-
Gregory's Loftus Road Spring Clean
By Tony Leighton/Football League
Queens Park Rangers manager John Gregory will waste no time in ringing the changes around Loftus Road after confirming the extension of his contract with the London club for a further two years.
Gregory was appointed last September with the task of keeping the R's in the Coca-Cola Championship. It was a task that at times looked extremely tough as the survival battle intensified at the foot of the table.
Rangers often looked in relegation danger, but a run of four wins from five matches ensured the club's safety and Gregory, looking ahead to the final weekend of the season, says: "I'll be sorting things out before our last match so we can get ready for next year.
"There have been so many issues up in the air - staff issues, playing staff issues, coaching staff issues. My own personal situation was the same, although that was sorted last September with the proviso of staying up and that's now kicked in.
"From a financial point of view it would have killed us if we'd got relegated - things like season ticket sales and funding from various sources would have been affected. But we've stayed up and we can start with a clean sheet of paper."
When his contract extension was announced last week Gregory said he was prepared to make changes "which will not always be popular ones." And the former QPR midfielder, a favourite with R's fans in the 1980's, looks set to keep his word.
"The club's had a tired look about it, right the way through," said the ex-Aston Villa and Derby County boss. "We need some young, hungry men - we need some energy, some fight and zip around the place.
"We've brought in two or three, but we need quite a few more as well. We need to change some faces and to give the club a bit of a Spring clean - and we'll do that this week and start to re-build." Football League
Welcome to QPR REPORT - A completely unofficial and unaffiliated fan site focusing on G-d's Chosen Team, Queen's Park Rangers (QPR) FC. (Visit also QPR Report Messageboard and Follow on Twitter.) QPR Report accepts no sponsorship, advertising or financial contributions. In 2008, QPR Report was named as one of the top two blogs in the Football League
Monday, April 30, 2007
Ex-QPR's Richard Graham Released By Barnet
-
Barnet Official Site- Trio To Leave
Richard Graham, one of Paul Fairclough's first signings when he became manager and an outstanding performer in the Nationwide Conference championship winning side, is leaving Underhill.
"Richard has been great for us - and I would like to think we have been great for him," said Fairclough, announcing on Monday that the former Northern Ireland under-21 midfielder was not being offered a new contract for next season.
The likeable Irishman, a former QPR player, said: "There are no hard feelings. I have enjoyed my time at the club."
Graham, who recently turned down a return to former club Kettering Town, has played 80 games for the Bees (16 more as a substitute) and scored seven goals.
Fairclough announced two more players who were not being offered new deals, left back Adam Gross, who has played 50 games for Barnet since joining the club from Charlton Athletic, and former Watford striker Jason Norville, who has been restricted to 11 games for the Bees (20 as substitute) and scored three goals...
By Dennis Signy - Barnet Official Site
Barnet Official Site- Trio To Leave
Richard Graham, one of Paul Fairclough's first signings when he became manager and an outstanding performer in the Nationwide Conference championship winning side, is leaving Underhill.
"Richard has been great for us - and I would like to think we have been great for him," said Fairclough, announcing on Monday that the former Northern Ireland under-21 midfielder was not being offered a new contract for next season.
The likeable Irishman, a former QPR player, said: "There are no hard feelings. I have enjoyed my time at the club."
Graham, who recently turned down a return to former club Kettering Town, has played 80 games for the Bees (16 more as a substitute) and scored seven goals.
Fairclough announced two more players who were not being offered new deals, left back Adam Gross, who has played 50 games for Barnet since joining the club from Charlton Athletic, and former Watford striker Jason Norville, who has been restricted to 11 games for the Bees (20 as substitute) and scored three goals...
By Dennis Signy - Barnet Official Site
Former QPR Dean Parrett Played in England's Wembley Win Against Spain
-
FA - England U-16s 1-0 Spain
Rodwell 52
England U16s v Spain International U16 Friendly
3pm, Saturday 28 April 2007 embley Stadium
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
28 April 2007
VIDEO: England 1-0 Spain
England U16s Head Coach, Kenny Swain, was pleased with how his players dealt with the occasion of playing at Wembley.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kenny Swain believes that the experience of playing at Wembley, against one of the strongest teams in Europe will go a long way to the future development of the U16s.
With almost 30,000 fans inside the stadium for the second match to be played there, England overcame Spain thanks to a second half strike from Jack Rodwell, andSwain is confident that this victory will push these players to greater heights.
"We took the game on in the second half and just about edged it, and probably deserved to win 1-0 which is credit to the players," Swain admitted.
"We expected a bit of anxiety, but we brought them to the stadium on Thursday to help overcome that, and I think they played with less anxiety than we thought they would. It was a fairly mature performance, considering they are only 16 year old schoolboys.
"The experience of playing Wembley, the size of it, the heat and the occasion - I think they have overcome a lot of hurdles here.
They have had magnificent opportunities, particularly in the last three weeks, and they have faced up to Spain, they have faced up to Germany, USA and France and that will stand them in good stead."
The number of fans inside the stadium was a particularly pleasing aspect for Swain.
"The players are knocked out by the turnout, and certainly as far as the staff are concerned it's more than we anticipated, and I think it's a tribute not just to youth football, but the fact so many people are engrossed in the game at all levels.
"Things are looking good for the future, and with the U17s preparing now for the UEFA U17 Championship in Belgium, we certainly have two strong age groups playing well, and we have some very good players right through the system."
Teams:
England: 1 Wesley Foderingham (Fulham) (13 Declan Rudd (Norwich City) 40), 2 Chris Solly (Charlton Athletic) (14 Adam Smith (Tottenham Hotspur) 40), 3 Ben Gordon (Leeds United), 4 Oliver Norwood (Manchester United) (15 John Bostock (Crystal Palace) 48), 5 Kyle Bartley (Bolton Wanderers) (12 Jack Rodwell (Everton) 40), 6 Thomas Cruise (Arsenal), 7 Matthew James (Manchester United), 8 Dean Parrett (Tottenham Hotspur), 9 Nathan Delfouneso (Aston Villa) (Adam Phillip (Chelsea) 73), 10 Harry Forrester (Watford) (16 Jacob Mellis (Sheffield United) 61), 11 Nicky Ajose (Manchester United) (18 Andros Townsend (Tottenham Hotspur) 61)
Subs Not Used:
Spain: 1 Alejandro Sanchez Benitez (Angel Diez Ibanez 40), 2 Jose Manuel Morales Ramos, 3 Angel Martinez Ortega (12 Antonio Luna Rodriguez 40), 4 John Gaztanaga Arrospide, 5 Ruben Molero Cortes (c), 6 Alvaro Lopez Bermejo, 7 Imanol Eslava Arce (17 Fernando Ruiz Izaguirre 40), 8 Thiago (18 Daniel Nieto Vela 59), 9 Daniel Pacheco Lobato, 10 Antonio Miguel De La Torre, 11 Sergio Barcina Rodriguez (14 Alberto Delgado Quintana 40)
Subs Not Used: 15 Ramiro Mayor Ruiz, 16 David Vidal Fernandez,
Referee: Andy D'Urso
Attendance: 28,210 FA Reaction
DEAN PARRETT PROFILED
Parrett flying high - By Stuart Mawhinney. Thursday, 26 April 2007.
England U16s v Spain International U16 Friendly 3pm, Saturday 28 April 2007
Wembley Stadium
Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Dean Parrett was just eight years old when he visited Wembley Stadium, months before the bulldozers moved in to bring down the old ground.
Seven years on and Dean is absolutely delighted to get the opportunity to be part of the opening of the new stadium, when England U16s take on Spain on Saturday.
Speaking exclusively to TheFA.com Dean said: "I was able to get to see the old Wembley just before it was demolished. I remember it being a 'Fun day' with all kinds of things going on, there were kids and adults there getting involved in saying goodbye to the old ground.
"I'm so excited to be part of a match that is effectively introducing the new ground, and welcoming it back to football.
"The England senior side haven't played there yet, and The FA Cup Final won't have been played before we're able to go out there, so it's an incredible buzz."
Dean is anticipating a special atmosphere inside the ground, and cannot wait to walk on the hallowed turf for the first time.
"It's the home of football for everyone in this country, it means so much to everyone who has an interest in the game. It's a massive ground and it has that special atmosphere that makes the hair stand up on the back of your neck - I can't wait!
"We've had a pretty good season, I think we've improved and progressed well over the course of the year, and we just have to stick together against Spain and I'm sure we can do well. It will be special for everyone involved and I'm really looking forward to it." FA
FA - England U-16s 1-0 Spain
Rodwell 52
England U16s v Spain International U16 Friendly
3pm, Saturday 28 April 2007 embley Stadium
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
28 April 2007
VIDEO: England 1-0 Spain
England U16s Head Coach, Kenny Swain, was pleased with how his players dealt with the occasion of playing at Wembley.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kenny Swain believes that the experience of playing at Wembley, against one of the strongest teams in Europe will go a long way to the future development of the U16s.
With almost 30,000 fans inside the stadium for the second match to be played there, England overcame Spain thanks to a second half strike from Jack Rodwell, andSwain is confident that this victory will push these players to greater heights.
"We took the game on in the second half and just about edged it, and probably deserved to win 1-0 which is credit to the players," Swain admitted.
"We expected a bit of anxiety, but we brought them to the stadium on Thursday to help overcome that, and I think they played with less anxiety than we thought they would. It was a fairly mature performance, considering they are only 16 year old schoolboys.
"The experience of playing Wembley, the size of it, the heat and the occasion - I think they have overcome a lot of hurdles here.
They have had magnificent opportunities, particularly in the last three weeks, and they have faced up to Spain, they have faced up to Germany, USA and France and that will stand them in good stead."
The number of fans inside the stadium was a particularly pleasing aspect for Swain.
"The players are knocked out by the turnout, and certainly as far as the staff are concerned it's more than we anticipated, and I think it's a tribute not just to youth football, but the fact so many people are engrossed in the game at all levels.
"Things are looking good for the future, and with the U17s preparing now for the UEFA U17 Championship in Belgium, we certainly have two strong age groups playing well, and we have some very good players right through the system."
Teams:
England: 1 Wesley Foderingham (Fulham) (13 Declan Rudd (Norwich City) 40), 2 Chris Solly (Charlton Athletic) (14 Adam Smith (Tottenham Hotspur) 40), 3 Ben Gordon (Leeds United), 4 Oliver Norwood (Manchester United) (15 John Bostock (Crystal Palace) 48), 5 Kyle Bartley (Bolton Wanderers) (12 Jack Rodwell (Everton) 40), 6 Thomas Cruise (Arsenal), 7 Matthew James (Manchester United), 8 Dean Parrett (Tottenham Hotspur), 9 Nathan Delfouneso (Aston Villa) (Adam Phillip (Chelsea) 73), 10 Harry Forrester (Watford) (16 Jacob Mellis (Sheffield United) 61), 11 Nicky Ajose (Manchester United) (18 Andros Townsend (Tottenham Hotspur) 61)
Subs Not Used:
Spain: 1 Alejandro Sanchez Benitez (Angel Diez Ibanez 40), 2 Jose Manuel Morales Ramos, 3 Angel Martinez Ortega (12 Antonio Luna Rodriguez 40), 4 John Gaztanaga Arrospide, 5 Ruben Molero Cortes (c), 6 Alvaro Lopez Bermejo, 7 Imanol Eslava Arce (17 Fernando Ruiz Izaguirre 40), 8 Thiago (18 Daniel Nieto Vela 59), 9 Daniel Pacheco Lobato, 10 Antonio Miguel De La Torre, 11 Sergio Barcina Rodriguez (14 Alberto Delgado Quintana 40)
Subs Not Used: 15 Ramiro Mayor Ruiz, 16 David Vidal Fernandez,
Referee: Andy D'Urso
Attendance: 28,210 FA Reaction
DEAN PARRETT PROFILED
Parrett flying high - By Stuart Mawhinney. Thursday, 26 April 2007.
England U16s v Spain International U16 Friendly 3pm, Saturday 28 April 2007
Wembley Stadium
Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Dean Parrett was just eight years old when he visited Wembley Stadium, months before the bulldozers moved in to bring down the old ground.
Seven years on and Dean is absolutely delighted to get the opportunity to be part of the opening of the new stadium, when England U16s take on Spain on Saturday.
Speaking exclusively to TheFA.com Dean said: "I was able to get to see the old Wembley just before it was demolished. I remember it being a 'Fun day' with all kinds of things going on, there were kids and adults there getting involved in saying goodbye to the old ground.
"I'm so excited to be part of a match that is effectively introducing the new ground, and welcoming it back to football.
"The England senior side haven't played there yet, and The FA Cup Final won't have been played before we're able to go out there, so it's an incredible buzz."
Dean is anticipating a special atmosphere inside the ground, and cannot wait to walk on the hallowed turf for the first time.
"It's the home of football for everyone in this country, it means so much to everyone who has an interest in the game. It's a massive ground and it has that special atmosphere that makes the hair stand up on the back of your neck - I can't wait!
"We've had a pretty good season, I think we've improved and progressed well over the course of the year, and we just have to stick together against Spain and I'm sure we can do well. It will be special for everyone involved and I'm really looking forward to it." FA
Former QPR Player Appointed Premiership Manager
-
Sammy Lee who played briefly for QPR in the mid-1980s, joine another former QPR player, Glenn Roeder as Premiership Managers.BBC -Lee appointed manager of Bolton
Lee was Allardyce's assistant for almost two years
Sammy Lee has been confirmed as the new manager of Bolton Wanderers.
Lee, 48, takes over at the Reebok Stadium after the shock resignation of former boss Sam Allardyce on Sunday.
"I'm delighted about the prospect of being Bolton manager," said Lee. "It is a great legacy that Sam has left and it is my job now to carry that forward."
Lee, who became a coach at Bolton in June 2005, added: "It took me one second to decide to accept the job after it was offered to me."
It is Lee's first job in management after a successful coaching career with Liverpool, England and Bolton...
BBC
Sammy Lee who played briefly for QPR in the mid-1980s, joine another former QPR player, Glenn Roeder as Premiership Managers.BBC -Lee appointed manager of Bolton
Lee was Allardyce's assistant for almost two years
Sammy Lee has been confirmed as the new manager of Bolton Wanderers.
Lee, 48, takes over at the Reebok Stadium after the shock resignation of former boss Sam Allardyce on Sunday.
"I'm delighted about the prospect of being Bolton manager," said Lee. "It is a great legacy that Sam has left and it is my job now to carry that forward."
Lee, who became a coach at Bolton in June 2005, added: "It took me one second to decide to accept the job after it was offered to me."
It is Lee's first job in management after a successful coaching career with Liverpool, England and Bolton...
BBC
Stoke Looking at QPR: Want More Tickets
-
Stoke Official Site - QPR Tickets Sold Out
Tickets for next weekend's crucial end of season clash at QPR are now sold out. The ticket office is in talks with QPR to see if they will raise the numbers of tickets available for City supporters.
Following the Potters' fantastic performance against Colchester, the ticket office was inundated with fans desperate to secure a ticket for next weekend's game in London.
It means that Stoke supporters are in for a treat with one of the most exciting ends to a season in recent years. Stoke
Stoke Sentinel "Up for It" - 30 April 2007
That's the scenario confronting Stoke as they approach D-day one place outside the top six - simply because the Saints have scored more goals.
Victory over QPR - and by a margin greater than any Southampton win over Southend - is Stoke's easiest route to a top-six finish because anything less leaves them having to rely on others slipping up.
But a variety of other possibilities remain in the melting pot with five realistic contenders - Stoke, Southampton, Preston, Wolves and West Brom - fighting for the three play-off spots still up for grabs.
The Baggies lead the mini-table of clubs aiming to join Derby in the play-offs, but just two points separate them from Preston in seventh, so any final day slip-ups could prove very costly.
"It could go to the last few seconds next week," admits goalkeeper Steve Simonsen, "because we all know how much it can change.
"We go down there trying to win, as we always do, but also hoping we win by one more goal than Southampton.
"I'd like to know what's happening to other teams on the day and, if it does go right to the last few minutes, I'm sure there will be messages coming in.
"The Colchester game was billed as a six-pointer," he added, "and we're delighted to get the three points.
"I earn my money from time-to-time and I'm just pleased that when I was called upon I made the saves we needed."
Stoke have sold out their 2,800 allocation at Loftus Road next Sunday (1pm kick-off), but are asking Rangers for 200 additional tickets with restricted views.
"This win sets it up lovely for QPR next week," said manager Tony Pulis, "and we want to see red and white everywhere down there if we can.
"I took the team to London to play Arsenal a couple of years ago and I remember turning the corner into Highbury and seeing thousands of Stoke fans there.
"We put on a great performance that day because of the connection between the fans and the players - that's what we want again. We need to win. Anything else won't take us there.
"We struggled to get going against Colchester, but in the second half our midfield and wingers were getting into much better positions."
Andy Griffin remains under scrutiny after postponing groin surgery to play his part in Stoke's make-or-break end to the season. This is Stafford
Stoke Official Site - QPR Tickets Sold Out
Tickets for next weekend's crucial end of season clash at QPR are now sold out. The ticket office is in talks with QPR to see if they will raise the numbers of tickets available for City supporters.
Following the Potters' fantastic performance against Colchester, the ticket office was inundated with fans desperate to secure a ticket for next weekend's game in London.
It means that Stoke supporters are in for a treat with one of the most exciting ends to a season in recent years. Stoke
Stoke Sentinel "Up for It" - 30 April 2007
That's the scenario confronting Stoke as they approach D-day one place outside the top six - simply because the Saints have scored more goals.
Victory over QPR - and by a margin greater than any Southampton win over Southend - is Stoke's easiest route to a top-six finish because anything less leaves them having to rely on others slipping up.
But a variety of other possibilities remain in the melting pot with five realistic contenders - Stoke, Southampton, Preston, Wolves and West Brom - fighting for the three play-off spots still up for grabs.
The Baggies lead the mini-table of clubs aiming to join Derby in the play-offs, but just two points separate them from Preston in seventh, so any final day slip-ups could prove very costly.
"It could go to the last few seconds next week," admits goalkeeper Steve Simonsen, "because we all know how much it can change.
"We go down there trying to win, as we always do, but also hoping we win by one more goal than Southampton.
"I'd like to know what's happening to other teams on the day and, if it does go right to the last few minutes, I'm sure there will be messages coming in.
"The Colchester game was billed as a six-pointer," he added, "and we're delighted to get the three points.
"I earn my money from time-to-time and I'm just pleased that when I was called upon I made the saves we needed."
Stoke have sold out their 2,800 allocation at Loftus Road next Sunday (1pm kick-off), but are asking Rangers for 200 additional tickets with restricted views.
"This win sets it up lovely for QPR next week," said manager Tony Pulis, "and we want to see red and white everywhere down there if we can.
"I took the team to London to play Arsenal a couple of years ago and I remember turning the corner into Highbury and seeing thousands of Stoke fans there.
"We put on a great performance that day because of the connection between the fans and the players - that's what we want again. We need to win. Anything else won't take us there.
"We struggled to get going against Colchester, but in the second half our midfield and wingers were getting into much better positions."
Andy Griffin remains under scrutiny after postponing groin surgery to play his part in Stoke's make-or-break end to the season. This is Stafford
QPR's Jake Cole Speaking About His Hopes
-
Daily Mail - Steve Martin - Wolves 2 QPR 0
"....Keogh finally ended his Molineux goal drought to ease Wolves's nerves after finding a way past inspired Rangers keeper Jake Cole.
Rookie Cole produced heroics to keep out Keogh's initial effort but the former Leeds trainee displayed excellent awareness to put away the rebound.
And Michael Kightly secured the points that keeps Mick McCarthy's men in the play-offs, after keeper Cole had performed more acrobatics to ensure the score stayed down.
Cole was only making his first league appearance of the year but hopes he has done enough to convince boss John Gregory he can survive a mass summer clearout.
He said: "Hopefully I've proven my point to the manager, that was the plan. I've shown him I'm capable and can do well.
"I've got to wait and see if they sign a keeper, if they don't then hopefully I get the chance.
"If I'm not playing I'd like to go out on loan, get some experience and come back fresh. All I want is a chance to show I can play for this team. Mail
Daily Mail - Steve Martin - Wolves 2 QPR 0
"....Keogh finally ended his Molineux goal drought to ease Wolves's nerves after finding a way past inspired Rangers keeper Jake Cole.
Rookie Cole produced heroics to keep out Keogh's initial effort but the former Leeds trainee displayed excellent awareness to put away the rebound.
And Michael Kightly secured the points that keeps Mick McCarthy's men in the play-offs, after keeper Cole had performed more acrobatics to ensure the score stayed down.
Cole was only making his first league appearance of the year but hopes he has done enough to convince boss John Gregory he can survive a mass summer clearout.
He said: "Hopefully I've proven my point to the manager, that was the plan. I've shown him I'm capable and can do well.
"I've got to wait and see if they sign a keeper, if they don't then hopefully I get the chance.
"If I'm not playing I'd like to go out on loan, get some experience and come back fresh. All I want is a chance to show I can play for this team. Mail
Sunday, April 29, 2007
How Ex-QPR Players Did Yesterday
-
Update Sunday:
Lee Camp played for Derby in their 2-0 loss at Crystal Palace. Ex-QPR loan Mark Kennedy scored for Palace as did one-time almost QPR signing, Clint Morrison. On the Palace bench: Dougie Freedman. Team
Saturday:Ex-QPR center-backs, Danny Shittu and Clarke Carlise both played the entire game for Watford yesterday (and both were booked)as they lost 1-0 at Sheffield United. "...Clarke Carlisle was a lucky man, though. Fortune not have been sent off in the first-half for an overzealous challenge on Paddy Kenny, the defender then benefited from a case of mistake identity on 36 minutes. Dan Shittu was booked for catching Jon Stead with an arm when it had been Carlisle who had commited the foul. - Match Report
Peter Crouch was one of a number of Liverpool players rested before their coming European Championship game against Chelsea BBC
Kevin Gallen came on in the 75th minute for Ian Holloway/Tim Breacker/Gary Penrice's Plymouth who beat Preston 2-0 (and are now 12th, equal points with Cardiff)- Team
Jamie Cureton was substituted after 80 minutes and failed to score as Colchester lost 3-1 to Stoke. Team
With one game to go, Cureton remains the Division's top goalscorer with 23 goals - Chart
Richard Langley came on in the 82nd minute for Luton who won 3-1 at Southend. Team
Matt Rose missed Yeovil's 1-0 win that put Yeovil in the playoffs - Team "MMatty Rose injured his calf last weekend, and unfortunately has not recovered in time" Yeovil Official Site. Terrell Forbes played the full game for Yeovil.
Ian Evatt played in Blackpool's 3-1 win vs Champions Scunthorpe - Team
ForDean Wilkins' Brighton, Rehman played while Ward was not in the 16. (Brighton lost 1-2 to Oldham - Team
Goalkeepers:!
Simon Royce played in Gillingham's 1-1 draw at Bournemouth - Team
Chris Day and Sean Thomas were both non-playing subs in the Millwall vs Bristol City game (Milwall winning 1-0. Game
Martin Allen's MK Dons won 2-0 at Wycombe (without of course the injure Tommy Doherty). For MK Dons, Knight came on for Dyer. In goal for MK Dons, Bancole with Lee Harper on the bench.
Richard Edghill was subsituted after 80 minutes as Bradford lost 3-0 at Chesterfield and were relegated. Team
Justin Cochrane played the first hour for relegated Rotherham in their 2-4 loss at home to Cheltenham - Game
And for two ex-QPR Chairman, not so good news:
Swindon, whom Bill Power is reportedly seeking to take control of, lost 1-0 to Bristol Rovers - Report
And for Chris Wright (and David Davies) WASPS Rugby team, their defeat to Leicester Tigers means "Despite a brave fightback in the last quarter, a three try raid for Leicester on either side of half time sealed victory for the Tigers this afternoon, by 40-26. The win for the Midlanders mean no place in the play offs for Wasps in the first time in the five years of their existence, and leaves Wasps with a three week lay off before the Heineken Cup Final, again against Leicester, at Twickenham in three weeks time. " Report
And former manager Ian Holloway's Programme Notes from yesterday
"...THIS season has been the most exciting season of my life as a manager.
I have ended up at a football club that I have never played for. A huge majority of you fans here wanted me before I came and you have been so fantastic in welcoming me with open arms. I hope you can see that I am enjoying being here.
... I am one point away from the best total that any of my teams has ever had at this level - I had 62 points at QPR once - and we have got six points left to play for.
We are currently nine points outside the play-off places, which is quite unbelievable when you look at all the draws that we have had - 16.
So I am very, very optimistic for next season. I think the lads have been exceptionally good, although I think there is some room for improvement on set-pieces against, and set-pieces for, and I think we can sort that out.
We have let far too many goals in, and there are areas of the overall squad that we need to try to strengthen.
I want us to grow. I genuinely believe we can, with our passion, go forward. The size of this club has the potential to go forward.
What we need to do is maximize that potential. Myself, my staff, the board, the playing staff will give everything we have to try to achieve that. I hope you will see that, and know that, if we do not make it, it will not be for the want of trying.
That is all I can give. My dad said to me years ago: "If you don't make it, son, let it be through lack of ability, rather than lack of effort."
I believe the great Green Army, which is behind us, will accept that totally. That is why we are meant to be together - our values are exactly the same. Our team works hard; we chase; we fight; we keep going until the end.
That is the bare minimum for us. I hope we can add some talent that will unlock a door for us at this level. We will continue trying to attack teams, not let so many goals in, and maybe some of our young fellows who have come shining through - a major plus for us - will be even bigger names in the future.
What is important in a football club is balance - balance of youth and experience - and I think our experienced players have been outstanding: Barry; Lilian; Wottsy, before he got injured, Chuck; even Tony Capaldi was fantastic at the start of the season. I have enjoyed working with him.
It is not a surprise to me that these players have been winners I the past, and I think they have won again this year.
I think they have far exceeded what should be expected of a club of our size and our budget.
You have also been absolutely outstanding this season. Please buy another season-ticket. Plymouth
Update Sunday:
Lee Camp played for Derby in their 2-0 loss at Crystal Palace. Ex-QPR loan Mark Kennedy scored for Palace as did one-time almost QPR signing, Clint Morrison. On the Palace bench: Dougie Freedman. Team
Saturday:Ex-QPR center-backs, Danny Shittu and Clarke Carlise both played the entire game for Watford yesterday (and both were booked)as they lost 1-0 at Sheffield United. "...Clarke Carlisle was a lucky man, though. Fortune not have been sent off in the first-half for an overzealous challenge on Paddy Kenny, the defender then benefited from a case of mistake identity on 36 minutes. Dan Shittu was booked for catching Jon Stead with an arm when it had been Carlisle who had commited the foul. - Match Report
Peter Crouch was one of a number of Liverpool players rested before their coming European Championship game against Chelsea BBC
Kevin Gallen came on in the 75th minute for Ian Holloway/Tim Breacker/Gary Penrice's Plymouth who beat Preston 2-0 (and are now 12th, equal points with Cardiff)- Team
Jamie Cureton was substituted after 80 minutes and failed to score as Colchester lost 3-1 to Stoke. Team
With one game to go, Cureton remains the Division's top goalscorer with 23 goals - Chart
Richard Langley came on in the 82nd minute for Luton who won 3-1 at Southend. Team
Matt Rose missed Yeovil's 1-0 win that put Yeovil in the playoffs - Team "MMatty Rose injured his calf last weekend, and unfortunately has not recovered in time" Yeovil Official Site. Terrell Forbes played the full game for Yeovil.
Ian Evatt played in Blackpool's 3-1 win vs Champions Scunthorpe - Team
ForDean Wilkins' Brighton, Rehman played while Ward was not in the 16. (Brighton lost 1-2 to Oldham - Team
Goalkeepers:!
Simon Royce played in Gillingham's 1-1 draw at Bournemouth - Team
Chris Day and Sean Thomas were both non-playing subs in the Millwall vs Bristol City game (Milwall winning 1-0. Game
Martin Allen's MK Dons won 2-0 at Wycombe (without of course the injure Tommy Doherty). For MK Dons, Knight came on for Dyer. In goal for MK Dons, Bancole with Lee Harper on the bench.
Richard Edghill was subsituted after 80 minutes as Bradford lost 3-0 at Chesterfield and were relegated. Team
Justin Cochrane played the first hour for relegated Rotherham in their 2-4 loss at home to Cheltenham - Game
And for two ex-QPR Chairman, not so good news:
Swindon, whom Bill Power is reportedly seeking to take control of, lost 1-0 to Bristol Rovers - Report
And for Chris Wright (and David Davies) WASPS Rugby team, their defeat to Leicester Tigers means "Despite a brave fightback in the last quarter, a three try raid for Leicester on either side of half time sealed victory for the Tigers this afternoon, by 40-26. The win for the Midlanders mean no place in the play offs for Wasps in the first time in the five years of their existence, and leaves Wasps with a three week lay off before the Heineken Cup Final, again against Leicester, at Twickenham in three weeks time. " Report
And former manager Ian Holloway's Programme Notes from yesterday
"...THIS season has been the most exciting season of my life as a manager.
I have ended up at a football club that I have never played for. A huge majority of you fans here wanted me before I came and you have been so fantastic in welcoming me with open arms. I hope you can see that I am enjoying being here.
... I am one point away from the best total that any of my teams has ever had at this level - I had 62 points at QPR once - and we have got six points left to play for.
We are currently nine points outside the play-off places, which is quite unbelievable when you look at all the draws that we have had - 16.
So I am very, very optimistic for next season. I think the lads have been exceptionally good, although I think there is some room for improvement on set-pieces against, and set-pieces for, and I think we can sort that out.
We have let far too many goals in, and there are areas of the overall squad that we need to try to strengthen.
I want us to grow. I genuinely believe we can, with our passion, go forward. The size of this club has the potential to go forward.
What we need to do is maximize that potential. Myself, my staff, the board, the playing staff will give everything we have to try to achieve that. I hope you will see that, and know that, if we do not make it, it will not be for the want of trying.
That is all I can give. My dad said to me years ago: "If you don't make it, son, let it be through lack of ability, rather than lack of effort."
I believe the great Green Army, which is behind us, will accept that totally. That is why we are meant to be together - our values are exactly the same. Our team works hard; we chase; we fight; we keep going until the end.
That is the bare minimum for us. I hope we can add some talent that will unlock a door for us at this level. We will continue trying to attack teams, not let so many goals in, and maybe some of our young fellows who have come shining through - a major plus for us - will be even bigger names in the future.
What is important in a football club is balance - balance of youth and experience - and I think our experienced players have been outstanding: Barry; Lilian; Wottsy, before he got injured, Chuck; even Tony Capaldi was fantastic at the start of the season. I have enjoyed working with him.
It is not a surprise to me that these players have been winners I the past, and I think they have won again this year.
I think they have far exceeded what should be expected of a club of our size and our budget.
You have also been absolutely outstanding this season. Please buy another season-ticket. Plymouth
QPR Lose to Wolves - Reports & Comments
-
UPDATED Monday -
Clive Whittingham/QPR Rivals - Match Report
Simon Skinner/QPR Net - Match Report
Photos from Wolves - QPR - Wolves Mad
Sunday Times -Wolves find form at last Wolves 2 QPR 0Richard Lewis at Molineux
AT HALF-TIME yesterday, Wol-verhampton Wanderers had dropped outside the top six as results transpired against them. Two minutes after the break, with their goalkeeper Matt Murray on the edge of his six-yard box, a shot from Queens Park Rangers’ midfielder Jimmy Smith dipped and bounced back off of the crossbar.
“When that happened, I thought it was going to be our day,” said Mick McCarthy, the Wolves manager. But it was not solely luck that they needed. Suddenly a roar rang around a stadium which just three years ago was watching Premiership football, and within 10 minutes the possibility of a return to the top-flight was on again.
The bolt of almost trailing to a side with little to play for raised the tempo of a home team who at last looked genuine promotion candidates. Jay Bothroyd started demanding the ball more, and with it the pace of Michael Kightly on the right and Michael McIndoe on the left took hold.
QPR were struggling. In a 20-minute spell, Wolves scored twice and had four further good chances, displaying continuity which was never there when, for some reason, they slowed the pace. Fifth in the table, they are not in the playoffs yet, but it is in their hands. If they win at Leices-ter next Sunday, they will be guaranteed a chance to end a season of inconsistency in style.
At least they have a clean sheet — their first since mid-March — and in striker Andy Keogh an impressive talent. He was signed for £600,000 from Scunthorpe in January and yesterday opened his home scoring account, and deservedly so. He had been Wolves’ best player in a dull first-half and in the 57th minute he put them ahead. Jake Cole, 21, a tremendous prospect, initially denied Keogh’s header with a fine stop but the striker fired the rebound in from six yards.
Eight minutes later, it was 2-0. Bothroyd’s fine pass from the left split the QPR defence to find Kightly, who tucked the ball under Cole from 10 yards.
Having secured their safety a week earlier, the next seven days will mean change at QPR after manager John Gregory extended his contract for another two years. “I am going to be making some unpopular decisions,” he said. “The club has had a tired look about it. We need some hungry young men; we need zip and energy.”
Star man: Jay Bothroyd (Wolves)
Player ratings. Wolves:Murray 6, Collins 6, Breen 6, Craddock 6, McNamara 6, Kightly 6 (Gleeson 83min), Olofinjana 7, Potter 6, McIndoe 7, Bothroyd 8 (Ward 79min), Keogh 7 (Little 90min)
QPR:Cole 7, Bignot 6, Kanyuka 6 (Timoska 60min, 5), Stewart 6, Milanese 6, Rowlands 5, Bolder 6 (Bailey 76min), Lomas 6, Smith 6, Furlong 5 (Jones 66min), Nygaard 5.
Scorers: Wolves: Keogh 57, Kightly 64
Referee:M Pike Attendance:24,931 - Sunday Times
Wolves 2 QPR 0
QPR OFFICIAL SITE JG ON WOLVES
John Gregory believes Wolves' cutting edge in the final third was the only difference between the two sides at Molineux.
Goals from Andy Keogh and Michael Kightly gave Mick McCarthy's men maximum points.
"We made it difficult for them, but in the end their quality shone through in the second half,'' Gregory told www.qpr.co.uk.
"There was nothing at stake except pride and some of the lads dealt with it better than others.''
Despite conceding two goals, Jake Cole impressed between the sticks for the R's and the gaffer was quick to praise the young custodian.
"Jake Cole was excellent.
"Players are the best judges and after the game they all gave him a big hug and a big pat on the back.''
Gregory added: "No-one saw the real QPR out there today, but Wolves could probably say the same.''
Gregory also praised the efforts of Keogh, who led the Wolves line in style, scoring the opening goal and providing the assist for the Wanderers' second.
"The boy Keogh is one of the finds of the season.
"I had a big look at him, but to be honest we couldn't compete when it came down to money.
"He's one to watch next season, regardless of which division Wolves are in.'' QPR Official Site QPR
BBC - Wolves 2-0 QPR
Second-half goals from Andrew Keogh and Michael Kightly were enough for Wolves to see off plucky QPR and maintain a Championship play-off position.
After wasting a series of gilt-edged chances Wolves finally scored 12 minutes after the break when Keogh tucked in the rebound from his header.
The hosts doubled their advantage just a minute later when Kightly coolly converted Jay Bothroyd's cross.
Wolves now need to win at Leicester to ensure they make the play-offs.
# Wolves boss Mick McCarthy on the prospect of playing WBA in the play-offs:
"We would take that now.
"I'm sure they would too. They think they can beat us."
And he added of the scrappy 1-0 win over QPR: "Nobody said it was going to be easy. It was a Championship game - a bit messy. "If we have to grind out 1-0 victories we will do it."
QPR manager John Gregory:
"The club has had a tired look about it. We need to change some faces. We will do that this week." "We didn't see the best of Wolverhampton Wanderers today - they were outstanding last week. "In Keogh they have one of the signings of the season. We looked at him but could not compete financially." BBC
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - MATCH REPORT
Second half strikes from Andy Keogh and Michael Kightly condemned a much-changed Rangers side to a 2-0 defeat at Molineux.
Minus the services of five first team regulars - including star duo Dexter Blackstock and Lee Cook - the R's were forced to weather a second half storm in the Midlands, as Mick McCarthy's high-fliers moved a step closer to securing their place in the Championship play-off's.
It could have been a far different outcome though, had Jimmy Smith's stunning effort at 0-0 bounced in off the bar, instead of out.
Wolves made the most of their reprieve, when first Keogh, and then Kightly, moved the Molineux men to within touching distance of the play-off's.
In all, John Gregory made four changes to the side which beat Cardiff City seven days earlier.
The most interesting change was in the goalkeeping department, where Jake Cole replaced Lee Camp, with veteran Paul Jones having to make do with a place on the bench against one of his former sides.
Mauro Milanese, Jimmy Smith and Paul Furlong all returned, at the expense of Sampsa Timoska, Cook and Blackstock.
In a free flowing opening, it was Wolves front-man Keogh who smashed the first shot on goal, firing a yard wide of Cole's right hand post.
Wanderers' high offside line proved to be an effective tool in the opening stanza, with Furlong and Marc Nygaard both being flagged, despite Gregory contesting both decisions from his technical area.
When the former did eventually break through in the 19th minute, his pressure was enough to force Gary Breen into an error. Unfortunately for the R's, Matt Murray - widely regarded as the best custodian in the division - used his towering frame to clutch the ball from underneath his own crossbar.
Play switched to the other end a minute later, with Seyi Olofinjana dragging a low 20-yard volley wide.
Play-off hunting Wolves were in determined mood and when Michael McIndoe evaded the last line of a static Rangers defence, his miscued effort from the angle of the six-yard box flew well wide.
Rangers were by no means overawed by a partisan Molineux crowd and when the ball broke to Milanese 12-yards from goal, only a timely block from Jody Craddock prevented the Italian full-back from testing Murray.
At the other end, McIndoe was having a first half to forget in front of goal, hooking a gilt-edged opportunity wide from a carbon copy area from his earlier miss.
The R's continued to create as the half reached a conclusion. Martin Rowlands' sweeping cross from the right flank appeared to be evading everyone, until Smith crept in at the back post, only to be thwarted at his feet by the imposing Murray.
Buoyed by the way they ended the first period, Rangers were on the front foot from the first whistle in the second half.
Neat interplay involving Adam Bolder and Rowlands eventually ended with the ball finding Smith 20-yards from goal. With his back to goal, the young midfielder turned on a sixpence before unleashing a looping effort which beat Murray all ends up, only to bounce back off the face off the crossbar.
Rowlands was first to the loose ball, only to head over, under pressure, from the edge of the six-yard box.
In an action packed start to the half, the otherwise ineffective Jay Bothroyd glanced a header inches wide of Cole's far post in the 50th minute.
A minute later, his strike-partner Keogh seemed destined to open the scoring, only to pull his shot wide of the post from eight-yards.
Wolves were in the ascendancy and on 53 minutes, McIndoe - with the goal gaping - inexplicably fired wide from two yards out.
It was one-way traffic by now and moments after Cole palmed away Bothroyd's powerful free-kick, the deadlock was eventually broken.
Cole did magnificently well to claw Keogh's initial close range header out, but the Wolves striker made no mistake from the rebound, smashing the ball into the back of the net.
Keogh almost bagged a second 60 seconds later, but Cole produced yet more heroics with a superb save with his feet.
As Wolves mounted a second half assault, the young keeper thwarted Kightly with another top-drawer save at the midfielder's feet.
But he was powerless to prevent the former Grays Athletic star from notching his seventh goal of the season on 66 minutes, as the diminutive midfielder coasted through unmarked to slot home with ease from close-range.
Rowlands shot straight at Murray and Ray Jones fired a spectacular bicycle kick over in the dying moments, but the goal Rangers' performance probably just about warranted was not forthcoming.
Wolves: Murray, Collins, Olofinjana, Breen, Craddock, McNamara, Bothroyd (Ward 79), Potter, McIndoe, Kightly (Gleeson 83), Keogh (Little 90).
Subs: Davies, Hennessey.
Scorers: Keogh 55, Kightly 66
Bookings: Breen 70
QPR: Cole, Bignot, Bolder (Bailey 76), Rowlands, Lomas, Kanyuka (Timoska 59), Stewart, Furlong (R Jones 67), Nygaard, Smith, Milanese.
Subs: P Jones, Moore.
Bookings: Smith 64, Nygaard 70
Referee: M Pike
Attendance: 24, 931 QPR
SPORTING LIFE
McCARTHY'S READY FOR PLAY-OFFS
E-mail this article E-mail Article Print this article Print-Friendly Subscribe to sportinglife RSS feed Subscribe to RSS Feed
Digg this story post this story to del.icio.us - social bookmarking site Post to del.icio.us
Wolves manager Mick McCarthy was delighted that his side managed to grind out a 2-0 victory over QPR at Molineux that leaves them on course for a play-offs clash with arch rivals West Bromwich Albion.
Andy Keogh and Michael Kightly grabbed the Wolves goals to leave McCarthy's men level on points with Albion, who
are fourth to Wolves' fifth thanks to a superior goal difference.
If the play-off positions remain unchanged after next Sunday's final matches - Wolves travel to Leicester and Albion are at home to Barnsley - the pair will meet in the play-off semi-finals.
"We would take that now," said McCarthy. "I'm sure they would too. They think they can beat us.
Wolves were not at their best but McCarthy was not about to apologise for that.
"Nobody said it was going to be easy," said McCarthy. "IIt was a Championship game - a bit messy. If we have to grind out 1-0 victories we will do it.
The crowd chanted McCarthy's name with passion at the end and he said: "I feel quite humbled by the crowd's reaction to me - all I have done is spend someone else's money."
Rangers manager John Gregory believes Wanderers can step up a gear.
He said: "We didn't see the best of Wolverhampton Wanderers today - they were outstanding last week.
"In Keogh they have one of the signings of the season. We looked at him but could not compete financially," he said.
The lacklustre first half was reminiscent of an end of season game with nothing to play for.
Young Irish forward Keogh was industrious throughout the game and his 20-yard shot from the left in the 13th minute that ended wide was impressive.
Keogh handed Michael McIndoe a goalscoring chance in the 34th minute.
He should have done better with a shot that ended up two yards wide of the left upright.
Matt Murray had little to do in goal - he made one outstanding save in the 41st minute diving at the feet of Rangers midfielder Jimmy Smith four yards out pushing the ball out for a corner.
Both managers sent their teams out with different mindsets in the second half and within two minutes Marc Nygaard headed a Steve Lomas cross against the bar from five yards with Murray beaten.
Keogh's 10-yard shot in the 54th minute ended up a yard wide of the right upright signalled the start of Wolves all out attack on the QPR goal.
In the 57th minute McIndoe headed to Keogh on the left edge of the six yard box whose shot was superbly saved by Cole - the rebound returned to Keogh who blasted the ball home from five yards.
Wolves scored again in the 64th minute. Jay Bothroyd delivered an inch perfect ball for Kightly to tap home from six yards.
Yellow cards were handed out when
Nygaard squared up to Wanderers defender Gary Breen in the 70th minute.
Wolves should have scored during the five minutes of injury time with substitute Stephen Ward missing an ideal opportunity from 10 yards on the left side of the box, missing the right upright by inches following a pinpoint cross by fellow substitute Stephen Gleeson.
Gregory is getting ready for a clearout at Loftus Road. He added:
"The club has had a tired look about it. We need to change some faces. We will do that this week." Sporting Life
UPDATED Monday -
Clive Whittingham/QPR Rivals - Match Report
Simon Skinner/QPR Net - Match Report
Photos from Wolves - QPR - Wolves Mad
Sunday Times -Wolves find form at last Wolves 2 QPR 0Richard Lewis at Molineux
AT HALF-TIME yesterday, Wol-verhampton Wanderers had dropped outside the top six as results transpired against them. Two minutes after the break, with their goalkeeper Matt Murray on the edge of his six-yard box, a shot from Queens Park Rangers’ midfielder Jimmy Smith dipped and bounced back off of the crossbar.
“When that happened, I thought it was going to be our day,” said Mick McCarthy, the Wolves manager. But it was not solely luck that they needed. Suddenly a roar rang around a stadium which just three years ago was watching Premiership football, and within 10 minutes the possibility of a return to the top-flight was on again.
The bolt of almost trailing to a side with little to play for raised the tempo of a home team who at last looked genuine promotion candidates. Jay Bothroyd started demanding the ball more, and with it the pace of Michael Kightly on the right and Michael McIndoe on the left took hold.
QPR were struggling. In a 20-minute spell, Wolves scored twice and had four further good chances, displaying continuity which was never there when, for some reason, they slowed the pace. Fifth in the table, they are not in the playoffs yet, but it is in their hands. If they win at Leices-ter next Sunday, they will be guaranteed a chance to end a season of inconsistency in style.
At least they have a clean sheet — their first since mid-March — and in striker Andy Keogh an impressive talent. He was signed for £600,000 from Scunthorpe in January and yesterday opened his home scoring account, and deservedly so. He had been Wolves’ best player in a dull first-half and in the 57th minute he put them ahead. Jake Cole, 21, a tremendous prospect, initially denied Keogh’s header with a fine stop but the striker fired the rebound in from six yards.
Eight minutes later, it was 2-0. Bothroyd’s fine pass from the left split the QPR defence to find Kightly, who tucked the ball under Cole from 10 yards.
Having secured their safety a week earlier, the next seven days will mean change at QPR after manager John Gregory extended his contract for another two years. “I am going to be making some unpopular decisions,” he said. “The club has had a tired look about it. We need some hungry young men; we need zip and energy.”
Star man: Jay Bothroyd (Wolves)
Player ratings. Wolves:Murray 6, Collins 6, Breen 6, Craddock 6, McNamara 6, Kightly 6 (Gleeson 83min), Olofinjana 7, Potter 6, McIndoe 7, Bothroyd 8 (Ward 79min), Keogh 7 (Little 90min)
QPR:Cole 7, Bignot 6, Kanyuka 6 (Timoska 60min, 5), Stewart 6, Milanese 6, Rowlands 5, Bolder 6 (Bailey 76min), Lomas 6, Smith 6, Furlong 5 (Jones 66min), Nygaard 5.
Scorers: Wolves: Keogh 57, Kightly 64
Referee:M Pike Attendance:24,931 - Sunday Times
Wolves 2 QPR 0
QPR OFFICIAL SITE JG ON WOLVES
John Gregory believes Wolves' cutting edge in the final third was the only difference between the two sides at Molineux.
Goals from Andy Keogh and Michael Kightly gave Mick McCarthy's men maximum points.
"We made it difficult for them, but in the end their quality shone through in the second half,'' Gregory told www.qpr.co.uk.
"There was nothing at stake except pride and some of the lads dealt with it better than others.''
Despite conceding two goals, Jake Cole impressed between the sticks for the R's and the gaffer was quick to praise the young custodian.
"Jake Cole was excellent.
"Players are the best judges and after the game they all gave him a big hug and a big pat on the back.''
Gregory added: "No-one saw the real QPR out there today, but Wolves could probably say the same.''
Gregory also praised the efforts of Keogh, who led the Wolves line in style, scoring the opening goal and providing the assist for the Wanderers' second.
"The boy Keogh is one of the finds of the season.
"I had a big look at him, but to be honest we couldn't compete when it came down to money.
"He's one to watch next season, regardless of which division Wolves are in.'' QPR Official Site QPR
BBC - Wolves 2-0 QPR
Second-half goals from Andrew Keogh and Michael Kightly were enough for Wolves to see off plucky QPR and maintain a Championship play-off position.
After wasting a series of gilt-edged chances Wolves finally scored 12 minutes after the break when Keogh tucked in the rebound from his header.
The hosts doubled their advantage just a minute later when Kightly coolly converted Jay Bothroyd's cross.
Wolves now need to win at Leicester to ensure they make the play-offs.
# Wolves boss Mick McCarthy on the prospect of playing WBA in the play-offs:
"We would take that now.
"I'm sure they would too. They think they can beat us."
And he added of the scrappy 1-0 win over QPR: "Nobody said it was going to be easy. It was a Championship game - a bit messy. "If we have to grind out 1-0 victories we will do it."
QPR manager John Gregory:
"The club has had a tired look about it. We need to change some faces. We will do that this week." "We didn't see the best of Wolverhampton Wanderers today - they were outstanding last week. "In Keogh they have one of the signings of the season. We looked at him but could not compete financially." BBC
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - MATCH REPORT
Second half strikes from Andy Keogh and Michael Kightly condemned a much-changed Rangers side to a 2-0 defeat at Molineux.
Minus the services of five first team regulars - including star duo Dexter Blackstock and Lee Cook - the R's were forced to weather a second half storm in the Midlands, as Mick McCarthy's high-fliers moved a step closer to securing their place in the Championship play-off's.
It could have been a far different outcome though, had Jimmy Smith's stunning effort at 0-0 bounced in off the bar, instead of out.
Wolves made the most of their reprieve, when first Keogh, and then Kightly, moved the Molineux men to within touching distance of the play-off's.
In all, John Gregory made four changes to the side which beat Cardiff City seven days earlier.
The most interesting change was in the goalkeeping department, where Jake Cole replaced Lee Camp, with veteran Paul Jones having to make do with a place on the bench against one of his former sides.
Mauro Milanese, Jimmy Smith and Paul Furlong all returned, at the expense of Sampsa Timoska, Cook and Blackstock.
In a free flowing opening, it was Wolves front-man Keogh who smashed the first shot on goal, firing a yard wide of Cole's right hand post.
Wanderers' high offside line proved to be an effective tool in the opening stanza, with Furlong and Marc Nygaard both being flagged, despite Gregory contesting both decisions from his technical area.
When the former did eventually break through in the 19th minute, his pressure was enough to force Gary Breen into an error. Unfortunately for the R's, Matt Murray - widely regarded as the best custodian in the division - used his towering frame to clutch the ball from underneath his own crossbar.
Play switched to the other end a minute later, with Seyi Olofinjana dragging a low 20-yard volley wide.
Play-off hunting Wolves were in determined mood and when Michael McIndoe evaded the last line of a static Rangers defence, his miscued effort from the angle of the six-yard box flew well wide.
Rangers were by no means overawed by a partisan Molineux crowd and when the ball broke to Milanese 12-yards from goal, only a timely block from Jody Craddock prevented the Italian full-back from testing Murray.
At the other end, McIndoe was having a first half to forget in front of goal, hooking a gilt-edged opportunity wide from a carbon copy area from his earlier miss.
The R's continued to create as the half reached a conclusion. Martin Rowlands' sweeping cross from the right flank appeared to be evading everyone, until Smith crept in at the back post, only to be thwarted at his feet by the imposing Murray.
Buoyed by the way they ended the first period, Rangers were on the front foot from the first whistle in the second half.
Neat interplay involving Adam Bolder and Rowlands eventually ended with the ball finding Smith 20-yards from goal. With his back to goal, the young midfielder turned on a sixpence before unleashing a looping effort which beat Murray all ends up, only to bounce back off the face off the crossbar.
Rowlands was first to the loose ball, only to head over, under pressure, from the edge of the six-yard box.
In an action packed start to the half, the otherwise ineffective Jay Bothroyd glanced a header inches wide of Cole's far post in the 50th minute.
A minute later, his strike-partner Keogh seemed destined to open the scoring, only to pull his shot wide of the post from eight-yards.
Wolves were in the ascendancy and on 53 minutes, McIndoe - with the goal gaping - inexplicably fired wide from two yards out.
It was one-way traffic by now and moments after Cole palmed away Bothroyd's powerful free-kick, the deadlock was eventually broken.
Cole did magnificently well to claw Keogh's initial close range header out, but the Wolves striker made no mistake from the rebound, smashing the ball into the back of the net.
Keogh almost bagged a second 60 seconds later, but Cole produced yet more heroics with a superb save with his feet.
As Wolves mounted a second half assault, the young keeper thwarted Kightly with another top-drawer save at the midfielder's feet.
But he was powerless to prevent the former Grays Athletic star from notching his seventh goal of the season on 66 minutes, as the diminutive midfielder coasted through unmarked to slot home with ease from close-range.
Rowlands shot straight at Murray and Ray Jones fired a spectacular bicycle kick over in the dying moments, but the goal Rangers' performance probably just about warranted was not forthcoming.
Wolves: Murray, Collins, Olofinjana, Breen, Craddock, McNamara, Bothroyd (Ward 79), Potter, McIndoe, Kightly (Gleeson 83), Keogh (Little 90).
Subs: Davies, Hennessey.
Scorers: Keogh 55, Kightly 66
Bookings: Breen 70
QPR: Cole, Bignot, Bolder (Bailey 76), Rowlands, Lomas, Kanyuka (Timoska 59), Stewart, Furlong (R Jones 67), Nygaard, Smith, Milanese.
Subs: P Jones, Moore.
Bookings: Smith 64, Nygaard 70
Referee: M Pike
Attendance: 24, 931 QPR
SPORTING LIFE
McCARTHY'S READY FOR PLAY-OFFS
E-mail this article E-mail Article Print this article Print-Friendly Subscribe to sportinglife RSS feed Subscribe to RSS Feed
Digg this story post this story to del.icio.us - social bookmarking site Post to del.icio.us
Wolves manager Mick McCarthy was delighted that his side managed to grind out a 2-0 victory over QPR at Molineux that leaves them on course for a play-offs clash with arch rivals West Bromwich Albion.
Andy Keogh and Michael Kightly grabbed the Wolves goals to leave McCarthy's men level on points with Albion, who
are fourth to Wolves' fifth thanks to a superior goal difference.
If the play-off positions remain unchanged after next Sunday's final matches - Wolves travel to Leicester and Albion are at home to Barnsley - the pair will meet in the play-off semi-finals.
"We would take that now," said McCarthy. "I'm sure they would too. They think they can beat us.
Wolves were not at their best but McCarthy was not about to apologise for that.
"Nobody said it was going to be easy," said McCarthy. "IIt was a Championship game - a bit messy. If we have to grind out 1-0 victories we will do it.
The crowd chanted McCarthy's name with passion at the end and he said: "I feel quite humbled by the crowd's reaction to me - all I have done is spend someone else's money."
Rangers manager John Gregory believes Wanderers can step up a gear.
He said: "We didn't see the best of Wolverhampton Wanderers today - they were outstanding last week.
"In Keogh they have one of the signings of the season. We looked at him but could not compete financially," he said.
The lacklustre first half was reminiscent of an end of season game with nothing to play for.
Young Irish forward Keogh was industrious throughout the game and his 20-yard shot from the left in the 13th minute that ended wide was impressive.
Keogh handed Michael McIndoe a goalscoring chance in the 34th minute.
He should have done better with a shot that ended up two yards wide of the left upright.
Matt Murray had little to do in goal - he made one outstanding save in the 41st minute diving at the feet of Rangers midfielder Jimmy Smith four yards out pushing the ball out for a corner.
Both managers sent their teams out with different mindsets in the second half and within two minutes Marc Nygaard headed a Steve Lomas cross against the bar from five yards with Murray beaten.
Keogh's 10-yard shot in the 54th minute ended up a yard wide of the right upright signalled the start of Wolves all out attack on the QPR goal.
In the 57th minute McIndoe headed to Keogh on the left edge of the six yard box whose shot was superbly saved by Cole - the rebound returned to Keogh who blasted the ball home from five yards.
Wolves scored again in the 64th minute. Jay Bothroyd delivered an inch perfect ball for Kightly to tap home from six yards.
Yellow cards were handed out when
Nygaard squared up to Wanderers defender Gary Breen in the 70th minute.
Wolves should have scored during the five minutes of injury time with substitute Stephen Ward missing an ideal opportunity from 10 yards on the left side of the box, missing the right upright by inches following a pinpoint cross by fellow substitute Stephen Gleeson.
Gregory is getting ready for a clearout at Loftus Road. He added:
"The club has had a tired look about it. We need to change some faces. We will do that this week." Sporting Life
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Witney United Chairman Comments Re QPR
-
To state the obvious, QPR stated on their Official Site, April 12 that there was no game rescheduled and they had been in contact with Witney to ensure they knew this.
Witney United Chairman, Steve Lake Posting on the Witney United Messageboard, April 27
It would have been marvelous if anyone from QPR had ever rung, wrtten, faxed or text me - but no that kind of respect obviously does not exist. Yes Richard Hill did arrange this game - but many more people, well paced in the Club (I say it this way not to upset them) knew very well that this game was on.
As a non-league and league fan I can name many QPR players that came straight out of the non-league scene from around London (certainly two of their best known players came from that route via Watford) and so I would have thought that QPR would have a little more respect - one day I may actually get a 'Sorry' from the big boys of West London. Witney United Messageboard
And Updated Messages From Witney United Chairman - April 28, 2007
Re: QPR MATCH OFF!!! (SteveLake)
Can I just state that no official from QPR has ever contacted me with respect to this match - Shame on QPR for even stating so!....
Can I just state that NO COMMUNICATION FROM QPR HAS EVER BEEN RECEIVED BY MYSELF, THE CLUB OR ANTONE ELSE FROM QPR. Just a case of poor manners - not least to say a totaly fabrication. If 'Shelia' would like to conact me - along with the 'Ian' mentioned at the fans Forum then I would be happy to let them them know what damage they have do to this club.Witney United Messageboard
NB: QPR OFFICIAL SITE - APRIL 17
QPR Officially Announce Witney Friendly is Cancelled
-
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - WITNEY FIXTURE
The Club can confirm that our friendly fixture against Witney United has been cancelled.
R's Club Secretary Sheila Marson today (Tuesday) informed Witney Chairman Steve Lake that the match they had scheduled for Monday 30th April will not be going ahead. The match had been arranged with R's Assistant Manager Richard Hill, who has since been suspended by the Club in the wake of his involvement in a behind closed doors match in February.
At no stage was our Secretary made aware of this fixture and with QPR Reserves entertaining Crystal Palace in the Pontins Holidays Combination League at Harlington on the same day, it would have been impossible to field two teams on the same day, especially in the week leading up to the final League match of the season.
Chairman Gianni Paladini is hugely disappointed with remarks made not only against him, but the Club in general, as he too was also unaware of the fixture until he was notified at a recent Fans Consultative meeting QPR
See Also: QPR Report - The "History" of QPR's Non-Game vs Witney United - History
To state the obvious, QPR stated on their Official Site, April 12 that there was no game rescheduled and they had been in contact with Witney to ensure they knew this.
Witney United Chairman, Steve Lake Posting on the Witney United Messageboard, April 27
It would have been marvelous if anyone from QPR had ever rung, wrtten, faxed or text me - but no that kind of respect obviously does not exist. Yes Richard Hill did arrange this game - but many more people, well paced in the Club (I say it this way not to upset them) knew very well that this game was on.
As a non-league and league fan I can name many QPR players that came straight out of the non-league scene from around London (certainly two of their best known players came from that route via Watford) and so I would have thought that QPR would have a little more respect - one day I may actually get a 'Sorry' from the big boys of West London. Witney United Messageboard
And Updated Messages From Witney United Chairman - April 28, 2007
Re: QPR MATCH OFF!!! (SteveLake)
Can I just state that no official from QPR has ever contacted me with respect to this match - Shame on QPR for even stating so!....
Can I just state that NO COMMUNICATION FROM QPR HAS EVER BEEN RECEIVED BY MYSELF, THE CLUB OR ANTONE ELSE FROM QPR. Just a case of poor manners - not least to say a totaly fabrication. If 'Shelia' would like to conact me - along with the 'Ian' mentioned at the fans Forum then I would be happy to let them them know what damage they have do to this club.Witney United Messageboard
NB: QPR OFFICIAL SITE - APRIL 17
QPR Officially Announce Witney Friendly is Cancelled
-
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - WITNEY FIXTURE
The Club can confirm that our friendly fixture against Witney United has been cancelled.
R's Club Secretary Sheila Marson today (Tuesday) informed Witney Chairman Steve Lake that the match they had scheduled for Monday 30th April will not be going ahead. The match had been arranged with R's Assistant Manager Richard Hill, who has since been suspended by the Club in the wake of his involvement in a behind closed doors match in February.
At no stage was our Secretary made aware of this fixture and with QPR Reserves entertaining Crystal Palace in the Pontins Holidays Combination League at Harlington on the same day, it would have been impossible to field two teams on the same day, especially in the week leading up to the final League match of the season.
Chairman Gianni Paladini is hugely disappointed with remarks made not only against him, but the Club in general, as he too was also unaware of the fixture until he was notified at a recent Fans Consultative meeting QPR
See Also: QPR Report - The "History" of QPR's Non-Game vs Witney United - History
Nostalgia: Three Years Since Chairman Paladini Bought Into QPR
-
Looking back three years, on this day....At the time, Jones and Blackburn (and Davies) were running the club. Bill Power had just recently also bought into the club. Within a couple of months of Paladini's purchase of shares, Power and Paladini had taken over from Blackburn,Jones and Davies.
BBC - April 28, 2004 - Paladini buys stake in QPR
QPR have finally found an investor
Italian businessman and agent Gianni Paladini has bought a 22% stake in Queens Park Rangers.
Paladini, who has represented Fabrizio Ravanelli and Benito Carbone, has invested around £650,000 and more cash may follow in the future.
QPR have been seeking investors since coming out of administration in 2002.
The board are speaking to other groups interested in buying a major stake, including American Tim Krause and a consortium fronted by Brian Rowe.
Krause is the president of Milwaukee Wave, the American club QPR entered into a partnership agreement with last year.
Lifelong R's fan Rowe was commercial director at Loftus Road under former owners Jim Gregory and Richard Thompson. BBC
Standard/Matt Hughes - April 28, 2004
Rangers are lifted as Italian pumps millions into club.
QUEENS PARK RANGERS have received a huge boost ahead of Saturday's promotion clash with Swindonin the form of a multi-millionpound investment from Italian businessman and agent Gianni Paladini, writes Matt Hughes.
Paladini's Leeds-based property company, Moorband Limited, have bought a 22 per cent share in QPR Holdings and could increase their stake further if the club win promotion-to the First Division. Paladini has more than 30 years' experience as a football agent and will play a key role in restructuring the QPR squad this summer."
Fan Trust, QPR 1st - 28th April 2004
QPR1st gives a cautious welcome to the investment made by Moorbound Ltd, a company of former-football agent Gianni Paladini. We are pleased to see that the Club Board has at last succeeded in attracting inward investment to QPR, but there are a number of questions that we would like to see addressed, primarily to do with the deal itself and with the business credentials of Mr Paladini and his team.
In particular, we are keen to know roughly how much has been invested to secure 22% of QPR shares and what further investment plans Mr Paladini's company has. These questions alone have become pressing, since Mr Paladini's emergence as a bidder has generated substantial rumour, which QPR1st does not believe is good for either the Club or its support.
Also, should Mr Paladini's company exercise its option, as a part of this agreement, to extend the 22% to 51%, it would make this deal the beginning of an effective takeover rather than an 'investment', although QPR confirms that the Board is at the advanced stages of negotiations with other interested parties.
Given the potential that Mr Paladini could shortly have control of QPR, we call on the Board to explain what checks of Mr Paladini's business credentials and background have been done (we understand from QPR chief executive David Davies that every test so far put in front of Mr Paladini has been met on time). Meanwhile, we are seeking talks with Mr Paladini, to establish exactly what his company's involvement will mean for QPR.
QPR1st -15th April 2004 - Three investors circle QPR
QPR1st has learnt that a third potential investor in QPR has emerged. In some respects this could be positive news if it means that people are beginning to see Rangers as a viable business proposition. However, there is still plenty of room to be cautious, since two have previously explored investing in QPR and have not yet gone through with it while the third has plenty of history elsewhere in the football world.
The latest interested party to emerge is Gianni Paladini. This was reported in the Daily Express this morning but the story has subsequently been confirmed to QPR 1st by QPR chief executive David Davies. Davies stated that Paladini is looking to invest, rather than take a controlling stake.
Gianni Paladini came very close to a majority buyout of Port Vale in December 2003, through a corporate vehicle named Vantis. However, at the very last minute, another party was given priority by the Port Vale board. Some sources say that this was related to Paladinis' stated desire to be the new Port Vale Chairman, others that he simply wasn't a credible bidder with sufficient funds. In an interview with BBC Stoke he claimed he had shown the Port Vale board proof of funds before they pulled-out of the deal. http://www.bbc.co.uk/stoke/sport/portvale/2003/12/vale_takeover3.shtml
Whatever the truth, there does appear to have been a significant falling-out between Paladini and Bill Bratt the Port Vale Chairman.
QPR 1st continues to explore Paladinis' provenance. It is understood that Vantis had recently taken an interest in 'investing in' or 'acquiring' a couple of clubs ... Port Vale and Notts County.
Opinion amongst Vale supporter groups appears to back the Port Vale boards' position in rejecting Paladinis' advances. Port Vale Supporters' Trust (VAST) and Supporters Direct uncovered a series of County Court Judgments against him. Davies explained to us that these are public knowledge and arose from disputes between Paladini and another football agent. That does not mean that they should be ignored, however.
Supporters groups also discovered that, despite his early denials, Paladini was a director of several companies, including a Leeds-based property development company.
Davies confirmed that the critical difference between the Vantis interest in Port Vale and the current Paladini interest in QPR is that at Vale Vantis was attempting a complete takeover attempt, whilst Paladini is seeking to invest in QPR as an individual and not to take a majority stake. This,claims Davies, should ease supporters' worries about the ground being property-developed, as the rest of the QPR board would have to agree to such a thing. At the time of the Paladini takeover attempt at Vale, it was claimed by some that he was only interested in Vale for property development.
Meanwhile Milwaukee Wave, whose owner Tim Krause has long been looking at investing in QPR, remains interested and looks to be moving to reflect that through investment.
Last, but not least, the Brian Rowe-led consortium, which also includes the Anelka brothers, is still looking to invest.
Davies confirmed that there was a possibility of a combination of two of the three parties/ groups working together and being able to invest independently. He also confirmed that an announcement about this could come earlier or later than this Monday, as stated in the Express.
Meanwhile, the board must pick none, one or two from three. QPR1st calls on the board of QPR to take great care making their decision. Whilst recognising that failure to secure inward investment will almost certainly leave the club dangerously exposed as the season draws to a close, we recommend that prospective bidders be examined as closely as ever. At a time when the club is about to play a crucial promotion game, we have a critical weekend ahead of us. QPR1st
See Also: Dave's Queens Park Rangers Site - "Moorbound Ltd Buy 20% of QPR" -Moorbound Ltd Buy 20% of QPR"
Looking back three years, on this day....At the time, Jones and Blackburn (and Davies) were running the club. Bill Power had just recently also bought into the club. Within a couple of months of Paladini's purchase of shares, Power and Paladini had taken over from Blackburn,Jones and Davies.
BBC - April 28, 2004 - Paladini buys stake in QPR
QPR have finally found an investor
Italian businessman and agent Gianni Paladini has bought a 22% stake in Queens Park Rangers.
Paladini, who has represented Fabrizio Ravanelli and Benito Carbone, has invested around £650,000 and more cash may follow in the future.
QPR have been seeking investors since coming out of administration in 2002.
The board are speaking to other groups interested in buying a major stake, including American Tim Krause and a consortium fronted by Brian Rowe.
Krause is the president of Milwaukee Wave, the American club QPR entered into a partnership agreement with last year.
Lifelong R's fan Rowe was commercial director at Loftus Road under former owners Jim Gregory and Richard Thompson. BBC
Standard/Matt Hughes - April 28, 2004
Rangers are lifted as Italian pumps millions into club.
QUEENS PARK RANGERS have received a huge boost ahead of Saturday's promotion clash with Swindonin the form of a multi-millionpound investment from Italian businessman and agent Gianni Paladini, writes Matt Hughes.
Paladini's Leeds-based property company, Moorband Limited, have bought a 22 per cent share in QPR Holdings and could increase their stake further if the club win promotion-to the First Division. Paladini has more than 30 years' experience as a football agent and will play a key role in restructuring the QPR squad this summer."
Fan Trust, QPR 1st - 28th April 2004
QPR1st gives a cautious welcome to the investment made by Moorbound Ltd, a company of former-football agent Gianni Paladini. We are pleased to see that the Club Board has at last succeeded in attracting inward investment to QPR, but there are a number of questions that we would like to see addressed, primarily to do with the deal itself and with the business credentials of Mr Paladini and his team.
In particular, we are keen to know roughly how much has been invested to secure 22% of QPR shares and what further investment plans Mr Paladini's company has. These questions alone have become pressing, since Mr Paladini's emergence as a bidder has generated substantial rumour, which QPR1st does not believe is good for either the Club or its support.
Also, should Mr Paladini's company exercise its option, as a part of this agreement, to extend the 22% to 51%, it would make this deal the beginning of an effective takeover rather than an 'investment', although QPR confirms that the Board is at the advanced stages of negotiations with other interested parties.
Given the potential that Mr Paladini could shortly have control of QPR, we call on the Board to explain what checks of Mr Paladini's business credentials and background have been done (we understand from QPR chief executive David Davies that every test so far put in front of Mr Paladini has been met on time). Meanwhile, we are seeking talks with Mr Paladini, to establish exactly what his company's involvement will mean for QPR.
QPR1st -15th April 2004 - Three investors circle QPR
QPR1st has learnt that a third potential investor in QPR has emerged. In some respects this could be positive news if it means that people are beginning to see Rangers as a viable business proposition. However, there is still plenty of room to be cautious, since two have previously explored investing in QPR and have not yet gone through with it while the third has plenty of history elsewhere in the football world.
The latest interested party to emerge is Gianni Paladini. This was reported in the Daily Express this morning but the story has subsequently been confirmed to QPR 1st by QPR chief executive David Davies. Davies stated that Paladini is looking to invest, rather than take a controlling stake.
Gianni Paladini came very close to a majority buyout of Port Vale in December 2003, through a corporate vehicle named Vantis. However, at the very last minute, another party was given priority by the Port Vale board. Some sources say that this was related to Paladinis' stated desire to be the new Port Vale Chairman, others that he simply wasn't a credible bidder with sufficient funds. In an interview with BBC Stoke he claimed he had shown the Port Vale board proof of funds before they pulled-out of the deal. http://www.bbc.co.uk/stoke/sport/portvale/2003/12/vale_takeover3.shtml
Whatever the truth, there does appear to have been a significant falling-out between Paladini and Bill Bratt the Port Vale Chairman.
QPR 1st continues to explore Paladinis' provenance. It is understood that Vantis had recently taken an interest in 'investing in' or 'acquiring' a couple of clubs ... Port Vale and Notts County.
Opinion amongst Vale supporter groups appears to back the Port Vale boards' position in rejecting Paladinis' advances. Port Vale Supporters' Trust (VAST) and Supporters Direct uncovered a series of County Court Judgments against him. Davies explained to us that these are public knowledge and arose from disputes between Paladini and another football agent. That does not mean that they should be ignored, however.
Supporters groups also discovered that, despite his early denials, Paladini was a director of several companies, including a Leeds-based property development company.
Davies confirmed that the critical difference between the Vantis interest in Port Vale and the current Paladini interest in QPR is that at Vale Vantis was attempting a complete takeover attempt, whilst Paladini is seeking to invest in QPR as an individual and not to take a majority stake. This,claims Davies, should ease supporters' worries about the ground being property-developed, as the rest of the QPR board would have to agree to such a thing. At the time of the Paladini takeover attempt at Vale, it was claimed by some that he was only interested in Vale for property development.
Meanwhile Milwaukee Wave, whose owner Tim Krause has long been looking at investing in QPR, remains interested and looks to be moving to reflect that through investment.
Last, but not least, the Brian Rowe-led consortium, which also includes the Anelka brothers, is still looking to invest.
Davies confirmed that there was a possibility of a combination of two of the three parties/ groups working together and being able to invest independently. He also confirmed that an announcement about this could come earlier or later than this Monday, as stated in the Express.
Meanwhile, the board must pick none, one or two from three. QPR1st calls on the board of QPR to take great care making their decision. Whilst recognising that failure to secure inward investment will almost certainly leave the club dangerously exposed as the season draws to a close, we recommend that prospective bidders be examined as closely as ever. At a time when the club is about to play a crucial promotion game, we have a critical weekend ahead of us. QPR1st
See Also: Dave's Queens Park Rangers Site - "Moorbound Ltd Buy 20% of QPR" -Moorbound Ltd Buy 20% of QPR"
Ex-QPR - Ian Holloway on Coach Gary Penrice Expanded Plymouth Role and his Gardening Leave
-
PENRICE TARGETS ARGYLE SIGNINGS
Plymouth Argyle chief scout Gary Penrice has come up with a list of close season transfer targets for manager Ian Holloway.There are expected to be plenty of comings and goings at Home Park during the summer as Holloway tries to build a squad that is capable of challenging for promotion next term.
That will not be an easy task though, as he will have to work with limited financial resources compared to many other Championship clubs.
Penrice followed Holloway to Argyle from Queens Park Rangers, but only started work for his new employers in September - three months after the Pilgrims' boss.
That was because of a wrangle over his departure from Loftus Road where, like Holloway, he had been put on gardening leave by QPR chairman Gianni Paladini.
Holloway said: "Gary had six months sat on his backside in the garden, and that isn't good for a chief scout.
"He wasn't allowed to go and watch other games because it would have been deemed as breach of contract.
"Obviously, it was important he did nothing wrong and we did nothing wrong. We had to get that right."He had to play catch up, and now I have got to try to get going and have a look at the targets he has reported to me."
Holloway would have done that sooner had Argyle not suffered three successive away defeats in what he has described as 'the week from hell'.
The Pilgrims lost 3-0 at Ipswich Town on March 31 and crashed 4-0 to Burnley before being beaten 2-1 away to Leeds United on April 7.
Holloway said: "I didn't want to leave my team after the week from hell so that really hurt us.
"I would probably have been off the last couple of Saturdays to watch targets he (Penrice) had given me who might be available, might be in our price range and might improve us."
Penrice's main role with Argyle has been as chief scout, but Holloway also wants him to work with some of the club's strikers at the training ground.
There have not been many opportunities to do that this season because Penrice has been so busy checking out transfer targets.
But the 43-year-old did have a session with Sylvan Ebanks-Blake before Argyle's 2-1 home defeat of Southend United on Saturday.
Ebanks-Blake opened the scoring in that game with his eighth goal of the season.
Holloway said: "Gary had an hour's talk with Sylvan on Friday and went through a video with him.
"It was about his movement in the box and there was a definite improvement on Saturday.
"He got across the front and scored, he got across the front with a header and missed and he got his studs on another one in the second half."
Holloway added: "Next season I do see Gary having an active role with the young strikers we have got - that's why we have got young ones.
"Barry Hayles and Kevin Gallen, as they proved again on Saturday, can do things some of the younger ones can't." Plymouth Herald
Also Holloway On Penrice - Plymouth Official Site
PENRICE TARGETS ARGYLE SIGNINGS
Plymouth Argyle chief scout Gary Penrice has come up with a list of close season transfer targets for manager Ian Holloway.There are expected to be plenty of comings and goings at Home Park during the summer as Holloway tries to build a squad that is capable of challenging for promotion next term.
That will not be an easy task though, as he will have to work with limited financial resources compared to many other Championship clubs.
Penrice followed Holloway to Argyle from Queens Park Rangers, but only started work for his new employers in September - three months after the Pilgrims' boss.
That was because of a wrangle over his departure from Loftus Road where, like Holloway, he had been put on gardening leave by QPR chairman Gianni Paladini.
Holloway said: "Gary had six months sat on his backside in the garden, and that isn't good for a chief scout.
"He wasn't allowed to go and watch other games because it would have been deemed as breach of contract.
"Obviously, it was important he did nothing wrong and we did nothing wrong. We had to get that right."He had to play catch up, and now I have got to try to get going and have a look at the targets he has reported to me."
Holloway would have done that sooner had Argyle not suffered three successive away defeats in what he has described as 'the week from hell'.
The Pilgrims lost 3-0 at Ipswich Town on March 31 and crashed 4-0 to Burnley before being beaten 2-1 away to Leeds United on April 7.
Holloway said: "I didn't want to leave my team after the week from hell so that really hurt us.
"I would probably have been off the last couple of Saturdays to watch targets he (Penrice) had given me who might be available, might be in our price range and might improve us."
Penrice's main role with Argyle has been as chief scout, but Holloway also wants him to work with some of the club's strikers at the training ground.
There have not been many opportunities to do that this season because Penrice has been so busy checking out transfer targets.
But the 43-year-old did have a session with Sylvan Ebanks-Blake before Argyle's 2-1 home defeat of Southend United on Saturday.
Ebanks-Blake opened the scoring in that game with his eighth goal of the season.
Holloway said: "Gary had an hour's talk with Sylvan on Friday and went through a video with him.
"It was about his movement in the box and there was a definite improvement on Saturday.
"He got across the front and scored, he got across the front with a header and missed and he got his studs on another one in the second half."
Holloway added: "Next season I do see Gary having an active role with the young strikers we have got - that's why we have got young ones.
"Barry Hayles and Kevin Gallen, as they proved again on Saturday, can do things some of the younger ones can't." Plymouth Herald
Also Holloway On Penrice - Plymouth Official Site
QPR Versus Wolves
-
QPR play Wolves today for QPR's last away game of the season and Wolves final home game. Wolves, in 6th place need to win to get into the playoffs. Current Table QPR are without loan keeper, Lee Camp so their goalie options are the inexperienced Jake Cole or the nearing of the end of his career Jones.
QPR Official Site Preview of Wolves Game - Preview
Wolves Official Site Preview of QPR Game - Preview
Wolves Official Site - Mick McCarthy - Comments
Ron Norris & Simon Skinner - QPR Net - Match Preview
Clive Whittingham/QPR Rivals - Wolves Preview
Express and Star
Gregory: It’s no party for us
QPR boss John Gregory today promised the Championship’s Great Race that his team will do their duty at Molineux tomorrow.
Rangers are planning a major party to celebrate their survival, clinched by last weekend’s 1-0 home win over Cardiff, but that won’t begin until after the final whistle of next weekend’s last match of the season against Stoke.
And the former Villa boss, whose managerial career is back on the up after rescuing Rangers from a relegation so many thought a certainty, reckons the spirit that took his team to safety will provide a potent challenge to Wolves tomorrow.
Gregory said: “The relief of staying up meant there were 24 hours of celebration – but we were back to work on Monday and we are very switched on and focused not only for this game but for the week after when we face Stoke City.
“We realise we could have a big say in what happens with the play off positions and we must take a very professional approach to this game. There won’t be any relaxation. I’m confident enough in these lads to know they will be coming up there with a first class attitude.”
That, of course, is what you would expect Gregory to say especially after a week of back slapping for a manager who has fought his way out of the doldrums since leaving Villa in 2002.
He was rewarded for his efforts with a new two-year contract this week while the atmosphere around Loftus Road has been, he says, “as if we had won promotion.”
But Gregory reckons that old Molineux factor will again come into play and raise his team’s competitive edge tomorrow.
“These players have shown to me that they respond to the better stages in the Championship and they have reserved some of their best performances for them,” he said.
“We were narrowly beaten at Sunderland and drew but should have won at Derby. We won at Leicester, Southampton, Coventry . . . they really enjoy the big grounds in this division.
“It seems to get the best out of them and they are really looking forward to playing at Molineux. I know the playing surface there this season is fantastic and I have never been to Wolves and not enjoyed the atmosphere.
“At the same time we know we are playing against a very good team. They were by far the better side against Birmingham – and I mean by far – and deserved to win the game never mind draw it.
“And I think Mick (McCarthy) probably feels he has got the balance of the team spot on with the two wide players doing so well.
“He’s getting the best out of Jay Bothroyd and that’s something which has defeated one or two managers in the past while Keogh is a player I really like and one we had targeted.
“We were desperate to get him but the moment Wolves were in there, we had no chance of competing. We did not have the money to match them.
“They’re a very good side at the moment, there’s no doubt about that.”
Gregory began his rescue act in September after a disastrous start by Rangers but such is the precarious lifespan in his profession he is already ranks No.62 in longevity out of 90 club managers - 28 managers having been appointed after him.
In such a volatile world then he makes no excuses for evading a forecast as to how the Great Race will finish.
“I know you’ll all be thinking about a Wolves-Albion final up there won’t you?” he adds. “That would be something.
“But it’s been an amazing season at both ends of the table. I have been so focused on the bottom six or seven clubs that I don’t think I would be comfortable trying to guess what’s going to happen in the top 10.
“It’s been the sort of season where, in our case, you think you know which teams are fighting for survival when suddenly Leicester drop into trouble and there’s another club in peril.
“What I do know is that one of those top three teams are going to miss out on automatic promotion and that is going to be a massive disappointment to them.
“The next thing they know is that they are going to have to get themselves up for the first play-off game a few days later and that is going to be very, very difficult.
“That’s the team it could be an advantage to be facing.
“On the other hand, if you finish with momentum and in good form, that’s a good weapon to take with you into the play-offs.
“It will be fascinating and I will say this. I think Wolves deserve to be in there. Almost from the day they beat us at the ‘Bush they have steadily climbed and climbed and fought their way into the top six.
“They’ve got a great chance but we owe it to all the other challengers to be absolutely up for it tomorrow - just as Wolves will want us to be bang at it when we face Stoke the week after.” Express and Star
QPR play Wolves today for QPR's last away game of the season and Wolves final home game. Wolves, in 6th place need to win to get into the playoffs. Current Table QPR are without loan keeper, Lee Camp so their goalie options are the inexperienced Jake Cole or the nearing of the end of his career Jones.
QPR Official Site Preview of Wolves Game - Preview
Wolves Official Site Preview of QPR Game - Preview
Wolves Official Site - Mick McCarthy - Comments
Ron Norris & Simon Skinner - QPR Net - Match Preview
Clive Whittingham/QPR Rivals - Wolves Preview
Express and Star
Gregory: It’s no party for us
QPR boss John Gregory today promised the Championship’s Great Race that his team will do their duty at Molineux tomorrow.
Rangers are planning a major party to celebrate their survival, clinched by last weekend’s 1-0 home win over Cardiff, but that won’t begin until after the final whistle of next weekend’s last match of the season against Stoke.
And the former Villa boss, whose managerial career is back on the up after rescuing Rangers from a relegation so many thought a certainty, reckons the spirit that took his team to safety will provide a potent challenge to Wolves tomorrow.
Gregory said: “The relief of staying up meant there were 24 hours of celebration – but we were back to work on Monday and we are very switched on and focused not only for this game but for the week after when we face Stoke City.
“We realise we could have a big say in what happens with the play off positions and we must take a very professional approach to this game. There won’t be any relaxation. I’m confident enough in these lads to know they will be coming up there with a first class attitude.”
That, of course, is what you would expect Gregory to say especially after a week of back slapping for a manager who has fought his way out of the doldrums since leaving Villa in 2002.
He was rewarded for his efforts with a new two-year contract this week while the atmosphere around Loftus Road has been, he says, “as if we had won promotion.”
But Gregory reckons that old Molineux factor will again come into play and raise his team’s competitive edge tomorrow.
“These players have shown to me that they respond to the better stages in the Championship and they have reserved some of their best performances for them,” he said.
“We were narrowly beaten at Sunderland and drew but should have won at Derby. We won at Leicester, Southampton, Coventry . . . they really enjoy the big grounds in this division.
“It seems to get the best out of them and they are really looking forward to playing at Molineux. I know the playing surface there this season is fantastic and I have never been to Wolves and not enjoyed the atmosphere.
“At the same time we know we are playing against a very good team. They were by far the better side against Birmingham – and I mean by far – and deserved to win the game never mind draw it.
“And I think Mick (McCarthy) probably feels he has got the balance of the team spot on with the two wide players doing so well.
“He’s getting the best out of Jay Bothroyd and that’s something which has defeated one or two managers in the past while Keogh is a player I really like and one we had targeted.
“We were desperate to get him but the moment Wolves were in there, we had no chance of competing. We did not have the money to match them.
“They’re a very good side at the moment, there’s no doubt about that.”
Gregory began his rescue act in September after a disastrous start by Rangers but such is the precarious lifespan in his profession he is already ranks No.62 in longevity out of 90 club managers - 28 managers having been appointed after him.
In such a volatile world then he makes no excuses for evading a forecast as to how the Great Race will finish.
“I know you’ll all be thinking about a Wolves-Albion final up there won’t you?” he adds. “That would be something.
“But it’s been an amazing season at both ends of the table. I have been so focused on the bottom six or seven clubs that I don’t think I would be comfortable trying to guess what’s going to happen in the top 10.
“It’s been the sort of season where, in our case, you think you know which teams are fighting for survival when suddenly Leicester drop into trouble and there’s another club in peril.
“What I do know is that one of those top three teams are going to miss out on automatic promotion and that is going to be a massive disappointment to them.
“The next thing they know is that they are going to have to get themselves up for the first play-off game a few days later and that is going to be very, very difficult.
“That’s the team it could be an advantage to be facing.
“On the other hand, if you finish with momentum and in good form, that’s a good weapon to take with you into the play-offs.
“It will be fascinating and I will say this. I think Wolves deserve to be in there. Almost from the day they beat us at the ‘Bush they have steadily climbed and climbed and fought their way into the top six.
“They’ve got a great chance but we owe it to all the other challengers to be absolutely up for it tomorrow - just as Wolves will want us to be bang at it when we face Stoke the week after.” Express and Star
Friday, April 27, 2007
QPR Fined Over January Luton "Brawl"
-
FA Disciplinary
Thursday 26 April 2007
Luton Town FC
Luton Town FC v Queens Park Rangers FC
FA Cup Third Round Replay, 23 January 2007
Denied breach of FA Rule E20(a) – failing to ensure that its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion
Result: Charge proved. Fined £5,000 (of which £2,500 suspended for 12 months)
Queens Park Rangers FC
Luton Town FC v Queens Park Rangers FC
FA Cup Third Round Replay, 23 January 2007
Denied breach of FA Rule E20(a) – failing to ensure that its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion
Result: Charge proved. Fined £2,500 FA Disciplinary
FA Disciplinary
Thursday 26 April 2007
Luton Town FC
Luton Town FC v Queens Park Rangers FC
FA Cup Third Round Replay, 23 January 2007
Denied breach of FA Rule E20(a) – failing to ensure that its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion
Result: Charge proved. Fined £5,000 (of which £2,500 suspended for 12 months)
Queens Park Rangers FC
Luton Town FC v Queens Park Rangers FC
FA Cup Third Round Replay, 23 January 2007
Denied breach of FA Rule E20(a) – failing to ensure that its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion
Result: Charge proved. Fined £2,500 FA Disciplinary
Simon Royce Apparently NOT Being Recalled from Gillingham
-
If that's so, it will be Jones or Cole tomorrow at Wolves.
Gillingham Official Site
Gills Manager Ronnie Jepson may have to do without Gary Mulligan for the trip to the Fitness First Stadium.
Gary MulliganIrish striker Mulligan suffered a recurrence of a thigh injury against Port Vale and will undergo further treatment before a decision is made on his availability.
Goalkeeper Simon Royce, currently on-loan at Priestfield from Championship club Queens Park Rangers, continues in goal in the absence of Trinidad and Tobago international goalkeeper Kelvin Jack who is sidelined with a knee injury.Gillingham
Football 365
QPR goalkeeper Simon Royce will continue in goal after Rangers boss John Gregory decided against recalling him to Loftus Road. - Football 365
If that's so, it will be Jones or Cole tomorrow at Wolves.
Gillingham Official Site
Gills Manager Ronnie Jepson may have to do without Gary Mulligan for the trip to the Fitness First Stadium.
Gary MulliganIrish striker Mulligan suffered a recurrence of a thigh injury against Port Vale and will undergo further treatment before a decision is made on his availability.
Goalkeeper Simon Royce, currently on-loan at Priestfield from Championship club Queens Park Rangers, continues in goal in the absence of Trinidad and Tobago international goalkeeper Kelvin Jack who is sidelined with a knee injury.Gillingham
Football 365
QPR goalkeeper Simon Royce will continue in goal after Rangers boss John Gregory decided against recalling him to Loftus Road. - Football 365
QPR Fan Forum Held with Chairman Paladini, Manager Gregory and Captain Bignot
-
QPR held a fan forum last (Thursday) night which was broadcast live on BBC London and on QPR World. It was a very interesting event in which manager Gregory did probably 80% of the talking among the three QPR Representatives.
QPR OFFICIAL SITE -FORUM SUCCESS
Last night saw another successful Fans Forum take place at Loftus Road.
Chariman Gianni Paladini, Manager John Gregory and Captain Marcus Bignot fielded a host of questions from supporters on a variety of topics, ranging from out-of-contract players to the new pricing structure for season tickets.
QPR World subscribers were able to hear live coverage from the event.
For those of you who missed it, full audio from last night's Fans Forum will be made available next week to all fans, via www.qpr.co.uk QPR
Two very comprehensive reports/transcripts of the Fan Forum can be read at:
Dave's Queens Park Rangers Site - Fan Forum Report
Clive Whittingham/QPR Rivals - Fan Forum Report/Transcript - Forum Report
The Official Site has also posted Clive Whittingham/QPR Rivals Fan Forum Transcript (with a few minor edits and without the commentary) - QPR Official Site
QPR held a fan forum last (Thursday) night which was broadcast live on BBC London and on QPR World. It was a very interesting event in which manager Gregory did probably 80% of the talking among the three QPR Representatives.
QPR OFFICIAL SITE -FORUM SUCCESS
Last night saw another successful Fans Forum take place at Loftus Road.
Chariman Gianni Paladini, Manager John Gregory and Captain Marcus Bignot fielded a host of questions from supporters on a variety of topics, ranging from out-of-contract players to the new pricing structure for season tickets.
QPR World subscribers were able to hear live coverage from the event.
For those of you who missed it, full audio from last night's Fans Forum will be made available next week to all fans, via www.qpr.co.uk QPR
Two very comprehensive reports/transcripts of the Fan Forum can be read at:
Dave's Queens Park Rangers Site - Fan Forum Report
Clive Whittingham/QPR Rivals - Fan Forum Report/Transcript - Forum Report
The Official Site has also posted Clive Whittingham/QPR Rivals Fan Forum Transcript (with a few minor edits and without the commentary) - QPR Official Site
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Managerial Longevity: QPR'sJohn Gregory Already 62nd Longest Serving at Current Club...Over Half League Managers Appointed in Last Year
-
List of Current Club Managers and time "in office"
John Gregory already ranks #62 in longevity out of 90 club managers - 28 managers having been appointed after him. More than half the mangers (51 out of the 90 have been appointed within the last year. The two longest-serving managers are Dario Gradi (24 seasons at Crewe) and Alex Ferguson (21 seasons at Manchester United).- League Managers Association
List of Current Club Managers and time "in office"
John Gregory already ranks #62 in longevity out of 90 club managers - 28 managers having been appointed after him. More than half the mangers (51 out of the 90 have been appointed within the last year. The two longest-serving managers are Dario Gradi (24 seasons at Crewe) and Alex Ferguson (21 seasons at Manchester United).- League Managers Association
One Year Ago: Paladini Spoke...Players Released...Italy Beckoned
-
As the 2005/06 season came to an end.
QPR World - 26.04.2006 TV News CHAIRMAN'S THOUGHTS - Gianni Paladini thanks you for your support and looks to the future. We also remember Martin Rowlands' Goal of the Season" Chairman Paladini Spoke
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.
Waddock said: "Undoubtedly this is the part of management that no one in charge of a football club ever wants to do.
"But these decisions have to be made for the sake of the club as a whole.
"After the summer, I want this to be a new era, not just a new season and I have to start planning for that now.
"I felt that those who I have released don't fit in with my plans for next season, but I would like to thank them for their efforts and hard work throughout their time at QPR." QPR
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - ITALIA
This summer, QPR will be preparing for the Championship season with a pre-season tour of Italy.
Gary Waddock and his squad will be travelling to the Gulf of Naples on July 23 and will face Sorrento Calcio and SS Cavese in a warm up to the 2006-07 campaign.
This season has been a successful one for both Italian teams. Sorrento finished top of Serie D Girone I and won promotion into Serie C2. Cavese also clinched promotion from Serie C2B and will play in Serie C1 next year.
Rangers will play on the Tuesday and Friday night, before returning to England where the final fine tuning will take place before the season begins.
The club are currently negotiating with Travel Counsellors to agree the best possible deal for fans wishing to travel.
The official trip will consist of accommodation, transfers and match tickets and will be seven days, six night from July 23 to 29.
Flights will have to be booked separately and can be done so via Travel Counsellors.
Any supporters who would like to register their interest can contact Carly Charteris at Travel Counsellors on 0845 058 7681.
A full and complete price package will be in place by next Wednesday May 10.
For all those supporters wishing to travel and pre-register, details will be sent to you no later than Wednesday evening.
Below is a brief outline of the history of Cavese, and for any Italian speaking Rangers, links to the clubs websites.
Cavese were founded in 1919 as Unione Sportiva Cavese, and played its first match ever against Salernitana, ended in a 3-2 win for the Aquilotti. In 1922 the team merged with Libertas Sporting Club, another local team, in order to build a more competitive side. That same year, the team was admitted to the First Division (the equivalent of the nowadays' Serie A).
In 1974, after the relegation of the original team, who was playing the Serie D at the time, Cavese merged with Pro Salerno, another Serie D team, and renamed itself as Pro Cavese. The team returned to Serie C in 1978 and took back its original denomination in 1980.
In 1981, Cavese was able to gain its first (and only) promotion to Serie B. The first Serie B season for Cavese ended in a 15th place which allowed the team to avoid relegation. The 1982/1983 was the top season ever for the Campanian team in its whole history: in fact, Cavese was almost to reach a incredible promotion to Serie A, ending the first half of the season in a third placed, which would allow the promotion, and sixth at the end of the season.
That championship is remembered especially for the crushing 2-1 victory in San Siro against AC Milan. The scorers were Joe Jordan for Milan, and Tivelli and Di Michele for Cavese: after this shocking win, the team was nicknamed Real Cavese by the Italian sports columnists.
However the next season Cavese relegated to Serie C1, and was not able to reach Serie B anymore. The team was even cancelled from Italian football in 1991, and readmitted in the regional Eccellenza league with the current denomination.
Cavese website
Sorrento Calcio website
QPR
As the 2005/06 season came to an end.
QPR World - 26.04.2006 TV News CHAIRMAN'S THOUGHTS - Gianni Paladini thanks you for your support and looks to the future. We also remember Martin Rowlands' Goal of the Season" Chairman Paladini Spoke
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.
Waddock said: "Undoubtedly this is the part of management that no one in charge of a football club ever wants to do.
"But these decisions have to be made for the sake of the club as a whole.
"After the summer, I want this to be a new era, not just a new season and I have to start planning for that now.
"I felt that those who I have released don't fit in with my plans for next season, but I would like to thank them for their efforts and hard work throughout their time at QPR." QPR
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - ITALIA
This summer, QPR will be preparing for the Championship season with a pre-season tour of Italy.
Gary Waddock and his squad will be travelling to the Gulf of Naples on July 23 and will face Sorrento Calcio and SS Cavese in a warm up to the 2006-07 campaign.
This season has been a successful one for both Italian teams. Sorrento finished top of Serie D Girone I and won promotion into Serie C2. Cavese also clinched promotion from Serie C2B and will play in Serie C1 next year.
Rangers will play on the Tuesday and Friday night, before returning to England where the final fine tuning will take place before the season begins.
The club are currently negotiating with Travel Counsellors to agree the best possible deal for fans wishing to travel.
The official trip will consist of accommodation, transfers and match tickets and will be seven days, six night from July 23 to 29.
Flights will have to be booked separately and can be done so via Travel Counsellors.
Any supporters who would like to register their interest can contact Carly Charteris at Travel Counsellors on 0845 058 7681.
A full and complete price package will be in place by next Wednesday May 10.
For all those supporters wishing to travel and pre-register, details will be sent to you no later than Wednesday evening.
Below is a brief outline of the history of Cavese, and for any Italian speaking Rangers, links to the clubs websites.
Cavese were founded in 1919 as Unione Sportiva Cavese, and played its first match ever against Salernitana, ended in a 3-2 win for the Aquilotti. In 1922 the team merged with Libertas Sporting Club, another local team, in order to build a more competitive side. That same year, the team was admitted to the First Division (the equivalent of the nowadays' Serie A).
In 1974, after the relegation of the original team, who was playing the Serie D at the time, Cavese merged with Pro Salerno, another Serie D team, and renamed itself as Pro Cavese. The team returned to Serie C in 1978 and took back its original denomination in 1980.
In 1981, Cavese was able to gain its first (and only) promotion to Serie B. The first Serie B season for Cavese ended in a 15th place which allowed the team to avoid relegation. The 1982/1983 was the top season ever for the Campanian team in its whole history: in fact, Cavese was almost to reach a incredible promotion to Serie A, ending the first half of the season in a third placed, which would allow the promotion, and sixth at the end of the season.
That championship is remembered especially for the crushing 2-1 victory in San Siro against AC Milan. The scorers were Joe Jordan for Milan, and Tivelli and Di Michele for Cavese: after this shocking win, the team was nicknamed Real Cavese by the Italian sports columnists.
However the next season Cavese relegated to Serie C1, and was not able to reach Serie B anymore. The team was even cancelled from Italian football in 1991, and readmitted in the regional Eccellenza league with the current denomination.
Cavese website
Sorrento Calcio website
QPR
QPR Fan Forum Tonight...Recalling The Last Fan Forum
-
Tonight is the Fan Forum..
This is your last chance to send in questions for Thursday evening's Fans Forum.
BBC London's Tom Watt will select the best of the bunch, before Chairman Gianni Paladini, Gaffer John Gregory and Club Captain Marcus Bignot face the R's fans.
For those who cannot make the event, it will be aired live on QPR World from 7.30pm...If you would like a question submitted, e-mail iant@qpr.co.uk and we will try to answer as many as possible. QPR
QPR Official Site -Tickets for the forthcoming Fans' Forum have now sold out.
The event - which will be held at Loftus Road on Thursday 26th April 2007 at 7.30pm - has proved to be as popular as ever, with all 100 tickets sold in a matter of days. The event will take place in the Blue and White Bar and will be hosted by our media partners at BBC London.
Tom Watt will once again be running the event and the panel will consist of Chairman Gianni Paladini, Manager John Gregory and Club Captain Marcus Bignot.
For those who didn't get a ticket, it will be aired in its entirety on BBC London and QPR World. If you would like a question submitted, e-mail iant@qpr.co.uk and we will try to answer as many as possible. Please include the words 'FANS FORUM' in the subject header. QPR
FLASHBACK TO THE LAST FAN FORUM, SIX MONTHS AGO
John Gregory had just taken over a couple of weeks previously with Gary Waddock his new Assistant; the team under Gregory had just won a couple of games; and Chairman Paladini's threatened action against the fan magazine, AKUTRs was still a topic of conversation.
QPR OFFICIAL SITE re Fan Forum - Friday October 13, 2006
-
QPR OFFICIAL SITE ON FAN FORUM - October 13, 2006 WHAT THEY SAID
There was talk of finances, transfers and even tears at Thursday evening's Fans Forum.
Hosted by BBC London's Tom Watt, Chairman Gianni Paladini and gaffer John Gregory answered a series of questions in front of an audience of 100 QPR fans.
Here's a selection of what they said...
JG on his group of players: I really couldn't have asked anything more from them. They've worn the shirt with pride and they've done themselves and the Club very proud indeed so far. Without wanting to get carried away, I'd say they've been first class.
GP on the John Gregory appointment: We were in a desperate situation after the defeat to Port Vale. I was looking for a reaction from the players at Vale Park but there was nothing, so we needed to make a change. I've known John for years and I'm convinced it's a fantastic appointment for the Club and for him. The two results since he arrived have been fantastic and the morale within the whole Club has lifted.
GP on the gaffers tears: I walked into his office an hour or so after the Hull victory and he was sitting in his office in pitch dark with a bottle of beer. There were tears rolling down his face and that's when I realised just how much this Club meant to him.
JG on his tears: That afternoon was a two finger salute to the rest of the footballing world bar QPR. It was me saying 'go and do one the lot of you.' It was a huge day for me and things have gone from strength to strength ever since.
JG on the future: I honestly believe that the 24 Club's in this division are fighting a relegation battle. I spent the day with Dave Jones (Cardiff manager) on Wednesday and even though they're riding high at the top of the table, he's still focused on getting to the magical 52 point barrier. No Club can afford to go down - the financial implications are just too great. There's no reason why can't dream of a return to the Premiership, but it's just a question of time. With the right kind of infrastructure we can achieve our goals.
GP on finances: Since this board took over here last September we've paid £14m of bills, creditors and loans to the club. The directors, they will take no interest back on this until the club can afford it. If things go badly then we lose our money. When we first took over last September we paid £4.9m to creditors straight away - we county courts, winding up orders and creditors that I didn't know about left right and centre. Without the directors we'd have gone into administration right then. This summer we've got some money from Danny Shittu and another £600k coming from that in August next year. We got £750k from Danny to spend on £500k on Blackstock, £200k on Rehman, Stewart and Nicky Ward. Then we paid £250k to Charlton as part of their, you know, and 5% to the Football League and the rest went straight to the tax man. The problem is, if you say to people we desperately need this money they won't give you a million, they won't even give you half a million. We're £1.2m down on season tickets which hasn't helped cash-flow, but I'm not worried. If we can be successful under John people will come back and the cash-flow will increase.
JG three weeks in: The last three weeks have been a dream. I've lad to pinch myself at times. All the staff are pulling together in the right direction, yet despite two wins on the spin, we need to keep our feet on the ground.
JG on transfers: I've looked at the squad and we've got 35 players, which is far, far too many. It's not there fault but we need to make some drastic changes. The playing staff needs to be reduced as soon as is possible and we need to improve the strength in depth in terms of our overall quality. Maybe if we can get one or two out on loan - to join the three already of course - then we can do a few deals in January. There are 16 or 17 lads here that are more than good enough to not only keep us in this league but to push on and finish in the top half of it. Keeping them fit isn't easy of course - we've got eight games in 30 days coming up. We may have a little money to spend in the transfer window and we are targeting Premiership clubs in the vicinity for loans
GP on AKUTR'S: I didn't take this man to court. People think I take people to court because the coffee is too cold. There was nothing in the Evening Standard about our win at Southampton, not one line, but there was a big report on the police. We took action against them last season and won and they don't like us because we beat them. The magazine, I never said I would take them to court, I wanted a chance to respond to serious things that were said about me in that magazine, he never had the decency to get in touch with me for a discussion and my side, I'm talking about the journalist here not the man who edits the magazine. If you don't do anything about this, you're guilty. The allegations he made against me are wrong. If they are true then I shouldn't be the chairman. If they are right I'd resign tomorrow.
QPR Official Site
See Also:
Clive Whittingham/QPR Rivals - Fan Forum Roundup
October 2006 FAN FORUM Can be HEARD AT:
Part I:
Part II:
Tonight is the Fan Forum..
This is your last chance to send in questions for Thursday evening's Fans Forum.
BBC London's Tom Watt will select the best of the bunch, before Chairman Gianni Paladini, Gaffer John Gregory and Club Captain Marcus Bignot face the R's fans.
For those who cannot make the event, it will be aired live on QPR World from 7.30pm...If you would like a question submitted, e-mail iant@qpr.co.uk and we will try to answer as many as possible. QPR
QPR Official Site -Tickets for the forthcoming Fans' Forum have now sold out.
The event - which will be held at Loftus Road on Thursday 26th April 2007 at 7.30pm - has proved to be as popular as ever, with all 100 tickets sold in a matter of days. The event will take place in the Blue and White Bar and will be hosted by our media partners at BBC London.
Tom Watt will once again be running the event and the panel will consist of Chairman Gianni Paladini, Manager John Gregory and Club Captain Marcus Bignot.
For those who didn't get a ticket, it will be aired in its entirety on BBC London and QPR World. If you would like a question submitted, e-mail iant@qpr.co.uk and we will try to answer as many as possible. Please include the words 'FANS FORUM' in the subject header. QPR
FLASHBACK TO THE LAST FAN FORUM, SIX MONTHS AGO
John Gregory had just taken over a couple of weeks previously with Gary Waddock his new Assistant; the team under Gregory had just won a couple of games; and Chairman Paladini's threatened action against the fan magazine, AKUTRs was still a topic of conversation.
QPR OFFICIAL SITE re Fan Forum - Friday October 13, 2006
-
QPR OFFICIAL SITE ON FAN FORUM - October 13, 2006 WHAT THEY SAID
There was talk of finances, transfers and even tears at Thursday evening's Fans Forum.
Hosted by BBC London's Tom Watt, Chairman Gianni Paladini and gaffer John Gregory answered a series of questions in front of an audience of 100 QPR fans.
Here's a selection of what they said...
JG on his group of players: I really couldn't have asked anything more from them. They've worn the shirt with pride and they've done themselves and the Club very proud indeed so far. Without wanting to get carried away, I'd say they've been first class.
GP on the John Gregory appointment: We were in a desperate situation after the defeat to Port Vale. I was looking for a reaction from the players at Vale Park but there was nothing, so we needed to make a change. I've known John for years and I'm convinced it's a fantastic appointment for the Club and for him. The two results since he arrived have been fantastic and the morale within the whole Club has lifted.
GP on the gaffers tears: I walked into his office an hour or so after the Hull victory and he was sitting in his office in pitch dark with a bottle of beer. There were tears rolling down his face and that's when I realised just how much this Club meant to him.
JG on his tears: That afternoon was a two finger salute to the rest of the footballing world bar QPR. It was me saying 'go and do one the lot of you.' It was a huge day for me and things have gone from strength to strength ever since.
JG on the future: I honestly believe that the 24 Club's in this division are fighting a relegation battle. I spent the day with Dave Jones (Cardiff manager) on Wednesday and even though they're riding high at the top of the table, he's still focused on getting to the magical 52 point barrier. No Club can afford to go down - the financial implications are just too great. There's no reason why can't dream of a return to the Premiership, but it's just a question of time. With the right kind of infrastructure we can achieve our goals.
GP on finances: Since this board took over here last September we've paid £14m of bills, creditors and loans to the club. The directors, they will take no interest back on this until the club can afford it. If things go badly then we lose our money. When we first took over last September we paid £4.9m to creditors straight away - we county courts, winding up orders and creditors that I didn't know about left right and centre. Without the directors we'd have gone into administration right then. This summer we've got some money from Danny Shittu and another £600k coming from that in August next year. We got £750k from Danny to spend on £500k on Blackstock, £200k on Rehman, Stewart and Nicky Ward. Then we paid £250k to Charlton as part of their, you know, and 5% to the Football League and the rest went straight to the tax man. The problem is, if you say to people we desperately need this money they won't give you a million, they won't even give you half a million. We're £1.2m down on season tickets which hasn't helped cash-flow, but I'm not worried. If we can be successful under John people will come back and the cash-flow will increase.
JG three weeks in: The last three weeks have been a dream. I've lad to pinch myself at times. All the staff are pulling together in the right direction, yet despite two wins on the spin, we need to keep our feet on the ground.
JG on transfers: I've looked at the squad and we've got 35 players, which is far, far too many. It's not there fault but we need to make some drastic changes. The playing staff needs to be reduced as soon as is possible and we need to improve the strength in depth in terms of our overall quality. Maybe if we can get one or two out on loan - to join the three already of course - then we can do a few deals in January. There are 16 or 17 lads here that are more than good enough to not only keep us in this league but to push on and finish in the top half of it. Keeping them fit isn't easy of course - we've got eight games in 30 days coming up. We may have a little money to spend in the transfer window and we are targeting Premiership clubs in the vicinity for loans
GP on AKUTR'S: I didn't take this man to court. People think I take people to court because the coffee is too cold. There was nothing in the Evening Standard about our win at Southampton, not one line, but there was a big report on the police. We took action against them last season and won and they don't like us because we beat them. The magazine, I never said I would take them to court, I wanted a chance to respond to serious things that were said about me in that magazine, he never had the decency to get in touch with me for a discussion and my side, I'm talking about the journalist here not the man who edits the magazine. If you don't do anything about this, you're guilty. The allegations he made against me are wrong. If they are true then I shouldn't be the chairman. If they are right I'd resign tomorrow.
QPR Official Site
See Also:
Clive Whittingham/QPR Rivals - Fan Forum Roundup
October 2006 FAN FORUM Can be HEARD AT:
Part I:
Part II:
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
QPR Goalie Lee Camp Again Goes Back to Derby!
-
QPR's on loan goalie, Lee Camp was taken back by Derby after their goalie, Byewater was suspended. In his second spell at QPR, Camp once did so much to ensure QPR would be playing in the Championship.
DERBY OFFICIAL SITE - CAMP RECALLED TO RAMS
Goalkeeper Lee Camp has been recalled to Derby County following the FA's decision to ban Stephen Bywater for one match.
Camp, 22, has been out on loan at Queens Park Rangers since February 12 and played 11 times for the Loftus Road club.
But Bywater's ban, handed down by an FA Disciplinary Commission on Wednesday afternoon, has left Derby with Lee Grant as their only senior goalkeeper.
Rams boss Billy Davies said of the decision to suspend Bywater: "We're disappointed to lose Stephen for the next match but in the circumstances it's the best we could hope for, considering he won the original appeal and then had to face this charge of improper conduct."
Bywater's one-match ban kicks in immediately, ruling him out of Sunday's trip to Crystal Palace, while he has also been fined £2,000 and warned as to his future conduct. Derby
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - CAMP RECALLED
Derby County have recalled goalkeeper Lee Camp from his loan spell at QPR.
Camp - who featured in 11 matches, keeping four clean sheets since his move to Loftus Road - is on his way back to the Rams, following the FA's decision to ban Stephen Bywater for one match.
Camp, 22, has been out on loan since mid-February, but Bywater's ban, handed down by an FA Disciplinary Commission on Wednesday afternoon, has left Derby with Lee Grant as their only senior goalkeeper.
Bywater's one-match ban kicks in immediately, ruling him out of Sunday's trip to Crystal Palace, while he has also been fined £2,000 and warned as to his future conduct.
QPR
QPR's on loan goalie, Lee Camp was taken back by Derby after their goalie, Byewater was suspended. In his second spell at QPR, Camp once did so much to ensure QPR would be playing in the Championship.
DERBY OFFICIAL SITE - CAMP RECALLED TO RAMS
Goalkeeper Lee Camp has been recalled to Derby County following the FA's decision to ban Stephen Bywater for one match.
Camp, 22, has been out on loan at Queens Park Rangers since February 12 and played 11 times for the Loftus Road club.
But Bywater's ban, handed down by an FA Disciplinary Commission on Wednesday afternoon, has left Derby with Lee Grant as their only senior goalkeeper.
Rams boss Billy Davies said of the decision to suspend Bywater: "We're disappointed to lose Stephen for the next match but in the circumstances it's the best we could hope for, considering he won the original appeal and then had to face this charge of improper conduct."
Bywater's one-match ban kicks in immediately, ruling him out of Sunday's trip to Crystal Palace, while he has also been fined £2,000 and warned as to his future conduct. Derby
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - CAMP RECALLED
Derby County have recalled goalkeeper Lee Camp from his loan spell at QPR.
Camp - who featured in 11 matches, keeping four clean sheets since his move to Loftus Road - is on his way back to the Rams, following the FA's decision to ban Stephen Bywater for one match.
Camp, 22, has been out on loan since mid-February, but Bywater's ban, handed down by an FA Disciplinary Commission on Wednesday afternoon, has left Derby with Lee Grant as their only senior goalkeeper.
Bywater's one-match ban kicks in immediately, ruling him out of Sunday's trip to Crystal Palace, while he has also been fined £2,000 and warned as to his future conduct.
QPR
Nostalgia: Three Years Ago today, Gianni Paladini Buys Into QPR
-
Looking back three years, on this day....At the time, Jones and Blackburn (and Davies) were running the club. Bill Power had just recently also bought into the club. Within a couple of months of Paladini's purchase of shares, Power and Paladini had taken over from Blackburn,Jones and Davies.
BBC - April 28, 2004 - Paladini buys stake in QPR
QPR have finally found an investor
Italian businessman and agent Gianni Paladini has bought a 22% stake in Queens Park Rangers.
Paladini, who has represented Fabrizio Ravanelli and Benito Carbone, has invested around £650,000 and more cash may follow in the future.
QPR have been seeking investors since coming out of administration in 2002.
The board are speaking to other groups interested in buying a major stake, including American Tim Krause and a consortium fronted by Brian Rowe.
Krause is the president of Milwaukee Wave, the American club QPR entered into a partnership agreement with last year.
Lifelong R's fan Rowe was commercial director at Loftus Road under former owners Jim Gregory and Richard Thompson. BBC
Standard/Matt Hughes - April 28, 2004
Rangers are lifted as Italian pumps millions into club.
QUEENS PARK RANGERS have received a huge boost ahead of Saturday's promotion clash with Swindonin the form of a multi-millionpound investment from Italian businessman and agent Gianni Paladini, writes Matt Hughes.
Paladini's Leeds-based property company, Moorband Limited, have bought a 22 per cent share in QPR Holdings and could increase their stake further if the club win promotion-to the First Division. Paladini has more than 30 years' experience as a football agent and will play a key role in restructuring the QPR squad this summer."
Fan Trust, QPR 1st - 28th April 2004
QPR1st gives a cautious welcome to the investment made by Moorbound Ltd, a company of former-football agent Gianni Paladini. We are pleased to see that the Club Board has at last succeeded in attracting inward investment to QPR, but there are a number of questions that we would like to see addressed, primarily to do with the deal itself and with the business credentials of Mr Paladini and his team.
In particular, we are keen to know roughly how much has been invested to secure 22% of QPR shares and what further investment plans Mr Paladini's company has. These questions alone have become pressing, since Mr Paladini's emergence as a bidder has generated substantial rumour, which QPR1st does not believe is good for either the Club or its support.
Also, should Mr Paladini's company exercise its option, as a part of this agreement, to extend the 22% to 51%, it would make this deal the beginning of an effective takeover rather than an 'investment', although QPR confirms that the Board is at the advanced stages of negotiations with other interested parties.
Given the potential that Mr Paladini could shortly have control of QPR, we call on the Board to explain what checks of Mr Paladini's business credentials and background have been done (we understand from QPR chief executive David Davies that every test so far put in front of Mr Paladini has been met on time). Meanwhile, we are seeking talks with Mr Paladini, to establish exactly what his company's involvement will mean for QPR.
QPR1st -15th April 2004 - Three investors circle QPR
QPR1st has learnt that a third potential investor in QPR has emerged. In some respects this could be positive news if it means that people are beginning to see Rangers as a viable business proposition. However, there is still plenty of room to be cautious, since two have previously explored investing in QPR and have not yet gone through with it while the third has plenty of history elsewhere in the football world.
The latest interested party to emerge is Gianni Paladini. This was reported in the Daily Express this morning but the story has subsequently been confirmed to QPR 1st by QPR chief executive David Davies. Davies stated that Paladini is looking to invest, rather than take a controlling stake.
Gianni Paladini came very close to a majority buyout of Port Vale in December 2003, through a corporate vehicle named Vantis. However, at the very last minute, another party was given priority by the Port Vale board. Some sources say that this was related to Paladinis' stated desire to be the new Port Vale Chairman, others that he simply wasn't a credible bidder with sufficient funds. In an interview with BBC Stoke he claimed he had shown the Port Vale board proof of funds before they pulled-out of the deal. http://www.bbc.co.uk/stoke/sport/portvale/2003/12/vale_takeover3.shtml
Whatever the truth, there does appear to have been a significant falling-out between Paladini and Bill Bratt the Port Vale Chairman.
QPR 1st continues to explore Paladinis' provenance. It is understood that Vantis had recently taken an interest in 'investing in' or 'acquiring' a couple of clubs ... Port Vale and Notts County.
Opinion amongst Vale supporter groups appears to back the Port Vale boards' position in rejecting Paladinis' advances. Port Vale Supporters' Trust (VAST) and Supporters Direct uncovered a series of County Court Judgments against him. Davies explained to us that these are public knowledge and arose from disputes between Paladini and another football agent. That does not mean that they should be ignored, however.
Supporters groups also discovered that, despite his early denials, Paladini was a director of several companies, including a Leeds-based property development company.
Davies confirmed that the critical difference between the Vantis interest in Port Vale and the current Paladini interest in QPR is that at Vale Vantis was attempting a complete takeover attempt, whilst Paladini is seeking to invest in QPR as an individual and not to take a majority stake. This,claims Davies, should ease supporters' worries about the ground being property-developed, as the rest of the QPR board would have to agree to such a thing. At the time of the Paladini takeover attempt at Vale, it was claimed by some that he was only interested in Vale for property development.
Meanwhile Milwaukee Wave, whose owner Tim Krause has long been looking at investing in QPR, remains interested and looks to be moving to reflect that through investment.
Last, but not least, the Brian Rowe-led consortium, which also includes the Anelka brothers, is still looking to invest.
Davies confirmed that there was a possibility of a combination of two of the three parties/ groups working together and being able to invest independently. He also confirmed that an announcement about this could come earlier or later than this Monday, as stated in the Express.
Meanwhile, the board must pick none, one or two from three. QPR1st calls on the board of QPR to take great care making their decision. Whilst recognising that failure to secure inward investment will almost certainly leave the club dangerously exposed as the season draws to a close, we recommend that prospective bidders be examined as closely as ever. At a time when the club is about to play a crucial promotion game, we have a critical weekend ahead of us. QPR1st
See Also: Dave's Queens Park Rangers Site - "Moorbound Ltd Buy 20% of QPR" -Moorbound Ltd Buy 20% of QPR"
Looking back three years, on this day....At the time, Jones and Blackburn (and Davies) were running the club. Bill Power had just recently also bought into the club. Within a couple of months of Paladini's purchase of shares, Power and Paladini had taken over from Blackburn,Jones and Davies.
BBC - April 28, 2004 - Paladini buys stake in QPR
QPR have finally found an investor
Italian businessman and agent Gianni Paladini has bought a 22% stake in Queens Park Rangers.
Paladini, who has represented Fabrizio Ravanelli and Benito Carbone, has invested around £650,000 and more cash may follow in the future.
QPR have been seeking investors since coming out of administration in 2002.
The board are speaking to other groups interested in buying a major stake, including American Tim Krause and a consortium fronted by Brian Rowe.
Krause is the president of Milwaukee Wave, the American club QPR entered into a partnership agreement with last year.
Lifelong R's fan Rowe was commercial director at Loftus Road under former owners Jim Gregory and Richard Thompson. BBC
Standard/Matt Hughes - April 28, 2004
Rangers are lifted as Italian pumps millions into club.
QUEENS PARK RANGERS have received a huge boost ahead of Saturday's promotion clash with Swindonin the form of a multi-millionpound investment from Italian businessman and agent Gianni Paladini, writes Matt Hughes.
Paladini's Leeds-based property company, Moorband Limited, have bought a 22 per cent share in QPR Holdings and could increase their stake further if the club win promotion-to the First Division. Paladini has more than 30 years' experience as a football agent and will play a key role in restructuring the QPR squad this summer."
Fan Trust, QPR 1st - 28th April 2004
QPR1st gives a cautious welcome to the investment made by Moorbound Ltd, a company of former-football agent Gianni Paladini. We are pleased to see that the Club Board has at last succeeded in attracting inward investment to QPR, but there are a number of questions that we would like to see addressed, primarily to do with the deal itself and with the business credentials of Mr Paladini and his team.
In particular, we are keen to know roughly how much has been invested to secure 22% of QPR shares and what further investment plans Mr Paladini's company has. These questions alone have become pressing, since Mr Paladini's emergence as a bidder has generated substantial rumour, which QPR1st does not believe is good for either the Club or its support.
Also, should Mr Paladini's company exercise its option, as a part of this agreement, to extend the 22% to 51%, it would make this deal the beginning of an effective takeover rather than an 'investment', although QPR confirms that the Board is at the advanced stages of negotiations with other interested parties.
Given the potential that Mr Paladini could shortly have control of QPR, we call on the Board to explain what checks of Mr Paladini's business credentials and background have been done (we understand from QPR chief executive David Davies that every test so far put in front of Mr Paladini has been met on time). Meanwhile, we are seeking talks with Mr Paladini, to establish exactly what his company's involvement will mean for QPR.
QPR1st -15th April 2004 - Three investors circle QPR
QPR1st has learnt that a third potential investor in QPR has emerged. In some respects this could be positive news if it means that people are beginning to see Rangers as a viable business proposition. However, there is still plenty of room to be cautious, since two have previously explored investing in QPR and have not yet gone through with it while the third has plenty of history elsewhere in the football world.
The latest interested party to emerge is Gianni Paladini. This was reported in the Daily Express this morning but the story has subsequently been confirmed to QPR 1st by QPR chief executive David Davies. Davies stated that Paladini is looking to invest, rather than take a controlling stake.
Gianni Paladini came very close to a majority buyout of Port Vale in December 2003, through a corporate vehicle named Vantis. However, at the very last minute, another party was given priority by the Port Vale board. Some sources say that this was related to Paladinis' stated desire to be the new Port Vale Chairman, others that he simply wasn't a credible bidder with sufficient funds. In an interview with BBC Stoke he claimed he had shown the Port Vale board proof of funds before they pulled-out of the deal. http://www.bbc.co.uk/stoke/sport/portvale/2003/12/vale_takeover3.shtml
Whatever the truth, there does appear to have been a significant falling-out between Paladini and Bill Bratt the Port Vale Chairman.
QPR 1st continues to explore Paladinis' provenance. It is understood that Vantis had recently taken an interest in 'investing in' or 'acquiring' a couple of clubs ... Port Vale and Notts County.
Opinion amongst Vale supporter groups appears to back the Port Vale boards' position in rejecting Paladinis' advances. Port Vale Supporters' Trust (VAST) and Supporters Direct uncovered a series of County Court Judgments against him. Davies explained to us that these are public knowledge and arose from disputes between Paladini and another football agent. That does not mean that they should be ignored, however.
Supporters groups also discovered that, despite his early denials, Paladini was a director of several companies, including a Leeds-based property development company.
Davies confirmed that the critical difference between the Vantis interest in Port Vale and the current Paladini interest in QPR is that at Vale Vantis was attempting a complete takeover attempt, whilst Paladini is seeking to invest in QPR as an individual and not to take a majority stake. This,claims Davies, should ease supporters' worries about the ground being property-developed, as the rest of the QPR board would have to agree to such a thing. At the time of the Paladini takeover attempt at Vale, it was claimed by some that he was only interested in Vale for property development.
Meanwhile Milwaukee Wave, whose owner Tim Krause has long been looking at investing in QPR, remains interested and looks to be moving to reflect that through investment.
Last, but not least, the Brian Rowe-led consortium, which also includes the Anelka brothers, is still looking to invest.
Davies confirmed that there was a possibility of a combination of two of the three parties/ groups working together and being able to invest independently. He also confirmed that an announcement about this could come earlier or later than this Monday, as stated in the Express.
Meanwhile, the board must pick none, one or two from three. QPR1st calls on the board of QPR to take great care making their decision. Whilst recognising that failure to secure inward investment will almost certainly leave the club dangerously exposed as the season draws to a close, we recommend that prospective bidders be examined as closely as ever. At a time when the club is about to play a crucial promotion game, we have a critical weekend ahead of us. QPR1st
See Also: Dave's Queens Park Rangers Site - "Moorbound Ltd Buy 20% of QPR" -Moorbound Ltd Buy 20% of QPR"
Nostalgia 1: QPR's Final Game Team Lineups over Past Five Years
-
[And how QPR started the 2006-2007 Season:August 2006: QPR's team vs Burnley: P Jones, Bignot, Stewart, Rose, Milanese, Ainsworth, Rowlands, Lomas, Ward, Cook, Czerkas. Subs: Cole, Kanyuka, Donnelly, Bircham, R Jones
ONE YEAR AGO: Final Game of 2005-2006: (vs Reading)
Paul Jones (Cole 45), Bignot, Shittu, Santos, Milanese, Ainsworth, Cook, Bailey (Ray Jones 68), Langley, Donnelly, Furlong.
Subs Not Used: Evatt, Munday, Howell. Goals: Furlong 72.
TWO YEARS AGO: Final Game of 2004-2005
Generoso Rossi
Marcus Bignot
Dan Shittu
George Santos
Gino Padula
Lee Cook
Marc Bircham
Martin Rowlands
Jamie Cureton
Tony Thorpe
Kevin Gallen
Subs:
Richard Edghill
Marcus Bean
Adam Miller
THREE YEARS AGO: Final Game - 2003-2004 Shef Wed 1 QPR 3 (Gallen, Furlong & OG)
Lee Camp
Gino Padula
Clarke Carlisle
Matthew Rose
Richard Edghill
Gareth Ainsworth
Marc Bircham
Richard Johnson
Martin Rowlands
Paul Furlong
Kevin Gallen
Subs:
Arthur Gnohere
Jamie Cureton
Steve Palmer
FOUR YEARS AGO - vs Cardiff May 25 2003 (0-1)
Chris Day
Stephen Kelly
Clarke Carlisle
Danny Shittu
Gino Padula
Kevin Gallen
Marc Bircham
Steve Palmer
Kevin McLeod
Richard Pacquette
Paul Furlong
Subs
Nick Culkin
Terrell Forbes
Andy Thomson (for Pacquette)
Brett Angell
Tommy Williams (for Padula)
FIVE YEARS AGO - April 20, 2002 (Oldham 1 QPR 0)
QPR: Evans, Forbes, Palmer, Shittu, Bignot, Langley, Peacock, Rose, Griffiths, Thomson, Gallen. Subs: Murphy, Digby, Gradley, Foley, Agogo.
[And how QPR started the 2006-2007 Season:August 2006: QPR's team vs Burnley: P Jones, Bignot, Stewart, Rose, Milanese, Ainsworth, Rowlands, Lomas, Ward, Cook, Czerkas. Subs: Cole, Kanyuka, Donnelly, Bircham, R Jones
ONE YEAR AGO: Final Game of 2005-2006: (vs Reading)
Paul Jones (Cole 45), Bignot, Shittu, Santos, Milanese, Ainsworth, Cook, Bailey (Ray Jones 68), Langley, Donnelly, Furlong.
Subs Not Used: Evatt, Munday, Howell. Goals: Furlong 72.
TWO YEARS AGO: Final Game of 2004-2005
Generoso Rossi
Marcus Bignot
Dan Shittu
George Santos
Gino Padula
Lee Cook
Marc Bircham
Martin Rowlands
Jamie Cureton
Tony Thorpe
Kevin Gallen
Subs:
Richard Edghill
Marcus Bean
Adam Miller
THREE YEARS AGO: Final Game - 2003-2004 Shef Wed 1 QPR 3 (Gallen, Furlong & OG)
Lee Camp
Gino Padula
Clarke Carlisle
Matthew Rose
Richard Edghill
Gareth Ainsworth
Marc Bircham
Richard Johnson
Martin Rowlands
Paul Furlong
Kevin Gallen
Subs:
Arthur Gnohere
Jamie Cureton
Steve Palmer
FOUR YEARS AGO - vs Cardiff May 25 2003 (0-1)
Chris Day
Stephen Kelly
Clarke Carlisle
Danny Shittu
Gino Padula
Kevin Gallen
Marc Bircham
Steve Palmer
Kevin McLeod
Richard Pacquette
Paul Furlong
Subs
Nick Culkin
Terrell Forbes
Andy Thomson (for Pacquette)
Brett Angell
Tommy Williams (for Padula)
FIVE YEARS AGO - April 20, 2002 (Oldham 1 QPR 0)
QPR: Evans, Forbes, Palmer, Shittu, Bignot, Langley, Peacock, Rose, Griffiths, Thomson, Gallen. Subs: Murphy, Digby, Gradley, Foley, Agogo.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Gregory and Paladini and Ainsworth on QPR and Forthcoming Changes
-
Plus also: From Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times on Paul Jones and Damion Stewart
Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times - Carry on John
JOHN Gregory has been given the green light to strengthen his squad for next season after QPR ensured their place in the Championship.
Gregory's relegation-haunted team finally clinched survival with a 1-0 win over Cardiff last weekend and the manager immediately signed a new two-year deal to stay at Loftus Road.
Rangers chairman Gianni Paladini told the Times: "It's up to John what players he wants to bring in. He knows the budget for next season and I will back him 100 per cent.
"It's not easy to find the right replacement when you change managers after five years and we believed Gary Waddock was the right one and gave him the chance to sign the players he wanted.
"Unfortunately it didn't work out, but we asked John to come in and I'm completely confident that QPR have a bright future with him as manager.
"If you look at our form in the last two months, that's what we're capable of doing. There will be a big clearout and, if we have the right players next season, we can be much higher up the table."
Gregory has already offloaded eight players permanently and sent six others out on loan since he succeeded Waddock as Rangers boss seven months ago.
And the manager vowed to make further changes in personnel when the season ends, saying: "There's a lot of hard work to be done in terms of who's going and who's staying.
"I had too many losers at the club and it took me a while to get them off our backs. There was too much laughing after we got beaten on the coach on the way home.
"Some of them forgot the score at 6pm on a Saturday night and they're not here any more. The ones that were hurting, they're still here.
"People who were employees at the club were glad to see us losing, but they've gone and if there's anyone like that here now, they'll be gone in the summer."
But Gregory paid tribute to the efforts of the players who hauled Rangers to safety with two games remaining, especially some of those who have arrived since the turn of the year.
He declared: "The day I signed Danny Cullip was the day this club started to move forward. Adam Bolder's been great for us, so has Lee Camp and [Sami] Timoska will get better as time goes on.
"It wasn't just the players I brought in, though, some of those I inherited have worked so hard too and what they've achieved this season has been incredible.
"The players have been under pressure from the first day and they've shown an unbelievable amount of courage, effort and enthusiasm on the training ground.
"The spirit in the dressing-room has got us out of trouble. I'm delighted for everyone connected with this club, now I'd like to celebrate and have a bloody good time."
Once the celebrations have died down, Gregory's task will be to keep his squad focused on their two remaining games, beginning with play-off hopefuls Wolves at Molineux on Saturday.
Meanwhile, QPR have announced a 10 per cent reduction on season ticket prices in a bid to raise attendances at Loftus Road next season.
Rangers have averaged crowds of less than 13,000 this season, compared to close on 16,000 before steep price rises were introduced two years ago.
Chairman Gianni Paladini hopes the new pricing scheme - which keeps the cost of a season ticket for under-16s at £70 and allows under-eights in for free - will help bring back the missing supporters.
Current season ticket holders have until May 31 to renew with a further reduction and Paladini stressed: "The 10 per cent discount is across the board, so there will still be a discount on the early bird rate.
"One of the main reasons we stayed up was because the fans turned out in force. Loftus Road must be a fortress next season and I want to see an extra two or three thousand people for each game. Kilburn Times
Gareth Ainsworth - Kilburn Times Step on the Gaz
24 April 2007
A FEW weeks ago, I used the phrase 'don't panic' in this column - and it's nice to have been proved right.
Being negative can never do you any good and, when I heard a couple of players in the dressing room saying 'this isn't looking too good' a while ago, I couldn't let it pass.
I told them all they needed to do was stay focused and get on with their jobs. If you go down being negative, then in my book you deserve it.
Some of the fans came up and voiced their concern to me as well, but overall they've been very positive. In fact, I'd say the West Brom defeat was the turning point for us.
Even though we lost that day, the vibes we picked up from the fans had a massive impact. Suddenly the lads realised we had the backing of most of west London and, after that, we felt like we could beat anyone.
The gaffer asked myself, Danny Cullip and some of the squad players to be in the dressing room before and after the Cardiff game and the atmosphere was fantastic.
When the league table flashed up on the TV and we heard Jeff Stelling say 'QPR are safe', there was a big cheer and a massive sense of relief.
A few high profile pundits tipped us to go down, but we've shown everyone just how close this group of players are.
If there's one thing we can take on into next season, it's the spirit that John Gregory and Joe Dunbar have created - and we want to finish this season on a high as well.
The gaffer might want to rest one or two players - don't forget we had four games in nine days not long ago - and have a look at a few people for next season.
We certainly don't want anyone thinking we won't be giving our all against Wolves and Stoke - we're a proud bunch and whoever plays will be right up for those games.
My gut feeling is that Wolves will just miss out and we can certainly contribute to that by going to Molineux and getting a result.
If I'd known Biggy was on the mike after the final whistle on Saturday, I'd have probably tried to grab it off him because my singing's a lot better than his!
But seriously, he deserves a lot of credit because he's done a captain's job without ever saying 'I'm the captain'.
He's led by example, gets everyone involved, it's been a pleasure to play under him and I hope he's turned heads enough to earn a contract for next season. Kilburn Times
Answer is under R noses - Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times
By Ben Kosky
HE'S already on the books at QPR, eyeing a move towards coaching and has 50 international caps to his name.
With goalkeeping coach Tony Roberts suspended and unlikely to return to Loftus Road, Paul Jones appears the obvious candidate to step into his shoes next season.
Surprisingly, Rangers seem to have overlooked that possibility, even though Jones has been leading training sessions for the club's keepers ever since Roberts' abrupt departure in February.
The ex-Southampton, Liverpool and Wolves keeper, who turned 40 last week, was told some time ago that he would not be offered a new playing deal for next season.
But he told the Times: "I'm trying to get my coaching badges anyway in June and if I was asked the question by QPR, I'd listen to what was said and I'd have to think about it.
"Nothing's been mentioned so far and I'm open to all offers, to be honest. Coaching could be the next step for me, maybe as a player-coach, maybe coaching a first team or working with kids.
"But if I can get a playing contract, I'd love to carry on next season. I enjoy playing and I've kept fit, that's the main thing - it's a question of whether someone wants me.
"Managers don't know at the moment what league they're going to be in next season, what budgets they've got to spend, or even whether they'll have a job. Hopefully by June or July I can sort something out."
Jones was originally brought to QPR by Gary Waddock in February 2006 to replace the injured Simon Royce and cemented his place in the side with a string of outstanding performances.
The Welsh international was virtually an ever-present until Waddock was axed in September - and a month later new manager John Gregory dropped him following his 26th appearance for the club, a 3-2 defeat against Sheffield Wednesday.
Royce suffered a similar fate after the Rs' 5-0 drubbing at Southend two months ago and even his departure on an emergency loan to Gillingham last week will make no difference to Jones' future.
There are no hard feelings on the veteran's part, though, and he observed: "A new manager comes in and things change - that's how it goes in this game. John's looking to the future now and I understand that.
"I've certainly enjoyed my time at QPR. I hadn't been playing regularly before I came here and having a run of 14 games at the end of last season was thoroughly pleasing.
"Obviously the Sheffield United away game was a highlight, including the penalty save, and so was the home game against Wolves - to keep a clean sheet against your old club is always good."
Royce, who made his Gills debut in their 3-2 victory against Port Vale last Saturday, is also expected to leave Loftus Road when his contract expires in the summer. Kilburn Times
Stew Peas could be Cook's side dish
Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times
Lee Cook is the overwhelming favourite to win Player of the Year
By Ben Kosky
THERE'S still a week to go before the ballot boxes are sealed, but the outcome of the Player of the Year poll has looked a foregone conclusion for some time.
It will be an immense surprise if Lee Cook does not win the accolade after a season that has seen him graduate into one of the Championship's most potent match-winners.
At times, Cook has single-handedly carried QPR's hopes of avoiding the drop, with his skilful ball control and pinpoint crossing usually providing their best chance of snatching a victory.
Likewise, Dexter Blackstock, with 13 goals in a struggling side since his arrival from Southampton in August, looks an absolute shoe-in for Rangers' Young Player of the Year award.
The real issue may be who finishes runner-up to Cook - and it must be said there are few outstanding candidates.
Adam Bolder and Danny Cullip would certainly be in contention if they had been at the club more than a few months, as would Martin Rowlands but for the injury problems that have restricted him to spells of no more than six successive appearances.
Apart from Blackstock, no forward has found anything like the required consistency, while John Gregory's loss of faith in first Paul Jones and then Simon Royce would make it difficult to cast a vote for a goalkeeper.
Almost unnoticed, though, one player has missed just a single match for Rangers this season - due to suspension - and has grown in stature during that time.
In his first season at this level, Damion Stewart has had a few shockers but, alongside the experienced Cullip, he has also produced some determined and classy performances in the Rs' rearguard.
The Jamaican centre-back would be my second choice behind Cook - he has shown that, in the right company and with the right guidance, he can develop into a quality player at this level.
It would be nice to think that Michael Mancienne - surely Blackstock's main rival for the junior award - might also continue to mature as part of the QPR defence.
Unfortunately, like so much else these days, that remains in Chelsea's hands. Kilburn Times
Plus also: From Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times on Paul Jones and Damion Stewart
Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times - Carry on John
JOHN Gregory has been given the green light to strengthen his squad for next season after QPR ensured their place in the Championship.
Gregory's relegation-haunted team finally clinched survival with a 1-0 win over Cardiff last weekend and the manager immediately signed a new two-year deal to stay at Loftus Road.
Rangers chairman Gianni Paladini told the Times: "It's up to John what players he wants to bring in. He knows the budget for next season and I will back him 100 per cent.
"It's not easy to find the right replacement when you change managers after five years and we believed Gary Waddock was the right one and gave him the chance to sign the players he wanted.
"Unfortunately it didn't work out, but we asked John to come in and I'm completely confident that QPR have a bright future with him as manager.
"If you look at our form in the last two months, that's what we're capable of doing. There will be a big clearout and, if we have the right players next season, we can be much higher up the table."
Gregory has already offloaded eight players permanently and sent six others out on loan since he succeeded Waddock as Rangers boss seven months ago.
And the manager vowed to make further changes in personnel when the season ends, saying: "There's a lot of hard work to be done in terms of who's going and who's staying.
"I had too many losers at the club and it took me a while to get them off our backs. There was too much laughing after we got beaten on the coach on the way home.
"Some of them forgot the score at 6pm on a Saturday night and they're not here any more. The ones that were hurting, they're still here.
"People who were employees at the club were glad to see us losing, but they've gone and if there's anyone like that here now, they'll be gone in the summer."
But Gregory paid tribute to the efforts of the players who hauled Rangers to safety with two games remaining, especially some of those who have arrived since the turn of the year.
He declared: "The day I signed Danny Cullip was the day this club started to move forward. Adam Bolder's been great for us, so has Lee Camp and [Sami] Timoska will get better as time goes on.
"It wasn't just the players I brought in, though, some of those I inherited have worked so hard too and what they've achieved this season has been incredible.
"The players have been under pressure from the first day and they've shown an unbelievable amount of courage, effort and enthusiasm on the training ground.
"The spirit in the dressing-room has got us out of trouble. I'm delighted for everyone connected with this club, now I'd like to celebrate and have a bloody good time."
Once the celebrations have died down, Gregory's task will be to keep his squad focused on their two remaining games, beginning with play-off hopefuls Wolves at Molineux on Saturday.
Meanwhile, QPR have announced a 10 per cent reduction on season ticket prices in a bid to raise attendances at Loftus Road next season.
Rangers have averaged crowds of less than 13,000 this season, compared to close on 16,000 before steep price rises were introduced two years ago.
Chairman Gianni Paladini hopes the new pricing scheme - which keeps the cost of a season ticket for under-16s at £70 and allows under-eights in for free - will help bring back the missing supporters.
Current season ticket holders have until May 31 to renew with a further reduction and Paladini stressed: "The 10 per cent discount is across the board, so there will still be a discount on the early bird rate.
"One of the main reasons we stayed up was because the fans turned out in force. Loftus Road must be a fortress next season and I want to see an extra two or three thousand people for each game. Kilburn Times
Gareth Ainsworth - Kilburn Times Step on the Gaz
24 April 2007
A FEW weeks ago, I used the phrase 'don't panic' in this column - and it's nice to have been proved right.
Being negative can never do you any good and, when I heard a couple of players in the dressing room saying 'this isn't looking too good' a while ago, I couldn't let it pass.
I told them all they needed to do was stay focused and get on with their jobs. If you go down being negative, then in my book you deserve it.
Some of the fans came up and voiced their concern to me as well, but overall they've been very positive. In fact, I'd say the West Brom defeat was the turning point for us.
Even though we lost that day, the vibes we picked up from the fans had a massive impact. Suddenly the lads realised we had the backing of most of west London and, after that, we felt like we could beat anyone.
The gaffer asked myself, Danny Cullip and some of the squad players to be in the dressing room before and after the Cardiff game and the atmosphere was fantastic.
When the league table flashed up on the TV and we heard Jeff Stelling say 'QPR are safe', there was a big cheer and a massive sense of relief.
A few high profile pundits tipped us to go down, but we've shown everyone just how close this group of players are.
If there's one thing we can take on into next season, it's the spirit that John Gregory and Joe Dunbar have created - and we want to finish this season on a high as well.
The gaffer might want to rest one or two players - don't forget we had four games in nine days not long ago - and have a look at a few people for next season.
We certainly don't want anyone thinking we won't be giving our all against Wolves and Stoke - we're a proud bunch and whoever plays will be right up for those games.
My gut feeling is that Wolves will just miss out and we can certainly contribute to that by going to Molineux and getting a result.
If I'd known Biggy was on the mike after the final whistle on Saturday, I'd have probably tried to grab it off him because my singing's a lot better than his!
But seriously, he deserves a lot of credit because he's done a captain's job without ever saying 'I'm the captain'.
He's led by example, gets everyone involved, it's been a pleasure to play under him and I hope he's turned heads enough to earn a contract for next season. Kilburn Times
Answer is under R noses - Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times
By Ben Kosky
HE'S already on the books at QPR, eyeing a move towards coaching and has 50 international caps to his name.
With goalkeeping coach Tony Roberts suspended and unlikely to return to Loftus Road, Paul Jones appears the obvious candidate to step into his shoes next season.
Surprisingly, Rangers seem to have overlooked that possibility, even though Jones has been leading training sessions for the club's keepers ever since Roberts' abrupt departure in February.
The ex-Southampton, Liverpool and Wolves keeper, who turned 40 last week, was told some time ago that he would not be offered a new playing deal for next season.
But he told the Times: "I'm trying to get my coaching badges anyway in June and if I was asked the question by QPR, I'd listen to what was said and I'd have to think about it.
"Nothing's been mentioned so far and I'm open to all offers, to be honest. Coaching could be the next step for me, maybe as a player-coach, maybe coaching a first team or working with kids.
"But if I can get a playing contract, I'd love to carry on next season. I enjoy playing and I've kept fit, that's the main thing - it's a question of whether someone wants me.
"Managers don't know at the moment what league they're going to be in next season, what budgets they've got to spend, or even whether they'll have a job. Hopefully by June or July I can sort something out."
Jones was originally brought to QPR by Gary Waddock in February 2006 to replace the injured Simon Royce and cemented his place in the side with a string of outstanding performances.
The Welsh international was virtually an ever-present until Waddock was axed in September - and a month later new manager John Gregory dropped him following his 26th appearance for the club, a 3-2 defeat against Sheffield Wednesday.
Royce suffered a similar fate after the Rs' 5-0 drubbing at Southend two months ago and even his departure on an emergency loan to Gillingham last week will make no difference to Jones' future.
There are no hard feelings on the veteran's part, though, and he observed: "A new manager comes in and things change - that's how it goes in this game. John's looking to the future now and I understand that.
"I've certainly enjoyed my time at QPR. I hadn't been playing regularly before I came here and having a run of 14 games at the end of last season was thoroughly pleasing.
"Obviously the Sheffield United away game was a highlight, including the penalty save, and so was the home game against Wolves - to keep a clean sheet against your old club is always good."
Royce, who made his Gills debut in their 3-2 victory against Port Vale last Saturday, is also expected to leave Loftus Road when his contract expires in the summer. Kilburn Times
Stew Peas could be Cook's side dish
Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times
Lee Cook is the overwhelming favourite to win Player of the Year
By Ben Kosky
THERE'S still a week to go before the ballot boxes are sealed, but the outcome of the Player of the Year poll has looked a foregone conclusion for some time.
It will be an immense surprise if Lee Cook does not win the accolade after a season that has seen him graduate into one of the Championship's most potent match-winners.
At times, Cook has single-handedly carried QPR's hopes of avoiding the drop, with his skilful ball control and pinpoint crossing usually providing their best chance of snatching a victory.
Likewise, Dexter Blackstock, with 13 goals in a struggling side since his arrival from Southampton in August, looks an absolute shoe-in for Rangers' Young Player of the Year award.
The real issue may be who finishes runner-up to Cook - and it must be said there are few outstanding candidates.
Adam Bolder and Danny Cullip would certainly be in contention if they had been at the club more than a few months, as would Martin Rowlands but for the injury problems that have restricted him to spells of no more than six successive appearances.
Apart from Blackstock, no forward has found anything like the required consistency, while John Gregory's loss of faith in first Paul Jones and then Simon Royce would make it difficult to cast a vote for a goalkeeper.
Almost unnoticed, though, one player has missed just a single match for Rangers this season - due to suspension - and has grown in stature during that time.
In his first season at this level, Damion Stewart has had a few shockers but, alongside the experienced Cullip, he has also produced some determined and classy performances in the Rs' rearguard.
The Jamaican centre-back would be my second choice behind Cook - he has shown that, in the right company and with the right guidance, he can develop into a quality player at this level.
It would be nice to think that Michael Mancienne - surely Blackstock's main rival for the junior award - might also continue to mature as part of the QPR defence.
Unfortunately, like so much else these days, that remains in Chelsea's hands. Kilburn Times
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)