The Arrival and Departure of Armel Tchakounte

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In yesterday's "cull" of QPR players, manager John Gregory listed eight players who would be allowed to leave Loftus Road as their contracts expired. And best of luck to all eight of them.
One of those eight released, was Armel Tchakounte who signed exactly a year ago to high acclaim from Manager, Gary Waddock and Chairman, Gianni Paladini. The club wensite showed a photo of Tchakounte, Waddock, Paladini and QPR Holdings Chairman, Antonio Caliendo on the Loftus Road pitch (not the case for every signing)and with high praise fo the player. In the words of Paladini "He can run all day and has a never-say-die attitude. He will be a tremendous signing." And in the words of then manager, Waddock "Armel shone in training and will be a huge addition to this football club. "He's a big, strong, powerful lad with great energy and will be a key player for us next season.''
In his year at QPR, Tchakounte, who was given the #19 shirt, never made a league appearance (or even was on the subs bench). According to messageboard posts (but not seemingly noted on the Club's official site) broke his leg around last December.

May 4, 2007:QPR Official Site - ARMEL ARRIVES
Cameroon international Armel Tchakounte has put pen to paper on a one year deal with the Hoops.
The 27 year-old, who trained with Rangers during the latter part of the season, today (Thursday) penned a one year deal - with an option of a second year - at Loftus Road.
Armel, whose previous clubs include Kitchee FC (Hong Kong), is a right footed, defensive midfielder, with great physical skills, high stamina and bags of experience in the top leagues in Africa and Asia.
"It's a dream come true to sign for an English club like QPR,'' Armel told qpr.co.uk.
"I really enjoyed my time training with the team during the last few weeks of the season and am glad I was rewarded with a contract.
"QPR are a big club and I'm really looking forward to playing at Loftus Road for the first time and helping the team next season.''
Hoops Caretaker Manager Gary Waddock was delighted to secure his second signing in as many hours, commenting: "Armel shone in training and will be a huge addition to this football club.
"He's a big, strong, powerful lad with great energy and will be a key player for us next season.''
Chairman Gianni Paladini believes the Hoops' latest signing will prove to be a firm favourite with the Rangers fans.
"He can run all day and has a never-say-die attitude. He will be a tremendous signing.
"Gary was really impressed with him in the three weeks he spent with us towards the end of last season and coupled with the other players we hope to bring in over the summer, we're really optimistic about the future.'' QPR

August 1, 2006: OFFICIAL SITE - STATEMENT FROM CHAIRMAN, GIANNI PALADINI - "Roll on The New Season"
"Having just returned from the R's pre-season tour of Italy, QPR Chairman Gianni Paladini can't wait for the big kick-off....
". "Gary, Macca and the coaching staff are now ready for the new season. I believe we have a much improved squad, with summer signings including Armel Tchakounte, Jamaican international defender Damion Stewart, Egutu Oliseh, Adam Czerkas and the much talked about Nicky Ward, and the important re-signing of Lee Cook for two more years.....Come on You R's!'' Gianni Paladini QPR

QPR Official Site - Player Profile
Name: Armel Tchakounte
Nationality: Cameroon
Date of Birth: 22/12/1978
Position: Midfielder
Armel put pen to paper on a one year deal in the summer of 2006.
The 27 year-old, who trained with Rangers during the latter part of the previous season, penned a one year deal - with an option of a second year - at Loftus Road.
Armel, whose previous clubs include Kitchee FC (Hong Kong), is a right footed, defensive midfielder, with great physical skills, high stamina and bags of experience in the top leagues in Africa and Asia. QPR

BBC May 5, 2006 - QPR sign Stewart and Tchakounte