QPR Seasonal Review - September 2006

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SEPTEMBER 2006

The month began with Waddock in charge and ended with John Gregory in control. Inbetween there was the "grudge" match against Ian Holloway's Plymouth; the disappointment of a loss at Colchester and the cup loss at Port Vale. With QPR at the very bottom of the Championship table, John Gregory came in to replace Gary Waddock who was initially demoted to Gregory's Assistant. Waddock's QPR Managerial Record: 3 wins in 22 games in charge (and 1 win in last 19 games in charge.) Meanwhile assistant manager, Alan McDonald with a long QPR history, was "terminated." The season ended with John Gegory winning his first two games. Jimmy Smith joined QPR from Chelsea, initially on a month loan. Rowlands signed a new contract. Tommy Doherty went out on loan to Wycombe. And Chairman Paladini made a statement about - and demanded action from - the fan magazine, 'A Kick Up The Rs:'
[See Also: QPR Report - Season in Review - August 2006]

SEPTEMBER 2006 RESULTS
09-Sep-06 A Plymouth Argyle D 1-1 (1-1) Blackstock
12-Sep-06 H Birmingham City L 0-2 (0-1)
16-Sep-06 A Colchester United L 1-2 (0-2) Brown(og)
+ CUP GAME: PORT VALE 3 QPR 2
23-Sep-06 H Hull City W 2-0 (0-0) Jones 60; Blackstock 80
30-Sep-06 A Southampton W 2-1 (2-1) Blackstock 34; Jones 40
RESULTS

At the beginning of the month, there were press reports about Premiership Teams wanting QPR's Nick Ward.
QPR's Ward cools Fulham talk tribalfooball.com - September 04, 2006
QPR midfielder Nick Ward has played down talk of a move to Fulham.
Fulham boss Chris Coleman is already tracking the young Aussie after he only joined QPR over the summer.
"I haven't heard anything official so I've just got to keep playing well," he told the Daily Telegraph."If I was in a little town it would be a bit harder to adjust, I think it's good being in London it's not too lonely, there's always something to do to keep yourself busy and you're in a shop window.

"Us and Luton Town are the only London clubs that aren't in the EPL."
Tribal Football

The month began with a draw at Plymouth and a number of rememberances by Ian Holloway about his time at QPR and the circumstances under which he left (along with Tim Breaker and Gary Penrice, both subsequently at Plymouth.)

The Plymouth game was followed by a 0-2 home defeat to Birmingham, leaving Waddock's QPR near the bottom.

League Table
Leeds 6 7
Sheffield Wed 7 7
Colchester 7 7
Leicester 7 7
Sunderland 6 6
QPR 7 6
Hull 7 4

The Birmingham defeat was then followed by a 2-1 loss at Colchester (at the time not knowing how well "Little" Colchester would end up doing this season). QPR sank to the bottom of the table and Waddock was highly critical:
lchester 2 QPR 1...QPR Bottom

Waddock's Comments - Official Site
Gary Waddock didn't mince his words and called on his men to show pride and passion.

Rangers found themselves 2-0 down at half time and pulled a goal back thanks to a Colchester own goal, and Waddock was not a happy man.
Harking back to his days as a player, the Rangers manager asked his men to take a good look at themselves in the mirror tonight.
"I don't know where to start, where was the pride? Where was the passion?
"I wasn't the best player, but in mine and Alan McDonald's day we knew what it meant to wear the shirt.
"I'm getting sick of coming out here and talking about good football, and I'm sure the fans are as well. I'd rather play the sort of football that wins games.
"All I know is, we're bottom of the table and I don't like it one bit.
"We didn't improve in the second half in my opinion; we were bad from start to finish.
"We had injuries and that's not what this performance was down to. All that proves to me is that those who filled in didn't do enough to nail down a spot.
"Myself and Alan McDonald both said the same thing to the players after the game, they need to take a long, hard look at themselves."
QPR Official http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Match/ManagersComments/0,,10373~898396,00.html

The Colchester game was followed by the Port Vale cup debacle, with QPR knocked out of the cup by Port Vale, 3-2 in what turned out to be Waddocks final game in charge of QPR. The next day (although the job was supposedly decided before the Port Vale game), Waddock was out (actually reassigned to assistant manager) and John Gregory was in.


Waddock's Managerial Record-
Garry Waddock's Managerial Record in the Championship since he took over at QPR - First as Acting/Caretaker manager and then in the summer as permanent manager.

3 wins in 22 games. One win in the past 19 games.
2005/06 Played 14: 2 wins 5 draws 7 Lost
2006/2007: Played 8: 1 Win, 3 Draws, 3 Losses

2005/2006
W - QPR 1-0 Millwall 11-02-2006
L - C Palace 2-1 QPR 14-02-2006
W - Sheff Utd 2-3 QPR 25-02-2006
D - QPR 0-0 Wolves 04-03-2006
D - Sheff Wed 1-1 QPR 11-03-2006
D - QPR 1-1 Brighton 18-03-2006
D - Cardiff 0-0 QPR 25-03-2006
L - QPR 1-2 Stoke 29-03-2006
L - QPR 1-2 Crewe 01-04-2006
L - Burnley 1-0 QPR 08-04-2006
D - QPR 1-1 Derby 15-04-2006
L - Norwich 3-2 QPR 17-04-2006
L - QPR 1-2 Watford 22-04-2006
L - Reading 2-1 QPR 30-04-2006

2006/2007
L - Burnley 2-0 QPR 05-08-2006
D - QPR 2-2 Leeds 08-08-2006
W - QPR 2-0 Southend 12-08-2006
D - Preston 1-1 QPR 19-08-2006
L - QPR 1-3 Ipswich 25-08-2006
D - Plymouth 1-1 QPR 09-09-2006
L - QPR 0-2 Birmingham 12-09-2006
L - Colchester 2-1 QPR 16-09-2006

QPR OFFICIAL SITE John Gregory Takes Over at QPR
-OFFICIAL SITE - GREGORY APPOINTED
John Gregory has been appointed as QPR First Team Manager with immediate effect.

Gary Waddock will now work under the former Aston Villa boss in an Assistant Manager's role.

In an exclusive interview with www.qpr.co.uk, Chairman Gianni Paladini revealed his delight at the appointment: "It's a fantastic scoop for the Club.
"John is a proven manager at the highest level and is very eager to get back in to the managerial game.
"He's sat down with Gary and talked everything through and the situation is perfect as we look to climb the Championship table.
"I'd like to wish the pair of them the very best in their new roles.''

Gregory - who has been out of the game since leaving Derby County in 2003 - commented: "I'm back in the hot-seat and it's a huge challenge.
"QPR are very close to my heart and it's a fantastic opportunity for me.
"This is a job I can very much get my teeth into and I'm relishing the challenge that lies ahead.
"Winning matches is what matters most in the business and we aim to do that, starting Saturday.''
Waddock said: "It's the right decision for the club, I'm just thankful that Gianni thinks enough of me to keep me here as Assistant Manager.
"I look forward to working with John, we both played together under Terry Venables and have the same work ethic.
"I'll learn a lot from him and I'm sure that this appointment will benefit the club I love."
QPR Official Site

BBC - Gregory appointed as new QPR boss

Gregory makes his return after three-and-a-half years
Queens Park Rangers have unveiled John Gregory as their new manager, with former boss Gary Waddock handed the job of first-team coach.
Former Aston Villa boss Gregory, 51, returns to management three-and-a-half years after leaving Derby.
Waddock replaced the sacked Ian Holloway in February and was handed the position full-time in the summer.
But the former QPR midfielder has struggled and Gregory takes over with the club bottom of the Championship.
QPR have won just one league game this season and were knocked out of the Carling Cup by Port Vale on Tuesday evening.
Gregory, a close friend of Rangers chairman Gianni Paladini, began his managerial career at Portsmouth and he also had a spell at Plymouth.
He took over at Wycombe Wanderers in October 1996, where he helped the team avoid relegation and remained in charge for two years.
The former England midfielder took over at Villa in the 1997/98 season and during the four years under Gregory's management Villa never finished outside the top eight in the Premiership.
He has also managed Derby and has been out of management since leaving the Rams in March 2003.


Gregory Warns of Relegation Fight & Notes Finances-
TEAMTALK Gregory warns of tough times ahead

John Gregory has warned QPR they face "a serious relegation threat" after succeeding Gary Waddock as manager at Loftus Road.

The former Aston Villa and Derby boss has signed a contract until the end of the season with Rangers, with the option of a one-year rolling contract to follow if he does well.

Gregory takes over with Rangers bottom of the Championship and out of the Carling Cup - and he urged the players to show more heart in the battles that lie ahead.

"There is a serious threat of relegation at this club," Gregory said. "I saw them knocked out of the Carling Cup at Port Vale last night.

"Some of the players turned up - but quite a few of them did not bother going.

"Every player will have a fresh chance to impress me, and that is what they are here to do.

"I still have lots of points to prove to myself - although not to anyone else. I hope I can improve the fortunes of the team."

Waddock was relieved of his duties after meeting Rangers chairman Gianni Paladini - a close friend of Gregory - after the 3-2 defeat at Vale Park.

During the reigns of Ian Holloway and Waddock, there was considerable speculation regarding how much influence Paladini exerted over team selection and transfer policy - but Gregory made it clear he would tolerate no such interference.

The 51-year-old continued: "The training ground is the one place where I do not want anyone to interfere with my work.

"That is my domain. Having success is about keeping good habits, working hard and getting things right.

"In terms of transfers, we will work with what we have, although there is the opportunity to make loan signings, which has been a blessing for Championship clubs."

Gregory's friendship with Paladini is likely to raise some eyebrows among Rangers fans, with whom the Italian former agent has never been wholly popular.

Backed by a consortium of Monte Carlo-based businessmen, Paladini took control from former chairman Bill Power in a boardroom coup in September 2005.

Rangers have suffered considerable financial problems in recent seasons and spent the 2001-02 season - before Paladini had become involved with the club - in administration, but Gregory was quick to defend Paladini and fellow director Antonio Caliendo.

He added: "I have known Gianni for some time, and, were it not for he and Antonio, the club might not be here today.

"Our results can dictate the direction of the financial side of things.

"If we can improve on the pitch, more supporters will start coming to watch us, and it will help everything."
Teamtalk

SKYSPORTS
Gregory happy to be back
By Lewis Rutledge - Created on 20 Sep 2006

John Gregory has expressed his delight at returning to management with Queens Park Rangers.

Gregory has been away from football since being sacked by Derby in 2003, but QPR decided to bring him in following a disastrous start to the season.

Having played for QPR in the past Gregory admits he is pained to see the club bottom of The Championship, and he is determined to guide them clear of relegation.

He also explained that his history at the club had been a factor in his decision to return to Loftus Road.

"It feels very good," he told Sky Sports News. "I'm ready to come back to work.

"It (news of the appointment) kind of broke towards the end of the weekend. I spoke to the chairman and the board of directors and we sorted things out very quickly.

"You can start romancing about the past and what it was like during my time here.

"I was here for four-and-a-half seasons and we won almost every week. We had a tremendous success rate, so they were very happy times.

"So that did influence me but it wasn't the overriding issue.

"From a geography point of view it is ideal for me, and just knowing that there is an opportunity here to improve the team, to get us back up the table, and look for Championship safety."

Gregory's predecessor Gary Waddock, who played alongside the 51-year-old at QPR, is to remain at the club as assistant manager.

"It's been a tough time for Gary but he'll cope. He's a really strong personality and I want him to continue to be part of my staff," said Gregory.

"We'll work together and I hope the next time he sits in the big chair he'll be a lot more experienced and he'll have learned from his time in charge here."
Skysports

McDonald Departs QPR: "Given Notice to Terminate his Employment"
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-
Best of luck to Alan McDonald who deserves a lot of gratitude for his current time of QPR - regardless of whether it may not have worked out as wishes; and for his previous QPR playing career.

QPR Official Site - MACCA DEPARTS
Alan McDonald has been given notice to terminate his employment at Queens Park Rangers Football Club.

After making 483 appearances for the Hoops in a successful 16-year spell as a player, McDonald joined the R's as Caretaker Assistant Manager in February 2006, prior to taking up the position of Assistant Manager towards the end of June.

Chairman Gianni Paladini told qpr.co.uk: "I'd like to thank Alan McDonald for all the hard work he's done here since February.

"He's been a great servant for this Club, both as a player and in his role as Assistant Manager, and I wish him all the best for the future.''


GREGORY'S FIRST GAME: VICTORY AT HOME TO HULL

QPR: P Jones,Bignot, Rehman, Stewart, Rose (Kanyuka 46), Rowlands, Bailey (Lomas 64), Bircham (Ward 64), Cook, R Jones, Blackstock.
Subs: Royce, Baidoo.
Scorers: R Jones 60, Blackstock 80
Bookings: R Jones 30, Rehman 72, P Jones 85

Hull City: Myhill, Dawson, Ashbee, Turner, Parkin, Bridges (Forster 66), Collins, Livermore (Marney 74), Mills, Fagan, France (Yeates 66).
Subs: Duke, Thelwell.
Bookings: Collins 53, Mills 62, Livermore 68
Referee: D Deadman
Attendance: 11,381


In the aftermath of the Hull victory came:Paladini Taking Legal Action re "A Kick Up The Rs" Publication
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Official Site-CLUB STATEMENT

Statement by Gianni Paladini on the recent edition of 'A Kick Up The Rs:'

The publication 'A Kick Up The Rs' has recently published a deeply misleading, inaccurate and scandalous article about myself and Queens Park Rangers FC.
A number of serious allegations have been made in that publication which are not true. The publication failed to contact myself or anyone else at the Club to verify their allegations.
Considering the seriousness of the allegations, I have been reluctantly forced to take legal action. The matter is now in the hands of my solicitors.
I expect a comprehensive retraction and apology from the publication for publishing these falsehoods. If they are not prepared to provide that, the matter will be dealt with by the courts.
I am sorry it must come to this, but in order for me to be able to defend myself from such blatant and hurtful untruths, I have no alternative than to take this action.
I shall make no further comment on this matter until either the apology and retraction has been received or legal proceedings are concluded." QPR http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~902567,00.html

Friday, September 29, 2006

Two Supporters Groups Issue Statements re AKUTRs & Club's Response-
In mid-September, the fanzine, AKUTRs came out with its latest issue in which a number of assertions were made. After remaining silent on the matter, for about two weeks, on September 25 the club issued:
QPR Statement - Statement by Gianni Paladini on the recent edition of 'A Kick Up The Rs:'

In reaction to the Club's statement, two Fan organizations, first QPR1st and then LSA issued statements:

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QPR1st - September 27th Statement - AKUTR's and The Club
September 27, 2006

"QPR1st supports the right of supporters to express their views in a variety of ways including fanzines and message boards.
We acknowledge that the Club also has the right to challenge what it considers to be unfair or inaccurate comments in fanzines through the official site, the programme, fans forums or by requesting a 'right to reply' within the fanzines themeselves.
Nevertheless fanzines have limited resources with which to defend themselves against legal action and therefore 'threats to sue' can be perceived as an act of intimidation. We would urge the Club to withdraw such threats and to seek to redress what they regard as a wrong through other less confrontational means. The Trust would be happy to act as a mediator between the Club and AKUTRs in the belief that QPR is at its strongest when it is united"
QPR1st

LSA SECRETARY'S STATEMENT - September 29, 2006
The LSA offers wholehearted support for Dave Thomas and AKUTR's right to freedom of speech. We deplore the actions of the club in taking legal action which could kill off one of the most respected fanzines in England.
AKUTR's has played a crucial role in keeping our club alive in difficult times and we would be poorer without it.
We agree that a right of reply should be given to the club to answer the points raised in the last issue. We would be happy to play a role in ensuring that these matters are dealt with without recourse to legal action against one of the most respected supporters of our beloved club.
However if the club pursues with legal action against Dave we will offer wholehearted support in any manner we deem fit, including publishing material and raising a financial fighting fund to defend AKUTR's in court.
JOHN REID
SECRETARY
LSA
LSA Site

Staff Changes at QPR-
[At the current time, despite the reported coaching staff departures, the official site's club directory continues to reflect no changes other than Gregory in; Waddock Assistant Manager and Mcdonald departed.]


Waddock role remains uncertain
27 September 2006
By Ben Kosky Wembley & Kingsbury Times - 27 September 2006

NEW QPR boss John Gregory admits he has yet to decide exactly what role his predecessor Gary Waddock will fill at Loftus Road.
Officially, Waddock has been appointed Gregory's number two - but the incoming manager has hinted that he may shake up the coaching structure during the coming weeks.
Alan McDonald, who had been assistant manager under Waddock, left the club within 24 hours of Gregory's appointment and the Rangers boss said: "I don't work with friends, I work with people who are good at what they do.
"Gary's going to be part of my staff, which means he'll work with me on the training ground on a daily basis and he'll be in the dugout on Saturday afternoon, unless I decide to use him somewhere else in the coaching set-up where he's more suitable.
"I think it's got to be like that - I've never worked with Gary before as a coach and I want to find out his strengths, harness those strengths and use them in the right areas.
"I want to assess what everybody here does, but I haven't dismissed the fact that I might want to bring in three or four of my own people."

Reserve team manager Justin Skinner - appointed just three months ago - and assistant physio Bobby Bacic have also left the club.
And Gregory hopes that Waddock, who spent just under eight months in charge of the first team, can take heart from his own initial experience of management - an unsuccessful year with Portsmouth and an even shorter stint at Plymouth.
The QPR manager returned to coaching with Leicester before resuming his managerial career at Wycombe Wanderers, followed by four years at Aston Villa.
He recalled: "I was 34 years of age and thought I had all the answers, but I failed miserably as a manager, got sacked and was out of work for six or seven months.
"Brian Little took me to Leicester as a coach and I sat and watched him for five years. I learnt so much from him and by the time I left to manage Wycombe I was confident in my own ability.
"I hope Gary will stay on and learn. It's a painful experience, what he's been through and it will hurt - but he's basically got a second chance.
"Even though things didn't work out the way he wanted, he can take a back seat and maybe take things in. He's QPR through and through and I want people like that alongside me."
Whether or not he initiates further changes to the coaching staff, Gregory has already outlined his intention to stamp his mark on Rangers' training ground culture - with the emphasis on winning.
And the manager will even be happy to see training ground punch-ups on a regular basis, explaining: "I love to see people that want to punch each other on the training ground and I don't mind players getting into a ruck.
"If you've not had a fight on the training ground in a month, you've got a problem - either you're too nice or they're too nice. If people want to win badly, that's infectious - having a fall-out in the dressing room is because you care.
"It's all about winning habits and, if I say so myself, that's what I'm good at - getting people into good habits.
"I don't want mobile phones going off all the time and people getting off the bus with a headset on. I don't have ghetto blasters or any of that in the dressing room - you're here to play football and win matches, so get switched on.
"That needs a drastic tidy-up. I like everything just so - if all the chairs aren't facing the same way, it irritates me."
Gregory has signed an initial nine-month contract at Loftus Road and added: "I want to stay as long as it takes, but if I'm not successful, Gianni [Paladini] probably won't want me around and that's fine - I like working with a challenge.
http://www.wktimes.co.uk/content/brent/wembleychronicle/sport/story.aspx?brand=WKCOnline&category=sportfootball&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=sportwkc&itemid=WeED27%20Sep%202006%2011%3A27%3A57%3A390

Wednesday, September 27, 2006
QPR's New Loan Signing from Chelsea, Teenage Midfielder, Jimmy Smith
QPR Official Site QPR are delighted to announce the one month loan signing of Chelsea midfielder Jimmy Smith.

The 19 year old today (Wednesday) met up with his team-mates for the first time and is expected to be involved in the first team squad for the trip to St Mary's on Saturday.

The England Under-19 international - who is an attack-minded midfielder - made his first team debut for the current Premiership Champions in the final game of the 2005/06 season...
Official Site


QPR OFFICIAL SITE - ROWLY'S DELIGHT

Martin Rowlands has put pen to paper on a two year contract extension with the R's.
Rowlands - whose current deal was due to expire at the end of the 2006/07 campaign - is now contracted to the Club until the summer of 2009....
To date, he's made 106 appearances in all competitions, scoring 20 goals.
Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, the 27 year-old revealed his delight at securing his long term future: "I've signed for a further two years and I couldn't be more delighted. "I feel at home here and with John Gregory coming in, it's great to be part of a new era. "The new gaffer was keen for me to put pen to paper as soon as possible, so now it's up to me to repay the faith he's shown in me.''
R's Chairman Gianni Paladini was equally as ecstatic with the news, telling qpr.co.uk: "It's fantastic. The negotiations took a while, but it was certainly worth the wait. "He is a key player here and has a huge part to play in our future. Yet again, it signals the Board's intentions of securing the long term future of one of our star players. Official

QPR OFFICIAL SITE - STEWART CALLED UP BY JAMAICA

Damion Stewart has been called up by Jamaica for their forthcoming friendly international against Canada. The 26 year-old defender ...is in line to earn his 37th cap for his country when the Reggae Boyz line up against Canada in Kingston on Sunday 8th October.... Official

Second Victory: Southampton 1 QPR 2

SOUTHAMPTON Davis 5, Makin 6, Baird 6, Pele 6 (Jones 5), Bale 7, Wright 6 (Dyer 6), Licka 5, Viafara 7, Skacel 6, Rasiak 5, Wright-Philips 6 (Sermon 6).

QPR Jones 7, Bignot 6, Rehman 7, STEWART 8, Rose (Kanyuka 6), Rowlands 7, Bircham 6 (Lomas 6), Bailey 6 (Smith 6), Cook 6, Jones 7, Blackstock 7.


DAMION STEWART
For Complete Archive re September 2006, see QPR Report Postings: September 2005