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Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times - Give him a chance
"FORMER QPR manager Gerry Francis believes the nationality of the club's new boss is irrelevant as long as he can mould a winning team.
Luigi de Canio became the first foreign manager in Rangers' history when he signed a three-year contract to succeed John Gregory earlier this week.
With caretaker boss Mick Harford leaving the club after rejecting a role under de Canio, questions have been raised as to whether the new regime have sufficient knowledge of English football to restore the Rs' fortunes.
"The most important thing is for QPR to progress and that means winning football matches - how you do it doesn't really matter," said Francis, who has managed Rangers twice.
"If you've got a team playing good football and being successful, I think the crowd will be happy. You'd like them to do it with local players, but that isn't always possible.
"As an English manager and a member of the Managers' Association, I think there are some very good English managers that need to be given a chance.
"But equally you have to give the new QPR manager a chance. It's a new era, with new owners, and I think it was always likely the new manager was going to be an Italian.
"Speaking as a fan, a shareholder and someone that's concerned about the welfare of QPR, hopefully this is the start of getting on the up and up and back into the Premiership at some stage."
De Canio, who has managed nine Italian clubs, including Siena, Udinese, Napoli and Reggina, is the first QPR manager since the late Ray Harford to have no previous link with Loftus Road.
As Francis points out, neither did Dave Sexton, the manager he played under in 1976 when Rangers came within one point of becoming League champions.
But the ex-Rs captain also acknowledges that de Canio is more likely to scour the Italian scene rather than the domestic leagues for new players in the coming months.
"Dave Sexton came from Chelsea and he wasn't connected with QPR, but he knew the league very well," observed Francis.
"That's probably one of the reasons they wanted Mick Harford to stay on - he steadied the boat and got an excellent victory at Charlton. You do need that bit of knowledge behind the scenes if you want to buy from English clubs. "But the world of football is so cosmopolitan now and a lot of foreign managers go to their own countries for players, be it Rafa Benitez or Arsene Wenger.
"Even Terry Venables, when he went to Barcelona in the 1980s, brought in British players because they were the ones he knew most about."
The 50-year-old de Canio, whose most notable achievement was to guide Udinese into the UEFA Cup in 2000, will take charge of QPR for the first time when they host Hull City on Saturday.
Rangers owner Flavio Briatore turned to him after failing to secure the signature of first choice Francesco Guidolin and deciding not to hand the reins to Harford, despite a successful spell as caretaker manager.
The former Rotherham boss - who only joined QPR in the summer as Gregory's number two - had led the club to a four-match unbeaten run, with just one goal conceded.
De Canio will work closely with chief scout Franco Ceravolo - and has also brought in former Siena coach Iuri Bartoli, along with another new arrival, Paolo Pavese, to join his backroom staff.
Reserve team manager and former QPR defender Warren Neill has left the club as a result - again, despite having played a significant role in last season's escape from relegation....
- Kilburn Times
Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times - Harford exit may change Rowan's mind
LOAN striker Rowan Vine could decide to end his stay at QPR following the departure of caretaker manager Mick Harford.
Vine's loan from Birmingham ends after Saturday's clash with Hull and Rangers have yet to arrange an extension.
The striker enjoyed a close working relationship with Harford, who coached him at Luton and was instrumental in persuading him to move to Loftus Road a month ago.
Speaking after Saturday's victory at Charlton - which turned out to be Harford's last game in charge of QPR - Vine said: "I hope Mick's still going to be here.
"I don't think he could do much more - unbeaten in four and three clean sheets. If it was as simple as getting results, I'm sure he'd have the job, but we all know that might not be the situation.
"I know him well and he's brilliant to work with, so maybe it would be a factor in whether I stay on. But I've got to look at my career and think about what's the best option for me.
"If the situation's right for me to stay and nothing's happening up at Birmingham, I'll be staying on. If things change, then I'll have to deal with that."
New boss Luigi de Canio will also have to make a quick decision on the future of another on-loan forward, West Ham's Hogan Ephraim.
The youngster is nearing the end of his third month on loan from Upton Park, which means Rangers must either extend the arrangement until the end of the season or let him go back. Kilburn Times
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
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Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Gareth Ainsworth On Team's First Encounter With De Canio
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Kilburn Times - Step on the Gaz
QPR has always seemed like a family, so it was nice to hear our new coach saying that when we met him for the first time at the training ground on Tuesday.
He was speaking through an interpreter, as his English is a bit like Claudio Ranieri's was when he first came to this country, but there were a lot of references to the club being one big family.
He wants everyone training together, which hasn't always been the case, and he spoke about how, with the players we have, he believes we're in a false position in the league.
Marc Nygaard speaks fluent Italian which helps, but the coach managed to get his point across in our first training session and everyone was clear about the tactics he wants to play.
My first impression was of a very professional man who knows his football, but I'm sure it's going to be a learning process for all of us. The new gaffer becomes our leader and it's all about pulling on that QPR shirt and giving 100 per cent for him - as everyone should do anyway.
While I'm excited about the arrival of our new coach, at the same time I'm sorry to see Mick Harford go. Mick's a personal friend from our time at Wimbledon, I know what he's all about and under normal circumstances I'm sure he'd have had a chance of becoming manager. Mick's definitely opened a few eyes as to what he can do, though, and he has to take some credit for the fact that Luigi de Canio has a decent little run to build on.
Saturday's result was a huge one for the lads - they really rallied together and to go to a massive club like Charlton and win the game just shows what quality we've got here.
Obviously I always want to play, but I understood the reasons for being rested after six games in four weeks and, when the team play as they did in the second half, you're quite happy not to get on the pitch and upset the rhythm.
Preston proved in our last game how a penalty miss can boost the other team - but we were the ones who grew stronger on Saturday after Rowly's shot hit the post and that showed we can compete with anyone.
It was great for Adam to get the goal, of course, and now we've got two home games to make sure we back the result up and continue moving up the table.
If we can capitalise against Hull on Saturday and then Coventry a few days later, it'll get this new chapter in QPR's history off to a great start. Kilburn Times
Kilburn Times - Step on the Gaz
QPR has always seemed like a family, so it was nice to hear our new coach saying that when we met him for the first time at the training ground on Tuesday.
He was speaking through an interpreter, as his English is a bit like Claudio Ranieri's was when he first came to this country, but there were a lot of references to the club being one big family.
He wants everyone training together, which hasn't always been the case, and he spoke about how, with the players we have, he believes we're in a false position in the league.
Marc Nygaard speaks fluent Italian which helps, but the coach managed to get his point across in our first training session and everyone was clear about the tactics he wants to play.
My first impression was of a very professional man who knows his football, but I'm sure it's going to be a learning process for all of us. The new gaffer becomes our leader and it's all about pulling on that QPR shirt and giving 100 per cent for him - as everyone should do anyway.
While I'm excited about the arrival of our new coach, at the same time I'm sorry to see Mick Harford go. Mick's a personal friend from our time at Wimbledon, I know what he's all about and under normal circumstances I'm sure he'd have had a chance of becoming manager. Mick's definitely opened a few eyes as to what he can do, though, and he has to take some credit for the fact that Luigi de Canio has a decent little run to build on.
Saturday's result was a huge one for the lads - they really rallied together and to go to a massive club like Charlton and win the game just shows what quality we've got here.
Obviously I always want to play, but I understood the reasons for being rested after six games in four weeks and, when the team play as they did in the second half, you're quite happy not to get on the pitch and upset the rhythm.
Preston proved in our last game how a penalty miss can boost the other team - but we were the ones who grew stronger on Saturday after Rowly's shot hit the post and that showed we can compete with anyone.
It was great for Adam to get the goal, of course, and now we've got two home games to make sure we back the result up and continue moving up the table.
If we can capitalise against Hull on Saturday and then Coventry a few days later, it'll get this new chapter in QPR's history off to a great start. Kilburn Times
Strong QPR Representation in PFA's "England Legends Squad" for the 'Match of the Century'
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PFA
Coached by ex-QPR's Terry Venables, the "England Legends" squad includes six players who spent tie at QPR: Chris Woods, Paul Parker, Les Ferdinand, Steve Hodge, Warren Barton and Paul Walsh.
THE ENGLAND LEGENDS' SQUAD
Goalkeepers:
Chris Woods, Dave Beasant
Defenders:
Warren Barton, Paul Parker, Viv Anderson, Des Walker, Dave Watson, Gary Mabbutt, Gary Pallister, Graeme Le Saux, Nigel Winterburn
Midfielders:
Jamie Redknapp, Paul Ince, Dennis Wise, Robert Lee, Lee Sharpe, Steve Hodge, Chris Waddle, Steve McManaman, Paul Gascoigne
Forwards:
Alan Shearer, Ian Wright, Les Ferdinand, Paul Walsh, Peter Beardsley, Cyrille Regis
PFA - By Dave Smith 30-10-07
The countdown to what has been billed the 'Match of the Century' continues and today is a significant one in a year of PFA Centenary celebrations....
Because in Manchester this lunchtime, the illustrious managers of the two teams - England Legends and the Rest of the World XI - have announced their squad lists for the game on December 2...100 years on from when the PFA was born.
Terry Venables (England) and Sven-Goran Eriksson (R of W) have managed some big name players during their time at the top of the managerial profession, but never have they brought together such a glittering array of world class, international stars.
The list of players vying for a place in the starting XIs for the Match of the Century at the City of Manchester Stadium in just over a month's time reads like a veritable who's who of world greats.
For England, the likes of Paul Gascoigne, Alan Shearer (skipper), Des Walker, Ian Wright and Chris Waddle will all be banging on manager Venables' door stating their respective cases to play a significant part in what is sure to be a magnificent occasion.
Whichever eleven Tel decides to start with, they will certainly have their work cut out against a Rest of the World team boasting such global stars as Gianfranco Zola (skipper), Marcel Desailly, Neville Southall, Andrei Kanchelskis and Ruud Gullit, amongst many others.
The response from the players approached to take part in this particular celebration of the PFA's centenary has been nothing short of phenomenal and is a clear indication of the high esteem in which this organisation is held, not just in this country but worldwide.
Terry Venables, a stanuch supporter of our association, said: "The PFA is a magnificent organisation and it is only right that we celebrate 100 years of history with an occasion of this stature.
"The fact that they want to use this, their Centenary Year, to raise £1 million to help young children, is typical of the association and I am delighted and proud to be able to play a small part in helping them reach their goal. It will be an exciting afternoon and the calibre of players on display should ensure that it is an occasion fitting of such a worthwhile event.
"The only problem I am having is trying to fit everyone into my team, the response has been phenomenal – only wish I had such talent available to me when I was in charge of the full England team! Sven will pick a team of world stars but it is up to us to try and put one over on him in his own back yard. It will be a brilliant occasion."
The game will play a significant role in the PFAs quest to raise £1 million in this, their Centenary Year. The money will be used to fund a new Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy Unit for Children at the University Childrens Hospital in Manchester.
Sven said: "It is an honour to be invited and I am delighted to be able to give something back to the city that has made me feel so welcome.
"The PFA does fantastic work and raise thousands of pounds for good causes. There can be none better than the Childrens Unit they are trying to build in Manchester through their 'One Goal, One Million charity.
he countdown to what has been billed the 'Match of the Century' continues and today is a significant one in a year of PFA Centenary celebrations....
Page: 1 2 3
"It will be strange managing a team against England. Maybe I will able to use some of my knowledge of their players to help the Rest of the World."
* Here's the full list of players who have so far confirmed they will be available to play - and there may still be one or two more surprises...
THE ENGLAND LEGENDS' SQUAD
Goalkeepers:
Chris Woods, Dave Beasant
Defenders:
Warren Barton, Paul Parker, Viv Anderson, Des Walker, Dave Watson, Gary Mabbutt, Gary Pallister, Graeme Le Saux, Nigel Winterburn
Midfielders:
Jamie Redknapp, Paul Ince, Dennis Wise, Robert Lee, Lee Sharpe, Steve Hodge, Chris Waddle, Steve McManaman, Paul Gascoigne
Forwards:
Alan Shearer, Ian Wright, Les Ferdinand, Paul Walsh, Peter Beardsley, Cyrille Regis
THE REST OF THE WORLD SQUAD
Goalkeepers:
Neville Southall (Wales), Erik Thorstvedt (Norway)
Defenders:
Roland Neilson (Sweden), Marcel Desailly (France), Pietro Vierchowod (Italy), Lorenzo Amaruso (Italy), Richard Gough (Scotland), Arthur Numan (Netherlands), Denis Irwin (Republic of Ireland)
Midfielders:
Jay Jay Okocha (Nigeria), Roberto Di Matteo (Italy), Ali Benarbia (Algeria), Andrei Kanchelskis (Russia), Anders Limpar (Sweden), Gary McAllister (Scotland), Neil Lennon (Northern Ireland), Gus Poyet (Uruguay), John Collins (Scotland), Dmitri Alenichev (Russia)
Forwards:
Gianfranco Zola (Italy), Ruud Gullitt (Netherlands), Ian Rush (Wales), Guiseppe Signori (Italy), Niall Quinn (Republic of Ireland), Ally McCoist (Scotland), Shaun Goater (Bermuda), Sergei Yuran (Russia)
* The match itself will kick-off at 1.30pm on Sunday December 2nd at The City of Manchester Stadium, which is expected to be packed to capacity. Tickets, however, are still available - Tel: 0870 062 1894 (Option 1, a £1 booking fee applies)
PFA
PFA
Coached by ex-QPR's Terry Venables, the "England Legends" squad includes six players who spent tie at QPR: Chris Woods, Paul Parker, Les Ferdinand, Steve Hodge, Warren Barton and Paul Walsh.
THE ENGLAND LEGENDS' SQUAD
Goalkeepers:
Chris Woods, Dave Beasant
Defenders:
Warren Barton, Paul Parker, Viv Anderson, Des Walker, Dave Watson, Gary Mabbutt, Gary Pallister, Graeme Le Saux, Nigel Winterburn
Midfielders:
Jamie Redknapp, Paul Ince, Dennis Wise, Robert Lee, Lee Sharpe, Steve Hodge, Chris Waddle, Steve McManaman, Paul Gascoigne
Forwards:
Alan Shearer, Ian Wright, Les Ferdinand, Paul Walsh, Peter Beardsley, Cyrille Regis
PFA - By Dave Smith 30-10-07
The countdown to what has been billed the 'Match of the Century' continues and today is a significant one in a year of PFA Centenary celebrations....
Because in Manchester this lunchtime, the illustrious managers of the two teams - England Legends and the Rest of the World XI - have announced their squad lists for the game on December 2...100 years on from when the PFA was born.
Terry Venables (England) and Sven-Goran Eriksson (R of W) have managed some big name players during their time at the top of the managerial profession, but never have they brought together such a glittering array of world class, international stars.
The list of players vying for a place in the starting XIs for the Match of the Century at the City of Manchester Stadium in just over a month's time reads like a veritable who's who of world greats.
For England, the likes of Paul Gascoigne, Alan Shearer (skipper), Des Walker, Ian Wright and Chris Waddle will all be banging on manager Venables' door stating their respective cases to play a significant part in what is sure to be a magnificent occasion.
Whichever eleven Tel decides to start with, they will certainly have their work cut out against a Rest of the World team boasting such global stars as Gianfranco Zola (skipper), Marcel Desailly, Neville Southall, Andrei Kanchelskis and Ruud Gullit, amongst many others.
The response from the players approached to take part in this particular celebration of the PFA's centenary has been nothing short of phenomenal and is a clear indication of the high esteem in which this organisation is held, not just in this country but worldwide.
Terry Venables, a stanuch supporter of our association, said: "The PFA is a magnificent organisation and it is only right that we celebrate 100 years of history with an occasion of this stature.
"The fact that they want to use this, their Centenary Year, to raise £1 million to help young children, is typical of the association and I am delighted and proud to be able to play a small part in helping them reach their goal. It will be an exciting afternoon and the calibre of players on display should ensure that it is an occasion fitting of such a worthwhile event.
"The only problem I am having is trying to fit everyone into my team, the response has been phenomenal – only wish I had such talent available to me when I was in charge of the full England team! Sven will pick a team of world stars but it is up to us to try and put one over on him in his own back yard. It will be a brilliant occasion."
The game will play a significant role in the PFAs quest to raise £1 million in this, their Centenary Year. The money will be used to fund a new Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy Unit for Children at the University Childrens Hospital in Manchester.
Sven said: "It is an honour to be invited and I am delighted to be able to give something back to the city that has made me feel so welcome.
"The PFA does fantastic work and raise thousands of pounds for good causes. There can be none better than the Childrens Unit they are trying to build in Manchester through their 'One Goal, One Million charity.
he countdown to what has been billed the 'Match of the Century' continues and today is a significant one in a year of PFA Centenary celebrations....
Page: 1 2 3
"It will be strange managing a team against England. Maybe I will able to use some of my knowledge of their players to help the Rest of the World."
* Here's the full list of players who have so far confirmed they will be available to play - and there may still be one or two more surprises...
THE ENGLAND LEGENDS' SQUAD
Goalkeepers:
Chris Woods, Dave Beasant
Defenders:
Warren Barton, Paul Parker, Viv Anderson, Des Walker, Dave Watson, Gary Mabbutt, Gary Pallister, Graeme Le Saux, Nigel Winterburn
Midfielders:
Jamie Redknapp, Paul Ince, Dennis Wise, Robert Lee, Lee Sharpe, Steve Hodge, Chris Waddle, Steve McManaman, Paul Gascoigne
Forwards:
Alan Shearer, Ian Wright, Les Ferdinand, Paul Walsh, Peter Beardsley, Cyrille Regis
THE REST OF THE WORLD SQUAD
Goalkeepers:
Neville Southall (Wales), Erik Thorstvedt (Norway)
Defenders:
Roland Neilson (Sweden), Marcel Desailly (France), Pietro Vierchowod (Italy), Lorenzo Amaruso (Italy), Richard Gough (Scotland), Arthur Numan (Netherlands), Denis Irwin (Republic of Ireland)
Midfielders:
Jay Jay Okocha (Nigeria), Roberto Di Matteo (Italy), Ali Benarbia (Algeria), Andrei Kanchelskis (Russia), Anders Limpar (Sweden), Gary McAllister (Scotland), Neil Lennon (Northern Ireland), Gus Poyet (Uruguay), John Collins (Scotland), Dmitri Alenichev (Russia)
Forwards:
Gianfranco Zola (Italy), Ruud Gullitt (Netherlands), Ian Rush (Wales), Guiseppe Signori (Italy), Niall Quinn (Republic of Ireland), Ally McCoist (Scotland), Shaun Goater (Bermuda), Sergei Yuran (Russia)
* The match itself will kick-off at 1.30pm on Sunday December 2nd at The City of Manchester Stadium, which is expected to be packed to capacity. Tickets, however, are still available - Tel: 0870 062 1894 (Option 1, a £1 booking fee applies)
PFA
QPR at Season's One-Quarter Mark
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With a game in hand over most other teams, QPR are currently 9 points away from a playoff spot and 15 points behind second place Bristol City. (The more pessimistic might note that QPR are in the relegation zone, one place off the bottom!)
STATS: QPR have 11 points from 12 games (1 home win out of 6; 1 away win out of 6). But for the last unbeaten 4 games under Mick Harford (2 wins and 8 points) the situation would look even worse. 1 point from 2 games in August; 2 points from 5 games in September; 8 points from 5 games in October. Rowlands is QPR's top scorer with 2 goals. QPR's Current Stats
Flashback QPR's team for their opening game at Bristol City, back in August:
QPR: Camp, Rehman, Stewart, Mancienne, Curtis, Rowlands, Bolder, Bailey, Moore, Blackstock (Nygaard 69), Nardiello (Ephraim 59). Subs: Bignot, Cullip, Cole.
[Ben Sahar had appendicitis just prior to the game.)
And QPR's team for Saturday's win at Charlton:
QPR: Camp, Barker, Stewart, Mancienne, Bolder, Rowlands, Ephraim, Vine, Nygaard, Leigertwood, Cranie. Subs: Cole, Bignot, Ainsworth, Sahar, Moore
Last season after 12 games, QPR had 13 points (under Waddock and Gregory).
On this date last season: October 31, 2006, with all teams having played 3 games more, QPR were three places higher, and had 15 points (from 15 games). In QPR's game on this day last year, QPR came from 0-2 to draw 3-3 at WBA.Reports
October 31, 2006 - Bottom 8
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
Current League Table
P GD Points
1 Watford 13 12 32
2 Bristol City 13 8 26
3 West Brom 13 12 23
4 Ipswich 12 5 21
5 Wolverhampton 13 2 21
6 Stoke 13 2 20
7 Plymouth 13 2 20
8 Charlton 13 2 19
9 Scunthorpe 13 0 19
10 Southampton 13 -3 19
11 Coventry 13 -3 18
12 Burnley 12 1 17
13 Barnsley 13 -3 17
14 Hull 13 2 16
15 Leicester 12 3 15
16 Colchester 13 0 14
17 Cardiff 13 -1 14
18 Preston 13 -1 14
19 Sheff Utd 13 -2 14
20 Blackpool 13 -3 13
21 Sheff Wed 13 -9 12
22 Crystal Palace 13 -4 11
23 QPR 12 -11 11
24 Norwich 13 -11 8
Full Championship table
With a game in hand over most other teams, QPR are currently 9 points away from a playoff spot and 15 points behind second place Bristol City. (The more pessimistic might note that QPR are in the relegation zone, one place off the bottom!)
STATS: QPR have 11 points from 12 games (1 home win out of 6; 1 away win out of 6). But for the last unbeaten 4 games under Mick Harford (2 wins and 8 points) the situation would look even worse. 1 point from 2 games in August; 2 points from 5 games in September; 8 points from 5 games in October. Rowlands is QPR's top scorer with 2 goals. QPR's Current Stats
Flashback QPR's team for their opening game at Bristol City, back in August:
QPR: Camp, Rehman, Stewart, Mancienne, Curtis, Rowlands, Bolder, Bailey, Moore, Blackstock (Nygaard 69), Nardiello (Ephraim 59). Subs: Bignot, Cullip, Cole.
[Ben Sahar had appendicitis just prior to the game.)
And QPR's team for Saturday's win at Charlton:
QPR: Camp, Barker, Stewart, Mancienne, Bolder, Rowlands, Ephraim, Vine, Nygaard, Leigertwood, Cranie. Subs: Cole, Bignot, Ainsworth, Sahar, Moore
Last season after 12 games, QPR had 13 points (under Waddock and Gregory).
On this date last season: October 31, 2006, with all teams having played 3 games more, QPR were three places higher, and had 15 points (from 15 games). In QPR's game on this day last year, QPR came from 0-2 to draw 3-3 at WBA.Reports
October 31, 2006 - Bottom 8
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
Current League Table
P GD Points
1 Watford 13 12 32
2 Bristol City 13 8 26
3 West Brom 13 12 23
4 Ipswich 12 5 21
5 Wolverhampton 13 2 21
6 Stoke 13 2 20
7 Plymouth 13 2 20
8 Charlton 13 2 19
9 Scunthorpe 13 0 19
10 Southampton 13 -3 19
11 Coventry 13 -3 18
12 Burnley 12 1 17
13 Barnsley 13 -3 17
14 Hull 13 2 16
15 Leicester 12 3 15
16 Colchester 13 0 14
17 Cardiff 13 -1 14
18 Preston 13 -1 14
19 Sheff Utd 13 -2 14
20 Blackpool 13 -3 13
21 Sheff Wed 13 -9 12
22 Crystal Palace 13 -4 11
23 QPR 12 -11 11
24 Norwich 13 -11 8
Full Championship table
Last Chance to Buy Bowles England Cap...Strong QPR Reserve Team Loses... Birthday for Tommy Docherty's First QPR Signing
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[UPDATE: May be reading the auction figures wrongly, but it looks like Bowles Cap did not get sold (perhaps because no one met the asking price? - Boreham Bowles cap, #428 Boreham Auction)
Reminder: Stan Bowles' First England Cap Goes Up For Sale Today
£6,000 for Stan’s cap
News and Star - 25 October 2007 - Bowle-r hat: Stan Bowles’s England cap is going under the hammer
THE first England cap won by one of Carlisle United’s most colourful and talented players is expected to fetch up to £6,000 when it is auctioned next week.
The light green velvet cap was awarded to Stan Bowles when he made his debut for England against Portugal in Lisbon on April 3, 1974, not long after leaving Brunton Park. It will be auctioned at Bonhams in Chester next Wednesday.
SPORTING MEMORABILIA AUCTION
QPR Official Site - Thu 11 Oct 2007
Football Heroes are organising the auction of a very rare item indeed - one of just five of Stan Bowles' England caps.
Stan being Stan, the whereabouts of three of the caps are unknown, so this is probably one of only two caps that will ever be available.
Football Heroes have entered Stan's debut cap against Portugal in 1974 into Bonham's next Sporting Memorabilia Auction on his behalf.
The auction will be held at New House, 150 Christleton Road, Chester, Cheshire, CH3 5TD on Wednesday 31st October at 11am.
All proceeds from the sale will be split between Stan and his family and it is estimated this rare International cap will sell for at least £5,000 - and ideally Stan would love the cap to go to a QPR fan, which he still sees as his Club.
Catalogues can be ordered from Bonhams on 01244 313 936 or alternatively the sale items can be viewed at www.bonhams.com.
You can bid on the auction in a number of ways:
-The lots can be viewed on Sunday 28th October (10 - 1) Monday 29th October and Tuesday 30th October (10 - 4) and of course you are more than welcome to attend the auction to bid in person.
-You can register to bid by phoning 01244 313 936 and asking for the bids office. You can then either leave absentee bids or register for telephone bids on the day of the sale.
-You can email steveforey@football-heroes.com with a 'sealed / confidential' bid.
*For further details, please contact Steve Forey on 020 8930 4114. Stane Bowles Cap
Sale 15165 - Bonhams - Sporting Memorabilia, 31 Oct 2007
Lot No: 428
Stan Bowles first England Cap
Awarded to Stanley Bowles for his debut game for England v Portugal in 1974. Light green velvet 6 panel cap with silver braid and tassle, English Football Association badge to front with 'Portugal' underneath. 1973/74 to peak.
Place Bid or Track Lot
Auctioners
QPR Reserves 0 Charlton 3 ADDICKS' EXACT REVENGE
Posted on: Tue 30 Oct 2007
The presence of Luigi De Canio in the Loftus Road Director's Box failed to inspire QPR's second string, as they slumped to a 3-0 defeat against Charlton Athletic.
The new Rangers boss looked on, as goals from Jerome Thomas, Darren Ambrose and Izale McLeod handed the Addicks a comfortable away victory in the Pontins Holiday's Combination League.
The fixture followed hot on the heels of the R's 1-0 victory against the Addicks in the Championship four days earlier.
In a lively opening, the visitors had strong appeals for a spot-kick waved away in the third minute, when McLeod appeared to be tripped to ground inside the box by Dominic Shimmin.
Despite the assistant on the far side flagging for a foul, referee Mr Lennard waved away the protests, to the evident relief of the rather fortunate R's defender.
At the other end, Danny Nardiello squandered a decent opportunity to open the scoring in the seventh minute, when he took one touch too many after rounding Charlton keeper Darren Randolph.
The R's first shot on goal arrived on the quarter hour mark, when Stefan Moore pulled a right foot drive well wide of Randolph's right hand post.
But it was the visitors who should've been in front moments later, when McLeod's nod down at the back post fell perfectly for Ambrose, who volleyed wide from inside the six-yard box.
The R's had a penalty appeal of their own turned down in the 20th minute, when Ben Sahar went to ground under Paddy McCarthy's mistimed challenge.
In a free flowing first period, play quickly switched to the other end, where Lloyd Sam fed McLeod, who wastefully fired over from eight yards out.
Nardiello looked sharp on his return from a prolonged spell on the sidelines with a hamstring injury and he was unlucky not to open the scoring midway through the half.
After playing a fortunate one-two off a Charlton defender, the Welsh front-man bore down on goal from a wide position, only to be denied by the on-rushing Randolph.
McLeod squandered another decent chance minutes later, volleying straight at Jake Cole from little more than five yards.
The former MK Dons ace must've wondered what he had to do to beat Cole, when he was denied yet again by the R's custodian, who dived full stretch to his right to tip away his 25-yard effort.
The chance of the half arguably fell Rangers' way on the stroke of half-time, when Sahar's brilliance saw him coast clean through on goal, only to be thwarted by the outstretched fingertips of Randolph.
Undeterred, it was Charlton who headed into the break in front, when Thomas capitalised on a rare defensive slip from Marcus Bignot, to curl a precise effort past the exposed Cole.
The Addicks doubled their lead 11 minutes into the second half, courtesy of Ambrose.
After missing Saturday's Championship fixture at The Valley due to traffic congestion, the midfielder exacted some sort of revenge on the R's with a trademark strike from distance, which nestled into the far corner.
Buoyed by their second goal, the Addicks had further chances to increase their advantage, with Thomas denied from an acute angle by Cole, and Lloyd Sam firing just past the angle of post and bar, after an excellent passing move from the visitors.
The third goal the visitor's second half display undoubtedly warranted arrived in the 76th minute, when McLeod nipped into intercept Andrew Howell's weak back, before rounding Cole and slotting the ball into an empty net.
Second half substitute Romone Rose saw his close range volley clawed to safety by Randolph, albeit at the second attempt, but it was Charlton's night and deservedly so.
QPR Reserves: Cole, Bignot (Coyne 86), Howell, Curtis, Shimmin, Timoska, Baidoo, Jarrett, Sahar (Rose 62), Nardiello (Balanta 86), Moore.
Subs: Crowther, Brown.
Charlton Athletic: Randolph, Moutaouakil, Sankofa, Racon, McCarthy, Bougherra, Sam (Yussef 84), Wagstaff, McLeod, Ambrose (Christensen 84), Thomas (Uchechi 86).
Subs: Thomas, Elliott. QPR
CHARLTON OFFICIAL SITE Addicks avenge home defeat
Charlton's reserve side made amends for Saturday's Valley defeat against Queens Park Rangers by winning 3-0 at Loftus Road on Tuesday night.
Manager Alan Pardew joined second-string boss Mark Kinsella in the away dugout as the Addicks fielded a strong XI against their West London rivals.
Jerome Thomas, a half-time substitute in the weekend's defeat, put the Addicks ahead shortly before the half-time break, when Charlton could have easily been more goals to the good.
And Darren Ambrose and Izale McLeod made the visitors' dominance count in the second half.
Izale McLeodThomas reacted quickly as he caught the QPR right-back in possession and the winger drilled his shot into the left-hand corner with 43 minutes on the clock.
Ambrose, returning from an ankle injury, doubled the Addicks' lead with a long drive from outside the box 13 minutes into the restart.
Striker McLeod had created a couple of good chances in the opening period, but he had to wait until the 76th-minute for his second reserve goal, when he latched onto a Thomas through ball to beat the home stopper and complete the victory.
A more detailed report will follow Wednesday morning. Charlton
Birthday: Peter Davidson - Tommy Docherty's First & Shortest-Term QPR Signing, Peter Davidson, Turns 51
Born October 31, 1956. Winger, Davidson, was signed by new manager Tommy Docherty, from Berwick in July 1979 for 40,000 pounds: The first of a considerable number of players signed by Docherty. Davidson made one appearance for QPR as substitute and rejoined Berwick in December 1979. (He then played 170 additional games for Berwich before joining Newcastle Blue Star in 1986)
[UPDATE: May be reading the auction figures wrongly, but it looks like Bowles Cap did not get sold (perhaps because no one met the asking price? - Boreham Bowles cap, #428 Boreham Auction)
Reminder: Stan Bowles' First England Cap Goes Up For Sale Today
£6,000 for Stan’s cap
News and Star - 25 October 2007 - Bowle-r hat: Stan Bowles’s England cap is going under the hammer
THE first England cap won by one of Carlisle United’s most colourful and talented players is expected to fetch up to £6,000 when it is auctioned next week.
The light green velvet cap was awarded to Stan Bowles when he made his debut for England against Portugal in Lisbon on April 3, 1974, not long after leaving Brunton Park. It will be auctioned at Bonhams in Chester next Wednesday.
SPORTING MEMORABILIA AUCTION
QPR Official Site - Thu 11 Oct 2007
Football Heroes are organising the auction of a very rare item indeed - one of just five of Stan Bowles' England caps.
Stan being Stan, the whereabouts of three of the caps are unknown, so this is probably one of only two caps that will ever be available.
Football Heroes have entered Stan's debut cap against Portugal in 1974 into Bonham's next Sporting Memorabilia Auction on his behalf.
The auction will be held at New House, 150 Christleton Road, Chester, Cheshire, CH3 5TD on Wednesday 31st October at 11am.
All proceeds from the sale will be split between Stan and his family and it is estimated this rare International cap will sell for at least £5,000 - and ideally Stan would love the cap to go to a QPR fan, which he still sees as his Club.
Catalogues can be ordered from Bonhams on 01244 313 936 or alternatively the sale items can be viewed at www.bonhams.com.
You can bid on the auction in a number of ways:
-The lots can be viewed on Sunday 28th October (10 - 1) Monday 29th October and Tuesday 30th October (10 - 4) and of course you are more than welcome to attend the auction to bid in person.
-You can register to bid by phoning 01244 313 936 and asking for the bids office. You can then either leave absentee bids or register for telephone bids on the day of the sale.
-You can email steveforey@football-heroes.com with a 'sealed / confidential' bid.
*For further details, please contact Steve Forey on 020 8930 4114. Stane Bowles Cap
Sale 15165 - Bonhams - Sporting Memorabilia, 31 Oct 2007
Lot No: 428
Stan Bowles first England Cap
Awarded to Stanley Bowles for his debut game for England v Portugal in 1974. Light green velvet 6 panel cap with silver braid and tassle, English Football Association badge to front with 'Portugal' underneath. 1973/74 to peak.
Place Bid or Track Lot
Auctioners
QPR Reserves 0 Charlton 3 ADDICKS' EXACT REVENGE
Posted on: Tue 30 Oct 2007
The presence of Luigi De Canio in the Loftus Road Director's Box failed to inspire QPR's second string, as they slumped to a 3-0 defeat against Charlton Athletic.
The new Rangers boss looked on, as goals from Jerome Thomas, Darren Ambrose and Izale McLeod handed the Addicks a comfortable away victory in the Pontins Holiday's Combination League.
The fixture followed hot on the heels of the R's 1-0 victory against the Addicks in the Championship four days earlier.
In a lively opening, the visitors had strong appeals for a spot-kick waved away in the third minute, when McLeod appeared to be tripped to ground inside the box by Dominic Shimmin.
Despite the assistant on the far side flagging for a foul, referee Mr Lennard waved away the protests, to the evident relief of the rather fortunate R's defender.
At the other end, Danny Nardiello squandered a decent opportunity to open the scoring in the seventh minute, when he took one touch too many after rounding Charlton keeper Darren Randolph.
The R's first shot on goal arrived on the quarter hour mark, when Stefan Moore pulled a right foot drive well wide of Randolph's right hand post.
But it was the visitors who should've been in front moments later, when McLeod's nod down at the back post fell perfectly for Ambrose, who volleyed wide from inside the six-yard box.
The R's had a penalty appeal of their own turned down in the 20th minute, when Ben Sahar went to ground under Paddy McCarthy's mistimed challenge.
In a free flowing first period, play quickly switched to the other end, where Lloyd Sam fed McLeod, who wastefully fired over from eight yards out.
Nardiello looked sharp on his return from a prolonged spell on the sidelines with a hamstring injury and he was unlucky not to open the scoring midway through the half.
After playing a fortunate one-two off a Charlton defender, the Welsh front-man bore down on goal from a wide position, only to be denied by the on-rushing Randolph.
McLeod squandered another decent chance minutes later, volleying straight at Jake Cole from little more than five yards.
The former MK Dons ace must've wondered what he had to do to beat Cole, when he was denied yet again by the R's custodian, who dived full stretch to his right to tip away his 25-yard effort.
The chance of the half arguably fell Rangers' way on the stroke of half-time, when Sahar's brilliance saw him coast clean through on goal, only to be thwarted by the outstretched fingertips of Randolph.
Undeterred, it was Charlton who headed into the break in front, when Thomas capitalised on a rare defensive slip from Marcus Bignot, to curl a precise effort past the exposed Cole.
The Addicks doubled their lead 11 minutes into the second half, courtesy of Ambrose.
After missing Saturday's Championship fixture at The Valley due to traffic congestion, the midfielder exacted some sort of revenge on the R's with a trademark strike from distance, which nestled into the far corner.
Buoyed by their second goal, the Addicks had further chances to increase their advantage, with Thomas denied from an acute angle by Cole, and Lloyd Sam firing just past the angle of post and bar, after an excellent passing move from the visitors.
The third goal the visitor's second half display undoubtedly warranted arrived in the 76th minute, when McLeod nipped into intercept Andrew Howell's weak back, before rounding Cole and slotting the ball into an empty net.
Second half substitute Romone Rose saw his close range volley clawed to safety by Randolph, albeit at the second attempt, but it was Charlton's night and deservedly so.
QPR Reserves: Cole, Bignot (Coyne 86), Howell, Curtis, Shimmin, Timoska, Baidoo, Jarrett, Sahar (Rose 62), Nardiello (Balanta 86), Moore.
Subs: Crowther, Brown.
Charlton Athletic: Randolph, Moutaouakil, Sankofa, Racon, McCarthy, Bougherra, Sam (Yussef 84), Wagstaff, McLeod, Ambrose (Christensen 84), Thomas (Uchechi 86).
Subs: Thomas, Elliott. QPR
CHARLTON OFFICIAL SITE Addicks avenge home defeat
Charlton's reserve side made amends for Saturday's Valley defeat against Queens Park Rangers by winning 3-0 at Loftus Road on Tuesday night.
Manager Alan Pardew joined second-string boss Mark Kinsella in the away dugout as the Addicks fielded a strong XI against their West London rivals.
Jerome Thomas, a half-time substitute in the weekend's defeat, put the Addicks ahead shortly before the half-time break, when Charlton could have easily been more goals to the good.
And Darren Ambrose and Izale McLeod made the visitors' dominance count in the second half.
Izale McLeodThomas reacted quickly as he caught the QPR right-back in possession and the winger drilled his shot into the left-hand corner with 43 minutes on the clock.
Ambrose, returning from an ankle injury, doubled the Addicks' lead with a long drive from outside the box 13 minutes into the restart.
Striker McLeod had created a couple of good chances in the opening period, but he had to wait until the 76th-minute for his second reserve goal, when he latched onto a Thomas through ball to beat the home stopper and complete the victory.
A more detailed report will follow Wednesday morning. Charlton
Birthday: Peter Davidson - Tommy Docherty's First & Shortest-Term QPR Signing, Peter Davidson, Turns 51
Born October 31, 1956. Winger, Davidson, was signed by new manager Tommy Docherty, from Berwick in July 1979 for 40,000 pounds: The first of a considerable number of players signed by Docherty. Davidson made one appearance for QPR as substitute and rejoined Berwick in December 1979. (He then played 170 additional games for Berwich before joining Newcastle Blue Star in 1986)
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
QPR1st Statement re Recent Share Offer
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QPR1st October 28, 2007 - QPR1st statement regarding the recent share offer
1. QPR 1st will not sell the 500 shares it owns unless forced to do so. The trust believes that it is important to maintain a level of accountability from the club to its supporters. If the club becomes wholly owned by Sarita there will be no obligation to make accounts available, no AGM, and no opportunity to discuss our club with the current owners.
2. We do still believe in the value and influence of the Sharebank scheme that the trust administers. We encourage shareholders to keep their shares with Sharebank. It is a great shame that we were never able to reach our goal of 25 per cent of shares held by Sharebank as this would have provided the ability to block an attempt to take the club private.
3. The majority of shares held in Sharebank are owned by individual fans and if requested we will transfer the shares back to the individuals who donated them. As for the offer made by Sarita, it is for 1p a share, obviously most shareholders have lost a great deal of money since the initial share issue. However, it is for each individual to decide whether he or she sells their shares or not.
4. Under Stock Exchange rules if one shareholder controls 75 per cent of the total share issue then that shareholder has to make an offer for the remaining shares. If they subsequently reach 90 per cent of the total share issue then they can force the sale of the shares. Despite not having traded on the London Stock Exchange for over 6 years, formerly quoted companies, like QPR holdings, are subject to Stock Exchange rules for 10 years after delisting.
5. QPR 1st believes that it is in the best interests of the club for fans to have the ability to retain a financial investment in an organisation in which they invest so much time, money, and emotion each week. We would therefore hope that the new owners will stop short of their aim to own the entire share issue of the club. We make it clear that we welcome the new ownership that has brought much needed stability to the club and do not wish to obstruct the takeover. We do not recommend that small shareholders sell their shares. Given the vast differences in shareholdings we do not see that this will be a problem to Sarita, but does give the fans the opportunity to question and scrutinize the actions of the board. QPR1st
About QPR1st
See Other past QPR1st Statements - QPR1st Statements
QPR1st October 28, 2007 - QPR1st statement regarding the recent share offer
1. QPR 1st will not sell the 500 shares it owns unless forced to do so. The trust believes that it is important to maintain a level of accountability from the club to its supporters. If the club becomes wholly owned by Sarita there will be no obligation to make accounts available, no AGM, and no opportunity to discuss our club with the current owners.
2. We do still believe in the value and influence of the Sharebank scheme that the trust administers. We encourage shareholders to keep their shares with Sharebank. It is a great shame that we were never able to reach our goal of 25 per cent of shares held by Sharebank as this would have provided the ability to block an attempt to take the club private.
3. The majority of shares held in Sharebank are owned by individual fans and if requested we will transfer the shares back to the individuals who donated them. As for the offer made by Sarita, it is for 1p a share, obviously most shareholders have lost a great deal of money since the initial share issue. However, it is for each individual to decide whether he or she sells their shares or not.
4. Under Stock Exchange rules if one shareholder controls 75 per cent of the total share issue then that shareholder has to make an offer for the remaining shares. If they subsequently reach 90 per cent of the total share issue then they can force the sale of the shares. Despite not having traded on the London Stock Exchange for over 6 years, formerly quoted companies, like QPR holdings, are subject to Stock Exchange rules for 10 years after delisting.
5. QPR 1st believes that it is in the best interests of the club for fans to have the ability to retain a financial investment in an organisation in which they invest so much time, money, and emotion each week. We would therefore hope that the new owners will stop short of their aim to own the entire share issue of the club. We make it clear that we welcome the new ownership that has brought much needed stability to the club and do not wish to obstruct the takeover. We do not recommend that small shareholders sell their shares. Given the vast differences in shareholdings we do not see that this will be a problem to Sarita, but does give the fans the opportunity to question and scrutinize the actions of the board. QPR1st
About QPR1st
See Other past QPR1st Statements - QPR1st Statements
Warren Neil Leaves QPR as De Canio Brings in Two of His Own
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Two Italian coaches in to assist De Canio...One current coach (Warren Neil) out... Updated Staff Directory.
Not noted in the statement, but Warren Neil has a long history with QPR dating back a quarter century, when his late goal put QPR through in their Third Round FA Cup Replay at Middlesbrough. Neil played in the FA Cup Final Replay...He coached QPR...left..>Returned...and now has again left. SEE Neil's QPR Record and Warren Neil Returns to QPR
QPR Official Site - BACKROOM CHANGES
Italian duo Iuri Bartoli and Paolo Pavese have joined the QPR backroom team.
Bartoli, 37, and 50 year-old Pavese met the Rangers first team squad this morning, ahead of Luigi De Canio's first training session in the QPR hot-seat.
Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, De Canio welcomed his two new coaches to Loftus Road, commenting: "I'm very happy to have them both with me.
"I've worked with them both before and I know they are both very capable coaches.
"They are very enthusiastic and looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead."
Former Rangers defender Warren Neill, who joined the R's coaching staff midway through the 2006/07 campaign, has followed in Mick Harford's footsteps by leaving the Club. QPR
Also: Photos from the First Day of the New "regime" - QPR Training Photos
Two Italian coaches in to assist De Canio...One current coach (Warren Neil) out... Updated Staff Directory.
Not noted in the statement, but Warren Neil has a long history with QPR dating back a quarter century, when his late goal put QPR through in their Third Round FA Cup Replay at Middlesbrough. Neil played in the FA Cup Final Replay...He coached QPR...left..>Returned...and now has again left. SEE Neil's QPR Record and Warren Neil Returns to QPR
QPR Official Site - BACKROOM CHANGES
Italian duo Iuri Bartoli and Paolo Pavese have joined the QPR backroom team.
Bartoli, 37, and 50 year-old Pavese met the Rangers first team squad this morning, ahead of Luigi De Canio's first training session in the QPR hot-seat.
Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, De Canio welcomed his two new coaches to Loftus Road, commenting: "I'm very happy to have them both with me.
"I've worked with them both before and I know they are both very capable coaches.
"They are very enthusiastic and looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead."
Former Rangers defender Warren Neill, who joined the R's coaching staff midway through the 2006/07 campaign, has followed in Mick Harford's footsteps by leaving the Club. QPR
Also: Photos from the First Day of the New "regime" - QPR Training Photos
Bircham's Career-Ending Injury Concern
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Marc Bircham - Icons- Giving myself one last chance
I've had another set-back in my rehab which is a bit of a blow. My hamstring went last week and now I have to just crack on and see what happens next.
I was doing work in London with a very good physio and I had got to the point where I was sprinting better than I have done for a long time. I did some leg weights and then the next day on the treadmill I felt it go - just like I've felt it go before.
It's been a frustrating last couple of years with injures and one of the most annoying things about it is that when I've been able to get on a pitch I've played some of my best football. It's just that I haven't been able to get a run of games.
I could see myself working with Olly again – he could definitely be my kit man.
I remember it first happening when I was at QPR in a game against Norwich. We were 2-0 up and that's when I got my first hamstring problem. It's always been in the back of my mind since then. Whenever I've sprinted I've felt I had to hold back a bit.
I've gone down every route to get this thing sorted and I'm going to give it one last chance. I'll see where I am in the New Year and if I still can't play I'll have to look at my options. The physio I'm with is great and he's very positive. He's saved a few players' careers and he believes this could just be a little setback that is quite common at the stage I'm at.
I hope he's right because I just want to play football. I like everything about Yeovil and I'd love to play a part in their season and show the fans what I can do.
I do still hope to get back playing and we'll have to see how things go. Whenever I do give up playing the game I want to stay in football as a coach or manager. If you can't play football the next best thing is to coach it. I've been doing my coaching badge and I've learned from some great teachers.
Obviously Ian Holloway was a big influence on my career when I was at QPR and he was a great man manager and motivator. One of the ways he motivated us was to lose at anything he played against us – tennis, golf, anything. It was great for our confidence. I could see myself working with Olly again – he could definitely be my kit man.
If I had to give up the game now I would be happy with my career. I've had a great time and I fulfilled my dream of playing for QPR, the team I've supported all my life. I said when I was with QPR that if it all came to an end then and there I'd quit with a smile on my face. I've also played internationally for Canada and that has been a great experience.
Like I said, though, my immediate hope is to get fit and able to play for Yeovil... Icons
Marc Bircham - Icons- Giving myself one last chance
I've had another set-back in my rehab which is a bit of a blow. My hamstring went last week and now I have to just crack on and see what happens next.
I was doing work in London with a very good physio and I had got to the point where I was sprinting better than I have done for a long time. I did some leg weights and then the next day on the treadmill I felt it go - just like I've felt it go before.
It's been a frustrating last couple of years with injures and one of the most annoying things about it is that when I've been able to get on a pitch I've played some of my best football. It's just that I haven't been able to get a run of games.
I could see myself working with Olly again – he could definitely be my kit man.
I remember it first happening when I was at QPR in a game against Norwich. We were 2-0 up and that's when I got my first hamstring problem. It's always been in the back of my mind since then. Whenever I've sprinted I've felt I had to hold back a bit.
I've gone down every route to get this thing sorted and I'm going to give it one last chance. I'll see where I am in the New Year and if I still can't play I'll have to look at my options. The physio I'm with is great and he's very positive. He's saved a few players' careers and he believes this could just be a little setback that is quite common at the stage I'm at.
I hope he's right because I just want to play football. I like everything about Yeovil and I'd love to play a part in their season and show the fans what I can do.
I do still hope to get back playing and we'll have to see how things go. Whenever I do give up playing the game I want to stay in football as a coach or manager. If you can't play football the next best thing is to coach it. I've been doing my coaching badge and I've learned from some great teachers.
Obviously Ian Holloway was a big influence on my career when I was at QPR and he was a great man manager and motivator. One of the ways he motivated us was to lose at anything he played against us – tennis, golf, anything. It was great for our confidence. I could see myself working with Olly again – he could definitely be my kit man.
If I had to give up the game now I would be happy with my career. I've had a great time and I fulfilled my dream of playing for QPR, the team I've supported all my life. I said when I was with QPR that if it all came to an end then and there I'd quit with a smile on my face. I've also played internationally for Canada and that has been a great experience.
Like I said, though, my immediate hope is to get fit and able to play for Yeovil... Icons
Buzsaky Signs for QPR...Given #10 Shirt
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BBC - QPR capture Plymouth star Buzsaky
QPR have signed Hungarian playmaker Akos Buzsaky from Plymouth.
He has agreed a two-month loan deal ahead of a permanent move when the transfer window opens in January.
The skillful midfielder's Argyle contract was due to expire next summer and Buzsaky, 25, had indicated that he would not sign a new deal.
Buzsaky will wear QPR's coveted number 10 shirt, which has previously been worn by the likes of Rodney Marsh, Stan Bowles and Roy Wegerle.
"I am really looking forward to playing here," Buzsaky told QPR's website.
"The fans seem to be very appreciative. You know if you play well, they will really support you."
Rangers have money to spend in the transfer market because of a takeover by a group fronted by Formula One magnates Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone.
The Championship club are also hoping to complete the permanent signing of on-loan Birmingham striker Rowan Vine BBC
QPR Official Site EXCLUSIVE: BUZSAKY JOINS
Posted on: Tue 30 Oct 2007
Queens Park Rangers Football Club are delighted to announce the two month loan signing of Hungarian international Akos Buzsaky, who has been handed the coveted No.10 shirt.
A dead-ball specialist with fantastic individual ability, Buzsaky becomes new First Team Coach Luigi De Canio's first signing and is expected to go straight into the R's squad for Saturday's Championship showdown against Hull City at Loftus Road.
Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, the 25 year-old expressed his delight at the move, commenting: "I am really looking forward to playing here.
"It is a nice honour to be handed the No.10 shirt, but for me it is more important how you play rather than the shirt you wear.
"I haven't played a full match for three weeks, so I am excited at the prospect of playing against Hull City on Saturday."
R's fans know only too well the ability Buzsaky possesses. The Hungarian notched a contender for Championship goal of the season during the 1-1 draw between the two sides in October 2005.
It's an afternoon he recalls with some fondness.
"I remember the game really well," he added. "I opened the scoring with a nice goal, but Rangers equalised and the fans went crazy. As a visiting player, it was like hell!
"The QPR fans seem to be very appreciative. You know if you play well, they will really support you." QPR
QPR Official Site - IN PROFILE: AKOS BUZSAKY
A player with outstanding individual ability, Akos Buzsaky's talents were initially spotted by former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho.
The self-dubbed 'Special One' paid Buzsaky's first professional Club, MTK Budapest, £400,000 to entice him to FC Porto in 2001.
Buzsaky made just four appearances for the Portuguese giants though and was sent out on loan to Academia de Coimbra.
Plymouth swooped to bring Buzsaky to Home Park on loan towards the conclusion of the 2004/05 campaign, and after suitably impressing, the deal was made permanent in the summer of 2005.
Buzsaky produced a string of stunning displays for the Pilgrims in his first full season at Home Park, but with Argyle struggling to retain their Championship status towards the latter end of the campaign, boss Tony Pulis used him sparingly.
Undeterred, the arrival of Ian Holloway into the Argyle hot-seat breathed new life into the 'Magical Magyar,' who made 40-plus appearances for the Pilgrims last season.
Prior to his arrival in W12, dead-ball specialist Buzsaky featured in all but three of Argyle's 16 matches to date in campaign 2007/08. QPR
PLYMOUTH OFFICIAL SITE
ÁKOS AWAY
Posted on: Tue 30 Oct 2007
ARGYLE midfielder Ákos Buzsáky is moving to the Pilgrims Championship rivals Queens Park Rangers.
The two clubs have agreed for the Hungarian international, whose contract with us had been due to expire at the end of the current season, to join Rangers on an emergency loan with a view to a permanent deal in the January transfer-window.
Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, Ákos, 25, expressed his delight at the move, commenting: "I am really looking forward to playing here.
"It is a nice honour to be handed the No.10 shirt, but for me it is more important how you play, rather than the shirt you wear.
"I haven't played a full match for three weeks, so I am excited at the prospect of playing against Hull City on Saturday."
R's fans know only too well the ability Buzsaky possesses. The Hungarian notched a contender for Championship goal of the season during the 1-1 draw between the two sides in October 2005.
It is an afternoon he recalls with some fondness.
"I remember the game really well," he added. "I opened the scoring with a nice goal, but Rangers equalised and the fans went crazy. As a visiting player, it was like hell!
"The QPR fans seem to be very appreciative. You know if you play well, they will really support you."
Ákos, 25, joined Argyle, initially on loan, from FC Porto in January 2005 after impressing then manager Bobby Williamson during a behind-closed-doors friendly against Torquay United.
He went on to make 105 appearances for us, scoring eight goals, all from long-range, the most spectacular of which was a free-kick double during a 3-1 victory at Norwich last season.
He also became a full Hungarian international while at Home Park, winning the first of his seven caps two years ago against Malta in Budapest.
Former Hungarian Under-21 international captain Buzsáky had joined Porto under José Mourinho for £400,000 from home-town MTK Hungária FC in 2002.
He was loaned out to Portuguese Superliga side Academica de Coimbra in 2003-04, and had been playing for Porto's B side in the Portuguese Third Division prior to joining us.
Always popular with the Green Army - on the last day of his loan spell, fans held up signs urging the Board to buy him - contract talks with Ákos had reached stalemate in the days before QPR's move.
Without naming Ákos, manager Ian Holloway said: "I have given him what I think is a fantastic offer and I won't take kindly to it if it's turned down.
"There is a wrangle in amongst it concerning a third party who is supposed to be working for the player.
"I don't see what that person has done. It's a player we already had so why should I pay him anything?
"The rules state that I haven't got to, so I'm not going to. Why should I give him x amount of pounds, on top of what I have got to pay my player?
"We have made that player a fantastic offer. I'm proud of it, and so should he be.
"But you can only cut your cloth accordingly, and if people don't like it then go and play for someone else." Plymouth
BBC - QPR capture Plymouth star Buzsaky
QPR have signed Hungarian playmaker Akos Buzsaky from Plymouth.
He has agreed a two-month loan deal ahead of a permanent move when the transfer window opens in January.
The skillful midfielder's Argyle contract was due to expire next summer and Buzsaky, 25, had indicated that he would not sign a new deal.
Buzsaky will wear QPR's coveted number 10 shirt, which has previously been worn by the likes of Rodney Marsh, Stan Bowles and Roy Wegerle.
"I am really looking forward to playing here," Buzsaky told QPR's website.
"The fans seem to be very appreciative. You know if you play well, they will really support you."
Rangers have money to spend in the transfer market because of a takeover by a group fronted by Formula One magnates Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone.
The Championship club are also hoping to complete the permanent signing of on-loan Birmingham striker Rowan Vine BBC
QPR Official Site EXCLUSIVE: BUZSAKY JOINS
Posted on: Tue 30 Oct 2007
Queens Park Rangers Football Club are delighted to announce the two month loan signing of Hungarian international Akos Buzsaky, who has been handed the coveted No.10 shirt.
A dead-ball specialist with fantastic individual ability, Buzsaky becomes new First Team Coach Luigi De Canio's first signing and is expected to go straight into the R's squad for Saturday's Championship showdown against Hull City at Loftus Road.
Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, the 25 year-old expressed his delight at the move, commenting: "I am really looking forward to playing here.
"It is a nice honour to be handed the No.10 shirt, but for me it is more important how you play rather than the shirt you wear.
"I haven't played a full match for three weeks, so I am excited at the prospect of playing against Hull City on Saturday."
R's fans know only too well the ability Buzsaky possesses. The Hungarian notched a contender for Championship goal of the season during the 1-1 draw between the two sides in October 2005.
It's an afternoon he recalls with some fondness.
"I remember the game really well," he added. "I opened the scoring with a nice goal, but Rangers equalised and the fans went crazy. As a visiting player, it was like hell!
"The QPR fans seem to be very appreciative. You know if you play well, they will really support you." QPR
QPR Official Site - IN PROFILE: AKOS BUZSAKY
A player with outstanding individual ability, Akos Buzsaky's talents were initially spotted by former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho.
The self-dubbed 'Special One' paid Buzsaky's first professional Club, MTK Budapest, £400,000 to entice him to FC Porto in 2001.
Buzsaky made just four appearances for the Portuguese giants though and was sent out on loan to Academia de Coimbra.
Plymouth swooped to bring Buzsaky to Home Park on loan towards the conclusion of the 2004/05 campaign, and after suitably impressing, the deal was made permanent in the summer of 2005.
Buzsaky produced a string of stunning displays for the Pilgrims in his first full season at Home Park, but with Argyle struggling to retain their Championship status towards the latter end of the campaign, boss Tony Pulis used him sparingly.
Undeterred, the arrival of Ian Holloway into the Argyle hot-seat breathed new life into the 'Magical Magyar,' who made 40-plus appearances for the Pilgrims last season.
Prior to his arrival in W12, dead-ball specialist Buzsaky featured in all but three of Argyle's 16 matches to date in campaign 2007/08. QPR
PLYMOUTH OFFICIAL SITE
ÁKOS AWAY
Posted on: Tue 30 Oct 2007
ARGYLE midfielder Ákos Buzsáky is moving to the Pilgrims Championship rivals Queens Park Rangers.
The two clubs have agreed for the Hungarian international, whose contract with us had been due to expire at the end of the current season, to join Rangers on an emergency loan with a view to a permanent deal in the January transfer-window.
Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, Ákos, 25, expressed his delight at the move, commenting: "I am really looking forward to playing here.
"It is a nice honour to be handed the No.10 shirt, but for me it is more important how you play, rather than the shirt you wear.
"I haven't played a full match for three weeks, so I am excited at the prospect of playing against Hull City on Saturday."
R's fans know only too well the ability Buzsaky possesses. The Hungarian notched a contender for Championship goal of the season during the 1-1 draw between the two sides in October 2005.
It is an afternoon he recalls with some fondness.
"I remember the game really well," he added. "I opened the scoring with a nice goal, but Rangers equalised and the fans went crazy. As a visiting player, it was like hell!
"The QPR fans seem to be very appreciative. You know if you play well, they will really support you."
Ákos, 25, joined Argyle, initially on loan, from FC Porto in January 2005 after impressing then manager Bobby Williamson during a behind-closed-doors friendly against Torquay United.
He went on to make 105 appearances for us, scoring eight goals, all from long-range, the most spectacular of which was a free-kick double during a 3-1 victory at Norwich last season.
He also became a full Hungarian international while at Home Park, winning the first of his seven caps two years ago against Malta in Budapest.
Former Hungarian Under-21 international captain Buzsáky had joined Porto under José Mourinho for £400,000 from home-town MTK Hungária FC in 2002.
He was loaned out to Portuguese Superliga side Academica de Coimbra in 2003-04, and had been playing for Porto's B side in the Portuguese Third Division prior to joining us.
Always popular with the Green Army - on the last day of his loan spell, fans held up signs urging the Board to buy him - contract talks with Ákos had reached stalemate in the days before QPR's move.
Without naming Ákos, manager Ian Holloway said: "I have given him what I think is a fantastic offer and I won't take kindly to it if it's turned down.
"There is a wrangle in amongst it concerning a third party who is supposed to be working for the player.
"I don't see what that person has done. It's a player we already had so why should I pay him anything?
"The rules state that I haven't got to, so I'm not going to. Why should I give him x amount of pounds, on top of what I have got to pay my player?
"We have made that player a fantastic offer. I'm proud of it, and so should he be.
"But you can only cut your cloth accordingly, and if people don't like it then go and play for someone else." Plymouth
Former QPR Defender is Sutton United's New Manager
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Ernie Howe (who was signed by Frank Sibley as a replacement for David Needham in 1977/78...and spent several years at QPR until Venables released him. Was part of QPR's FA Cup Finalist squad)
Wandsworth Guardian - Overhaul not needed says Sutton boss Howe
By Stuart Amos
New Sutton United boss Ernie Howe has targeted an escape from the Blue Square South bottom three by Christmas and believes his players have the determination to do it.
The 54-year-old former Basingstoke Town boss was appointed to succeed departed manager Ian Hazel this week and spent Saturday running the rule over his squad.
Howe, who takes over the reigns from Hazel's assistant Stuart Massey after four winless matches as caretaker, helped former Kingstonian boss Ian McDonald overhaul a 15-point deficit to save Farnborough Town from relegation last season.
United are propping up the rest of the division with one win in 13 league games - seven points from safety - with second-placed Lewes on the horizon this weekend.
But Howe thinks it won't take wholesale changes to pull off a similar rescue act at Gander Green Lane this season - particularly as there is plenty of games remaining.
"It was a fantastic achievement to save Farnborough and full credit must go to the players," he said.
"It was purely down to their attitude and a great team spirit to continue playing for a club that had stopped paying them.
"I know what this league is like. It is physical and tough, but there is not a lot of difference between the four teams at the top and the four teams at the bottom.
"I watched the game against Thurrock and I couldn't fault the players for their determination to put things right. I'm a big believer in giving people the chance to prove their worth. Confidence is a massive thing in football.
"I've got to get the club out of this that is my number one goal. I want to be pushing out of the bottom three by Christmas. That is a tall order, but once you get the first three points it gets a bit easier."
Howe, a former professional with QPR and Fulham, is still owed money by the Tony Theo regime that took Farnborough into liquidation at the end of last season and admits it was one of the worst experiences of his football career.
But after a five month break from the game - which has included helping son and Carshalton Athletic goalkeeper Aaron with his football career - he is looking forward to a fresh start.
"It will make a change to go training on a Thursday and I won't have to debate with the players whether we are going to train or not because we haven't been paid," he added.
"I haven't got a big budget, but I'm used to working with that because we couldn't sign anyone at Farnborough.
"I'm not a massive wheeler dealer and I won't be making wholesale changes. All the good players are already tied up on contracts now anyway.
"It is about getting the best out of what you can afford to pay for. I'm told we need a striker so that may be something I'll be looking at." Wandsworth Guardian
SUTTON UNITED OFFICIAL SITE - Sutton appoint new manager
26th October 2007
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Ernie Howe as the new manager of Sutton United. Ernie, whose playing career saw him represent Fulham, QPR and Portsmouth as a centre back, is a respected coach and manager, having worked with the first team at Woking and then again last season at Farnborough. However he is probably best known for his spell as manager of Basingstoke Town, where he was in charge between 1994 and 2006. Ernie has a network of contacts that should help him to bring the right players to the club if and when he needs to.
Club chairman Bruce Elliott said: '' We are delighted with this appointment. We look forward to working with Ernie and are confident he is the right man to see us through this difficult situation and then build for the future.''
Ernie Howe, who hopes to announce his assistant shortly, commented: ''I'm very pleased to have been appointed, and although we're not in the best of situations at the moment the season is still young and I look forward to using my experience and contacts to try and bring about an improvement.''
The club would also like to thank Stuart Massey for all his efforts recently as caretaker when the team has performed well without gaining any rewards. Sutton United
See Also
Ernie Howe/Wikipedia
Sutton United
Ernie Howe (who was signed by Frank Sibley as a replacement for David Needham in 1977/78...and spent several years at QPR until Venables released him. Was part of QPR's FA Cup Finalist squad)
Wandsworth Guardian - Overhaul not needed says Sutton boss Howe
By Stuart Amos
New Sutton United boss Ernie Howe has targeted an escape from the Blue Square South bottom three by Christmas and believes his players have the determination to do it.
The 54-year-old former Basingstoke Town boss was appointed to succeed departed manager Ian Hazel this week and spent Saturday running the rule over his squad.
Howe, who takes over the reigns from Hazel's assistant Stuart Massey after four winless matches as caretaker, helped former Kingstonian boss Ian McDonald overhaul a 15-point deficit to save Farnborough Town from relegation last season.
United are propping up the rest of the division with one win in 13 league games - seven points from safety - with second-placed Lewes on the horizon this weekend.
But Howe thinks it won't take wholesale changes to pull off a similar rescue act at Gander Green Lane this season - particularly as there is plenty of games remaining.
"It was a fantastic achievement to save Farnborough and full credit must go to the players," he said.
"It was purely down to their attitude and a great team spirit to continue playing for a club that had stopped paying them.
"I know what this league is like. It is physical and tough, but there is not a lot of difference between the four teams at the top and the four teams at the bottom.
"I watched the game against Thurrock and I couldn't fault the players for their determination to put things right. I'm a big believer in giving people the chance to prove their worth. Confidence is a massive thing in football.
"I've got to get the club out of this that is my number one goal. I want to be pushing out of the bottom three by Christmas. That is a tall order, but once you get the first three points it gets a bit easier."
Howe, a former professional with QPR and Fulham, is still owed money by the Tony Theo regime that took Farnborough into liquidation at the end of last season and admits it was one of the worst experiences of his football career.
But after a five month break from the game - which has included helping son and Carshalton Athletic goalkeeper Aaron with his football career - he is looking forward to a fresh start.
"It will make a change to go training on a Thursday and I won't have to debate with the players whether we are going to train or not because we haven't been paid," he added.
"I haven't got a big budget, but I'm used to working with that because we couldn't sign anyone at Farnborough.
"I'm not a massive wheeler dealer and I won't be making wholesale changes. All the good players are already tied up on contracts now anyway.
"It is about getting the best out of what you can afford to pay for. I'm told we need a striker so that may be something I'll be looking at." Wandsworth Guardian
SUTTON UNITED OFFICIAL SITE - Sutton appoint new manager
26th October 2007
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Ernie Howe as the new manager of Sutton United. Ernie, whose playing career saw him represent Fulham, QPR and Portsmouth as a centre back, is a respected coach and manager, having worked with the first team at Woking and then again last season at Farnborough. However he is probably best known for his spell as manager of Basingstoke Town, where he was in charge between 1994 and 2006. Ernie has a network of contacts that should help him to bring the right players to the club if and when he needs to.
Club chairman Bruce Elliott said: '' We are delighted with this appointment. We look forward to working with Ernie and are confident he is the right man to see us through this difficult situation and then build for the future.''
Ernie Howe, who hopes to announce his assistant shortly, commented: ''I'm very pleased to have been appointed, and although we're not in the best of situations at the moment the season is still young and I look forward to using my experience and contacts to try and bring about an improvement.''
The club would also like to thank Stuart Massey for all his efforts recently as caretaker when the team has performed well without gaining any rewards. Sutton United
See Also
Ernie Howe/Wikipedia
Sutton United
Ex-QPR Glen Roeder Appointed Manager of...Norwich
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Especially interesting given that QPR reportedly considered Roeder as Gregory's replacement
BBC -Norwich name Roeder as new boss
Norwich City have appointed Glenn Roeder as their new manager.
Roeder has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the bottom-of-the-table Championship club who have not won a game since 15 September.
Norwich parted company with former boss Peter Grant by mutual consent this month, leaving Jim Duffy in temporary charge but he has now left the club.
Roeder, 51, has been out of a job since resigning as Newcastle manager in May after 15 months and 73 games in charge.
Canaries chairman Roger Munby told the club's website: "After a lengthy and diligent search I'm more than delighted to confirm Glenn Roeder is the board's unanimous choice as the next Norwich City manager."
Roeder was given a two-year contract at Newcastle in May 2006 after a successful spell as caretaker boss following the sacking of Graeme Souness.
The former QPR captain had previously been in charge the Magpies youth academy before Souness' dismissal.
Roeder has also managed West Ham but had his contract terminated in August 2003 after being at the helm on a full-time basis since June 2001.
He had been placed in temporary charge of the Hammers in May 2001 after the dismissal of Harry Redknapp.
Roeder has also been manager of Gillingham and Watford. BBC
Especially interesting given that QPR reportedly considered Roeder as Gregory's replacement
BBC -Norwich name Roeder as new boss
Norwich City have appointed Glenn Roeder as their new manager.
Roeder has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the bottom-of-the-table Championship club who have not won a game since 15 September.
Norwich parted company with former boss Peter Grant by mutual consent this month, leaving Jim Duffy in temporary charge but he has now left the club.
Roeder, 51, has been out of a job since resigning as Newcastle manager in May after 15 months and 73 games in charge.
Canaries chairman Roger Munby told the club's website: "After a lengthy and diligent search I'm more than delighted to confirm Glenn Roeder is the board's unanimous choice as the next Norwich City manager."
Roeder was given a two-year contract at Newcastle in May 2006 after a successful spell as caretaker boss following the sacking of Graeme Souness.
The former QPR captain had previously been in charge the Magpies youth academy before Souness' dismissal.
Roeder has also managed West Ham but had his contract terminated in August 2003 after being at the helm on a full-time basis since June 2001.
He had been placed in temporary charge of the Hammers in May 2001 after the dismissal of Harry Redknapp.
Roeder has also been manager of Gillingham and Watford. BBC
Swindon "Versus" Ex-QPR Chairman Bill Power
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This is Witshire - Power confident he will win legal battle
Swindon Town may be claiming a first round victory' in their legal battle against Bill Power - but the former QPR chairman is still "100 per cent confident" he will win the war.
The club released a strongly-worded statement yesterday, urging Power to settle his claim for £1.12m out of court, after his attempt to bring the judgement forward was rebuffed.
Town say the High Court's decision to hear the case in full proves the strength of their argument that Power's money was invested in shares, but Power has rubbished these claims.
He is still adamant the £1.12m was a loan and insists the latest court judgement has done nothing but prolong Town's losing battle.
The club have also questioned the real motives behind Power's court battle, while insisting the acceptance by him and business partner Phil Emmel of the decision to continue the legal process shows even they think they might have got it wrong.
Power invested £1.12m into the club in the summer of 2006 and there has been debate ever since about whether it was a loan or as shares.
He said: "I am totally speechless they have put that statement up. I don't know what to say really other than I will see them in court.
"The court's decision to hear the case certainly does not mean we have lost. Far from it, we will win as it will be proved the money was a loan." This is Swindon
SWINDON OFFICIAL SITE - BILL POWER UPDATE
Bill Power and Phil Emmel have previously said how much they support Swindon Town Football Club, to the extent that they have publicly backed a bid to buy it. On January 25th of this year Bill Power was quoted in the local press as saying "The fans consortium does indeed represent a highly motivated group of investors and fans who share a common passion both for STFC and football generally."
On 25th July, Bill Power and Phil Emmel started a case in the High Court against the Club and its holding company, Swindon Town F.C. Limited ("Holdings") claiming repayment of £1.12m which they said was only loaned to the Club, whereas it is the Club and Holdings view that this value was in fact the price for shares that Bill Power and Phil Emmel had bought in Holdings.
Holdings and the Club have strenuously denied the claim. Apart from anything else, as Bill Power and Phil Emmel well know, neither Holdings nor the Club would have been in a position to repay loans of this amount, so they would not have accepted the money other than in return for shares sold.
Matters came to a head recently when Bill Power and Phil Emmel asked the court to short-circuit the trial procedure by giving them judgment without even waiting to see how their claim would be defended. The strength of the response by Holdings and the Club to this request, however, has led to Bill Power and Phil Emmel's lawyers, Davis & Co., withdrawing their application and accepting immediately that the case can't be short circuited and will have to be aired fully in court.In other words they accept that Bill Power and Phil Emmel might have got it wrong.
Whilst the case is still ongoing, Holdings and the Club are left wondering what the real motivation behind this claim is. Why did Bill Power and Phil Emmel wait a whole year before bringing the claim? How does this action fit with their apparent support for the Club and its fans?
Speaking for the Club, Bob Holt commented: "When things are going well on the pitch and we are trying to secure the financial future of the Club through sale negotiations, this litigation is a huge unnecessary distraction. The money we are spending on lawyers should be spent elsewhere."
Speaking for Holdings, Mike Diamandis said: "Much of the present ill feeling towards the Board emanated from a meeting of October 6th last year when Paul Davis presented a report regarding Bill Power's departure from the Club.
"The Fans Consortium, lead by Paul Davis and Mike Wilks, failed to make a formal offer for the club yet has harangued the current Board and the Wills family for the last 12 months, during which time the team has enjoyed promotion from League Two and a solid start to the current season. In September of last year Sir Seton Wills was planning for the long-term future of the club, but by Christmas this negative campaign had resulted in Sir Seton's decision to sell the Football Club.
"Now that Bill Power and Phil Emmel have seen the strength of our case, I hope we can sit down and resolve this amicably. I await their call." Swindon
This is Witshire - Power confident he will win legal battle
Swindon Town may be claiming a first round victory' in their legal battle against Bill Power - but the former QPR chairman is still "100 per cent confident" he will win the war.
The club released a strongly-worded statement yesterday, urging Power to settle his claim for £1.12m out of court, after his attempt to bring the judgement forward was rebuffed.
Town say the High Court's decision to hear the case in full proves the strength of their argument that Power's money was invested in shares, but Power has rubbished these claims.
He is still adamant the £1.12m was a loan and insists the latest court judgement has done nothing but prolong Town's losing battle.
The club have also questioned the real motives behind Power's court battle, while insisting the acceptance by him and business partner Phil Emmel of the decision to continue the legal process shows even they think they might have got it wrong.
Power invested £1.12m into the club in the summer of 2006 and there has been debate ever since about whether it was a loan or as shares.
He said: "I am totally speechless they have put that statement up. I don't know what to say really other than I will see them in court.
"The court's decision to hear the case certainly does not mean we have lost. Far from it, we will win as it will be proved the money was a loan." This is Swindon
SWINDON OFFICIAL SITE - BILL POWER UPDATE
Bill Power and Phil Emmel have previously said how much they support Swindon Town Football Club, to the extent that they have publicly backed a bid to buy it. On January 25th of this year Bill Power was quoted in the local press as saying "The fans consortium does indeed represent a highly motivated group of investors and fans who share a common passion both for STFC and football generally."
On 25th July, Bill Power and Phil Emmel started a case in the High Court against the Club and its holding company, Swindon Town F.C. Limited ("Holdings") claiming repayment of £1.12m which they said was only loaned to the Club, whereas it is the Club and Holdings view that this value was in fact the price for shares that Bill Power and Phil Emmel had bought in Holdings.
Holdings and the Club have strenuously denied the claim. Apart from anything else, as Bill Power and Phil Emmel well know, neither Holdings nor the Club would have been in a position to repay loans of this amount, so they would not have accepted the money other than in return for shares sold.
Matters came to a head recently when Bill Power and Phil Emmel asked the court to short-circuit the trial procedure by giving them judgment without even waiting to see how their claim would be defended. The strength of the response by Holdings and the Club to this request, however, has led to Bill Power and Phil Emmel's lawyers, Davis & Co., withdrawing their application and accepting immediately that the case can't be short circuited and will have to be aired fully in court.In other words they accept that Bill Power and Phil Emmel might have got it wrong.
Whilst the case is still ongoing, Holdings and the Club are left wondering what the real motivation behind this claim is. Why did Bill Power and Phil Emmel wait a whole year before bringing the claim? How does this action fit with their apparent support for the Club and its fans?
Speaking for the Club, Bob Holt commented: "When things are going well on the pitch and we are trying to secure the financial future of the Club through sale negotiations, this litigation is a huge unnecessary distraction. The money we are spending on lawyers should be spent elsewhere."
Speaking for Holdings, Mike Diamandis said: "Much of the present ill feeling towards the Board emanated from a meeting of October 6th last year when Paul Davis presented a report regarding Bill Power's departure from the Club.
"The Fans Consortium, lead by Paul Davis and Mike Wilks, failed to make a formal offer for the club yet has harangued the current Board and the Wills family for the last 12 months, during which time the team has enjoyed promotion from League Two and a solid start to the current season. In September of last year Sir Seton Wills was planning for the long-term future of the club, but by Christmas this negative campaign had resulted in Sir Seton's decision to sell the Football Club.
"Now that Bill Power and Phil Emmel have seen the strength of our case, I hope we can sit down and resolve this amicably. I await their call." Swindon
Buzasky Talks About Why He's Joining QPR
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Plymouth Herald - 30/10/2007 - Akos: I need a new challenge
Argyle midfielder Akos Buzsaky tells today why he has decided to pull the plug on his three years with the Pilgrims - and head off to the bright lights of west London.
The talented 25-year-old Hungarian international was '99 per cent certain' last night that he would be starting a new chapter in his footballing career with Argyle's Championship rivals, Queens Park Rangers.
Buzsaky, medical and other formalities permitting, is due to sign a loan deal with Rangers which would see him at the Loftus Road club until January 1.
And if all goes well, he will become the first signing of new Rangers boss Luigi de Canio, the 50-year-old former manager of Udinese, Napoli, Reggina, Genoa and - most recently - Siena in Serie A when the transfer window opens in the new year.
Former Porto player Buzsaky last night admitted he was excited by the prospect of a new challenge.
He joined the Pilgrims in a £270,000 transfer from Porto in 2005.
But Buzsaky added: "For me, Plymouth will always be in my heart before Porto.
"I have been here in Plymouth for three years and I've had a brilliant time.
"I've really enjoyed my time here, but in a football career, sometimes you need a new challenge.
"I think I had a good spell in Plymouth - we had some success and I had good periods and bad periods."
Buzsaky added: "Last week, I didn't know anything about this opportunity, but then I found out that they (QPR) really wanted me, which is really important." Buzsaky, who had not featured in Argyle's 2-0 defeat at Preston North End on Saturday, had been mulling over the offer of a new deal with the Pilgrims over the weekend.
He told Herald Sport: "I think Plymouth is happy with the deal (with QPR).
"The choice was that I signed a new deal with Plymouth, or tried myself at a different club.
"It was a difficult decision to make, because I have my friends in Plymouth and I was settled there.
"I am looking forward to the new challenge, but I was happy down there and it was an emotional decision to have to make.
"I always felt really important at Plymouth - I played regularly and had more than 100 games for Plymouth at a very good level, while it wasn't the same at Porto.
"Some of the highlights were signing the deal to play for Plymouth, then I had seven or eight good games for Tony Pulis, then got injured, then when Ollie (Holloway) came along, I had six or seven good games, then I got injured.
"I had a good season so far this season as well and I played well at West Ham (in the Carling Cup) and at QPR."
Buzsaky said he was looking forward to working with de Canio, whose appointment at Loftus Road was announced shortly before the Hungarian revealed he was going to QPR.
Buzsaky said: "It's important that I'm the first signing for the new manager.
"He's Italian and has managed in Italy and his teams play more my sort of game than we played in Plymouth."
He added: "Footballers have a short career and probably make four or five important decisions in that time. "This is one of them and hopefully it will turn out right" Plymouth Herald
Also: Holloway on Buszaky's Departure
Plymouth Herald - 30/10/2007 - Akos: I need a new challenge
Argyle midfielder Akos Buzsaky tells today why he has decided to pull the plug on his three years with the Pilgrims - and head off to the bright lights of west London.
The talented 25-year-old Hungarian international was '99 per cent certain' last night that he would be starting a new chapter in his footballing career with Argyle's Championship rivals, Queens Park Rangers.
Buzsaky, medical and other formalities permitting, is due to sign a loan deal with Rangers which would see him at the Loftus Road club until January 1.
And if all goes well, he will become the first signing of new Rangers boss Luigi de Canio, the 50-year-old former manager of Udinese, Napoli, Reggina, Genoa and - most recently - Siena in Serie A when the transfer window opens in the new year.
Former Porto player Buzsaky last night admitted he was excited by the prospect of a new challenge.
He joined the Pilgrims in a £270,000 transfer from Porto in 2005.
But Buzsaky added: "For me, Plymouth will always be in my heart before Porto.
"I have been here in Plymouth for three years and I've had a brilliant time.
"I've really enjoyed my time here, but in a football career, sometimes you need a new challenge.
"I think I had a good spell in Plymouth - we had some success and I had good periods and bad periods."
Buzsaky added: "Last week, I didn't know anything about this opportunity, but then I found out that they (QPR) really wanted me, which is really important." Buzsaky, who had not featured in Argyle's 2-0 defeat at Preston North End on Saturday, had been mulling over the offer of a new deal with the Pilgrims over the weekend.
He told Herald Sport: "I think Plymouth is happy with the deal (with QPR).
"The choice was that I signed a new deal with Plymouth, or tried myself at a different club.
"It was a difficult decision to make, because I have my friends in Plymouth and I was settled there.
"I am looking forward to the new challenge, but I was happy down there and it was an emotional decision to have to make.
"I always felt really important at Plymouth - I played regularly and had more than 100 games for Plymouth at a very good level, while it wasn't the same at Porto.
"Some of the highlights were signing the deal to play for Plymouth, then I had seven or eight good games for Tony Pulis, then got injured, then when Ollie (Holloway) came along, I had six or seven good games, then I got injured.
"I had a good season so far this season as well and I played well at West Ham (in the Carling Cup) and at QPR."
Buzsaky said he was looking forward to working with de Canio, whose appointment at Loftus Road was announced shortly before the Hungarian revealed he was going to QPR.
Buzsaky said: "It's important that I'm the first signing for the new manager.
"He's Italian and has managed in Italy and his teams play more my sort of game than we played in Plymouth."
He added: "Footballers have a short career and probably make four or five important decisions in that time. "This is one of them and hopefully it will turn out right" Plymouth Herald
Also: Holloway on Buszaky's Departure
Mire re Buzsaky to QPR?...Two Ex-QPR Birthdays..
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Messageboard posters are saying he's had his QPR medical but no official annoucnement as of yet.
Mirror - There's a Buz about Rangers
Qpr are making a £500,000 bid for Plymouth's unsettled Hungarian winger Akos Buzsaky - and hope to sign him today.
Buzsaky (above) is out of contract at the end of the season and Argyle boss Ian Holloway has given him permission to open talks about a loan with a view to a permanent switch.
The 25-year-old refused a new deal at Home Park. Mirror
Plymouth Official - IAN Holloway on Buzsaky
AKOS DEPARTING
THE ORIGINAL Magical Magyar Ákos Buzsáky is set to leave Argyle.
Contract negotiations with Ákos have stalled and manager Ian Holloway revealed that the talented midfielder is likely to be on his way to another club.
"He won't be staying here," said Ollie.
"We accepted an offer [from another club] his agent had managed to get because he was supposedly turning down our [contract] offer.
"He came in to see me this morning and he is potentially going to sign for another club - he has not done it yet.
"He is going up there for a medical and I think they have agreed terms. He has told me that he won't be re-signing here.
"I tried as hard as I can to make him feel welcome but he has been here three years, and he has got to make a decision for his future.
"He is someone I admire greatly because to come to a foreign country and not have your family with you, for the love of football, is a tremendous thing to do."
Few would argue that Ákos is an extremely gifted player and it seemed his best Argyle days were ahead of him with the arrival of fellow Hungarians Péter Halmosi and Krisztián Timár.
Unfortunately, his future now appears to be away from Argyle, although Ollie feels his loss can be compensated by the recent emergence of Dan Gosling and the acquisition of Lee Martin on loan from Manchester United.
"I believe he [Ákos] will be a fantastic player and he is someone I wanted to keep," said Ollie.
"I felt he was homesick last year, so I brought in two people I felt would help us and help him - I got three players for the price of two as I solved the homesick problem. Unfortunately, someone else is now going to reap the benefit of our hard work.
"All you can do is offer him the love and attention, and, if he chooses to go somewhere else, then he goes with my blessing.
"I have got Danny Gosling, who was already here. I have brought in Lee Martin because I was fearful that this might happen."
Ollie has been completely open with the Green Army with regard to probable changes to the Argyle squad over the coming months.
Buzsáky's departure and the arrival of Lee Martin and Jermaine Easter in recent weeks are clear evidence of the changing times here at Home ark.
"I was open and honest that this was a big year for us and the squad might change," said Ollie.
"All I can do is my job with the team and do what the board tell me to do, and they back me when I tell them to do something. Every time I have asked them to do something for me, they have done it....." Official
Ex-QPR Birthdays: Lee Harper & Colin Clarke-
Lee Harper Turns 36: Born October 30, 1971.
Goalie signed by Stuart Houston from Arsenal in 1997 for approaching half a million pounds, Harper played four seasons (over 100 games) for QPR until was released after QPR's relegation to the old Third Division. . Harper
Colin Clarke Turns 45- Born October 30, 1962.
Northern Ireland Internation forward played for a number of clubs. Signed by Trevor Francis from Southampton for a then QPR record, 800,000 pounds in March 1989.Joined Portsmouth in the summer of 1990 for 400,000 pounds. Making his debut for Southampton, Clarke got a hattrick - against QPR! Clarke
No Members of "Team of the Week" - Despite QPR's great win at Charlton, no QPR players made this week's "Team of the week"!"
Messageboard posters are saying he's had his QPR medical but no official annoucnement as of yet.
Mirror - There's a Buz about Rangers
Qpr are making a £500,000 bid for Plymouth's unsettled Hungarian winger Akos Buzsaky - and hope to sign him today.
Buzsaky (above) is out of contract at the end of the season and Argyle boss Ian Holloway has given him permission to open talks about a loan with a view to a permanent switch.
The 25-year-old refused a new deal at Home Park. Mirror
Plymouth Official - IAN Holloway on Buzsaky
AKOS DEPARTING
THE ORIGINAL Magical Magyar Ákos Buzsáky is set to leave Argyle.
Contract negotiations with Ákos have stalled and manager Ian Holloway revealed that the talented midfielder is likely to be on his way to another club.
"He won't be staying here," said Ollie.
"We accepted an offer [from another club] his agent had managed to get because he was supposedly turning down our [contract] offer.
"He came in to see me this morning and he is potentially going to sign for another club - he has not done it yet.
"He is going up there for a medical and I think they have agreed terms. He has told me that he won't be re-signing here.
"I tried as hard as I can to make him feel welcome but he has been here three years, and he has got to make a decision for his future.
"He is someone I admire greatly because to come to a foreign country and not have your family with you, for the love of football, is a tremendous thing to do."
Few would argue that Ákos is an extremely gifted player and it seemed his best Argyle days were ahead of him with the arrival of fellow Hungarians Péter Halmosi and Krisztián Timár.
Unfortunately, his future now appears to be away from Argyle, although Ollie feels his loss can be compensated by the recent emergence of Dan Gosling and the acquisition of Lee Martin on loan from Manchester United.
"I believe he [Ákos] will be a fantastic player and he is someone I wanted to keep," said Ollie.
"I felt he was homesick last year, so I brought in two people I felt would help us and help him - I got three players for the price of two as I solved the homesick problem. Unfortunately, someone else is now going to reap the benefit of our hard work.
"All you can do is offer him the love and attention, and, if he chooses to go somewhere else, then he goes with my blessing.
"I have got Danny Gosling, who was already here. I have brought in Lee Martin because I was fearful that this might happen."
Ollie has been completely open with the Green Army with regard to probable changes to the Argyle squad over the coming months.
Buzsáky's departure and the arrival of Lee Martin and Jermaine Easter in recent weeks are clear evidence of the changing times here at Home ark.
"I was open and honest that this was a big year for us and the squad might change," said Ollie.
"All I can do is my job with the team and do what the board tell me to do, and they back me when I tell them to do something. Every time I have asked them to do something for me, they have done it....." Official
Ex-QPR Birthdays: Lee Harper & Colin Clarke-
Lee Harper Turns 36: Born October 30, 1971.
Goalie signed by Stuart Houston from Arsenal in 1997 for approaching half a million pounds, Harper played four seasons (over 100 games) for QPR until was released after QPR's relegation to the old Third Division. . Harper
Colin Clarke Turns 45- Born October 30, 1962.
Northern Ireland Internation forward played for a number of clubs. Signed by Trevor Francis from Southampton for a then QPR record, 800,000 pounds in March 1989.Joined Portsmouth in the summer of 1990 for 400,000 pounds. Making his debut for Southampton, Clarke got a hattrick - against QPR! Clarke
No Members of "Team of the Week" - Despite QPR's great win at Charlton, no QPR players made this week's "Team of the week"!"
Zesh Rehman Talking about QPR and John Gregory
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British-born Asians make telling statement
The Peninsula (Qatar) By Tusdiq Din
London • Two talented British- born Asian footballers have witnessed at first hand the enormity of the task facing the Pakistan football team’s slim chance of reaching the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa after the side’s 7-0 home thrashing by Asian champions Iraq in Lahore last Tuesday.
Queens Park Rangers’ defender Zeeshan (Zesh) Rehman and Tranmere Rovers midfielder Adnan Ahmed lined up for Pakistan only to be blown away by powerhouse Iraq.
However, and against all the odds the signs of hope for Pakistan football are encouraging and were much in evidence during the return tie played in Aleppo, Syria on Sunday when Pakistan achieved something of an inspiration, by managing to hold Iraq to a goalless draw....
Both players spoke exclusively to The Peninsula and explained that they are happy to represent Pakistan after experiencing frustration and a lack of opportunities for England at any level.
There has been an outcry in the English game recently as to why in a Premiership laden with foreign players, there are fewer English players coming through....
Despite the doom and gloom prognosis for Asian footballers, the 2004/05 season saw the emergence of the first Asian player to play in the Premiership, when Rehman broke into the first team at Fulham. Rehman whose supportive parents hail from Pakistan, was given rave reviews by the then Cottagers’ boss Chris Coleman, and produced some excellent performances countering the might of Thierry Henry, Didier Drogba and Alan Shearer.
Having played for over half the season, however, the twenty-three year old was sold to Queens Park Rangers (QPR) in the summer of 2006, with Rehman frustrated at not getting a regular first team place at Fulham.
Far from being despondent about this perceived step back, as Rangers struggle in the Championship, the Birmingham-born defender remains optimistic his game can significantly improve at Loftus road for him to be knocking on the doors of the Premiership again.
Rehman says that although he is aware of racism in the game, he has never come across it, but feels Fifa have shown the strength of their intentions with their new anti-racism agenda and points deduction for offenders.
“I think Fifa’s proposals are a good idea, if people are going to be racist, they deserve to be punished. There is no room in football for racists,” he declares.....
Meanwhile, Rehman will have a new manager at Loftus Road with new owners Formula One supremo Bernie Eccelstone and Renault boss Flavio Briatore aiming for an ambitious Premiership return within three years.
Rehman readily admits to having a difference of opinion with the outgoing Rangers boss John Gregory. “We never really saw eye to eye, I had to be the best in training just to get noticed, but these things happen in football. The team met the new owners and Eccelstone explained he’s used to success in Formula One and that there is no room for passengers, which I liked to hear.
Rehman revealed that the early season tragic death of QPR team-mate Ray Jones had a massive impact on him, but the words of former boss Coleman have helped him at Rangers.
“In the next two years you’re going to need 60 or 70 games Coleman told me. You’re going to step out of this environment where everyone knows you, and I’m confident you’ll come out the other end mentally stronger. QPR is just what I needed, to be tested in a different environment. Now I want to do well for Pakistan and one day get to a World Cup although this will be un-chartered territory for the country.”
The rest of Asia will no doubt be taking note. Peninsula
British-born Asians make telling statement
The Peninsula (Qatar) By Tusdiq Din
London • Two talented British- born Asian footballers have witnessed at first hand the enormity of the task facing the Pakistan football team’s slim chance of reaching the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa after the side’s 7-0 home thrashing by Asian champions Iraq in Lahore last Tuesday.
Queens Park Rangers’ defender Zeeshan (Zesh) Rehman and Tranmere Rovers midfielder Adnan Ahmed lined up for Pakistan only to be blown away by powerhouse Iraq.
However, and against all the odds the signs of hope for Pakistan football are encouraging and were much in evidence during the return tie played in Aleppo, Syria on Sunday when Pakistan achieved something of an inspiration, by managing to hold Iraq to a goalless draw....
Both players spoke exclusively to The Peninsula and explained that they are happy to represent Pakistan after experiencing frustration and a lack of opportunities for England at any level.
There has been an outcry in the English game recently as to why in a Premiership laden with foreign players, there are fewer English players coming through....
Despite the doom and gloom prognosis for Asian footballers, the 2004/05 season saw the emergence of the first Asian player to play in the Premiership, when Rehman broke into the first team at Fulham. Rehman whose supportive parents hail from Pakistan, was given rave reviews by the then Cottagers’ boss Chris Coleman, and produced some excellent performances countering the might of Thierry Henry, Didier Drogba and Alan Shearer.
Having played for over half the season, however, the twenty-three year old was sold to Queens Park Rangers (QPR) in the summer of 2006, with Rehman frustrated at not getting a regular first team place at Fulham.
Far from being despondent about this perceived step back, as Rangers struggle in the Championship, the Birmingham-born defender remains optimistic his game can significantly improve at Loftus road for him to be knocking on the doors of the Premiership again.
Rehman says that although he is aware of racism in the game, he has never come across it, but feels Fifa have shown the strength of their intentions with their new anti-racism agenda and points deduction for offenders.
“I think Fifa’s proposals are a good idea, if people are going to be racist, they deserve to be punished. There is no room in football for racists,” he declares.....
Meanwhile, Rehman will have a new manager at Loftus Road with new owners Formula One supremo Bernie Eccelstone and Renault boss Flavio Briatore aiming for an ambitious Premiership return within three years.
Rehman readily admits to having a difference of opinion with the outgoing Rangers boss John Gregory. “We never really saw eye to eye, I had to be the best in training just to get noticed, but these things happen in football. The team met the new owners and Eccelstone explained he’s used to success in Formula One and that there is no room for passengers, which I liked to hear.
Rehman revealed that the early season tragic death of QPR team-mate Ray Jones had a massive impact on him, but the words of former boss Coleman have helped him at Rangers.
“In the next two years you’re going to need 60 or 70 games Coleman told me. You’re going to step out of this environment where everyone knows you, and I’m confident you’ll come out the other end mentally stronger. QPR is just what I needed, to be tested in a different environment. Now I want to do well for Pakistan and one day get to a World Cup although this will be un-chartered territory for the country.”
The rest of Asia will no doubt be taking note. Peninsula
De Canio's Appointment - Further Reports
-
Guardian
"Former Napoli and Siena manager Luigi De Canio has been given the laughably easy task of doing a better job at QPR than his predecessor, John Gregory. "For me, it will be an honour to work for QPR, a club which is backed by Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore, two businessmen with an incredible track record of success in sport and other fields," said De Canio with one eye on his Christmas bonus. Caretaker manager Mick Harford has left after turning down a coaching role at the club. Guardian
Vital Football - QPR: Gareth Ainsworth
Hoops midfielder Gareth Ainsworth hadn't even heard of Rangers new boss prior to Luigi De Canio's appointment.
Sky Sports reported the 34-year-old as saying...
'I don't know anything about him but obviously the owners do and I'm sure he will be good for QPR.'
The lads will come behind him and if he's done well in Italy, where everything is very results based, I'm sure he will do well at Loftus Road.'
It's been the most dramatic start to a football season I've ever been involved in, but hopefully it will calm down now - until the January transfer window that is, when we might be a bit busy!'
Ainsworth and his team-mates will meet De Canio for the first time on Tuesday. Vital Football
TELEGRAPH - De Canio steps in as QPR look to future
By Jeremy Wilson
Queens Park Rangers hope the "dynamic and aggressive approach" of new manager Luigi de Canio will help lift the club from the bottom three of the Championship.
De Canio has spent almost 20 years as a coach in Italy, most recently in Serie A with Siena, whom he helped keep in the top flight for two consecutive seasons before leaving last year. The 50-year-old former Udinese, Napoli, Reggina and Genoa manager yesterday agreed a contract with QPR until the end of the 2009-10 season.
"For me, it will be an honour to work for Queens Park Rangers, a club which is backed by Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore, two businessmen with an incredible track record of success in sport and other fields," De Canio said.
"I would like to thank them and tell them I will not disappoint their expectations. I am fully committed to the project and I am looking forward to getting to work with the players."
QPR chairman Gianni Paladini believes De Canio will fit in with the club's ambitions and new management structure. "The club is going through a phase of restructuring and the appointment of De Canio is the first important step in our long-term strategy," he said.
"De Canio is a motivated professional, whose dynamic and aggressive approach fits perfectly with the image and philosophy of the new management.
"He is aware of the high standards the new management has set for the future, and he is ready to take up the challenge."
Mick Harford, caretaker manager since the departure of John Gregory four weeks ago, turned down a role with De Canio and has left the club.
"We offered Mick a role within the new set-up and we're disappointed that he has turned this down," Paladini said. "He has done a fantastic job since he arrived in the summer."
Gregory was sacked after QPR picked up only three points from seven league matches. Harford has since gained two draws and two wins.
Briatore and Ecclestone have had a £14 million takeover bid recommended and hope to take QPR into the Premier League within four years. Telegraph
See Also: Yesterday's Reports:
Official Announcement
Various Press Reports
QPR's 12 Post-Premiership Managers
Guardian
"Former Napoli and Siena manager Luigi De Canio has been given the laughably easy task of doing a better job at QPR than his predecessor, John Gregory. "For me, it will be an honour to work for QPR, a club which is backed by Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore, two businessmen with an incredible track record of success in sport and other fields," said De Canio with one eye on his Christmas bonus. Caretaker manager Mick Harford has left after turning down a coaching role at the club. Guardian
Vital Football - QPR: Gareth Ainsworth
Hoops midfielder Gareth Ainsworth hadn't even heard of Rangers new boss prior to Luigi De Canio's appointment.
Sky Sports reported the 34-year-old as saying...
'I don't know anything about him but obviously the owners do and I'm sure he will be good for QPR.'
The lads will come behind him and if he's done well in Italy, where everything is very results based, I'm sure he will do well at Loftus Road.'
It's been the most dramatic start to a football season I've ever been involved in, but hopefully it will calm down now - until the January transfer window that is, when we might be a bit busy!'
Ainsworth and his team-mates will meet De Canio for the first time on Tuesday. Vital Football
TELEGRAPH - De Canio steps in as QPR look to future
By Jeremy Wilson
Queens Park Rangers hope the "dynamic and aggressive approach" of new manager Luigi de Canio will help lift the club from the bottom three of the Championship.
De Canio has spent almost 20 years as a coach in Italy, most recently in Serie A with Siena, whom he helped keep in the top flight for two consecutive seasons before leaving last year. The 50-year-old former Udinese, Napoli, Reggina and Genoa manager yesterday agreed a contract with QPR until the end of the 2009-10 season.
"For me, it will be an honour to work for Queens Park Rangers, a club which is backed by Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore, two businessmen with an incredible track record of success in sport and other fields," De Canio said.
"I would like to thank them and tell them I will not disappoint their expectations. I am fully committed to the project and I am looking forward to getting to work with the players."
QPR chairman Gianni Paladini believes De Canio will fit in with the club's ambitions and new management structure. "The club is going through a phase of restructuring and the appointment of De Canio is the first important step in our long-term strategy," he said.
"De Canio is a motivated professional, whose dynamic and aggressive approach fits perfectly with the image and philosophy of the new management.
"He is aware of the high standards the new management has set for the future, and he is ready to take up the challenge."
Mick Harford, caretaker manager since the departure of John Gregory four weeks ago, turned down a role with De Canio and has left the club.
"We offered Mick a role within the new set-up and we're disappointed that he has turned this down," Paladini said. "He has done a fantastic job since he arrived in the summer."
Gregory was sacked after QPR picked up only three points from seven league matches. Harford has since gained two draws and two wins.
Briatore and Ecclestone have had a £14 million takeover bid recommended and hope to take QPR into the Premier League within four years. Telegraph
See Also: Yesterday's Reports:
Official Announcement
Various Press Reports
QPR's 12 Post-Premiership Managers
Monday, October 29, 2007
QPR Snippets: Harford NOT Manager of Month Contender...Plymouth's Buzsaky is Going Somewhere!...St Aimie Links up With Stefan Bailey and Jim Smith
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Despite two wins, two draws and a defeat, QPR's now-departed caretaker manager, Mick Harford was NOT one of the contenders for Manager of the month. That will between, former QPR Manager, Ian Holloway, and Jim Magilton (Ipswich Town), Gary Johnson (Bristol Vity) and Aidy Boothroyd (Watford). (One would imagine it woul dbe between Johnson and Boothroyd.
[In Division One, former QPR player, Brighton's Dean Wilkins is one of the Manager of The Month nominees, along with Dennis Wise (Leeds), Roberto Martinez (Swansea) and John Ward (Carlisle).
QPR Official Site - LOAN RANGER
Teenage midfielder Kieron St Aimie has joined Blue Square Premier division side Oxford United on a two month loan deal.
The 18 year-old links up with fellow R's team-mate Stefan Bailey, who joined Jim Smith's side on loan earlier this month.
St Aimie, who put pen-to-paper on his first professional contract in the summer of 2007, is likely to make his U's debut against Rushden & Diamonds on Thursday evening and is allowed to play in the FA Cup.
Under the terms of the deal, Rangers can recall St Aimie at 24 hours notice, on the completion of his first 28 days at The Manor Ground. QPR
Oxford United Official Site - United bring in midfielder
United have further bolstered their squad today with the loan signing of midfielder Kieron St Aimie from QPR
The eighteen year old signed professional terms at Loftus Road in the summer after coming through the youth system and has made one senior appearance as a sub for Rangers
Able to play in several roles, including on either wing or up front, Kieron joins fellow QPR youngster Stefan Bailey in the United set up and will be involved for the first time when The U's travel to Rushden and Diamonds on Thursday evening. Oxford United
Plymouth Official Site - AKOS DEPARTING
THE ORIGINAL Magical Magyar Ákos Buzsáky is set to leave Argyle.
Contract negotiations with Ákos have stalled and manager Ian Holloway revealed that the talented midfielder is likely to be on his way to another club.
"He won't be staying here," said Ollie.
"We accepted an offer [from another club] his agent had managed to get because he was supposedly turning down our [contract] offer.
"He came in to see me this morning and he is potentially going to sign for another club - he has not done it yet. Plymouth
Despite two wins, two draws and a defeat, QPR's now-departed caretaker manager, Mick Harford was NOT one of the contenders for Manager of the month. That will between, former QPR Manager, Ian Holloway, and Jim Magilton (Ipswich Town), Gary Johnson (Bristol Vity) and Aidy Boothroyd (Watford). (One would imagine it woul dbe between Johnson and Boothroyd.
[In Division One, former QPR player, Brighton's Dean Wilkins is one of the Manager of The Month nominees, along with Dennis Wise (Leeds), Roberto Martinez (Swansea) and John Ward (Carlisle).
QPR Official Site - LOAN RANGER
Teenage midfielder Kieron St Aimie has joined Blue Square Premier division side Oxford United on a two month loan deal.
The 18 year-old links up with fellow R's team-mate Stefan Bailey, who joined Jim Smith's side on loan earlier this month.
St Aimie, who put pen-to-paper on his first professional contract in the summer of 2007, is likely to make his U's debut against Rushden & Diamonds on Thursday evening and is allowed to play in the FA Cup.
Under the terms of the deal, Rangers can recall St Aimie at 24 hours notice, on the completion of his first 28 days at The Manor Ground. QPR
Oxford United Official Site - United bring in midfielder
United have further bolstered their squad today with the loan signing of midfielder Kieron St Aimie from QPR
The eighteen year old signed professional terms at Loftus Road in the summer after coming through the youth system and has made one senior appearance as a sub for Rangers
Able to play in several roles, including on either wing or up front, Kieron joins fellow QPR youngster Stefan Bailey in the United set up and will be involved for the first time when The U's travel to Rushden and Diamonds on Thursday evening. Oxford United
Plymouth Official Site - AKOS DEPARTING
THE ORIGINAL Magical Magyar Ákos Buzsáky is set to leave Argyle.
Contract negotiations with Ákos have stalled and manager Ian Holloway revealed that the talented midfielder is likely to be on his way to another club.
"He won't be staying here," said Ollie.
"We accepted an offer [from another club] his agent had managed to get because he was supposedly turning down our [contract] offer.
"He came in to see me this morning and he is potentially going to sign for another club - he has not done it yet. Plymouth
De Canio Becomes 12th QPR Manager (including Caretakers) Since Premiership Relegation
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With today's managerial appointment of Luigi De Canio, De Canio becomes QPR's 12th manager (including 4 caretakers) in the 11+ years since QPR's Premiership relegation in 1996. Ian Holloway was the longest serving, being in charge for almost five years.
Ray Wilkins
Frank Sibley (Caretaker)
Stewart Houston
John Hollins (Caretaker)
Ray Harford
Ian Dowie (Caretaker)
Gerry Francis
Ian Holloway
Gary Waddock
John Gregory
Mick Harford (Caretaker)
Luigi De Canio
With today's managerial appointment of Luigi De Canio, De Canio becomes QPR's 12th manager (including 4 caretakers) in the 11+ years since QPR's Premiership relegation in 1996. Ian Holloway was the longest serving, being in charge for almost five years.
Ray Wilkins
Frank Sibley (Caretaker)
Stewart Houston
John Hollins (Caretaker)
Ray Harford
Ian Dowie (Caretaker)
Gerry Francis
Ian Holloway
Gary Waddock
John Gregory
Mick Harford (Caretaker)
Luigi De Canio
How QPR's De Canio Appointment and Harford Departure is Being Reported
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Mail -QPR ditch Harford and give job to De Canio
QPR have appointed former Napoli and Siena boss Luigi De Canio as their new first-team coach, according to the club's website.
Caretaker manager Mick Harford has left the Championship club.
The 50-year-old succeeds John Gregory, who was sacked four weeks ago today, and has agreed a contract at Loftus Road until the end of the 2009-10 season.
Mick Harford, who led Rangers to two wins and two draws as caretaker manager to guide them off the foot of the Coca-Cola Championship table, turned down a coaching role at the club and has left with immediate effect. Mail
Goal.com - Luigi De Canio Takes Charge At QPR
Former Siena and Napoli manager Luigi De Canio has been named as the new boss of English second-tier outfit Queen's Park Rangers...
Queen's Park Rangers have announced that Luigi De Canio has taken over as first team manager.
The Loftus Road club confirmed this morning that the ex-Napoli coach will take immediate charge of the struggling outfit, with the Italian boss eager to get started.
He remarked to the official club website, "I am very excited to have this fantastic opportunity - it will be an honour.
"I am looking forward to getting to work with the players in preparation for our game against Hull on Saturday."
The Championship strugglers are currently second bottom of the table with 11 points from 12 games, although a win against Hull City could potentially lift them into the safety zone.
John Gregory was fired as boss at the Shepherd's Bush team earlier in the season, with Mick Hartford now leaving the club after being relieved of his caretaker managerial duties in favour of De Canio.
The experienced 50 year old has penned a three year deal at Loftus Road for his first management job since leaving Siena in 2006.
Previously, he served clubs including Genoa, Reggina, Napoli and Udinese as boss, having had an undistinguished career as a player with clubs ranging from Serie C2 to Serie B.
The Italian connection at QPR runs as far as presidential level, the current club chief being Gianni Paladini. Goal.com
BBC - Former Napoli boss takes QPR role
De Canio is the new first-team coach at Loftus Road
Queens Park Rangers have confirmed the appointment of Italian Luigi de Canio as first team coach.
The 50-year-old has led Udinese, Napoli, Reggina, Genoa and more recently Siena. He has signed a three-year contract at Loftus Road.
Mick Harford, who had been in caretaker charge following the recent sacking of John Gregory, has left the club.
"I am very excited at this fantastic opportunity. It will be an honour," De Canio told QPR's website.
"I am looking forward to getting to work with the players in preparation for our game against Hull on Saturday."
The incoming new owners at QPR - a group fronted by Formula One magnates Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone - were keen to appoint an Italian.
They turned to De Canio after a bid to install former Palermo and Monaco boss Franceso Guidolin stalled.
"De Canio is fully aware of the high standards and objectives that the new management has set for the future of the club," said chairman Gianni Paladini.
"He is ready and eager to take up the challenge."
Paladini added: "We offered Mick Harford a role within the new set-up and we're disappointed that he turned it down.
"He has done a fantastic job and his contribution will never be forgotten.
"The club is going through a phase of total restructuring and for us, the appointment of Luigi de Canio is the first important step ahead in our long-term strategy." BBC
The TImes - October 29, 2007 Luigi De Canio confirmed as QPR coach Times Online and Agencies
Queen's Park Rangers have appointed Luigi De Canio as their new first-team coach.
The former Napoli and Siena manager succeeds John Gregory and has agreed a contract at Loftus Road until the end of the 2009-10 season. Gregory was sacked a month ago.
Mick Harford, who led Rangers to two wins and two draws as caretaker manager to guide them off the foot of the Coca-Cola Championship, turned down a coaching role at the club and has left with immediate effect.
De Canio has also managed Udinese, Reggina and Genoa and notably kept unfashionable Siena in Serie A for two seasons before leaving last summer.
"I am very excited at this fantastic opportunity to join Queens Park Rangers as their first-team coach," De Canio said.
"For me it will be an honour to work for QPR, a club which is backed by Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore, two businessmen with an incredible track record of success in sport and other fields.
"I would like to thank them and I will not disappoint their expectations. I am fully committed to the project and I am looking forward to getting to work with the players in preparation for our forthcoming home fixture against Hull City on Saturday."
Gianni Paladini, the QPR chairman, said: "The club is going through a phase of total restructuring and the appointment is the first important step in our long-term strategy.
"De Canio is a highly-motivated professional whose dynamic and aggressive approach fits perfectly with the image and philosophy of the new management."
Harford left his role as assistant manager at Colchester in the summer to become Gregory's No 2, and had expressed his desire to take on the permanent job. "We offered Mick a role within the new set-up and we're disappointed he has turned this down," Paladini said. "He has done a fantastic job since he arrived and his contribution will never be forgotten." The Times
Telegraph - Luigi De Canio named as new QPR coach By Patrick Nathanson and agencies
QPR have appointed former Napoli manager Luigi De Canio as their new first-team coach.
De Canio, 50, succeeds John Gregory, who was sacked four weeks ago today, and has agreed a contract at Loftus Road until the end of the 2009-10 season.
Mick Harford, who led Rangers to two wins and two draws as caretaker manager to guide them off the foot of the Coca-Cola Championship table, turned down a coaching role at the club and has left with immediate effect.
De Canio has also managed Reggina and Genoa and notably kept unfashionable Siena in Serie A for two seasons before leaving last summer.
"I am very excited at this fantastic opportunity to join Queens Park Rangers as their first-team coach," he said.
"For me it will be an honour to work for QPR, a club which is backed by Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore, two businessmen with an incredible track record of success in sport and other fields.
"I would like to thank them and I will not disappoint their expectations. I am fully committed to the project and I am looking forward to getting to work with the players in preparation for our forthcoming home fixture against Hull City on Saturday."
QPR chairman Gianni Paladini said: "The club is going through a phase of total restructuring and the appointment is the first important step in our long-term strategy.
"De Canio is a highly-motivated professional whose dynamic and aggressive approach fits perfectly with the image and philosophy of the new management." Telegraph
AP - Queens Park Rangers appoints Luigi de Canio as coach on contract until 2010
LONDON: Queens Park Rangers appointed Luigi de Canio as its first team coach on Monday on a contract until 2010.
De Canio replaced John Gregory who was fired a month ago by the League Championship side.
De Canio, 50, has coached Italian clubs Udinese, Napoli, Reggina, Genoa and Siena. He left Siena at the end of the 2005-06 season — after twice helping the club avoid relegation from the Serie A — and hasn't coached since.
De Canio said he was lured to QPR by new owners, Formula One heavyweights Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore.
"I would like to thank them and tell them I will not disappoint their expectations," De Canio said. "I am fully committed to the project and am looking forward to getting to work with the players."
De Canio's first game in charge is against Hull on Saturday.
QPR chairman Gianni Paladini said De Canio's appointment was part of a total restructuring of the west London club.
"De Canio is a highly motivated professional whose dynamic and aggressive approach fits perfectly with the image and philosophy of the new management," Paladini said.
Mick Harford, who led Rangers to two wins and two draws as caretaker manager, left the club Monday after turning down a coaching role.
QPR is in 23rd place out of 24 teams in the League Championship — the division below the Premier League — with 11 points from 12 games. AP
See Also: QPR Official Announcement and De Canio Profile
Mail -QPR ditch Harford and give job to De Canio
QPR have appointed former Napoli and Siena boss Luigi De Canio as their new first-team coach, according to the club's website.
Caretaker manager Mick Harford has left the Championship club.
The 50-year-old succeeds John Gregory, who was sacked four weeks ago today, and has agreed a contract at Loftus Road until the end of the 2009-10 season.
Mick Harford, who led Rangers to two wins and two draws as caretaker manager to guide them off the foot of the Coca-Cola Championship table, turned down a coaching role at the club and has left with immediate effect. Mail
Goal.com - Luigi De Canio Takes Charge At QPR
Former Siena and Napoli manager Luigi De Canio has been named as the new boss of English second-tier outfit Queen's Park Rangers...
Queen's Park Rangers have announced that Luigi De Canio has taken over as first team manager.
The Loftus Road club confirmed this morning that the ex-Napoli coach will take immediate charge of the struggling outfit, with the Italian boss eager to get started.
He remarked to the official club website, "I am very excited to have this fantastic opportunity - it will be an honour.
"I am looking forward to getting to work with the players in preparation for our game against Hull on Saturday."
The Championship strugglers are currently second bottom of the table with 11 points from 12 games, although a win against Hull City could potentially lift them into the safety zone.
John Gregory was fired as boss at the Shepherd's Bush team earlier in the season, with Mick Hartford now leaving the club after being relieved of his caretaker managerial duties in favour of De Canio.
The experienced 50 year old has penned a three year deal at Loftus Road for his first management job since leaving Siena in 2006.
Previously, he served clubs including Genoa, Reggina, Napoli and Udinese as boss, having had an undistinguished career as a player with clubs ranging from Serie C2 to Serie B.
The Italian connection at QPR runs as far as presidential level, the current club chief being Gianni Paladini. Goal.com
BBC - Former Napoli boss takes QPR role
De Canio is the new first-team coach at Loftus Road
Queens Park Rangers have confirmed the appointment of Italian Luigi de Canio as first team coach.
The 50-year-old has led Udinese, Napoli, Reggina, Genoa and more recently Siena. He has signed a three-year contract at Loftus Road.
Mick Harford, who had been in caretaker charge following the recent sacking of John Gregory, has left the club.
"I am very excited at this fantastic opportunity. It will be an honour," De Canio told QPR's website.
"I am looking forward to getting to work with the players in preparation for our game against Hull on Saturday."
The incoming new owners at QPR - a group fronted by Formula One magnates Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone - were keen to appoint an Italian.
They turned to De Canio after a bid to install former Palermo and Monaco boss Franceso Guidolin stalled.
"De Canio is fully aware of the high standards and objectives that the new management has set for the future of the club," said chairman Gianni Paladini.
"He is ready and eager to take up the challenge."
Paladini added: "We offered Mick Harford a role within the new set-up and we're disappointed that he turned it down.
"He has done a fantastic job and his contribution will never be forgotten.
"The club is going through a phase of total restructuring and for us, the appointment of Luigi de Canio is the first important step ahead in our long-term strategy." BBC
The TImes - October 29, 2007 Luigi De Canio confirmed as QPR coach Times Online and Agencies
Queen's Park Rangers have appointed Luigi De Canio as their new first-team coach.
The former Napoli and Siena manager succeeds John Gregory and has agreed a contract at Loftus Road until the end of the 2009-10 season. Gregory was sacked a month ago.
Mick Harford, who led Rangers to two wins and two draws as caretaker manager to guide them off the foot of the Coca-Cola Championship, turned down a coaching role at the club and has left with immediate effect.
De Canio has also managed Udinese, Reggina and Genoa and notably kept unfashionable Siena in Serie A for two seasons before leaving last summer.
"I am very excited at this fantastic opportunity to join Queens Park Rangers as their first-team coach," De Canio said.
"For me it will be an honour to work for QPR, a club which is backed by Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore, two businessmen with an incredible track record of success in sport and other fields.
"I would like to thank them and I will not disappoint their expectations. I am fully committed to the project and I am looking forward to getting to work with the players in preparation for our forthcoming home fixture against Hull City on Saturday."
Gianni Paladini, the QPR chairman, said: "The club is going through a phase of total restructuring and the appointment is the first important step in our long-term strategy.
"De Canio is a highly-motivated professional whose dynamic and aggressive approach fits perfectly with the image and philosophy of the new management."
Harford left his role as assistant manager at Colchester in the summer to become Gregory's No 2, and had expressed his desire to take on the permanent job. "We offered Mick a role within the new set-up and we're disappointed he has turned this down," Paladini said. "He has done a fantastic job since he arrived and his contribution will never be forgotten." The Times
Telegraph - Luigi De Canio named as new QPR coach By Patrick Nathanson and agencies
QPR have appointed former Napoli manager Luigi De Canio as their new first-team coach.
De Canio, 50, succeeds John Gregory, who was sacked four weeks ago today, and has agreed a contract at Loftus Road until the end of the 2009-10 season.
Mick Harford, who led Rangers to two wins and two draws as caretaker manager to guide them off the foot of the Coca-Cola Championship table, turned down a coaching role at the club and has left with immediate effect.
De Canio has also managed Reggina and Genoa and notably kept unfashionable Siena in Serie A for two seasons before leaving last summer.
"I am very excited at this fantastic opportunity to join Queens Park Rangers as their first-team coach," he said.
"For me it will be an honour to work for QPR, a club which is backed by Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore, two businessmen with an incredible track record of success in sport and other fields.
"I would like to thank them and I will not disappoint their expectations. I am fully committed to the project and I am looking forward to getting to work with the players in preparation for our forthcoming home fixture against Hull City on Saturday."
QPR chairman Gianni Paladini said: "The club is going through a phase of total restructuring and the appointment is the first important step in our long-term strategy.
"De Canio is a highly-motivated professional whose dynamic and aggressive approach fits perfectly with the image and philosophy of the new management." Telegraph
AP - Queens Park Rangers appoints Luigi de Canio as coach on contract until 2010
LONDON: Queens Park Rangers appointed Luigi de Canio as its first team coach on Monday on a contract until 2010.
De Canio replaced John Gregory who was fired a month ago by the League Championship side.
De Canio, 50, has coached Italian clubs Udinese, Napoli, Reggina, Genoa and Siena. He left Siena at the end of the 2005-06 season — after twice helping the club avoid relegation from the Serie A — and hasn't coached since.
De Canio said he was lured to QPR by new owners, Formula One heavyweights Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore.
"I would like to thank them and tell them I will not disappoint their expectations," De Canio said. "I am fully committed to the project and am looking forward to getting to work with the players."
De Canio's first game in charge is against Hull on Saturday.
QPR chairman Gianni Paladini said De Canio's appointment was part of a total restructuring of the west London club.
"De Canio is a highly motivated professional whose dynamic and aggressive approach fits perfectly with the image and philosophy of the new management," Paladini said.
Mick Harford, who led Rangers to two wins and two draws as caretaker manager, left the club Monday after turning down a coaching role.
QPR is in 23rd place out of 24 teams in the League Championship — the division below the Premier League — with 11 points from 12 games. AP
See Also: QPR Official Announcement and De Canio Profile
Luigi De Canio Appointed Manager of QPR- Official Announcement
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De Canio has been officially appointed QPR manager on a 2 1/2 year contract. Mick Harford leaves QPR immediately. And theQPR Directory is already updated.
QPR Official Site - EXCLUSIVE: DE CANIO APPOINTED
Posted on: Mon 29 Oct 2007
Queens Park Rangers Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Luigi De Canio as First Team Coach.
The contract period runs until the end of the 2009/10 season.
The 50 year-old has an extensive coaching pedigree having taken charge of Udinese, Napoli, Reggina, Genoa and most recently Siena in Serie A - who he helped keep in the top-flight for two consecutive seasons before leaving.
Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, De Canio said: "I am very excited at this fantastic opportunity to join Queens Park Rangers as their First Team Coach.
"For me, it will be an honour to work for Queens Park Rangers, a Club which is backed by Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore, two businessmen with an incredible track-record of success in sport and other fields.
"I would like to thank them and tell them I will not disappoint their expectations. I am fully committed to the project and I am looking forward to getting to work with the players in preparation for our forthcoming home fixture against Hull City on Saturday."
On behalf of the new management of QPR, Chairman Gianni Paladini expressed his delight at the capture of De Canio, commenting: "The Club is going through a phase of total restructuring and for us the appointment of Luigi De Canio is the first important step ahead in our long-term strategy.
"De Canio is a highly motivated professional, whose dynamic and aggressive approach fits perfectly with the image and philosophy of the new Management."
Paladini added: "De Canio is fully aware of the high standards and objectives that the new Management has set for the future of the Club, and he is ready and eager to take up the challenge"
Mick Harford, who has acted as Caretaker Manager since the departure of John Gregory in early October, has left the Club with immediate effect.
Paladini added: "We offered Mick a role within the new set-up and we're disappointed that he has turned this down. He has done a fantastic job since he arrived here in the summer and his contribution will never be forgotten.
"We all wish him the very best for the future."
*The Club will be making no further comment at this stage. QPR
De Canio Profiled - QPR Official Site
After a ten year playing career in the Italian lower leagues, Luigi De Canio started his coaching career in the late nineties with Pisticci, who he guided to Serie D.
He spent four more seasons with the Club, before joining Serie C outfit Savoia during the 1993/94 campaign.
De Canio enjoyed a successful start to life at his new Club, leading them to promotion, albeit via the play-off's, in his first season in charge.
A switch to Serie C1 side Siena followed in 1995/96, with De Canio achieving an eighth place finish in his first season in charge of the Robur.
Short stints at Carpi and Lucchese followed, before De Canio showed his undoubted managerial credentials at Pescara.
He led the Club to the brink of promotion to Serie A, which led to interest from a number of top-flight Clubs in the Italian league, including Udinese, who secured his services in 1999/2000.
De Canio adjusted to life in the top-flight accordingly, guiding the Biaconeri to an eighth place finish and a place in the UEFA Intertoto Cup.
UEFA Cup football duly followed after a successful Intertoto campaign, but despite an encouraging start to the new season, a dreadful run of form, which culminated with a home defeat to Parma, resulted in his departure in March 2001.
Napoli swooped to secure his services in 2001/02, but a fifth place finish in Serie B was deemed a failure and De Canio consequently parted company with the Azzurri.
Serie A Club Reggina was his next port of call, before De Canio replaced the legendary Roberto Donadoni at the helm of Serie B side Genoa.
Despite staving off the ever-looming threat of relegation with a 16th place finish, De Canio was sacked on the eve of the 2004/05 campaign.
He spent six months out of the game before re-joining Siena, whom he managed a decade earlier. Fourteenth and seventeenth placed finishes followed, prior to the appointment of Mario Beretta for the start of the 2006/07 season.
Today, in his 28th season in the professional game, he joins Queens Park Rangers as First Team Manager, succeeding Caretaker Manager Mick Harford. QPR
See Also: Wikipedia Profile of De Canio Wikipedia on Luigi De Canio
Teams managed
Savoia
Siena
Carpi
Lucchese
Pescara
Udinese
Napoli
Reggina
Genoa
Siena
De Canio has been officially appointed QPR manager on a 2 1/2 year contract. Mick Harford leaves QPR immediately. And theQPR Directory is already updated.
QPR Official Site - EXCLUSIVE: DE CANIO APPOINTED
Posted on: Mon 29 Oct 2007
Queens Park Rangers Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Luigi De Canio as First Team Coach.
The contract period runs until the end of the 2009/10 season.
The 50 year-old has an extensive coaching pedigree having taken charge of Udinese, Napoli, Reggina, Genoa and most recently Siena in Serie A - who he helped keep in the top-flight for two consecutive seasons before leaving.
Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, De Canio said: "I am very excited at this fantastic opportunity to join Queens Park Rangers as their First Team Coach.
"For me, it will be an honour to work for Queens Park Rangers, a Club which is backed by Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore, two businessmen with an incredible track-record of success in sport and other fields.
"I would like to thank them and tell them I will not disappoint their expectations. I am fully committed to the project and I am looking forward to getting to work with the players in preparation for our forthcoming home fixture against Hull City on Saturday."
On behalf of the new management of QPR, Chairman Gianni Paladini expressed his delight at the capture of De Canio, commenting: "The Club is going through a phase of total restructuring and for us the appointment of Luigi De Canio is the first important step ahead in our long-term strategy.
"De Canio is a highly motivated professional, whose dynamic and aggressive approach fits perfectly with the image and philosophy of the new Management."
Paladini added: "De Canio is fully aware of the high standards and objectives that the new Management has set for the future of the Club, and he is ready and eager to take up the challenge"
Mick Harford, who has acted as Caretaker Manager since the departure of John Gregory in early October, has left the Club with immediate effect.
Paladini added: "We offered Mick a role within the new set-up and we're disappointed that he has turned this down. He has done a fantastic job since he arrived here in the summer and his contribution will never be forgotten.
"We all wish him the very best for the future."
*The Club will be making no further comment at this stage. QPR
De Canio Profiled - QPR Official Site
After a ten year playing career in the Italian lower leagues, Luigi De Canio started his coaching career in the late nineties with Pisticci, who he guided to Serie D.
He spent four more seasons with the Club, before joining Serie C outfit Savoia during the 1993/94 campaign.
De Canio enjoyed a successful start to life at his new Club, leading them to promotion, albeit via the play-off's, in his first season in charge.
A switch to Serie C1 side Siena followed in 1995/96, with De Canio achieving an eighth place finish in his first season in charge of the Robur.
Short stints at Carpi and Lucchese followed, before De Canio showed his undoubted managerial credentials at Pescara.
He led the Club to the brink of promotion to Serie A, which led to interest from a number of top-flight Clubs in the Italian league, including Udinese, who secured his services in 1999/2000.
De Canio adjusted to life in the top-flight accordingly, guiding the Biaconeri to an eighth place finish and a place in the UEFA Intertoto Cup.
UEFA Cup football duly followed after a successful Intertoto campaign, but despite an encouraging start to the new season, a dreadful run of form, which culminated with a home defeat to Parma, resulted in his departure in March 2001.
Napoli swooped to secure his services in 2001/02, but a fifth place finish in Serie B was deemed a failure and De Canio consequently parted company with the Azzurri.
Serie A Club Reggina was his next port of call, before De Canio replaced the legendary Roberto Donadoni at the helm of Serie B side Genoa.
Despite staving off the ever-looming threat of relegation with a 16th place finish, De Canio was sacked on the eve of the 2004/05 campaign.
He spent six months out of the game before re-joining Siena, whom he managed a decade earlier. Fourteenth and seventeenth placed finishes followed, prior to the appointment of Mario Beretta for the start of the 2006/07 season.
Today, in his 28th season in the professional game, he joins Queens Park Rangers as First Team Manager, succeeding Caretaker Manager Mick Harford. QPR
See Also: Wikipedia Profile of De Canio Wikipedia on Luigi De Canio
Teams managed
Savoia
Siena
Carpi
Lucchese
Pescara
Udinese
Napoli
Reggina
Genoa
Siena
Plymouth's Buzsaky Set to Join QPR?
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Various QPR messageboards are saying the deal for Plymouth's Hungarian midfielder, Akos Buzsaky is done and the announcement is set to be made that he'll be joining QPR, initially on loan. Previous press stories have mentioned that Buzsaky is unsettled and given Ian Holloway perspective. The story below actually mentions QPR as the club to where he'd go. [For what it's worth, Plymouth themselves a couple of days ago, signed Jermaine Easter from Wycombe.] See also: Profile of Buzasky from Wikipedia - Buzsaky Profile
Plymouth Herald - 29/10/2007 - Akos considers his future at Argyle
Plymouth Argyle midfielder Akos Buzsaky has spent the weekend weighing up his future.
The Hungarian international was dropped from the Pilgrims' squad for their 2-0 defeat at Preston North End on Saturday after talks over a new contract stalled.
Buzsaky has been offered a deal until June 2010 which would make him one of the top paid players at Home Park.
But Argyle manager Ian Holloway has confirmed that another club want to sign Buzsaky, who will be out of contract next summer and could then leave on a Bosman transfer.
There is strong speculation that Championship rivals Queens Park Rangers could be chasing the 25-year-old.
Should Buzsaky not accept Argyle's final 'take it or leave it' offer, the Pilgrims will almost certainly loan him out with a view to a permanent move when the transfer window reopens at the start of January.
That way they will receive a fee for Buzsaky, who cost them £270,000 when he signed for Argyle in 2005, rather than lose him for nothing.
QPR are thought to be keen on capturing Buzsaky after his impressive performance against them when the Pilgrims won 2-0 at Loftus Road in September.
Holloway said: "We have made Akos a very good offer for us.
"But another club have come in and made a very generous offer for someone who will be out-of-contract, so he's considering his future."
When asked whether QPR were the club interested in Buzsaky, Holloway was non-committal.
He said: "You can speculate on whoever you want. It could be Real Madrid. It's irrelevant. I'm trying to build something here and we are sort of waiting and seeing really."
Buzsaky did not travel with the Argyle squad when they flew from Plymouth to Manchester on Friday afternoon.
Holloway said: "I have given him the weekend to contemplate what he wants to do. I have had a long chat with the player and I feel I have been as generous as I can.
"I have tried to convince him that I want him to stay, whether he's in the team or not, because I'm trying to build a squad.
"He's talking to me about some issues that he might have, and how long he has been here, and he's going to think about it over the weekend.
"It's a big decision for any footballer, and I told him he couldn't make his mind up unless he met the other people.
"I want people who want to be with me and who want to play for me and my club because that's where your heart is.
"I saw (former Chelsea manager) Jose Mourinho on the TV the other night. It was a great programme.
"He talked about being in love with wherever you are. It was fantastic. That's what it's all about. You have got to believe."
Should Buzsaky leave the Pilgrims, he could be followed by some others out the exit door at Home Park.
Holloway said: "I have been here (at Argyle) for 16 months and I have been delighted with my lads so far. I think they have come on in leaps and bounds.
"But I'm likely to lose one or two of them - possibly - through situations which aren't my fault, or my directors' fault.
"Other people are now looking enviously at Plymouth Argyle, and the more we play like we did against Charlton last week (when Argyle won 2-1) the more people will say, 'Hang on, they have got some good players'.
"Other people will be trying to nick them, but they will have to come through me first.
"If a player doesn't want to stay with me then he can go with my blessing because I'm all about commitment. Any relationship has to start and finish there."
Holloway indicated a decision about Buzsaky's future would be made in the next couple of days.
He added: "I told you a few weeks ago, I'm going to have one of those seasons.
"This will be the biggest test I have ever had as a manager, but I'm going to have one of those seasons. Herald
See also Plymouth Official Site "Akos Update"]
Various QPR messageboards are saying the deal for Plymouth's Hungarian midfielder, Akos Buzsaky is done and the announcement is set to be made that he'll be joining QPR, initially on loan. Previous press stories have mentioned that Buzsaky is unsettled and given Ian Holloway perspective. The story below actually mentions QPR as the club to where he'd go. [For what it's worth, Plymouth themselves a couple of days ago, signed Jermaine Easter from Wycombe.] See also: Profile of Buzasky from Wikipedia - Buzsaky Profile
Plymouth Herald - 29/10/2007 - Akos considers his future at Argyle
Plymouth Argyle midfielder Akos Buzsaky has spent the weekend weighing up his future.
The Hungarian international was dropped from the Pilgrims' squad for their 2-0 defeat at Preston North End on Saturday after talks over a new contract stalled.
Buzsaky has been offered a deal until June 2010 which would make him one of the top paid players at Home Park.
But Argyle manager Ian Holloway has confirmed that another club want to sign Buzsaky, who will be out of contract next summer and could then leave on a Bosman transfer.
There is strong speculation that Championship rivals Queens Park Rangers could be chasing the 25-year-old.
Should Buzsaky not accept Argyle's final 'take it or leave it' offer, the Pilgrims will almost certainly loan him out with a view to a permanent move when the transfer window reopens at the start of January.
That way they will receive a fee for Buzsaky, who cost them £270,000 when he signed for Argyle in 2005, rather than lose him for nothing.
QPR are thought to be keen on capturing Buzsaky after his impressive performance against them when the Pilgrims won 2-0 at Loftus Road in September.
Holloway said: "We have made Akos a very good offer for us.
"But another club have come in and made a very generous offer for someone who will be out-of-contract, so he's considering his future."
When asked whether QPR were the club interested in Buzsaky, Holloway was non-committal.
He said: "You can speculate on whoever you want. It could be Real Madrid. It's irrelevant. I'm trying to build something here and we are sort of waiting and seeing really."
Buzsaky did not travel with the Argyle squad when they flew from Plymouth to Manchester on Friday afternoon.
Holloway said: "I have given him the weekend to contemplate what he wants to do. I have had a long chat with the player and I feel I have been as generous as I can.
"I have tried to convince him that I want him to stay, whether he's in the team or not, because I'm trying to build a squad.
"He's talking to me about some issues that he might have, and how long he has been here, and he's going to think about it over the weekend.
"It's a big decision for any footballer, and I told him he couldn't make his mind up unless he met the other people.
"I want people who want to be with me and who want to play for me and my club because that's where your heart is.
"I saw (former Chelsea manager) Jose Mourinho on the TV the other night. It was a great programme.
"He talked about being in love with wherever you are. It was fantastic. That's what it's all about. You have got to believe."
Should Buzsaky leave the Pilgrims, he could be followed by some others out the exit door at Home Park.
Holloway said: "I have been here (at Argyle) for 16 months and I have been delighted with my lads so far. I think they have come on in leaps and bounds.
"But I'm likely to lose one or two of them - possibly - through situations which aren't my fault, or my directors' fault.
"Other people are now looking enviously at Plymouth Argyle, and the more we play like we did against Charlton last week (when Argyle won 2-1) the more people will say, 'Hang on, they have got some good players'.
"Other people will be trying to nick them, but they will have to come through me first.
"If a player doesn't want to stay with me then he can go with my blessing because I'm all about commitment. Any relationship has to start and finish there."
Holloway indicated a decision about Buzsaky's future would be made in the next couple of days.
He added: "I told you a few weeks ago, I'm going to have one of those seasons.
"This will be the biggest test I have ever had as a manager, but I'm going to have one of those seasons. Herald
See also Plymouth Official Site "Akos Update"]
Concept of QPR in US....Anti-Semitism in English Football
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[UPDATE: See Also: QPR America and QPR USA]
The Times - Why Premier League would love New York - Gabriele Marcotti
Last night, at Wembley Stadium, the New York Giants and the Miami Dolphins contested the first NFL regular-season game outside North America. It is part of a not-so-secret expansion plan by the league that would, potentially, result in all 32 NFL franchises playing one game per season outside the United States (they would move from 16 to 17 matches a year, ensuring that each club would maintain the same number of home and away games in their country).
Some Barclays Premier League club owners are watching developments closely. Eggert Magnússon, the non-executive chairman of West Ham United, and Stan Kroenke, a minority shareholder of Arsenal, have welcomed the idea. After all, as a promotional tool it makes sense.
Audiences are global, so why not give them a taste of the product in the flesh? Clubs have been going on preseason tours for years, but, precisely because far-flung audiences are becoming savvy, they know that a midsummer friendly is, ultimately, a meaningless exhibition match. There is nothing like the real thing - when points are at stake – to satisfy the craving.
But what if, in the search for new markets, they went one step farther? This year I had lunch with a former Major League Soccer (MLS) executive with plenty of connections in football. While emphasising that, at the moment, it is only talk, he outlined a potential future scenario that would revolutionise the sport: a Premier League club based in New York City.
Leave aside the inevitable (and largely justified) opposition from Fifa, the sport’s world governing body, and anybody with an appreciation of the history and traditions of the game. Remember instead that, throughout history, most of the seminal – and previously unthinkable – changes have been brought about by economics. If the potential profits are there, people will chase them, particularly many of the owners of Premier League clubs, nearly half of whom are from overseas and most of whom are quick to emphasise that they are “investors”. Investors, by definition, chase profits. And these investors, like it or not – in their guise as shareholders – “own” the Premier League.
So how would it work? First, you need a club willing to move across the Pond. A decade ago, Sam Hammam allegedly tried to move Wimbledon to Dublin or Belfast. His idea was shot down, but the club ended up in Milton Keynes. Most likely it would have to be a smallish club, perhaps one with a crowded catchment area such as, say, Fulham, or, if they win promotion, Queens Park Rangers. Not coincidentally, both clubs sit on valuable real estate and have high-profile owners.
Then there is the issue of logistics. New York is a seven-hour flight away from the UK, with a five-hour time difference. But that is less of an issue than it appears. While it is not ideal, you can fly out on Friday morning, arrive by noon local time and keep the whole squad on UK time while you are there (which means lights out at 7pm). You play at 12.15pm US time on Saturday (which is 5.15pm in England, perfect for television) and then fly back immediately afterwards.
You will get home in the early hours of Sunday (but that is no different from what happens after certain European ties). And, besides, it is only one league match a year. The Premier League owners could all chip in and buy a kitted-out 747 that everybody could share to make things smoother.
Admittedly, the fixture list would take some rejigging. You may want to ensure that the New York team gets a few more back-to-back home or away matches to lessen the impact of travel. And you would need some flexibility for European and cup-ties, particularly in midweek. But it is possible.
Beyond that, financially at least, things get attractive. Playing in the biggest media market in the world would raise the profile of the team and the Premier League instantly. Without getting too far into the argument of why the US has not fully embraced “soccer”, one big factor is that people want to watch meaningful games with recognisable stars. The MLS is not seen by many casual supporters as a top-class product. The Premier League is a whole different story.
What kind of crowds could be expected? It is difficult to say. The New York Red Bulls attendance numbers (about 14,000, unless David Beckham is in town) offer little indication. Consider instead the fact that more than a million people in the New York metropolitan area were born in Europe. Throw in those born in other football-mad continents such as Africa and South America and the figure rises to more than three million. And there are more Britons residing in the New York area than there are in Wigan, Bolton or Reading.
But the main economic lure comes from television rights and sponsorship. With a proper foothold in the world’s largest economy, one taken seriously by supporters and local media alike, the Premier League’s revenue prospects would rocket.
Back to reality. It will not happen for a while, perhaps it will never happen. But the harsh truth is that, if the Premier League ever choses to do this, the only organisation with any clout standing in its way would be Fifa. And history shows that, if it makes economic sense, people usually find a way around all the obstacles. Times
Article focuses primarily on Spurs and Chelsea and no reference to QPR
The Observer - Alive and unchecked - a wave of anti-Jewish hate Action demanded on problem that brings echoes of the game's bad old days, reports Anna Kessel
'Spurs are on their way to Belsen, Hitler's gonna gas 'em again...' It's not a song you would expect to hear on a family day out at a Premier League game, but it is one of several anti-Semitic chants still heard at some top-flight grounds. While the message about anti-black abuse is in the public consciousness, campaigners say that anti-Semitism is alive - and unchecked.
The past few months have featured several high-profile recorded incidents of anti-Semitic abuse, alongside growing evidence from lower levels of the game. The problem centres around clubs in London - where there are large Jewish communities - where songs about concentration camps and gas chamber hissing noises are a regular feature at certain games. The government recently reported a rise in anti-Semitic attacks in wider society and, with the appointment of Avram Grant as Chelsea manager, the issue in football has been brought into focus after the club received anti-Semitic hate mail.
Britain's Jewish sports group says action is overdue. Martin Berliner, chief executive of Maccabi GB, says: 'I'm a Chelsea fan and I can't listen to songs about concentration camps any more. My father's parents died in the Holocaust. When Avram Grant was appointed, fans came on Chelsea TV and asked why they had appointed a Jew who would not work on Yom Kippur. There's a lot of Jewish conspiracy-theory talk kicking about, like Ben Haim only being picked because he's Jewish. The other week Haim made a mistake and someone behind me stood up and shouted, "You stupid Yid!" Nobody complained.'
Comedian and author David Baddiel agrees. 'Literally every week there is some anti-Semitic chanting at Stamford Bridge. It often takes place regardless of whether Tottenham are playing or not. It's even happened to me. I went to get a hotdog in an area where I don't usually sit and they started chanting "Yiddo" at me.' Baddiel says he can understand the humour in some of it, but feels that a serious side of the issue is too often overlooked. 'Can you imagine if the Chelsea crowd was shouting "Nigger" or "Paki"? People would actually be talking about taking legal action.'
Abuse has been heard at Premier League grounds from Arsenal to Wigan. A complicating factor is Tottenham's close association with the problem - whether they are playing or not, many of the chants are directed at the club or their former players. Their fans' self-identification as 'Yids' - a derogatory word for a Jew - is problematic. Last week fans and representatives of the Tottenham Supporters Trust, Maccabi GB and Kick It Out debated the issue. Supporters say the term is used as a 'badge of honour', which aligns Jews and non-Jews in a proud allegiance to the club, but campaigners say it provokes and legitimises abuse from rival fans. As both sets of fans often interchange 'Yid' for 'Jew', or words depicting a relationship to Israel or Palestine, the demarcation lines separating football from religion, race, politics and anti-Semitism are decidedly blurred.
Chelsea want the term 'Yid' eradicated from their ground. 'We make it clear that we have a policy of zero tolerance,' says Simon Greenberg, director of communications. 'There is no justification in our eyes. We're not going to get into a philosophical debate about it.' But Tottenham insist the FA should be taking the lead and are wary of being made a scapegoat. 'It is a complex issue and there are strong feelings on both sides. But the fans themselves have not raised it,' says their spokesperson.
And that may be a key part of the problem: a scarcity of high-profile voices from within the Jewish football community. Many of those approached by Observer Sport declined to be interviewed for fear of alienating themselves in the football world. Others did not want to draw attention to their Jewish identity and in some cases clubs felt it too controversial for their staff to discuss. The reticence reminds some of the days when black players were too frightened to speak about racism.
One man who is happy to be the lone voice is lawyer and Kick It Out board advisory member Jonathan Metliss. A lifelong football fan, Metliss has been campaigning against anti-Semitism since the early 1980s. 'My father fought the Mosleyites. When I started campaigning nobody would take it seriously, but I've since put this issue on the map.' Metliss says 'Yid' is unquestionably offensive. 'It's like calling a Pakistani a Paki. A lot of guys I know won't take their kids to football because of it.'
Simon Johnson, the FA's director of corporate affairs, concedes that there is a problem. 'We have not yet made it as taboo to abuse somebody who is Jewish,' says Johnson. 'People do not understand that it's offensive to call someone an 'effing Yid', or to hiss: they think it's funny. Our challenge is to make it a taboo - and I accept we've got some catching up to do.'
Some of the recorded incidents of anti-Semitism in England this year
· 'I'd rather be a Pikey than a Jew' - plus Nazi salutes and gas-chamber hissing
Southend fans at Spurs, January
· 'Spurs are on their way to Auschwitz, Hitler's going to gas them again'
Chelsea fans v Sheffield United, March
· Video of fans chanting 'I'd rather be a Paki than a Jew' posted on YouTube
West Ham fans v Tottenham, March
· 'We've got Cesc Fabregas, you yids are scared of gas'
Arsenal fans at Spurs, September
· 'We'd rather have Mourinho than a Jew'
Chelsea fans v Fulham, September Guardian
[UPDATE: See Also: QPR America and QPR USA]
The Times - Why Premier League would love New York - Gabriele Marcotti
Last night, at Wembley Stadium, the New York Giants and the Miami Dolphins contested the first NFL regular-season game outside North America. It is part of a not-so-secret expansion plan by the league that would, potentially, result in all 32 NFL franchises playing one game per season outside the United States (they would move from 16 to 17 matches a year, ensuring that each club would maintain the same number of home and away games in their country).
Some Barclays Premier League club owners are watching developments closely. Eggert Magnússon, the non-executive chairman of West Ham United, and Stan Kroenke, a minority shareholder of Arsenal, have welcomed the idea. After all, as a promotional tool it makes sense.
Audiences are global, so why not give them a taste of the product in the flesh? Clubs have been going on preseason tours for years, but, precisely because far-flung audiences are becoming savvy, they know that a midsummer friendly is, ultimately, a meaningless exhibition match. There is nothing like the real thing - when points are at stake – to satisfy the craving.
But what if, in the search for new markets, they went one step farther? This year I had lunch with a former Major League Soccer (MLS) executive with plenty of connections in football. While emphasising that, at the moment, it is only talk, he outlined a potential future scenario that would revolutionise the sport: a Premier League club based in New York City.
Leave aside the inevitable (and largely justified) opposition from Fifa, the sport’s world governing body, and anybody with an appreciation of the history and traditions of the game. Remember instead that, throughout history, most of the seminal – and previously unthinkable – changes have been brought about by economics. If the potential profits are there, people will chase them, particularly many of the owners of Premier League clubs, nearly half of whom are from overseas and most of whom are quick to emphasise that they are “investors”. Investors, by definition, chase profits. And these investors, like it or not – in their guise as shareholders – “own” the Premier League.
So how would it work? First, you need a club willing to move across the Pond. A decade ago, Sam Hammam allegedly tried to move Wimbledon to Dublin or Belfast. His idea was shot down, but the club ended up in Milton Keynes. Most likely it would have to be a smallish club, perhaps one with a crowded catchment area such as, say, Fulham, or, if they win promotion, Queens Park Rangers. Not coincidentally, both clubs sit on valuable real estate and have high-profile owners.
Then there is the issue of logistics. New York is a seven-hour flight away from the UK, with a five-hour time difference. But that is less of an issue than it appears. While it is not ideal, you can fly out on Friday morning, arrive by noon local time and keep the whole squad on UK time while you are there (which means lights out at 7pm). You play at 12.15pm US time on Saturday (which is 5.15pm in England, perfect for television) and then fly back immediately afterwards.
You will get home in the early hours of Sunday (but that is no different from what happens after certain European ties). And, besides, it is only one league match a year. The Premier League owners could all chip in and buy a kitted-out 747 that everybody could share to make things smoother.
Admittedly, the fixture list would take some rejigging. You may want to ensure that the New York team gets a few more back-to-back home or away matches to lessen the impact of travel. And you would need some flexibility for European and cup-ties, particularly in midweek. But it is possible.
Beyond that, financially at least, things get attractive. Playing in the biggest media market in the world would raise the profile of the team and the Premier League instantly. Without getting too far into the argument of why the US has not fully embraced “soccer”, one big factor is that people want to watch meaningful games with recognisable stars. The MLS is not seen by many casual supporters as a top-class product. The Premier League is a whole different story.
What kind of crowds could be expected? It is difficult to say. The New York Red Bulls attendance numbers (about 14,000, unless David Beckham is in town) offer little indication. Consider instead the fact that more than a million people in the New York metropolitan area were born in Europe. Throw in those born in other football-mad continents such as Africa and South America and the figure rises to more than three million. And there are more Britons residing in the New York area than there are in Wigan, Bolton or Reading.
But the main economic lure comes from television rights and sponsorship. With a proper foothold in the world’s largest economy, one taken seriously by supporters and local media alike, the Premier League’s revenue prospects would rocket.
Back to reality. It will not happen for a while, perhaps it will never happen. But the harsh truth is that, if the Premier League ever choses to do this, the only organisation with any clout standing in its way would be Fifa. And history shows that, if it makes economic sense, people usually find a way around all the obstacles. Times
Article focuses primarily on Spurs and Chelsea and no reference to QPR
The Observer - Alive and unchecked - a wave of anti-Jewish hate Action demanded on problem that brings echoes of the game's bad old days, reports Anna Kessel
'Spurs are on their way to Belsen, Hitler's gonna gas 'em again...' It's not a song you would expect to hear on a family day out at a Premier League game, but it is one of several anti-Semitic chants still heard at some top-flight grounds. While the message about anti-black abuse is in the public consciousness, campaigners say that anti-Semitism is alive - and unchecked.
The past few months have featured several high-profile recorded incidents of anti-Semitic abuse, alongside growing evidence from lower levels of the game. The problem centres around clubs in London - where there are large Jewish communities - where songs about concentration camps and gas chamber hissing noises are a regular feature at certain games. The government recently reported a rise in anti-Semitic attacks in wider society and, with the appointment of Avram Grant as Chelsea manager, the issue in football has been brought into focus after the club received anti-Semitic hate mail.
Britain's Jewish sports group says action is overdue. Martin Berliner, chief executive of Maccabi GB, says: 'I'm a Chelsea fan and I can't listen to songs about concentration camps any more. My father's parents died in the Holocaust. When Avram Grant was appointed, fans came on Chelsea TV and asked why they had appointed a Jew who would not work on Yom Kippur. There's a lot of Jewish conspiracy-theory talk kicking about, like Ben Haim only being picked because he's Jewish. The other week Haim made a mistake and someone behind me stood up and shouted, "You stupid Yid!" Nobody complained.'
Comedian and author David Baddiel agrees. 'Literally every week there is some anti-Semitic chanting at Stamford Bridge. It often takes place regardless of whether Tottenham are playing or not. It's even happened to me. I went to get a hotdog in an area where I don't usually sit and they started chanting "Yiddo" at me.' Baddiel says he can understand the humour in some of it, but feels that a serious side of the issue is too often overlooked. 'Can you imagine if the Chelsea crowd was shouting "Nigger" or "Paki"? People would actually be talking about taking legal action.'
Abuse has been heard at Premier League grounds from Arsenal to Wigan. A complicating factor is Tottenham's close association with the problem - whether they are playing or not, many of the chants are directed at the club or their former players. Their fans' self-identification as 'Yids' - a derogatory word for a Jew - is problematic. Last week fans and representatives of the Tottenham Supporters Trust, Maccabi GB and Kick It Out debated the issue. Supporters say the term is used as a 'badge of honour', which aligns Jews and non-Jews in a proud allegiance to the club, but campaigners say it provokes and legitimises abuse from rival fans. As both sets of fans often interchange 'Yid' for 'Jew', or words depicting a relationship to Israel or Palestine, the demarcation lines separating football from religion, race, politics and anti-Semitism are decidedly blurred.
Chelsea want the term 'Yid' eradicated from their ground. 'We make it clear that we have a policy of zero tolerance,' says Simon Greenberg, director of communications. 'There is no justification in our eyes. We're not going to get into a philosophical debate about it.' But Tottenham insist the FA should be taking the lead and are wary of being made a scapegoat. 'It is a complex issue and there are strong feelings on both sides. But the fans themselves have not raised it,' says their spokesperson.
And that may be a key part of the problem: a scarcity of high-profile voices from within the Jewish football community. Many of those approached by Observer Sport declined to be interviewed for fear of alienating themselves in the football world. Others did not want to draw attention to their Jewish identity and in some cases clubs felt it too controversial for their staff to discuss. The reticence reminds some of the days when black players were too frightened to speak about racism.
One man who is happy to be the lone voice is lawyer and Kick It Out board advisory member Jonathan Metliss. A lifelong football fan, Metliss has been campaigning against anti-Semitism since the early 1980s. 'My father fought the Mosleyites. When I started campaigning nobody would take it seriously, but I've since put this issue on the map.' Metliss says 'Yid' is unquestionably offensive. 'It's like calling a Pakistani a Paki. A lot of guys I know won't take their kids to football because of it.'
Simon Johnson, the FA's director of corporate affairs, concedes that there is a problem. 'We have not yet made it as taboo to abuse somebody who is Jewish,' says Johnson. 'People do not understand that it's offensive to call someone an 'effing Yid', or to hiss: they think it's funny. Our challenge is to make it a taboo - and I accept we've got some catching up to do.'
Some of the recorded incidents of anti-Semitism in England this year
· 'I'd rather be a Pikey than a Jew' - plus Nazi salutes and gas-chamber hissing
Southend fans at Spurs, January
· 'Spurs are on their way to Auschwitz, Hitler's going to gas them again'
Chelsea fans v Sheffield United, March
· Video of fans chanting 'I'd rather be a Paki than a Jew' posted on YouTube
West Ham fans v Tottenham, March
· 'We've got Cesc Fabregas, you yids are scared of gas'
Arsenal fans at Spurs, September
· 'We'd rather have Mourinho than a Jew'
Chelsea fans v Fulham, September Guardian