Nice QPR Interview With Tony Currie on His QPR Experience

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[A very positive move by the QPR Official Site to do such interviews.]

QPR Official Site BLAST FROM THE PAST ...Tony Currie (1979-1983)
When Tony Currie moved to Loftus Road in August 1979, it was one of the most exciting signings in the history of Queens Park Rangers Football Club.
We had just been relegated to the Second Division and paid £400,000 to top flight Leeds United for the 29 year-old. The flamboyant midfielder was part of the England international set-up at that time, having won 17 full caps. So it was an extraordinary coup for the R's.
Looking back, Currie reveals that his domestic circumstances dictated the move to Shepherds Bush. But he had been on the books here at Rangers as a youngster and so he was pleased to return to the Club.
He said: "I was born in Edgware and I grew up in Cricklewood. I first joined QPR on amateur forms when I was 14 to 15 years-old. Then when I left school the Club didn't think I was good enough to sign as an apprentice.
"Instead, they signed Bob Turpie who was a mate of mine and went to the same School as me. So I then had to go and work for a small building firm.
"I did that for six months. I was painting, decorating and plumbing from eight o'clock in the morning until six at night. I was only on a fiver a week and I didn't really enjoy the work.
"Then a Watford scout saw me playing Sunday football. After signing for the Hornets, my career took off and I eventually moved to Sheffield United and then on to Leeds United. I was pleased with my form at Elland Road and my England appearances, but my wife at the time wanted us to move back to London for personal reasons.
"QPR were showing ambition with Tommy Docherty as Manager. He had already made some key signings like Chris Woods and David McCreery and so it was a strong squad in the Second Division. I felt it was a good move for me and things worked out well. I loved my time at Loftus Road and I had a great rapport with the crowd."
Currie made his home debut in a local derby against Fulham on September 8th 1979. And he marked the occasion in stunning trademark fashion with a thunderous 30-yard shot into the roof of the net.
"I remember the goal and that game," said Currie. "I had missed the start of the season with a serious ankle injury. And I only played against Fulham after having two pain killing injections.
"I scored the third in our 3-0 win. Stan Bowles dribbled down the right hand side and the Fulham defence were pushing out to get us offside. I made a diagonal run through the middle as I always used to do in my career. Stan played a beautiful pass in over my shoulder. It dropped just nicely for me and I didn't even have to change my stride. I hit it full on the volley for a dipper. It was a nice strike and a great way to start my time at Rangers."
The News of The World match report on that game said: "England man Currie tormented Fulham with his control and majestic passing and he finally crushed them with a 73rd minute goal that earned a standing ovation. Currie has only had two training sessions with Rangers since leaving Leeds, but he was superb in his home debut for the Londoners."
A new Rangers legend had been born and with his flowing blond hair and exquisite footballing skills, Currie was a player who epitomised the traditional style of this football Club. He went on to make nearly 100 appearances for the R's and relished being part of our team that reached the 1982 FA Cup Final.
"We had a wonderful run to reach Wembley. I particularly remember the marvellous support we had at Highbury for the Semi-Final against West Bromwich Albion and Clive Allen's deflected winning goal that day. It was fantastic for me as I had previously been in three FA Cup Semis with Leeds and lost every one.
"Then I thought my life's ambition had come true when I captained the QPR team against Spurs in the Cup Final replay, when our usual skipper Glenn Roeder was unfortunately suspended. I hoped I was going to lift the trophy, which had always been my dream.
"We were really unlucky not to beat Tottenham that night. I gave away the penalty early on from which Glenn Hoddle scored. But we dictated the rest of the game. John Gregory hit the bar with a terrific lob and Gary Micklewhite had a perfectly good goal disallowed. So our 1-0 defeat was a real shame."
Currie was hampered by a knee injury after that and eventually moved on to play in Canada in May 1983. He later returned to the UK for brief spells with Chesham United, Southend United and Torquay United.
On finishing his playing career, Currie joined Sheffield United as Football In the Community Co-ordinator and he has remained there ever since.
"I will celebrate 20 years in the job on February 1 2008. We run soccer schools, birthday parties and coaching in the local area. I really enjoy putting something back into football and it is great to see the kids enjoying themselves on our courses." QPR