3 Ex-QPR Birthdays...1 Year Since Defeat Marked Waddock's End...11 Years Since Houston Arrived

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Three Ex-QPR birthdays: Dave McCreery, Paul Barron and Leon Knight.

Midfielder, Dave Mcreery turns 50 (born September 16, 1957). McCreery was one of the first signings made by Tommy Docherty back in 1979. Signed from Manchester United, basically as a replacement for Gerry Francis as QPR tried for promotion. At the time, it looked like a great signing. Mcreery starred for Docherty but Terry Venables, after replacing Docherty sold him. See Also McCreery/Wikipedia

Paul Barron turns 54 (born September 16, 1953) was signed as a backup goalie in 1985/86. See Barron/Wikpedia

Leon Knight turns 25. Knight had a brief loan spell at QPR...A couple of seasons later, Ian Holloway tried to sign him, but he preferred to stay with Brighton. See Knight/Wikipedia

SEPTEMBER 16, 1996: STUART HOUSTON Takes Over at QPR

According to QPRNet's dates, Houston lasted at QPR from September 16th 1996 till November 10, 1997. QPRnet. Not the greatest of successes at QPR. Signed Hohn Spencer, Steve Morrow, Lee Harper, Matt Rose, Gavin Peacock and Mike Sheron. In his first season, almost made the playoffs...Among the momentous games, the 0-4 comeback at Port Vale.

See Also: - League Managers Profile - Stuart Houston

Wikipedia Profile of Houston - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stewart_Houston

One Year Ago: Gary Waddock's last League Game in Charge.
September 16 2006: The 1-2 loss at Colchester.
Waddock was actually axed after the Cup loss at Port Vale, but reportedly the decision to axe/appoint John Gregory was made after this game. Initially it was announced that Waddock was dropping down to Assistant Manager, but within weeks, Waddock had left QPR. (Assistant Coach and ex-QPR captain, Alan McDonald was also out after the Colchester game).
The team for Waddock's last league game: Cole, Rose, Stewart, Rehman, Milanese, Baidoo (Donnelly 79), Ward, Bircham, Cook, Nygaard, Ray Jones (Czerkas 45).
Subs Not Used: Bignot, Bailey, Kanyuka.

Waddock's managerial record at QPR: 3 wins in 22 league games. One win in his final 19 games.
2005/2006: Played 14 - 2 Wins, 5 Draws 7 Losses
2006/2007: Played 8 - 1 Win, 3 Draws, 3 Losses

Waddock's post-match comments, QPR 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