shooting was a little all over the place and so I thought to myself 'I need to get back to playing regularly'!"
One thing that you certainly could not accuse Jones of being is 'big-headed'.
Having made his full debut for the R's at the start of the present campaign, the striker was subsequently handed his first opportunity to represent his country when he came on as a substitute in the England under-19s' clash with Holland in September.
Such moments in the limelight would have undoubtedly inflated the egos of more impressionable characters but not Jones.
His down-to-earth demeanour will certainly keep his feet on the ground along with the help of his highly supportive family, who have served as an inspiration for the young goal-getter.
"My family have all been amazing and they're just over the moon for me," he beamed. "They're all really proud of what I've achieved and they've all really supported me.
"Everyone has been over to see me play for QPR - my mum, my nan, my uncle, aunt, sister and cousins - it's been amazing."
One person who Ray is certainly indebted to is his grandma Maureen, who has watched with pride as her grandson has matured into a Championship footballer.
She, like many of his family, has been there since his humble beginnings in youth football, even making a scrapbook with her daughter (Ray's mother) of all the appearances that their boy has made in the press from a young age.
"My nan used to make all my sandwiches and wake up at the crack of dawn to take me to games," he recalled.
"She even used to make sandwiches for my team-mates and that just sums up the type of amazing person she is!
"The people on our street have all been amazing as well and when I came back home after scoring my first goal for QPR (the winner against Northampton in August), everyone was telling me that they'd just seen my goal on Sky Sports News, that was really weird!"
Jones it seems has the perfect entourage to remain focused on realising his dreams and his humility stands out when posed the question of what the future might hold for him.
"I just want to be the best player I can," he replied. "I hope that I will play at the highest level and hopefully that will be with QPR."
One thing that is for sure though is that in allowing a player like Jones, whose physical presence and eye for goal look set to make him a force to be reckoned with in the future, to escape their grasp, the Hammers may regret the fact they failed to unearth such a hidden gem.
Ilford Recorder
QPR Win "Performance of the Week" Award for their Cardiff Victory
-
QPR Official Site - HOOP-HOOP-HOORAY!
"The R's last-gasp victory against Cardiff on Friday has earned them the coveted F&C Investments Performance of the Week Award.
The League Managers Association five-man Performance of the Week panel - comprising Chairman Howard Wilkinson, Sir Alex Ferguson, Joe Royle, Dave Bassett and Barry Fry - were in agreement that this week, the F&C Investments Performance of the Week Award, should go to QPR....
Gaffer John Gregory will receive the specially engraved crystal football tomorrow (Friday), in a presentation to be screened on Sky Sports' Soccer Saturday this weekend."
QPR Official Site
DETAILS RE F&C AWARD
"F&C are delighted to be working in partnership with the League Managers Association (LMA) and are committed to building a presence in the football world and to the sponsorship of the LMA.
Through our association with the LMA, F&C sponsor the F&C Performance of the Week, where a panel of experts including Sir Alex Ferguson and Howard Wilkinson select the outstanding performance from the previous week’s English football leagues with the winner announced on SKY TV every Saturday.
Our sponsorship of the LMA allows us to host a number of exciting events for our adviser partners including dinners at football grounds around the country with premiership league managers providing after dinner speeches and a golf day where up to 21 league mangers
F&C
QPR Official Site - HOOP-HOOP-HOORAY!
"The R's last-gasp victory against Cardiff on Friday has earned them the coveted F&C Investments Performance of the Week Award.
The League Managers Association five-man Performance of the Week panel - comprising Chairman Howard Wilkinson, Sir Alex Ferguson, Joe Royle, Dave Bassett and Barry Fry - were in agreement that this week, the F&C Investments Performance of the Week Award, should go to QPR....
Gaffer John Gregory will receive the specially engraved crystal football tomorrow (Friday), in a presentation to be screened on Sky Sports' Soccer Saturday this weekend."
QPR Official Site
DETAILS RE F&C AWARD
"F&C are delighted to be working in partnership with the League Managers Association (LMA) and are committed to building a presence in the football world and to the sponsorship of the LMA.
Through our association with the LMA, F&C sponsor the F&C Performance of the Week, where a panel of experts including Sir Alex Ferguson and Howard Wilkinson select the outstanding performance from the previous week’s English football leagues with the winner announced on SKY TV every Saturday.
Our sponsorship of the LMA allows us to host a number of exciting events for our adviser partners including dinners at football grounds around the country with premiership league managers providing after dinner speeches and a golf day where up to 21 league mangers
F&C
No Pilgrims' Thanksgiving News! Still No QPR/Plymouth Deal re Tim Breaker
-
Tim Breacker: Approaching 300 Days of Paid Gardening Leave!
And a week since QPR Chairman was quoted in the press as saying he was unhappy with the departed Chief Operating Officer, Graham Mackrell over Tim Breacker, and the Mail writing that Breacker hoped to have it resolved within 48 hours, thus far no announcement by Plymouth or QPR that the issue has been resolved.
As reported in the Daily Mail and The Sun last Thursday (November 16)
Daily Mail "The Screamer" Mackrell sacked by QPR over compensation row
QPR have sacked chief operating officer Graham Mackrell following a row over compensation for former assistant boss Tim Breacker.
Breacker is still on gardening leave nine months after leaving the club at the same time as ex-manager Ian Holloway and chairman Gianni Paladini has accused Mackrell of blundering over pay-off negotiations. Breacker hopes to agree a settlement within 48 hours so he can join Holloway at Plymouth.
The Sun "QPR have sacked executive Graham Mackrell in the row over compensation for coach Tim Breacker.
Former West Ham ace Breacker, 41, is still on gardening leave nine months after being relieved of his duties at the same time as ex-boss Ian Holloway.
Rangers chairman Gianni Paladini has accused Mackrell of bungling pay-off negotiations.
Breacker hopes to agree a settlement so he can link up again with Holloway at Plymouth. But Paladini said: “I was unhappy with Graham’s involvement.
“I believe the pay agreement is back in place but I didn’t feel I can work with Mr Mackrell"
Sun & Mail
See from a couple of weeks ago: Breacker/Non Plymouth Update - The various ups and downs
As Ian Holloway was quoted almost three weeks ago "Holloway wants to hire him, but an agreement that had almost been reached with the London club seems to have collapsed. "I feel for Tim at the moment," Holloway said. "QPR are being a bunch of idiots. They're still paying him, but they've reneged on certain things that they said they were going to do and there's no deal any more. I can't understand it, to be perfectly honest with you. I don't what QPR are doing. It's absolute madness. I don't think you should treat people like that, and I'm very, very, very disappointed, to say the least." Plymouth
Tim Breacker: Approaching 300 Days of Paid Gardening Leave!
And a week since QPR Chairman was quoted in the press as saying he was unhappy with the departed Chief Operating Officer, Graham Mackrell over Tim Breacker, and the Mail writing that Breacker hoped to have it resolved within 48 hours, thus far no announcement by Plymouth or QPR that the issue has been resolved.
As reported in the Daily Mail and The Sun last Thursday (November 16)
Daily Mail "The Screamer" Mackrell sacked by QPR over compensation row
QPR have sacked chief operating officer Graham Mackrell following a row over compensation for former assistant boss Tim Breacker.
Breacker is still on gardening leave nine months after leaving the club at the same time as ex-manager Ian Holloway and chairman Gianni Paladini has accused Mackrell of blundering over pay-off negotiations. Breacker hopes to agree a settlement within 48 hours so he can join Holloway at Plymouth.
The Sun "QPR have sacked executive Graham Mackrell in the row over compensation for coach Tim Breacker.
Former West Ham ace Breacker, 41, is still on gardening leave nine months after being relieved of his duties at the same time as ex-boss Ian Holloway.
Rangers chairman Gianni Paladini has accused Mackrell of bungling pay-off negotiations.
Breacker hopes to agree a settlement so he can link up again with Holloway at Plymouth. But Paladini said: “I was unhappy with Graham’s involvement.
“I believe the pay agreement is back in place but I didn’t feel I can work with Mr Mackrell"
Sun & Mail
See from a couple of weeks ago: Breacker/Non Plymouth Update - The various ups and downs
As Ian Holloway was quoted almost three weeks ago "Holloway wants to hire him, but an agreement that had almost been reached with the London club seems to have collapsed. "I feel for Tim at the moment," Holloway said. "QPR are being a bunch of idiots. They're still paying him, but they've reneged on certain things that they said they were going to do and there's no deal any more. I can't understand it, to be perfectly honest with you. I don't what QPR are doing. It's absolute madness. I don't think you should treat people like that, and I'm very, very, very disappointed, to say the least." Plymouth
Ex-QPRs: Murphy to Motherwell...King to Grays...Oli in England Squad
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Danny Murphy has now signed for Motherwell
Motherwell
[See also November 22, QPR Report
Andy King is the new manager of non-league Grays Athletics - BBC
Grays Athletic Announcement Nov 22 " Press Release
Due to Business and personal reasons Mike Woodward has today installed Andy King as first team manger at Grays Athletic, Mike Woodward will revert back to his Chairman role at the club. Andy King was formely at Swindon Town Football Club, he was a scout under Peter Reid at Sunderland and he has played for Luton, Everton, QPR, West Bromwich Albion, Wolves and Aldershot. Grays Athletic would like to welcome Andy and wish him all the best for the future with the club." Grays
Denis Oli has been selected for the 16 man squad for the England National Game XI versus Holland, November 29 in the European Challenge Trophy England Squad
Nov 22 - MOTHERWELL OFFICIAL SITE - Murphy signs on at Fir Park
The manager confirmed this afternoon that the contracts have been agreed and Murphy will be available to play from 1st January.
Malpas said, "I am delighted that we have got things sorted out and Danny has signed a two and a half year deal, particularly as we missed out in the summer.
"We have been able to sort things out in the last two or three days since the Irish season finished."
The deal is dependant upon a successful medical, but as Maurice added, "We don't envisage a problem as he has just completed a full season, it should just be about ticking the boxes."
Malpas is also pleased with the impact the signing will have on the squad, "It will allow us to move one or two about, Jim Paterson will be able to move forward again and we may be able to use Richie Foran up front.
"It will also be good for the squad in general as any signing brings a freshness to the squad."
24 year old Murphy has been voted into the PFAI Team of the Year for the second year in a row.
He was popular with the Cork fans who nicknamed the London born player "The Cockney Rebel".
He has previously played for West Ham, QPR, Swindon and Margate before crossing the Irish Sea.
Motherwell
Danny Murphy has now signed for Motherwell
Motherwell
[See also November 22, QPR Report
Andy King is the new manager of non-league Grays Athletics - BBC
Grays Athletic Announcement Nov 22 " Press Release
Due to Business and personal reasons Mike Woodward has today installed Andy King as first team manger at Grays Athletic, Mike Woodward will revert back to his Chairman role at the club. Andy King was formely at Swindon Town Football Club, he was a scout under Peter Reid at Sunderland and he has played for Luton, Everton, QPR, West Bromwich Albion, Wolves and Aldershot. Grays Athletic would like to welcome Andy and wish him all the best for the future with the club." Grays
Denis Oli has been selected for the 16 man squad for the England National Game XI versus Holland, November 29 in the European Challenge Trophy England Squad
Nov 22 - MOTHERWELL OFFICIAL SITE - Murphy signs on at Fir Park
The manager confirmed this afternoon that the contracts have been agreed and Murphy will be available to play from 1st January.
Malpas said, "I am delighted that we have got things sorted out and Danny has signed a two and a half year deal, particularly as we missed out in the summer.
"We have been able to sort things out in the last two or three days since the Irish season finished."
The deal is dependant upon a successful medical, but as Maurice added, "We don't envisage a problem as he has just completed a full season, it should just be about ticking the boxes."
Malpas is also pleased with the impact the signing will have on the squad, "It will allow us to move one or two about, Jim Paterson will be able to move forward again and we may be able to use Richie Foran up front.
"It will also be good for the squad in general as any signing brings a freshness to the squad."
24 year old Murphy has been voted into the PFAI Team of the Year for the second year in a row.
He was popular with the Cork fans who nicknamed the London born player "The Cockney Rebel".
He has previously played for West Ham, QPR, Swindon and Margate before crossing the Irish Sea.
Motherwell
38 Years Ago: Tommy Docherty's Only Victory and Ian Gillard's Debut
-
November 23, 1968: Tommy Docherty's QPR won 2-1 at home to Nottingham Forest.In his month-long managerial QPR career (Stint I), Tommy Docherty achieved one victory in his four games in charge. (And QPR managed only four victories that entire season. In that Docherty victory, Rodney Marsh scored one of his four goals that season with Tony Hazell scoring the other goal - a true rarity for Hazell) Making his debut that day: 18 year-old Ian Gillard.
QPR's team vs Nottingham Forest had seven "home growns." The full team
Kelly
Clement Hazell Watson Gillard
Ian Morgan - Mcgovern - Sibley - Roger Morgan
Bridges Marsh
November 23, 1968: Tommy Docherty's QPR won 2-1 at home to Nottingham Forest.In his month-long managerial QPR career (Stint I), Tommy Docherty achieved one victory in his four games in charge. (And QPR managed only four victories that entire season. In that Docherty victory, Rodney Marsh scored one of his four goals that season with Tony Hazell scoring the other goal - a true rarity for Hazell) Making his debut that day: 18 year-old Ian Gillard.
QPR's team vs Nottingham Forest had seven "home growns." The full team
Kelly
Clement Hazell Watson Gillard
Ian Morgan - Mcgovern - Sibley - Roger Morgan
Bridges Marsh
Former Manager Alan Mullery Turns 64 - of Newcastle comeback and Partisan Belgrade defeat fame!
-
Alan Mullery Turns 64: Born November 23, 1941 in Nottingham Hill
Not perhaps QPR's most successful manager, although supposedly a really nice person. Appointed in June 1984 to replace Terry Venables, which was obviously a very tough act to follow. Mullery managed QPR for just 17 games games. In December 1984, Chairman Jim Gregory fired Mullery and replaced him with Frank Sibley (after Don Revie's appointment fell through).
The Mullery "era" was certainly eventful six months: The period saw QPR's amazing 5-5 draw with Newcastle as QPR came from 0-4 to draw 5-5. It also saw Mullery turn a 6-2 "home" (actually played at Highbury because of QPR's "controversial" Plastic pitch) win versus Partisan Belgrade in the EUFA Cup; followed by a 0-4 loss in the second leg which saw QPR get knocked out of Europe - to never return!.
Among the players he signed for QPR were Gary Bannister and John Byrne. And his managership started so well with two wins and 2 draws including a 1-1 draw at Anfield.
Mullery played for Fulham, Spurs and Fulham and England and managed Brighton, Charlton, Crystal Palace, and QPR.
Mullery
FourFourTwo reviewing "Mullery: the autobiography" writes ".... ....After initial success on the south coast, Mullery's managerial career fell into rapid decline, as he was forced to endure the machinations of QPR's tyrannical chairman Jim Gregory,....." FourFourTwo
Ex-QPR goalie, Peter Hucker was absolutely scathing in his comments about Mullery. "....Hucker's Comments
Now an after-dinner speaker and TV commentator
Remembering Mullery's Game: THE NEWCASTLE PERSPECTIVE OF THE 5-5 GAME
QPR 5 Newcastle 5
Alan Mullery Turns 64: Born November 23, 1941 in Nottingham Hill
Not perhaps QPR's most successful manager, although supposedly a really nice person. Appointed in June 1984 to replace Terry Venables, which was obviously a very tough act to follow. Mullery managed QPR for just 17 games games. In December 1984, Chairman Jim Gregory fired Mullery and replaced him with Frank Sibley (after Don Revie's appointment fell through).
The Mullery "era" was certainly eventful six months: The period saw QPR's amazing 5-5 draw with Newcastle as QPR came from 0-4 to draw 5-5. It also saw Mullery turn a 6-2 "home" (actually played at Highbury because of QPR's "controversial" Plastic pitch) win versus Partisan Belgrade in the EUFA Cup; followed by a 0-4 loss in the second leg which saw QPR get knocked out of Europe - to never return!.
Among the players he signed for QPR were Gary Bannister and John Byrne. And his managership started so well with two wins and 2 draws including a 1-1 draw at Anfield.
Mullery played for Fulham, Spurs and Fulham and England and managed Brighton, Charlton, Crystal Palace, and QPR.
Mullery
FourFourTwo reviewing "Mullery: the autobiography" writes ".... ....After initial success on the south coast, Mullery's managerial career fell into rapid decline, as he was forced to endure the machinations of QPR's tyrannical chairman Jim Gregory,....." FourFourTwo
Ex-QPR goalie, Peter Hucker was absolutely scathing in his comments about Mullery. "....Hucker's Comments
Now an after-dinner speaker and TV commentator
Remembering Mullery's Game: THE NEWCASTLE PERSPECTIVE OF THE 5-5 GAME
QPR 5 Newcastle 5
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Ex-QPR's Danny Murphy Leaving Cork..Supposedly set for Motherwell
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Cork pair confirm Turners Cross exit
Eleven A die com. November 21, 2006
Cork City pair Danny Murphy and Neale Fenn have confirmed that they will be leaving the club with immediate effect, with Motherwell and Bohemians mooted to be their respective destinations.
Both players are out of contract following Cork’s final game of the 2006 eircom League season against Derry City last Friday.
Former QPR trainee Murphy, 24, joined City in 2004 and quickly became a real fans’ favourite with his combative performances at left-back.
He held talks with Motherwell in the summer and while a move failed to go through at that point, it is expected that he will be joining the Scottish Premier League in the New Year.....
News
Cork pair confirm Turners Cross exit
Eleven A die com. November 21, 2006
Cork City pair Danny Murphy and Neale Fenn have confirmed that they will be leaving the club with immediate effect, with Motherwell and Bohemians mooted to be their respective destinations.
Both players are out of contract following Cork’s final game of the 2006 eircom League season against Derry City last Friday.
Former QPR trainee Murphy, 24, joined City in 2004 and quickly became a real fans’ favourite with his combative performances at left-back.
He held talks with Motherwell in the summer and while a move failed to go through at that point, it is expected that he will be joining the Scottish Premier League in the New Year.....
News
A Year Ago: QPR's Home Defeat to Preston
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If it's six months to the day that Ugo Ukah's QPR departure was announced, it's exactly a year since QPR lost 0-2 at home to Preston - their fourth loss in a row. QPR's Team that night: Rangers: Royce, Bignot, Shittu, Evatt, Dyer, Ainsworth, Langley, Rowlands, Cook, Baidoo, Gallen. Subs: Cole, Milanese, Santos, Bean, Moore
Nov 22, 2005 QPR OFFICIAL SITE - SHABAZZ STARTS
Ian Holloway names an attacking side for tonight's game against Preston, including young Shabazz Baidoo.
The 17 year old steps into the starting line up after impressing down at Plymouth on Saturday when he scored after being on the pitch for just four minutes.
There is no place in the line-up for Marc Nygaard who suffered a set back in training yesterday.
But one man who makes the cut is Martin Rowlands, who starts his first game since August 13 after a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to injury.
Elsewhere the back line is as you were, mimicking that of the last seven games.
Rangers: Royce, Bignot, Shittu, Evatt, Dyer, Ainsworth, Langley, Rowlands, Cook, Baidoo, Gallen
Subs: Cole, Milanese, Santos, Bean, Moore
Preston: Nash, Alexander, Davidson, Davis, Sedgwick, O'Neil, Agyemang, McKenna, Hill, Lucketti, Nowland
Subs: Ward, Mawene, Jones, Nugent, Dichio
http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=19823530
Match Report - Sporting Life
David Nugent and Callum Davidson scored the goals that condemned QPR to a fourth straight defeat - and extended Preston's unbeaten run to nine matches.
Nugent was not expected to play due to a knee injury, but seconds after replacing Adam Nowland in the 58th minute, the England Under-21 striker used his first touch to break a scoring duck that had lasted since August.
And five minutes from time, Davidson took advantage of a dreadful error by Marcus Bignot to stroke home a second goal.
These are worrying times for QPR, who created the better chances before the break but faded badly after it - and were booed off by the majority of an unusually low crowd of 10,901 at Loftus Road.
Even so, the match had begun brightly for Rangers, with left-winger Lee Cook looking lively. He finished an adroit dribble with a right-footed shot from 20 yards that Carlo Nash saved well in the third minute.
Seven minutes later, Cook was involved again. After Chris Lucketti's attempted clearance had fallen to him 15 yards out, the former Watford player fired a shot that deflected off team-mate Shabazz Baidoo but was held on his line by Nash.
Young striker Baidoo - making his first start of the season after scoring his first goal for the club in the 3-1 defeat at Plymouth on Saturday - thought he had put his team in front in the 15th minute.
But referee Dermot Gallagher ruled Baidoo had used his shoulder to turn Kevin Gallen's cross into the net, and the goal was disallowed.
Baidoo looked confident against the Preston back-line, and tested Nash again on the half-hour, forcing the North End keeper to push his close-range effort around the post following an intelligent through-ball by Cook.
Neither side looked like making headway early in the second half, and it was no surprise that a mistake led to Preston's opener.
Lloyd Dyer - who looked shaky all night - failed to deal with Graham Alexander's ball down the right, allowing Patrick Agyemang to turn the ball across for Nugent to fire impressively into the roof of the net from eight yards.
Nugent posed plenty of problems for the Rangers defence, and went close twice shortly after his goal. First he was beaten to the ball by Simon Royce following more poor Rangers defending, and seconds later the QPR goalkeeper claimed Nugent's snap shot from 15 yards at the second attempt.
After their goal, Preston rarely looked troubled as the central midfield pairing of Paul McKenna and Brian O'Neil held sway - and they made sure of the points in the 85th minute.
Davidson robbed Bignot on the edge of the Rangers area, and produced a confident finish from 18 yards that gave Royce no chance.
Teams
QPR Royce, Bignot, Evatt, Shittu, Dyer, Ainsworth (Bean 77), Rowlands, Langley, Cook (Moore 69), Gallen, Baidoo (Santos 76).
Subs Not Used: Cole, Milanese.
Booked: Dyer.
Preston Nash, Alexander, Davis, Lucketti, Hill, Sedgwick, O'Neil (Mawene 84), McKenna, Davidson, Agyemang (Dichio 79), Nowland (Nugent 58).
Subs Not Used: Ward, Jones.
Booked: Hill.
Sporting Life
Ian Holloway's post-match comments can be heard at: Holloway-post-Preston
If it's six months to the day that Ugo Ukah's QPR departure was announced, it's exactly a year since QPR lost 0-2 at home to Preston - their fourth loss in a row. QPR's Team that night: Rangers: Royce, Bignot, Shittu, Evatt, Dyer, Ainsworth, Langley, Rowlands, Cook, Baidoo, Gallen. Subs: Cole, Milanese, Santos, Bean, Moore
Nov 22, 2005 QPR OFFICIAL SITE - SHABAZZ STARTS
Ian Holloway names an attacking side for tonight's game against Preston, including young Shabazz Baidoo.
The 17 year old steps into the starting line up after impressing down at Plymouth on Saturday when he scored after being on the pitch for just four minutes.
There is no place in the line-up for Marc Nygaard who suffered a set back in training yesterday.
But one man who makes the cut is Martin Rowlands, who starts his first game since August 13 after a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to injury.
Elsewhere the back line is as you were, mimicking that of the last seven games.
Rangers: Royce, Bignot, Shittu, Evatt, Dyer, Ainsworth, Langley, Rowlands, Cook, Baidoo, Gallen
Subs: Cole, Milanese, Santos, Bean, Moore
Preston: Nash, Alexander, Davidson, Davis, Sedgwick, O'Neil, Agyemang, McKenna, Hill, Lucketti, Nowland
Subs: Ward, Mawene, Jones, Nugent, Dichio
http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=19823530
Match Report - Sporting Life
David Nugent and Callum Davidson scored the goals that condemned QPR to a fourth straight defeat - and extended Preston's unbeaten run to nine matches.
Nugent was not expected to play due to a knee injury, but seconds after replacing Adam Nowland in the 58th minute, the England Under-21 striker used his first touch to break a scoring duck that had lasted since August.
And five minutes from time, Davidson took advantage of a dreadful error by Marcus Bignot to stroke home a second goal.
These are worrying times for QPR, who created the better chances before the break but faded badly after it - and were booed off by the majority of an unusually low crowd of 10,901 at Loftus Road.
Even so, the match had begun brightly for Rangers, with left-winger Lee Cook looking lively. He finished an adroit dribble with a right-footed shot from 20 yards that Carlo Nash saved well in the third minute.
Seven minutes later, Cook was involved again. After Chris Lucketti's attempted clearance had fallen to him 15 yards out, the former Watford player fired a shot that deflected off team-mate Shabazz Baidoo but was held on his line by Nash.
Young striker Baidoo - making his first start of the season after scoring his first goal for the club in the 3-1 defeat at Plymouth on Saturday - thought he had put his team in front in the 15th minute.
But referee Dermot Gallagher ruled Baidoo had used his shoulder to turn Kevin Gallen's cross into the net, and the goal was disallowed.
Baidoo looked confident against the Preston back-line, and tested Nash again on the half-hour, forcing the North End keeper to push his close-range effort around the post following an intelligent through-ball by Cook.
Neither side looked like making headway early in the second half, and it was no surprise that a mistake led to Preston's opener.
Lloyd Dyer - who looked shaky all night - failed to deal with Graham Alexander's ball down the right, allowing Patrick Agyemang to turn the ball across for Nugent to fire impressively into the roof of the net from eight yards.
Nugent posed plenty of problems for the Rangers defence, and went close twice shortly after his goal. First he was beaten to the ball by Simon Royce following more poor Rangers defending, and seconds later the QPR goalkeeper claimed Nugent's snap shot from 15 yards at the second attempt.
After their goal, Preston rarely looked troubled as the central midfield pairing of Paul McKenna and Brian O'Neil held sway - and they made sure of the points in the 85th minute.
Davidson robbed Bignot on the edge of the Rangers area, and produced a confident finish from 18 yards that gave Royce no chance.
Teams
QPR Royce, Bignot, Evatt, Shittu, Dyer, Ainsworth (Bean 77), Rowlands, Langley, Cook (Moore 69), Gallen, Baidoo (Santos 76).
Subs Not Used: Cole, Milanese.
Booked: Dyer.
Preston Nash, Alexander, Davis, Lucketti, Hill, Sedgwick, O'Neil (Mawene 84), McKenna, Davidson, Agyemang (Dichio 79), Nowland (Nugent 58).
Subs Not Used: Ward, Jones.
Booked: Hill.
Sporting Life
Ian Holloway's post-match comments can be heard at: Holloway-post-Preston
Six Months Ago Today, QPR Said Goodbye to Ugo Ukah...Last Night Ukah Played for QPR Reserves
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QPR Reserves lost 3-0 to Millwall Reserves at Loftus Road, last night. In the QPR team (without any further elaboration/"clarification") was a certain Ukah. Presumably, that's the same Ugo Ukah whose departure from QPR was announced exactly six months ago. Whether the player is just training with QPR while he looks for another club, or what, wasn't announced. QPR's team last night: Thomas, Ukah, Goode, Milanese, Hislop (Howell 56), Baidoo, Rose (Folkes 78), Donnelly, Watanabe, Czerkas, Jones (O'Brien 60). Subs: Crowther, Coyne.
Playing in goal for Millwall, was ex-QPR's Chris Day...
22-May 2006 Ukah's Departure from QPR - QPR Official Site "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
QPR Official Site - LIONS ROAR TO WIN
Millwall cantered to a deserved 3-0 victory at Loftus Road, on a night to forget for QPR Reserves.
The Lions dominated from start to finish, as Rangers - despite the presence of first team squad members Ray Jones, Matthew Rose, Shabazz Baidoo and Mauro Milanese - failed to deliver the goods.
Millwall made a positive start, with Sean Thomas on hand to hold Gavin Grant's powerful right footed drive inside the opening 60 seconds.
Grant was proving a constant threat early on, with the winger seeing his fifth minute shot deflected round the post after Matthew Rose had conceded possession all too easily in the heart of the R's midfield.
The one-way traffic continued and Thomas again on hand to deny the roaming Kevin Braniff on seven minutes.
Rangers' first chance arrived three minutes later, but Ray Jones was unlucky to see his snap shot fly over the bar, via the aid of a deflection.
The visitors squandered a glorious chance to open the scoring on 10 minutes, with Grant picking the wrong pass with Marvin Williams ready to pounce on the edge of the six-yard box.
Undeterred, the breakthrough the Lions deserved duly arrived on 13 minutes, as Grant smashed an unstoppable half-volley past the unsighted Thomas.
The R's should've been on terms seven minutes later, but after being gifted the freedom of the 18-yard box, Adam Czerkas' strike from an acute angle flew high and wide.
As the half wore on, the impressive Sammy Mewene curled an effort inches over, while at the other end, referee Mr Phillips waved away vocal appeals for a spot-kick after Taku Watanabe went to ground inside the box.
The Lions were really good value for their lead and they were soon two goals to the good on the half hour.
Grant provided the assist, laying the ball on a plate for Braniff to fire home from close range.
The small gathering of R's fans in the South Africa Road stand were made to wait until a minute before the break to witness the hosts first shot on goal.
After neat build-up play involving skipper Scott Donnelly and Czerkas, the ball eventually found its way to Shabazz Baidoo, who fired straight at former Rangers keeper Chris Day.
Millwall were on the front foot immediately at the start of the second period.
Indeed, the half was only 25 seconds old when Williams' thunderbolt flew just wide from fully 20-yards.
Millwall were orchestrating proceedings and after Williams fired straight at Thomas, Grant's piercing drive was blocked on the line by Mauro Milanese.
Baidoo could've handed Rangers a lifeline with 28 minutes to go, but after evading the last line of the Lions defence with ease, he fluffed his lines, firing straight at Day.
Rangers improved as the half wore on, with Czerkas unfortunate to see his measured 66th minute effort tipped round the post by Day.
But their profligacy in the final third proved costly a minute later, when Filipe Morais fired an unstoppable 20-yard effort past Thomas to all but seal victory for the Lions.
The hardworking Czerkas went close again 15 minutes from time, but few could deny the Lions deserved their three goal victory margin.
QPR: Thomas, Ukah, Goode, Milanese, Hislop (Howell 56), Baidoo, Rose (Folkes 78), Donnelly, Watanabe, Czerkas, Jones (O'Brien 60).
Subs: Crowther, Coyne.
Millwall: Day, Fuseini, Bakayogo, Mawene, Payne, Phillips (O'Rourke 68), Grant, Williams (Noel 83), Braniff, Trotter, Morais.
Subs: Crowther, Ebsworth.
QPR
Friday's hero of the hour Ray Jones starts for the Reserves against Millwall at Loftus Road tonight (Tuesday).
The teenager partners Adam Czerkas up front, as the R's lock horns with the Lions in the Pontins Holidays Combination League fixture at 7.00pm.
QPR: Thomas, Ukah, Goode, Milanese, Hislop, Baidoo, Rose, Donnelly, Watanabe, Czerkas, Jones.Subs: Crowther, Coyne, Howell, O'Brien, Folkes....QPR
QPR Reserves lost 3-0 to Millwall Reserves at Loftus Road, last night. In the QPR team (without any further elaboration/"clarification") was a certain Ukah. Presumably, that's the same Ugo Ukah whose departure from QPR was announced exactly six months ago. Whether the player is just training with QPR while he looks for another club, or what, wasn't announced. QPR's team last night: Thomas, Ukah, Goode, Milanese, Hislop (Howell 56), Baidoo, Rose (Folkes 78), Donnelly, Watanabe, Czerkas, Jones (O'Brien 60). Subs: Crowther, Coyne.
Playing in goal for Millwall, was ex-QPR's Chris Day...
22-May 2006 Ukah's Departure from QPR - QPR Official Site "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
QPR Official Site - LIONS ROAR TO WIN
Millwall cantered to a deserved 3-0 victory at Loftus Road, on a night to forget for QPR Reserves.
The Lions dominated from start to finish, as Rangers - despite the presence of first team squad members Ray Jones, Matthew Rose, Shabazz Baidoo and Mauro Milanese - failed to deliver the goods.
Millwall made a positive start, with Sean Thomas on hand to hold Gavin Grant's powerful right footed drive inside the opening 60 seconds.
Grant was proving a constant threat early on, with the winger seeing his fifth minute shot deflected round the post after Matthew Rose had conceded possession all too easily in the heart of the R's midfield.
The one-way traffic continued and Thomas again on hand to deny the roaming Kevin Braniff on seven minutes.
Rangers' first chance arrived three minutes later, but Ray Jones was unlucky to see his snap shot fly over the bar, via the aid of a deflection.
The visitors squandered a glorious chance to open the scoring on 10 minutes, with Grant picking the wrong pass with Marvin Williams ready to pounce on the edge of the six-yard box.
Undeterred, the breakthrough the Lions deserved duly arrived on 13 minutes, as Grant smashed an unstoppable half-volley past the unsighted Thomas.
The R's should've been on terms seven minutes later, but after being gifted the freedom of the 18-yard box, Adam Czerkas' strike from an acute angle flew high and wide.
As the half wore on, the impressive Sammy Mewene curled an effort inches over, while at the other end, referee Mr Phillips waved away vocal appeals for a spot-kick after Taku Watanabe went to ground inside the box.
The Lions were really good value for their lead and they were soon two goals to the good on the half hour.
Grant provided the assist, laying the ball on a plate for Braniff to fire home from close range.
The small gathering of R's fans in the South Africa Road stand were made to wait until a minute before the break to witness the hosts first shot on goal.
After neat build-up play involving skipper Scott Donnelly and Czerkas, the ball eventually found its way to Shabazz Baidoo, who fired straight at former Rangers keeper Chris Day.
Millwall were on the front foot immediately at the start of the second period.
Indeed, the half was only 25 seconds old when Williams' thunderbolt flew just wide from fully 20-yards.
Millwall were orchestrating proceedings and after Williams fired straight at Thomas, Grant's piercing drive was blocked on the line by Mauro Milanese.
Baidoo could've handed Rangers a lifeline with 28 minutes to go, but after evading the last line of the Lions defence with ease, he fluffed his lines, firing straight at Day.
Rangers improved as the half wore on, with Czerkas unfortunate to see his measured 66th minute effort tipped round the post by Day.
But their profligacy in the final third proved costly a minute later, when Filipe Morais fired an unstoppable 20-yard effort past Thomas to all but seal victory for the Lions.
The hardworking Czerkas went close again 15 minutes from time, but few could deny the Lions deserved their three goal victory margin.
QPR: Thomas, Ukah, Goode, Milanese, Hislop (Howell 56), Baidoo, Rose (Folkes 78), Donnelly, Watanabe, Czerkas, Jones (O'Brien 60).
Subs: Crowther, Coyne.
Millwall: Day, Fuseini, Bakayogo, Mawene, Payne, Phillips (O'Rourke 68), Grant, Williams (Noel 83), Braniff, Trotter, Morais.
Subs: Crowther, Ebsworth.
QPR
Friday's hero of the hour Ray Jones starts for the Reserves against Millwall at Loftus Road tonight (Tuesday).
The teenager partners Adam Czerkas up front, as the R's lock horns with the Lions in the Pontins Holidays Combination League fixture at 7.00pm.
QPR: Thomas, Ukah, Goode, Milanese, Hislop, Baidoo, Rose, Donnelly, Watanabe, Czerkas, Jones.Subs: Crowther, Coyne, Howell, O'Brien, Folkes....QPR
Stefan Bailey Profiled/Interviewed - Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times (and other papers)
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Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times - Stefan Bailey
"...Stefan Bailey is junior to every one of his midfield rivals....Yet Bailey - who actually lives in Luton, having spent his formative years in Park Royal - is anything but daunted by the challenge of trying to win a place ahead of senior professionals like Steve Lomas and Marc Bircham.
"My goal now is to cement a place in the first team," Bailey told the Times. "There are a lot of good midfielders at the club, but that's more of an incentive for me to do well on the pitch. "I take bits and pieces from all the senior players and try to put them into my own game, particularly Steve Lomas. I'm trying to base my game around him because he's played at the top level for a long time and he's been a great help. "He's always very encouraging and, when he needs to, he'll give me what I suppose you'd call constructive criticism as well.
"I never expected to be playing week in, week out, but hopefully I can start to be more of a regular now and I've set myself a target of playing 15 games this season.
"I thought Jimmy and myself did well together and showed age hasn't got much to do with it - willingness to work and the determination to win are more important."...
Starting out with Middlesex County League side Willesden Constantine, he was signed by QPR at the age of 15 and made his first-team debut at Sheffield United in April 2005. Constantine have a proud tradition of producing professional footballers,....
Richard Langley's father Mike served as Constantine's first manager and Bailey recalled: "I knew Richard through the club and I also played in the same team as Showunmi.
"At one stage, it looked like he was going to sign for QPR as well, but he ended up going to Luton instead. Our manager, Larry Bascoe, knew one of the scouts at QPR and he arranged for them to come down and see us.
"After that I went to Reading for a trial, but I pulled a ligament in my ankle and was out for two months. Fortunately QPR were still interested and I signed.
"I try and stay in contact with people from Constantine, although it's not easy to see them play now. Hopefully I'll try and get down there later in the season."
....And Bailey genuinely believes he can be part of a squad competing at the upper end of the Championship table later in the campaign. "John Gregory's come in and changed things dramatically," he added. "The aim for this season is obviously to stay up first and then finish in mid-table - if not make the play-offs. "That's not out of the question at all - the table is tight at the moment and, as we've seen, anyone can beat anyone.
Kilburn Times
Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times - Stefan Bailey
"...Stefan Bailey is junior to every one of his midfield rivals....Yet Bailey - who actually lives in Luton, having spent his formative years in Park Royal - is anything but daunted by the challenge of trying to win a place ahead of senior professionals like Steve Lomas and Marc Bircham.
"My goal now is to cement a place in the first team," Bailey told the Times. "There are a lot of good midfielders at the club, but that's more of an incentive for me to do well on the pitch. "I take bits and pieces from all the senior players and try to put them into my own game, particularly Steve Lomas. I'm trying to base my game around him because he's played at the top level for a long time and he's been a great help. "He's always very encouraging and, when he needs to, he'll give me what I suppose you'd call constructive criticism as well.
"I never expected to be playing week in, week out, but hopefully I can start to be more of a regular now and I've set myself a target of playing 15 games this season.
"I thought Jimmy and myself did well together and showed age hasn't got much to do with it - willingness to work and the determination to win are more important."...
Starting out with Middlesex County League side Willesden Constantine, he was signed by QPR at the age of 15 and made his first-team debut at Sheffield United in April 2005. Constantine have a proud tradition of producing professional footballers,....
Richard Langley's father Mike served as Constantine's first manager and Bailey recalled: "I knew Richard through the club and I also played in the same team as Showunmi.
"At one stage, it looked like he was going to sign for QPR as well, but he ended up going to Luton instead. Our manager, Larry Bascoe, knew one of the scouts at QPR and he arranged for them to come down and see us.
"After that I went to Reading for a trial, but I pulled a ligament in my ankle and was out for two months. Fortunately QPR were still interested and I signed.
"I try and stay in contact with people from Constantine, although it's not easy to see them play now. Hopefully I'll try and get down there later in the season."
....And Bailey genuinely believes he can be part of a squad competing at the upper end of the Championship table later in the campaign. "John Gregory's come in and changed things dramatically," he added. "The aim for this season is obviously to stay up first and then finish in mid-table - if not make the play-offs. "That's not out of the question at all - the table is tight at the moment and, as we've seen, anyone can beat anyone.
Kilburn Times
QPR Effort to Keep Smith Remainder of Season (Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times)
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Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times
QPR will attempt to keep Jimmy Smith at Loftus Road for the rest of the season when his three-month loan runs out after Christmas. And manager John Gregory confirmed he will try and persuade his Chelsea counterpart, José Mourinho, to agree .... Gregory said: "It's a long way off, but ideally we'd love to re-sign him on a five-month loan in January and I sincerely hope Chelsea will allow us to do that. "It's down to José and he's got to consider whether they'd be short of players for the Champions League or the Carling Cup because they would not get a recall option."
Kilburn Times
Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times
QPR will attempt to keep Jimmy Smith at Loftus Road for the rest of the season when his three-month loan runs out after Christmas. And manager John Gregory confirmed he will try and persuade his Chelsea counterpart, José Mourinho, to agree .... Gregory said: "It's a long way off, but ideally we'd love to re-sign him on a five-month loan in January and I sincerely hope Chelsea will allow us to do that. "It's down to José and he's got to consider whether they'd be short of players for the Champions League or the Carling Cup because they would not get a recall option."
Kilburn Times
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Ian Holloway's Philosophy of Encouragement and Being The Players' "Father"
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Ian Holloway speaking on the Plymouth Official Site: "...I am the biggest encourager of people I have ever met in my life...I put things in a way that was not critical but positive and if he does it, I will reward him...I have never shirked my responsibility as a parent and I am their Father."
Plymouth Official Site - Ian Holloway "ENCOURAGEMENT IS THE KEY"
Argyle manager Ian Holloway believes the return to form of Bojan Djordjic is all down to positive encouragement.
The Serbian winger scored within five minutes of his first start in 13 months in the weekend draw at Southend, and Djordjic ran straight to the Argyle bench to celebrate with Holloway. The manager had placed Djordjic on the transfer-list in August and challenged him to improve his attitude and application.
"I am the biggest encourager of people I have ever met in my life," said Holloway.
"Why did Bojan run over to me? It was because I put things in a way that was not critical but positive and if he does it, I will reward him.
"It spoke volumes to me from a bloke I have treated the way I have treated. I have never shirked my responsibility as a parent and I am their Father."
Plymouth
Ian Holloway speaking on the Plymouth Official Site: "...I am the biggest encourager of people I have ever met in my life...I put things in a way that was not critical but positive and if he does it, I will reward him...I have never shirked my responsibility as a parent and I am their Father."
Plymouth Official Site - Ian Holloway "ENCOURAGEMENT IS THE KEY"
Argyle manager Ian Holloway believes the return to form of Bojan Djordjic is all down to positive encouragement.
The Serbian winger scored within five minutes of his first start in 13 months in the weekend draw at Southend, and Djordjic ran straight to the Argyle bench to celebrate with Holloway. The manager had placed Djordjic on the transfer-list in August and challenged him to improve his attitude and application.
"I am the biggest encourager of people I have ever met in my life," said Holloway.
"Why did Bojan run over to me? It was because I put things in a way that was not critical but positive and if he does it, I will reward him.
"It spoke volumes to me from a bloke I have treated the way I have treated. I have never shirked my responsibility as a parent and I am their Father."
Plymouth
Surprise QPR Player in Championship "Team of the Week"
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Zeshan Rehman is included in this week's Football League's "Championship Team of the Week"
Full Team
Russell Hoult West Brom
Carl Hoefkens Stoke
Zeshan Rehman QPR
Sean St. Ledger Preston
Gareth Bale Southampton
Chris Birchall Coventry
Lee Hendrie Stoke
Grant Leadbitter Sunderland
Jason Koumas West Brom
Danny Haynes Ipswich
Gregorz Rasiak Southampton
Team of the Week
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - Zesh Honoured
After an inspired defensive performance, Zesh Rehman makes it into the Football League team of the week. QPR's 1-0 win over Cardiff on Friday night saw Rangers' first clean sheet since September 23 and Zesh formed part of the formidable defence.
To see the rest of the team of the week, click here
QPR
Zeshan Rehman is included in this week's Football League's "Championship Team of the Week"
Full Team
Russell Hoult West Brom
Carl Hoefkens Stoke
Zeshan Rehman QPR
Sean St. Ledger Preston
Gareth Bale Southampton
Chris Birchall Coventry
Lee Hendrie Stoke
Grant Leadbitter Sunderland
Jason Koumas West Brom
Danny Haynes Ipswich
Gregorz Rasiak Southampton
Team of the Week
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - Zesh Honoured
After an inspired defensive performance, Zesh Rehman makes it into the Football League team of the week. QPR's 1-0 win over Cardiff on Friday night saw Rangers' first clean sheet since September 23 and Zesh formed part of the formidable defence.
To see the rest of the team of the week, click here
QPR
Loan Transfer Window Closing Thursday
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The Loan Transfer window closes on Thursday, November 23rd at 5pm. The regular transfer window reopens January 1. BBC TRANSFERS
QPR were hoping this week to extend the loan of Chelsea defender, Michael Mancienne, which otherwise has expired. Whether any other players will be coming in - or moving out - on loan remains to be seen. Stefan Moore reportedly returned from his loan to Port Vale several weeks ago (although the QPR official website has made no reference to his return - or updated his "Category" as on loan on their list of players.
The Loan Transfer window closes on Thursday, November 23rd at 5pm. The regular transfer window reopens January 1. BBC TRANSFERS
QPR were hoping this week to extend the loan of Chelsea defender, Michael Mancienne, which otherwise has expired. Whether any other players will be coming in - or moving out - on loan remains to be seen. Stefan Moore reportedly returned from his loan to Port Vale several weeks ago (although the QPR official website has made no reference to his return - or updated his "Category" as on loan on their list of players.
Ex-QPR Defender Warren Neil Turns 44
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Warren Neil Turns 44. Born November 21, 1962.
Given his debut by Tommy Docherty in August 1980. Was one of the FA Cup 3rd Heros scoring QPR's 3rd in the 3-2 win in their replay at Middlsbrough. Played in the 1981-1982 FA Cup Final Replay Team, replacing the suspended Glen Roeder, And formed part of the following season's promotion team (Neil Wicks Fenwick Dawes)
In all, played a little under 200 games before being sold to Portsmouth in July 1988.
Returned as a youth team coach, for a couple of years before QPR had their cutbacks a few years back.
Career
Warren Neil Turns 44. Born November 21, 1962.
Given his debut by Tommy Docherty in August 1980. Was one of the FA Cup 3rd Heros scoring QPR's 3rd in the 3-2 win in their replay at Middlsbrough. Played in the 1981-1982 FA Cup Final Replay Team, replacing the suspended Glen Roeder, And formed part of the following season's promotion team (Neil Wicks Fenwick Dawes)
In all, played a little under 200 games before being sold to Portsmouth in July 1988.
Returned as a youth team coach, for a couple of years before QPR had their cutbacks a few years back.
Career
Monday, November 20, 2006
FourFourTwo Review of Alan Mullery's New Autobiography cites "machinations of QPR's tyrannical chairman Jim Gregory"
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FourFourTwo describing Alan Mullery's recently-published autobiography writes ".... ....After initial success on the south coast, Mullery's managerial career fell into rapid decline, as he was forced to endure the machinations of QPR's tyrannical chairman Jim Gregory, grim times at Charlton's decaying Valley and the fact that Palace fans refused to accept him as Terry Venables's replacement..."
FourFourTwo
[Not yet having read the book...any additional details would be welcome! At qprreport@hotmail.com
FourFourTwo Review of Mullery: the Autobiography
Alan Mullery with Tony Norman, Headline, £18.99
".... His autobiography reveals the "bouncebackability" factor that enabled him to overcome not only the numerous lows in his career, but to retain a high-profile media career as a Sky Sports pundit. Unlike many of his contemporaries, his excellent memory for the smallest detail enables his book to rise above the mundane.
"....After initial success on the south coast, Mullery's managerial career fell into rapid decline, as he was forced to endure the machinations of QPR's tyrannical chairman Jim Gregory, grim times at Charlton's decaying Valley and the fact that Palace fans refused to accept him as Terry Venables's replacement.
At times, Mullery glosses over his shortcomings and shifts the blame to others, but he is commendably honest when he confesses that in the midst of financial strife during the mid-'80s, he seriously contemplated suicide.
A lively, pacy read. It's a shame that more ex-footballers' memoirs aren't like this.
FourFourTwo
See Also: Amazon.com
FourFourTwo describing Alan Mullery's recently-published autobiography writes ".... ....After initial success on the south coast, Mullery's managerial career fell into rapid decline, as he was forced to endure the machinations of QPR's tyrannical chairman Jim Gregory, grim times at Charlton's decaying Valley and the fact that Palace fans refused to accept him as Terry Venables's replacement..."
FourFourTwo
[Not yet having read the book...any additional details would be welcome! At qprreport@hotmail.com
FourFourTwo Review of Mullery: the Autobiography
Alan Mullery with Tony Norman, Headline, £18.99
".... His autobiography reveals the "bouncebackability" factor that enabled him to overcome not only the numerous lows in his career, but to retain a high-profile media career as a Sky Sports pundit. Unlike many of his contemporaries, his excellent memory for the smallest detail enables his book to rise above the mundane.
"....After initial success on the south coast, Mullery's managerial career fell into rapid decline, as he was forced to endure the machinations of QPR's tyrannical chairman Jim Gregory, grim times at Charlton's decaying Valley and the fact that Palace fans refused to accept him as Terry Venables's replacement.
At times, Mullery glosses over his shortcomings and shifts the blame to others, but he is commendably honest when he confesses that in the midst of financial strife during the mid-'80s, he seriously contemplated suicide.
A lively, pacy read. It's a shame that more ex-footballers' memoirs aren't like this.
FourFourTwo
See Also: Amazon.com
Five Years Ago: Kevin Gallen Returned Home
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Five Years Ago, Today, Kevin Gallen returned to QPR
Following in the immediate footsteps of QPR's shock 0-4 FA Cup First Round defeat at Swansea, the return of Kevin Gallen provided a boost to the team - both in the short term, and in the long run
Career
Released by Gerry Francis, Gallen spent one year at Huddersfield and a few months at Barnsley before rejoining QPR in November 2001.
BBC - November 20, 2001
Queens Park Rangers have completed the signing of striker Kevin Gallen from Barnsley.
Gallen returns to the club where he made his name by breaking Jimmy Greaves' youth goalscoring record in 1992.
The 26-year-old, a lifelong QPR fan, has agreed a deal that will keep him at Loftus Road until the end of next season after a relatively unsuccessful spell at Oakwell.
I never wanted to leave QPR the first place
Kevin Gallen
He scored just two goals in seven starts for Barnsley following his move from Huddersfield in the summer.
"I'm absolutely delighted. I never wanted to leave in the first place, things happened but that's in the past," he told the club's website.
"QPR are my team, I'm delighted to be back and can't wait to pull on the blue and white hoops once again. I'm over the moon.
"It's happened really quickly and now I'm looking forward to Wednesday night and the derby against Brentford on Saturday."
Meanwhile, QPR boss Ian Holloway has been dealt a further injury blow with the news that Chris Plummer has been ruled out for at least two months with a fractured ankle.
Plummer had a scan on the ankle on Tuesday after suffering the injury against Swansea on Sunday.
Gallen Returns
Evening Standard/Wayne Veysey - December 15, 2004 Gallen wants a deal for life
Gallen wants new deal...
KEVIN GALLEN is in talks with Queens Park Rangers about a new contract, writes Wayne Veysey.
The 29-year-old Rangers captain, whose current two-year deal runs out at the end of the season, is keen to extend his stay at the club he first joined as a 13-year-old.
He is understood to have been offered another two-year contract and the deal is expected to be completed shortly.
Gallen has barely missed a game since rejoining the club in November 2001.
He was QPR's leading scorer with 17 goals during last season's successful promotion campaign and has scored six goals in 25 games this term despite playing more than half of the matches in midfield.
He said: "Everything is here that I want. The club are on the up, the training and the spirit is excellent and the manager is great to work for.
"I love playing for QPR. The fans have helped me and the club through the bad times. Hopefully we can push on over the next few years and get in the Premiership. My goal is to end my career where I started it - in the top division."
Standard
See Also:
Gallen's Decade at QPR
http://qprreport.blogspot.com/2006/08/for-kevin-gallen-decade-since-injury.html
Five Years Ago, Today, Kevin Gallen returned to QPR
Following in the immediate footsteps of QPR's shock 0-4 FA Cup First Round defeat at Swansea, the return of Kevin Gallen provided a boost to the team - both in the short term, and in the long run
Career
Released by Gerry Francis, Gallen spent one year at Huddersfield and a few months at Barnsley before rejoining QPR in November 2001.
BBC - November 20, 2001
Queens Park Rangers have completed the signing of striker Kevin Gallen from Barnsley.
Gallen returns to the club where he made his name by breaking Jimmy Greaves' youth goalscoring record in 1992.
The 26-year-old, a lifelong QPR fan, has agreed a deal that will keep him at Loftus Road until the end of next season after a relatively unsuccessful spell at Oakwell.
I never wanted to leave QPR the first place
Kevin Gallen
He scored just two goals in seven starts for Barnsley following his move from Huddersfield in the summer.
"I'm absolutely delighted. I never wanted to leave in the first place, things happened but that's in the past," he told the club's website.
"QPR are my team, I'm delighted to be back and can't wait to pull on the blue and white hoops once again. I'm over the moon.
"It's happened really quickly and now I'm looking forward to Wednesday night and the derby against Brentford on Saturday."
Meanwhile, QPR boss Ian Holloway has been dealt a further injury blow with the news that Chris Plummer has been ruled out for at least two months with a fractured ankle.
Plummer had a scan on the ankle on Tuesday after suffering the injury against Swansea on Sunday.
Gallen Returns
Evening Standard/Wayne Veysey - December 15, 2004 Gallen wants a deal for life
Gallen wants new deal...
KEVIN GALLEN is in talks with Queens Park Rangers about a new contract, writes Wayne Veysey.
The 29-year-old Rangers captain, whose current two-year deal runs out at the end of the season, is keen to extend his stay at the club he first joined as a 13-year-old.
He is understood to have been offered another two-year contract and the deal is expected to be completed shortly.
Gallen has barely missed a game since rejoining the club in November 2001.
He was QPR's leading scorer with 17 goals during last season's successful promotion campaign and has scored six goals in 25 games this term despite playing more than half of the matches in midfield.
He said: "Everything is here that I want. The club are on the up, the training and the spirit is excellent and the manager is great to work for.
"I love playing for QPR. The fans have helped me and the club through the bad times. Hopefully we can push on over the next few years and get in the Premiership. My goal is to end my career where I started it - in the top division."
Standard
See Also:
Gallen's Decade at QPR
http://qprreport.blogspot.com/2006/08/for-kevin-gallen-decade-since-injury.html
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Two Long Years: Leeds 6 QPR 1 as Paladini "Summoned" a Sick Holloway up to Leeds
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Two Years ago...November 20, 2004: Leeds 6 QPR 1
Two years ago, highly-placed QPR travelled to Leeds, with rumours of Ian Holloway being interested in taking over at managerless Wolves. According to Ian Holloway Gianni Paladini (not-then Chairman) summoned a sick-at-home Ian Holloway up to Leeds "'You fucking bastard I am going to kill you. I am going to kill you, you fucking bastard... " After that game, Holloway spent some days in the hospital, recuperating.
QPR's Team that day - The last time QPR conceded six goals in a game! Day, Bignot, Shittu, Santos, Rose (Padula 11), Ainsworth, Bircham, Gallen, McLeod (Cook 45), Furlong, Cureton (Bean 45). Subs Not Used: Branco, Miller.
Holloway's Leeds "experience" was vividly described in Robert Chalmers/Independent profile and interview of Ian Holloway last November "In a league of his own"
'...Last year, Holloway recalls, he was at home, suffering from chronic diarrhoea, when he answered a call from Paladini.
"I was sat on the toilet - actually I couldn't leave the toilet. I had this virus. There had been rumours about me going to Wolves. Three days before, I'd bought flowers for some ladies in the office. Gianni assumed they were a leaving present."
So you were on the toilet...
"And Gianni was going: 'You fucking bastard I am going to kill you. I am going to kill you, you fucking bastard... where are you, you fucking... fucking hell where are you.'"
And you said...
"I am on the toilet. My wife is in the house. Ask her. He said: 'She could be at fucking Wolves with you.'"
In the end, Holloway says, he had to drive up to Leeds, to reassure the Italian. It was a journey he remembers.
"It was a terrible virus. It was coming out of both ends. I had to stop at every service station. I shouldn't have gone. It was horrendous. I was totally dehydrated. My lips were stuck to my teeth. I ended up in hospital, the following day. I was in for a week. I had six drips put into me."
Independent
Leeds 6 QPR 1
Match Report - November 20, 2004 Sporting Life Leeds 6 QPR 1
Leeds at last gave their long-suffering fans good reason to cheer by storming to their biggest win for nearly 18 months thanks to Brian Deane's four-goal haul at Elland Road.
Kevin Blackwell's side turned the Coca-Cola Championship table on its head, coming back from Gareth Ainsworth's stunning early opener for the visitors to hit six without reply - with veteran Deane, in his second spell for the Yorkshire club, the star of the show.
Defeat against high-flying QPR would have left Leeds dangerously close to the drop zone.
But they responded in style with David Healy chipping a fine equaliser seven minutes after Ainsworth's opener - his third goal in five games - and Deane tapping home his first four minutes later to give them the lead.
Jermaine Wright swept home a third at the second attempt, and Deane added his second and then completed a first-half hat-trick in the space of two minutes shortly before the interval.
Healy saw his second-half penalty well saved by visiting goalkeeper Chris Day, but Deane added his fourth soon afterwards to complete the rout.
It is the first time Leeds have scored five or more goals in a competitive match since April 2003 when they put six past Charlton in the Premiership.
Ainsworth rocked Leeds when he unleashed an unstoppable rising drive from the edge of the penalty area, leaving goalkeeper Neil Sullivan motionless.
But then Gary Kelly swung over a cross from the right - and when Deane's flick-on found Healy the Irishman's deft first touch gave him time to chip the ball over stranded goalkeeper Day.
Boosted by such a quick response, Leeds swept forward again - and when Wright's drilled cross-shot flashed invitingly across goal Day hesitated and was punished by Deane who tapped home from three yards.
Leeds were rampant. Deane had a further effort ruled out for offside in the 17th minute, and Healy curled a right-footer from 20 yards which Georges Santos did well to clear.
The visitors were rocked again, though, in the 23rd minute when Leeds grabbed a third.
QPR failed to clear a long throw - and although Day blocked Wright's initial effort, the former Ipswich midfielder followed up to fire home the rebound to give Leeds a two-goal cushion.
Deane converted Wright's cross to make it 4-1 just before the interval and then fired home from the edge of the area after being played in by Kelly.
QPR boss Ian Holloway replaced Jamie Cureton and Kevin McLeod with Marcus Bean and Lee Cook respectively during the interval.
Leeds maintained their fine form, though, and could even afford the luxury of a missed penalty midway through the second half when Bean was adjudged to have brought down Simon Walton - Healy's placed spot-kick saved by Day.
But Blackwell's side extended their lead further when Deane claimed his fourth, sweeping home John Oster's cross in the 72nd minute.
The 36-year-old striker left the field to a standing ovation when replaced by Aaron Lennon in the closing stages, with a fourth home win of the season already secured in some style.
Teams
Leeds Sullivan, Kelly, Carlisle, Butler, Pugh, Walton (Richardson 90), Gregan, Wright, Oster, Deane (Lennon 86), Healy (Joachim 77).
Subs Not Used: Carson, Kilgallon.
Goals: Healy 9, Deane 13, Wright 23, Deane 42, 44, 72.
QPR Day, Bignot, Shittu, Santos, Rose (Padula 11), Ainsworth, Bircham, Gallen, McLeod (Cook 45), Furlong, Cureton (Bean 45).
Subs Not Used: Branco, Miller.
Booked: Bircham.
Goals: Ainsworth 2.
Att: 29,739
Ref: C Webster (Tyne & Wear).
Sporting Life
Two Years ago...November 20, 2004: Leeds 6 QPR 1
Two years ago, highly-placed QPR travelled to Leeds, with rumours of Ian Holloway being interested in taking over at managerless Wolves. According to Ian Holloway Gianni Paladini (not-then Chairman) summoned a sick-at-home Ian Holloway up to Leeds "'You fucking bastard I am going to kill you. I am going to kill you, you fucking bastard... " After that game, Holloway spent some days in the hospital, recuperating.
QPR's Team that day - The last time QPR conceded six goals in a game! Day, Bignot, Shittu, Santos, Rose (Padula 11), Ainsworth, Bircham, Gallen, McLeod (Cook 45), Furlong, Cureton (Bean 45). Subs Not Used: Branco, Miller.
Holloway's Leeds "experience" was vividly described in Robert Chalmers/Independent profile and interview of Ian Holloway last November "In a league of his own"
'...Last year, Holloway recalls, he was at home, suffering from chronic diarrhoea, when he answered a call from Paladini.
"I was sat on the toilet - actually I couldn't leave the toilet. I had this virus. There had been rumours about me going to Wolves. Three days before, I'd bought flowers for some ladies in the office. Gianni assumed they were a leaving present."
So you were on the toilet...
"And Gianni was going: 'You fucking bastard I am going to kill you. I am going to kill you, you fucking bastard... where are you, you fucking... fucking hell where are you.'"
And you said...
"I am on the toilet. My wife is in the house. Ask her. He said: 'She could be at fucking Wolves with you.'"
In the end, Holloway says, he had to drive up to Leeds, to reassure the Italian. It was a journey he remembers.
"It was a terrible virus. It was coming out of both ends. I had to stop at every service station. I shouldn't have gone. It was horrendous. I was totally dehydrated. My lips were stuck to my teeth. I ended up in hospital, the following day. I was in for a week. I had six drips put into me."
Independent
Leeds 6 QPR 1
Match Report - November 20, 2004 Sporting Life Leeds 6 QPR 1
Leeds at last gave their long-suffering fans good reason to cheer by storming to their biggest win for nearly 18 months thanks to Brian Deane's four-goal haul at Elland Road.
Kevin Blackwell's side turned the Coca-Cola Championship table on its head, coming back from Gareth Ainsworth's stunning early opener for the visitors to hit six without reply - with veteran Deane, in his second spell for the Yorkshire club, the star of the show.
Defeat against high-flying QPR would have left Leeds dangerously close to the drop zone.
But they responded in style with David Healy chipping a fine equaliser seven minutes after Ainsworth's opener - his third goal in five games - and Deane tapping home his first four minutes later to give them the lead.
Jermaine Wright swept home a third at the second attempt, and Deane added his second and then completed a first-half hat-trick in the space of two minutes shortly before the interval.
Healy saw his second-half penalty well saved by visiting goalkeeper Chris Day, but Deane added his fourth soon afterwards to complete the rout.
It is the first time Leeds have scored five or more goals in a competitive match since April 2003 when they put six past Charlton in the Premiership.
Ainsworth rocked Leeds when he unleashed an unstoppable rising drive from the edge of the penalty area, leaving goalkeeper Neil Sullivan motionless.
But then Gary Kelly swung over a cross from the right - and when Deane's flick-on found Healy the Irishman's deft first touch gave him time to chip the ball over stranded goalkeeper Day.
Boosted by such a quick response, Leeds swept forward again - and when Wright's drilled cross-shot flashed invitingly across goal Day hesitated and was punished by Deane who tapped home from three yards.
Leeds were rampant. Deane had a further effort ruled out for offside in the 17th minute, and Healy curled a right-footer from 20 yards which Georges Santos did well to clear.
The visitors were rocked again, though, in the 23rd minute when Leeds grabbed a third.
QPR failed to clear a long throw - and although Day blocked Wright's initial effort, the former Ipswich midfielder followed up to fire home the rebound to give Leeds a two-goal cushion.
Deane converted Wright's cross to make it 4-1 just before the interval and then fired home from the edge of the area after being played in by Kelly.
QPR boss Ian Holloway replaced Jamie Cureton and Kevin McLeod with Marcus Bean and Lee Cook respectively during the interval.
Leeds maintained their fine form, though, and could even afford the luxury of a missed penalty midway through the second half when Bean was adjudged to have brought down Simon Walton - Healy's placed spot-kick saved by Day.
But Blackwell's side extended their lead further when Deane claimed his fourth, sweeping home John Oster's cross in the 72nd minute.
The 36-year-old striker left the field to a standing ovation when replaced by Aaron Lennon in the closing stages, with a fourth home win of the season already secured in some style.
Teams
Leeds Sullivan, Kelly, Carlisle, Butler, Pugh, Walton (Richardson 90), Gregan, Wright, Oster, Deane (Lennon 86), Healy (Joachim 77).
Subs Not Used: Carson, Kilgallon.
Goals: Healy 9, Deane 13, Wright 23, Deane 42, 44, 72.
QPR Day, Bignot, Shittu, Santos, Rose (Padula 11), Ainsworth, Bircham, Gallen, McLeod (Cook 45), Furlong, Cureton (Bean 45).
Subs Not Used: Branco, Miller.
Booked: Bircham.
Goals: Ainsworth 2.
Att: 29,739
Ref: C Webster (Tyne & Wear).
Sporting Life
One Month Since Gary Waddock "Vanished"
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Few QPR fans disagreed with the decision to replace Gary Waddock as manager with John Gregory. And Gregory has proven a great choice and done a brilliant job (surprising some skeptics - including some bloggers!) But....the departure of Waddock a couple of weeks after it was categorically announced by Paladini and Gregory and Waddock that Waddock WOULD be staying as Gregory's assistant was suprprising; and the rationale for the change was never explained. The choice of language "Queens Park Rangers Football Club have parted company with Gary Waddock..." suggested that Waddock's departure was not exactly his decision.
November 20, 2006 QPR Official Site - WADDOCK DEPARTS
Queens Park Rangers Football Club have parted company with Gary Waddock.
Waddock was named as manager on June 28 after a spell as caretaker manager following the departure of Ian Holloway.
The former Rangers midfielder moved into a coaching role when John Gregory was then appointed at the end of last month.
QPR would like to thank Gary and wish him every success in the future.
QPR
How Paladini and Gregory and Waddock described Waddock's new role immediately after the change of managers -
Waddock "It's the right decision for the club, I'm just thankful that Gianni thinks enough of me to keep me here as Assistant Manager. "I look forward to working with John, we both played together under Terry Venables and have the same work ethic.
"I'll learn a lot from him and I'm sure that this appointment will benefit the club I love." Paladini and Gregory on Waddock's New Role
Waddock's Managerial Record -
3 wins in 22 games. One win in his last 19 games.
2005/06 Played 14: 2 wins 5 draws 7 Lost
2006/2007: Played 8: 1 Win, 3 Draws, 3 Losses
2006/2007 Season
L - Burnley 2-0 QPR 05-08-2006
D - QPR 2-2 Leeds 08-08-2006
W - QPR 2-0 Southend 12-08-2006
D - Preston 1-1 QPR 19-08-2006
L - QPR 1-3 Ipswich 25-08-2006
D - Plymouth 1-1 QPR 09-09-2006
L - QPR 0-2 Birmingham 12-09-2006
L - Colchester 2-1 QPR 16-09-2006
2005/2006 Season-
W - QPR 1-0 Millwall 11-02-2006
L - C Palace 2-1 QPR 14-02-2006
W - Sheff Utd 2-3 QPR 25-02-2006
D - QPR 0-0 Wolves 04-03-2006
D - Sheff Wed 1-1 QPR 11-03-2006
D - QPR 1-1 Brighton 18-03-2006
D - Cardiff 0-0 QPR 25-03-2006
L - QPR 1-2 Stoke 29-03-2006
L - QPR 1-2 Crewe 01-04-2006
L - Burnley 1-0 QPR 08-04-2006
D - QPR 1-1 Derby 15-04-2006
L - Norwich 3-2 QPR 17-04-2006
L - QPR 1-2 Watford 22-04-2006
L - Reading 2-1 QPR 30-04-2006
Waddock Record
Few QPR fans disagreed with the decision to replace Gary Waddock as manager with John Gregory. And Gregory has proven a great choice and done a brilliant job (surprising some skeptics - including some bloggers!) But....the departure of Waddock a couple of weeks after it was categorically announced by Paladini and Gregory and Waddock that Waddock WOULD be staying as Gregory's assistant was suprprising; and the rationale for the change was never explained. The choice of language "Queens Park Rangers Football Club have parted company with Gary Waddock..." suggested that Waddock's departure was not exactly his decision.
November 20, 2006 QPR Official Site - WADDOCK DEPARTS
Queens Park Rangers Football Club have parted company with Gary Waddock.
Waddock was named as manager on June 28 after a spell as caretaker manager following the departure of Ian Holloway.
The former Rangers midfielder moved into a coaching role when John Gregory was then appointed at the end of last month.
QPR would like to thank Gary and wish him every success in the future.
QPR
How Paladini and Gregory and Waddock described Waddock's new role immediately after the change of managers -
Waddock "It's the right decision for the club, I'm just thankful that Gianni thinks enough of me to keep me here as Assistant Manager. "I look forward to working with John, we both played together under Terry Venables and have the same work ethic.
"I'll learn a lot from him and I'm sure that this appointment will benefit the club I love." Paladini and Gregory on Waddock's New Role
Waddock's Managerial Record -
3 wins in 22 games. One win in his last 19 games.
2005/06 Played 14: 2 wins 5 draws 7 Lost
2006/2007: Played 8: 1 Win, 3 Draws, 3 Losses
2006/2007 Season
L - Burnley 2-0 QPR 05-08-2006
D - QPR 2-2 Leeds 08-08-2006
W - QPR 2-0 Southend 12-08-2006
D - Preston 1-1 QPR 19-08-2006
L - QPR 1-3 Ipswich 25-08-2006
D - Plymouth 1-1 QPR 09-09-2006
L - QPR 0-2 Birmingham 12-09-2006
L - Colchester 2-1 QPR 16-09-2006
2005/2006 Season-
W - QPR 1-0 Millwall 11-02-2006
L - C Palace 2-1 QPR 14-02-2006
W - Sheff Utd 2-3 QPR 25-02-2006
D - QPR 0-0 Wolves 04-03-2006
D - Sheff Wed 1-1 QPR 11-03-2006
D - QPR 1-1 Brighton 18-03-2006
D - Cardiff 0-0 QPR 25-03-2006
L - QPR 1-2 Stoke 29-03-2006
L - QPR 1-2 Crewe 01-04-2006
L - Burnley 1-0 QPR 08-04-2006
D - QPR 1-1 Derby 15-04-2006
L - Norwich 3-2 QPR 17-04-2006
L - QPR 1-2 Watford 22-04-2006
L - Reading 2-1 QPR 30-04-2006
Waddock Record
Ex-QPR Jermaine Darlington Talks about his Career
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Jermaine Darlington -The new Darling Don Nov 17 2006
South London Press/By Gordon Law
JERMAINE Darlington made AFC Wimbledon history - and didn't even know it.
Darlington, 32, became the first person to play a competitive match for both Wi mbledon and AFC Wimbledon after turning out for AFC against Harrow on Saturday.
The former QPR and Watford left-back was released by Cardiff City at the end of last season and is looking forward to playing football again with the South London side.
He admits playing in front of the fans gave him a great buzz and can't wait to work with Dave Anderson after the pair were at Aylesbury seven years ago.
"I knew I was one of the first players to play for both Wimbledons, but not the first," said Darlington.
On the pitch, I didn't really think about it. But after the game, seeing the fans' response, you realise how much it means to them. That gives you a good buzz. Being an ex-Wimbledon player showed they liked me. As a lot of players aren't liked, it makes you feel good inside."
Darlington is fit again after a troublesome groin injury and paid tribute to Anderson for letting him come on board.
"I had a few lower league clubs come in for me but Icouldn't commit to them because of my groin injury," he said.
"Dave offered me to come down to AFC, get treatment on it and offered me a chance of playing again. I had no recurrence from it on Saturday and it was nice to get a good response from the crowd.
"You should keep playing as long as you can because it's only a short career.But your body does tell you when it's had enough and some players don't want to let go.
"Hopefully this is the start of a new beginning for me. If it wasn't for the injury,then Icould have played at a good level for two or three years.
"Coming to AFC works out well because at this stage in my career,I want to go in a different direction. Because I am part-time, I can spent time property developing.
"Playing non-league football in the early days has taught me the value of money.I valued my pro career and want to invest for the future."
The last time Anderson saw Darlington was when he drove out of the Aylesbury car park in a clapped-out Ford Escort.
When he turned up for training at AFC Wimbledon, Darlington arrived in a top-of-the-range motor.
But since being rejected by Alan Curbishley as a youngster at Charlton, Darlington has never forgotten his non-league roots and has appreciated his career as a pro player.
"It was always my dream to make it as a pro but it didn't work out for me at Charlton,"he said.
"I wanted to get back into the pro game and was floating around non-league for a few years.
"I was at Aylesbury with Bob Dowie as manager and Dave his assistant when QPR snapped me up in 1999. I was out of the game for a while and it's hard to bounce back. I didn't think about it too much because I was young at the time. I was fortunate to get back into the pro game and it made me appreciate it more."
QPR gave him that chance and splashed out £25,000 for his services. After two years and 79 appearances with the west London club, Darlington made a £250,000 switch to Wimbledon where he spent three years.
Soon after, Wimbledon made the ill-fated move to Milton Keynes amid mass demonstrations by the supporters. Darlington admits he didn't agree with the decision, but says there was not much he could do about it at the time.
"Wimbledon is the longest club I served at and I thoroughly enjoyed my time there," he said. "I liked to have stayed longer,but couldn't because of various circumstances.
"It's difficult being a pro footballer but it's your team-mates and the fans that make things easy for you. In my first season there, we had a very good side and we were unfortunate not to make the play-offs.
"We played some good football back then. After that, things started to go downhill and the politics started. Being a player on a contract, you have to go with what went on with the Milton Keynes move, even if you don't agree with it. You can't go against the club.
"But it was a shame what happened. In a few years if AFC make it into the league,then it might work out best for them.
And Darlington is confident the Dons can win promotion to the Conference South. He said: "From what I have seen, we have some very good players and I haven't seen any team to match us.Dave has always instilled a good team spirit and once we start putting away our chances,then I see no reason why we can't go up."
Report
Jermaine Darlington -The new Darling Don Nov 17 2006
South London Press/By Gordon Law
JERMAINE Darlington made AFC Wimbledon history - and didn't even know it.
Darlington, 32, became the first person to play a competitive match for both Wi mbledon and AFC Wimbledon after turning out for AFC against Harrow on Saturday.
The former QPR and Watford left-back was released by Cardiff City at the end of last season and is looking forward to playing football again with the South London side.
He admits playing in front of the fans gave him a great buzz and can't wait to work with Dave Anderson after the pair were at Aylesbury seven years ago.
"I knew I was one of the first players to play for both Wimbledons, but not the first," said Darlington.
On the pitch, I didn't really think about it. But after the game, seeing the fans' response, you realise how much it means to them. That gives you a good buzz. Being an ex-Wimbledon player showed they liked me. As a lot of players aren't liked, it makes you feel good inside."
Darlington is fit again after a troublesome groin injury and paid tribute to Anderson for letting him come on board.
"I had a few lower league clubs come in for me but Icouldn't commit to them because of my groin injury," he said.
"Dave offered me to come down to AFC, get treatment on it and offered me a chance of playing again. I had no recurrence from it on Saturday and it was nice to get a good response from the crowd.
"You should keep playing as long as you can because it's only a short career.But your body does tell you when it's had enough and some players don't want to let go.
"Hopefully this is the start of a new beginning for me. If it wasn't for the injury,then Icould have played at a good level for two or three years.
"Coming to AFC works out well because at this stage in my career,I want to go in a different direction. Because I am part-time, I can spent time property developing.
"Playing non-league football in the early days has taught me the value of money.I valued my pro career and want to invest for the future."
The last time Anderson saw Darlington was when he drove out of the Aylesbury car park in a clapped-out Ford Escort.
When he turned up for training at AFC Wimbledon, Darlington arrived in a top-of-the-range motor.
But since being rejected by Alan Curbishley as a youngster at Charlton, Darlington has never forgotten his non-league roots and has appreciated his career as a pro player.
"It was always my dream to make it as a pro but it didn't work out for me at Charlton,"he said.
"I wanted to get back into the pro game and was floating around non-league for a few years.
"I was at Aylesbury with Bob Dowie as manager and Dave his assistant when QPR snapped me up in 1999. I was out of the game for a while and it's hard to bounce back. I didn't think about it too much because I was young at the time. I was fortunate to get back into the pro game and it made me appreciate it more."
QPR gave him that chance and splashed out £25,000 for his services. After two years and 79 appearances with the west London club, Darlington made a £250,000 switch to Wimbledon where he spent three years.
Soon after, Wimbledon made the ill-fated move to Milton Keynes amid mass demonstrations by the supporters. Darlington admits he didn't agree with the decision, but says there was not much he could do about it at the time.
"Wimbledon is the longest club I served at and I thoroughly enjoyed my time there," he said. "I liked to have stayed longer,but couldn't because of various circumstances.
"It's difficult being a pro footballer but it's your team-mates and the fans that make things easy for you. In my first season there, we had a very good side and we were unfortunate not to make the play-offs.
"We played some good football back then. After that, things started to go downhill and the politics started. Being a player on a contract, you have to go with what went on with the Milton Keynes move, even if you don't agree with it. You can't go against the club.
"But it was a shame what happened. In a few years if AFC make it into the league,then it might work out best for them.
And Darlington is confident the Dons can win promotion to the Conference South. He said: "From what I have seen, we have some very good players and I haven't seen any team to match us.Dave has always instilled a good team spirit and once we start putting away our chances,then I see no reason why we can't go up."
Report
Danny Shittu on Growing Up and Avoiding Crime
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[Danny Shittu was "rested" in yesterday's game against Portsmouth and remained on the bench in Watford's 2-1 loss to Portsmouth]
Danny Shittu - Tom Collomosse, PA Sports
AVOIDING CRIME PAYS OFF FOR SHITTU
Watford defender Dan Shittu has revealed how he resisted a life of crime to become a footballer - and made his mother proud.
Shittu was born in Lagos, Nigeria, but grew up in the Bow area of east London, where the temptations to veer off the straight and narrow were frequent and numerous.
But Shittu pursued his ambition of becoming a professional player and now the 26-year-old runs a scheme to try to encourage youngsters in east London to play football instead of being drawn into crime.
And the £1.5million summer signing from QPR insisted he would never forget the debt he owes his mother Camilla, an accountant who had to raise Shittu and his six siblings.
"I grew up in Bow, where nearly all my friends were doing crazy things," Shittu said.
"At the age of 15 I started going to college. While I was at football training or at college, my friends would be off stealing phones.
"I always worked hard, and, when my friends found out that I had become a footballer, they all said they wished they had done the same.
"I am lucky to have my family. I am the second youngest of seven kids, and all my brothers and sisters were doing good things.
"If I had had a brother who stole cars, it would have made me do that.
"I have always wanted to make my mum proud because she gave up so much for the kids. I wanted to repay her and make her happy, not just give her money."
Shittu hopes to be part of the Watford starting XI at Portsmouth as Adrian Boothroyd's team seek their first away win of the season and only their second in the Barclays Premiership.
If Shittu plays, he will be charged with the task of stopping his fellow Nigeria international Kanu, who has scored seven times this season.
Shittu revealed that Kanu, 30, is revered in Nigeria and other African countries, and spoke of his determination to emulate the former Arsenal striker.
He added: "We have been together with Nigeria a few times and it is amazing the way Kanu is idolised in Africa.
"Everywhere you go, he is mobbed. Kanu is like a God in Nigeria and other countries in Africa.
"I look at him and think that I want to be in that position one day. He is a role model for so many people, and he is also a very nice person off the pitch.
"I have spoken to him a few times, as I have to (Newcastle's) Obafemi Martins, but, because we are spread out all over the country, we do not have time to visit one another.
"But I will not talk to Kanu before the game. At the moment, he is an enemy, and it is not about being friendly."
Boothroyd could make changes to his starting line-up for the clash at Fratton Park after watching his team thumped 4-0 at champions Chelsea last weekend.
That result left Watford 19th in the Premiership, but Shittu insisted: "We are not even thinking about relegation.
"There are only two games - against Arsenal and Chelsea - in which we were beaten by more than two goals.
"We believe that, if things go right, we can get good results."
Shittu Profile
[Danny Shittu was "rested" in yesterday's game against Portsmouth and remained on the bench in Watford's 2-1 loss to Portsmouth]
Danny Shittu - Tom Collomosse, PA Sports
AVOIDING CRIME PAYS OFF FOR SHITTU
Watford defender Dan Shittu has revealed how he resisted a life of crime to become a footballer - and made his mother proud.
Shittu was born in Lagos, Nigeria, but grew up in the Bow area of east London, where the temptations to veer off the straight and narrow were frequent and numerous.
But Shittu pursued his ambition of becoming a professional player and now the 26-year-old runs a scheme to try to encourage youngsters in east London to play football instead of being drawn into crime.
And the £1.5million summer signing from QPR insisted he would never forget the debt he owes his mother Camilla, an accountant who had to raise Shittu and his six siblings.
"I grew up in Bow, where nearly all my friends were doing crazy things," Shittu said.
"At the age of 15 I started going to college. While I was at football training or at college, my friends would be off stealing phones.
"I always worked hard, and, when my friends found out that I had become a footballer, they all said they wished they had done the same.
"I am lucky to have my family. I am the second youngest of seven kids, and all my brothers and sisters were doing good things.
"If I had had a brother who stole cars, it would have made me do that.
"I have always wanted to make my mum proud because she gave up so much for the kids. I wanted to repay her and make her happy, not just give her money."
Shittu hopes to be part of the Watford starting XI at Portsmouth as Adrian Boothroyd's team seek their first away win of the season and only their second in the Barclays Premiership.
If Shittu plays, he will be charged with the task of stopping his fellow Nigeria international Kanu, who has scored seven times this season.
Shittu revealed that Kanu, 30, is revered in Nigeria and other African countries, and spoke of his determination to emulate the former Arsenal striker.
He added: "We have been together with Nigeria a few times and it is amazing the way Kanu is idolised in Africa.
"Everywhere you go, he is mobbed. Kanu is like a God in Nigeria and other countries in Africa.
"I look at him and think that I want to be in that position one day. He is a role model for so many people, and he is also a very nice person off the pitch.
"I have spoken to him a few times, as I have to (Newcastle's) Obafemi Martins, but, because we are spread out all over the country, we do not have time to visit one another.
"But I will not talk to Kanu before the game. At the moment, he is an enemy, and it is not about being friendly."
Boothroyd could make changes to his starting line-up for the clash at Fratton Park after watching his team thumped 4-0 at champions Chelsea last weekend.
That result left Watford 19th in the Premiership, but Shittu insisted: "We are not even thinking about relegation.
"There are only two games - against Arsenal and Chelsea - in which we were beaten by more than two goals.
"We believe that, if things go right, we can get good results."
Shittu Profile
Five Years Ago: "Gutless" QPR's FA Cup Humiliation (Swansea 4 QPR 0)
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Five years ago, yesterday, QPR were knocked out of the FA Cup First Round game (shown on TV!) and Holloway blasted the team as "gutless. We were out-battled and out-fought. Not many of my players were worth their wages. Perhaps some of them have been at the club too long and if they don't want to play for the club they can leave>" Swansea
Of the 16 players on the field or the bench, that day, only Bignot remains at Loftus Road. Digby, Forbes, Warren, Palmer, Plummer, Perry, Connolly, Bignot, Bonnot, Griffiths, Dodou. Subs: Bruce, Wardley, Bull, Paquette, Burgess.
BBC - Sunday, 18 November, 2001, Swansea 4-0
Division Three side Swansea progressed to the second round of the FA Cup after a comprehensive victory over second division QPR.
The home side took the lead from a counter-attack in the sixth minute.
Nick Cusack got clear on the left and crossed, Mamady Sidibe took the ball round goalkeeper Fraser Digby.
And instead of shooting, he selflessly laid it off to John Williams who converted an easy chance.
Six minutes before the break, the Welsh side extended their advantage when Williams turned provider for Cusack to score.
QPR kept themselves in the match when Karl Connolly cleared Jason Smith's header off the line.
In the second half, Swansea were content to sit back and try to hit Rangers on the break as Ian Holloway's side chased the game without any real conviction.
Their plan worked to great effect as 10 minutes from time Sidibe ran on to a hopeful punt upfield, nipped in front of Digby and gleefully walked the ball home.
Substitute Steve Watkin, who helped Wrexham to one of the FA Cup's biggest shocks when they beat Arsenal in 1992, completed the rout with a close-range strike to round off a famous victory.
Swansea: Freestone, Terry Evans, Bound, Smith, Steve Evans, O'Leary, Cusack, Coates, Lacey, Sidibe, Williams. Subs: Jones, Watkin, Mazzina, Todd, Phillips.
QPR: Digby, Forbes, Warren, Palmer, Plummer, Perry, Connolly, Bignot, Bonnot, Griffiths, Dodou. Subs: Bruce, Wardley, Bull, Paquette, Burgess.
Referee: A Hall
Hollo Blasts His 'gutless' Players
Swansea 4 QPR 0 (Nov 18)
Rs fans trudging home after the long journey to Wales, having seen their side go out in the FA Cup First Round for the first time since 1966, will have agreed with every word of boss Ian Holloway's post-match analysis.
"They were gutless. We were out-battled and out-fought. Not many of my players were worth their wages. Perhaps some of them have been at the club too long and if they don't want to play for the club they can leave," he raged.
Swansea opened the scoring after five minutes when John Williams tapped home from six yards.
The Swans extended their lead in the 39th minute when Nick Cusack volleyed past Fraser Digby into the corner of the Rangers net.
On 79 minutes, Sidibe ran through from the half way line, beating Rs keeper Fraser Digby and walked the ball into the Rangers net for the third goal.
In the final minute, Sidibe fed the ball wide to the right and Watkin side-footed home for 4-0.
Rangers had it all to do in the second half, a fact reflected in Holloway's double substitution early in the second half. Rangers switched to a 3-4-3 formation with Burgess and Bruce replacing Christer Warren and Mark Perry.
Rangers began to enjoy some good periods of possession but failed to create significant chances and their luck was typified by an injury to Chris Plummer in the 77th minute. Rangers had already used all three substitutions when Richard Pacquette came on for Leroy Griffiths, so Plummer was forced to continue.
When a Rangers move broke down in the 79th minute, the vulnerability of the defence was apparent. On 79 minutes, a simple ball released Sidibe who ran through from the half way line and gathered the ball ahead of Rs keeper Fraser Digby and walked the ball into the Rangers net.
In the final minute, Sidibe broke through the middle again. This time Paul Bruce got back to challenge and injured himself in the process. As he lay prone, Sidibe fed the ball wide to the right and Watkin side-footed home.
QPR: Digby, Forbes, Warren (Bruce), Palmer, Plummer, Perry (Burgess), Connolly, Bignot, Bonnot, Griffiths (Paquette), Dodou
Swansea
Five years ago, yesterday, QPR were knocked out of the FA Cup First Round game (shown on TV!) and Holloway blasted the team as "gutless. We were out-battled and out-fought. Not many of my players were worth their wages. Perhaps some of them have been at the club too long and if they don't want to play for the club they can leave>" Swansea
Of the 16 players on the field or the bench, that day, only Bignot remains at Loftus Road. Digby, Forbes, Warren, Palmer, Plummer, Perry, Connolly, Bignot, Bonnot, Griffiths, Dodou. Subs: Bruce, Wardley, Bull, Paquette, Burgess.
BBC - Sunday, 18 November, 2001, Swansea 4-0
Division Three side Swansea progressed to the second round of the FA Cup after a comprehensive victory over second division QPR.
The home side took the lead from a counter-attack in the sixth minute.
Nick Cusack got clear on the left and crossed, Mamady Sidibe took the ball round goalkeeper Fraser Digby.
And instead of shooting, he selflessly laid it off to John Williams who converted an easy chance.
Six minutes before the break, the Welsh side extended their advantage when Williams turned provider for Cusack to score.
QPR kept themselves in the match when Karl Connolly cleared Jason Smith's header off the line.
In the second half, Swansea were content to sit back and try to hit Rangers on the break as Ian Holloway's side chased the game without any real conviction.
Their plan worked to great effect as 10 minutes from time Sidibe ran on to a hopeful punt upfield, nipped in front of Digby and gleefully walked the ball home.
Substitute Steve Watkin, who helped Wrexham to one of the FA Cup's biggest shocks when they beat Arsenal in 1992, completed the rout with a close-range strike to round off a famous victory.
Swansea: Freestone, Terry Evans, Bound, Smith, Steve Evans, O'Leary, Cusack, Coates, Lacey, Sidibe, Williams. Subs: Jones, Watkin, Mazzina, Todd, Phillips.
QPR: Digby, Forbes, Warren, Palmer, Plummer, Perry, Connolly, Bignot, Bonnot, Griffiths, Dodou. Subs: Bruce, Wardley, Bull, Paquette, Burgess.
Referee: A Hall
Hollo Blasts His 'gutless' Players
Swansea 4 QPR 0 (Nov 18)
Rs fans trudging home after the long journey to Wales, having seen their side go out in the FA Cup First Round for the first time since 1966, will have agreed with every word of boss Ian Holloway's post-match analysis.
"They were gutless. We were out-battled and out-fought. Not many of my players were worth their wages. Perhaps some of them have been at the club too long and if they don't want to play for the club they can leave," he raged.
Swansea opened the scoring after five minutes when John Williams tapped home from six yards.
The Swans extended their lead in the 39th minute when Nick Cusack volleyed past Fraser Digby into the corner of the Rangers net.
On 79 minutes, Sidibe ran through from the half way line, beating Rs keeper Fraser Digby and walked the ball into the Rangers net for the third goal.
In the final minute, Sidibe fed the ball wide to the right and Watkin side-footed home for 4-0.
Rangers had it all to do in the second half, a fact reflected in Holloway's double substitution early in the second half. Rangers switched to a 3-4-3 formation with Burgess and Bruce replacing Christer Warren and Mark Perry.
Rangers began to enjoy some good periods of possession but failed to create significant chances and their luck was typified by an injury to Chris Plummer in the 77th minute. Rangers had already used all three substitutions when Richard Pacquette came on for Leroy Griffiths, so Plummer was forced to continue.
When a Rangers move broke down in the 79th minute, the vulnerability of the defence was apparent. On 79 minutes, a simple ball released Sidibe who ran through from the half way line and gathered the ball ahead of Rs keeper Fraser Digby and walked the ball into the Rangers net.
In the final minute, Sidibe broke through the middle again. This time Paul Bruce got back to challenge and injured himself in the process. As he lay prone, Sidibe fed the ball wide to the right and Watkin side-footed home.
QPR: Digby, Forbes, Warren (Bruce), Palmer, Plummer, Perry (Burgess), Connolly, Bignot, Bonnot, Griffiths (Paquette), Dodou
Swansea
Puskas Trained at Loftus Road!
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Things you learn: In 1953, Puskas Trained at Loftus Road Before Hungary's 6-3 Win at Wembley. Obviously being at Loftus Road inspired him!
From Puskas autobiography excerpted in Today's Observer
"...On England 3 -6 Hungary in 1953
We were a bit surprised we weren't allowed to train at least once on the Wembley pitch we heard so much about. We went on to the pitch with our shoes on and it seemed very soft and springy. We were allowed to train at QPR's ground, which felt as if it was in the countryside...."
Observer
Things you learn: In 1953, Puskas Trained at Loftus Road Before Hungary's 6-3 Win at Wembley. Obviously being at Loftus Road inspired him!
From Puskas autobiography excerpted in Today's Observer
"...On England 3 -6 Hungary in 1953
We were a bit surprised we weren't allowed to train at least once on the Wembley pitch we heard so much about. We went on to the pitch with our shoes on and it seemed very soft and springy. We were allowed to train at QPR's ground, which felt as if it was in the countryside...."
Observer
Year Ago: QPR had NINE Players Booked in their 3-1 Loss at Plymouth
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One year ago today...Ian Holloway's QPR travelled to Plymouth! QPR had surely a record NINE players booked as the team lost 3-1 to Plymouth, with Baidoo scoring for QPR.
QPR's team: (Ainsworth came in for the injured Sturridge) as Rangers started with Gallen and Santos up front.
QPR Team: Royce, Bignot, Evatt, Shittu, Dyer, Cook, Ainsworth, Doherty (Rowlands 49), Langley (Baidoo 57), Gallen, Santos (Bean 57). Subs Not Used: Milanese, Moore.
Booked: Royce, Santos, Gallen, Dyer, Cook, Ainsworth, Baidoo, Shittu, Bean.
Goals: Baidoo 61.
Sporting Life Match Report: Plymouth 3 QPR 1 - November 19, 2005
Plymouth moved out of the Coca-Cola Championship relegation zone as they ended a dismal recent run with a convincing victory against QPR.
Paul Wotton opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Mathias Doumbe's first goal since October 2004 gave Argyle a two-goal cushion at the break.
Nick Chadwick's header made the game safe, with substitute Shabazz Baidoo's close-range finish a consolation for the visitors.
Plymouth, who went into the match lying second from bottom in the table after five games without a win, named an unchanged line-up.
Gareth Ainsworth came in to replace Dean Sturridge for QPR. The striker aggravated a hamstring injury in training this week.
Argyle went ahead from the first attack of the afternoon. Midfielder David Norris was clean through and tried to round goalkeeper Simon Royce.
Royce brought him down and was rightly booked, with Wotton slamming the resulting penalty into the roof of the net for his fourth goal of the season.
Tony Capaldi, who was in action for Northern Ireland in midweek, almost made it two shortly afterwards but his header was caught by Royce.
Kevin Gallen, reverting to a more attacking role, sent a header goalwards as QPR looked to hit back, but Akos Buzsaky was alert to clear.
Plymouth were on top, though, and only a superb save by the feet of Royce denied Chadwick as he drilled in a shot from 12 yards.
Royce was Rangers' saviour again in the 28th minute, tipping a stunning 30-yard free-kick from Buzsaky around the post as the Pilgrims kept up the pressure.
Tony Pulis' men finally doubled their advantage through an unlikely source.
A Buzsaky corner was headed down by Wotton into the path of Doumbe, and he volleyed the ball into the top corner from six yards.
QPR midfielder Martin Rowlands made his long-awaited return to first-team action shortly after the restart, coming on for Tom Doherty.
His first contribution was to bring down Capaldi on the left, and it was from the resulting free-kick that Plymouth made it three.
Buzsaky picked out Chadwick, and his deft header gave Royce no chance.
Rangers brought on Baidoo in the 58th minute, and three minutes later he had pulled goal back.
A Lee Cook corner from the right fell to the striker, and he lashed the ball past goalkeeper Romain Larrieu from close in.
QPR, buoyed by the goal, almost grabbed a quickfire second, but Gallen's powerful header was tipped over by the Frenchman.
Ainsworth forced a fine save from Larrieu with a stinging volley at the death but the home side held on.
Teams
Plymouth Larrieu, Connolly, Doumbe, Aljofree, Barness, Buzsaky (Lasley 54), Wotton, Norris, Capaldi, Evans (Derbyshire 90), Chadwick (Taylor 80).
Subs Not Used: McCormick, Djordjic.
Booked: Norris, Chadwick, Connolly.
Goals: Wotton 7 pen, Doumbe 37, Chadwick 51.
QPR Royce, Bignot, Evatt, Shittu, Dyer, Cook, Ainsworth, Doherty (Rowlands 49), Langley (Baidoo 57), Gallen, Santos (Bean 57).
Subs Not Used: Milanese, Moore.
Booked: Royce, Santos, Gallen, Dyer, Cook, Ainsworth, Baidoo, Shittu, Bean.
Goals: Baidoo 61.
Att: 13,213
Ref: S Tanner (Somerset).
Sporting Life Report
One year ago today...Ian Holloway's QPR travelled to Plymouth! QPR had surely a record NINE players booked as the team lost 3-1 to Plymouth, with Baidoo scoring for QPR.
QPR's team: (Ainsworth came in for the injured Sturridge) as Rangers started with Gallen and Santos up front.
QPR Team: Royce, Bignot, Evatt, Shittu, Dyer, Cook, Ainsworth, Doherty (Rowlands 49), Langley (Baidoo 57), Gallen, Santos (Bean 57). Subs Not Used: Milanese, Moore.
Booked: Royce, Santos, Gallen, Dyer, Cook, Ainsworth, Baidoo, Shittu, Bean.
Goals: Baidoo 61.
Sporting Life Match Report: Plymouth 3 QPR 1 - November 19, 2005
Plymouth moved out of the Coca-Cola Championship relegation zone as they ended a dismal recent run with a convincing victory against QPR.
Paul Wotton opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Mathias Doumbe's first goal since October 2004 gave Argyle a two-goal cushion at the break.
Nick Chadwick's header made the game safe, with substitute Shabazz Baidoo's close-range finish a consolation for the visitors.
Plymouth, who went into the match lying second from bottom in the table after five games without a win, named an unchanged line-up.
Gareth Ainsworth came in to replace Dean Sturridge for QPR. The striker aggravated a hamstring injury in training this week.
Argyle went ahead from the first attack of the afternoon. Midfielder David Norris was clean through and tried to round goalkeeper Simon Royce.
Royce brought him down and was rightly booked, with Wotton slamming the resulting penalty into the roof of the net for his fourth goal of the season.
Tony Capaldi, who was in action for Northern Ireland in midweek, almost made it two shortly afterwards but his header was caught by Royce.
Kevin Gallen, reverting to a more attacking role, sent a header goalwards as QPR looked to hit back, but Akos Buzsaky was alert to clear.
Plymouth were on top, though, and only a superb save by the feet of Royce denied Chadwick as he drilled in a shot from 12 yards.
Royce was Rangers' saviour again in the 28th minute, tipping a stunning 30-yard free-kick from Buzsaky around the post as the Pilgrims kept up the pressure.
Tony Pulis' men finally doubled their advantage through an unlikely source.
A Buzsaky corner was headed down by Wotton into the path of Doumbe, and he volleyed the ball into the top corner from six yards.
QPR midfielder Martin Rowlands made his long-awaited return to first-team action shortly after the restart, coming on for Tom Doherty.
His first contribution was to bring down Capaldi on the left, and it was from the resulting free-kick that Plymouth made it three.
Buzsaky picked out Chadwick, and his deft header gave Royce no chance.
Rangers brought on Baidoo in the 58th minute, and three minutes later he had pulled goal back.
A Lee Cook corner from the right fell to the striker, and he lashed the ball past goalkeeper Romain Larrieu from close in.
QPR, buoyed by the goal, almost grabbed a quickfire second, but Gallen's powerful header was tipped over by the Frenchman.
Ainsworth forced a fine save from Larrieu with a stinging volley at the death but the home side held on.
Teams
Plymouth Larrieu, Connolly, Doumbe, Aljofree, Barness, Buzsaky (Lasley 54), Wotton, Norris, Capaldi, Evans (Derbyshire 90), Chadwick (Taylor 80).
Subs Not Used: McCormick, Djordjic.
Booked: Norris, Chadwick, Connolly.
Goals: Wotton 7 pen, Doumbe 37, Chadwick 51.
QPR Royce, Bignot, Evatt, Shittu, Dyer, Cook, Ainsworth, Doherty (Rowlands 49), Langley (Baidoo 57), Gallen, Santos (Bean 57).
Subs Not Used: Milanese, Moore.
Booked: Royce, Santos, Gallen, Dyer, Cook, Ainsworth, Baidoo, Shittu, Bean.
Goals: Baidoo 61.
Att: 13,213
Ref: S Tanner (Somerset).
Sporting Life Report
Birthdays Today: David Seaman, Ian Evatt & Justin Channing
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David Seaman Turns 43: (November 19, 1963)
Signed by Jim Smith from Birmingham for £250,000 in 1986. Seaman made his QPR debut in the club's 5-1 defeat at Southampton (future QPR forward scoring a hatrick on his Southampton debut). Seaman played almost 150 league games over 4 seasons before he was reluctanctly allowed to join Arsenal for £1.3 million in May 1990 (where he played 400+ league games). Seaman was also capped 75 times by England
QPR Career
Total Career
Ian Evatt QPR's Centerback turns 25 (November 19, 1981). Signed from Chesterfield for about £150,000 in the Summer of 2005. Played 27 games for QPR last season. Currently on loan at Blackpool where he may be joining permanently.
Evatt
Justin Channing Turns 38 (Born November 19, 1968)
The defender/midfielder played about 50 games over a number of seasons for QPR before
joining Bristol Rovers. Channing made his QPR debut in the 1986-87 season. He best season was 1989-1990, where he played 23 games for QPR.
Channing
David Seaman Turns 43: (November 19, 1963)
Signed by Jim Smith from Birmingham for £250,000 in 1986. Seaman made his QPR debut in the club's 5-1 defeat at Southampton (future QPR forward scoring a hatrick on his Southampton debut). Seaman played almost 150 league games over 4 seasons before he was reluctanctly allowed to join Arsenal for £1.3 million in May 1990 (where he played 400+ league games). Seaman was also capped 75 times by England
QPR Career
Total Career
Ian Evatt QPR's Centerback turns 25 (November 19, 1981). Signed from Chesterfield for about £150,000 in the Summer of 2005. Played 27 games for QPR last season. Currently on loan at Blackpool where he may be joining permanently.
Evatt
Justin Channing Turns 38 (Born November 19, 1968)
The defender/midfielder played about 50 games over a number of seasons for QPR before
joining Bristol Rovers. Channing made his QPR debut in the 1986-87 season. He best season was 1989-1990, where he played 23 games for QPR.
Channing
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Ex-QPR, Leroy Rosenoir Out as Brentford Manager
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Brentford Official -LEROY`S CONTRACT TERMINATED
Directly after today`s game against Crewe Alexandra, the Brentford Board met and decided that an immediate change was required to try and halt the run of sixteen games without a win.
As a result the Board decided to terminate the contract of Leroy Rosenior with immediate effect after six months in charge.
Youth Team Manager Scott Fitzgerald has been asked, and agreed, to look after the team in the short term while the Club begin the process of searching for a new Manager. This will commence immediately under the direction of Keith Dickens the Club`s Managing Director.
The Board wish it to be placed on record that they have the utmost respect for Leroy Rosenior and they felt that he went about his task with enthusiasm and intelligence. However it was felt that a change had to be made now to try and stem any further damage to the Club`s ambitions.
Brentford
BBC Rosenior quits as Brentford boss
Rosenior has failed to lead Brentford to a win in 16 games
Leroy Rosenior has stepped down as manager of Brentford after the Bees' 4-0 defeat at home to Crewe left them without a victory in 16 matches.
Rosenior, who only took over the club in June, has come under increasing pressure with the Bees two points off the bottom of League Two.
And, after last week's FA Cup defeat to Doncaster left him clinging to his job, Rosenior has now resigned.
Scott Fitzgerald, the club's youth team boss, will take over temporarily.
Bees chairman Greg Dyke believes the departure of Rosenior is in the club's best interests.
"Obviously we don't do these things out of the blue. We had been working on a plan B over the last few weeks in case Leroy had to go.
"There are still a lot of games to go and we are not halfway through the season. If get the right manager and a bit of luck with injuries we can stay up."
BBC
Brentford Official -LEROY`S CONTRACT TERMINATED
Directly after today`s game against Crewe Alexandra, the Brentford Board met and decided that an immediate change was required to try and halt the run of sixteen games without a win.
As a result the Board decided to terminate the contract of Leroy Rosenior with immediate effect after six months in charge.
Youth Team Manager Scott Fitzgerald has been asked, and agreed, to look after the team in the short term while the Club begin the process of searching for a new Manager. This will commence immediately under the direction of Keith Dickens the Club`s Managing Director.
The Board wish it to be placed on record that they have the utmost respect for Leroy Rosenior and they felt that he went about his task with enthusiasm and intelligence. However it was felt that a change had to be made now to try and stem any further damage to the Club`s ambitions.
Brentford
BBC Rosenior quits as Brentford boss
Rosenior has failed to lead Brentford to a win in 16 games
Leroy Rosenior has stepped down as manager of Brentford after the Bees' 4-0 defeat at home to Crewe left them without a victory in 16 matches.
Rosenior, who only took over the club in June, has come under increasing pressure with the Bees two points off the bottom of League Two.
And, after last week's FA Cup defeat to Doncaster left him clinging to his job, Rosenior has now resigned.
Scott Fitzgerald, the club's youth team boss, will take over temporarily.
Bees chairman Greg Dyke believes the departure of Rosenior is in the club's best interests.
"Obviously we don't do these things out of the blue. We had been working on a plan B over the last few weeks in case Leroy had to go.
"There are still a lot of games to go and we are not halfway through the season. If get the right manager and a bit of luck with injuries we can stay up."
BBC
QPR Now 14th.....8 Points out of Relegation spot...5 points from Playoff spot
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After the other Championship Teams played today QPR dropped down slightly but are still well placed in 14th position. Given that a team normallyneeds about 50 points to avoid drop...we're half way there. A team needs about 75+ points to make the playoffs.
TOP SIX
Cardiff 18 36
Preston 18 36
Birmingham 18 34
Burnley 18 31
Derby 18 31
West Brom 18 29
14th QPR 18 24
BOTTOM FOUR
Hull 18 16
Leeds 18 16
Barnsley 18 15
Southend 18 12
BBC - League Table
As a poster on the QPR.org messageboard notes, QPR have exactly the same number of points after 18 games as they did at this same point last season. (24 points from 18 games) Although in a very different manner of achieving the points and the style of football is very different.)
See - Last Season's Results after 18 games Results
According to that same board poster, two seasons ago, at this point, QPR had 30 points from their first 18 games (which included THE Seven Game Winning run)
After the other Championship Teams played today QPR dropped down slightly but are still well placed in 14th position. Given that a team normallyneeds about 50 points to avoid drop...we're half way there. A team needs about 75+ points to make the playoffs.
TOP SIX
Cardiff 18 36
Preston 18 36
Birmingham 18 34
Burnley 18 31
Derby 18 31
West Brom 18 29
14th QPR 18 24
BOTTOM FOUR
Hull 18 16
Leeds 18 16
Barnsley 18 15
Southend 18 12
BBC - League Table
As a poster on the QPR.org messageboard notes, QPR have exactly the same number of points after 18 games as they did at this same point last season. (24 points from 18 games) Although in a very different manner of achieving the points and the style of football is very different.)
See - Last Season's Results after 18 games Results
According to that same board poster, two seasons ago, at this point, QPR had 30 points from their first 18 games (which included THE Seven Game Winning run)
QPR's Cardiff Triumph: Further Reports & Comments
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Links to Match Reports of QPR's Win: Full Reports below
The Guardian
The Times
Independent
Telegraph
Mirror
Sun
BBC
Western Mail
Managerial Comment - Western Mail
Earlier Match report compilation of QPR's Win at Cardiff
Managerial COMMENTS
BBC -Cardiff manager Dave Jones:
"They came to do a job and they have taken away the points.
"If you are not going to win then you have to make sure you do not lose.
"I have no complaints, because we started poorly and finished poorly, and there were not enough attempts on goal.
"They got the goal without any sustained pressure. It was bad defending on our part."
QPR manager John Gregory:
"I've been so proud of them since I became manager.
"This group of players is a pleasure to be around and they're a fantastic bunch of lads.
"They've a tremendous work ethic and throughout the game you could see them backing each other up.
"Given the number of goals we've conceded, we did very well defensively." BBC
The Times/Tony Rees - Jones late show is a shock for Cardiff
Cardiff City 0 Queens Park Rangers 1
BENEVOLENCE in the guise of Children in Need may have swept across the nation last night, but Ray Jones, who came on as a substitute for Queens Park Rangers, showed no such generosity with a late strike that ended Cardiff City’s unbeaten home record in the Coca-Cola Championship.
Television demands had forced Cardiff to play on the same evening of a rugby union international at the Millennium Stadium. The attendance had been hit and QPR were the most impressive early on, Lee Cook and Dexter Blackstock going close.
The Londoners nearly took the lead in the most bizarre fashion after 33 minutes. Stephen McPhail’s pass was reckless in the extreme but Blackstock failed to take advantage of the ensuing hashed clearance from Neil Alexander, the goalkeeper.
Cardiff had offered little other than Paul Parry’s 25-yard effort that had flown over the crossbar. Kevin McNaughton, the defender, almost broke the deadlock on the hour with a right-foot curled shot that smacked against the crossbar but Jones scored the winning goal at the far post in the dying minutes.
The Times
Jeremy Wilson/The Guardian - November 18, 2006
Cardiff's first stumble as Jones steps in at the last
Having inherited a team who looked set for a battle against relegation, John Gregory has taken Queens Park Rangers to within two points of the play-offs. This win extends their unbeaten run to five and it is unlikely that any result has given Gregory more pleasure than inflicting Cardiff's first league defeat of the season.
The England Under-19 international Ray Jones scored the winner only three minutes from time and in consequence both Preston North End and Birmingham City have the opportunity this afternoon to draw level with Cardiff at the top of the Championship table.
Dave Jones has complained that opposition clubs are less willing to lend DVDs and videos of themselves to Cardiff since his team have led the Championship, but it would have required only the minimum of research to anticipate the attacking threat posed by Gregory's QPR.
Before last night Rangers had scored 21 times in the nine games since Gregory's arrival as manager and they created the better early chances. Lee Cook provided a constant threat down the left and he presented Dexter Blackstock with a good opportunity on 18 minutes which the former Southampton striker headed wide.
As the first half wore on, Cardiff came closer to finding their rhythm but the final ball was lacking as Michael Chopra and Steve Thompson, who returned after missing the previous two games with an achilles injury, took time to re-establish their partnership up front.
Having missed out on a loan move for Manchester United's Alan Smith, Jones clearly hopes to strengthen his attacking options and it was the winger Paul Parry who produced Cardiff's only first-half effort of real note when he shot over.
Cardiff continued to built their momentum and went within inches of taking the lead on 55 minutes. The left-back Kevin McNaughton made an unlikely run forward and unleashed a dipping shot which beat Simon Royce in the QPR goal only to cannon against the crossbar.
Cardiff's other full-back, the 17-year-old Chris Gunther, was making his full home debut and was also quick to offer his support in attack as Cardiff continued to pose questions of QPR.
Darren Purse was denied a decent penalty shout following a challenge by Damion Stewart but, with the next attack, QPR's Jones slid home at the near-post to land the decisive blow.
Guardian
INDEPENDENT - November 18 - David Instone
Cardiff City 0 Queen's Park Rangers 1: Jones strikes at the heart of Cardiff
Unlike their oval-ball brethren up the road, it was three minutes from time before either of these sides scored and it was Queen's Park Rangers who landed the dramatic blow. Ray Jones, an England Under-19 international, slid in a delicious low right-wing cross from fellow substitute Nicky Ward to condemn Cardiff City to their first home Championship defeat.
Rangers, with 10 goals in their previous three games, toiled well to continue their giant strides under John Gregory, but the manager admitted: " We stole it in the end. We're the division's two highest-scoring teams, yet all the signs were that it was going to be nil-nil. It's fantastic for us to come and beat the leaders.''
The Cardiff manager Dave Jones described it as Cardiff's worst performance of 2006-07; they were made to look sluggish by Rangers' slick work.
Jimmy Smith curled wide and Dexter Blackstock glanced a header off target from a delivery by Lee Cook, who then made space for a 20-yarder Neil Alexander clawed round his post. Cardiff had still barely threatened when Alexander hit a hurried clearance against Blackstock and was relieved the striker slipped as he shaped to shoot.
Jones gave a League debut to Chris Gunter such a fan of the club that he travels on a supporters' coach to games when not playing. The 17- year-old hardly put a foot wrong at right-back while Kevin McNaughton, on the left, got forward well, a tremendous 55th-minute advance taking him past two opponents before a carefully shaped effort from 25 yards smacked against the bar.
Only belatedly did Michael Chopra stretch Rangers' defence. Paul Parry netted from his pass after the offside flag had gone up, then Zesh Rehman survived a tangle of legs with Darren Purse that had Ninian Park's smallest League crowd so far baying for a penalty. Rangers' third successive victory lifted them five places to 13th while Cardiff's third defeat in six will have more sceptical fans wondering if the bubble is bursting.
Independent
Telegraph/Chris Wathan - Jones' timely strike ends Cardiff's record
Cardiff's proud home record came to an end against unlikely opposition as Ray Jones' late goal sunk the Bluebirds.
The Championship leaders have seen off Birmingham, West Brom, Wolves and Southampton in front of their own fans in their march to the top. But against John Gregory's resurgent Rangers Cardiff saw their efforts come unstuck as Jones dived in at the far post with two minutes to go, on a night of few goal-mouth incidents.
Sport fans in the Welsh capital were faced with a choice of international rugby at the Millennium Stadium or the Championship table- toppers in action a few miles down the road. Those who had opted for the football on offer at Ninian Park were left disappointed. Where the Welshmen have usually raced out of the blocks, they struggled to get going.
Jimmy Smith's cross for Dexter Blackstock was headed wide by the striker on 17 minutes, before Neil Alexander saved well from Lee Cook's driving effort soon after.
Alexander would save well from Blackstock once more, the keeper making amends from his poor clearance after Stephen McPhail had put him under ridiculous pressure with an over-head back-pass.
Defender Chris Gunter, making his league debut for Cardiff at the age of 17, did spark some life into the game before the break with a clever driving run and cross but it was fellow full-back Kevin McNaughton who provided the most excitement on 54 minutes, when he cut inside and looped a shot past Simon Royce and onto the bar.
Cardiff were made to pay when QPR's Australian substitute Nick Ward, provided a clever cross, which was poked home by Jones at the far post.
Telegraph
The Sun/ By GARETH MORGAN November 18, 2006
RAY JONES sent Championship leaders Cardiff to their first home defeat of the season showing John Gregory has really put the wheels in motion at QPR.
The R’s boss is the driving force behind the Loftus Road side’s surge up the table after England Under-19 star Jones grabbed an 88th-minute winner to beat the Bluebirds.
Gregory, with three wins on the spin, said: “I thought we might have had a chance when we were on our way to Cardiff. We have a big double-decker we use to go to games and on the way here I was downstairs and I could hear all the lads stamping their feet on the floor.
“They knew they had been playing well and they thought they had a chance of causing an upset here.
“They did and I’m so proud of them. Perhaps the result flattered us and maybe a draw would have been a fairer result but we worked hard and stopped Cardiff from playing from the start.
“I’m delighted with the three points and it’s fabulous to come here and beat the league leaders.
“It makes us full of confidence for the rest of the season
Sub Jones’ late strike was a rare moment of excitement in a dull affair. Cardiff had gone closest earlier when defender Kevin McNaugh-ton hit the bar on 55 minutes.
Now the Bluebirds could lose top spot if Preston win by two goals at Leicester today and that left boss Dave Jones fuming.
He said: “We didn’t get any rhythm together and our attacking play was not up to scratch which is unusual for us.
“It’s frustrating because my mantra is if you’re not going to win a game you certainly make sure you don’t lose it.
“But I stood there on the touchline and just had the feeling something was going to happen and it was going to be one of those nights.
“I haven’t a clue why but we will come in on Monday and work our socks off to put things right.
“You don’t just lose it after one game. It’s not the end of the world and there’s still a long, long way to go.”
Sun
Daily Mirror/Ken Gorman "Sting Ray"
Bluebirds are brought down to earth by supersub Jones Cardiff City v QPR
TEENAGER Ray Jones stepped off the bench to fire Rangers to a dramatic last gasp victory - and floor Championship leaders Cardiff last night.
Jones, 18, brought on after 65 minutes, rifled home a cross from Nick Ward with just two minutes to go.
His strike condemned the Bluebirds to a first home league defeat of the season - and Preston could take over at the top today if they win at Leicester.
It may have been a smashand-grab victory for Rangers but the London side, unbeaten in five games, deserved at least a share of the spoils for their spirited display.
They arrived in Cardiff with confidence sky-high after their good run.
And they took the game to the home side from the start. Barely a minute had gone when Jimmy Smith had goalkeeper Neil Alexander scrambling with a fierce crossshot that went narrowly wide.
The 19-year-old has been a big part of Rangers' revival, scoring five times in his previous seven games since joining on loan from Chelsea.
His early effort set the pattern for a first half dominated by QPR. They even shook off the early loss of Gareth Ainsworth, who injured an ankle in a collision with Joe Ledley.
With Cardiff looking strangely out of sorts, Rangers continued to dictate.
Dexter Blackstock missed a good chance to put them ahead, planting his header wide from Lee Cook's cross. Then Cook unleashed a fierce drive that brought a save from Alexander.
And it was Alexander who came to Cardiff's rescue again in the 32nd minute, scrambling the ball to safety after John McPhail's mis-hit back pass gave Blackstock a chance.
The Welsh side were riding their luck at this stage, quite unable to muster any attacking momentum .
They were finally lifted by new boy Chris Gunter just before the break. Boss Dave Jones (above) had given the 17-year-old Wales youth international his debut at right-back, but he emerged on the left wing to weave past two defenders before his cross was scrambled clear.
At least Cardiff were encouraged to begin the second half with far more purpose.
And it was left-back Kevin McNaughton who came desperately close to making the crucial breakthrough after 54 minutes.
The Scotland international raced from his own half and left goalkeeper Simon Royce helpless with a dipping drive that crashed against the crossbar.
Then Michael Chopra, starved of possession in the first half, created a shooting chance with some nimble footwork, only to blast his effort high. It was Rangers' turn to be forced back now, as Cardiff piled on the pressure.
Mirror
Western Mail/Steve Tucker
Bluebirds fail to sparkle Nov 18 2006
THOSE people who chose to attend the nearby rugby international instead of a trip to Ninian Park probably took the wise option in the end.
The Bluebirds crashed to their first home defeat of the season against a QPR side who have hardly set the Championship on fire and are workmanlike at best.
It is a result which, while hardly setting the alarm bells ringing in the Cardiff camp, will give inspiration to those in the league looking on enviously at Cardiff's table-topping status.
For the just over 13,000 supporters who did attend they were treated to an off-colour performance from the Bluebirds who worked hard, but were never quite cute enough to unlock a resolute Rangers' defence.
The Bluebirds had their chances, not many, but if Kevin McNaughton's long-range effort had gone in rather than smacking the bar things might have been different.
As it was they fell to a sucker punch. With two minutes left two substitutes contrived to ruin their night.
Nick Ward surged down the right, put a ball across the box and Ray Jones was at the back post to poke the ball home.
Cardiff remain top, but will only stay there if Preston do not win by two goals or more against Leicester this afternoon.
Bluebirds boss Dave Jones had to ring the changes.
In light of James Chambers' loan running out and the defender returning to Watford, coupled with Kerrea Gilbert's shoulder injury, teenager Chris Gunter was given his league debut at right-back.
The 17-year-old only signed professional terms a couple of weeks ago and, as a life-long City fan, it was a big night for him.
An injury to Willo Flood meant a return to the City bench for Kevin Cooper.
Jones also had good news on the injury front, however, striker Steve Thompson was back after recovering from an achilles problem and Paul Parry had shaken off the dead-leg which saw him miss Wales' friendly with Liechtenstein on Tuesday.
Since John Gregory took over at Loftus Road, Rangers have seen an upturn in fortunes and came into this game with morale-boosting victories over Crystal Palace and Luton.
Rangers striker Dexter Blackstock has six goals to his name and they included in their ranks, former Ninian Park favourite Gareth Ainsworth. Sadly, 'The Animal' never got into his stride, limping off after 15 minutes.
It was Rangers who got the first glimpse of goal with Jimmy Smith getting time to turn in the box, but his left-foot shot curled wide of Alexander's post with two minutes on the clock.
Cardiff had to wait until the quarter-hour for a good chance. Fine work by Michael Chopra in the corner saw left-back McNaughton in space on the byline, but his cross was hopelessly over-hit with a posse of frustrated team-mates waiting in the box.
Former Southampton striker Blackstock might have done better three minutes later when he rose to meet a hanging ball, but his glancing header dropped harmlessly wide of the goal.
On 21 minutes City keeper Alexander was called into action. The Scot dived acrobatically to his right to tip a Lee Cook shot around the post.
Table-topping Cardiff were certainly not having things their own way, but they carved out a neat opening on 23 minutes.
The move all started with fine work by young Gunter bringing the ball out of defence.
The ball found its way to Scimeca in space on the right, his ball in was da ngerous, but an arriving Parry sliced his shot high and wide.
Just after the half-hour an awkward back-pass had Alexander worried. The keeper's attempted clearance was charged down by Blackstock.
The ball might have gone anywhere, but rolled wide and Blackstock's follow-up was kicked away by Alexander for a corner.
It was as the half closed that Cardiff seemed to spring to life. A Stephen McPhail corner dropped dangerously in the box and Rangers skipper Marcus Bignot had to hack it clear, but back City came. Gunter, scintillating down the left wing of all places this time.
The 17-year-old beat three Rangers players before putting a dangerous cross into the box which was again punted away by a distracted QPR defence.
Moments later Parry had a pop from distance, but his powerful effort was always rising. All in all, a frustrating half for Cardiff.
Saying that, 10 minutes into the second period, the Bluebirds came mightily close to breaking the deadlock.
McNaughton surged forward, before cutting inside and curling a 20-yard shot goalwards which came bouncing back off the bar with Rangers' keeper Simon Royce looking on bemused.
Four minutes later Chopra was skipping through the Rangers defence, but his shot from the edge of the box was too high.
McNaughton had another pop, too high, and then the Bluebirds did put the ball in the net on 63 minutes only for the linesman to raise his flag for offside against Parry.
But, for all their endeavours, City were finding their opponents a tough nut to crack. Chances were few and far between and there was always the danger of QPR catching the Bluebirds on the break.
Lee Cook, who is attracting interest from a host of big clubs, in particular looked a threat when the ball broke to him.
With quarter of an hour left Parry put Chopra through, but the striker elected to try a ball across goal when going himself might have been more appropriate. The ball was blocked and the danger averted.
On 73 minutes Cardiff were presented with another chance. The ball came in from the right. Skipper Darren Purse, on the edge of the box, took a swing at it and missed, but Scimeca was behind.
The midfielder's shot, however, was just over.
On 87 minutes Cardiff had a shout for a penalty turned down when Purse went down in the box. Referee Phil Joslin waved away the desperate appeals.
Then Rangers went up the other end and put the ball in the net.
It was apt really on a night when, for all their endeavours, Cardiff could not find that little moment of magic they needed.
Western Mail
Western Mail/Steve Tucker Dave Jones
'It wasn't our night' - Nov 18 2006
BLUEBIRDS boss Dave Jones admitted his side produced their worst performance of the season so far as they crashed to their first home defeat against QPR.
Cardiff fell to a late goal in the 87th minute from Rangers' substitute Ray Jones.
A philosophical Jones said he had no complaints about the defeat and he and his players must now wait and see if they keep their place at the top of the Championship following today's fixtures.
"I've no complaints about what's happened, we just never really got going, that's our worst performance at home, probably all season," said Jones.
"Our attacking play was poor which is unusual for us. I'm disappointed because I always say if you can't win it, make sure you don't lose it and that's what we've gone and done.
It just wasn't our night that's how I see it and I haven't got a clue why it happened like that. But here our passing was poor, our movement was poor, everything was poor.
"But saying that I don't think our keeper's had a save to make all game, but that's the way it goes sometimes. I expect (Rangers' boss) John Gregory will be delighted with those three points."
One of the few positives Jones could take from the game was the performance of 17-year-old Chris Gunter, making his first league start at right-back.
"That was a fantastic debut from Chris, I'm very pleased, he didn't look out of place at all," said Jones.
"To be honest he's one of only a couple of players who performed anywhere near what I expect of them.
"I thought Chris had one or two nice touches. To be honest I think we should have brought him into the game a lot more than we did. He was very good, it's just a shame for him the result didn't go our way."
Jones said his side would now pick themselves up and try to learn some lessons from the loss.
"We'll get back to work on Monday, regroup, pick our heads up and get on with things," said Jones. "We'll work very hard at looking at what went wrong in this match and try to learn from that because I don't want any more nights like this.
"We've been top of the league for a long time now and I don't want that to end. This is not the end of the world mind, there's a long way still to go yet."
Western Mail
See Also: Earlier Match report compilation of QPR's Win at Cardiff
Links to Match Reports of QPR's Win: Full Reports below
The Guardian
The Times
Independent
Telegraph
Mirror
Sun
BBC
Western Mail
Managerial Comment - Western Mail
Earlier Match report compilation of QPR's Win at Cardiff
Managerial COMMENTS
BBC -Cardiff manager Dave Jones:
"They came to do a job and they have taken away the points.
"If you are not going to win then you have to make sure you do not lose.
"I have no complaints, because we started poorly and finished poorly, and there were not enough attempts on goal.
"They got the goal without any sustained pressure. It was bad defending on our part."
QPR manager John Gregory:
"I've been so proud of them since I became manager.
"This group of players is a pleasure to be around and they're a fantastic bunch of lads.
"They've a tremendous work ethic and throughout the game you could see them backing each other up.
"Given the number of goals we've conceded, we did very well defensively." BBC
The Times/Tony Rees - Jones late show is a shock for Cardiff
Cardiff City 0 Queens Park Rangers 1
BENEVOLENCE in the guise of Children in Need may have swept across the nation last night, but Ray Jones, who came on as a substitute for Queens Park Rangers, showed no such generosity with a late strike that ended Cardiff City’s unbeaten home record in the Coca-Cola Championship.
Television demands had forced Cardiff to play on the same evening of a rugby union international at the Millennium Stadium. The attendance had been hit and QPR were the most impressive early on, Lee Cook and Dexter Blackstock going close.
The Londoners nearly took the lead in the most bizarre fashion after 33 minutes. Stephen McPhail’s pass was reckless in the extreme but Blackstock failed to take advantage of the ensuing hashed clearance from Neil Alexander, the goalkeeper.
Cardiff had offered little other than Paul Parry’s 25-yard effort that had flown over the crossbar. Kevin McNaughton, the defender, almost broke the deadlock on the hour with a right-foot curled shot that smacked against the crossbar but Jones scored the winning goal at the far post in the dying minutes.
The Times
Jeremy Wilson/The Guardian - November 18, 2006
Cardiff's first stumble as Jones steps in at the last
Having inherited a team who looked set for a battle against relegation, John Gregory has taken Queens Park Rangers to within two points of the play-offs. This win extends their unbeaten run to five and it is unlikely that any result has given Gregory more pleasure than inflicting Cardiff's first league defeat of the season.
The England Under-19 international Ray Jones scored the winner only three minutes from time and in consequence both Preston North End and Birmingham City have the opportunity this afternoon to draw level with Cardiff at the top of the Championship table.
Dave Jones has complained that opposition clubs are less willing to lend DVDs and videos of themselves to Cardiff since his team have led the Championship, but it would have required only the minimum of research to anticipate the attacking threat posed by Gregory's QPR.
Before last night Rangers had scored 21 times in the nine games since Gregory's arrival as manager and they created the better early chances. Lee Cook provided a constant threat down the left and he presented Dexter Blackstock with a good opportunity on 18 minutes which the former Southampton striker headed wide.
As the first half wore on, Cardiff came closer to finding their rhythm but the final ball was lacking as Michael Chopra and Steve Thompson, who returned after missing the previous two games with an achilles injury, took time to re-establish their partnership up front.
Having missed out on a loan move for Manchester United's Alan Smith, Jones clearly hopes to strengthen his attacking options and it was the winger Paul Parry who produced Cardiff's only first-half effort of real note when he shot over.
Cardiff continued to built their momentum and went within inches of taking the lead on 55 minutes. The left-back Kevin McNaughton made an unlikely run forward and unleashed a dipping shot which beat Simon Royce in the QPR goal only to cannon against the crossbar.
Cardiff's other full-back, the 17-year-old Chris Gunther, was making his full home debut and was also quick to offer his support in attack as Cardiff continued to pose questions of QPR.
Darren Purse was denied a decent penalty shout following a challenge by Damion Stewart but, with the next attack, QPR's Jones slid home at the near-post to land the decisive blow.
Guardian
INDEPENDENT - November 18 - David Instone
Cardiff City 0 Queen's Park Rangers 1: Jones strikes at the heart of Cardiff
Unlike their oval-ball brethren up the road, it was three minutes from time before either of these sides scored and it was Queen's Park Rangers who landed the dramatic blow. Ray Jones, an England Under-19 international, slid in a delicious low right-wing cross from fellow substitute Nicky Ward to condemn Cardiff City to their first home Championship defeat.
Rangers, with 10 goals in their previous three games, toiled well to continue their giant strides under John Gregory, but the manager admitted: " We stole it in the end. We're the division's two highest-scoring teams, yet all the signs were that it was going to be nil-nil. It's fantastic for us to come and beat the leaders.''
The Cardiff manager Dave Jones described it as Cardiff's worst performance of 2006-07; they were made to look sluggish by Rangers' slick work.
Jimmy Smith curled wide and Dexter Blackstock glanced a header off target from a delivery by Lee Cook, who then made space for a 20-yarder Neil Alexander clawed round his post. Cardiff had still barely threatened when Alexander hit a hurried clearance against Blackstock and was relieved the striker slipped as he shaped to shoot.
Jones gave a League debut to Chris Gunter such a fan of the club that he travels on a supporters' coach to games when not playing. The 17- year-old hardly put a foot wrong at right-back while Kevin McNaughton, on the left, got forward well, a tremendous 55th-minute advance taking him past two opponents before a carefully shaped effort from 25 yards smacked against the bar.
Only belatedly did Michael Chopra stretch Rangers' defence. Paul Parry netted from his pass after the offside flag had gone up, then Zesh Rehman survived a tangle of legs with Darren Purse that had Ninian Park's smallest League crowd so far baying for a penalty. Rangers' third successive victory lifted them five places to 13th while Cardiff's third defeat in six will have more sceptical fans wondering if the bubble is bursting.
Independent
Telegraph/Chris Wathan - Jones' timely strike ends Cardiff's record
Cardiff's proud home record came to an end against unlikely opposition as Ray Jones' late goal sunk the Bluebirds.
The Championship leaders have seen off Birmingham, West Brom, Wolves and Southampton in front of their own fans in their march to the top. But against John Gregory's resurgent Rangers Cardiff saw their efforts come unstuck as Jones dived in at the far post with two minutes to go, on a night of few goal-mouth incidents.
Sport fans in the Welsh capital were faced with a choice of international rugby at the Millennium Stadium or the Championship table- toppers in action a few miles down the road. Those who had opted for the football on offer at Ninian Park were left disappointed. Where the Welshmen have usually raced out of the blocks, they struggled to get going.
Jimmy Smith's cross for Dexter Blackstock was headed wide by the striker on 17 minutes, before Neil Alexander saved well from Lee Cook's driving effort soon after.
Alexander would save well from Blackstock once more, the keeper making amends from his poor clearance after Stephen McPhail had put him under ridiculous pressure with an over-head back-pass.
Defender Chris Gunter, making his league debut for Cardiff at the age of 17, did spark some life into the game before the break with a clever driving run and cross but it was fellow full-back Kevin McNaughton who provided the most excitement on 54 minutes, when he cut inside and looped a shot past Simon Royce and onto the bar.
Cardiff were made to pay when QPR's Australian substitute Nick Ward, provided a clever cross, which was poked home by Jones at the far post.
Telegraph
The Sun/ By GARETH MORGAN November 18, 2006
RAY JONES sent Championship leaders Cardiff to their first home defeat of the season showing John Gregory has really put the wheels in motion at QPR.
The R’s boss is the driving force behind the Loftus Road side’s surge up the table after England Under-19 star Jones grabbed an 88th-minute winner to beat the Bluebirds.
Gregory, with three wins on the spin, said: “I thought we might have had a chance when we were on our way to Cardiff. We have a big double-decker we use to go to games and on the way here I was downstairs and I could hear all the lads stamping their feet on the floor.
“They knew they had been playing well and they thought they had a chance of causing an upset here.
“They did and I’m so proud of them. Perhaps the result flattered us and maybe a draw would have been a fairer result but we worked hard and stopped Cardiff from playing from the start.
“I’m delighted with the three points and it’s fabulous to come here and beat the league leaders.
“It makes us full of confidence for the rest of the season
Sub Jones’ late strike was a rare moment of excitement in a dull affair. Cardiff had gone closest earlier when defender Kevin McNaugh-ton hit the bar on 55 minutes.
Now the Bluebirds could lose top spot if Preston win by two goals at Leicester today and that left boss Dave Jones fuming.
He said: “We didn’t get any rhythm together and our attacking play was not up to scratch which is unusual for us.
“It’s frustrating because my mantra is if you’re not going to win a game you certainly make sure you don’t lose it.
“But I stood there on the touchline and just had the feeling something was going to happen and it was going to be one of those nights.
“I haven’t a clue why but we will come in on Monday and work our socks off to put things right.
“You don’t just lose it after one game. It’s not the end of the world and there’s still a long, long way to go.”
Sun
Daily Mirror/Ken Gorman "Sting Ray"
Bluebirds are brought down to earth by supersub Jones Cardiff City v QPR
TEENAGER Ray Jones stepped off the bench to fire Rangers to a dramatic last gasp victory - and floor Championship leaders Cardiff last night.
Jones, 18, brought on after 65 minutes, rifled home a cross from Nick Ward with just two minutes to go.
His strike condemned the Bluebirds to a first home league defeat of the season - and Preston could take over at the top today if they win at Leicester.
It may have been a smashand-grab victory for Rangers but the London side, unbeaten in five games, deserved at least a share of the spoils for their spirited display.
They arrived in Cardiff with confidence sky-high after their good run.
And they took the game to the home side from the start. Barely a minute had gone when Jimmy Smith had goalkeeper Neil Alexander scrambling with a fierce crossshot that went narrowly wide.
The 19-year-old has been a big part of Rangers' revival, scoring five times in his previous seven games since joining on loan from Chelsea.
His early effort set the pattern for a first half dominated by QPR. They even shook off the early loss of Gareth Ainsworth, who injured an ankle in a collision with Joe Ledley.
With Cardiff looking strangely out of sorts, Rangers continued to dictate.
Dexter Blackstock missed a good chance to put them ahead, planting his header wide from Lee Cook's cross. Then Cook unleashed a fierce drive that brought a save from Alexander.
And it was Alexander who came to Cardiff's rescue again in the 32nd minute, scrambling the ball to safety after John McPhail's mis-hit back pass gave Blackstock a chance.
The Welsh side were riding their luck at this stage, quite unable to muster any attacking momentum .
They were finally lifted by new boy Chris Gunter just before the break. Boss Dave Jones (above) had given the 17-year-old Wales youth international his debut at right-back, but he emerged on the left wing to weave past two defenders before his cross was scrambled clear.
At least Cardiff were encouraged to begin the second half with far more purpose.
And it was left-back Kevin McNaughton who came desperately close to making the crucial breakthrough after 54 minutes.
The Scotland international raced from his own half and left goalkeeper Simon Royce helpless with a dipping drive that crashed against the crossbar.
Then Michael Chopra, starved of possession in the first half, created a shooting chance with some nimble footwork, only to blast his effort high. It was Rangers' turn to be forced back now, as Cardiff piled on the pressure.
Mirror
Western Mail/Steve Tucker
Bluebirds fail to sparkle Nov 18 2006
THOSE people who chose to attend the nearby rugby international instead of a trip to Ninian Park probably took the wise option in the end.
The Bluebirds crashed to their first home defeat of the season against a QPR side who have hardly set the Championship on fire and are workmanlike at best.
It is a result which, while hardly setting the alarm bells ringing in the Cardiff camp, will give inspiration to those in the league looking on enviously at Cardiff's table-topping status.
For the just over 13,000 supporters who did attend they were treated to an off-colour performance from the Bluebirds who worked hard, but were never quite cute enough to unlock a resolute Rangers' defence.
The Bluebirds had their chances, not many, but if Kevin McNaughton's long-range effort had gone in rather than smacking the bar things might have been different.
As it was they fell to a sucker punch. With two minutes left two substitutes contrived to ruin their night.
Nick Ward surged down the right, put a ball across the box and Ray Jones was at the back post to poke the ball home.
Cardiff remain top, but will only stay there if Preston do not win by two goals or more against Leicester this afternoon.
Bluebirds boss Dave Jones had to ring the changes.
In light of James Chambers' loan running out and the defender returning to Watford, coupled with Kerrea Gilbert's shoulder injury, teenager Chris Gunter was given his league debut at right-back.
The 17-year-old only signed professional terms a couple of weeks ago and, as a life-long City fan, it was a big night for him.
An injury to Willo Flood meant a return to the City bench for Kevin Cooper.
Jones also had good news on the injury front, however, striker Steve Thompson was back after recovering from an achilles problem and Paul Parry had shaken off the dead-leg which saw him miss Wales' friendly with Liechtenstein on Tuesday.
Since John Gregory took over at Loftus Road, Rangers have seen an upturn in fortunes and came into this game with morale-boosting victories over Crystal Palace and Luton.
Rangers striker Dexter Blackstock has six goals to his name and they included in their ranks, former Ninian Park favourite Gareth Ainsworth. Sadly, 'The Animal' never got into his stride, limping off after 15 minutes.
It was Rangers who got the first glimpse of goal with Jimmy Smith getting time to turn in the box, but his left-foot shot curled wide of Alexander's post with two minutes on the clock.
Cardiff had to wait until the quarter-hour for a good chance. Fine work by Michael Chopra in the corner saw left-back McNaughton in space on the byline, but his cross was hopelessly over-hit with a posse of frustrated team-mates waiting in the box.
Former Southampton striker Blackstock might have done better three minutes later when he rose to meet a hanging ball, but his glancing header dropped harmlessly wide of the goal.
On 21 minutes City keeper Alexander was called into action. The Scot dived acrobatically to his right to tip a Lee Cook shot around the post.
Table-topping Cardiff were certainly not having things their own way, but they carved out a neat opening on 23 minutes.
The move all started with fine work by young Gunter bringing the ball out of defence.
The ball found its way to Scimeca in space on the right, his ball in was da ngerous, but an arriving Parry sliced his shot high and wide.
Just after the half-hour an awkward back-pass had Alexander worried. The keeper's attempted clearance was charged down by Blackstock.
The ball might have gone anywhere, but rolled wide and Blackstock's follow-up was kicked away by Alexander for a corner.
It was as the half closed that Cardiff seemed to spring to life. A Stephen McPhail corner dropped dangerously in the box and Rangers skipper Marcus Bignot had to hack it clear, but back City came. Gunter, scintillating down the left wing of all places this time.
The 17-year-old beat three Rangers players before putting a dangerous cross into the box which was again punted away by a distracted QPR defence.
Moments later Parry had a pop from distance, but his powerful effort was always rising. All in all, a frustrating half for Cardiff.
Saying that, 10 minutes into the second period, the Bluebirds came mightily close to breaking the deadlock.
McNaughton surged forward, before cutting inside and curling a 20-yard shot goalwards which came bouncing back off the bar with Rangers' keeper Simon Royce looking on bemused.
Four minutes later Chopra was skipping through the Rangers defence, but his shot from the edge of the box was too high.
McNaughton had another pop, too high, and then the Bluebirds did put the ball in the net on 63 minutes only for the linesman to raise his flag for offside against Parry.
But, for all their endeavours, City were finding their opponents a tough nut to crack. Chances were few and far between and there was always the danger of QPR catching the Bluebirds on the break.
Lee Cook, who is attracting interest from a host of big clubs, in particular looked a threat when the ball broke to him.
With quarter of an hour left Parry put Chopra through, but the striker elected to try a ball across goal when going himself might have been more appropriate. The ball was blocked and the danger averted.
On 73 minutes Cardiff were presented with another chance. The ball came in from the right. Skipper Darren Purse, on the edge of the box, took a swing at it and missed, but Scimeca was behind.
The midfielder's shot, however, was just over.
On 87 minutes Cardiff had a shout for a penalty turned down when Purse went down in the box. Referee Phil Joslin waved away the desperate appeals.
Then Rangers went up the other end and put the ball in the net.
It was apt really on a night when, for all their endeavours, Cardiff could not find that little moment of magic they needed.
Western Mail
Western Mail/Steve Tucker Dave Jones
'It wasn't our night' - Nov 18 2006
BLUEBIRDS boss Dave Jones admitted his side produced their worst performance of the season so far as they crashed to their first home defeat against QPR.
Cardiff fell to a late goal in the 87th minute from Rangers' substitute Ray Jones.
A philosophical Jones said he had no complaints about the defeat and he and his players must now wait and see if they keep their place at the top of the Championship following today's fixtures.
"I've no complaints about what's happened, we just never really got going, that's our worst performance at home, probably all season," said Jones.
"Our attacking play was poor which is unusual for us. I'm disappointed because I always say if you can't win it, make sure you don't lose it and that's what we've gone and done.
It just wasn't our night that's how I see it and I haven't got a clue why it happened like that. But here our passing was poor, our movement was poor, everything was poor.
"But saying that I don't think our keeper's had a save to make all game, but that's the way it goes sometimes. I expect (Rangers' boss) John Gregory will be delighted with those three points."
One of the few positives Jones could take from the game was the performance of 17-year-old Chris Gunter, making his first league start at right-back.
"That was a fantastic debut from Chris, I'm very pleased, he didn't look out of place at all," said Jones.
"To be honest he's one of only a couple of players who performed anywhere near what I expect of them.
"I thought Chris had one or two nice touches. To be honest I think we should have brought him into the game a lot more than we did. He was very good, it's just a shame for him the result didn't go our way."
Jones said his side would now pick themselves up and try to learn some lessons from the loss.
"We'll get back to work on Monday, regroup, pick our heads up and get on with things," said Jones. "We'll work very hard at looking at what went wrong in this match and try to learn from that because I don't want any more nights like this.
"We've been top of the league for a long time now and I don't want that to end. This is not the end of the world mind, there's a long way still to go yet."
Western Mail
See Also: Earlier Match report compilation of QPR's Win at Cardiff
Gavin Peacock: Turns Almost 40!
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Gavin Peacock Turns 39: Born November 19, 1967.
The goalscoring midfielder/forward made his debut under Jim Smith in 1986-87...moved to Gillinghman in 1987-88. Peacock then went on to Bournemouth, Newcastle and Chelsea before returning to Stuart Houston's QPR,first on loan and then in a million pound deal in November 1996.
Career
Gavin Peacock Turns 39: Born November 19, 1967.
The goalscoring midfielder/forward made his debut under Jim Smith in 1986-87...moved to Gillinghman in 1987-88. Peacock then went on to Bournemouth, Newcastle and Chelsea before returning to Stuart Houston's QPR,first on loan and then in a million pound deal in November 1996.
Career
Friday, November 17, 2006
QPR Win at Cardiff!
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Cardiff 0 QPR 1 - Sub Jones in the 88th minute. - QPR Travelled to Cardiff tonight for the televised game. Ward came on for Ainsworth after 15 minutes... At Half-time the score was 0-0...In the second half Blackstock came off to be replaced by Jones. Then in the 87 minutes...Jones put QPR ahead! Final score Cardiff 0 QPR 1, QPR Move up to 13th with 24 points from 18 games
League Table After Tonight's Game (and before tomorrow's games!) - Table
Teams at Kickoff
QPR: Royce, Bignot, Rehman, Ainsworth, Cook, Bailey, Stewart, Nygaard, Blackstock, Smith, Mancienne.
Subs: Milanese, Ward, P Jones, Baidoo, R Jones.
Cardiff City: Alexander, McNaughton, Purse, Loovens, Chopra, Thompson, McPhail, Parry, Ledley, Scimeca, Gunter.
Subs: Johnson, Howard, Cooper, Campbell, Kamara.
QPR Official
John Gregory - Post Match Comments - QPR Official Site
John Gregory was on cloud nine after the R's made it five games unbeaten with victory against league leaders Cardiff.
The R's gaffer had just seen his side win 1-0 at Ninian Park, thanks to a last gasp Ray Jones goal.
"Ray Jones will grab the plaudits, but each and every one of the players were fantastic,'' Gregory told www.qpr.co.uk.
"It's a great night for QPR. To come here and keep a clean sheet is one thing, but to perform as well as we did is something else.
"The lads deserve huge credit and I'm delighted for every one of them.''
QPR Official Site
Post Match Comments from Cardiff Manager Dave Jones - Cardiff Official Site
Post match reaction from Dave Jones following his sides defeat to QPR:
"I thought we started poorly and we finished poorly. We just never got going, we never got any rhythm going. Our attacking play was poor, which is unusual for us. We never had enough attempts on goal.
"If you are not going to win it then I've always maintained that you don't lose it.
They got the goal without any sustained pressure. It was bad defending on our part.
I just feel that it wasn't going to be our night.
"Why? I haven't got a clue because they worked so hard this week and tonight we couldn't put two passes together and that's not like us.
"We have to regroup and go again.
"I thought Chris Gunter had a great debut. He didn't do anything wrong, he got a couple of challenges in the first half. I thought we could have played him in more with some of our cross field balls. He had a good debut and it was unfortunate that we didn't win the game for him. He gave a good performance and didn't look out of place whatsoever.
"Sometimes you've got to dog your way into the game and we just never got into it. Our passing was poor and our attacking play didn't have an edge to it today.
"I felt we played into QPR's hands a little bit. We been done and maybe that's how the game was going anyway.
"We've just got to get our heads up, get going and go again.
Cardiff Official Site
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - QPR Win
Ray Jones came off the bench to bag a late, late winner, as the R's registered their third win on the spin in Wales.
Jones arrived bang on cue to slot home Nicky Ward's sublime 86th cross, as the R's completed a smash and grab raid at Ninian Park.
It was all square at the break, at the end of a half which the R's just shaded.
Lee Cook and Dexter Blackstock each tested Cardiff custodian Neil Alexander, while at the other end, Simon Royce didn't have a single shot to save.
John Gregory named an unchanged side for the trip to the league leaders, with Marcus Bignot retaining the captaincy.
The Bluebirds handed 17 year-old right back Chris Gunter his senior debut, as Rangers went gunning for a third win on the spin.
Rangers were on the front foot from the first whistle, with man of the moment Jimmy Smith curling an ambitious 18-yard effort wide of Alexander's right hand post inside the opening 60 seconds.
There was an early injury scare for the R's a minute later, when Gareth Ainsworth required treatment on his knee after an overzealous challenge from Kevin McNaughton.
The former Cardiff man was clearly in some pain and after trying to run it off, he was eventually forced to leave the fray, with Nicky Ward replacing him in the 14th minute.
Despite the setback, it was the R's who continued to create the best opportunities, with Blackstock heading wide in the 17th minute from Cook's sublime cross.
It was the lively Cook who single handily created the R's next chance three minutes later.
After leaving three in his wake with a neat piece of close control on the edge of the box, only a splendid full length save from Alexander denied the R's winger a goal to remember.
Cardiff's loyal fans were made to wait until midway through the first half to cheer their first effort on goal, but Joe Ledley scuffed his shot wide from an acute angle.
Rangers should've been in front on 32 minutes, but after chasing down and then blocking Alexander's attempted clearance, Blackstock fired straight at the Bluebirds keeper from eight-yards.
It was a tricky chance for the R's top scorer, but he would've expected to do better, especially given his rich vein of form away from home.
With the clock approaching the 40 minute mark, Paul Parry fired a fearsome drive over the bar from fully 30-yards, yet despite that brief foray into Rangers territory, John Gregory would've been by far the happier manager at half-time.
After a tetchy opening to the second half, Cardiff created the best opportunity of the match on 55 minutes, but thankfully for the R's, Kevin McNaughton's curling effort cannoned off the face of the bar, with Royce seemingly beaten all ends up.
Undeterred, play quickly switched to the other end, with Bignot firing straight at Alexander after fine build-up play involving Cook.
Cardiff were in the groove now and when the otherwise quiet Chopra beat Stefan Bailey to a loose ball, the former Newcastle striker fired high and wide.
Rangers were being forced to weather the storm, with the linesman's flag coming to their rescue when Chopra fired past Royce from an offside position in the 65th minute.
Sensing the game was slipping away from his side, Gregory introduced Ray Jones at the expense of Blackstock with 25 minutes left to play.
It was certainly a bold substitution from the R's gaffer, and as if to respond to his opposite number, Cardiff boss Dave Jones soon made a change of his own, introducing Malvin Kamara.
Sandwiched in between of those changes, Ricardo Scimeca fired over for the Bluebirds, while Smith's snap shot was deflected wide for a corner.
The Bluebirds had vocal appeals for a spot-kick waved away four minutes from time when Stewart tangled with Darren Purse, but there was soon another twist in the tale at the other end.
Ward received the ball on the right hand flank and having left two in his wake with brute force, the Aussie cut inside and his cross come shot was tapped home by the unmarked Jones.
It was a sensational end to a game in which Rangers more than matched their high-flying opponents, as the R's moved to within two points of the play-off's.
QPR
Cardiff Match Report
Cardiff Official Report
Sky Sports - JONES STRIKE SINKS BLUEBIRDS
By James Pearson
Ray Jones' last-gasp strike earned QPR a surprise 1-0 win over Championship leaders Cardiff City.
The Bluebirds were heavy favourites to see off John Gregory's Londoners at Ninian Park, but it proved a frustrating night for Dave Jones's side.
The visitors had the better of the first half effort with Dexter Blackstock heading Lee Cook's cross wide, with Neil Alexander superbly saving Cook's shot shortly after.
Cardiff were much improved after the interval and only the woodwork kept the scores level when Kevin McNaughton's distance shot struck the crossbar.
The home side did have the ball in the net shortly after the hour mark when Paul Parry netted from Michael Chopra's through-ball, but the effort was right ruled out for offside.
Seconds after Cardiff were denied a penalty in the closing stages when Darren Purse went down in the area under a challenge from Zesh Rehman, the visitors snatched the points.
The visitors broke and Nick Ward nipped between two defenders before playing a delightful ball into the area that Jones slid home past Alexander.
Sky Sports
Sporting Life Cardiff 0 QPR 1
Teenager Ray Jones struck in the 88th minute to pilfer the points for QPR and leave Coca-Cola Championship leaders Cardiff stunned.
The 18-year-old slid in at the far post to convert a teasing low cross from fellow substitute Nick Ward and condemn the Bluebirds to their first home defeat of the season.
Rangers' gameplan worked to perfection as they reduced Cardiff to a night of frustration before hitting them with the late sucker-punch.
A much-improved second-half saw Cardiff hit the bar, have a goal disallowed and also see a seemingly legitimate penalty appeal turned down.
However, Rangers will feel they deserved their victory as Cardiff's promotion hopes were dealt a significant blow.
Sporting Life
Sporting Life - Cardiff 0 QPR 1
Teenager Ray Jones struck in the 88th minute to pilfer the points for QPR and leave Coca-Cola Championship leaders Cardiff stunned.
The 18-year-old slid in at the far post to convert a teasing low cross from fellow substitute Nick Ward and condemn the Bluebirds to their first home defeat of the season.
Rangers' gameplan worked to perfection as they reduced Cardiff to a night of frustration before hitting them with the late sucker-punch.
A much-improved second-half saw Cardiff hit the bar, have a goal disallowed and also see a seemingly legitimate penalty appeal turned down.
However, Rangers will feel they deserved their victory as Cardiff's promotion hopes were dealt a significant blow.
John Gregory's men were the more threatening of the sides in the opening period and fashioned four goalscoring opportunities which could have put them ahead.
The loan signing of Chelsea midfielder Jimmy Smith has worked wonders for the Loftus Road club and he came close to finding the net inside the second minute.
The 19-year-old, who has already scored five times since joining Rangers in September, showed delightful skill on the edge of the 18-yard box.
He turned Riccardo Scimeca all too easily and thrashed a left-foot strike narrowly wide of Neil Alexander's far post.
Rangers were dealt a blow in the 15th minute when midfielder Gareth Ainsworth was forced off through injury and replaced by Ward.
But two minutes later they should have led after Dexter Blackstock headed wide an excellent left-wing cross from Lee Cook.
Midfielder Cook emerged as a key influence and his superb 20-yard strike in the 20th minute drew a fine fingertip save from Alexander.
Cardiff went into the game with an impressive record of six wins and two draws from eight home games this term but they showed little sign of a team leading the table.
Rangers - 18th in the Championship before the game - continued to create the better chances and were unfortunate not to lead in the 31st minute when Blackstock fired straight at Alexander after a miscued clearance from the Cardiff goalkeeper.
The pendulum began to swing in Cardiff's favour as half-time approached.
Paul Parry fired over from 20 yards and 11-goal Michael Chopra saw his penalty appeals turned down after hitting the ground under challenge from Damion Stewart.
Cardiff quickly upped the tempo after the restart and Stephen McPhail fired in a fierce shot which Blackstock blocked bravely.
The Bluebirds began to dominate but they continued to struggle to find the killer touch in front of goal.
Luck deserted them in the 55th minute when Kevin McNaughton drilled a shot against the bar but Rangers remained a threat on the counter-attack.
Marcus Bignot forced Alexander into a fine save and Darren Purse looked to have won a penalty late on as he tumbled in the box.
The usually clinical Chopra wasted another opportunity shortly before the hour mark and it ultimately proved crucial as Rangers claimed the late winner.
With just two minutes remaining, Ward showed neat footwork to glide past two opponents on the right flank and send over the low cross which Jones clinically dispatched to leave Gregory punching the air in celebration.
Sporting Life
BBC - Cardiff 0-1 QPR
Championship leaders Cardiff fell to their first league home defeat of the season after QPR substitute Ray Jones slid in to score an 88th minute goal.
Australian Nick Ward played a key part in the goal, beating Joe Ledley and Kevin McNaughton, before crossing to Jones who poked the ball home.
McNaughton had come desperately close to giving Cardiff the lead after he struck the bar with a curling shot.
QPR had the best first-half chances, notably through a Lee Cook shot.
BBC
Sporting Life
QPR Official Half Time Report
BBC - Minute by Minute report
Cardiff 0 QPR 1 - Sub Jones in the 88th minute. - QPR Travelled to Cardiff tonight for the televised game. Ward came on for Ainsworth after 15 minutes... At Half-time the score was 0-0...In the second half Blackstock came off to be replaced by Jones. Then in the 87 minutes...Jones put QPR ahead! Final score Cardiff 0 QPR 1, QPR Move up to 13th with 24 points from 18 games
League Table After Tonight's Game (and before tomorrow's games!) - Table
Teams at Kickoff
QPR: Royce, Bignot, Rehman, Ainsworth, Cook, Bailey, Stewart, Nygaard, Blackstock, Smith, Mancienne.
Subs: Milanese, Ward, P Jones, Baidoo, R Jones.
Cardiff City: Alexander, McNaughton, Purse, Loovens, Chopra, Thompson, McPhail, Parry, Ledley, Scimeca, Gunter.
Subs: Johnson, Howard, Cooper, Campbell, Kamara.
QPR Official
John Gregory - Post Match Comments - QPR Official Site
John Gregory was on cloud nine after the R's made it five games unbeaten with victory against league leaders Cardiff.
The R's gaffer had just seen his side win 1-0 at Ninian Park, thanks to a last gasp Ray Jones goal.
"Ray Jones will grab the plaudits, but each and every one of the players were fantastic,'' Gregory told www.qpr.co.uk.
"It's a great night for QPR. To come here and keep a clean sheet is one thing, but to perform as well as we did is something else.
"The lads deserve huge credit and I'm delighted for every one of them.''
QPR Official Site
Post Match Comments from Cardiff Manager Dave Jones - Cardiff Official Site
Post match reaction from Dave Jones following his sides defeat to QPR:
"I thought we started poorly and we finished poorly. We just never got going, we never got any rhythm going. Our attacking play was poor, which is unusual for us. We never had enough attempts on goal.
"If you are not going to win it then I've always maintained that you don't lose it.
They got the goal without any sustained pressure. It was bad defending on our part.
I just feel that it wasn't going to be our night.
"Why? I haven't got a clue because they worked so hard this week and tonight we couldn't put two passes together and that's not like us.
"We have to regroup and go again.
"I thought Chris Gunter had a great debut. He didn't do anything wrong, he got a couple of challenges in the first half. I thought we could have played him in more with some of our cross field balls. He had a good debut and it was unfortunate that we didn't win the game for him. He gave a good performance and didn't look out of place whatsoever.
"Sometimes you've got to dog your way into the game and we just never got into it. Our passing was poor and our attacking play didn't have an edge to it today.
"I felt we played into QPR's hands a little bit. We been done and maybe that's how the game was going anyway.
"We've just got to get our heads up, get going and go again.
Cardiff Official Site
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - QPR Win
Ray Jones came off the bench to bag a late, late winner, as the R's registered their third win on the spin in Wales.
Jones arrived bang on cue to slot home Nicky Ward's sublime 86th cross, as the R's completed a smash and grab raid at Ninian Park.
It was all square at the break, at the end of a half which the R's just shaded.
Lee Cook and Dexter Blackstock each tested Cardiff custodian Neil Alexander, while at the other end, Simon Royce didn't have a single shot to save.
John Gregory named an unchanged side for the trip to the league leaders, with Marcus Bignot retaining the captaincy.
The Bluebirds handed 17 year-old right back Chris Gunter his senior debut, as Rangers went gunning for a third win on the spin.
Rangers were on the front foot from the first whistle, with man of the moment Jimmy Smith curling an ambitious 18-yard effort wide of Alexander's right hand post inside the opening 60 seconds.
There was an early injury scare for the R's a minute later, when Gareth Ainsworth required treatment on his knee after an overzealous challenge from Kevin McNaughton.
The former Cardiff man was clearly in some pain and after trying to run it off, he was eventually forced to leave the fray, with Nicky Ward replacing him in the 14th minute.
Despite the setback, it was the R's who continued to create the best opportunities, with Blackstock heading wide in the 17th minute from Cook's sublime cross.
It was the lively Cook who single handily created the R's next chance three minutes later.
After leaving three in his wake with a neat piece of close control on the edge of the box, only a splendid full length save from Alexander denied the R's winger a goal to remember.
Cardiff's loyal fans were made to wait until midway through the first half to cheer their first effort on goal, but Joe Ledley scuffed his shot wide from an acute angle.
Rangers should've been in front on 32 minutes, but after chasing down and then blocking Alexander's attempted clearance, Blackstock fired straight at the Bluebirds keeper from eight-yards.
It was a tricky chance for the R's top scorer, but he would've expected to do better, especially given his rich vein of form away from home.
With the clock approaching the 40 minute mark, Paul Parry fired a fearsome drive over the bar from fully 30-yards, yet despite that brief foray into Rangers territory, John Gregory would've been by far the happier manager at half-time.
After a tetchy opening to the second half, Cardiff created the best opportunity of the match on 55 minutes, but thankfully for the R's, Kevin McNaughton's curling effort cannoned off the face of the bar, with Royce seemingly beaten all ends up.
Undeterred, play quickly switched to the other end, with Bignot firing straight at Alexander after fine build-up play involving Cook.
Cardiff were in the groove now and when the otherwise quiet Chopra beat Stefan Bailey to a loose ball, the former Newcastle striker fired high and wide.
Rangers were being forced to weather the storm, with the linesman's flag coming to their rescue when Chopra fired past Royce from an offside position in the 65th minute.
Sensing the game was slipping away from his side, Gregory introduced Ray Jones at the expense of Blackstock with 25 minutes left to play.
It was certainly a bold substitution from the R's gaffer, and as if to respond to his opposite number, Cardiff boss Dave Jones soon made a change of his own, introducing Malvin Kamara.
Sandwiched in between of those changes, Ricardo Scimeca fired over for the Bluebirds, while Smith's snap shot was deflected wide for a corner.
The Bluebirds had vocal appeals for a spot-kick waved away four minutes from time when Stewart tangled with Darren Purse, but there was soon another twist in the tale at the other end.
Ward received the ball on the right hand flank and having left two in his wake with brute force, the Aussie cut inside and his cross come shot was tapped home by the unmarked Jones.
It was a sensational end to a game in which Rangers more than matched their high-flying opponents, as the R's moved to within two points of the play-off's.
QPR
Cardiff Match Report
Cardiff Official Report
Sky Sports - JONES STRIKE SINKS BLUEBIRDS
By James Pearson
Ray Jones' last-gasp strike earned QPR a surprise 1-0 win over Championship leaders Cardiff City.
The Bluebirds were heavy favourites to see off John Gregory's Londoners at Ninian Park, but it proved a frustrating night for Dave Jones's side.
The visitors had the better of the first half effort with Dexter Blackstock heading Lee Cook's cross wide, with Neil Alexander superbly saving Cook's shot shortly after.
Cardiff were much improved after the interval and only the woodwork kept the scores level when Kevin McNaughton's distance shot struck the crossbar.
The home side did have the ball in the net shortly after the hour mark when Paul Parry netted from Michael Chopra's through-ball, but the effort was right ruled out for offside.
Seconds after Cardiff were denied a penalty in the closing stages when Darren Purse went down in the area under a challenge from Zesh Rehman, the visitors snatched the points.
The visitors broke and Nick Ward nipped between two defenders before playing a delightful ball into the area that Jones slid home past Alexander.
Sky Sports
Sporting Life Cardiff 0 QPR 1
Teenager Ray Jones struck in the 88th minute to pilfer the points for QPR and leave Coca-Cola Championship leaders Cardiff stunned.
The 18-year-old slid in at the far post to convert a teasing low cross from fellow substitute Nick Ward and condemn the Bluebirds to their first home defeat of the season.
Rangers' gameplan worked to perfection as they reduced Cardiff to a night of frustration before hitting them with the late sucker-punch.
A much-improved second-half saw Cardiff hit the bar, have a goal disallowed and also see a seemingly legitimate penalty appeal turned down.
However, Rangers will feel they deserved their victory as Cardiff's promotion hopes were dealt a significant blow.
Sporting Life
Sporting Life - Cardiff 0 QPR 1
Teenager Ray Jones struck in the 88th minute to pilfer the points for QPR and leave Coca-Cola Championship leaders Cardiff stunned.
The 18-year-old slid in at the far post to convert a teasing low cross from fellow substitute Nick Ward and condemn the Bluebirds to their first home defeat of the season.
Rangers' gameplan worked to perfection as they reduced Cardiff to a night of frustration before hitting them with the late sucker-punch.
A much-improved second-half saw Cardiff hit the bar, have a goal disallowed and also see a seemingly legitimate penalty appeal turned down.
However, Rangers will feel they deserved their victory as Cardiff's promotion hopes were dealt a significant blow.
John Gregory's men were the more threatening of the sides in the opening period and fashioned four goalscoring opportunities which could have put them ahead.
The loan signing of Chelsea midfielder Jimmy Smith has worked wonders for the Loftus Road club and he came close to finding the net inside the second minute.
The 19-year-old, who has already scored five times since joining Rangers in September, showed delightful skill on the edge of the 18-yard box.
He turned Riccardo Scimeca all too easily and thrashed a left-foot strike narrowly wide of Neil Alexander's far post.
Rangers were dealt a blow in the 15th minute when midfielder Gareth Ainsworth was forced off through injury and replaced by Ward.
But two minutes later they should have led after Dexter Blackstock headed wide an excellent left-wing cross from Lee Cook.
Midfielder Cook emerged as a key influence and his superb 20-yard strike in the 20th minute drew a fine fingertip save from Alexander.
Cardiff went into the game with an impressive record of six wins and two draws from eight home games this term but they showed little sign of a team leading the table.
Rangers - 18th in the Championship before the game - continued to create the better chances and were unfortunate not to lead in the 31st minute when Blackstock fired straight at Alexander after a miscued clearance from the Cardiff goalkeeper.
The pendulum began to swing in Cardiff's favour as half-time approached.
Paul Parry fired over from 20 yards and 11-goal Michael Chopra saw his penalty appeals turned down after hitting the ground under challenge from Damion Stewart.
Cardiff quickly upped the tempo after the restart and Stephen McPhail fired in a fierce shot which Blackstock blocked bravely.
The Bluebirds began to dominate but they continued to struggle to find the killer touch in front of goal.
Luck deserted them in the 55th minute when Kevin McNaughton drilled a shot against the bar but Rangers remained a threat on the counter-attack.
Marcus Bignot forced Alexander into a fine save and Darren Purse looked to have won a penalty late on as he tumbled in the box.
The usually clinical Chopra wasted another opportunity shortly before the hour mark and it ultimately proved crucial as Rangers claimed the late winner.
With just two minutes remaining, Ward showed neat footwork to glide past two opponents on the right flank and send over the low cross which Jones clinically dispatched to leave Gregory punching the air in celebration.
Sporting Life
BBC - Cardiff 0-1 QPR
Championship leaders Cardiff fell to their first league home defeat of the season after QPR substitute Ray Jones slid in to score an 88th minute goal.
Australian Nick Ward played a key part in the goal, beating Joe Ledley and Kevin McNaughton, before crossing to Jones who poked the ball home.
McNaughton had come desperately close to giving Cardiff the lead after he struck the bar with a curling shot.
QPR had the best first-half chances, notably through a Lee Cook shot.
BBC
Sporting Life
QPR Official Half Time Report
BBC - Minute by Minute report
Mancienne Loan Extended Two Months
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QPR Official Site - LOAN RANGER
QPR have reached agreement with Chelsea to extend the loan deal of up-and-coming defender Michael Mancienne.
Mancienne has penned a two month extension to his current loan deal, which was due to expire after tonight's clash with Cardiff City at Ninian Park.
Speaking from the team hotel in Cardiff, gaffer John Gregory told www.qpr.co.uk: "It's fantastic news.
"He's been the ultimate professional since he arrived here a month ago.
"He's playing slightly out of position for us at right back, but he's doing such a great job that it enables us to get more stability along the back four.
"His enthusiasm and hunger is second to none and I'm just grateful to Jose Mourinho and Chelsea Football Club for allowing us to get the benefit of his undoubted talent.''
Mancienne is expected to retain his place in the R's starting XI, when Rangers lock horns with the league leaders, live on Sky Sports tonight.
QPR
QPR Official Site - LOAN RANGER
QPR have reached agreement with Chelsea to extend the loan deal of up-and-coming defender Michael Mancienne.
Mancienne has penned a two month extension to his current loan deal, which was due to expire after tonight's clash with Cardiff City at Ninian Park.
Speaking from the team hotel in Cardiff, gaffer John Gregory told www.qpr.co.uk: "It's fantastic news.
"He's been the ultimate professional since he arrived here a month ago.
"He's playing slightly out of position for us at right back, but he's doing such a great job that it enables us to get more stability along the back four.
"His enthusiasm and hunger is second to none and I'm just grateful to Jose Mourinho and Chelsea Football Club for allowing us to get the benefit of his undoubted talent.''
Mancienne is expected to retain his place in the R's starting XI, when Rangers lock horns with the league leaders, live on Sky Sports tonight.
QPR
Chris Kamara Assesses John Gregory & QPR Prior to Cardiff Game
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Chris Kamara/Sky Sports - November 15 on John Gregory at QPRJohn Gregory has had a great start to life at Loftus Road.
It's four wins in nine games since he took over from Gary Waddock and he's got QPR playing attacking football as well.
They've let in a few but they have scored plenty in the last few weeks and Kenilworth is no easy place to go to get a result.
The win over Luton last weekend showed how John has got the Super Hoops playing with real spirit and belief. When you get off to a good start like Gregory has it boosts confidence and things take a turn for the better.
Ian Holloway had been doing a good at Loftus road but Paladini, the chairman, didn't rate him. Gary Waddock came in and things didn't work out for him.
John Gregory arrived with the instant respect of the players, having managed in the Premiership with Aston Villa, and he's been able to build on that from day one.
John had been out of the game for three years since leaving Derby County, but it was just a matter of time before he got back into football management.
He's always enjoyed being a manager from when he was at Wycombe, to Villa and even at Derby, where things didn't go so well for him.
Gianni Paladini gave him the opportunity to step back into the game and he jumped at the chance.
I think John just wanted to prove that he was still capable of operating at this level.
The QPR faithful had been split when Gregory's appointment was announced, but having taken them from rock bottom up to 18th they are sure to mellow towards him.
This is the results-based business and once you get off the ground running, like John has done, the fans will get behind him very quickly.
Look at Preston. They are second in the table after Paul Simpson endured a shaky start and all of a sudden things are running for him and it’s the same for John at QPR.
Once the fans see the kind of character like the team displayed during the game at Luton then they know the right man is in charge.
It will be interesting to see how they go against Cardiff this weekend. Will John take his team there and attack or will he set up with five in midfield with one up front and try and steal a result?
We shall see, but given their recent determined displays against Palace and Luton the trip to Ninian Park may not be as daunting as it might have been..
Skysports
Chris Kamara/Sky Sports - November 15 on John Gregory at QPRJohn Gregory has had a great start to life at Loftus Road.
It's four wins in nine games since he took over from Gary Waddock and he's got QPR playing attacking football as well.
They've let in a few but they have scored plenty in the last few weeks and Kenilworth is no easy place to go to get a result.
The win over Luton last weekend showed how John has got the Super Hoops playing with real spirit and belief. When you get off to a good start like Gregory has it boosts confidence and things take a turn for the better.
Ian Holloway had been doing a good at Loftus road but Paladini, the chairman, didn't rate him. Gary Waddock came in and things didn't work out for him.
John Gregory arrived with the instant respect of the players, having managed in the Premiership with Aston Villa, and he's been able to build on that from day one.
John had been out of the game for three years since leaving Derby County, but it was just a matter of time before he got back into football management.
He's always enjoyed being a manager from when he was at Wycombe, to Villa and even at Derby, where things didn't go so well for him.
Gianni Paladini gave him the opportunity to step back into the game and he jumped at the chance.
I think John just wanted to prove that he was still capable of operating at this level.
The QPR faithful had been split when Gregory's appointment was announced, but having taken them from rock bottom up to 18th they are sure to mellow towards him.
This is the results-based business and once you get off the ground running, like John has done, the fans will get behind him very quickly.
Look at Preston. They are second in the table after Paul Simpson endured a shaky start and all of a sudden things are running for him and it’s the same for John at QPR.
Once the fans see the kind of character like the team displayed during the game at Luton then they know the right man is in charge.
It will be interesting to see how they go against Cardiff this weekend. Will John take his team there and attack or will he set up with five in midfield with one up front and try and steal a result?
We shall see, but given their recent determined displays against Palace and Luton the trip to Ninian Park may not be as daunting as it might have been..
Skysports
Previewing Tonight's Game vs Cardiff
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The Times - November 17, 2006- Go with Hoops to spring a surprise
football by andy stephens
Resurgent Queens Park Rangers look worth a small bet to surprise Cardiff City in their Coca-Cola Championship clash at Ninian Park tonight, a match being shown live on Sky Sports 1.
At first glance, it is easy to see why the bookmakers make Cardiff as short as a best-priced 4-6 to bag another success. The Bluebirds have not lost at home all season and are three points clear at the top. By contrast, QPR have won only five of their 17 fixtures and languish in the bottom half.
However, recent events suggest that the visiting team are overpriced at a general 9-2.
Cardiff have shown signs of slowing up in their past five matches; losing away to Colchester United and Norwich City and dropping two points at home to Derby County.
QPR had a torrid start to the season but their fortunes have been much improved since John Gregory took over as manager in late September.
Since his appointment, the London club have lost only twice in nine fixtures and have featured in some thrilling encounters. These include 3-3 draws with both Norwich and West Bromwich Albion, while recent wins over Crystal Palace (4-2) and Luton Town (3-2) have been gained after they trailed at half-time.
Jimmy Smith has scored five goals in the past month, while Martin Rowlands and Dexter Blackstock have also kept up the scoring habit.
QPR are 40-1 with Coral to win after being behind at half-time for the third match in succession. Cardiff are 28-1 to do likewise.
The Times
Also Previewing Cardiff vs QPR:
QPR Official Site Match Preview
Ron Norris/Simon Skinner - QPRNet Match Preview
Tracy Stent/QPR Rivals Preview
The Times - November 17, 2006- Go with Hoops to spring a surprise
football by andy stephens
Resurgent Queens Park Rangers look worth a small bet to surprise Cardiff City in their Coca-Cola Championship clash at Ninian Park tonight, a match being shown live on Sky Sports 1.
At first glance, it is easy to see why the bookmakers make Cardiff as short as a best-priced 4-6 to bag another success. The Bluebirds have not lost at home all season and are three points clear at the top. By contrast, QPR have won only five of their 17 fixtures and languish in the bottom half.
However, recent events suggest that the visiting team are overpriced at a general 9-2.
Cardiff have shown signs of slowing up in their past five matches; losing away to Colchester United and Norwich City and dropping two points at home to Derby County.
QPR had a torrid start to the season but their fortunes have been much improved since John Gregory took over as manager in late September.
Since his appointment, the London club have lost only twice in nine fixtures and have featured in some thrilling encounters. These include 3-3 draws with both Norwich and West Bromwich Albion, while recent wins over Crystal Palace (4-2) and Luton Town (3-2) have been gained after they trailed at half-time.
Jimmy Smith has scored five goals in the past month, while Martin Rowlands and Dexter Blackstock have also kept up the scoring habit.
QPR are 40-1 with Coral to win after being behind at half-time for the third match in succession. Cardiff are 28-1 to do likewise.
The Times
Also Previewing Cardiff vs QPR:
QPR Official Site Match Preview
Ron Norris/Simon Skinner - QPRNet Match Preview
Tracy Stent/QPR Rivals Preview
Ex-QPR Captain Terry Fenwick Turns 47
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Terry Fenwick Turns 47 - Born November 17, 1959.
Fenwick joined QPR in November 1980, for 100,000 pounds, a few month after Terry Venables joined the club. (Fenwick was one of a number of players who made the move within a few months of Venables' move.). Originally a full back or a defensive midfielder, Fenwick converted into a central Defender - basically for the first time in the FA Cup Final Replay. He also went on to captain QPR. Besides his defensive abilities, he was a dynamic penalty-taker for QPR.
Eventually - at his own request - was sold to Spurs in December 1987 for 550,000 pounds. While at QPR, Fenwikc played a number of times for England - including in THE World Cup game against Maradona, and was "involved" in Maradona's brilliant second goal!
Fenwick at QPR
Terry Fenwick Turns 47 - Born November 17, 1959.
Fenwick joined QPR in November 1980, for 100,000 pounds, a few month after Terry Venables joined the club. (Fenwick was one of a number of players who made the move within a few months of Venables' move.). Originally a full back or a defensive midfielder, Fenwick converted into a central Defender - basically for the first time in the FA Cup Final Replay. He also went on to captain QPR. Besides his defensive abilities, he was a dynamic penalty-taker for QPR.
Eventually - at his own request - was sold to Spurs in December 1987 for 550,000 pounds. While at QPR, Fenwikc played a number of times for England - including in THE World Cup game against Maradona, and was "involved" in Maradona's brilliant second goal!
Fenwick at QPR
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Two Different Newspapers on Mackrell's Ouster...Similarly Worded!
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THE SUN "QPR have sacked executive Graham Mackrell in the row over compensation for coach Tim Breacker. Former West Ham ace Breacker, 41, is still on gardening leave nine months after being relieved of his duties at the same time as ex-boss Ian Holloway ..... Rangers chairman Gianni Paladini has accused Mackrell of bungling pay-off negotiations. Breacker hopes to agree a settlement so he can link up again with Holloway at Plymouth. But Paladini said: “I was unhappy with Graham’s involvement. “I believe the pay agreement is back in place but I didn’t feel I can work with Mr Mackrell.”
MAIL - Mackrell sacked by QPR over compensation row
QPR have sacked chief operating officer Graham Mackrell following a row over compensation for former assistant boss Tim Breacker. Breacker is still on gardening leave nine months after leaving the club at the same time as ex-manager Ian Holloway and chairman Gianni Paladini has accused Mackrell of blundering over pay-off negotiations. Breacker hopes to agree a settlement within 48 hours so he can join Holloway at Plymouth. "
QPR
Meanwhile re Mackrell's departure, the Official Site simply said:
Official Site: "...Following the departure of Chief Operating Officer, Graham Mackrell, QPR will still have sound financial and business advice from two of the financial world's experts. QPR would like to thank Graham Mackrell for all of his hard work over the last few months...
QPR OFFICIAL
THE SUN "QPR have sacked executive Graham Mackrell in the row over compensation for coach Tim Breacker. Former West Ham ace Breacker, 41, is still on gardening leave nine months after being relieved of his duties at the same time as ex-boss Ian Holloway ..... Rangers chairman Gianni Paladini has accused Mackrell of bungling pay-off negotiations. Breacker hopes to agree a settlement so he can link up again with Holloway at Plymouth. But Paladini said: “I was unhappy with Graham’s involvement. “I believe the pay agreement is back in place but I didn’t feel I can work with Mr Mackrell.”
MAIL - Mackrell sacked by QPR over compensation row
QPR have sacked chief operating officer Graham Mackrell following a row over compensation for former assistant boss Tim Breacker. Breacker is still on gardening leave nine months after leaving the club at the same time as ex-manager Ian Holloway and chairman Gianni Paladini has accused Mackrell of blundering over pay-off negotiations. Breacker hopes to agree a settlement within 48 hours so he can join Holloway at Plymouth. "
QPR
Meanwhile re Mackrell's departure, the Official Site simply said:
Official Site: "...Following the departure of Chief Operating Officer, Graham Mackrell, QPR will still have sound financial and business advice from two of the financial world's experts. QPR would like to thank Graham Mackrell for all of his hard work over the last few months...
QPR OFFICIAL
QPR Statement "Bank on Us" - Note Mackrell's Departure...."Teaming up with Barclays Bank and Deloitte & Touche"
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Statement on the Official Site: "...Following the departure of Chief Operating Officer, Graham Mackrell, QPR will still have sound financial and business advice from two of the financial world's experts.QPR would like to thank Graham Mackrell for all of his hard work over the last few months..."
QPR Statement - BANK ON US
QPR are delighted to announce that the club will be teaming up with Barclays Bank and Deloitte & Touche.
Over the next 12 months the club will be working in collaboration with the two financial companies, who will provide professional advice on all financial matters relating to the club.
Deloitte will provide an independent review of the business and aim to work in partnership with the club to provide support and address the key business issues requiring resolution should there be any which need addressing.
Following the departure of Chief Operating Officer, Graham Mackrell, QPR will still have sound financial and business advice from two of the financial world's experts.
QPR would like to thank Graham Mackrell for all of his hard work over the last few months.
The club would like to welcome Deloitte on board and look forward to working with them in the future.
QPR Statement
Statement on the Official Site: "...Following the departure of Chief Operating Officer, Graham Mackrell, QPR will still have sound financial and business advice from two of the financial world's experts.QPR would like to thank Graham Mackrell for all of his hard work over the last few months..."
QPR Statement - BANK ON US
QPR are delighted to announce that the club will be teaming up with Barclays Bank and Deloitte & Touche.
Over the next 12 months the club will be working in collaboration with the two financial companies, who will provide professional advice on all financial matters relating to the club.
Deloitte will provide an independent review of the business and aim to work in partnership with the club to provide support and address the key business issues requiring resolution should there be any which need addressing.
Following the departure of Chief Operating Officer, Graham Mackrell, QPR will still have sound financial and business advice from two of the financial world's experts.
QPR would like to thank Graham Mackrell for all of his hard work over the last few months.
The club would like to welcome Deloitte on board and look forward to working with them in the future.
QPR Statement
QPR Trying to Extend Mancienne Loan...Bircham Waiting to Hear From The Club re New Deal
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IC Wales - Bluebirds proving critics wrongNov 16 2006
Tomorrow’s match could be Michael Mancienne’s last for QPR, with the defender’s loan deal from Chelsea set to expire.
However, boss John Gregory will seek permission to extend the stay of the England Under-19 international.
A Rangers spokesman told PA Sport: “We will start negotiations on Friday and hopefully get things sorted before the next game (against Coventry). “It’s down to Chelsea really – it’s a similar situation to that with (fellow Chelsea loan player) Jimmy Smith.”
Rangers are likely to be without veteran striker Kevin Gallen after he lasted only nine minutes of last weekend’s substitute appearance against Luton.
However, midfielder Steve Lomas should return from suspension, while Martin Rowlands could be back after missing the last three matches due to a groin problem.
Young forward Ray Jones is still struggling with a hip problem, while defender Pat Kanyuka (hamstring) is likely to miss out along with forward Paul Furlong, who is still building match-fitness following a thigh injury.
Marc Bircham also misses out with a hamstring injury but is nevertheless keen to resolve his uncertain future at the club.
The 28-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season, and has yet to be offered a new deal.
“I probably need to know about my future by Christmas,” said Bircham.
“If Christmas comes and goes and a player has still not been offered a new contract, it is normally the case that he will be leaving the club.
“I am waiting for the club to get in touch with me.”
IC Wales
IC Wales - Bluebirds proving critics wrongNov 16 2006
Tomorrow’s match could be Michael Mancienne’s last for QPR, with the defender’s loan deal from Chelsea set to expire.
However, boss John Gregory will seek permission to extend the stay of the England Under-19 international.
A Rangers spokesman told PA Sport: “We will start negotiations on Friday and hopefully get things sorted before the next game (against Coventry). “It’s down to Chelsea really – it’s a similar situation to that with (fellow Chelsea loan player) Jimmy Smith.”
Rangers are likely to be without veteran striker Kevin Gallen after he lasted only nine minutes of last weekend’s substitute appearance against Luton.
However, midfielder Steve Lomas should return from suspension, while Martin Rowlands could be back after missing the last three matches due to a groin problem.
Young forward Ray Jones is still struggling with a hip problem, while defender Pat Kanyuka (hamstring) is likely to miss out along with forward Paul Furlong, who is still building match-fitness following a thigh injury.
Marc Bircham also misses out with a hamstring injury but is nevertheless keen to resolve his uncertain future at the club.
The 28-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season, and has yet to be offered a new deal.
“I probably need to know about my future by Christmas,” said Bircham.
“If Christmas comes and goes and a player has still not been offered a new contract, it is normally the case that he will be leaving the club.
“I am waiting for the club to get in touch with me.”
IC Wales
Lee Hendrie on why he chose Stoke over QPR
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Given that QPR ended up with Chelsea's Jimmy Smith: Hendrie's decision was good for him AND didn't work out too badly for QPR!
Football League - Dad Knows Best By Tony Leighton
"It was the old pals act that took Aston Villa's Lee Hendrie on loan to Stoke City, but the 29 year-old midfielder has no complaints about that after making a dramatic impact at the Britannia Stadium.
In the 10 games that the Potters had played before Hendrie's arrival they had won only once - but in the eight games in which the former England international has figured they have won five and shot up the Coca-Cola Championship table.
"Coming here has been a brilliant short term move for me," says Hendrie, who could have gone to either Crystal Palace or Queens Park Rangers on loan but took his father Paul's advice and chose Stoke.
Hendrie senior and Stoke manager Tony Pulis were playing colleagues at Bristol Rovers in the 1970's and (Lee) Hendrie revealed: "It was a phone call from the manager to my dad that started the whole thing off.
"I'd been approached by Palace and QPR and knew both of their managers because I'd played for them both - Peter Taylor (Palace) for the England Under-21's and John Gregory when he was at Villa.
"But then my dad told me he'd had a call from Stoke and that Tony Pulis would love me to go there. He said what a good bloke Tony was and reckoned that going on loan there would be my best option - and he's been proved right.
"I spoke to the manager on a Thursday by telephone then went in to see him the next morning, and although I wasn't a hundred per cent match fit he said 'I want you to play on Saturday.'
"That's what I wanted to hear, because I was desperate to get some games under my belt after coming back from a calf injury but not getting much of a chance at first team level with Villa.
"I was told I'd be given a free role to set play up from midfield and get forward to score goals, and when the manager stressed that he wanted me to go out and enjoy my football that made up my mind.
"I already knew some of the lads at the club and that also helped, but I have to admit I was very nervous before my first match - it was the first time I'd ever played for anyone but Villa and it was weird pulling on a different club's shirt.
"Things clicked straight away though, and I've been thoroughly enjoying myself. There are some very good players here and we've been producing good football and getting results, and all that's helped get my confidence up and feeling good in myself."
Hendrie has scored three goals and set up another four in his eight games to date, and unless he is re-called by Villa - something hinted at by manager Martin O'Neill... -
Football League
Given that QPR ended up with Chelsea's Jimmy Smith: Hendrie's decision was good for him AND didn't work out too badly for QPR!
Football League - Dad Knows Best By Tony Leighton
"It was the old pals act that took Aston Villa's Lee Hendrie on loan to Stoke City, but the 29 year-old midfielder has no complaints about that after making a dramatic impact at the Britannia Stadium.
In the 10 games that the Potters had played before Hendrie's arrival they had won only once - but in the eight games in which the former England international has figured they have won five and shot up the Coca-Cola Championship table.
"Coming here has been a brilliant short term move for me," says Hendrie, who could have gone to either Crystal Palace or Queens Park Rangers on loan but took his father Paul's advice and chose Stoke.
Hendrie senior and Stoke manager Tony Pulis were playing colleagues at Bristol Rovers in the 1970's and (Lee) Hendrie revealed: "It was a phone call from the manager to my dad that started the whole thing off.
"I'd been approached by Palace and QPR and knew both of their managers because I'd played for them both - Peter Taylor (Palace) for the England Under-21's and John Gregory when he was at Villa.
"But then my dad told me he'd had a call from Stoke and that Tony Pulis would love me to go there. He said what a good bloke Tony was and reckoned that going on loan there would be my best option - and he's been proved right.
"I spoke to the manager on a Thursday by telephone then went in to see him the next morning, and although I wasn't a hundred per cent match fit he said 'I want you to play on Saturday.'
"That's what I wanted to hear, because I was desperate to get some games under my belt after coming back from a calf injury but not getting much of a chance at first team level with Villa.
"I was told I'd be given a free role to set play up from midfield and get forward to score goals, and when the manager stressed that he wanted me to go out and enjoy my football that made up my mind.
"I already knew some of the lads at the club and that also helped, but I have to admit I was very nervous before my first match - it was the first time I'd ever played for anyone but Villa and it was weird pulling on a different club's shirt.
"Things clicked straight away though, and I've been thoroughly enjoying myself. There are some very good players here and we've been producing good football and getting results, and all that's helped get my confidence up and feeling good in myself."
Hendrie has scored three goals and set up another four in his eight games to date, and unless he is re-called by Villa - something hinted at by manager Martin O'Neill... -
Football League
"Mackrell Sacked by QPR Over Compensation Row" (Daily Mail)
-
The departure of QPR's Chief Operating Officer, Graham Mackrell - and the club's perspective of the reason for his depature - is also reported in today Daily Mail. Thus far, there has been no statement or comment on the Club's official site, and the club's website "Staff Page" continues to list Mackrell as Chief Operating Officer.
Daily Mail "The Screamer"
Mackrell sacked by QPR over compensation row
QPR have sacked chief operating officer Graham Mackrell following a row over compensation for former assistant boss Tim Breacker.
Breacker is still on gardening leave nine months after leaving the club at the same time as ex-manager Ian Holloway and chairman Gianni Paladini has accused Mackrell of blundering over pay-off negotiations. Breacker hopes to agree a settlement within 48 hours so he can join Holloway at Plymouth.
Daily Mail
The earlier report re Mackrell's departure can be seen at Mackrell
The departure of QPR's Chief Operating Officer, Graham Mackrell - and the club's perspective of the reason for his depature - is also reported in today Daily Mail. Thus far, there has been no statement or comment on the Club's official site, and the club's website "Staff Page" continues to list Mackrell as Chief Operating Officer.
Daily Mail "The Screamer"
Mackrell sacked by QPR over compensation row
QPR have sacked chief operating officer Graham Mackrell following a row over compensation for former assistant boss Tim Breacker.
Breacker is still on gardening leave nine months after leaving the club at the same time as ex-manager Ian Holloway and chairman Gianni Paladini has accused Mackrell of blundering over pay-off negotiations. Breacker hopes to agree a settlement within 48 hours so he can join Holloway at Plymouth.
Daily Mail
The earlier report re Mackrell's departure can be seen at Mackrell
Blackpool Want Ian Evatt
-
Blackpool want on loan defender, Ian Evatt on a permanent basis:
Blackpool Clubcall
Blackpool boss Simon Grayson says he is keen to turn QPR defender Ian Evatt's loan move into a permanent switch, but has been unable to make any progress.
The 24-year-old centre-back has made 16 appearances for the Seasiders since joining them on loan, and appears keen to stay at Bloomfield Road for as long as possible.
Rangers boss John Gregory has indicated that a permanent deal could be on the cards if Blackpool wish to make an offer, but Grayson admits he is finding it difficult to commence such negotiations:
"I've tried to get hold of John for the last ten days, but he hasn't returned any of my calls. "If he has said a permanent deal could be on, I'd like to follow that up, but he's a tough man to get hold of at the moment.
"I worked under him at Aston Villa and he answered his phone quite regularly then, but at the moment I'm finding it hard to get hold of him."
Clubcall
Hear Blackpool Manager, Simon Grayson comment re Evatt, about nine minutes into the interview Blackpool
[See Gregory's comment's in his interview with Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times
"...... future of Ian Evatt .... Gregory allowed Blackpool to include Evatt for last Saturday's FA Cup victory at Huddersfield and says the onus is on the Seasiders to decide whether the central defender returns to QPR or not....
"I've not crossed that bridge at the moment," Gregory added. "It'll be determined by what Blackpool want to do. Ian's doing very well for them at the moment and I gave them permission to use him in the FA Cup. "I'm looking at it on a monthly basis - if Blackpool decide to send him back, Ian can come and join up with our squad. Whether or not he takes part with the first team remains to be seen. "If they were to come and offer him a long-term contract, that's something I'd talk over with Ian because it'd have to be beneficial to himself and QPR. So we'll wait and see what happens."
Kilburn Times Q&A
Blackpool want on loan defender, Ian Evatt on a permanent basis:
Blackpool Clubcall
Blackpool boss Simon Grayson says he is keen to turn QPR defender Ian Evatt's loan move into a permanent switch, but has been unable to make any progress.
The 24-year-old centre-back has made 16 appearances for the Seasiders since joining them on loan, and appears keen to stay at Bloomfield Road for as long as possible.
Rangers boss John Gregory has indicated that a permanent deal could be on the cards if Blackpool wish to make an offer, but Grayson admits he is finding it difficult to commence such negotiations:
"I've tried to get hold of John for the last ten days, but he hasn't returned any of my calls. "If he has said a permanent deal could be on, I'd like to follow that up, but he's a tough man to get hold of at the moment.
"I worked under him at Aston Villa and he answered his phone quite regularly then, but at the moment I'm finding it hard to get hold of him."
Clubcall
Hear Blackpool Manager, Simon Grayson comment re Evatt, about nine minutes into the interview Blackpool
[See Gregory's comment's in his interview with Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times
"...... future of Ian Evatt .... Gregory allowed Blackpool to include Evatt for last Saturday's FA Cup victory at Huddersfield and says the onus is on the Seasiders to decide whether the central defender returns to QPR or not....
"I've not crossed that bridge at the moment," Gregory added. "It'll be determined by what Blackpool want to do. Ian's doing very well for them at the moment and I gave them permission to use him in the FA Cup. "I'm looking at it on a monthly basis - if Blackpool decide to send him back, Ian can come and join up with our squad. Whether or not he takes part with the first team remains to be seen. "If they were to come and offer him a long-term contract, that's something I'd talk over with Ian because it'd have to be beneficial to himself and QPR. So we'll wait and see what happens."
Kilburn Times Q&A
QPR Reportedly Axe Graham Mackrell
-
The Sun "...More of today's football stories"
QPR have sacked executive Graham Mackrell in the row over compensation for coach Tim Breacker.
Former West Ham ace Breacker, 41, is still on gardening leave nine months after being relieved of his duties at the same time as ex-boss Ian Holloway.
Rangers chairman Gianni Paladini has accused Mackrell of bungling pay-off negotiations.
Breacker hopes to agree a settlement so he can link up again with Holloway at Plymouth. But Paladini said: “I was unhappy with Graham’s involvement.
“I believe the pay agreement is back in place but I didn’t feel I can work with Mr Mackrell.”The Sun
[As of now, Mackrell's name remains listed on the Club Staff Directory - Directory}
At the end of August, Mackrell's appointment was announced on the Club's Official Site:
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - GRAHAM MACKRELL APPOINT CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
QPR are delighted to announce the appointment of Graham Mackrell, as Chief Operating Officer.
A qualified accountant, Mackrell will offer assistance to the board, with the focus on improving the Club's off-the-field activities.
"I'm really looking forward to the challenge ahead,'' Mackrell told qpr.co.uk.
"QPR is a club with fantastic tradition and I'm excited about the prospect of working with the strong team we already have in place here.
"I'm here to add professionalism and my aim is to ensure the Club's off-the-field ambitions match those on it.''
Mackrell has worked in professional football for 25 years, including spells at Sheffield Wednesday, Luton Town, AFC Bournemouth and West Ham United.
He is also a Venue Director for UEFA.
Chairman Gianni Paladini is delighted to have Mackrell on board, commenting: "Graham will raise our profile within football thanks to his extensive work with UEFA and the League Managers Association.
"He is extremely well-known and respected within the game and also benefits from being a qualified accountant.
"I would like to wish Graham all the best and welcome him to QPR.''
QPR OFFICIAL SITE
As posted here a couple of days ago:
Rumour of Departure of QPR's Chief Operating Officer, Graham Mackrell
And posted here last week:
QPR Not Letting Go? Tim Breaker: STILL a QPR Employee - Reported Ian Holloway Response
The Sun "...More of today's football stories"
QPR have sacked executive Graham Mackrell in the row over compensation for coach Tim Breacker.
Former West Ham ace Breacker, 41, is still on gardening leave nine months after being relieved of his duties at the same time as ex-boss Ian Holloway.
Rangers chairman Gianni Paladini has accused Mackrell of bungling pay-off negotiations.
Breacker hopes to agree a settlement so he can link up again with Holloway at Plymouth. But Paladini said: “I was unhappy with Graham’s involvement.
“I believe the pay agreement is back in place but I didn’t feel I can work with Mr Mackrell.”The Sun
[As of now, Mackrell's name remains listed on the Club Staff Directory - Directory}
At the end of August, Mackrell's appointment was announced on the Club's Official Site:
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - GRAHAM MACKRELL APPOINT CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
QPR are delighted to announce the appointment of Graham Mackrell, as Chief Operating Officer.
A qualified accountant, Mackrell will offer assistance to the board, with the focus on improving the Club's off-the-field activities.
"I'm really looking forward to the challenge ahead,'' Mackrell told qpr.co.uk.
"QPR is a club with fantastic tradition and I'm excited about the prospect of working with the strong team we already have in place here.
"I'm here to add professionalism and my aim is to ensure the Club's off-the-field ambitions match those on it.''
Mackrell has worked in professional football for 25 years, including spells at Sheffield Wednesday, Luton Town, AFC Bournemouth and West Ham United.
He is also a Venue Director for UEFA.
Chairman Gianni Paladini is delighted to have Mackrell on board, commenting: "Graham will raise our profile within football thanks to his extensive work with UEFA and the League Managers Association.
"He is extremely well-known and respected within the game and also benefits from being a qualified accountant.
"I would like to wish Graham all the best and welcome him to QPR.''
QPR OFFICIAL SITE
As posted here a couple of days ago:
Rumour of Departure of QPR's Chief Operating Officer, Graham Mackrell
And posted here last week:
QPR Not Letting Go? Tim Breaker: STILL a QPR Employee - Reported Ian Holloway Response
Four Years Ago: Vauxhall Motors - The First GameI!
-
Four Years ago, QPR drew 0-0 versus Vauxhall Motors in the FA Cup First Round. An embarassing draw, but QPR would surely easily win the replay at Loftus Road)
BBC - Vauxhall Motors 0 QPR 0
Vauxhall Motors held Second Division Queens Park Rangers to a goalless draw in the FA Cup first round, although they had the chances to produce a shock win.
The non-league outfit came close on several occasions but could not manage the all-important first goal.
Nicky Young drilled in a right-footed effort that flashed wide, while Carl Nesbitt had a shot blocked by Tommy Williams.
Marc Bircham squandered a decent opportunity for Rangers, but Andy Ralph made a good save in the home goal, while Dennis Oli shot over when well-placed.
Steve Aspinall fired over for Vauxhall just before the break, before Steve Palmer shot wide from just outside the area.
Rangers were forced into a change just before the hour when Oli was replaced by Kevin Gallen with what looked to be a serious injury.
Vauxhall Motors: Rolph, Collins, McDermott, Brazier, Haddrell, Lawton, Aspinall, Nesbitt, Young, Fearns, Cumiskey. Subs: Thompson, Hogg, Lynch, Derek Ward, Welton.
QPR: Digby, Palmer, Carlisle, Shittu, Rose, Bircham, Connolly, Williams, Burgess, Oli, Thomson. Subs: Forbes, Padula, Gallen, Culkin, Daly.
BBC
Ten Days Later, came the replay at Loftus Road!
BBC- November 26, 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
http://football.guardian.co.uk/Match_Report/0,,-40604,00.html
Four Years ago, QPR drew 0-0 versus Vauxhall Motors in the FA Cup First Round. An embarassing draw, but QPR would surely easily win the replay at Loftus Road)
BBC - Vauxhall Motors 0 QPR 0
Vauxhall Motors held Second Division Queens Park Rangers to a goalless draw in the FA Cup first round, although they had the chances to produce a shock win.
The non-league outfit came close on several occasions but could not manage the all-important first goal.
Nicky Young drilled in a right-footed effort that flashed wide, while Carl Nesbitt had a shot blocked by Tommy Williams.
Marc Bircham squandered a decent opportunity for Rangers, but Andy Ralph made a good save in the home goal, while Dennis Oli shot over when well-placed.
Steve Aspinall fired over for Vauxhall just before the break, before Steve Palmer shot wide from just outside the area.
Rangers were forced into a change just before the hour when Oli was replaced by Kevin Gallen with what looked to be a serious injury.
Vauxhall Motors: Rolph, Collins, McDermott, Brazier, Haddrell, Lawton, Aspinall, Nesbitt, Young, Fearns, Cumiskey. Subs: Thompson, Hogg, Lynch, Derek Ward, Welton.
QPR: Digby, Palmer, Carlisle, Shittu, Rose, Bircham, Connolly, Williams, Burgess, Oli, Thomson. Subs: Forbes, Padula, Gallen, Culkin, Daly.
BBC
Ten Days Later, came the replay at Loftus Road!
BBC- November 26, 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
http://football.guardian.co.uk/Match_Report/0,,-40604,00.html
recent Things NOT Announced/Reported on Club's Official Site!
-
An interesting philosophical question: What is the purpose of a club's web site? To provide information? To provide a certain "perspective"? To put those running the club in the best light? To let fans know what the club wants them/or thinks they "should" know? Or what? Obviously views may differ...and whether other club sites are any more forthcoming is also an interesting issue
Among the recent developments - large and small- NOT reported - or announced (or reported/discussed elsewhere but not refuted)- on the club's Official Site...
- QPR Winger Lee Cook was in this week's "Championship Team of the Week."
(QPR made a big deal the previous week when Jimmy Smith was named to the "Championship Team of the week Other clubs seem to announce news that their players have been selected for the team of the week.)
- QPR loan forward, Steffan Moore has supposedly returned (injured) from being on loan with Port Vale.
(Moore's return was reported in press stories; but no mention on the official site)
- QPR Goalie, Paul Jones, NOT being selected for the Welsh Squad
- That Chief Financial Officer Chris Pennington has left the club.
(His name just deleted from the Staff Page.) Earlier this year, Pennington's departure was announced on the official site - as has some other staff departures. Then his "non departure" was announced a couple months later.)
- That QPR have a new Financial Officer, Akin Yilmaz
(No announcement whatsoever. Just his name appearing on the Club's Directory)
- And most recently, the reported (on fan messageboards) departure of Chief Operating Officer, Graham Mackrell some ten weeks after his appointment was announced.
- The reasons for/circumstances under which ousted manager Gary Waddock left the club just a couple of weeks after Chairman Gianni Paladini and new manager John Gregory announced that they wanted him to stay and that he was staying.
(Instead there was an October 19 official announcement "Queens Park Rangers Football Club have parted company with Gary Waddock....")
- The fact that former coach, Tim Breaker is apparently STILL employed by QPR, some nine months after being placed on gardening leave (even as Ian Holloway is attempting to bring him to Plymouth.
- There was also no announcement on "the departure" of LONG-TIME (several decade)programme statician, Derek Buxton.
- There has been no announcement about Paladini's August 1 statement in which referring to the Evening Standard report, Paladini declared "I have been advised it is libellous and our lawyers will be contacting the Standard immediately to demand a retraction..."
And these are just some of the recent things - things that are out in the "public realm" or alleged on fan sites - that the club or the Chairman might comment on - or at least announce!
Fans might further be interested for example, about news about the various players signed by Paladini and Waddock in the summer, who are not currently in the team. And of course various off-the-field financial issues continue to be something to be considered. The Chairman for example has never commented on the results of "The Trial" which was under way six months ago.
Anyway, coming in the near future, the Chairman's published response in the fan magazine, AKUTRs to their article for which AKUTRs apologized, etc
An interesting philosophical question: What is the purpose of a club's web site? To provide information? To provide a certain "perspective"? To put those running the club in the best light? To let fans know what the club wants them/or thinks they "should" know? Or what? Obviously views may differ...and whether other club sites are any more forthcoming is also an interesting issue
Among the recent developments - large and small- NOT reported - or announced (or reported/discussed elsewhere but not refuted)- on the club's Official Site...
- QPR Winger Lee Cook was in this week's "Championship Team of the Week."
(QPR made a big deal the previous week when Jimmy Smith was named to the "Championship Team of the week Other clubs seem to announce news that their players have been selected for the team of the week.)
- QPR loan forward, Steffan Moore has supposedly returned (injured) from being on loan with Port Vale.
(Moore's return was reported in press stories; but no mention on the official site)
- QPR Goalie, Paul Jones, NOT being selected for the Welsh Squad
- That Chief Financial Officer Chris Pennington has left the club.
(His name just deleted from the Staff Page.) Earlier this year, Pennington's departure was announced on the official site - as has some other staff departures. Then his "non departure" was announced a couple months later.)
- That QPR have a new Financial Officer, Akin Yilmaz
(No announcement whatsoever. Just his name appearing on the Club's Directory)
- And most recently, the reported (on fan messageboards) departure of Chief Operating Officer, Graham Mackrell some ten weeks after his appointment was announced.
- The reasons for/circumstances under which ousted manager Gary Waddock left the club just a couple of weeks after Chairman Gianni Paladini and new manager John Gregory announced that they wanted him to stay and that he was staying.
(Instead there was an October 19 official announcement "Queens Park Rangers Football Club have parted company with Gary Waddock....")
- The fact that former coach, Tim Breaker is apparently STILL employed by QPR, some nine months after being placed on gardening leave (even as Ian Holloway is attempting to bring him to Plymouth.
- There was also no announcement on "the departure" of LONG-TIME (several decade)programme statician, Derek Buxton.
- There has been no announcement about Paladini's August 1 statement in which referring to the Evening Standard report, Paladini declared "I have been advised it is libellous and our lawyers will be contacting the Standard immediately to demand a retraction..."
And these are just some of the recent things - things that are out in the "public realm" or alleged on fan sites - that the club or the Chairman might comment on - or at least announce!
Fans might further be interested for example, about news about the various players signed by Paladini and Waddock in the summer, who are not currently in the team. And of course various off-the-field financial issues continue to be something to be considered. The Chairman for example has never commented on the results of "The Trial" which was under way six months ago.
Anyway, coming in the near future, the Chairman's published response in the fan magazine, AKUTRs to their article for which AKUTRs apologized, etc
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
QPR Fan Representatives Set to Meet..."Rebuild QPR"
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QPR1st - November 15, 2006 - Supporters representatives meeting
"This Saturday, reps from the various supporters groups and fans owned/run websites will be meeting to have a discussion based around the supporters' Rebuild QPR document. ....QPR 1st
See QPR1st-Meeting Agenda/a>
See: The original "Rebuild QPR Discussion Document"
QPR1st - November 15, 2006 - Supporters representatives meeting
"This Saturday, reps from the various supporters groups and fans owned/run websites will be meeting to have a discussion based around the supporters' Rebuild QPR document. ....QPR 1st
See QPR1st-Meeting Agenda/a>
See: The original "Rebuild QPR Discussion Document"
John Gregory's Thinking about Players Leaving (Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times)
-
[Interestingly, nothing in the Kilburn Times about the reported departure of Chief Operating Officer, Graham Mackrell.]
Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times - November 15, 2006 - Ten face the axe
'....."By the time we've played Cardiff, I'll have been here for 10 games and that's a good time to reflect and make an overall, accurate assessment of our squad," Gregory told the Times. "I fell in love with one or two in the first couple of games, fell out of love with them in the next few, quite liked one or two others, disliked one or two others - so it's a little up and down in those first few weeks.
"First impressions are lasting and I don't think you're ever too far wrong, but now I'll know exactly - if I don't already - which players are doing it for me and which aren't doing it for me and never will.
"We've got about 35 professionals, which is an astronomical amount for a club this size - probably at least 10 too many. It's far too expensive and I've got to whittle it down when the opportunity arises.
"Have a look at the matchday programme. There's an enormous list on the back and people say to me 'My God, you've got a lot of players, how come you're near the bottom of the league?' It has got to be streamlined."...
"[Gregory] is keen to ensure that his most recent addition, on-loan defender Michael Mancienne, remains at the club a little longer...[The Cardiff game is his] last before his month's loan from Chelsea runs out.
"We've thrown him in at the deep end, because Michael's played most of his career as a central defender, but we've asked him to go to right-back and he's done a great job for us," said Gregory. "He's probably played more games than he thought he might and he's learning every week - he's made mistakes, but there's a great product to work with. "Michael's fit, he's young, he's intelligent and he'll continue to improve, so I'd love to keep him here a bit longer and I'll be asking Chelsea if we can extend his loan."
... future of Ian Evatt .... Gregory allowed Blackpool to include Evatt for last Saturday's FA Cup victory at Huddersfield and says the onus is on the Seasiders to decide whether the central defender returns to QPR or not....
"I've not crossed that bridge at the moment," Gregory added. "It'll be determined by what Blackpool want to do. Ian's doing very well for them at the moment and I gave them permission to use him in the FA Cup. "I'm looking at it on a monthly basis - if Blackpool decide to send him back, Ian can come and join up with our squad. Whether or not he takes part with the first team remains to be seen. "If they were to come and offer him a long-term contract, that's something I'd talk over with Ian because it'd have to be beneficial to himself and QPR. So we'll wait and see what happens."
Kilburn Times and other papers
[Interestingly, nothing in the Kilburn Times about the reported departure of Chief Operating Officer, Graham Mackrell.]
Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times - November 15, 2006 - Ten face the axe
'....."By the time we've played Cardiff, I'll have been here for 10 games and that's a good time to reflect and make an overall, accurate assessment of our squad," Gregory told the Times. "I fell in love with one or two in the first couple of games, fell out of love with them in the next few, quite liked one or two others, disliked one or two others - so it's a little up and down in those first few weeks.
"First impressions are lasting and I don't think you're ever too far wrong, but now I'll know exactly - if I don't already - which players are doing it for me and which aren't doing it for me and never will.
"We've got about 35 professionals, which is an astronomical amount for a club this size - probably at least 10 too many. It's far too expensive and I've got to whittle it down when the opportunity arises.
"Have a look at the matchday programme. There's an enormous list on the back and people say to me 'My God, you've got a lot of players, how come you're near the bottom of the league?' It has got to be streamlined."...
"[Gregory] is keen to ensure that his most recent addition, on-loan defender Michael Mancienne, remains at the club a little longer...[The Cardiff game is his] last before his month's loan from Chelsea runs out.
"We've thrown him in at the deep end, because Michael's played most of his career as a central defender, but we've asked him to go to right-back and he's done a great job for us," said Gregory. "He's probably played more games than he thought he might and he's learning every week - he's made mistakes, but there's a great product to work with. "Michael's fit, he's young, he's intelligent and he'll continue to improve, so I'd love to keep him here a bit longer and I'll be asking Chelsea if we can extend his loan."
... future of Ian Evatt .... Gregory allowed Blackpool to include Evatt for last Saturday's FA Cup victory at Huddersfield and says the onus is on the Seasiders to decide whether the central defender returns to QPR or not....
"I've not crossed that bridge at the moment," Gregory added. "It'll be determined by what Blackpool want to do. Ian's doing very well for them at the moment and I gave them permission to use him in the FA Cup. "I'm looking at it on a monthly basis - if Blackpool decide to send him back, Ian can come and join up with our squad. Whether or not he takes part with the first team remains to be seen. "If they were to come and offer him a long-term contract, that's something I'd talk over with Ian because it'd have to be beneficial to himself and QPR. So we'll wait and see what happens."
Kilburn Times and other papers
Ex-QPR: Where are they Now? Jermaine Darlington now at AFC WImbledon
-
News story about Jermaine Darlington...Now playing for AFC WimbledonDarlington
Wikipedia on Darlington
News story about Jermaine Darlington...Now playing for AFC WimbledonDarlington
Wikipedia on Darlington
Myth Breaking? The (Supposed) Truth about Stan Bowles & The FA Cup Trophy!
-
Hmmmm! From Today's Guardian: A new look at what truly happened some 33 years ago!
DID STAN BOWLES TAKE A POT SHOT AT THE FA CUP (2)?
"The Knowledge" - The Guardian, Novemeber 15, 2006 - Tom Lutz, Paolo Bandini and James Dart
"Last week we delved into Stan Bowles's autobiography to discover that, apparently, he once booted a ball at the FA Cup trophy while it was being displayed pitchside at Sunderland during a game. But that's not the end of the story ...
Because reader Brian Halliday sent our article to a friend of his, one Gordon Jago MBE, the manager of QPR at the time of the incident, and who now resides in Dallas. Here's Gordon's view of the events: "The truth is that yes, the FA Cup was knocked off the table during the game against Sunderland, but not by Stan Bowles. It was Tony Hazell, the QPR defender.
"At some time during the game Tony cleared a ball and it knocked the cup flying. This incident really upset the home fans; so much so that the referee took both teams from the field to let tempers cool. The game was eventually restarted and we finished 3-0 winners. Stan had someone write a book for him and he tells the story about a bet and that he deliberately knocked the cup off the table. Fiction! I do not know if Tony or any of the other players have contacted Stan to correct him, but that story is typical of him and no doubt it helped to sell the book."
The Guardian
Hmmmm! From Today's Guardian: A new look at what truly happened some 33 years ago!
DID STAN BOWLES TAKE A POT SHOT AT THE FA CUP (2)?
"The Knowledge" - The Guardian, Novemeber 15, 2006 - Tom Lutz, Paolo Bandini and James Dart
"Last week we delved into Stan Bowles's autobiography to discover that, apparently, he once booted a ball at the FA Cup trophy while it was being displayed pitchside at Sunderland during a game. But that's not the end of the story ...
Because reader Brian Halliday sent our article to a friend of his, one Gordon Jago MBE, the manager of QPR at the time of the incident, and who now resides in Dallas. Here's Gordon's view of the events: "The truth is that yes, the FA Cup was knocked off the table during the game against Sunderland, but not by Stan Bowles. It was Tony Hazell, the QPR defender.
"At some time during the game Tony cleared a ball and it knocked the cup flying. This incident really upset the home fans; so much so that the referee took both teams from the field to let tempers cool. The game was eventually restarted and we finished 3-0 winners. Stan had someone write a book for him and he tells the story about a bet and that he deliberately knocked the cup off the table. Fiction! I do not know if Tony or any of the other players have contacted Stan to correct him, but that story is typical of him and no doubt it helped to sell the book."
The Guardian
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Rumour of Departure of QPR's Chief Operating Officer, Graham Mackrell
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Alleged but NOT Confirmed...!
The assertion has been made on QPR Fan Messageboards that QPR's Chief Operating Officer, Graham Mackrell is no longer with the club. A couple of other posters have "confirmed" this assertion. But in reality it has yet to be confirmed - or even alluded to - by the club.
There has been no announcement from the club (but likewise no denial of the assertion). The Club's Staff Page continues to lists Mackrell as Chief Operating Officer.
- Staff Page . And no representatives from the club have said anything on any of the messageboards.
Mackrell only joined the club, at the end of August. August 24, 2006 QPR Official Statement "Mackrell Appointed"
Mackrell's previous positions were noted on the QPR Report blog
Mackrell Joins
So time will time! If Mackrell has actually gone: Best of luck to him! And if this report is incorrect and he's remaining: Again best of luck!
Alleged but NOT Confirmed...!
The assertion has been made on QPR Fan Messageboards that QPR's Chief Operating Officer, Graham Mackrell is no longer with the club. A couple of other posters have "confirmed" this assertion. But in reality it has yet to be confirmed - or even alluded to - by the club.
There has been no announcement from the club (but likewise no denial of the assertion). The Club's Staff Page continues to lists Mackrell as Chief Operating Officer.
- Staff Page . And no representatives from the club have said anything on any of the messageboards.
Mackrell only joined the club, at the end of August. August 24, 2006 QPR Official Statement "Mackrell Appointed"
Mackrell's previous positions were noted on the QPR Report blog
Mackrell Joins
So time will time! If Mackrell has actually gone: Best of luck to him! And if this report is incorrect and he's remaining: Again best of luck!
25 Years Ago Today: Simon Stainrod's Hatrick at Sheffield Wednesday
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Twenty Five years ago today, November 14, 1981: Simon Stainrod scored his one-and- only hatrick for QPR - in QPR's 3-1 win away to Sheffield Wednesday. QPR at the time, were of course managed by Terry Venables.
A few months later, Stainrod was playing for QPR against Spurs at Wembley!
QPR's team that day:
Burridge
Gregory Howe Roeder Fenwick
Stewart Flanagan Waddock Gillard
Allen Stainrod
Sub Hazell
Twenty Five years ago today, November 14, 1981: Simon Stainrod scored his one-and- only hatrick for QPR - in QPR's 3-1 win away to Sheffield Wednesday. QPR at the time, were of course managed by Terry Venables.
A few months later, Stainrod was playing for QPR against Spurs at Wembley!
QPR's team that day:
Burridge
Gregory Howe Roeder Fenwick
Stewart Flanagan Waddock Gillard
Allen Stainrod
Sub Hazell
Monday, November 13, 2006
Ex-QPR & England Goalie, Chris Woods Turns 47
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Ex-QPR Goalie, Chris Woods - Born November 14, 1959
Signed by Tommy Docherty from Nottingham Forest for 250,000 pounds - before he'd played a League game, Woods played a season and a half for QPR before Terry Venables sold him on to Norwich - probably Venables' biggest transfer mistake he made at QPR. (Venables then went out and bought John Burridge: Good but no England Goalie)
Woods
Ex-QPR Goalie, Chris Woods - Born November 14, 1959
Signed by Tommy Docherty from Nottingham Forest for 250,000 pounds - before he'd played a League game, Woods played a season and a half for QPR before Terry Venables sold him on to Norwich - probably Venables' biggest transfer mistake he made at QPR. (Venables then went out and bought John Burridge: Good but no England Goalie)
Woods
The Morgan Twins - Roger & Ian - Turn SIXTY!
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Roger and Ian Morgan Turn 60: Born November 14, 1946
Identical twins Roger and Ian Morgan were two of a handful of players who put that unique stamp on QPR in the 1966-1968 period. And the devestation fans felt when Roger was sold to Spurs in February 1969 for a then club record fee 100,000 pounds (at a time when the British transfer record was 150,000 pounds.) And Ian Morgan was left behind, with rumours of him joining his brother at Spurs, later.
And the first game Roger played for Spurs after his transfer: Against QPR!
While with Spurs, ROger played for the England U-21 team; Ian didn't. Ian eventually joined Watford in October 1973, for 10,000 pounds.
Both made their QPR debuts in the 1964/65 season. Ian a few weeks earlier. Roger played in the League Cup Final. Ian was a non-playing sub. In total: Roger Morgan made 200+ appearances for QPR, scoring 39 goals. Ian played almost 200 games, scoring 26 goals.
Born
Photo of the Morgan Twins - TheMorgans
1967 Team Photo - Photo
QPR Net's Ron Norris Interview with Roger and Ian Morgan Interview
Interview
Roger and Ian Morgan Turn 60: Born November 14, 1946
Identical twins Roger and Ian Morgan were two of a handful of players who put that unique stamp on QPR in the 1966-1968 period. And the devestation fans felt when Roger was sold to Spurs in February 1969 for a then club record fee 100,000 pounds (at a time when the British transfer record was 150,000 pounds.) And Ian Morgan was left behind, with rumours of him joining his brother at Spurs, later.
And the first game Roger played for Spurs after his transfer: Against QPR!
While with Spurs, ROger played for the England U-21 team; Ian didn't. Ian eventually joined Watford in October 1973, for 10,000 pounds.
Both made their QPR debuts in the 1964/65 season. Ian a few weeks earlier. Roger played in the League Cup Final. Ian was a non-playing sub. In total: Roger Morgan made 200+ appearances for QPR, scoring 39 goals. Ian played almost 200 games, scoring 26 goals.
Born
Photo of the Morgan Twins - TheMorgans
1967 Team Photo - Photo
QPR Net's Ron Norris Interview with Roger and Ian Morgan Interview
Interview
Cardiff's Dave Jones Urges Cardiff Fans Attend QPR Game
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[The Match Officials for the Cardiff Game:
R S Ganfield and K Pike - P J JOSLIN - Fourth Official : L W Probert
Match Officials
Cardiff Official Site - COME ON DOWN
Dave Jones spoke on Monday of the need to get Ninian Park rocking on Friday night. With the game live on sky the Bluebirds boss has called to City supporters to turn up in their droves and show the league what we're all about.
He said, "With the game set to be televised live on Sky, some of our regular supporters may decided to watch the game on TV. The only problem for us in that situation is that we, and just as importantly our opposition can't hear them at home or in the pub. We need to keep Ninian Park the fortress it has been this season and the support we receive will play a big part in that. Friday will be no exception.
"I would hope that as mant Cardiff City supporters as possible will come to the game on Friday night and help us to try to secure three valuable points against a tough team. QPR will come here ahead of the weekend hoping that many of our numbers will opt to watch the game indoors - as a result making the venue less intimidating than they know it can be." "So far this season we are undefeated at home and the large crowds and atmosphere have played a big part in our success. We need to continue with our bumper crowds and to recreate the atmosphere we have had so far.
"The players have loved the support both home and away this season, and long may that continue. So we really everyone to do their part on Friday night. We hope that as many of our fans as possible come to the game and get the place rocking."
Cardiff
[The Match Officials for the Cardiff Game:
R S Ganfield and K Pike - P J JOSLIN - Fourth Official : L W Probert
Match Officials
Cardiff Official Site - COME ON DOWN
Dave Jones spoke on Monday of the need to get Ninian Park rocking on Friday night. With the game live on sky the Bluebirds boss has called to City supporters to turn up in their droves and show the league what we're all about.
He said, "With the game set to be televised live on Sky, some of our regular supporters may decided to watch the game on TV. The only problem for us in that situation is that we, and just as importantly our opposition can't hear them at home or in the pub. We need to keep Ninian Park the fortress it has been this season and the support we receive will play a big part in that. Friday will be no exception.
"I would hope that as mant Cardiff City supporters as possible will come to the game on Friday night and help us to try to secure three valuable points against a tough team. QPR will come here ahead of the weekend hoping that many of our numbers will opt to watch the game indoors - as a result making the venue less intimidating than they know it can be." "So far this season we are undefeated at home and the large crowds and atmosphere have played a big part in our success. We need to continue with our bumper crowds and to recreate the atmosphere we have had so far.
"The players have loved the support both home and away this season, and long may that continue. So we really everyone to do their part on Friday night. We hope that as many of our fans as possible come to the game and get the place rocking."
Cardiff
Club: Vote for the "Top Five Players" from 1960s. NOT on the List: Mike Keen
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Included in the list is Tony Ingham whose last game for QPR was in 1963. The most glaring omission from this list is Mike Keen. Also left off the list: Clive Clark, Brian Bedford, Peter and Ron Springett, and Terry Venables and Barry Bridges. (who made their debuts in 1968 and 1969 respectively, so arguably perhaps not). Presumably Dave Clement will be included in the 1970s list.
QPR Official Site- THE FAB FIVE!
Forget the Fab Four - we want your Fab Five! As part of our 125th anniversary celebrations, we want your view on the best QPR player from each of the last five decades. Each week, we will be opening up the voting lines to you - the fans - in an attempt to unveil the top five players from each of the last five decades.
Starting with the 1960's, we'll be running right through to the present day to unearth the QPR 'Fab Five.'
The plan is then to announce the five players at the Player of the Year Dinner and Dance on May 6th at The Novotel London West.
The 1960's shortlist is as follows:
Rodney Marsh
Frank Sibley
Mark Lazarus
Ian Morgan
Roger Morgan
Les Allen
Tony Ingham
To register your vote, simply e-mail iant@qpr.co.uk with the player of your choice. Please ensure the subject header is THE FAB FIVE. The voting lines will be closed in seven days time (next Monday), at which stage the 1970's voting will commence.
Official Site
Included in the list is Tony Ingham whose last game for QPR was in 1963. The most glaring omission from this list is Mike Keen. Also left off the list: Clive Clark, Brian Bedford, Peter and Ron Springett, and Terry Venables and Barry Bridges. (who made their debuts in 1968 and 1969 respectively, so arguably perhaps not). Presumably Dave Clement will be included in the 1970s list.
QPR Official Site- THE FAB FIVE!
Forget the Fab Four - we want your Fab Five! As part of our 125th anniversary celebrations, we want your view on the best QPR player from each of the last five decades. Each week, we will be opening up the voting lines to you - the fans - in an attempt to unveil the top five players from each of the last five decades.
Starting with the 1960's, we'll be running right through to the present day to unearth the QPR 'Fab Five.'
The plan is then to announce the five players at the Player of the Year Dinner and Dance on May 6th at The Novotel London West.
The 1960's shortlist is as follows:
Rodney Marsh
Frank Sibley
Mark Lazarus
Ian Morgan
Roger Morgan
Les Allen
Tony Ingham
To register your vote, simply e-mail iant@qpr.co.uk with the player of your choice. Please ensure the subject header is THE FAB FIVE. The voting lines will be closed in seven days time (next Monday), at which stage the 1970's voting will commence.
Official Site
Success for Ex-QPR's John Spencer
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Congratulations to John Spencer!
The ex-QPR forward - who a decade ago was knocking in the goals for QPR to win the Division's player of the year award - yesterday helped coach his Houston Dynamo Team, where he is Assistant Coach - to the MLS Championship.
Houston Dynamo yesterday won the MLS Cup on a penalty shoot out - Match Report
John Spencer Houston Dynamo Profile -
Congratulations to John Spencer!
The ex-QPR forward - who a decade ago was knocking in the goals for QPR to win the Division's player of the year award - yesterday helped coach his Houston Dynamo Team, where he is Assistant Coach - to the MLS Championship.
Houston Dynamo yesterday won the MLS Cup on a penalty shoot out - Match Report
John Spencer Houston Dynamo Profile -
Success for Ex-QPR's John Spencer
-
Congratulations to John Spencer!
The ex-QPR forward - who a decade ago was knocking in the goals for QPR to win the Division's player of the year award - yesterday helped coach his Houston Dynamo Team, where he is Assistant Coach - to the MLS Championship.
Houston Dynamo yesterday won the MLS Cup on a penalty shoot out - Match Report
John Spencer Houston Dynamo Profile -
Congratulations to John Spencer!
The ex-QPR forward - who a decade ago was knocking in the goals for QPR to win the Division's player of the year award - yesterday helped coach his Houston Dynamo Team, where he is Assistant Coach - to the MLS Championship.
Houston Dynamo yesterday won the MLS Cup on a penalty shoot out - Match Report
John Spencer Houston Dynamo Profile -
Lee Cook Named in Championship "Team of the Week"
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Congratulations to Lee Cook: Named in this week's Championship Team of the Week!
Championship Team of the Week
Darryl Flahavan - Southend
Jurgen Colin - Norwich
Dean Leacock - Derby
Darren Purse - Cardiff
Gareth Bale - Southampton
Craig Fagan - Hull
Fabrice Muamba - Birmingham
Paul McKenna - Preston
Lee Cook - QPR
Robbie Blake - Leeds
Marcus Tudgay -Sheffield Wednesday
Championship Team of the Week
Congratulations to Lee Cook: Named in this week's Championship Team of the Week!
Championship Team of the Week
Darryl Flahavan - Southend
Jurgen Colin - Norwich
Dean Leacock - Derby
Darren Purse - Cardiff
Gareth Bale - Southampton
Craig Fagan - Hull
Fabrice Muamba - Birmingham
Paul McKenna - Preston
Lee Cook - QPR
Robbie Blake - Leeds
Marcus Tudgay -Sheffield Wednesday
Championship Team of the Week
Ex-QPR's Clive Wilson Turns 45
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Clive Wilson Turns 45 - Born November 13, 1961
Signed by Don Howe from Chelsea in the Summer of 1990 for £450,000, primarily as a midfielder. Converted into a (Brilliant) fullback, and alongside QPR's other converted fullback, David Bardsley did a brilliant job for Gerry Francis and Ray Wilkins. Many feel QPR's relegation was in large part due to his being allowed to join Spurs on a free transfer in June 1995.
Wilson
See Also Ron Norris/QPR Net 2002 Q&A with Clive Wilson:
Clive Wilson Interview
Clive Wilson Turns 45 - Born November 13, 1961
Signed by Don Howe from Chelsea in the Summer of 1990 for £450,000, primarily as a midfielder. Converted into a (Brilliant) fullback, and alongside QPR's other converted fullback, David Bardsley did a brilliant job for Gerry Francis and Ray Wilkins. Many feel QPR's relegation was in large part due to his being allowed to join Spurs on a free transfer in June 1995.
Wilson
See Also Ron Norris/QPR Net 2002 Q&A with Clive Wilson:
Clive Wilson Interview
Sunday, November 12, 2006
QPR's Win at Luton - Further Reports & Comments
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Sunday Times - Alex Fortune
Luton 2 QPR 3: Newell wants ban on women
Mike Newell launched a scathing attack on assistant referee Amy Rayner and said female officials should be banned from the game after his team’s defeat by QPR at Kenilworth Road. The Luton manager said that the presence of Rayner — in her second year as an official — amounted simply to tokenism and political correctness.
He said: “She should not be here. I know that sounds sexist, but I am sexist, so I am not going to be anything other than that.
“We have a problem in this country with political correctness, and bringing women into the game is not the way to improve refereeing and officialdom. It is beyond belief. When do we reach a stage when all officials are women, because then we are in trouble. It is bad enough with the incapable referees and linesmen we have, but if you start bringing in women, you have big problems.
“This is Championship football. It is not park football, so what are women doing here? It is tokenism, for the politically-correct idiots.”
QPR defender Marcus Bignot, who used to manage the Birmingham women’s team, attacked Newell for his remarks.
The Luton boss believed his team should have been awarded a penalty when Carlos Edwards tangled with Bignot, but the QPR man insisted Rayner and referee Andy D’Urso had made the right decision.
Bignot said: “Comments like those will stop female officials from trying to make their way in the game. Amy Rayner is a role model, and full credit goes to her. What would he have said if it had been a male assistant referee making that decision? “It’s easy to blame officials, and Mike Newell is entitled to his opinion, but remarks like that do not help the game.”
Rayner was not Newell’s only target. Chairman Bill Tomlins also came under attack from his manager, who believes the club have gone backwards since Tomlins took over two years ago. With a proposed move to a new stadium sseemingly stalled, Newell said the chairman would soon be leaving Luton.
“I have not spoken to the chairman for month,” he said. “I can’t understand what he is doing. The club has gone backwards off the pitch. He has not made any decisions, and he has contributed nothing. Everything he has got involved in he has messed up. I am not considering my own future because, apparently, he is going. I will not suffer fools. I never have and I never will. When people give you bulls**t for two years, I can’t suffer it. There are players out of contract at the end of the season, but nothing is being done.”
Perhaps unsurprisingly since Luton also run a women’s team and have a female secretary in Cherry Newbery, Newell’s remarks were omitted from the club website last night.
QPR boss John Gregory declined to attend the post-match press conference, despite his team’s victory.
Rangers had trailed 2-1 at the break after stoppage-time goals from Adam Boyd and Ahmet Brkovic had cancelled out Jimmy Smith’s opener — his fifth since his loan move from Chelsea — for the visitors.
But an own goal from Markus Heikkinen in the 51st minute brought Rangers level, and Dexter Blackstock struck the winning goal three minutes later.
This win extended Rangers’ unbeaten run to four matches and eased their relegation worries, but these are difficult times for Luton, who have conceded 17 goals in their past five games in all competitions.
Star Man: Dexter Blackstock (QPR)
Player ratings. Luton: Brill 6, Foley 6, Barnett 6, Heikkinen 5, Emanuel 6, Edwards 6, Robinson 6 (Morgan 85min, 5), Bell 6, Brkovic 7, Vine 6 (Feeney 85min, 5), Boyd 6
QPR: Royce 6, Mancienne 6, Rehman 6, Stewart 6, Bignot 6, Ainsworth 6, Bailey 6, Smith 8, Cook 6, Blackstock 7 (Gallen 80min, 5, Ward 89min, 5), Nygaard 6
Scorers: Luton: Brrkovic 45, Boyd 45
QPR: Smith 33, Heikkinen og 51, Blackstock 54
Referee: A D’Urso
Attendance: 9,007
Sunday Times
Sunday People/Chris Davies report
....
QPR: Royce 6 - Mancienne 6, Rehman 6, Stewart 7, Bignot 7 - Ainsworth 6, *SMITH 8, Bailey 6, Cook 6 - Blackstock 6, (Gallen, 80mins' Ward, 89mins), Nygaard 7.
People
Luton Rivals/Dan Collier - Match Report
Rivals
Sunday Times - Alex Fortune
Luton 2 QPR 3: Newell wants ban on women
Mike Newell launched a scathing attack on assistant referee Amy Rayner and said female officials should be banned from the game after his team’s defeat by QPR at Kenilworth Road. The Luton manager said that the presence of Rayner — in her second year as an official — amounted simply to tokenism and political correctness.
He said: “She should not be here. I know that sounds sexist, but I am sexist, so I am not going to be anything other than that.
“We have a problem in this country with political correctness, and bringing women into the game is not the way to improve refereeing and officialdom. It is beyond belief. When do we reach a stage when all officials are women, because then we are in trouble. It is bad enough with the incapable referees and linesmen we have, but if you start bringing in women, you have big problems.
“This is Championship football. It is not park football, so what are women doing here? It is tokenism, for the politically-correct idiots.”
QPR defender Marcus Bignot, who used to manage the Birmingham women’s team, attacked Newell for his remarks.
The Luton boss believed his team should have been awarded a penalty when Carlos Edwards tangled with Bignot, but the QPR man insisted Rayner and referee Andy D’Urso had made the right decision.
Bignot said: “Comments like those will stop female officials from trying to make their way in the game. Amy Rayner is a role model, and full credit goes to her. What would he have said if it had been a male assistant referee making that decision? “It’s easy to blame officials, and Mike Newell is entitled to his opinion, but remarks like that do not help the game.”
Rayner was not Newell’s only target. Chairman Bill Tomlins also came under attack from his manager, who believes the club have gone backwards since Tomlins took over two years ago. With a proposed move to a new stadium sseemingly stalled, Newell said the chairman would soon be leaving Luton.
“I have not spoken to the chairman for month,” he said. “I can’t understand what he is doing. The club has gone backwards off the pitch. He has not made any decisions, and he has contributed nothing. Everything he has got involved in he has messed up. I am not considering my own future because, apparently, he is going. I will not suffer fools. I never have and I never will. When people give you bulls**t for two years, I can’t suffer it. There are players out of contract at the end of the season, but nothing is being done.”
Perhaps unsurprisingly since Luton also run a women’s team and have a female secretary in Cherry Newbery, Newell’s remarks were omitted from the club website last night.
QPR boss John Gregory declined to attend the post-match press conference, despite his team’s victory.
Rangers had trailed 2-1 at the break after stoppage-time goals from Adam Boyd and Ahmet Brkovic had cancelled out Jimmy Smith’s opener — his fifth since his loan move from Chelsea — for the visitors.
But an own goal from Markus Heikkinen in the 51st minute brought Rangers level, and Dexter Blackstock struck the winning goal three minutes later.
This win extended Rangers’ unbeaten run to four matches and eased their relegation worries, but these are difficult times for Luton, who have conceded 17 goals in their past five games in all competitions.
Star Man: Dexter Blackstock (QPR)
Player ratings. Luton: Brill 6, Foley 6, Barnett 6, Heikkinen 5, Emanuel 6, Edwards 6, Robinson 6 (Morgan 85min, 5), Bell 6, Brkovic 7, Vine 6 (Feeney 85min, 5), Boyd 6
QPR: Royce 6, Mancienne 6, Rehman 6, Stewart 6, Bignot 6, Ainsworth 6, Bailey 6, Smith 8, Cook 6, Blackstock 7 (Gallen 80min, 5, Ward 89min, 5), Nygaard 6
Scorers: Luton: Brrkovic 45, Boyd 45
QPR: Smith 33, Heikkinen og 51, Blackstock 54
Referee: A D’Urso
Attendance: 9,007
Sunday Times
Sunday People/Chris Davies report
....
QPR: Royce 6 - Mancienne 6, Rehman 6, Stewart 7, Bignot 7 - Ainsworth 6, *SMITH 8, Bailey 6, Cook 6 - Blackstock 6, (Gallen, 80mins' Ward, 89mins), Nygaard 7.
People
Luton Rivals/Dan Collier - Match Report
Rivals
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Luton 2 QPR 3 - Reports & Comments
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QPR won 3-2 at Luton and now are 18th with 21 points from 17 games.
QPR 17 21
Sunderland 17 20
Crystal Palace 17 18
Hull 17 16
Leeds 17 16
Barnsley 17 15
Southend 17 11
League Table
Gregory's Comments - Official Site
WE KNEW WE COULD WIN
It was short and sweet from the gaffer due to a prior engagement as he let his team do the talking.
Gregory had seen his side come back from being 2-1 down to win 3-2 at Kenilworth Road.
But with tickets for a Bruce Springsteen concert in is pocket, the gaffer shot off before any media interviews and only had a few words for the official website.
He said: "It wasn't a case of having to change my team talk at half time, the lads had their own chat and knew what had to be done.
"We knew the game could be won and that's what we went out there and did."
QPR Official Site
Luton Official Site - Mike Newell Comments
NEWELL BEMOANS PENALTY DECISION
The taste of defeat was as bitter as it's ever been for the Hatters boss Mike Newell after this afternoon's 3-2 reverse against Queens Park Rangers at Kenilworth Road.
Newell said: "I thought we were the better side, again. We had the chances before they scored, and we had all of the play before they scored."
Having led 2-1 at the break, Newell watched his side concede two goals from set pieces at the start of the second half, and the visitors held on to record their second away win of the season.
Newell added: "We deserved to be going in at half-time at 2-1, we deserved to be going in ahead.
"We've defended poorly immediately after half time. The equalising goal was never a corner. It was a goal kick. Just a bad decision from the lineswoman."
Newell was especially unhappy about a particularly strong penalty claim that was turned down by referee Andy D'Urso in the first half, after Hoops defender Marcus Bignot felled Carlos Edwards in the penalty box when he seemed set to score.
"We could have had more because it was a blatant penalty on Carlos in front of the goal in the six yard box - blatant penalty, absolutely no two ways about it."
Luton
BBC - Managerial Comments
# Luton manager Mike Newell on assistant referee Amy Rayner:
"She should not be here. I know that sounds sexist, but I am sexist, so I am not going to be anything other than that.
"We have a problem in this country with political correctness, and bringing women into the game is absolutely beyond belief.
"It is bad enough with the incapable referees and linesmen we have, but if you start bringing in women, you have big problems.
"This is Championship football. This is not park football, so what are women doing here? It is tokenism for the politically-correct idiots."
# QPR defender Marcus Bignot:
"Comments like those will stop female officials from trying to make their way in the game.
"Amy Rayner is a role model, and full credit goes to her. What would he have said if it had been a male assistant referee making that decision?
"It's easy to blame officials, and Mike Newell is entitled to his opinion, but remarks like that do not help the game."
BBC
Luton Today Newell's blistering attack on chairman
And boss questions role of female officiating
Luton boss Mike Newell launched an amazing attack against female referee's assistant Amy Rayner and then his own chairman Bill Tomlins after seeing his side lose 3-2 to QPR.
The Hatters manager was left fuming after seeing his side denied a penalty in the first-half before questioning the lineswoman's decision to award Rangers a corner in the second period which led to their leveller.
And Newell later went on to question the role of his chairman saying he hadn't spoken to Tomlins for months and adding 'everything he's got into he's messed up and I'm just about fed up with it'.
On referee's assistant Rayner, he said: "She shouldn't be here. It sounds sexist, but I am sexist. We have a real problem with all this politically correct stuff in this country, but she simply shouldn't be here.
"It's not the way to improve officiating by letting women into the game – it beggars belief.
"The foul on Carlos (Edwards) was a penalty there's no two ways about it. (Referee Andy) D'Urso didn't give it and neither did she.
"Can anybody tell me why she's here? When we get to the stage where they're all women (the match officials), then we're in trouble.
"We've got a bad enough problem with the standard of referees and linesman that we've already got, but when we start bringing women into the game we've got a problem.
"Girls can play junior football to a certain age and then they're not allowed to play so why are we allowing them to officiate in Championship football matches?
"It's Championship level, we're not talking parks football here."
Luton Today attempted to speak to Leicestershire-based official Rayner after the game, but she was unavailable for comment.
Newell also then let fly with an astonishing broadside against chairman Tomlins, who had claimed in his programme notes that the board was ready to back their manager with a move into the loan market.
Newell said: "I haven't spoken to him for months. You should speak to him yourself to find out why he's here and what he's doing here.
"I can't understand why he's here and what he's doing.
"He hasn't made any decisons. He hasn't done anything.
"Everything he gets into he has messed up and I'm just about fed up with it.
"I keep getting told that when we get planning permission there will be money to spend or that next week the club will change hands.
"I've had it for two years. It was easier when we were in administration because we had nothing and we just had 20 players to work with."
Newell also warned that the uncertainty was affecting his players, particularly those in the last year of their contracts.
He added: "Players like Markus Heikkinen should have been tied up eight months ago, but we're going to end up losing them for nothing because they will let their contracts run out.
"When I committed myself to the club I expected them to follow that by committing the players.
"They want to know why they haven't been offered new contracts and I want to know why as well."
Luton Today spoke to Tomlins after the game. He said the board of directors was due to meet tomorrow (Sunday) to formulate an official response to Newell's words.
Dunstable Today
Sporting Life/PA Sport
Tom Collomosse, PA Sport
QPR claimed their second away win of the season and inflicted a fifth successive defeat on ailing Luton thanks to Dexter Blackstock's winner.
Rangers had trailed 2-1 at half-time after stoppage-time goals from Adam Boyd and Ahmet Brkovic had cancelled out Jimmy Smith's opener for the visitors.
But an own-goal from Markus Heikkinen in the 51st minute brought Rangers level, and Blackstock struck two minutes later.
This win extended Rangers' unbeaten run to four matches and eased their relegation worries, but these are difficult times for Luton, who have conceded 17 goals in their last five games in all competitions.
Yet Mike Newell's team made the brighter start, and their top scorer Rowan Vine was inches away from turning Boyd's low cross from the right into the net.
The home side believed they should have had a penalty when Brkovic appeared to be pushed by Damion Stewart as he prepared to shoot.
And the Hatters crowd vented their fury at referee Andy D'Urso once more shortly afterwards, when they were denied another spot-kick after Carlos Edwards seemed to be pulled back by Marcus Bignot as he tried to convert Lewis Emanuel's driven cross.
Luton's frustration was complete when Rangers took the lead against the run of play after 32 minutes.
Lee Cook swung over a free-kick from the right and Smith, whose late run into the box had gone unchecked, applied the decisive touch to beat Dean Brill from six yards.
It was the on-loan Chelsea midfielder's fifth goal since his move from Stamford Bridge earlier this season.
But seconds into first-half stoppage time, Steve Robinson broke free on the Luton right and cut the ball back for Boyd to score his first league goal since his summer move from Hartlepool.
And the third minute of added time, Brkovic completed a quick turnaround by heading in David Bell's left-wing cross.
The game's topsy-turvy nature continued, with QPR back in the lead within eight minutes of the re-start.
First Heikkinen headed Lee Cook's corner into his own goal in the 51st minute after goalkeeper Brill - in for the suspended Marlon Beresford - had failed to claim the cross.
And two minutes later, with Brill again indecisive, Marc Nygaard flicked on Smith's left-wing corner for Blackstock to turn the ball home from three yards.
Luton were stunned, but they should have drawn level when Brkovic picked out Edwards at the far post in the 66th minute and the winger's volley from eight yards hit the ground and bounced over the top.
Sporting Life
QPR Official Site - QPR 3 Luton 2
You want goals? You want end to end action? Well this win over Luton was the game for you!
Rangers came away from Kenilworth Road with all three points after a game that may not have been the tidiest, but was certainly action packed.
Jimmy Smith gave the visitors the lead in the 33rd minute when he smacked home Lee Cook's free kick from where he stood hovering near the goal line.
Just when it looked as though Rangers would be going in with a clean sheet, the game was turned on its head when Adam Boyd and Ahmet Brkovic struck in injury time to give the Hatters the lead.
Rangers may have felt deflated, but a 2-1 scoreline may have been a fairer reflection given the fact that Luton had previously had two penalty claims waved away.
In the second half it was yet again the story of quick turnarounds.
Markus Heikkinen's own goal meant that when Dexter Blackstock found the back of the net a minute later, Rangers were back in the lead.
You certainly couldn't say that this was a game short of entertainment.
Stefan Bailey started his first game since the victory at St Mary's in September and took the place of the suspended Steve Lomas.
There was no room for former Ranger Richard Langley in the Luton line up, despite playing in the last two games.
Marcus Bignot was gifted with the captain's armband thanks to the absence of Gallen, Bircham and Lomas.
Lee Cook wasted no time in terrorising the Luton back line, streaming through to win a free kick which was ten blazed over the bar by the man himself.
With 13 minutes on the clock, there still wasn't a notable sot to mention. Once effort which was blazed over the bar by Bailey and an off side effort from Luton aside.
As if on cue, the action came when Adam Boyd crossed an inch perfect ball across the face of goal for Rowan Vine.
How the ball wasn't diverted into the back of the net when it was surely easier to score will remain a mystery.
Damion Stewart breathed a sigh of relief on 16 minutes when his clumsy challenge on Ahmet Brkovic brought the Luton man tumbling down in front of goal just as he was about to pull the trigger.
The Luton crowd were incensed and on their feet feeling that they had just seen a certain spot kick turned down.
Then seconds later, D'Urso failed to warm himself to the Kenilworth Road crowd once again when he waved away Carlos Edwards' penalty appeals after Marcus Bignot had charged him down.
Once again, no card was shown to the Luton man.
Despite the fact that Luton were now subjecting Rangers to a bout of heavy pressure, the visitors must be commended on the fact that the net had not yet bulged at their end.
So when the goal came, it was fair to say it was against the run of play.
Lee Cook sent in the free kick and the on form Jimmy Smith diverted the ball home from where he stood just a matter of inches from the goalkeeper.
Choruses of 'sign him up' escaped from the visiting end to engulf the celebrating Smith in the corner.
Just when it looked as though QPR would be keeping their first half time clean sheet since the Hull game, Adam Boyd levelled proceedings in jury time.
Steve Robinson crossed for Boyd to score is first goal for Luton and it was about to get even worse for Rangers.
Literally on the stroke of half time, Brkovic completely turned the half on its head when he glanced home David Bell's delivery into the box.
Within the space of a minute, John Gregory's team talk would have drastically changed.
As the second half kicked off, Rangers wasted no time in pulling level albeit with a little help from Markus Heikkinen.
Cook was once again the provider, sending in the corner which the Luton man headed into the back of his own goal.
It was certainly the game for quick turnarounds as Rangers then proved.
Jimmy Smith sent in the corner for Rangers to score their third set piece of the afternoon.
Nygaard flicked on the delivery for Blackstock to knock home to leave Luton completely aghast.
Given the recent excitement, it was no surprise that the game then quietened down for the next ten minutes.
Smith did however try and liven up the proceedings with a fizzing free kick which just flew past the far post.
There looked to be a problem for Gallen when he left the field after only having been on for ten minutes.
The final few minutes were as nervous as any where a lead is being held on to, but Rangers managed to maintain their status to remain unbeaten in four games.
Luton: Brill, Foley, Barnett, Heikkinen, Emanuel, Brkovic, Edwards, Robinson (Morgan 85), Boyd, Vine (Feeney 85), Bell
Subs: Perrett, Holmes, Barrett
Booked:
Scorers: Boyd 45, Brkovic 45
QPR: Royce, Mancienne, Stewart, Rehman, Bignot, Ainsworth, Bailey, Smith, Cook, Nygaard, Blackstock (Gallen 79) (Ward 89)
Subs: Jones, Milanese, Baidoo
Booked: Blackstock
Scorers: Smith 33, Heikkinen 51, Blackstock 53
Ref: A D'Urso
Official Site
Luton Official Site
Luton ended on the wrong side of a five goal thriller as Mike Newell's side slumped to their fourth league defeat on the spin against QPR.
On a positive note, Luton found their touch in front of goal, after failing to score in their last four matches, but sloppy defender was to cost the Hatters as QPR came from behind to take all three points back to West London. The result means Luton had conceded 17 goals in their last five games.
Rangers made a decent start and deserved their lead on 33 minutes when Jimmy Smith touched home his fifth goal in seven games.
However, Luton were in front at half time when two goals in first half stoppage time from Adam Boyd and Ahmet Brkovic turned the game around.
QPR were quickly back in front at the start of the second half, when two corners resulted in goals as an own goal from Markus Heikkinen and a Dexter Blackstock finish secured the visitors maximum points.
Luton went close in the second half with Carlos Edwards and Leon Barnett both going near, but the Hatters couldn't find a way through
Newell made four changes to his side that were defeated by Preston last weekend as Dean Brill was handed his first start of the season replacing the suspended Marlon Beresford, who was dismissed at Deepdale.
Lewis Emanuel returned from injury, replacing Peter Holmes, who dropped to the bench whilst David Bell and Brkovic were handed rare starts, replacing former QPR midfielder Richard Langley and Dean Morgan respectively.
Luton were also boosted by the news that Rowan Vine was passed fit to play, despite concerns that the striker would miss the game because of an injury.
QPR made two changes from the side that defeated Crystal Palace last weekend with Stefan Bailey replacing Steve Lomas and Marc Nygaard returning to the side in place of the unfortunate Kevin Gallen.
A fast tempo was set immediately as Lee Cook quickly fired a free-kick within two minutes, to try and test the nerves of Brill, but his 25-yard effort failed to trouble the Luton youngster, with his effort flying harmlessly over the bar.
The visitors continued to press forward and Bailey should have done better on 12 minutes when his dipping volley flew wide of the target.
Although Luton were defending deep in their own half, chances were soon being created and on 14 minutes, Boyd beat the QPR offside trap, raced towards goal and delivered a low cross that was just beyond the reach of Vine.
The Hatters soon began to enjoy their best spell of the game and were adamant they should have had a penalty on 18 minutes when Brkovic was sent tumbling to the ground under the challenge of Damion Stewart.
The Croatian midfielder latched onto Vine's flicked header that put him in the clear but, despite Stewart seemingly bundling him off the ball, referee Andy D'Urso waved away the appeals, much to the home sides frustrations.
Two minutes later and Luton went close again. Vine's powerful run was halted by the Rangers defence, but as the loose ball fell kindly to Emanuel, the full-back cracked a powerful drive from an acute angle that flew inches wide.
Luton had second shouts for a penalty waved away moments later when Carlos Edwards was tripped in the box by Marcus Bignot.
However, despite bossing the game, Luton found themselves behind on 33 minutes as Jimmy Smith stole in front of his marker to head home Lee Cook's free-kick, inside a packed penalty area.
The visitors should have extended their lead on 32 minutes when Dexter Blackstock found space between two Luton defenders, but blasted his shot over the crossbar from ten yards.
The game looked as if it was drifting into a QPR half-time interval lead, before Luton incredibly turned the match around with two goals in first-half stoppage time.
Firstly, Stewart was caught napping from Kevin Foley's long throw which enabled Steve Robinson to drift inside the penalty area and tee up Boyd to grab his first Championship goal of the season, converting from six-yards.
Then moments later, Bell's pinpoint cross from the left flank was met by Brkovic's glancing header, which was enough to put the ball beyond the reach of QPR goalkeeper Simon Royce and nestle kindly in the corner of the net.
AT HALF TIME: LUTON 2 V 1 QPR
Luton made a rusty start to the second half as this encounter took another twist with QPR restoring their lead within eight minutes of the restart.
On 51 minutes, QPR were back on level terms when Cook's corner found its way past Brill, with the last touch seemingly coming off Heikkinen's head.
Then, just two minutes later, another corner, on this occasion taken by Smith, was nodded on by Marc Nygaard with the ball being tucked away by the unmarked Blackstock, who converted from six yards.
Luton had the chance to get themselves back on level terms on 65 minutes when Brkovic's cross found Edwards but the Trinidad and Tobago midfielder fired a volley into the ground, which bounced over the crossbar.
QPR came close to extending their lead on 79 minutes when Smith's free-kick narrowly missed the target, as Luton struggled to get the ball out of their own half.
Luton continued to push forward, but couldn't find a way through, despite Barnett coming close in the closing stages.
Luton: Brill, Foley, Edwards, Robinson (Morgan 85), Vine (Feeney 85), Emanuel, Brkovic, Boyd, Barnett, Heikkinen, Bell
Subs not used: Perrett, Holmes, Barrett
Bookings:
QPR: Royce, Bignot, Rehman, Ainsworth, Cook, Bailey, Stewart, Nygaard, Blackstock (Gallen 80, Ward 89)), Smith, Mancienne
Subs not used: Milanese, Jones, Baidoo
Bookings: Blackstock (75)
Referee: Mr A. P Durso
Attendance: 9,007 (1,533 from QPR)
QPR won 3-2 at Luton and now are 18th with 21 points from 17 games.
QPR 17 21
Sunderland 17 20
Crystal Palace 17 18
Hull 17 16
Leeds 17 16
Barnsley 17 15
Southend 17 11
League Table
Gregory's Comments - Official Site
WE KNEW WE COULD WIN
It was short and sweet from the gaffer due to a prior engagement as he let his team do the talking.
Gregory had seen his side come back from being 2-1 down to win 3-2 at Kenilworth Road.
But with tickets for a Bruce Springsteen concert in is pocket, the gaffer shot off before any media interviews and only had a few words for the official website.
He said: "It wasn't a case of having to change my team talk at half time, the lads had their own chat and knew what had to be done.
"We knew the game could be won and that's what we went out there and did."
QPR Official Site
Luton Official Site - Mike Newell Comments
NEWELL BEMOANS PENALTY DECISION
The taste of defeat was as bitter as it's ever been for the Hatters boss Mike Newell after this afternoon's 3-2 reverse against Queens Park Rangers at Kenilworth Road.
Newell said: "I thought we were the better side, again. We had the chances before they scored, and we had all of the play before they scored."
Having led 2-1 at the break, Newell watched his side concede two goals from set pieces at the start of the second half, and the visitors held on to record their second away win of the season.
Newell added: "We deserved to be going in at half-time at 2-1, we deserved to be going in ahead.
"We've defended poorly immediately after half time. The equalising goal was never a corner. It was a goal kick. Just a bad decision from the lineswoman."
Newell was especially unhappy about a particularly strong penalty claim that was turned down by referee Andy D'Urso in the first half, after Hoops defender Marcus Bignot felled Carlos Edwards in the penalty box when he seemed set to score.
"We could have had more because it was a blatant penalty on Carlos in front of the goal in the six yard box - blatant penalty, absolutely no two ways about it."
Luton
BBC - Managerial Comments
# Luton manager Mike Newell on assistant referee Amy Rayner:
"She should not be here. I know that sounds sexist, but I am sexist, so I am not going to be anything other than that.
"We have a problem in this country with political correctness, and bringing women into the game is absolutely beyond belief.
"It is bad enough with the incapable referees and linesmen we have, but if you start bringing in women, you have big problems.
"This is Championship football. This is not park football, so what are women doing here? It is tokenism for the politically-correct idiots."
# QPR defender Marcus Bignot:
"Comments like those will stop female officials from trying to make their way in the game.
"Amy Rayner is a role model, and full credit goes to her. What would he have said if it had been a male assistant referee making that decision?
"It's easy to blame officials, and Mike Newell is entitled to his opinion, but remarks like that do not help the game."
BBC
Luton Today Newell's blistering attack on chairman
And boss questions role of female officiating
Luton boss Mike Newell launched an amazing attack against female referee's assistant Amy Rayner and then his own chairman Bill Tomlins after seeing his side lose 3-2 to QPR.
The Hatters manager was left fuming after seeing his side denied a penalty in the first-half before questioning the lineswoman's decision to award Rangers a corner in the second period which led to their leveller.
And Newell later went on to question the role of his chairman saying he hadn't spoken to Tomlins for months and adding 'everything he's got into he's messed up and I'm just about fed up with it'.
On referee's assistant Rayner, he said: "She shouldn't be here. It sounds sexist, but I am sexist. We have a real problem with all this politically correct stuff in this country, but she simply shouldn't be here.
"It's not the way to improve officiating by letting women into the game – it beggars belief.
"The foul on Carlos (Edwards) was a penalty there's no two ways about it. (Referee Andy) D'Urso didn't give it and neither did she.
"Can anybody tell me why she's here? When we get to the stage where they're all women (the match officials), then we're in trouble.
"We've got a bad enough problem with the standard of referees and linesman that we've already got, but when we start bringing women into the game we've got a problem.
"Girls can play junior football to a certain age and then they're not allowed to play so why are we allowing them to officiate in Championship football matches?
"It's Championship level, we're not talking parks football here."
Luton Today attempted to speak to Leicestershire-based official Rayner after the game, but she was unavailable for comment.
Newell also then let fly with an astonishing broadside against chairman Tomlins, who had claimed in his programme notes that the board was ready to back their manager with a move into the loan market.
Newell said: "I haven't spoken to him for months. You should speak to him yourself to find out why he's here and what he's doing here.
"I can't understand why he's here and what he's doing.
"He hasn't made any decisons. He hasn't done anything.
"Everything he gets into he has messed up and I'm just about fed up with it.
"I keep getting told that when we get planning permission there will be money to spend or that next week the club will change hands.
"I've had it for two years. It was easier when we were in administration because we had nothing and we just had 20 players to work with."
Newell also warned that the uncertainty was affecting his players, particularly those in the last year of their contracts.
He added: "Players like Markus Heikkinen should have been tied up eight months ago, but we're going to end up losing them for nothing because they will let their contracts run out.
"When I committed myself to the club I expected them to follow that by committing the players.
"They want to know why they haven't been offered new contracts and I want to know why as well."
Luton Today spoke to Tomlins after the game. He said the board of directors was due to meet tomorrow (Sunday) to formulate an official response to Newell's words.
Dunstable Today
Sporting Life/PA Sport
Tom Collomosse, PA Sport
QPR claimed their second away win of the season and inflicted a fifth successive defeat on ailing Luton thanks to Dexter Blackstock's winner.
Rangers had trailed 2-1 at half-time after stoppage-time goals from Adam Boyd and Ahmet Brkovic had cancelled out Jimmy Smith's opener for the visitors.
But an own-goal from Markus Heikkinen in the 51st minute brought Rangers level, and Blackstock struck two minutes later.
This win extended Rangers' unbeaten run to four matches and eased their relegation worries, but these are difficult times for Luton, who have conceded 17 goals in their last five games in all competitions.
Yet Mike Newell's team made the brighter start, and their top scorer Rowan Vine was inches away from turning Boyd's low cross from the right into the net.
The home side believed they should have had a penalty when Brkovic appeared to be pushed by Damion Stewart as he prepared to shoot.
And the Hatters crowd vented their fury at referee Andy D'Urso once more shortly afterwards, when they were denied another spot-kick after Carlos Edwards seemed to be pulled back by Marcus Bignot as he tried to convert Lewis Emanuel's driven cross.
Luton's frustration was complete when Rangers took the lead against the run of play after 32 minutes.
Lee Cook swung over a free-kick from the right and Smith, whose late run into the box had gone unchecked, applied the decisive touch to beat Dean Brill from six yards.
It was the on-loan Chelsea midfielder's fifth goal since his move from Stamford Bridge earlier this season.
But seconds into first-half stoppage time, Steve Robinson broke free on the Luton right and cut the ball back for Boyd to score his first league goal since his summer move from Hartlepool.
And the third minute of added time, Brkovic completed a quick turnaround by heading in David Bell's left-wing cross.
The game's topsy-turvy nature continued, with QPR back in the lead within eight minutes of the re-start.
First Heikkinen headed Lee Cook's corner into his own goal in the 51st minute after goalkeeper Brill - in for the suspended Marlon Beresford - had failed to claim the cross.
And two minutes later, with Brill again indecisive, Marc Nygaard flicked on Smith's left-wing corner for Blackstock to turn the ball home from three yards.
Luton were stunned, but they should have drawn level when Brkovic picked out Edwards at the far post in the 66th minute and the winger's volley from eight yards hit the ground and bounced over the top.
Sporting Life
QPR Official Site - QPR 3 Luton 2
You want goals? You want end to end action? Well this win over Luton was the game for you!
Rangers came away from Kenilworth Road with all three points after a game that may not have been the tidiest, but was certainly action packed.
Jimmy Smith gave the visitors the lead in the 33rd minute when he smacked home Lee Cook's free kick from where he stood hovering near the goal line.
Just when it looked as though Rangers would be going in with a clean sheet, the game was turned on its head when Adam Boyd and Ahmet Brkovic struck in injury time to give the Hatters the lead.
Rangers may have felt deflated, but a 2-1 scoreline may have been a fairer reflection given the fact that Luton had previously had two penalty claims waved away.
In the second half it was yet again the story of quick turnarounds.
Markus Heikkinen's own goal meant that when Dexter Blackstock found the back of the net a minute later, Rangers were back in the lead.
You certainly couldn't say that this was a game short of entertainment.
Stefan Bailey started his first game since the victory at St Mary's in September and took the place of the suspended Steve Lomas.
There was no room for former Ranger Richard Langley in the Luton line up, despite playing in the last two games.
Marcus Bignot was gifted with the captain's armband thanks to the absence of Gallen, Bircham and Lomas.
Lee Cook wasted no time in terrorising the Luton back line, streaming through to win a free kick which was ten blazed over the bar by the man himself.
With 13 minutes on the clock, there still wasn't a notable sot to mention. Once effort which was blazed over the bar by Bailey and an off side effort from Luton aside.
As if on cue, the action came when Adam Boyd crossed an inch perfect ball across the face of goal for Rowan Vine.
How the ball wasn't diverted into the back of the net when it was surely easier to score will remain a mystery.
Damion Stewart breathed a sigh of relief on 16 minutes when his clumsy challenge on Ahmet Brkovic brought the Luton man tumbling down in front of goal just as he was about to pull the trigger.
The Luton crowd were incensed and on their feet feeling that they had just seen a certain spot kick turned down.
Then seconds later, D'Urso failed to warm himself to the Kenilworth Road crowd once again when he waved away Carlos Edwards' penalty appeals after Marcus Bignot had charged him down.
Once again, no card was shown to the Luton man.
Despite the fact that Luton were now subjecting Rangers to a bout of heavy pressure, the visitors must be commended on the fact that the net had not yet bulged at their end.
So when the goal came, it was fair to say it was against the run of play.
Lee Cook sent in the free kick and the on form Jimmy Smith diverted the ball home from where he stood just a matter of inches from the goalkeeper.
Choruses of 'sign him up' escaped from the visiting end to engulf the celebrating Smith in the corner.
Just when it looked as though QPR would be keeping their first half time clean sheet since the Hull game, Adam Boyd levelled proceedings in jury time.
Steve Robinson crossed for Boyd to score is first goal for Luton and it was about to get even worse for Rangers.
Literally on the stroke of half time, Brkovic completely turned the half on its head when he glanced home David Bell's delivery into the box.
Within the space of a minute, John Gregory's team talk would have drastically changed.
As the second half kicked off, Rangers wasted no time in pulling level albeit with a little help from Markus Heikkinen.
Cook was once again the provider, sending in the corner which the Luton man headed into the back of his own goal.
It was certainly the game for quick turnarounds as Rangers then proved.
Jimmy Smith sent in the corner for Rangers to score their third set piece of the afternoon.
Nygaard flicked on the delivery for Blackstock to knock home to leave Luton completely aghast.
Given the recent excitement, it was no surprise that the game then quietened down for the next ten minutes.
Smith did however try and liven up the proceedings with a fizzing free kick which just flew past the far post.
There looked to be a problem for Gallen when he left the field after only having been on for ten minutes.
The final few minutes were as nervous as any where a lead is being held on to, but Rangers managed to maintain their status to remain unbeaten in four games.
Luton: Brill, Foley, Barnett, Heikkinen, Emanuel, Brkovic, Edwards, Robinson (Morgan 85), Boyd, Vine (Feeney 85), Bell
Subs: Perrett, Holmes, Barrett
Booked:
Scorers: Boyd 45, Brkovic 45
QPR: Royce, Mancienne, Stewart, Rehman, Bignot, Ainsworth, Bailey, Smith, Cook, Nygaard, Blackstock (Gallen 79) (Ward 89)
Subs: Jones, Milanese, Baidoo
Booked: Blackstock
Scorers: Smith 33, Heikkinen 51, Blackstock 53
Ref: A D'Urso
Official Site
Luton Official Site
Luton ended on the wrong side of a five goal thriller as Mike Newell's side slumped to their fourth league defeat on the spin against QPR.
On a positive note, Luton found their touch in front of goal, after failing to score in their last four matches, but sloppy defender was to cost the Hatters as QPR came from behind to take all three points back to West London. The result means Luton had conceded 17 goals in their last five games.
Rangers made a decent start and deserved their lead on 33 minutes when Jimmy Smith touched home his fifth goal in seven games.
However, Luton were in front at half time when two goals in first half stoppage time from Adam Boyd and Ahmet Brkovic turned the game around.
QPR were quickly back in front at the start of the second half, when two corners resulted in goals as an own goal from Markus Heikkinen and a Dexter Blackstock finish secured the visitors maximum points.
Luton went close in the second half with Carlos Edwards and Leon Barnett both going near, but the Hatters couldn't find a way through
Newell made four changes to his side that were defeated by Preston last weekend as Dean Brill was handed his first start of the season replacing the suspended Marlon Beresford, who was dismissed at Deepdale.
Lewis Emanuel returned from injury, replacing Peter Holmes, who dropped to the bench whilst David Bell and Brkovic were handed rare starts, replacing former QPR midfielder Richard Langley and Dean Morgan respectively.
Luton were also boosted by the news that Rowan Vine was passed fit to play, despite concerns that the striker would miss the game because of an injury.
QPR made two changes from the side that defeated Crystal Palace last weekend with Stefan Bailey replacing Steve Lomas and Marc Nygaard returning to the side in place of the unfortunate Kevin Gallen.
A fast tempo was set immediately as Lee Cook quickly fired a free-kick within two minutes, to try and test the nerves of Brill, but his 25-yard effort failed to trouble the Luton youngster, with his effort flying harmlessly over the bar.
The visitors continued to press forward and Bailey should have done better on 12 minutes when his dipping volley flew wide of the target.
Although Luton were defending deep in their own half, chances were soon being created and on 14 minutes, Boyd beat the QPR offside trap, raced towards goal and delivered a low cross that was just beyond the reach of Vine.
The Hatters soon began to enjoy their best spell of the game and were adamant they should have had a penalty on 18 minutes when Brkovic was sent tumbling to the ground under the challenge of Damion Stewart.
The Croatian midfielder latched onto Vine's flicked header that put him in the clear but, despite Stewart seemingly bundling him off the ball, referee Andy D'Urso waved away the appeals, much to the home sides frustrations.
Two minutes later and Luton went close again. Vine's powerful run was halted by the Rangers defence, but as the loose ball fell kindly to Emanuel, the full-back cracked a powerful drive from an acute angle that flew inches wide.
Luton had second shouts for a penalty waved away moments later when Carlos Edwards was tripped in the box by Marcus Bignot.
However, despite bossing the game, Luton found themselves behind on 33 minutes as Jimmy Smith stole in front of his marker to head home Lee Cook's free-kick, inside a packed penalty area.
The visitors should have extended their lead on 32 minutes when Dexter Blackstock found space between two Luton defenders, but blasted his shot over the crossbar from ten yards.
The game looked as if it was drifting into a QPR half-time interval lead, before Luton incredibly turned the match around with two goals in first-half stoppage time.
Firstly, Stewart was caught napping from Kevin Foley's long throw which enabled Steve Robinson to drift inside the penalty area and tee up Boyd to grab his first Championship goal of the season, converting from six-yards.
Then moments later, Bell's pinpoint cross from the left flank was met by Brkovic's glancing header, which was enough to put the ball beyond the reach of QPR goalkeeper Simon Royce and nestle kindly in the corner of the net.
AT HALF TIME: LUTON 2 V 1 QPR
Luton made a rusty start to the second half as this encounter took another twist with QPR restoring their lead within eight minutes of the restart.
On 51 minutes, QPR were back on level terms when Cook's corner found its way past Brill, with the last touch seemingly coming off Heikkinen's head.
Then, just two minutes later, another corner, on this occasion taken by Smith, was nodded on by Marc Nygaard with the ball being tucked away by the unmarked Blackstock, who converted from six yards.
Luton had the chance to get themselves back on level terms on 65 minutes when Brkovic's cross found Edwards but the Trinidad and Tobago midfielder fired a volley into the ground, which bounced over the crossbar.
QPR came close to extending their lead on 79 minutes when Smith's free-kick narrowly missed the target, as Luton struggled to get the ball out of their own half.
Luton continued to push forward, but couldn't find a way through, despite Barnett coming close in the closing stages.
Luton: Brill, Foley, Edwards, Robinson (Morgan 85), Vine (Feeney 85), Emanuel, Brkovic, Boyd, Barnett, Heikkinen, Bell
Subs not used: Perrett, Holmes, Barrett
Bookings:
QPR: Royce, Bignot, Rehman, Ainsworth, Cook, Bailey, Stewart, Nygaard, Blackstock (Gallen 80, Ward 89)), Smith, Mancienne
Subs not used: Milanese, Jones, Baidoo
Bookings: Blackstock (75)
Referee: Mr A. P Durso
Attendance: 9,007 (1,533 from QPR)
Luton Official Site
Friday, November 10, 2006
One Year Ago: Holloway Talking about QPR "Exciting Times...Club is Stabilizing...Move Forward"
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A year ago: Talking about injuries, new signings, need for investment, etc
November 10, 2005 QPR Official Site - Ian Holloway Speaking
Talking to QPR World about his sides start to the season, Holloway pinpointed his sides main area for improvement.
As usual, Ollie wasn't keen to give too much away at this point of the season, choosing instead to focus on that position Rangers find themselves in next April.
Of course the Rangers boss was keen to see more action up front and he has already set his sights on improving that area.
"We need to score more goals, we are lacking a few from the chances we created. I want to work on that, getting more goals in that column."
Ian Holloway and his staff will take advantage of the free weekend by going out on a scouting mission.
Holloway told QPR World: "I'll be giving my players the weekend off and I'll be off with my staff looking at players. We also have some exciting prospects waiting to come over."
"It's exciting times, I feel we are stabilising. We are now on top of the water - ready to sail off into the sunset."
With the transfer window opening in less than two months Holloway will be talking to the board regarding the playing budget.
"I might be close to taking a player in on loan with a view to taking over his contract. I wouldn't mind some more defensive cover too.
"When we were in the second division we had the better players becuase we had the biggest budget."
Ollie was also keen to clear up some other business. In a recent Q&A on QPR World Holloway referred to a quote in a Newspaper attributed to QPR fan Paul Finney.
"Typical me, I said some things I shouldn't of said. It turns out the guy I spoke about had some threats from other fans.
"I didn't want that - this guy is a QPR fan! He explained things to me and I apologised to him. If my words got him that kind of abuse I am ashamed of myself."
Elsewhere, after only three starts this season Martin Rowlands was a welcome sight as he started back in full training.
"I thought I had a new signing today some little lad with blonde hair. It's great to have him back although I'm not sure whether he will be match fit for the game at Plymouth because he has been out quite a while."
QPR Official Site
Holloway QPR World Interview
A year ago: Talking about injuries, new signings, need for investment, etc
November 10, 2005 QPR Official Site - Ian Holloway Speaking
Talking to QPR World about his sides start to the season, Holloway pinpointed his sides main area for improvement.
As usual, Ollie wasn't keen to give too much away at this point of the season, choosing instead to focus on that position Rangers find themselves in next April.
Of course the Rangers boss was keen to see more action up front and he has already set his sights on improving that area.
"We need to score more goals, we are lacking a few from the chances we created. I want to work on that, getting more goals in that column."
Ian Holloway and his staff will take advantage of the free weekend by going out on a scouting mission.
Holloway told QPR World: "I'll be giving my players the weekend off and I'll be off with my staff looking at players. We also have some exciting prospects waiting to come over."
"It's exciting times, I feel we are stabilising. We are now on top of the water - ready to sail off into the sunset."
With the transfer window opening in less than two months Holloway will be talking to the board regarding the playing budget.
"I might be close to taking a player in on loan with a view to taking over his contract. I wouldn't mind some more defensive cover too.
"When we were in the second division we had the better players becuase we had the biggest budget."
Ollie was also keen to clear up some other business. In a recent Q&A on QPR World Holloway referred to a quote in a Newspaper attributed to QPR fan Paul Finney.
"Typical me, I said some things I shouldn't of said. It turns out the guy I spoke about had some threats from other fans.
"I didn't want that - this guy is a QPR fan! He explained things to me and I apologised to him. If my words got him that kind of abuse I am ashamed of myself."
Elsewhere, after only three starts this season Martin Rowlands was a welcome sight as he started back in full training.
"I thought I had a new signing today some little lad with blonde hair. It's great to have him back although I'm not sure whether he will be match fit for the game at Plymouth because he has been out quite a while."
QPR Official Site
Holloway QPR World Interview
QPR at Luton this Saturday - Parkin out
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QPR travel to Luton on Saturday. Luton last won on Septembe 21 (5-1 vs Leeds) and since have lost their last three League Games + a cup game. On Saturday, definitely out: Goalie, Marlon Beresford suspended and Sam Parkin, injured. Goalscorer Rowan Vine is supposedly doubtful. (For one definite absentee for QPR: e Lomas out suspended) Luton are currently 12th with 22 points. QPR are 19th with 18 points. Luton's Home Form: Won 4; drawn 3 lost 1: Scored 17. Conceded 11.
QPR's Away Form: Won 1; drawn 3 lost 3: Scored 10. Conceded 13.
(Current League Table)
QPR Team News Update - QPR Official Site
...The long term absentees of Adam Czerkas and Paul Furlong are both still progressing,but neither will be returning to action any time soon.
Czerkas, who hasn't figured since the Carling Cup tie with Port Vale, is now running but it will still be a while before he regains his match fitness.
Paul Furlong is a similar story with the front man still taking part in his 'pre-season' after suffering a thigh strain and several 'niggles' thereafter.
Ray Jones and Matthew Hislop, suffering from hip and hamstring problems respectively, are both also on the comeback trail and are still working on their fitness levels.
Pat Kanyuka is showing encouraging signs after injuring his hamstring and is back running and pain free already.
Goalkeeper Jake Cole will be having further x-rays on his fractured thumb next week and if all is well, will be taking part in some light goalkeeing sessions.
Martin Rowlands and Marc Bircham are both back training and are making progress after both missing the Crystal Palace game.
One man who will definitely not figure is Steve Lomas, who accumulated his fifth booking last Saturday and will now miss tomorrow's fixture.
QPR Official Site
On the Official Site: Video from QPR's 6 goals against Luton from September 1990~
Luton Official Site
Luton Manager Mike Newell was in an upbeat mood looking ahead to Saturday's clash with London rivals Queens Park Rangers, despite the loss of his senior goalkeeper Marlon Beresford, who will be serving a one match suspension after being sent off at Preston last week.
The Hatters boss insists that his side is capable of bouncing back from their recent run of bad results.
Newell said: "We've lost three league games in a row before. We had it a couple of years ago in the year we went up, and we got over it. And we'll get over this.
"We know that the players are capable of winning games and we know we're capable of scoring goals, so there are no panic buttons being pushed."
With the next two Championship matches to be played at Kenilworth Road, Newell is aware that his side have a very good opportunity to put things right sooner rather than later.
"We've won a lot of games here. We've played a lot of decent sides this season and we've only lost the one against Burnley.
"It would be some ask to get through a season without losing a home game."
Number two goalkeeper Dean Brill is set to start his first game of the season, and Newell has been forced to recall Zac Barrett from his loan spell at Kettering Town to provide cover.
The Manager has every confidence that Brill can step in a do a good job for his team mates.
Newell said: "He's been patient and he's been in there before. We've got high hopes of him for the future and we've got no qualms about throwing him in."
Lewis Emanuel has been back in training this week and will be available for selection, with Peter Holmes or Dean Morgan likely to make way.
There could be bad news for Hatters top scorer Rowan Vine, however, as he has missed training this week due to a knock he received at Preston last week. Vine is currently rated as doubtful.
"Rowan's not been training so we're hopeful that he'll train tomorrow."
Sam Parkin is definitely out, as he prepares to undergo an operation on his troublesome ankle on Friday.
"We don't know how long he'll be out, we'll have a better idea once he's had the surgery."
Luton
Luton's Results this season
Luton's Squad
QPR OFFICIAL SITE PREVIEW OF LUTON GAME
The R's travel to Kenilworth Road on Saturday - to take on a Luton Town side who are going through a Coca Cola Championship reality check at present.
When the season kicked off in sunny August, few pundits would have expected the Hatters to be sitting pretty in the top-ten three months into the new campaign.
But three defeats on the spin against Ipswich Town, Burnley, and most recently Preston North End in recent weeks, has seen Mike Newell's side brought back down to earth with an almighty bump.
The high-profile departure of master poacher Steve Howard, coupled with the sale of skipper Kevin Nicholls, left Newell facing an uphill struggle in only his second full term in charge at the Bedfordshire Club.
Yet Luton - buoyed by the summer arrivals of Sam Parkin, Adam Boyd, former Hoop Richard Langley and Lewis Emanuel - have hit back at those pundits that may've questioned their ability to improve upon last season's impressive tenth place finish, keeping pace with the chasing pack in the opening months of the campaign.
R's old boy Richard Langley
Indeed, the signs were positive from day one of the new campaign, when goals from Leon Barnett and Carlos Edwards helped clinch a 2-0 victory against Leicester City in front of the live Sky Sports cameras.
Bouyed by that win, the Hatters moved to the summit of the table with a 1-0 victory at Hillsborough, only for Norwich City to bring them crashing back down to earth with a bump in a 3-2 reversal at Carrow Road.
A draw against Stoke City continued their unbeaten start at home, but their poor form on the road showed no signs of letting up, as Wolves triumphed 1-0 at Molineux.
Four points from a possible six from home fixtures against Crystal Palace and Colchester United saw them up to fifth in the table, before runaway leaders Cardiff City inflicted a 4-1 defeat on the Hatters, albeit as a result of Emanuel's ninth minute dismissal.
Hatters boss Mike Newell
Undeterred, that defeat signalled the start of a mini-revival for the Hatters, who went on to enjoy an unbeaten six match run in all competitions.
But they were brought crashing back down to earth at Portman Road, succumbing to a 5-0 defeat against Ipswich Town - a loss which was compounded by the shock news that Hatters' defender Sol Davis had suffered a stroke on the team bus just 24 hours earlier.
And it has been a story of woe ever since, with the Hatters losing heavily in their last two Championship fixtures, against high-fliers Burnley (2-0) and Preston North End (3-0).
...Top scorer (league goals only): Rowan Vine 8
Last league game:
Preston North End 3, Luton Town 0.
Coca Cola Championship.
November 4th 2006.
Luton Town: Beresford, Foley, Barnett, Heikkinen, Holmes, Edwards, Langley (Bell 65), Robinson, Morgan (Brill 51), Boyd (Brkovic 76), Vine.
Subs Not Used: Feeney, Perrett.
...Superhoopsbet.co.uk match odds:
Luton Town 11/10
QPR 2/1
draw 12/5
..Key player: Carlos EDWARDS
Midfielder Carlos Edwards (pictured, above) signed for the Hatters in 2005 and has since gone on to enjoy a colourful career at Kenilworth Road.
A Trinidad & Tobago international, Edwards - who has already been linked to an array of Premiership clubs this season - impressed during the 2006 World Cup Finals, with a man-of-the-match display against Sweden.
Head to head:
Luton Town wins: 29
QPR wins: 31
Draws: 24
Luton triumphed 2-0 at Kenilworth Road in January
Last meeting:
Luton Town 2 (Heikkinen, Howard), Queens Park Rangers 0.
Football League Championship.
January 21st 2006.
Latest News:
Luton have appealed against the red card shown to goalkeeper Marlon Beresford in their 3-0 defeat at Preston on Saturday.
With the score at 0-0, Beresford saw red for bringing down David Nugent, which was adjudged to be the denial of an obvious goalscoring opportunity.
Hatters boss Mike Newell said after the game: "It's a stupid rule. If a keeper cannot be allowed to go down at a striker's feet and make an honest challenge, something is wrong."
(Source: BBC Sport)
QPR Official
QPR travel to Luton on Saturday. Luton last won on Septembe 21 (5-1 vs Leeds) and since have lost their last three League Games + a cup game. On Saturday, definitely out: Goalie, Marlon Beresford suspended and Sam Parkin, injured. Goalscorer Rowan Vine is supposedly doubtful. (For one definite absentee for QPR: e Lomas out suspended) Luton are currently 12th with 22 points. QPR are 19th with 18 points. Luton's Home Form: Won 4; drawn 3 lost 1: Scored 17. Conceded 11.
QPR's Away Form: Won 1; drawn 3 lost 3: Scored 10. Conceded 13.
(Current League Table)
QPR Team News Update - QPR Official Site
...The long term absentees of Adam Czerkas and Paul Furlong are both still progressing,but neither will be returning to action any time soon.
Czerkas, who hasn't figured since the Carling Cup tie with Port Vale, is now running but it will still be a while before he regains his match fitness.
Paul Furlong is a similar story with the front man still taking part in his 'pre-season' after suffering a thigh strain and several 'niggles' thereafter.
Ray Jones and Matthew Hislop, suffering from hip and hamstring problems respectively, are both also on the comeback trail and are still working on their fitness levels.
Pat Kanyuka is showing encouraging signs after injuring his hamstring and is back running and pain free already.
Goalkeeper Jake Cole will be having further x-rays on his fractured thumb next week and if all is well, will be taking part in some light goalkeeing sessions.
Martin Rowlands and Marc Bircham are both back training and are making progress after both missing the Crystal Palace game.
One man who will definitely not figure is Steve Lomas, who accumulated his fifth booking last Saturday and will now miss tomorrow's fixture.
QPR Official Site
On the Official Site: Video from QPR's 6 goals against Luton from September 1990~
Luton Official Site
Luton Manager Mike Newell was in an upbeat mood looking ahead to Saturday's clash with London rivals Queens Park Rangers, despite the loss of his senior goalkeeper Marlon Beresford, who will be serving a one match suspension after being sent off at Preston last week.
The Hatters boss insists that his side is capable of bouncing back from their recent run of bad results.
Newell said: "We've lost three league games in a row before. We had it a couple of years ago in the year we went up, and we got over it. And we'll get over this.
"We know that the players are capable of winning games and we know we're capable of scoring goals, so there are no panic buttons being pushed."
With the next two Championship matches to be played at Kenilworth Road, Newell is aware that his side have a very good opportunity to put things right sooner rather than later.
"We've won a lot of games here. We've played a lot of decent sides this season and we've only lost the one against Burnley.
"It would be some ask to get through a season without losing a home game."
Number two goalkeeper Dean Brill is set to start his first game of the season, and Newell has been forced to recall Zac Barrett from his loan spell at Kettering Town to provide cover.
The Manager has every confidence that Brill can step in a do a good job for his team mates.
Newell said: "He's been patient and he's been in there before. We've got high hopes of him for the future and we've got no qualms about throwing him in."
Lewis Emanuel has been back in training this week and will be available for selection, with Peter Holmes or Dean Morgan likely to make way.
There could be bad news for Hatters top scorer Rowan Vine, however, as he has missed training this week due to a knock he received at Preston last week. Vine is currently rated as doubtful.
"Rowan's not been training so we're hopeful that he'll train tomorrow."
Sam Parkin is definitely out, as he prepares to undergo an operation on his troublesome ankle on Friday.
"We don't know how long he'll be out, we'll have a better idea once he's had the surgery."
Luton
Luton's Results this season
Luton's Squad
QPR OFFICIAL SITE PREVIEW OF LUTON GAME
The R's travel to Kenilworth Road on Saturday - to take on a Luton Town side who are going through a Coca Cola Championship reality check at present.
When the season kicked off in sunny August, few pundits would have expected the Hatters to be sitting pretty in the top-ten three months into the new campaign.
But three defeats on the spin against Ipswich Town, Burnley, and most recently Preston North End in recent weeks, has seen Mike Newell's side brought back down to earth with an almighty bump.
The high-profile departure of master poacher Steve Howard, coupled with the sale of skipper Kevin Nicholls, left Newell facing an uphill struggle in only his second full term in charge at the Bedfordshire Club.
Yet Luton - buoyed by the summer arrivals of Sam Parkin, Adam Boyd, former Hoop Richard Langley and Lewis Emanuel - have hit back at those pundits that may've questioned their ability to improve upon last season's impressive tenth place finish, keeping pace with the chasing pack in the opening months of the campaign.
R's old boy Richard Langley
Indeed, the signs were positive from day one of the new campaign, when goals from Leon Barnett and Carlos Edwards helped clinch a 2-0 victory against Leicester City in front of the live Sky Sports cameras.
Bouyed by that win, the Hatters moved to the summit of the table with a 1-0 victory at Hillsborough, only for Norwich City to bring them crashing back down to earth with a bump in a 3-2 reversal at Carrow Road.
A draw against Stoke City continued their unbeaten start at home, but their poor form on the road showed no signs of letting up, as Wolves triumphed 1-0 at Molineux.
Four points from a possible six from home fixtures against Crystal Palace and Colchester United saw them up to fifth in the table, before runaway leaders Cardiff City inflicted a 4-1 defeat on the Hatters, albeit as a result of Emanuel's ninth minute dismissal.
Hatters boss Mike Newell
Undeterred, that defeat signalled the start of a mini-revival for the Hatters, who went on to enjoy an unbeaten six match run in all competitions.
But they were brought crashing back down to earth at Portman Road, succumbing to a 5-0 defeat against Ipswich Town - a loss which was compounded by the shock news that Hatters' defender Sol Davis had suffered a stroke on the team bus just 24 hours earlier.
And it has been a story of woe ever since, with the Hatters losing heavily in their last two Championship fixtures, against high-fliers Burnley (2-0) and Preston North End (3-0).
...Top scorer (league goals only): Rowan Vine 8
Last league game:
Preston North End 3, Luton Town 0.
Coca Cola Championship.
November 4th 2006.
Luton Town: Beresford, Foley, Barnett, Heikkinen, Holmes, Edwards, Langley (Bell 65), Robinson, Morgan (Brill 51), Boyd (Brkovic 76), Vine.
Subs Not Used: Feeney, Perrett.
...Superhoopsbet.co.uk match odds:
Luton Town 11/10
QPR 2/1
draw 12/5
..Key player: Carlos EDWARDS
Midfielder Carlos Edwards (pictured, above) signed for the Hatters in 2005 and has since gone on to enjoy a colourful career at Kenilworth Road.
A Trinidad & Tobago international, Edwards - who has already been linked to an array of Premiership clubs this season - impressed during the 2006 World Cup Finals, with a man-of-the-match display against Sweden.
Head to head:
Luton Town wins: 29
QPR wins: 31
Draws: 24
Luton triumphed 2-0 at Kenilworth Road in January
Last meeting:
Luton Town 2 (Heikkinen, Howard), Queens Park Rangers 0.
Football League Championship.
January 21st 2006.
Latest News:
Luton have appealed against the red card shown to goalkeeper Marlon Beresford in their 3-0 defeat at Preston on Saturday.
With the score at 0-0, Beresford saw red for bringing down David Nugent, which was adjudged to be the denial of an obvious goalscoring opportunity.
Hatters boss Mike Newell said after the game: "It's a stupid rule. If a keeper cannot be allowed to go down at a striker's feet and make an honest challenge, something is wrong."
(Source: BBC Sport)
QPR Official
QPR Not Letting Go? Tim Breaker: STILL a QPR Employee - Reported Ian Holloway Response
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Unless there's been an unannounced change in the past couple of days, it appears that Tim Breaker, the QPR coach who more than nine months ago, without any public club explanation, was placed on paid "Gardening Leave" along with Ian Holloway and Gary Penrice...is STILL being paid by QPR, even as Plymouth have been trying to get him as their coach. (There has seemingly, been no QPR comment on his status.)
From the Plymouth Fan Site "Argyle Daily Diary," November 4:
"Ian Holloway's attempts to bring Tim Breacker to Home Park have had to be put on hold. Breacker is still being paid by QPR, but is not part of John Gregory's staff. Holloway wants to hire him, but an agreement that had almost been reached with the London club seems to have collapsed. "I feel for Tim at the moment," Holloway said. "QPR are being a bunch of idiots. They're still paying him, but they've reneged on certain things that they said they were going to do and there's no deal any more. I can't understand it, to be perfectly honest with you. I don't what QPR are doing. It's absolute madness. I don't think you should treat people like that, and I'm very, very, very disappointed, to say the least."
Plymouth Diary last Saturday
QPR's Official Statement back in early February Announcing the Gardening Leave for Ian Holloway, Gary Penrice and Time Breaker.
QPR's February "Gardening Leave" Statement
See Also:
Breaker
August 24, 2006: Penrice and Breaker Set to Join Holloway at Plymouth
Plymouth Official Announcememt
Saturday, September 09: Holloway: Penrice & Breaker Still NOT Yet at Plymouth
Sept 15: Penrice & Breaker Joining Plymouth - Hopefully - Next Week!
Oct 20: "Ex" Coach, Tim Breaker STILL a QPR Employee?
October 24: Passing 250 Days of "Gardening Leave" for Tim Breaker
Unless there's been an unannounced change in the past couple of days, it appears that Tim Breaker, the QPR coach who more than nine months ago, without any public club explanation, was placed on paid "Gardening Leave" along with Ian Holloway and Gary Penrice...is STILL being paid by QPR, even as Plymouth have been trying to get him as their coach. (There has seemingly, been no QPR comment on his status.)
From the Plymouth Fan Site "Argyle Daily Diary," November 4:
"Ian Holloway's attempts to bring Tim Breacker to Home Park have had to be put on hold. Breacker is still being paid by QPR, but is not part of John Gregory's staff. Holloway wants to hire him, but an agreement that had almost been reached with the London club seems to have collapsed. "I feel for Tim at the moment," Holloway said. "QPR are being a bunch of idiots. They're still paying him, but they've reneged on certain things that they said they were going to do and there's no deal any more. I can't understand it, to be perfectly honest with you. I don't what QPR are doing. It's absolute madness. I don't think you should treat people like that, and I'm very, very, very disappointed, to say the least."
Plymouth Diary last Saturday
QPR's Official Statement back in early February Announcing the Gardening Leave for Ian Holloway, Gary Penrice and Time Breaker.
QPR's February "Gardening Leave" Statement
See Also:
Breaker
August 24, 2006: Penrice and Breaker Set to Join Holloway at Plymouth
Plymouth Official Announcememt
Saturday, September 09: Holloway: Penrice & Breaker Still NOT Yet at Plymouth
Sept 15: Penrice & Breaker Joining Plymouth - Hopefully - Next Week!
Oct 20: "Ex" Coach, Tim Breaker STILL a QPR Employee?
October 24: Passing 250 Days of "Gardening Leave" for Tim Breaker
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Ex-QPR Mike Flanagan Turns 54
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Birthday Today: Mike Flanagan Born November 9, 1952
Ex-Charlton striker, Flanagan was one of a number of Crystal Palace players signed by Terry Venables in December 1980 after he left Palace for QPR. Played up front or midfield. Palace paid 650,000 pounds for him in 1978. QPR paid 150,000 pounds for him.
Was part of QPR's FA Cup Final team and played in the Championship team the following season. Returned to Charlton in January 1984.
Flanagan
He is currently Assistant Manager at Margate
Margate Website:
"England Youth and ‘B’ international whose playing career included spells at Spurs, Charlton, New England Tea Men (USA), Crystal Palace, QPR and Cambridge United. Mike made almost 400 appearances in two spells at Charlton, scoring 120 goals and during the 1978/79 season he was famously sent off for fighting with his team-mate Derek Hales during an FA Cup tie against Maidstone. During his time at QPR Mike played in the 1982 FA Cup Final and the subsequent replay. He also played non-league football for Grays, Billericay, Hornchurch and Margate where he scored four goals in 15 appearances during the 1990/91 campaign. Mike later managed Gillingham and Waterford (Ireland) and also worked as a coach at Charlton, Southend, Millwall and Hastings. He linked up with Margate again in April 2006, becoming Robin Trott’s assistant
Margate
Also:
Wikipedia on Mike Flanagan
Birthday Today: Mike Flanagan Born November 9, 1952
Ex-Charlton striker, Flanagan was one of a number of Crystal Palace players signed by Terry Venables in December 1980 after he left Palace for QPR. Played up front or midfield. Palace paid 650,000 pounds for him in 1978. QPR paid 150,000 pounds for him.
Was part of QPR's FA Cup Final team and played in the Championship team the following season. Returned to Charlton in January 1984.
Flanagan
He is currently Assistant Manager at Margate
Margate Website:
"England Youth and ‘B’ international whose playing career included spells at Spurs, Charlton, New England Tea Men (USA), Crystal Palace, QPR and Cambridge United. Mike made almost 400 appearances in two spells at Charlton, scoring 120 goals and during the 1978/79 season he was famously sent off for fighting with his team-mate Derek Hales during an FA Cup tie against Maidstone. During his time at QPR Mike played in the 1982 FA Cup Final and the subsequent replay. He also played non-league football for Grays, Billericay, Hornchurch and Margate where he scored four goals in 15 appearances during the 1990/91 campaign. Mike later managed Gillingham and Waterford (Ireland) and also worked as a coach at Charlton, Southend, Millwall and Hastings. He linked up with Margate again in April 2006, becoming Robin Trott’s assistant
Margate
Also:
Wikipedia on Mike Flanagan
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Steve Lomas & Richard Langley on the Waddock Era (Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times)
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From castoff to captain in no time
Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times 08 November 2006
ONE minute your name's on the transfer list, the next it's pencilled on the team sheet with the word 'captain' alongside it in brackets.
It's certainly an unusual scenario for any player - but there are two midfield men at QPR who have experienced exactly that sudden upturn in fortune this season.
Marc Bircham was handed the skipper's armband when John Gregory took over as manager and, with Bircham ruled out by a hamstring injury, the responsibility passed to Steve Lomas.
That represented a remarkable turnaround for the former Northern Ireland international who, like Bircham, was made available for transfer in April by Gary Waddock, then Rangers' caretaker manager.
"John Gregory's come in and made me feel wanted, now I'm starting to get fitter and I'm enjoying it for a change," said Lomas, "Also, we're getting a few results, which always helps.
"I wasn't enjoying it under Gary Waddock. For whatever reason, he thought the players he'd brought in were better - and it seems obvious that they weren't.
"The strange thing was I was put on the transfer list, then totally bombed out for the summer and two days before the start of the season he asked me to play and I was involved for the first six or seven games.
"Then I was basically bombed out again and I felt somewhat mistreated. I'm wise enough to understand it was one man's opinion, but at the end of the day he got sacked and that says it all."
Lomas is no stranger to that situation, having been frozen out by Alan Pardew at West Ham for several months leading up to his switch across London in August 2005.
Before then, the 32-year-old had led both his club and country on several occasions and his natural leadership and organisational skills on the pitch made him an obvious choice to wear the armband at Loftus Road.
A skipper who leads by example, Lomas even chipped in with a rare goal - his first since scoring for the Hammers at Plymouth two years ago - in Saturday's win over Crystal Palace.
He added: "Being captain shows how things can turn around, but I'm not changing anything, it's about going out and playing the best you can.
"I believe I've been totally professional since I've been at QPR, I trained right and didn't mess about. If you keep your head down, you can get a little bit of luck.
"Coming in and out of the team is no good at my age - you've got to be playing regularly - but I've had six games in a row now. Hopefully I can play 30-plus games this season and I'd be delighted with that."
Ironically, though, Lomas is certain to be out of the side again when the Rs travel to Luton this weekend, having collected his fifth yellow card of the campaign against Palace.
Bircham is the likely candidate to replace him, both in central midfield and as captain - and which way the wheel will turn for the rest of the season is anyone's guess...
Ben Kosky
Langley relishing Rangers reunion
Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times 08 November 2006
FORMER QPR star Richard Langley predicts his old team will face an uphill task when they chase three points at Luton this weekend.
Langley, who left Loftus Road for the second time last summer, has been part of a Hatters side that are mounting a solid challenge for the play-offs and, until last week, were unbeaten at home.
The ex-Rangers midfielder said: "When I played for QPR, we always struggled at Kenilworth Road because Luton were such a resilient, well-organised team and that was one of the things that attracted me here.
"This is a hard place for people to come and play their football and we've tried to exploit that to the maximum. We've taken a lot of teams by surprise this season and I think it'll be difficult for QPR on Saturday.
"With that said, they've got some talented players, especially Lee Cook, and it'll be an interesting match, because I've still got a lot of mates at QPR.
"Marc Bircham is the ultimate wind-up merchant, but I won't let it have any effect. There's also Stew Peas [Damion Stewart], who I know from the Jamaica squad, so I'm looking forward to facing both of them."
Having come through the ranks at QPR and made nearly 150 appearances for the first team, Langley was sold to Cardiff in 2003, but returned to the Rs two years later.
His second spell with Rangers was short-lived, though, as caretaker boss Gary Waddock showed him the door when his nine-month contract ran out in May.
"Things hadn't been going well at the end of last season," recalled the 26-year-old. "There were a lot of strange decisions being made, with certain players being put on the transfer list - and I wasn't enjoying it there.
"But I've always got a lot of time for the Rangers fans and I'm sure there will be some kind-hearted banter on Saturday."...
Ben Kosky
From castoff to captain in no time
Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times 08 November 2006
ONE minute your name's on the transfer list, the next it's pencilled on the team sheet with the word 'captain' alongside it in brackets.
It's certainly an unusual scenario for any player - but there are two midfield men at QPR who have experienced exactly that sudden upturn in fortune this season.
Marc Bircham was handed the skipper's armband when John Gregory took over as manager and, with Bircham ruled out by a hamstring injury, the responsibility passed to Steve Lomas.
That represented a remarkable turnaround for the former Northern Ireland international who, like Bircham, was made available for transfer in April by Gary Waddock, then Rangers' caretaker manager.
"John Gregory's come in and made me feel wanted, now I'm starting to get fitter and I'm enjoying it for a change," said Lomas, "Also, we're getting a few results, which always helps.
"I wasn't enjoying it under Gary Waddock. For whatever reason, he thought the players he'd brought in were better - and it seems obvious that they weren't.
"The strange thing was I was put on the transfer list, then totally bombed out for the summer and two days before the start of the season he asked me to play and I was involved for the first six or seven games.
"Then I was basically bombed out again and I felt somewhat mistreated. I'm wise enough to understand it was one man's opinion, but at the end of the day he got sacked and that says it all."
Lomas is no stranger to that situation, having been frozen out by Alan Pardew at West Ham for several months leading up to his switch across London in August 2005.
Before then, the 32-year-old had led both his club and country on several occasions and his natural leadership and organisational skills on the pitch made him an obvious choice to wear the armband at Loftus Road.
A skipper who leads by example, Lomas even chipped in with a rare goal - his first since scoring for the Hammers at Plymouth two years ago - in Saturday's win over Crystal Palace.
He added: "Being captain shows how things can turn around, but I'm not changing anything, it's about going out and playing the best you can.
"I believe I've been totally professional since I've been at QPR, I trained right and didn't mess about. If you keep your head down, you can get a little bit of luck.
"Coming in and out of the team is no good at my age - you've got to be playing regularly - but I've had six games in a row now. Hopefully I can play 30-plus games this season and I'd be delighted with that."
Ironically, though, Lomas is certain to be out of the side again when the Rs travel to Luton this weekend, having collected his fifth yellow card of the campaign against Palace.
Bircham is the likely candidate to replace him, both in central midfield and as captain - and which way the wheel will turn for the rest of the season is anyone's guess...
Ben Kosky
Langley relishing Rangers reunion
Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times 08 November 2006
FORMER QPR star Richard Langley predicts his old team will face an uphill task when they chase three points at Luton this weekend.
Langley, who left Loftus Road for the second time last summer, has been part of a Hatters side that are mounting a solid challenge for the play-offs and, until last week, were unbeaten at home.
The ex-Rangers midfielder said: "When I played for QPR, we always struggled at Kenilworth Road because Luton were such a resilient, well-organised team and that was one of the things that attracted me here.
"This is a hard place for people to come and play their football and we've tried to exploit that to the maximum. We've taken a lot of teams by surprise this season and I think it'll be difficult for QPR on Saturday.
"With that said, they've got some talented players, especially Lee Cook, and it'll be an interesting match, because I've still got a lot of mates at QPR.
"Marc Bircham is the ultimate wind-up merchant, but I won't let it have any effect. There's also Stew Peas [Damion Stewart], who I know from the Jamaica squad, so I'm looking forward to facing both of them."
Having come through the ranks at QPR and made nearly 150 appearances for the first team, Langley was sold to Cardiff in 2003, but returned to the Rs two years later.
His second spell with Rangers was short-lived, though, as caretaker boss Gary Waddock showed him the door when his nine-month contract ran out in May.
"Things hadn't been going well at the end of last season," recalled the 26-year-old. "There were a lot of strange decisions being made, with certain players being put on the transfer list - and I wasn't enjoying it there.
"But I've always got a lot of time for the Rangers fans and I'm sure there will be some kind-hearted banter on Saturday."...
Ben Kosky
On this Day: Terry Venables' First Victory as QPR Manager...+ 20 Years ago, QPR Home Defeat to Liverpool
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November 8, 1980: >QPR 3 Luton Town 2: Two goals for Dean Neal; one from Tommy Langley before a crowd of 10,000+. QPR Team:
Woods
Gillard Wicks Howe Shanks
Roeder King Waddock Silkman
Langley Neal
Mcreery
And twenty years ago, November 8, 1986: QPR lost 3-1 at home to Liverpool. Bannister scoring for Jim Smith's QPR. QPR crowd: 24,000+
QPR's team:
Seaman
Fereday Chivers McDonald Dawes
James Allen Fenwick Walker
Bannister Byrne
Rosenoir
November 8, 1980: >QPR 3 Luton Town 2: Two goals for Dean Neal; one from Tommy Langley before a crowd of 10,000+. QPR Team:
Woods
Gillard Wicks Howe Shanks
Roeder King Waddock Silkman
Langley Neal
Mcreery
And twenty years ago, November 8, 1986: QPR lost 3-1 at home to Liverpool. Bannister scoring for Jim Smith's QPR. QPR crowd: 24,000+
QPR's team:
Seaman
Fereday Chivers McDonald Dawes
James Allen Fenwick Walker
Bannister Byrne
Rosenoir
100 Days Since Paladini Denounced "tiny group" with "an Agenda" & Demanded Evening Standard Retraction
-
From post-Italian tour/pre-season "controversy" and predictions of success to the ousting of Waddock, MacDonald and other staff and the sale of Shittu to John Gregory's QPR's 4-2 win over Crystal Palace: Been quite a 100 days...
On August 1,in a statement posted on the club's official site, Chairman Gianni Paladini charged that "a tiny minority of people seem intent on damaging team morale and destroying the Club." Paladini proclaimed: "We will not allow a tiny group of people, driven by an agenda that has nothing to do with football, to destroy this Club." Paladini further charged this unidentified group of being "so desperate to be proven right and for the Club to fail" and stated "For the last time I say to those who's criticism of the Board has developed into an agenda to undermine the Club" and told them to "stop pursuing a divisive and destructive agenda."
Paladini then declared "I urge all fans to treat such rumour-mongers with the contempt and scepticism they deserve." and asserted that "The Board, the players and staff and the thousands of fans of QPR will not allow a small selfish group to ruin the season for the rest of us."
Meanwhile critiquing an article in the Evening Standard 'Locked-out Rangers are unable to train' Paladini declared "I have been advised it is libellous and our lawyers will be contacting the Standard immediately to demand a retraction."
August 1, 2006 - QPR OFFICIAL SITE - STATEMENT FROM CHAIRMAN, GIANNI PALADINI
"Having just returned from the R's pre-season tour of Italy, QPR Chairman Gianni Paladini can't wait for the big kick-off.
"The trip to Sorrento was a great success, providing the players and coaching staff with an opportunity for some intense training and team bonding.
"Despite the players staying in one of the town's grandest hotels, and having been fitted with brand new QPR tailor-made suits for every player, the trip paid for itself and the Club even managed to make a tiny profit from it.
"Gary, Macca and the coaching staff are now ready for the new season. I believe we have a much improved squad, with summer signings including Armel Tchakounte, Jamaican international defender Damion Stewart, Egutu Oliseh, Adam Czerkas and the much talked about Nicky Ward, and the important re-signing of Lee Cook for two more years.
"Many of last season's first team have improved over pre-season and it has been particularly pleasing to see Martin Rowlands back to full fitness. A number of the youth squad have made tremendous steps forward during pre-season and will be fighting for places in Gary's first team.
"It is frustrating that, despite all the hard work everyone has been doing during pre-season, a tiny minority of people seem intent on damaging team morale and destroying the Club in the run up to our important first game.
"Not only have they once again invented wholly false rumours about the state of the Club, but unfortunately a couple of journalists with a record of writing stories against QPR, and with links to some of the individuals intent on destabilising the Club, have blown up these rumours and made up stories from nothing.
"Last week it was suggested in some of the press that we were putting QPR up for sale. Unfortunately the journalists responsible for this story failed to even check the official statement from Antonio Caliendo, Chairman of Holdings, on the Club's official website, making clear the Board's continued commitment to QPR.
"I have always said if someone with QPR's best interests at heart wants to come along and buy out the existing Board we would not stand in their way. Nothing has changed and nobody has come forward. We will continue to seek out new investors to take the Club even further forward, but as Antonio made clear last week, we are committed to QPR.
"The Club is in a better financial position than it has been in for a number of years. Things are still tough, but we have reduced the annual debt by millions and intend to reduce it further. Yet ridiculous rumours still seem to be invented by a few people for reasons beyond me.
"The latest is the absurd rumour suggested on a message board that the players were locked out of the Harlington training ground, when in fact Gary Waddock had just given them the day off as they had only recently arrived back from a busy schedule in Italy.
"The same newspaper that had to apologise for a series of inaccurate stories about me last season, the Evening Standard, then chose to repeat this wholly false rumour as fact without even checking with me, the coaching staff, or even Imperial College - the owners of the training ground.
"In an article by a journalist named Wayne Vesey, under the headline 'Locked-out Rangers are unable to train' the Standard claimed that the Club was locked out of the training ground on Monday. Such a clearly false statement damages the reputation of the Club, and the morale of the players and supporters. I have been advised it is libellous and our lawyers will be contacting the Standard immediately to demand a retraction."QPR fans will ask themselves why should people invent such rumours? The purpose can only be to destabilise the Club and to injure the morale of players and fans just days before the season kicks off. The Club will not allow another season to be derailed by these people.
"The Board, Gary Waddock and the coaching staff, and the players and other members of staff, are all united in our focus to move this great club forward and to achieve success this season on the pitch. We believe we have the squad and the resources to do so. We will not allow a tiny group of people, driven by an agenda that has nothing to do with football, to destroy this Club.
"I urge all fans to treat such rumour-mongers with the contempt and scepticism they deserve. They have been claiming we would go into administration every week for the past year, and they never admit they are wrong when we don't.
"They claimed we were locked out of the training ground before and even that the groundsmen would not cut the grass at the stadium. They predicted we would spend all the Club's money on agents' fees when we have spent less than nearly any other club in this division. They predicted we would sell off Loftus Road and all our best players because we could not afford their wages.
"Just yesterday they claimed we were locked out of the training ground because we could not afford the rent; but today, as scheduled, our players are training at the training ground. On each and every occasion their rumours have been proven false.
"As I believe you say in England, when someone cries wolf so many times, people stop listening. But every time the rumour-mongers are proven wrong they invent another rumour, so desperate to be proven right and for the Club to fail.
"For the last time I say to those who's criticism of the Board has developed into an agenda to undermine the Club, if you know of a better alternative to take QPR forward with the necessary funding to support it, then please let us know. Otherwise stop pursuing a divisive and destructive agenda. The Board, the players and staff and the thousands of fans of QPR will not allow a small selfish group to ruin the season for the rest of us.
"I know most QPR fans will be sensible enough to take every rumour and press speculation with a hefty pinch of salt. We seem to be in the 'silly season' right now - only today I saw an article in the Mirror claiming I had rejected an offer of £3million for Danny Shittu from Wolves and would only sell him for £10 million.
"The story is, of course, rubbish. As I have said all along, we don't want to sell Danny, but if someone comes in with an offer of £3million or above it will be up to him to decide. Nobody has made such an offer and so Danny will be starting the season with us.
"So as we prepare for the opening game at Burnley on Saturday, and then two exciting home games against Leeds United and newly promoted Southend United, I cannot wait for the football to start and for the players to do the talking on the pitch."And I urge every single QPR fan to get fully behind Gary and the boys and help them to turn this into a glorious season. Come on You R's!'' Gianni Paladini
QPR
August 1, 2006 QPR OFFICIAL SITE STATEMENT RE GROUND CLOSING
CLUB STATEMENT Queens Park Rangers Football Club would like to issue the following statement to clear the air over yet more wildly inaccurate reporting in the press and on various message boards.QPR staff were admitted to the training ground on Monday. No players were refused admittance to the ground yesterday. This is because no players turned up as it had been decided to give them an extra day off after their pre-season tour to Italy. The players are back at the training ground today (Tuesday) working hard for the opening match of the season at Turf Moor on Saturday. We can confirm that there was no Portsmouth player on trial with the Club either yesterday or today. It should also be noted that the items printed in the press had not been checked with either QPR or Imperial College before being published.And remember... www.qpr.co.uk is the R's official website - where all the breaking news comes first and fastest.
QPR
From post-Italian tour/pre-season "controversy" and predictions of success to the ousting of Waddock, MacDonald and other staff and the sale of Shittu to John Gregory's QPR's 4-2 win over Crystal Palace: Been quite a 100 days...
On August 1,in a statement posted on the club's official site, Chairman Gianni Paladini charged that "a tiny minority of people seem intent on damaging team morale and destroying the Club." Paladini proclaimed: "We will not allow a tiny group of people, driven by an agenda that has nothing to do with football, to destroy this Club." Paladini further charged this unidentified group of being "so desperate to be proven right and for the Club to fail" and stated "For the last time I say to those who's criticism of the Board has developed into an agenda to undermine the Club" and told them to "stop pursuing a divisive and destructive agenda."
Paladini then declared "I urge all fans to treat such rumour-mongers with the contempt and scepticism they deserve." and asserted that "The Board, the players and staff and the thousands of fans of QPR will not allow a small selfish group to ruin the season for the rest of us."
Meanwhile critiquing an article in the Evening Standard 'Locked-out Rangers are unable to train' Paladini declared "I have been advised it is libellous and our lawyers will be contacting the Standard immediately to demand a retraction."
August 1, 2006 - QPR OFFICIAL SITE - STATEMENT FROM CHAIRMAN, GIANNI PALADINI
"Having just returned from the R's pre-season tour of Italy, QPR Chairman Gianni Paladini can't wait for the big kick-off.
"The trip to Sorrento was a great success, providing the players and coaching staff with an opportunity for some intense training and team bonding.
"Despite the players staying in one of the town's grandest hotels, and having been fitted with brand new QPR tailor-made suits for every player, the trip paid for itself and the Club even managed to make a tiny profit from it.
"Gary, Macca and the coaching staff are now ready for the new season. I believe we have a much improved squad, with summer signings including Armel Tchakounte, Jamaican international defender Damion Stewart, Egutu Oliseh, Adam Czerkas and the much talked about Nicky Ward, and the important re-signing of Lee Cook for two more years.
"Many of last season's first team have improved over pre-season and it has been particularly pleasing to see Martin Rowlands back to full fitness. A number of the youth squad have made tremendous steps forward during pre-season and will be fighting for places in Gary's first team.
"It is frustrating that, despite all the hard work everyone has been doing during pre-season, a tiny minority of people seem intent on damaging team morale and destroying the Club in the run up to our important first game.
"Not only have they once again invented wholly false rumours about the state of the Club, but unfortunately a couple of journalists with a record of writing stories against QPR, and with links to some of the individuals intent on destabilising the Club, have blown up these rumours and made up stories from nothing.
"Last week it was suggested in some of the press that we were putting QPR up for sale. Unfortunately the journalists responsible for this story failed to even check the official statement from Antonio Caliendo, Chairman of Holdings, on the Club's official website, making clear the Board's continued commitment to QPR.
"I have always said if someone with QPR's best interests at heart wants to come along and buy out the existing Board we would not stand in their way. Nothing has changed and nobody has come forward. We will continue to seek out new investors to take the Club even further forward, but as Antonio made clear last week, we are committed to QPR.
"The Club is in a better financial position than it has been in for a number of years. Things are still tough, but we have reduced the annual debt by millions and intend to reduce it further. Yet ridiculous rumours still seem to be invented by a few people for reasons beyond me.
"The latest is the absurd rumour suggested on a message board that the players were locked out of the Harlington training ground, when in fact Gary Waddock had just given them the day off as they had only recently arrived back from a busy schedule in Italy.
"The same newspaper that had to apologise for a series of inaccurate stories about me last season, the Evening Standard, then chose to repeat this wholly false rumour as fact without even checking with me, the coaching staff, or even Imperial College - the owners of the training ground.
"In an article by a journalist named Wayne Vesey, under the headline 'Locked-out Rangers are unable to train' the Standard claimed that the Club was locked out of the training ground on Monday. Such a clearly false statement damages the reputation of the Club, and the morale of the players and supporters. I have been advised it is libellous and our lawyers will be contacting the Standard immediately to demand a retraction."QPR fans will ask themselves why should people invent such rumours? The purpose can only be to destabilise the Club and to injure the morale of players and fans just days before the season kicks off. The Club will not allow another season to be derailed by these people.
"The Board, Gary Waddock and the coaching staff, and the players and other members of staff, are all united in our focus to move this great club forward and to achieve success this season on the pitch. We believe we have the squad and the resources to do so. We will not allow a tiny group of people, driven by an agenda that has nothing to do with football, to destroy this Club.
"I urge all fans to treat such rumour-mongers with the contempt and scepticism they deserve. They have been claiming we would go into administration every week for the past year, and they never admit they are wrong when we don't.
"They claimed we were locked out of the training ground before and even that the groundsmen would not cut the grass at the stadium. They predicted we would spend all the Club's money on agents' fees when we have spent less than nearly any other club in this division. They predicted we would sell off Loftus Road and all our best players because we could not afford their wages.
"Just yesterday they claimed we were locked out of the training ground because we could not afford the rent; but today, as scheduled, our players are training at the training ground. On each and every occasion their rumours have been proven false.
"As I believe you say in England, when someone cries wolf so many times, people stop listening. But every time the rumour-mongers are proven wrong they invent another rumour, so desperate to be proven right and for the Club to fail.
"For the last time I say to those who's criticism of the Board has developed into an agenda to undermine the Club, if you know of a better alternative to take QPR forward with the necessary funding to support it, then please let us know. Otherwise stop pursuing a divisive and destructive agenda. The Board, the players and staff and the thousands of fans of QPR will not allow a small selfish group to ruin the season for the rest of us.
"I know most QPR fans will be sensible enough to take every rumour and press speculation with a hefty pinch of salt. We seem to be in the 'silly season' right now - only today I saw an article in the Mirror claiming I had rejected an offer of £3million for Danny Shittu from Wolves and would only sell him for £10 million.
"The story is, of course, rubbish. As I have said all along, we don't want to sell Danny, but if someone comes in with an offer of £3million or above it will be up to him to decide. Nobody has made such an offer and so Danny will be starting the season with us.
"So as we prepare for the opening game at Burnley on Saturday, and then two exciting home games against Leeds United and newly promoted Southend United, I cannot wait for the football to start and for the players to do the talking on the pitch."And I urge every single QPR fan to get fully behind Gary and the boys and help them to turn this into a glorious season. Come on You R's!'' Gianni Paladini
QPR
August 1, 2006 QPR OFFICIAL SITE STATEMENT RE GROUND CLOSING
CLUB STATEMENT Queens Park Rangers Football Club would like to issue the following statement to clear the air over yet more wildly inaccurate reporting in the press and on various message boards.QPR staff were admitted to the training ground on Monday. No players were refused admittance to the ground yesterday. This is because no players turned up as it had been decided to give them an extra day off after their pre-season tour to Italy. The players are back at the training ground today (Tuesday) working hard for the opening match of the season at Turf Moor on Saturday. We can confirm that there was no Portsmouth player on trial with the Club either yesterday or today. It should also be noted that the items printed in the press had not been checked with either QPR or Imperial College before being published.And remember... www.qpr.co.uk is the R's official website - where all the breaking news comes first and fastest.
QPR
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Last Season's QPR Loanee, Leon Clarke Doing Well at Wolves
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[Leon Clarke joined QPR on loan last season, a deadline-day signing by Ian Holloway. After playing one game, he was sent back by Gary Waddock!]
Leon Clarke Wolves Official Site -Realistic Target
Leon Clarke has set himself a target of netting 15 goals for the season.
The striker is currently the club's top scorer after bagging two goals in Saturday's victory over Southend, and he admits his confidence is high after hitting a rich vein of form.
"I was pleased with my two goals and, more importantly, I was happy to help us claim the three points because we had a disappointing result away at Southampton before the Southend game," he says in today's Wolves World news bulletin.
"I was a little bit disappointed that I didn't manage to get my hat-trick but we have good players who were on the bench and the manager wanted to put fresh legs on, so I understood why I needed to come off and it wasn't a problem.
"As long as I am in front of Jay (Bothroyd) in the goalscoring stakes then I will be happy!
"With the way things are going for me at the moment I have set myself a realistic target of hitting 14 or 15 goals by the end of the season.
"If I could just get ten goals before Christmas then I'd be well on my way."
After having a difficult time last season, moving in and out of the first team, Leon admits he is happy to be doing his bit to help the cause this term.
"There have been a lot of things said about me in the past, suggesting that I haven't fulfilled my potential," he says.
"The manager came in and wiped the slate clean and has been helping me make sure I do fulfil that potential.
"He has worked on my fitness and certain aspects of my game.
"He has brought the best out of me so far, but I feel I can still work to do better.
"It is to do with confidence as well, and my confidence levels are high at the moment.
"The fans have put the past behind them and they have been good to me, I'd like to thank them for that. I am really happy with everything at the moment."
Wolves
From February: Holloway on Signing
Holloway on his Signings & Failure to Sign Thompson
..The Rangers boss moved late on deadline-day to sign striker Leon Clarke and defender Keith Lowe on loan for the remainder of the season.
...."From my point of view I need to freshen things up. We have signed Leon Clarke and Keith Lowe until the end of the season and a couple of new defenders. I could possibly pick a whole new back four and at least I have the options."
..Talk
TEAMTALK - Wolves Pair Return to Wolves
"Loan pair return to Wolves
QPR boss Gary Waddock has sent back on-loan duo Leon Clarke and Keith Lowe to Wolves after just one appearance each.The pair were brought in on a month's loan by former boss Ian Holloway - who was placed on gardening leave last week - and played in the 2-0 defeat at Leeds on February 4, which was Holloway's last in charge.But caretaker-manager Waddock - whose first game in charge ended in a 1-0 win over Millwall on Saturday - informed striker Clarke and defender Lowe they were not part of his plans."As far as I'm aware, Clarke and Lowe have gone back to Wolves," Waddock said. "I didn't bring in the loan players."I want to give the players who are contracted and committed to QPR a chance. After that, I will make up my mind which players will be involved in the first-team group."
Teamtalk
HODDLE COMMENTS ON LOAN RETURN FROM QPR
WOLVES OFFICIAL SITE Disappointment At Early End To Loan
Glenn Hoddle has admitted his disappointment at the early end to Leon Clarke and Keith Lowe's loan spells at QPR.
The pair returned to Molineux this morning after caretaker manager at Loftus Road, Gary Waddock, decided he wanted to work with permanent staff and not loan players. They had played just one game.
Due to loan rules, the duo will not be eligible to play for Wolves until after February 28th.
"It's very disappointing for the players," said Glenn.
"I spoke to Gary (Waddock) on Friday and he told me that he wants to go with the players who are already there and he knows.
"The lads obviously aren't going to play down there and so it was best for them to come back and train with us.
"The rules mean, though, that they can't play for us at either first team or reserve level for another couple of weeks, which is difficult for them.
"We'll make a call and see if there's any way around that, so they can at least have a run out in the reserves, but I don't know if it will make any difference.
"The two lads have taken it fairly well, they were bright and bubbly this morning, but it isn't the best situation for them to be in, especially when it's through no fault of their own."
Wolves
[Leon Clarke joined QPR on loan last season, a deadline-day signing by Ian Holloway. After playing one game, he was sent back by Gary Waddock!]
Leon Clarke Wolves Official Site -Realistic Target
Leon Clarke has set himself a target of netting 15 goals for the season.
The striker is currently the club's top scorer after bagging two goals in Saturday's victory over Southend, and he admits his confidence is high after hitting a rich vein of form.
"I was pleased with my two goals and, more importantly, I was happy to help us claim the three points because we had a disappointing result away at Southampton before the Southend game," he says in today's Wolves World news bulletin.
"I was a little bit disappointed that I didn't manage to get my hat-trick but we have good players who were on the bench and the manager wanted to put fresh legs on, so I understood why I needed to come off and it wasn't a problem.
"As long as I am in front of Jay (Bothroyd) in the goalscoring stakes then I will be happy!
"With the way things are going for me at the moment I have set myself a realistic target of hitting 14 or 15 goals by the end of the season.
"If I could just get ten goals before Christmas then I'd be well on my way."
After having a difficult time last season, moving in and out of the first team, Leon admits he is happy to be doing his bit to help the cause this term.
"There have been a lot of things said about me in the past, suggesting that I haven't fulfilled my potential," he says.
"The manager came in and wiped the slate clean and has been helping me make sure I do fulfil that potential.
"He has worked on my fitness and certain aspects of my game.
"He has brought the best out of me so far, but I feel I can still work to do better.
"It is to do with confidence as well, and my confidence levels are high at the moment.
"The fans have put the past behind them and they have been good to me, I'd like to thank them for that. I am really happy with everything at the moment."
Wolves
From February: Holloway on Signing
Holloway on his Signings & Failure to Sign Thompson
..The Rangers boss moved late on deadline-day to sign striker Leon Clarke and defender Keith Lowe on loan for the remainder of the season.
...."From my point of view I need to freshen things up. We have signed Leon Clarke and Keith Lowe until the end of the season and a couple of new defenders. I could possibly pick a whole new back four and at least I have the options."
..Talk
TEAMTALK - Wolves Pair Return to Wolves
"Loan pair return to Wolves
QPR boss Gary Waddock has sent back on-loan duo Leon Clarke and Keith Lowe to Wolves after just one appearance each.The pair were brought in on a month's loan by former boss Ian Holloway - who was placed on gardening leave last week - and played in the 2-0 defeat at Leeds on February 4, which was Holloway's last in charge.But caretaker-manager Waddock - whose first game in charge ended in a 1-0 win over Millwall on Saturday - informed striker Clarke and defender Lowe they were not part of his plans."As far as I'm aware, Clarke and Lowe have gone back to Wolves," Waddock said. "I didn't bring in the loan players."I want to give the players who are contracted and committed to QPR a chance. After that, I will make up my mind which players will be involved in the first-team group."
Teamtalk
HODDLE COMMENTS ON LOAN RETURN FROM QPR
WOLVES OFFICIAL SITE Disappointment At Early End To Loan
Glenn Hoddle has admitted his disappointment at the early end to Leon Clarke and Keith Lowe's loan spells at QPR.
The pair returned to Molineux this morning after caretaker manager at Loftus Road, Gary Waddock, decided he wanted to work with permanent staff and not loan players. They had played just one game.
Due to loan rules, the duo will not be eligible to play for Wolves until after February 28th.
"It's very disappointing for the players," said Glenn.
"I spoke to Gary (Waddock) on Friday and he told me that he wants to go with the players who are already there and he knows.
"The lads obviously aren't going to play down there and so it was best for them to come back and train with us.
"The rules mean, though, that they can't play for us at either first team or reserve level for another couple of weeks, which is difficult for them.
"We'll make a call and see if there's any way around that, so they can at least have a run out in the reserves, but I don't know if it will make any difference.
"The two lads have taken it fairly well, they were bright and bubbly this morning, but it isn't the best situation for them to be in, especially when it's through no fault of their own."
Wolves
22 Years Ago: Infamy! QPR Knocked out of Europe by Partizan Belgrade!
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November 7, 1984: UEFA CUP: Partizan Belgrade 4 QPR 0
Perhaps the nadir of Alan Mullery six-month managership of a QPR team which (with the exception of Garry Bannister replacing Clive Allen)Mllery inherited from Terry Venables.
A couple of weeks previously, QPR had beaten Partizan Belgrade 6-2 in the UEFA Cup (played at Highbury becuase of a ban on Loftus Road because of its "plastic pitch."). In the return game, QPR were through as long as they avoided a 0-4 or 1-5 defeat. Unfortunately, QPR didn't manage this, and QPR were amazing knocked out of Europe. And that was the last time QPR played in the EUFA Cup!)
QPR's team that night:
Hucker
Chivers Wicks Fenwick Dawes
Gregory Waddock Fillery Fereday
Stainrod Bannister
Sub: Mickelwhite
November 7, 1984: UEFA CUP: Partizan Belgrade 4 QPR 0
Perhaps the nadir of Alan Mullery six-month managership of a QPR team which (with the exception of Garry Bannister replacing Clive Allen)Mllery inherited from Terry Venables.
A couple of weeks previously, QPR had beaten Partizan Belgrade 6-2 in the UEFA Cup (played at Highbury becuase of a ban on Loftus Road because of its "plastic pitch."). In the return game, QPR were through as long as they avoided a 0-4 or 1-5 defeat. Unfortunately, QPR didn't manage this, and QPR were amazing knocked out of Europe. And that was the last time QPR played in the EUFA Cup!)
QPR's team that night:
Hucker
Chivers Wicks Fenwick Dawes
Gregory Waddock Fillery Fereday
Stainrod Bannister
Sub: Mickelwhite
Ex-QPR Mark Hateley Turns 45
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Mark Hateley: Born November 7, 1961.
Hateley had a great football career. Unfortunately his time at QPR was not a happy one. Signed by Ray Wilkins in October 1995 - as a late replacement for Les Ferdinand, for a then club record, 1.5 million pounds. Unfortunately Hateley was injured when he signed and it was a few weeks before he made his debut. He scored only a few goals for QPR that season and after QPR' relegation, scored once before being loaned and then sold to Leeds.
[NB: Mark Hateley is the son of Tony Hateley, the ex-Notts County, Chelsea, Liverpool, Birmingham forward. When Tony Hately made his Birmingham debut in 1969/1970,it was against QPR, and the forward destroyed QPR and Bert Murray scored a hatrick in Birmingham's 3-0 victory)
Hateley Playing Record
Mark Hateley: Born November 7, 1961.
Hateley had a great football career. Unfortunately his time at QPR was not a happy one. Signed by Ray Wilkins in October 1995 - as a late replacement for Les Ferdinand, for a then club record, 1.5 million pounds. Unfortunately Hateley was injured when he signed and it was a few weeks before he made his debut. He scored only a few goals for QPR that season and after QPR' relegation, scored once before being loaned and then sold to Leeds.
[NB: Mark Hateley is the son of Tony Hateley, the ex-Notts County, Chelsea, Liverpool, Birmingham forward. When Tony Hately made his Birmingham debut in 1969/1970,it was against QPR, and the forward destroyed QPR and Bert Murray scored a hatrick in Birmingham's 3-0 victory)
Hateley Playing Record
Monday, November 06, 2006
Warm Profile of QPR's Former Manager, Ian Holloway
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Much of it has been said in previous profiles and interviews, but still evokes the positive aspects of Ian Holloway.
Daily Mail -Football Pilgrim's progress on the Holloway road
By IVAN SPECK 3rd November 2006
Ian Holloway was late - and not just because he had forgotten the security code for the back door to Plymouth Argyle's offices.
One of his coaches was ill and he had taken the extra workload upon himself. He wasn't about to renege upon an appointment, though, so he went further and offered the opportunity to shadow him in the morning team meeting and on the training pitch.
It is the attitude of openness and consideration that enchants all those who meet this snapper dog of a Bristolian beloved for his way with words.
Holloway's quips are the stuff of football legend. There is no need to repeat any of them here because every day offers up new pearls of Hollowisdom.
"The biggest problem I've got down here in Plymouth is seagulls s****ing on my car," he offers. By way of illustration he points to a particularly large deposit and adds: "He must have been six foot four, the one that did that."
The team meeting is characterised by passion, commitment and an acceptance of guilt that he had missed out on giving his team one vital piece of information before Tuesday's 1-1 draw against Ipswich, which saw them into sixth place in the Championship.
He assesses Saturday's opponents at Home Park, Birmingham City, and dissects their team. Without divulging secrets, suffice it to say that Gary McSheffrey was described as "the Duracell bunny on drugs" and strike partner Cameron Jerome is the "tumble dryer".
Before the players left for the training pitch, Holloway conducted an open vote for the wearer of the "Joey Barton shorts" that he has had made in tribute to the Manchester City midfielder who showed his backside to the Everton fans recently. Striker Cherno Samba was less than enamoured with being the butt of the jokes throughout the session.
The atmosphere at Home Park, whether in the offices or on the pitch, has a warmth that is wholly of Holloway's making. The man is perpetual motion personified. He cannot sit still on the team coach - and every away day is a long trip from Plymouth. So much so that he has suggested getting a karaoke machine installed in the coach.
Do not think that the 43-year-old is just a flippant motivator, though. He is a deep thinker whose family life has given him a perspective for which he is grateful.
Of his four children, three - 17-year-old twins Chloe and Eve and 14-year-old Harriet - suffer from a congenital deafness. Their condition and their spirit have made him a better person, he says.
Holloway also learned humility when his wife Kim was diagnosed with cancer years ago. Thankfully, the illness has been overcome.
He said: "I was one of the nastiest people you could meet. I was so self-centred. But being made more aware of some people's problems broadened my horizons and made me a nicer person. I like myself now.
"Having deaf children is like doing a jigsaw puzzle without a picture on the box. But they have enhanced our lives. I wouldn't be where I am now without them showing me what life is all about."
Life now is about Devon, Plymouth, working for decent people.
Holloway saw the shallow side of football when he was placed on gardening leave by QPR earlier this year in spite of having taken the club into the Championship.
"I met Kenny Dalglish when I was totally disillusioned. He said: 'It's all about dignity. You kept it at Bristol Rovers and you've kept it now. You'll meet someone you want to work for. Don't let your enthusiasm for the game die off.' I didn't need the job at Plymouth. I was still stinging a bit from QPR. But halfway through the interview, I thought: 'I could work for these people'. And I started to get nervous and started swearing.
"If we went any further south than Plymouth, we'd get our toes wet. But should it matter where we are in the country? If we could get in the Premiership that would just be the start of things here.
"People speak to you here. In London you're a mad person if you speak to someone on the tube."
Ask Holloway for his opinion on all things football and he will offer it - from the heart. On matters West Ham and the possible takeover that could affect manager Alan Pardew's position: "This geezer who's going to buy the club is a complete lunatic for me.
"For him to come in and start talking about giving the job to somebody else when Alan Pardew has done what he has, the bloke is a lunatic. I don't care how many millions he's got. He cannot be real."
On David Beckham and a possible knighthood: "He's done fantastically well and been an ambassador for our country but does being a famous footballer and having a famous wife deserve a knighthood? There's a lot more people more deserving. Doctors, nurses. Maybe at the end of his career but why now?"
There is one thing Holloway cannot accept, however. The Bristol Rovers fanatic, who played for and managed in the blue half of Bristol, still won't tolerate the colour red.
"I'm never going to like red, I have to say, because of the Bristol City-Bristol Rovers thing. I don't like red pens, red seats, red cars. Even Ferraris in red. It's a bit strange.
"My wife cured that one Christmas, though. She bought some red underwear and that's the only thing I've ever liked."
A nutcase? Without doubt. But with a heart we should all cherish.
Daily Mail
Much of it has been said in previous profiles and interviews, but still evokes the positive aspects of Ian Holloway.
Daily Mail -Football Pilgrim's progress on the Holloway road
By IVAN SPECK 3rd November 2006
Ian Holloway was late - and not just because he had forgotten the security code for the back door to Plymouth Argyle's offices.
One of his coaches was ill and he had taken the extra workload upon himself. He wasn't about to renege upon an appointment, though, so he went further and offered the opportunity to shadow him in the morning team meeting and on the training pitch.
It is the attitude of openness and consideration that enchants all those who meet this snapper dog of a Bristolian beloved for his way with words.
Holloway's quips are the stuff of football legend. There is no need to repeat any of them here because every day offers up new pearls of Hollowisdom.
"The biggest problem I've got down here in Plymouth is seagulls s****ing on my car," he offers. By way of illustration he points to a particularly large deposit and adds: "He must have been six foot four, the one that did that."
The team meeting is characterised by passion, commitment and an acceptance of guilt that he had missed out on giving his team one vital piece of information before Tuesday's 1-1 draw against Ipswich, which saw them into sixth place in the Championship.
He assesses Saturday's opponents at Home Park, Birmingham City, and dissects their team. Without divulging secrets, suffice it to say that Gary McSheffrey was described as "the Duracell bunny on drugs" and strike partner Cameron Jerome is the "tumble dryer".
Before the players left for the training pitch, Holloway conducted an open vote for the wearer of the "Joey Barton shorts" that he has had made in tribute to the Manchester City midfielder who showed his backside to the Everton fans recently. Striker Cherno Samba was less than enamoured with being the butt of the jokes throughout the session.
The atmosphere at Home Park, whether in the offices or on the pitch, has a warmth that is wholly of Holloway's making. The man is perpetual motion personified. He cannot sit still on the team coach - and every away day is a long trip from Plymouth. So much so that he has suggested getting a karaoke machine installed in the coach.
Do not think that the 43-year-old is just a flippant motivator, though. He is a deep thinker whose family life has given him a perspective for which he is grateful.
Of his four children, three - 17-year-old twins Chloe and Eve and 14-year-old Harriet - suffer from a congenital deafness. Their condition and their spirit have made him a better person, he says.
Holloway also learned humility when his wife Kim was diagnosed with cancer years ago. Thankfully, the illness has been overcome.
He said: "I was one of the nastiest people you could meet. I was so self-centred. But being made more aware of some people's problems broadened my horizons and made me a nicer person. I like myself now.
"Having deaf children is like doing a jigsaw puzzle without a picture on the box. But they have enhanced our lives. I wouldn't be where I am now without them showing me what life is all about."
Life now is about Devon, Plymouth, working for decent people.
Holloway saw the shallow side of football when he was placed on gardening leave by QPR earlier this year in spite of having taken the club into the Championship.
"I met Kenny Dalglish when I was totally disillusioned. He said: 'It's all about dignity. You kept it at Bristol Rovers and you've kept it now. You'll meet someone you want to work for. Don't let your enthusiasm for the game die off.' I didn't need the job at Plymouth. I was still stinging a bit from QPR. But halfway through the interview, I thought: 'I could work for these people'. And I started to get nervous and started swearing.
"If we went any further south than Plymouth, we'd get our toes wet. But should it matter where we are in the country? If we could get in the Premiership that would just be the start of things here.
"People speak to you here. In London you're a mad person if you speak to someone on the tube."
Ask Holloway for his opinion on all things football and he will offer it - from the heart. On matters West Ham and the possible takeover that could affect manager Alan Pardew's position: "This geezer who's going to buy the club is a complete lunatic for me.
"For him to come in and start talking about giving the job to somebody else when Alan Pardew has done what he has, the bloke is a lunatic. I don't care how many millions he's got. He cannot be real."
On David Beckham and a possible knighthood: "He's done fantastically well and been an ambassador for our country but does being a famous footballer and having a famous wife deserve a knighthood? There's a lot more people more deserving. Doctors, nurses. Maybe at the end of his career but why now?"
There is one thing Holloway cannot accept, however. The Bristol Rovers fanatic, who played for and managed in the blue half of Bristol, still won't tolerate the colour red.
"I'm never going to like red, I have to say, because of the Bristol City-Bristol Rovers thing. I don't like red pens, red seats, red cars. Even Ferraris in red. It's a bit strange.
"My wife cured that one Christmas, though. She bought some red underwear and that's the only thing I've ever liked."
A nutcase? Without doubt. But with a heart we should all cherish.
Daily Mail
Paul Jones Left out of the Welsh Squad (but Not Dropped)
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BBC:
"...Sunderland goalkeeper Darren Ward has won a Wales recall nearly three years after he played his last international. Wales boss John Toshack has included the 32-year-old in his squad for the friendly against Liechtenstein at Wrexham on 14 November.....
"Veteran goalkeeper Paul Jones is unavailable for personal reasons, while Ipswich stopper Lewis Price is recovering from a cracked rib. "Paul hasn't been left out because he got his hair shaved for the last game or because of the five goals he let in but he is not available for personal, family reasons," said Toshack. "He will still be involved with us in the future, but I must look at other goalkeepers and this gives me my chance."...
FULL SQUAD
Wales squad to face Liechtenstein in Wrexham (14 November):
Jason Brown (Blackburn), Danny Coyne (Burnley), Darren Ward (Sunderland), Gareth Bale (Southampton), James Collins (West Ham), Richard Duffy (Portsmouth; loan Coventry), Danny Gabbidon (West Ham), Craig Morgan (MK Dons; loan
BBC:
"...Sunderland goalkeeper Darren Ward has won a Wales recall nearly three years after he played his last international. Wales boss John Toshack has included the 32-year-old in his squad for the friendly against Liechtenstein at Wrexham on 14 November.....
"Veteran goalkeeper Paul Jones is unavailable for personal reasons, while Ipswich stopper Lewis Price is recovering from a cracked rib. "Paul hasn't been left out because he got his hair shaved for the last game or because of the five goals he let in but he is not available for personal, family reasons," said Toshack. "He will still be involved with us in the future, but I must look at other goalkeepers and this gives me my chance."...
FULL SQUAD
Wales squad to face Liechtenstein in Wrexham (14 November):
Jason Brown (Blackburn), Danny Coyne (Burnley), Darren Ward (Sunderland), Gareth Bale (Southampton), James Collins (West Ham), Richard Duffy (Portsmouth; loan Coventry), Danny Gabbidon (West Ham), Craig Morgan (MK Dons; loan