Ex-QPR Update: Wanchope Retires...Fenwick Birthday

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"Technically," it is of course absolutely true that Wanchope never actually signed for QPR or played a league game, but he did play a couple of reserve games for QPR, and all QPR fans are very aware of Wnachope as the "one that got away." (Wanchope scored a hatrick for QPR Reserves, while on trial for QPR, but then-managaer, Stuart Houston decided not to sign him.

AP -Chicago Fire's Wanchope calls it quits
Chicago Fire forward Paulo Wanchope, the second-leading scorer in Costa Rican history, retired on Friday.
The 31-year-old had 45 goals in 72 international appearances for Costa Rica. He played in Costa Rica, England, Qatar, Spain, Argentina and Japan during his 13-year professional career, spending his last season with the Fire of Major League Soccer.
"It was difficult, but this decision had to be made," said Wanchope, who announced his retirement at a news conference in San Rafael de Heredia, Costa Rica. "The truth is that in these past six months, I had to put a big effort into recovery after matches and training."
Wanchope played in the 2002 and 2006 World Cups, and was the first Costa Rican to score twice in one World Cup match. He had two goals against host Germany in the 2006 opener, but Costa Rica didn't make it past the first round.
He began his professional career in 1994, playing for CS Herediano until 1996. He then went on to play for Derby County, West Ham United and Manchester City in England; Malaga CF in Spain; Qatar's Al-Gharrafa Sports Club; Argentina's Rosario Central and FC Tokyo.
"I think it's a shame that Paulo has to retire at such a young age for a professional footballer," Fire coach Juan Carlos Osorio said. "Because of physical problems, I can only agree with him that it was the best thing he could do." AP

John Spencer Returns to Washington DC
Tonight it's the MLS Cup Final at RFK in Washington DC between Houston Dynamo and New England Revolution. John Spencer of course is Assistant Coach at Houston Dynamo. (It's a 'replay' of last season's MLS Cup Final.) MLS Spencer at Houston Dynamo - Profile
Also: Houston's Playing Roster and New England Revolution (coached by Steve Nicol and Paul Mariner)

Ex-QPR Captain Terry Fenwick Turns 48-Born November 17, 1959. Fenwick joined QPR in November 1980, for 100,000 pounds, a few month after Terry Venables joined the club. (Fenwick was one of a number of players who made the move within a few months of Venables' move.). Originally a full back or a defensive midfielder, Fenwick converted into a central Defender - basically for the first time in the FA Cup Final Replay. He also went on to captain QPR. Besides his defensive abilities, he was a dynamic penalty-taker for QPR.
Eventually - at his own request - was sold to Spurs in December 1987 for 550,000 pounds. While at QPR, Fenwikc played a number of times for England - including in THE World Cup game against Maradona, and was "involved" in Maradona's brilliant second goal! Fenwick at QPR and Fenwick/Wikipedia Profile