Birthday for Ex-QPR Superstar...Also Superstar "Understudy" Birthday

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Dave Thomas! Turns 57. Born October 5, 1950
Gordon Jago signed 21-year old/England U-21 International, Dave Thomas almost exactly thirty-five years ago, (late October 1972) from Burnley for what was then a record fee for a Second Division Club: 165,000 pounds (and a time when the biggest transfer fee paid by an English club was around 250,000 pounds!)
(Thomas had been described as "the best young player in Europe" and seemed a bargain signing. Known for not wearing shin pads/socks down to the ankles)
Thomas was signed to replace QPR midfielder, Martyn Busby who very sadly broke his leg in a game at Fulham. Originally played in midfield, was switched to the wing and was a key player for QPR in their "Championship" season in 1975-1976. Thomas also played 8 times for England. Was crazily transferred to Everton in August 1977 for around 200,000 pounds. Played approaching 200 league games, scoring 28 goals.
See Record See also Thomas/Wikipedia Also a nice fan profile of Thomas - Queens Park Rangers FC site
Also Burnley profile of Thomas - Burnley MAD

Also: Ex-QPR Birthdays: Alan Wilks Turns 61-
A name from the golden past: Alan Wilks - Born October 5, 1946. Wilks was known as Rodney Marsh's "understudy" which was a big burden to bear. Signed from Chelsea on a free in May 1965. Joined Gillingham in July 1971. Played his most QPR games in 1967/68 and 1968/69. His most famous QPR game was his scoring 5 goals (a QPR record) in QPR's League Cup game vs Oxford Unted almost exactly 40 years ago. (October 10 1967/68) QPR won 5-1. Wilks played in QPR's first ever game in the First Division (home to Leicester). That season, Wilks played 17+3 games, scoring 5 goals.