QPR's Season Review - October 2006

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OCTOBER 2006

A high-scoring month, which saw QPR pick up 3 points from 5 games (3 draws and 2 losses). Michael Mancienne joined QPR on loan from Chelsea; Marc Bircham came off the transfer list.
John Gregory spoke about his QPR Plans and the needed changes and the fact that the club were in a relegation dogfight.
Off the field, October saw Richard Hill and Joe Dunbar come in to assist John Gregory. Among those leaving the club, were Reserve Team Manager, Justin Skinner and Head of Recruitment, John O'Brien. There were reports in the press that QPR had unpaid bills to the police. A Fan Forum was held with John Gregory and Gianni Paladini.
The end of the month saw a statement that the club had "parted company" with Gary Waddock. Alan McDonald spoke about his continued love for the club. Former coach, Tim Breacker remained on "Gardening Leave."
The club posted on its official site, what it headlined, "An Apology" from the fan magazine, AKUTRs.
QPR1st's Tracy Stent published her long-waited, much anticipated, very lengthy report of "The Trial." QPR1st released a "Fundraising Discussion Document" - Rebuild QPR.

OCTOBER RESULTS
14-Oct-06 H Norwich City D 3-3 (1-1) Smith 24; Rowlands 46, 91
17-Oct-06 H Derby County L 1-2 (1-2) Smith 7 10,882
21-Oct-06 A Sheffield Wednesday L 2-3 (0-2) Blackstock 50
28-Oct-06 H Leicester City D 1-1 (0-1) Rowlands 68p
31-Oct-06 A West Bromwich Albion D 3-3 (0-2) Stewart 46; Gallen 48; Nygaard 83

Bottom 8 after Sheffield Wednesday 3 QPR 2
Sunderland 13 16
Stoke 13 15
QPR 13 13
Sheff Wed 13 13
Barnsley 13 12
Southend 13 10
Leeds 13 10
Hull 13 9

After QPR Draw 3-3 at WBA ->[Table: Bottom Eight]
Stoke 15 18
Crystal Palace 15 18
Sheff Wed 15 17
QPR 15 15
Leeds 15 13
Hull 15 12
Barnsley 14 12
Southend 15 10

Bicham Comes Off the Transfer List
QPR Official Site
Marc Bircham has come off the transfer list at his own request.
The Rangers midfielder was removed from the list after reporting for training at Harlington on Sunday morning.
"I'm obviously really pleased,'' Birch told qpr.co.uk.
"The last few months have been a bit up and down for me, but this is a huge pick-me-up.
"I've always stated that I didn't want to leave the Club. I'm happy with my form but there is still a lot more to come from both myself and the rest of the lads.''
Bircham - who has led the R's to back-to-back wins since John Gregory's arrival as QPR boss - paid tribute to the 'amazing impact' made by the new gaffer.
"The buzz is back at QPR. We've won two on the bounce since the new gaffer has come in and the future suddenly seems a lot brighter.
"Success breeds confidence and the atmosphere in the squad is fantastic. We're determined to put our poor start to the season behind us and yesterday's result speaks volumes for the amazing impact John has made since he came in.
"The lads are all pulling in the right direction and we're all buzzing in training and, as the last two results prove, especially on match days.''
Birch reserved a final thought for the fans: "They were magnificent at St Mary's.
"They packed out the away end and from the moment we equalised they were different class. The reception we got at full-time was unbelievable!''

Tom Harvey, Kilburn Times, October 4 re John Gregory Assistant, Richard Hill
"...John Gregory's management team at QPR is beginning to take shape with former Stevenage Borough boss Richard Hill set to be named as his assistant.
Hill, who spent two years at Stevenage after being appointed manager in 1998, knows Gregory well from their time together at Aston Villa.
Hill enjoyed a spell as a coach during Gregory's reign at Villa Park, before moving on to Stevenage.
After his exit from the Hertfordshire side, Hill worked as assistant boss to Andy Hessenthaler at Gillingham, before taking a similar role under Brian Little at Tranmere and then becoming number two at Northampton Town until 2003.
Hill's arrival is expected to be followed by further management changes at Loftus Road, with four staff set to leave in the next few days.
Kilburn Times

Four "Backroom" Departures From QPR-
Update: Four Departures and two arrivals
QPR Official Site - All Change"
In the wake of John Gregory's arrival as QPR manager, the Club have parted company with four of their backroom team.
Reserve Team Manager Justin Skinner, Head of Recruitment John O'Brien, Assistant Physiotherapist Bobby Bacic and Team Masseur Graham Staddon have all left the Club, with two new staff members set to be announced in the next 24 hours.
The Club wishes to thank the quartet for their services to QPR, while also wishing them all the best for the future.

Official Site - NEW ADDITIONS
Queens Park Rangers Football Club are delighted to welcome Richard Hill and Joe Dunbar to the Club.
Hill joins John Gregory's backroom staff as a coach, while Dunbar is employed as a Sports Performance Coach.
The pair will work closely alongside the new gaffer, who was understandably pleased with their appointments: "Joe was Lennox Lewis' personal trainer. When Lennox was getting ready for a fight, he had a ten week period where Joe was the guy who had to get him up to speed.
"Since Lennox has retired, Joe has had a bit more time on his hands and has been working for me here at the Club on a semi-part-time basis.
"Hilly worked with me at Wycombe between 1996 and 1998. When I went to Aston Villa he went to Gillingham, so he knows this division very well and knows how to survive in it. He will be working alongside me.''
Stay tuned to www.qpr.co.uk for further news and interviews regarding the appointments.
Official Site
RESULTS

BBC - Gregory planning overhaul at QPR By Andrew McKenzie
QPR's new manager John Gregory has vowed to make major changes to the playing staff at the Championship club.
He took over as boss at Loftus Road in September and one of his first tasks will be to trim the first-team squad.
"The squad is massive, it is too big for a club of this size. We can't carry 35 players, it's ridiculous and has got out of hand," he told BBC Sport.
"There will continue to be lots and lots of changes between now and the end of the season."
He added: "I have got about 35 players and they've all got to be paid and fed and clothed and, from time to time, some are staying in a hotel.
"I inherited a huge coaching staff and unfortunately on my second day we had to make some changes and I had to let some people go because we were vastly overstaffed and it was costing us a hell of a lot of money.
"The most important thing is we try to pick up as many points as we can and not worry too much about the off-the-field problems we have.
"But I'm having to address that side of it as well as trying to win matches on a Saturday
One player who will be not going anywhere is Marc Bircham, who has been taken off the transfer list at his own request following Gregory's arrival.
"It's great news for everybody," added Gregory. "He came to see me and wanted to be taken off it, which we've done.
"He's very much an integral part of the squad. He's my captain on the pitch, he has been outstanding for us in the last two matches, he's a great trainer and great lad to have around.
"He's a QPR freak, which helps when you are playing for the club you love, and he wears his heart on his sleeve every week - I just love having him around."
Gregory, who has a deal until the end of the season, added: "He's now playing for a new contract - the same as me, the same as Stevie Lomas and Marcus Bignot.
"Hopefully, all of us will get a new deal if we continue to impress."
Gregory failed in his bid to sign Lee Hendrie from former club Aston Villa on loan as QPR could not afford his wages, with the player moving to Stoke instead.
But, despite their financial struggles, Gregory is still hopeful of improving his squad.
He added: "We can only really loan players and we are up to our limit but if there is somebody who can help us I'm sure the board will do what they can to make it happen. We are looking for bargains here and there.
"We were very interested in Lee but it was going to be far too expensive for us. In the past we've gone ahead and done it but now if we can't afford to do it then we won't.
"We have to address the problems of the past of overspending. I think Lee was keen to come to QPR, but as it turns out, we have taken Jimmy Smith from Chelsea, who cost us a fraction of what Lee would have cost.
"So I'm delighted at getting Jimmy. He is never going to replace Frank Lampard or Claude Makelele or Michael Ballack or Michael Essien so it's probably more beneficial to him to come and play in our first team.
"He will be great for us. He came on for half-an-hour at the weekend and looked like he enjoyed himself and we certainly enjoyed having him.
"He's a smashing kid and he has a lot of potential and can do a very good job for us over the next month.
"Hopefully I can look to extend the loan to the end of the season. Whether it becomes permanent is down to Chelsea.
"Obviously they don't have to worry about the money but they might find it's in Jimmy's best interests to let him go and get a career elsewhere and might let him go for nothing - but we will have to wait and see."
BBC

BBC - Gregory in dreamland at QPR By Andrew McKenzie
John Gregory ended three years in the management wilderness when he agreed to take over as boss of Championship strugglers QPR last month.
Two games later and Gregory has got the club buzzing again, dragging them off the foot of the table on the back of two straight victories.
He upset the national press by refusing to do interviews after QPR beat Southampton at the weekend but BBC Sport has since spoken to the former Aston Villa and Derby manager about life at Loftus Road.
THREE YEARS AWAY FROM MANAGEMENT
It wasn't deliberate by any stretch of the imagination.
I went for one or two jobs that I wasn't successful in getting and I turned down a couple abroad - one in Ireland and one in Israel - as it would have meant being away from London.
I was doing lots of stuff for TV and radio and was pretty well stacked up at the start of this season.
But I was not doing what I wanted to do and I had my doubts whether I would go back to work.
HOW THE QPR MOVE CAME ABOUT
I got a phone call on the Sunday and had a meeting with the chairman on the Monday - we sorted out the finer details, which took about 15 minutes.
I came to work on Wednesday, had my first training session on Thursday and we played Hull on the Saturday - it was pretty straightforward really.
I never had a meeting with the players, I just went to the training ground and got on with it.
LOFTUS ROAD IN 2006
I was a little bit taken aback that the office at Loftus Road was basically how I remember it as a player 20 years ago. It has not really changed at all so that was a bit of an eye-opener.
The wallpaper is not very nice, the desk is the same and the chair has seen better days but there are far more important things to be done first and we can't afford to get the decorators in anyway.
WHAT HE HAS MISSED ABOUT MANAGEMENT
I thoroughly enjoy the coaching side and the atmosphere. You miss the training ground and everything that goes on there.
Coming in, the whole place has been pretty shambolic so getting everything organised and running smoothly and efficiently is something I enjoy.
I like attention to details and that's one of things I've tried to do - so everyone knows exactly what is going on all of the time. It is habit-forming, which you take on to the pitch on a weekend.
WHAT HE HAS DONE TO GET QPR GOING AGAIN
We won two football matches - that gets people buzzing straight away.
We have had a positive attitude on the training ground and I've thrown a bit back at the players and given them the opportunity to make some decisions.
On Friday we trained in the afternoon at Portsmouth. I rang their manager Harry Redknapp and we used Pompey's training ground, which I was grateful for.
I asked the captain Marc Bircham to get the general consensus and everyone wanted to train on Friday afternoon so that's what we did.
If they feel it's more beneficial to train on a Friday afternoon we will support them all the way.
Generally, we have got a few rules - turn up on time, work bloody hard when you get here and look after yourself when you leave.
Then we will see you tomorrow.
NOT SPEAKING TO THE PRESS ON SATURDAY
I didn't have any complaints from anyone at QPR, which is all that matters. I spoke to our people but didn't want to talk to the tabloid journalists - there was no point.
On that particular day I thought the result spoke for itself. Why do I need to add to it? We actually got far more coverage on Sunday and Monday than if I had said anything.
HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH THE CHAIRMAN
When I went to Aston Villa in 1994, Gianni Paladini was a football agent and based in Birmingham so I've got to know him over the years.
I know what he's about and his heart is 100% in this role - he only wants success for the club and he's prepared to work as hard as he can to get it.
He knows how I operate and he was very willing to get me in to try and do the same sort of job I did at Villa and Wycombe.
He has a football head on, even though sometimes he acts like a supporter and gets carried away - like he has over the last two weeks with two wins - but only in a good way.
AMBITIONS
The chairman is looking at survival this year, then who knows what might happen.
We can all dream. Wigan chairman Dave Whelan had a dream for his club to be playing in the Premiership when they were playing at Springfield Park in the Fourth Division.
It was a dream but it was a dream he realised and when you look at that kind of situation then there's no reason why the rest of us can't dream.
For some of us it will remain a dream but for others it will come true.
We can sit here thinking that maybe we can get there but there is a lot of work to do between now and then.
Watford have done it and I'd like to think we're a bigger club than Watford, with our fanbase there's no reason why we can't dream about doing it as well one day.
When I was a player here we got to the Cup final in 1982, in 1983 we won the Second Division and in 1984 we finished fifth in the top flight and qualified for the Uefa Cup.
I'd settle for that - and why not? Why shouldn't you think that way? There's a lot of work to be done but I'm thoroughly enjoying every day so far. BBC

Gregory Wants Lomas and Bignot to Stay
BBC -QPR manager rates Bignot & Lomas
QPR boss John Gregory says defender Marcus Bignot and midfielder Steve Lomas are part of his plans but have not been removed from transfer list.
"Marcus is in the team, and Steve has been on the bench and has been involved in both my matches in charge," Gregory told the club's official website.
"Both Marcus and Steve are very much part of my plans.
"They are certainly not two players whom I am trying to offload, and they are not available for transfer."

QPR's New Open Door Policy: Gregory Invites Fans to Watch Training-
QPR Official Site - OPEN INVITATION
John Gregory has made Harlington an open house and is encouraging Rangers fans to come along and watch training.
From now on, supporters will be allowed to turn up to see the Superhoops going through their daily routine.
Gregory said: "I'd be delighted to see as many fans as possible here. I don't have a problem with them being there watching their heroes and during school holidays bring the kids along as well.
"Providing supporters stick to the training ground regulations and behave themselves then I see no reason as to why this can't continue."
Fans are asked to gather in front of the pitch on the left as you enter Harlington and not congregate on the balcony of the pavilion.
Harlington is located on Sipson Lane, Harlington, Middlesex, UB3 5AQ
Directions are shown below.

According to today's Evening Standard, as reposted on several QPR fan Sites (Official site, Rivals and LSA):
"Evening Standard
QPR owe £102,176 in unpaid police bills.

QPR could face a winding up order in the High Court for failing to pay their policing bill.The club owe more than £100,000 to the Metropolitan Police,according to official documents seen by the Evening Standard.The trail of unpaid invoices,totalling 28 separate bills,goes back to the beginning of last season.The Metropolitan Police Authority last week served the club with a final demand for £102,176 giving it three weeks to pay.
In an official statutory demand, solicitor sacting for the police warn the club "This is an important document.This demand must be dealt with within 21 days after its service upon the company or a winding-up order could be made in respect of the company".The demand has been issued against QPR Holdings Ltd,formerly QPR Holdings plc,the limited company which now owns the club.The unpaid invoices 'in respect of the 'special services of police at Loftus Rd Stadium' began with a demand for £5,778.18 dating back to 18 August 2005,while the most recent unpaid bill is for £1,332.51 dated 31 August 2006.The club paid £10,000 on 16 June- the only sum the Met appears to have received in more than a year.The unpaid bills will fuel fears Rangers, who are struggling in 16th place in the Championship are still having financial problems following administration in 2001.A spokesman for the club said today :"The bill will be paid in the next week or so".The spokesman refused to comment further....

QPR OFFICIAL SITE re Fan Forum - Friday October 13, 2006
QPR Fan Forum Held with Gianni Paladini & John Gregory

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

Loan Signing Complete - Chelsea's Mancienne-
QPR OFFICIAL SITE LOAN RANGER
QPR have completed the one month loan signing of Chelsea defender Michael Mancienne.
The 18 year-old put pen to paper at Harlington on Monday morning, ahead of the Championship fixture against Derby County on Tuesday (8.00pm).
"He is a fantastic prospect,'' gaffer John Gregory told qpr.co.uk.
"Michael will go straight into the squad on Tuesday and it's a great chance for the QPR fans to see one of Chelsea's - and England's - brightest young talents in action.''
The teenager, who is a product of the Chelsea academy scheme and has captained England at Under-18 level, joined Frank Lampard, John Terry et al on the Blues' first team pre-season tour of the United States.
Mancienne was an unused substitute for Chelsea in the 2006 Community Shield match versus Liverpool and the first two Premiership games of the season versus Manchester City and Blackburn Rovers.
QPR

Kilburn Times Perspective of "The Trial" and Tracy Stent's QPR Trial Report
Kilburn Times - 18 October 2006 nwl.sport@archant.co.uk
Court case raises more questions
IF the history of Queens Park Rangers FC is ever deemed suitable material for a TV drama, it's a fair bet that August 13, 2005 will feature heavily in the production.
Allegations of kidnapping and blackmail, set against the backdrop of a bitter boardroom battle for control of the club, resulted in the court case that gripped Rangers fans and journalists alike for several weeks during the summer.
Tracy Stent, of supporters' group QPR 1st, attended every day of the trial, which eventually saw seven men, including Dave Morris - listed as an honorary director of the club - cleared of all charges.
Her in-depth account of proceedings, spread over 173 pages, was posted on the www.rivals.net website last week - and brought to the fore several questions that remain unanswered.
What was the role of Phil Emmell, the business partner of ex-chairman Bill Power, at QPR?
Evidence given during the trial indicated that Emmell, along with Morris, took over contracts for catering and building work at the club without the knowledge of the majority of the board of directors.
Why was a £500,000 loan from businessman Val Ehmer arranged without the approval of the QPR board - and then used to repay money that had been loaned to the club by individual directors?
Since being ousted as chairman, Power has invested £1m in League Two club Swindon Town - yet reports suggest some uncertainty as to the status of that investment since a recent decision to cease his involvement with the Robins.
Much court time was taken up in piecing together the events of August 13 prior to Rangers' home game with Sheffield United, when staff testified that they were prevented from gaining access to offices on the third floor.
Power gave evidence that, even after identifying himself as chairman of QPR, he was refused entry by 'some of the largest men I have seen in my life' - so why, in that situation, did he not contact security staff or even the police?
In fairness to Power, very few of the leading figures involved in the case emerge with much credit from those 173 pages.
One exception, though, is former QPR manager Ian Holloway - who, as well as livening court proceedings, gave some indication of how ongoing boardroom tension made his job increasingly difficult.
With hindsight, it's hardly surprising that Rangers - joint top of the table on August 13 - ended the season just one place above the relegation zone.
Kilburn Times

Thursday, October 19, 2006
QPR OFFICIAL STATEMENT - WADDOCK DEPARTS
Queens Park Rangers Football Club have parted company with Gary Waddock.
Waddock was named as manager on June 28 after a spell as caretaker manager following the departure of Ian Holloway.
The former Rangers midfielder moved into a coaching role when John Gregory was then appointed at the end of last month.
QPR would like to thank Gary and wish him every success in the future.

Alan McDonald on QPR: "No Hard Feelings...It hasn't changed my affection for QPR""
Ealing Gazette - October 16, 2006 -No hard feelings, says Mcdonald
ALAN McDonald insists he has no hard feelings towards QPR following his exit in the wake of John Gregory's appointment as manager.
McDonald, who spent 17 years as a player at Loftus Road, left his job as assistant boss soon after Gregory was installed.
The former Northern Ireland international could be forgiven for having his feelings towards the club permanently soured.
He was unhappy at the manner of his release as a player in 1997 after giving Rangers such loyal service.
McDonald was then in the process of moving to Belfast - and was in contention for the Glentoran manager's job - before a sudden return to west London as Gary Waddock's right-hand man, only to find himself out of work just eight games into the new season.
Alan M But McDonald reflected: "That's part of being in football. I'll just spend some time with my family and see what happens in the future.
"I'm moving back to Belfast, which was the plan before I went back to QPR. It's a shame in many ways to have left the club again but these things happen."
McDonald has no complaints about the decision to wield the axe, although he is reluctant to comment on the abrupt manner of his departure.
Gregory was in place within hours of the League Cup defeat at Port Vale and had been lined up to take over before the game.
"Results weren't good and I take my share of the responsibility for that," McDonald admitted.
"It hasn't changed my affection for QPR. That will never happen.
It was always the first result I looked for before I came back and will always be the first the result I look for."
McDonald believes his former team-mate Gregory will prove to be a success in the Rs hotseat. The new boss has made the perfect start with wins over Hull and promotion-chasing Southampton, and McDonald is convinced the turnaround will be maintained. QPR are in action again tomorrow at home to Norwich.
"John will do well," he predicted. "There's a good enough squad there to finish quite high up that division.
"You've got lads like Ray Jones, Shabazz Baidoo and Pat Kanyuka coming through and that's great to see, because bringing on the youngsters is something the club was always good at and hopefully will be in the future."

Tim Breaker STILL a QPR Employee -Plymouth Official Site - October 19, 2006 TIM DELAYED
TIM Breacker's arrival at Argyle as part of the Home Park coaching team has been further delayed.
Breacker was placed on gardening leave at QPR, along with Ian Holloway, and he is been trying to sort out contract complications with Rangers' chairman Gianni Palladini.
Holloway remains confident that Breacker will be on board soon as Argyle chariman Paul Stapleton is continuing discussions with Mr Palladini.
"Tim Breacker will hopefully be here soon," said Holloway.
"The chairman is talking to Mr Palladini. Hopefully, my chairman will sort that out.
"If it takes ten months to get him here, I don't care. He should never have been placed on gardening leave. He should have taken over the team if they were not happy with me." Plymouth

QPR Official Site - John Gregory's Comments IT'S A DOGFIGHT
John Gregory readily admitted the R's are in a 'relegation dogfight' after the 3-2 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday.
A Marcus Tudgay brace and a controversial Steve MacLean spot-kick gave the Owls maximum points, after Rangers had fought back from 2-0 down thanks to a Dexter Blackstock double.
"There's still a lot to be worked on and make no mistake, we're in a dogfight,'' Gregory told www.qpr.co.uk.
"Thankfully some of the other results went for us today, but we need to return to winning ways - and quickly.''
Gregory was also keen to have his say on the controversial spot-kick, which led to the Owls winner.
"I thought it was a cast iron penalty from the touchline, but Jonah and the rest of the lads have assured me there was no contact,'' he said.
"Jonah told me he got a foot on the ball and their lad made the most of it.''
After conceding three more goals, Gregory is aware of the need to improve things in the defensive third.
"We were very nervy at times at the back. We've basically gifted them three goals by giving away possession in silly areas and you just can't afford to do that at this level.'' QPR Official Site

QPR1st Recently released a "Fundraising Discussion Document"
The document, "REBUILD QPR - QPR Supporters Fundraising Project: A Discussion Document" can be read at REBUILD QPR

Lee Cook on QPR's Prospects & Waddock as Coach & Manager-
Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times - Lee Cook
LEE Cook has warned that QPR will be facing a relegation scrap if they fail to pick up three points against Leicester this weekend...
."We have to start winning games because we're back in the dogfight now and that's not somewhere we want to be.
"Our home form hasn't been great - we've only picked up one point from Norwich and Derby at Loftus Road - and we need to sort it out quickly. If we don't, we could be in trouble.
"We've let in a lot of goals and you can't keep coming out needing to score three to win a game. We seem to get punished for sloppy mistakes and when other teams do it we don't punish them enough.
"We've got to be confident, think about the wins we had against Hull and Southampton and get back to playing that way."...
Cook has blossomed under Gregory and his predecessor, Gary Waddock, and the current Rangers boss admitted on Saturday that the 24-year-old winger might prove 'difficult to hang on to'.
"Everyone wants to do well and play at the highest level - and I want to do that with QPR," Cook declared.
"I think we've got the right manager to take us there - he's a Premiership manager and he brings that mentality to us.
"Over time we're going to be a very good team and one that's horrible to play against - teams are not going to want to come to Loftus Road."
Waddock, who did stay on as a coach during Gregory's first month in charge, finally left Loftus Road last week and Cook admitted his departure was probably inevitable.
"Waddo's a great coach, his training sessions were always high tempo and everyone felt they were getting something out of it. He'll move on and get another coaching job, I'm sure of that.
"It's a shame to see him go, but he'd been relegated from management and no-one really expected he'd still be at the club after a new manager came in.
"I don't think he felt right at the club after that. You could tell it was a bit difficult for him, but all the players understand that and we hope he does well
Kilburn Times

Thursday, October 26, 2006
"An Apology" from AKUTRs - AKUTRs Statement
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - AN APOLOGY
The Editor and proprietor of the fanzine 'A Kick Up The R's' today agreed to publish the following retraction and apology to QPR Chairman, Gianni Paladini:
In the September edition of the newsletter 'A Kick Up the R's', we published a series of articles by Cos Atiolis about Mr Paladini, the Chairman of Queen's Park Rangers football club.
In these articles we falsely suggested that Mr Paladini was involved in fraud, corruption, malpractice and dishonesty, and made a number of other serious false, misleading and defamatory statements about him.
We now fully accept that there is no truth whatsoever in these allegations and we are extremely sorry for the distress and embarrassment caused by the articles.
The newsletter containing the articles has been withdrawn from sale and we have offered Mr Paladini a full right of reply to the articles, which will appear in the next edition.
Paladini said: "I am delighted that the fanzine has withdrawn the untrue and unfair allegations it made against me, and that it was possible to resolve this without legal action.
"Although everyone has a right to free speech, and I welcome constructive criticism, I take my professional reputation very seriously and will not stand by whilst I am accused falsely.
"I find these allegations distressing, not just because they damage me, but also because of the distress they cause to my family and to QPR fans.
"I would never want to fall out with any of our fans. The way to move this club forward is to be united.
"Fortunately, AKUTRs has accepted there was no truth to the serious allegations it published and has retracted them. I will be exercising a full right to reply in the December edition, and I hope that is then the end of the matter."
QPR OFficial Site

NB: Paladini's September 25, 2006 Statement on the Offficial Site
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.

See Complete QPR Report Posts for October 2006

EARLIER QPR REPORT SEASON REVIEWS

2006-2007 Season in Review - September 2007

2006-07 Season in Review - August 2007

2006-2007 Season in Review: #4 - Close Season Ends; Shittu Leaves; Paladini Speaks

2006-2007 Season in Review #3 - July 2006: Italy, Dunga, MK Dons, Ward, Shittu, Holloway, Suits

2006-2007 Season in Review #2 - June 2006: The Pre-Season

2006-2007 Season in Review #1 - May 2006