QPR REPORT

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Cook to Derby says the Messageboard
Fulham Vital Football (which certainly does NOT mean this is accurate) "Fulham appear to have missed out on QPR player and fan but more importantly exciting left winger Lee Cook. Derby have reportedly offered cash plus Lee Camp in a deal which will see Cook earn up to fifteen to twenty thousand pounds a week..." Vital Football

Ben Sahar to QPR says The Times

Shittu to Derby for 3 million says The Sun

Carlisle to Plymouth?
"PLYMOUTH will line up a £100,000 bid to lure defender Clarke Carlisle, 27, from Watford." The Sun
- Mirror - "HOLLOWAY LINING UP CARLISLE - 30/06/2007 Plymouth boss Ian Holloway is lining up a £100,000 bid for Watford defender Clarke Carlisle." Mirror

Kevin Gallen to Plymouth?
Holloway is quoted as having offered the deal and is waiting for a response but is optomistic.

Also: Today's QPR Report Snippets re Tony Roberts, Steve Lomas, Shrewsbury Friendly and a "flashback"

And QPR Report Yesterday: News re Jamie Cureton, Tommy Doherty, Nikki Bull and Barry Silkman

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From Today's Times "...Ben Sahar, the Chelsea forward, is expected to move to Queens Park Rangers on loan for six months. He follows Michael Mancienne and Jimmy Smith, who made a similar move last season...." The Times Today's Telegraph "Chelsea
QPR want to sign 17-year-old striker Ben Sahar on a six-month loan. Jose Mourinho wants the Israeli to gain more first team experience with the Championship side next season." Telegraph

ShrewsburyNot yet announced by Shrewsbury on their official site: The July 31Friendly vs QPR. (Shrewsbury List who they are playing)

Gillingham are being linked to released, Steve Lomas

The changing face of QPR: Updated Staff Directory (with presumably a couple of changes to the Directory yet to be made)- Squad Numbers

Tony Roberts, Dagenham and the Insurance issue still unresolved

On this day two years ago, then-QPR Manager, Ian Holloway was talking about Flo
BBC - Holloway admits interest in Flo
QPR boss Ian Holloway has confirmed his side are hoping to sign ex-Chelsea striker Tore Andre Flo.
But he admits he is not confident on his chances of persuading the 32-year-old Norway international to leave his Italian club Siena.
"He will attract interest elsewhere. To get a player of his quality is a real 100-1 shot," he told QPR's website.
"We've done all we can to persuade him that QPR is a great club, but we fully respect Tore will need to take time."...
"We are shooting for the stars here - but there is nothing wrong with trying to bring in the very best players available," Holloway added.
Holloway has already signed defender Ian Evatt, midfielder Tommy Doherty and striker Stefan Moore this summer, while goalkeeper Simon Royce will join on 1 July after his contract at Charlton has expired. BBC


And in a nostalgic "blast from the past:" From the Spring of 2005 QPR's then Chairman Bill Power and then CEO, Mark Devlin talking about the (much-criticized) season ticket increase and other issues. Agree or disagree; right or mistaken; look back in hindsight, etc, but the effort to grasp the club's financial problems is evident. - QPR

QPR OFFICIAL SITE , MAY? 2005 "QUESTIONS ANSWERED"

You can now read an edited transcript, or listen to a recording, from the Q&A with Bill Power and Mark Devlin answering YOUR questions on season tickets...
Or simply read the transcript from the event below. Many thanks to everyone who submitted questions.

It's all very well comparing the next season's prices to teams like Watford or West Ham.But what do you say to those of us who know that a parent and child season ticket to watch Chelsea is going to be cheaper? Or what do you say to those who point out that your sudden huge whack in prices will stop them introducing the next generation of fans to Rangers?

Mark Devlin - The prices have been set to try and gain the revenue that the club needs to function because we can't go on begging for money. It's all been done to put us on a more stable footing.

We gave out a lot of free games last year in a very haphazard fashion and all that's happened is that supporters now won't be getting as good a deal as they were last season. I just hope that they can see the reasoning behind what we've had to do.

Are the club trying to discourage both families and children? If not how do they justify the fact that the highest increases apply to these groups?

Bill Power - We looked at all of the prices and it was in those sections where the biggest discounts were being given.

MD - The prices have been set in stone so they won't be changing now. Begging to our Directors for money had to stop. With regards to the child season ticket holders we'll be looking at giving them a £30 club shop voucher and if every one of them takes us up on that offer it will cost us in the region of around £60,000.

Will the club consider offering at least a cup game in with the season ticket. I know our record in the cups is not the best at a difficult time a gesture might help.

BP - FA Cup games involve other clubs so it would be remiss of us to give away tickets for free without having first consulted them. But of course we will look at the discounts if it is at all possible.

Are you planning for ticket promotions for next season?

MD - We would have to be careful as we wouldn't want to be seen to be diluting the value of a season ticket. But once we know the make up of (the division) next season there may be three or four games where we can look at possible promotions which would be in the Lower School End.

Why was such a dramatically high increase on Season Ticket prices considered necessary in one season?

BP - We were discussing these prices in November 2003 and that will tell you all you need to know about our predicament back then - we were desperate for money.

Was the option of notifying supporters in advance of the massive price increases considered?

MD - In hindsight, maybe consultation with some of the supporters groups should have happened, although I HAD spoken to some people involved with them about big increases. But maybe we could have done it a bit better.

But (In terms of explaining the rises) Bill and I both did interview with the website which you could read, and listen to, free of charge, without having to subscribe to QPR World as someone incorrectly suggested.

Then the letters were delivered at the weekend which again explained the reasoning behind the increases. We haven't tried to put a spin on this at all - we've only ever presented the fans with the facts.

Recent season ticket/ticket price increases appear to be based on the ongoing cost of servicing the ABC loan. If this crippling loan is the prime cause of having to 'penalise' the fans what are you doing to get away from ABC?

BP - The loan is crippling us, but that isn't the only reason for the season ticket increase. There are things happening next year that have never happened before. Not only is our season being condensed, but the changes to the transfer window ruling will mean that we need a bigger squad and of course all this means we need more money.

MD - It costs us £1m a year to service the ABC loan and we've looked at other companies who can take over this loan for us without such a high rate of interest. But what we were being told by other banks was that we needed to prove we were more stable before they would become involved with us and that's another reason why we need more money.

Plus next season we will have to finance a section for disabled supporters. On top of that we've also got to spend between £160,000 and £200,000 on essential renovation for parts of the stadium.

These are all things that have been batted away in the past and we buried our head in the sand like the proverbial ostrich. But the fact of the matter is, this work now needs to be done.

How many renewals does the board expect (or require) to happen before the end of May and what contingencies are in place if this volume target isn't met? Also has any research been carried out to quantify the expected renewal rate?

BP - It would be wrong of me to presume anything, I would never presume anything of our fans. But what I will say is that I hope that everyone renews their season tickets. I really do think that this will be the best money that our fans will ever spend. If they were excited about promotion to this league last year then they really shouldn't be able to wait for next year. I really don't think they will regret spending this money. And if any of our fans don't think that we researched this then I really don't know what they must think of us.

MD - In terns of financial research when discussing the new prices, we worked out what we would earn if everyone renewed and then we worked backwards to see what we would earn if only 90%, 80% and so on renewed. If we hit a point where not enough money was coming in then we drew up contingency plans. We just hope that people can see the rationale behind these decisions.

Aren't there better ways of raising revenue? What about reducing staff at the stadium, or why not cut back on the amount of free tickets dished out?

MD - We have made redundancies and switched suppliers for certain things and by doing that it looks as though we've saved somewhere in the region of £350,000-£400,000. All of the directors are keen on seeing as few complimentary tickets as possible distributed and we have a system where they all have to be justified before they are signed off.

If we are short of money why give Ian Holloway a three year contract and ask the fans to pay more next season to watch the same players ?

BP - Giving Ian Holloway a new contract is all part of the stability of the club. I can't say enough about the man. When he joined us he hauled us out of the abyss. Everyone knows about Ian's enthusiasm and he is an imperative part of this club. I must also add that his three year deal is of course two years after the end of this season.

MD - Our job is to manage the business so that we don't end up staring down that financial abyss again. We want to have enough money to fund a squad for the years to come because the fans come here because they want to see a team that wins more games than they lose.

I do not understand how the club feel that they can justify paying for a unproven player like Davies and paying him a sizeable (for our team) wage and then turn around and tell the fans we have no money and there has to be a huge increase on our season tickets. Could you please tell me how the club expect us to believe we have no money and then go and offer players like Davies this money?

BP - We've got the best fans in the country here and some of them happen to be very wealthy and very kind and it was those fans who offered to stump up the money for Andrew Davies. QPR Holdings could not have afforded to purchase him - that deal would have been funded by the fans.

How many players will the enhanced revenue enable the manger to bring to the club in the anticipation that QPR a challenge for promotion at the end of the season?

MD - I would say that we probably need around four or five new players before the start of the season. We will be looking at players like the youngster we got from Arsenal.

BP - Ian Holloway has got a list of players of every position that he wants to bring in. his biggest problem is me telling him not to spend too much money and to go out and find us one of his gems.

How many players can we expect to leave during the summer? Is Mr Paladini looking at long term building or just a quick fix?

BP - Gianni Paladini is here for the long term. He never supported a football club before he came here and now he and his family are big QPR fans and he is no longer an agent.

It's been mentioned that "The club have been helped out by the board recently to keep us going"Has this been in the style of Chris Wright/Roman Abramovich type loans and therefore put us in MORE debt or has it been in gifts and hence kept the debt down.

BP - If there is a fan out there who would just like to give the club £1m of his own money then I'd like him to give me a call. Yes, they are all loans - but if the Club went into administration tomorrow I would be homeless and penniless. That's how much I've invested in the Club.

We've tried to be as reasonable as possible. I've met other chairman from other club's who were in a right panic over the position of their club and I wouldn't have wanted to swap places with them. We want to take this club forward now. If it takes two or three years then that's what it takes, but the sooner the better.

MD - Our level of indebtedness have come down. There were companies including the Inland Revenue who we owed money to and we were hanging on by the skin of our teeth.

The fans wanted to hear our levels of concern about how much trouble we were in, but there was no need to inform them then as the Directors stepped up to the plate. But we simply can't keep asking these people to invest their own money, it's not a never ending supply.

If we purchase our season tickets through the payment plan, why will we only get individual tickets rather than the season ticket book as has always been the case?

MD - We had horrendous problems last season with supporters falling behind on their payments and we had to write off their season tickets. So this step has been taken to protect the club. We may revisit this decision, it may be that we can issue batches of ticket, or we may still even revert back to how we did things this season. This is still being looked at.
LISTEN

Club on Season Ticket deadline
"...Supporters are advised to purchase their tickets as soon as possible. Rangers have the Premiership in their sights and 2005-06 promises to be a season to remember. Make sure YOU are part of the action!

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QPR have signed the almost-29 year old, ex-Manchester United, Barnsley, Blackburn, Sheffield United, Leicester, Portsmouth, Preston and Nottinham Forest defender, John Curtis (who was recently released by Nottingham Forest).

QPR Official Site - EX-RED CURTIS SIGNS
Fri 29 Jun 2007

QPR have agreed terms with versatile defender John Curtis.
The 28 year-old, who was released by Nottingham Forest at the end of last season, passed a medical and agreed a two year deal at Harlington this evening.
Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, Curtis, who began his career at Manchester United, expressed his delight at the move: "I'm delighted to be here.
"The move only really materialised in the last 48 hours or so. DC (Danny Cullip) gave the gaffer my number and it's taken off since then really.
"We had a very positive meeting on Thursday and I was very impressed by what John had to say. He's clearly determined to move the Club forward and I'm delighted to be part of it.
"Hopefully, I can nail down a regular spot in the side. I've been promoted from this division before and also lost out in a couple of play-off finals, so I can't wait to get started.''
A former England Under-21 international defender, Curtis - who is capable of playing in a number of positions - lists Premiership duo Blackburn Rovers and Portsmouth amongst his former Clubs.
Manager John Gregory spoke in glowing terms of the R's new signing, commenting: "I'm delighted to have someone of his experience and ability joining us.
"I've done my homework on him. He's a fantastic lad, a great professional and I'm sure he'll be an instant favourite with our supporters.
"He's a very versatile player and will give us great options in a variety of positions.''
Curtis will wear the vacant number 21 shirt. QPR

See Curtis Career - Soccerbase

See Wikipedia re John Curtis

QPR OFFICIAL SITE - PROFILE OF CURTIS
N PROFILE: JOHN CURTIS
Posted on: Fri 29 Jun 2007

John Curtis began his career under the guidance of Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.

He went on to make 19 appearances in all competitions for the Red Devils, before spending a season on loan at Barnsley.

His performances for the Tykes didn't go unnoticed though and in the summer of 2000, Blackburn Rovers boss Graeme Souness swooped to secure his services in a £150,000 transfer.

Curtis was an ever-present during his first campaign at Ewood Park, as Blackburn were promoted to the Premiership.

England Under-21 caps followed in due course, only for injury to limit his participation in season 2001/02 to just ten top-flight appearances.

He failed to regain his regular starting place, and spent the second half of the 2002/03 campaign on loan at Bramall Lane, the home of Sheffield United.

At the end of the season he was released by Blackburn and was immediately snapped up by Leicester City on a free transfer.

However, Curtis' spell with the Foxes was unsuccessful, and after making just 17 appearances, he was transferred to Portsmouth in February 2004.

After failing to win a regular starting place in the Pompey side, Curtis was loaned out to Preston North End at the start of the 2004/05 campaign.

In January 2005, Curtis was transferred on a free to Nottingham Forest, for whom he made 90 appearances in all competitions.
QPR

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BBC - Cureton completes Norwich switch

Cureton began his career at Norwich, before leaving in 1996
Norwich have signed Colchester striker Jamie Cureton for an undisclosed fee.
Cureton, the leading scorer in the Championship last season, requested a move earlier this month, and the U's made it clear they do not want to sell.

The 31-year-old began his career at Norwich, making 29 league appearances before spells with Bristol Rovers, Reading, QPR, Swindon and Colchester.
Cureton only moved to Layer Road on a permanent basis last summer, after a successful loan spell.
He scored 23 goals in 44 league appearances, but cited a perceived lack of ambition when he handed in his transfer request.
Cureton told Norwich's website: "I scored a lot of goals at youth and reserve level here and managed to get a few goals for the first team.
"I will be 32 in August but I still have plenty in the locker. I'm probably playing the best I have ever played and I'm raring to go."
Hull chairman Paul Duffen recently revealed that Cureton was a target for Tigers boss Phil Brown. BBC

Barry Silkman Turns 55
Barry Silkman, who Venables made his first signing for about 20,000 pounds when he first took over QPR in 1980.
Profile


Wikopedial Profile

And not exactly an "ex-QPR" but (as noted on the QPR messageboards) best wishes for Tommy Doherty, hospitalized in the Bahamas with appendicitis.

Bucks Free Press - Tommy Doherty
WANDERERS' bid to sign last year's Player of the Year Tommy Doherty could be derailed because he is stuck in a foreign hospital.

The QPR midfielder, who spent much of last season on loan at Wycombe, is stuck in the Bahamas after having an emergency operation to remove his appendix.

A spokesman for his agents Clarke Willmott said: "He is still in hospital. He is due to fly back on Saturday but he might not be allowed. We don't know when he will return. He might not be allowed to fly for a while because of the risk of deep vein thrombosis."
When he returns it is thought he will then need six to eight weeks to rehabilitate before he can start pre-season training - ruling him out of the big kick off.
Wanderers' league season starts on August 11 and before then manager Paul Lambert will want to test his squad in pre-season action.
Lambert is keen to land the former Northern Ireland ace on a full-time basis but has struggled to thrash out a deal with Rangers.
Rangers are happy to let him go but Loftus Road chairman Gianni Paladini told the Daily Mirror earlier this season that he wants £100,000 for his want-away out-of-favour player. Press

BBC Nikki Bull
Bull undecided over Shots future
Aldershot goalkeeper Nikki Bull has confirmed talks about his future are still going on.
The England semi-professional international has been at the Rec for five years after joining from QPR.

He told BBC SCR: "There's still a possibility of me moving on. Part of me does need a new challenge and a change.

"But the arrival of my former boss at QPR Gary Waddock as manager here has maybe changed things. I'll make a decision in the next fortnight of so." BBC

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QPR Official Site - DUO JOIN BACKROOM STAFF
Former Wycombe Wanderers duo Steve Brown and Keith Ryan have joined the R's backroom team.
The pair will oversee the R's Youth department and be responsible for the Club's Under-18 and Under-16 squads, as well as the Centre of Excellence.
Brown, 40, and Ryan, 37, were released by the Chairboys as a result of a cost-cutting exercise earlier this month.
Gregory welcomed the duo's arrival, commenting: "Steve and Keith will be two fantastic additions to the backroom staff, and the Youth department, in particular will benefit from them.
"Their enthusiasm and passion for football is second to none and they've got years of experience and knowledge within the game, both as players and coaches.
"It was always my intention to overhaul the Youth department and I couldn't be more delighted with the two men that we've brought in to run it.
"Steve will be our Youth Team Manager and Keith will be responsible for the full-time scholars' education programme, which for a number of years has sadly had appalling examination results.''
Brown, who made 443 appearances during a ten year spell as a player at Adams Park, was number two to Wanderers boss Paul Lambert last season.
Ryan, who clocked up over 500 appearances for the Blues, was responsible for the Chairboys Reserve side last season. QPR
QPR OFFICIAL SITE
IN PROFILE: BROWN & RYAN
Steve Brown

Steve Brown began his career at Northampton Town in 1983, but left just two years later to join Irthlingborough Diamonds.

He re-joined the Cobblers in July 1989, before then Wycombe Wanderers boss Martin O'Neill swooped for his services in February 1994.

'Brownie' was a huge fans' favourite at the Club, amassing 443 appearances in all competitions for the Chairboys, scoring 43 goals.

He was part of the Wanderers' squad which reached the FA Cup semi-final in 2001 and after retiring three years later, he was appointed as Assistant Manager to then Wycombe boss John Gorman.
orman's move to Northampton soon after fuelled speculation that Brown would return to one of his former Club's, but in-coming boss Paul Lambert retained the fans' favourite, until his release on June 22nd 2007.

Keith Ryan
Keith Ryan started his footballing career at Berkhamsted Town, before Wycombe Wanderers boss Martin O'Neill signed him in 1990.

'Rhino,' as he was affectionately known by Wycombe fans, played in over 500 games for the Club.

He notched 50 goals from midfield during that period, including the Chairboys' consolation against Liverpool in the 2001 FA Cup semi-final.

Following the departure of Manager Tony Adams in November 2004, Ryan was appointed Caretaker Manager until the appointment of the replacement Manager John Gorman.

Gorman rewarded Ryan's service for the Club by making him an Assistant Manager, alongside Brown.

Ryan retired from professional football in April 2006. QPR

WYCOMBE COMMENT NEW JOBS FOR DUO
By Matt Cecil - 29/06/07

'Brownie' and 'Rhino' have taken up new roles with QPR

Recently-departed coaches Steve Brown and Keith Ryan have joined the coaching team at Queens Park Rangers to work under ex-Wanderers boss John Gregory.

The duo parted company with the club this summer after a combined total of thirty years at Adams Park, and join forces with Gregory, who managed the Wanderers between October 1996 and February 1998.

Brown and Ryan have been installed into the youth department at Loftus Road, overseeing the Under-18 and Under-16 teams as well as the Centre of Excellence. Brown will take on the role of Youth Team Manager with Ryan taking control of the full-time scholars' education programme.

John Gregory
Gregory: reacquainted with Brownie and Rhino
R's boss John Gregory was happy to welcome the pair:

"Steve and Keith will be two fantastic additions to the backroom staff, and the youth department in particular will benefit from them," he told qpr.co.uk. "Their enthusiasm and passion for football is second to none and they've got years of experience and knowledge within the game."

Wanderers' Managing Director Steve Hayes was delighted to hear the news:

"I'm very, very pleased for Steve and Keith. They've been tremendous ambassadors for Wycombe Wanderers and I'm sure they'll be a great success at QPR."

Everyone at Wycombe Wanderers would like to wish Steve and Keith all the best in their new roles with QPR. Wycombe

PREVIOUSLY AT WYCOMBE

END OF AN ERA FOR RHINO
By Alan Parry - 29/06/07

Keith Ryan leaves Adams Park after 17 years, 517 appearances and 50 goals.

Wanderers can reveal today that Keith Ryan, one of the Blues' longest-serving former players, has ended his career at Adams Park after 17 years.

Ryan's departure follows last week's news that Steve Brown had left his post as assistant manager. Wanderers' Managing Director Steve Hayes explained that the club had been forced to restructure its coaching staff for financial reasons.

Ryan joined Wanderers in 1990 and was a leading player in the team that won promotion to the Football League under Martin O'Neill in 1993. He played over 500 games for the Blues despite suffering serious knee injuries that eventually brought his playing career to an end just over a year ago.

After moving onto the coaching staff, "Rhino" had a spell as caretaker manager following the sudden departure of Tony Adams and he was later made first team coach under John Gorman. He also helped to run the reserve team.

Paul Lambert told wwfc.com: "This has been a really difficult time for everyone. It's hard enough having to say goodbye to any employee, but Steve and Keith are legends at Adams Park so this decision was even tougher."

He added: "I want to put on record our thanks and gratitude to both men. Brownie and Rhino made immense contributions to this club both as players and as coaches and in some ways it's the end of an era. I know that our fans will be upset to see them go, but sadly these were changes that had to be made." Wycombe

WYCOMBE OFFICIAL SITE
STEVE BROWN LEAVES ADAMS PARK
Written by: Alan Parry - 22/06/07

After 13 years service as a player and a coach, Steve Brown is leaving Wycombe Wanderers.

Brown, who was signed from Northampton Town in 1994, was the mainstay of Wanderers team that won promotion to Division Three under Martin O'Neill.

He went on to make almost 400 appearances for the Blues before retiring as a player three years ago. Brown then joined the coaching staff at Adams Park working initially with the youth teams before being appointed assistant manager to John Gorman in 2004. He continued in that role when Paul Lambert replaced John Gorman last season.

Managing Director Steve Hayes paid a tribute to Brown when he told wwfc.com; "Brownie has been a fantastic servant for this club so this is a sad day for all of us. He was truly a legend at Adams Park and he'll never be forgotten by the fans."

Hayes went on: "Over the last few weeks we've been reviewing our finances at the club and it was felt that we needed to streamline our coaching staff. Steve leaves with our best wishes and he will always be welcomed back here."

Steve Brown told us: "I'm sad to be leaving but decisions were made and now I have to get on with my life. Wycombe Wanderers has been a huge part of my career and I'll be leaving behind a lot of good friends and great memories."
Wycombe

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QPR Chairman Paladini: "Living in Fear...Bullet Proof vest...Enemy Within"
Sunday Mirror 6 August 2006 LIVING IN FEAR
Contract killer threat forces QPR chairman to wear a bullet-proof vest GIANNI EXCLUSIVE - Anthony Clavane
QPR chairman Gianni Paladini is living in fear after a contract was legedly put out on his life.
Following advice by the police, the controversial Rangers chief now has to wear a bullet-proof vest.
In an exclusive interview with Sunday Mirror Sport, Paladini hit out at fans opposed to his regime at Loftus Road, calling them the "enemy within".
Paladini said: "I find it incredible what's going on here. You have to fight against so many things. This must be the only club where the fans love to put s**t on their own club on the website."
Two weeks ago, a group of men were cleared of forcing Paladini to resign at gunpoint during a match against Sheffield United.
....The Italian tycoon was furious to discover an attempt to sabotage an interview with him on the QPR website after he returned from the R's pre-season tour of his home country.
He said: "I went mad. It's been cancelled now. They're trying to wind me up. I give up, I really do. I nearly got a heart attack when I saw it.
"They put the face of a fan up there, somebody is stirring things up.
"Sometimes I wonder why I got myself involved in this situation. Whatever you do, you can't win. Even if you win the league and get promoted, you'll still have people who criticise.
"I feel like a dartboard. People are always throwing darts at me.
"We have an enemy within. What kind of people do these things? How can you be a QPR fan when you put this s**t in?"
Paladini also suspected foul play when one newspaper reported last week that Rangers players were turned away from their training ground because the rent had not been paid.
He blasted: "This did not happen. I have a statement showing we paid Imperial College, who we rent the ground from, £32,250 on 18 July. How can they shut it for non-payment two weeks after paying the rent? It's insane.
"There were people from a QPR fan group outside the training ground at 7.20am, putting it out that the players had been locked out.
"But people were asleep at that time. The players didn't go in until 10am.
"They put out so much s**t, so much rubbish, that I just give up.
"Since I've come here there's been problem after problem after problem but now, thank God, it's all left behind. Now we will only concentrate on the football and take this club forward.
"With the players we've brought in and the new manager, Gary Waddock, we're looking forward to an exciting season.
"We've reduced the average age of the team and we've brought in players to give us stability for the next two or three years.
"It's been a very difficult time. But it's business as usual. I just carry on doing my job.
"In this game you need a lot of money. When I came here we were losing more than £500,000 a year but, by the end of next season, we should be out of debt.
"I'm lucky that the people with me they are prepared to put in money. This month, to pay the wages, they had to put in more money."
"When I came here we got promoted and we've been two years in the Championship. Look at clubs like Birmingham, who spend eight or nine million, or Wolves, Coventry, Leeds.
"They spend a fortune every year. They are on a very different level to us.
"Fortunately I've been involved in foot ball for the last 30 years and it's helped me a lot, because I1 can get certain players in." Sunday Mirror

Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Chairman Paladini Denounces Few who "seem intent on Damaging Team Morale and destroying the club"-
OFFICIAL SITE - STATEMENT FROM CHAIRMAN, GIANNI PALADINI
Having just returned from the R's pre-season tour of Italy, QPR Chairman Gianni Paladini can't wait for the big kick-off.
"The trip to Sorrento was a great success, providing the players and coaching staff with an opportunity for some intense training and team bonding.
"Despite the players staying in one of the town's grandest hotels, and having been fitted with brand new QPR tailor-made suits for every player, the trip paid for itself and the Club even managed to make a tiny profit from it.
"Gary, Macca and the coaching staff are now ready for the new season. I believe we have a much improved squad, with summer signings including Armel Tchakounte, Jamaican international defender Damion Stewart, Egutu Oliseh, Adam Czerkas and the much talked about Nicky Ward, and the important re-signing of Lee Cook for two more years.
"Many of last season's first team have improved over pre-season and it has been particularly pleasing to see Martin Rowlands back to full fitness. A number of the youth squad have made tremendous steps forward during pre-season and will be fighting for places in Gary's first team.
"It is frustrating that, despite all the hard work everyone has been doing during pre-season, a tiny minority of people seem intent on damaging team morale and destroying the Club in the run up to our important first game.
"Not only have they once again invented wholly false rumours about the state of the Club, but unfortunately a couple of journalists with a record of writing stories against QPR, and with links to some of the individuals intent on destabilising the Club, have blown up these rumours and made up stories from nothing.
"Last week it was suggested in some of the press that we were putting QPR up for sale. Unfortunately the journalists responsible for this story failed to even check the official statement from Antonio Caliendo, Chairman of Holdings, on the Club's official website, making clear the Board's continued commitment to QPR.
"I have always said if someone with QPR's best interests at heart wants to come along and buy out the existing Board we would not stand in their way. Nothing has changed and nobody has come forward. We will continue to seek out new investors to take the Club even further forward, but as Antonio made clear last week, we are committed to QPR.
"The Club is in a better financial position than it has been in for a number of years. Things are still tough, but we have reduced the annual debt by millions and intend to reduce it further. Yet ridiculous rumours still seem to be invented by a few people for reasons beyond me.
"The latest is the absurd rumour suggested on a message board that the players were locked out of the Harlington training ground, when in fact Gary Waddock had just given them the day off as they had only recently arrived back from a busy schedule in Italy.
"The same newspaper that had to apologise for a series of inaccurate stories about me last season, the Evening Standard, then chose to repeat this wholly false rumour as fact without even checking with me, the coaching staff, or even Imperial College - the owners of the training ground.
"In an article by a journalist named Wayne Vesey, under the headline 'Locked-out Rangers are unable to train' the Standard claimed that the Club was locked out of the training ground on Monday. Such a clearly false statement damages the reputation of the Club, and the morale of the players and supporters. I have been advised it is libellous and our lawyers will be contacting the Standard immediately to demand a retraction.
"QPR fans will ask themselves why should people invent such rumours? The purpose can only be to destabilise the Club and to injure the morale of players and fans just days before the season kicks off. The Club will not allow another season to be derailed by these people.
"The Board, Gary Waddock and the coaching staff, and the players and other members of staff, are all united in our focus to move this great club forward and to achieve success this season on the pitch. We believe we have the squad and the resources to do so. We will not allow a tiny group of people, driven by an agenda that has nothing to do with football, to destroy this Club.
"I urge all fans to treat such rumour-mongers with the contempt and scepticism they deserve. They have been claiming we would go into administration every week for the past year, and they never admit they are wrong when we don't.
"They claimed we were locked out of the training ground before and even that the groundsmen would not cut the grass at the stadium. They predicted we would spend all the Club's money on agents' fees when we have spent less than nearly any other club in this division. They predicted we would sell off Loftus Road and all our best players because we could not afford their wages.
"Just yesterday they claimed we were locked out of the training ground because we could not afford the rent; but today, as scheduled, our players are training at the training ground. On each and every occasion their rumours have been proven false.
"As I believe you say in England, when someone cries wolf so many times, people stop listening. But every time the rumour-mongers are proven wrong they invent another rumour, so desperate to be proven right and for the Club to fail.
"For the last time I say to those who's criticism of the Board has developed into an agenda to undermine the Club, if you know of a better alternative to take QPR forward with the necessary funding to support it, then please let us know. Otherwise stop pursuing a divisive and destructive agenda. The Board, the players and staff and the thousands of fans of QPR will not allow a small selfish group to ruin the season for the rest of us.
"I know most QPR fans will be sensible enough to take every rumour and press speculation with a hefty pinch of salt. We seem to be in the 'silly season' right now - only today I saw an article in the Mirror claiming I had rejected an offer of £3million for Danny Shittu from Wolves and would only sell him for £10 million.
"The story is, of course, rubbish. As I have said all along, we don't want to sell Danny, but if someone comes in with an offer of £3million or above it will be up to him to decide. Nobody has made such an offer and so Danny will be starting the season with us.
"So as we prepare for the opening game at Burnley on Saturday, and then two exciting home games against Leeds United and newly promoted Southend United, I cannot wait for the football to start and for the players to do the talking on the pitch."And I urge every single QPR fan to get fully behind Gary and the boys and help them to turn this into a glorious season. Come on You R's!'' Gianni Paladini QPR

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QPR announce the replacement to Prav Mathema as QPR Physiotherapist (Mathema moving on to Chris Wright's WASPS).

QPR - PHYSIO ANNOUNCED
The Club are delighted to announce the appointment of Paul Hunter as Head Physiotherapist.
The 35 year-old replaces Prav Mathema, who announced his decision to leave the R's after eight years service, to take up a similar post at Rugby Union giants London Wasps at the end of last season.
Hunter, who was the Assistant Physiotherapist at Premiership Club West Ham United last season, arrives with a comprehensive CV, which includes stints at Cardiff City, Charlton Athletic and Crystal Palace.
Hunter, who will work alongside R's Assistant Physiotherapist Shane Annun and Sports Performance Manager Joe Dunbar, is relishing the opportunity to link up with the R's backroom team, commenting: "I've been working my way around the country for the last 14 years or so, but this is my first job as Head Physio, so I'm really excited by the challenge ahead.
"I've been fortunate enough to work with some fantastic professionals during my career and I'm just grateful to John Gregory and Queens Park Rangers for giving me the opportunity to take it to the next level as Head Physio.
"Joe and I know each other from spells at Charlton and Cardiff, so the wheels are already in motion. It's very much a case of liaising with both Shane and Joe in a bid to get the players back to full fitness as soon as possible.''
Manager John Gregory added: "We're obviously delighted to have someone of Paul's experience and standing in the game joining us, in what is a hugely important position within the backroom team.
"He was the outstanding candidate of the 50 or so applicants we had for the position and he's also been somewhat of a lucky charm throughout his career. He has been part of three play-off winning sides and was also a member of the Crystal Palace backroom staff when they secured automatic promotion QPR

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QPR today announced the new squad numbers. Among the numbers left open: #1 and #10. Among the players not listed: Nygaard and Doherty.

QPR Official Site - Squad Numbers Announced


2. Marcus BIGNOT
3. Chris BARKER
4. Danny CULLIP
5. Damion STEWART
7. Adam BOLDER
8. Danny NARDIELLO
9. Dexter BLACKSTOCK
11. Gareth AINSWORTH
12. Jake COLE
14. Martin ROWLANDS
15. Dominic SHIMMIN
16. Ray JONES
17. Lee COOK
18. Stefan MOORE
20. Kieron ST AIMIE
22. Shabazz BAIDOO
23. Stefan BAILEY
24. Pat KANYUKA
27. Samspa TIMOSKA
28. Zesh REHMAN
29. Nick WARD
QPR

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ALDERSHOT OFFICIAL SITE

Full Report From Aldershot Town Supporters Forum
A packed Phoenix Club saw a successful Fans Forum on Friday evening where supporters were introduced to new manager Gary Waddock. Also representing the club were Chairman John McGinty and Chief Executive Doug Wilson. We provide a synopsis of the matters addressed by Gary at the meeting. We will provide further information provided by John and Doug on the website during next week.

A packed Phoenix Club witnessed an encouraging evening on Friday as supporters were introduced to new manager Gary Waddock who conducted himself with enthusiasm and humour added with a noticeable desire to be successful.

The new boss was included in a panel of three people with Chairman John McGinty and Chief Executive Doug Wilson.

The 45 year old former Irish international explained how his previous experiences should hold him in good stead for the future before opening the floor to questions. Gary explained that he had accumulated approximately 600 senior appearances in an extensive career that started at QPR.

He also appeared 21 times for the Republic of Ireland before a coaching career saw him responsible for the Youth Team, Reserve Team and eventually Manager at his boyhood club.

The Forum lasted two and a half hours and the following points were discussed by the new boss:

Gary Waddock

- He said that the turn out at the Forum was fantastic and he was appreciative of the welcome he has received.

-He explained that he wants to return Aldershot as a Football League club during his tenure as manager of Aldershot Town Football Club and whilst there are no guarantees that is his aim. He knows plenty about the Conference and is confident that the club can compete next season. He will not get carried away and he has set his own target and wants a period of sustained success to progress the club.

- Gary said that many names have been bandied about as possible targets for next season. He continued, stating that he was in talks with a number of potential signings and would talk to anybody with the ingredients he is after to improve the squad.

- He is hoping to operate on a squad of 18 players but added that although the current squad has 12 players Ryan Scott will not be available at the start of the new campaign due to his broken leg sustained at Altrincham. He is hoping for positive news next week. Within the squad he is looking at permanent signings. The loan market will only be considered during the campaign dependant on injuries and other relevant matters.

- Whilst he would not elaborate on any possible signings he did state that the players that he has spoken to have been impressive and want to play for the club. If these targets do sign for the club the announcements will be made through the official website after all paperwork and medicals have been completed.

- If the preferred players did commit themselves to the club the supporters will be enthused.

- All 12 players that are signed up so far will start with a clean slate and that from what he has seen Terry Brown and Martin Kuhl brought in some quality players with whom he is looking forward to working with.

- Gary is expecting Nikki Bull to report for pre season training and is in his plans for season 2007/08 and that he has not received any offers for Nikki at this moment in time. He also confirmed that Nikki played under him at QPR and he is looking forward to working with Nikki again. Louis Wells will be coming back for pre season training to have a look at him.

- Former Aldershot Town player Adam Miller also worked with Gary at QPR and he rates him as a person and a player and believes that he was unfortunate not to have become a regular first team player at Loftus Road.

- The supporters will get to know Gary and that he has a burning desire to succeed. He wants to do that at Aldershot Town and he wants to show people what a good manager he is.

- He confirmed that his teams will be organised, professional and fit and will play a passing game. His teams will, however, be adaptable and If he needs to change things during the course of a game he will.

- He is aiming to bring in younger players who are more athletic and who can get around the pitch but he wants quality too.

Along with Martin Kuhl Gary wants to develop players to make them better performers. That will ensure that the club also has players that are assets too which will ensure that we have a successful team.

- An emphasis of developing players that will progress through the youth ranks to the first team will be encouraged.

- Whilst it is a priority to achieve Football League status whether in the short or medium term a concentration of achieving cup success would be advantageous too.

- A captain will be decided once the players have returned to training where Gary will have the opportunity to assesss a suitable candidate.

-Gary confirmed that he is in overall control and he wants to command respect from his players.

- He is a family man who has been married for 24 years with an 11 year old daughter who are both football supporters too. He lives in Berkshire and is aware of the history of the club.

- The most influential Coach/Manager he ever played under was Terry Venables. He learnt an awful lot from him during his time at QPR and will utilise what he has learnt in addition to expressing his own ideas.

- The hardest, most difficult opponent he ever came across was Graeme Souness.

- He has watched Aldershot Town over the past couple of years and said that he knows where the areas are required for improvement. He said that with the planned signings due the squad will be improved.

He also added that some horrendous individual errors were made in matches last season and that whilst the manager is there to be shot at players have to take responsibility too. If the needless mistakes had been cut out last season the club would have finished a lot higher than it did. He also said that one of the matches he viewed during the last campaign was at Woking which was a great indication of where improvements are required.

- He has known Martin Kuhl for some time coming across him as a player and also during his time as Youth Coach at QPR when Martin held a similar role at Aldershot and they get on famously well and Martin's coaching experience and also knowledge of the Football League and Conference was invaluable.

He also expressed how supportive Martin has been since he arrived at the club. They will work together as a team but Gary will have the final decisions.

- Gary said that football clubs are all about the supporters. A massive positive he has noticed in his short time at Aldershot is the enthusiasm around the club and the kindness of the supporters and staff.

- The players that he has spoken to have all commended the supporters of Aldershot Town knowing that when they have played at the Rec for other clubs they notice the positive backing of the home crowd.

- Gary was informed about the RBA and their supportive and enthusiastic role of playing as a "12th man" for the team. He expressed how appreciative he was of this and that he will do everything he can to do well and said that the supporters can make a massive part in the success.

- He concluded that QPR had been a large part of his life. He grew up in north west London near Wembley and joined the club as a 13 year old progressing through the ranks to make his first team debut at 17. He will always look out for their results but confirmed that he is fully committed to Aldershot Town Football Club and he is now a new supporter of Aldershot Town and relishing his new challenge. Aldershot

ALDERSHOT Supporters Forum- Further Update
We are pleased to inform supporters of non playing matters that were discussed at the packed Supporters Forum held at the Phoenix Club on Friday evening where fans were introduced to new manager Gary Waddock. The matters listed were discussed by Chief Executive Doug Wilson and Chairman John McGinty...
He added that with the arrival of Gary Waddock, the known strength of the core squad plus anticipation of new signings coupled with the efforts of our new key sponsor, Ezylet.co.uk the Board hope to notably exceed this conservative number, but this of course rests firmly with the fans.
He also confirmed the importance of operating to a balanced budget. Clearly the club has to address its overall financial position but Gary has been advised if the attendances are regularly higher and we do well in Cup competitions some additional funding for the player budget will be forthcoming during the course of the season...
Chelsea FC
- Chelsea FC has been exceptionally good to Aldershot Town since the inaugural agreement of their reserves playing at the Rec commenced in 2001/02. In accordance with the contract they have already paid the club for season 2007/08 giving the Board a cushion whilst they look at alternative opportunities....
Aldershot

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One year ago, yesterday, Gary Waddock was officially appointed manager of Queens Park Rangers. One year ago, tomorrow, QPR held a press conference with Waddock and Chairman Paladini (although Waddock had been acting manager since the February) at which Waddock and Paladini expounded on various matters

June 30,2 007 - QPR OFFICIAL SITE REPORT ON PRESS CONFERENCE
Flanked by Chairman Gianni Paladini, Gary Waddock met the press today (Friday) for the first time since being appointed R's manager.
After being named as Ian Holloway's successor on Wednesday afternoon, Waddock oversaw his first training session yesterday, before taking time out this morning to meet the national press.
"It's my dream job - without a doubt,'' said Waddock.
"I've played and coached the Club and this is the final step for me.
"It's good for everyone that the situation is resolved; for me, the Club and for Ian Holloway - the timing is great.''
Waddock revealed he has tried calling Ollie to wish him all the best, saying: "I've tried ringing Ian, but the phone has been engaged non stop. I'll try him again today, because I genuinely wish him all the best at Plymouth - except when we play them!''
Waddock continued: "It was a great experience last season. I learnt a lot in that period of time as Caretaker and it should stand us in good stead for next season.
"The players are back and the buzz is back. We've got a fantastic set-up and we're all really looking forward to the new campaign.
"Our first league game is the one I'm really looking forward to. The next game is always the most important in football.
"We've got to be realistic, but we - the staff and the players - think we can drastically improve on last season.
"There are some big, big sides in the Championship, spending a lot of money, but we believe the players we've signed, and those we're targeting, can take us to the next level.
"We'd love to go out and match the spending power of the Coventry's and Birmingham's of this division, but we need to balance the books at the same time.''

Paladini also expressed his delight at the appointment, commenting: "I trust Gary, I believe in him and I'm sure he can take this Club to a new level; back to where I and the fans think we belong.
"We made the decision that Gary was the natural replacement. They type of football he plays is fantastic; his attitude is second to none; and he's QPR through and through.
"Myself and the board aim to take this Club forward and with Gary in charge we're confident that will be the case.
"This is a new era for the Club. We're trying to put this Club back to where it belongs.
"Our aim, our ambition is to make the play-offs. You've got to set yourself targets and that is our aim. It might not happen immediately, but if you don't set yourself targets there is nothing to aim for.''
Paladini also reserved praise for Holloway, saying: "I'm glad for Ian and I'd like to thank him for the job he's done here. I wish him all the best at Plymouth.
"He was fantastic for this Club, but things change. The past is the past and we're focusing on the future. That's what counts most now.''
Paladini also revealed that the search for new players in continuing: "We're still on the look out for players.
"We're interested in one who has played in the World Cup and one who is with a Premiership side, but we'll have to wait and see.
"We'll not take any risks. We've got a few irons in the fire, but until we're convinced by the players 100 per-cent, we won't sign them.''
And finally, Paladini had a message for the fans: "The board is united, the Club is together. We're working towards being financially stable and I can definitely say that any problems we had in the past are now firmly behind us.
"We're moving forward for the good of this Club. Success breeds success and I'm confident that under the guidance of Gary Waddock, his staff, and the players, we can progress" QPR

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QPR announced today the departure "with immediate effect" of the head of QPR Youth Joe Gallen (brother of former QPR player and Captain, Kevin Gallen)

A couple of years ago, QPRNet conducted an interesting/informative interview with Joe Gallen. It can be read at: QPR Net "The Joe Gallen Interview"

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Plymouth Evening Herald -ARGYLE MAKE GALLEN OFFER
CHRIS ERRINGTON - 28 June 2007

Plymouth Argyle manager Ian Holloway is confident of completing the signing of striker Kevin Gallen.Gallen, 31 (pictured right), has been offered a one-year contract by the Pilgrims this week and they are awaiting his response.
It follows his release by Championship rivals Queens Park Rangers at the end of last season.
Gallen spent the final four months of last term on loan to Argyle, making a total of 16 appearances and scoring twice.
Holloway hopes a deal can be agreed with Gallen before Argyle start pre-season training on Monday.
But, if not, the Pilgrims' boss believes Gallen could still report back with the rest of the first team squad.
Holloway told Herald Sport: "I'm very, very hopeful indeed that Kevin will sign for us.
"I talked to his agent a couple of days ago and then spoke to the board of directors. I'm delighted they have agreed to support me in this.
"Kevin has been around a bit, and been to other clubs and not done as well as he should have, but I still believe he could add a lot to us.
"Hopefully, we can come up with a deal which Kevin agrees is right and the club agrees is right."
Meanwhile, Holloway has still to decide whether to add another defender to his squad after the £50,000 transfer of centre-back Hasney Aljofree to Swindon Town last week...One defender Holloway has been linked with is Watford's Clarke Carlisle...
Evening Herald

TEAMTALK - John Gregory on Nardiello and Blackstock
QPR boss John Gregory believes new signing Daniel Nardiello can form the perfect strike pairing with Dexter Blackstock.
Nardiello agreed a two-year deal with Rangers earlier this week after turning down Norwich and former club Barnsley, and Gregory is confident the 24-year-old will be the ideal foil for Blackstock.
Gregory said: "He might just be what we are looking for in terms of a long-term partner for Dexter.
"No-one really expected (Colchester striker) Jamie Cureton to score the goals he did last season, but he struck up an interesting relationship with Chris Iwelumo, and I am hopeful we will see something similar from Danny and Dex.
"Danny is an intelligent player, who is capable of playing anywhere in the attacking third. His goalscoring record is impressive at this level, so it is an exciting signing for the club." Teamtalk

BBC - Nardiello upset with Tykes chief
Nardiello joined QPR on Wednesday after rejecting Barnsley's offer
Striker Daniel Nardiello has expressed his disappointment at comments made by Barnsley chairman Gordon Shepherd over his recent move from Oakwell to QPR.
The 24-year-old had a change of heart over Barnsley's offer of a new deal.
Shepherd had criticised Nardiello, claiming he had given assurances that he would only leave the Tykes for a club closer to his Midlands home.
"It's not as black and white as he's trying to make out," Nardiello told BBC Radio Sheffield.
"I' suppose I have to take his comments on the chin, but I'm disappointed with what the Barnsley chairman has said.
"He's made promises to me in the past and not kept them, but I never made a fuss and just got on with things.
"I didn't like the way he treated my mate Chris Shuker a couple of seasons ago either."
Shuker left Oakwell for Tranmere last summer under something of a cloud.
The winger was offered a new contract, but the offer was withdrawn after he failed to respond within a set deadline, and he later moved to Prenton Park.
QPR head of youth Joe Gallen has left Loftus Road, having served the club since October 1998. BBC

[BBC] - Mark Stein becomes new Barnet physio
Barnet have appointed much-travelled former Chelsea striker Mark Stein as their new physiotherapist. Stein, whose brother Edwin managed the Bees in the early 1990s, stood in as physio at Underhill last season after a stint at Grays in the same role.
As a player, Stein scored nearly 250 goals for nine different clubs.
He served Luton, Aldershot, QPR, Oxford, Stoke, Chelsea, Ipswich and Bournemouth before finishing his playing career at Dagenham & Redbridge. bbc

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A List of Postings on Today's QPR Report

Updates: Holloway Hopeful re Kevin Gallen...Gregory on Nardiello...Nardiello on Barnsley...Mark Stein to Barnet

Holloway Hopeful re Kevin Gallen...Gregory on Nardiello...Nardiello on Barnsley...Mark Stein to Barnet

QPR Supposedly Want Chelsea's Sinclair on Loan and supposedly have agreed Smith/Mancienne Loans

QPR Youth Head Joe Gallen "Departs"

One Year Ago Today: "The Trial" Concluded (With Not Guilty Verdicts)

One Year Ago Today: Gary Waddock (Officially) Appointed QPR Manager

Ex-QPR Update: Tony Roberts and Danny Shittu

Ex-QPR Chairman Bill Power on his Continued Interest in Swindon Takeover

Chelsea's Ben Sahar to QPR?

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Daily Mail: QPR target Sinclair as their third man
Queens Park Rangers will attempt to sign Chelsea's Scott Sinclair on loan when they finally sell Lee Cook.
Rangers have already been told they can have Chelsea pair Jimmy Smith and Michael Mancienne on six-month deals after both spent last year on loan at the Loftus Road club. Mail

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QPR Official Site - GALLEN DEPARTS
28 Jun 2007
After being called to a meeting with Manager John Gregory at the Club's Harlington Training complex this morning, Head of Youth Joe Gallen has left the Club with immediate effect.
Gallen, 34, joined the Club in October 1998.
Commenting on Gallen's departure, Gregory told www.qpr.co.uk: "We thank Joe for the contribution he has made to the Club during his time here and wish him every success in the future.'' QPR

Gallen's departure is already reflected in the updated staff directory

[Also listed in the Staff Directory: QPR's recently-appointed "Commercial and Communications Director" Paul Parker (which QPR in its official announcement described as a "temporary appointment". However despite Parker's title, there is no phone number or email address provided.]

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One year ago today, June 28, 2006 "The Trial" came to a conclusion as the remainder of the accused were found not guilty. Below: How the trial's conclusion was reported at the time)

BBC, June 28, 2006 - Men cleared in QPR threats case
Four men have been found not guilty of taking part in a gunpoint attack on a Queens Park Rangers director. Gianni Paladini told Blackfriars Crown Court he was punched and threatened just before a home game last August.
In total, six men faced charges of conspiracy to blackmail, false imprisonment and gun possession. On Wednesday, four men were cleared.
Last week, club shareholders David Morris and John McFarlane were also acquitted of the charges. Mr Paladini, 60, told the court he was forced to sign a resignation letter after being ambushed at gunpoint at the ground in Loftus Road, west London. Mr Morris, 50, from Buckinghamshire, and Mr McFarlane, 39, from west London, had denied all charges. The other defendants who denied all charges were: Andy Baker, 40, from Somerset; Aaron Lacey, 36, from Watford; David Davenport, 38, from Buckinghamshire, and Michael Reynolds, 45, from north London. The co-defendants told the court they had been invited to the game by Mr Morris's brother and were given a guided tour of the stadium. BBC

BBC Updated Report
"...Explaining the decision to direct the jury to clear the men, Judge Charles Byers told the jury that in the prosecution's case, Mr Morris had been the "essential core" of the blackmail plot and without him the case could not stand.
David Davenport, who runs a security business, said afterwards: "We always expected we were going to get 'not guilty', it's just a big weight off."
Tracy Stent, a co-ordinator at the QPR First Supporters' Trust, said: "It has been a traumatic time for the club and things have come out during the course of the trial which have been quite extraordinary really, regarding what goes on behind the scenes at a football club in relation to various arguments that were going on.
"From a fan's perspective, we need to just learn from the experience, move on." BBC

BBC SUMMATION OF EVENTS AT QPR - Trial shone light on QPR 'soap opera'
By Chris Summers BBC News website
Seven men have been cleared of forcing a director of Queen's Park Rangers football club to resign at gunpoint moments before the start of a match. The allegation was set against the background of a struggle for power at the club.
If it had been scripted in an episode of Footballers' Wives it would have appeared far-fetched.
The accused
Andy Baker (pictured), 40, from North Petherton, Somerset - acquitted
Aaron Lacey, 37, from Watford, Hertfordshire - acquitted
David Davenport, 38, from Chesham, Bucks - acquitted
Michael Reynolds, 45, from Wood Green, north London - acquitted
David Morris, 50, from Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire - acquitted
John McFarlane, 39, from Hayes, west London - acquitted
Barry Powell, 34, from Greenford, west London - acquitted
Daniel Morris (David's brother) - has disappeared. A European warrant has been issued for his arrest
But what allegedly happened behind the scenes at QPR's Loftus Road ground before the kick-off in their first game of the 2005/06 season sounded stranger still.
Gianni Paladini, a 60-year-old former football agent whose client list had included top stars such as Fabrizio Ravanelli, Benito Carbone and Juninho, became involved with QPR in the summer of 2004.
The club, based in west London, finished fifth in the inaugural season of the FA Premier League but they dropped out of the lucrative elite in 1996 and had struggled financially ever since.
Also in 1996, music tycoon Chris Wright took over the club, but five years later he was forced to put the club into administration due to crippling debts.
A year later the club got out of administration but only after securing a £10m loan from the ABC Corporation, who are based in Panama.
The interest on the loan is around £1m a year and, as one QPR fan told the BBC News Website: "The club has never made a profit of £1m, so I don't know where the money is coming from to pay the interest."
This was the background of financial desperation out of which Mr Paladini emerged.
A promising teenage footballer, he had been forced to give up the game at the age of 18, before playing a single game for his home town club Napoli.
He became an interpreter in the football industry and eventually an agent
Mr Paladini, who had come to Britain in the 1960s, lived in Solihull, just outside Birmingham with his wife, Olga, and children Stephen and Kate.
In 2003 he had expressed an interest in taking over another cash-strapped club, Staffordshire-based Port Vale, but when that fell through he turned his attention to QPR and bought £600,000 worth of shares.
Desperate for cash
The trial at Blackfriars Crown Court heard that few questions were asked about Mr Paladini by the QPR board, which was simply glad to meet someone who wanted to inject money into the club.
In fact Mr Paladini had remortgaged one of his homes and was far from the multi-millionaire saviour who supporters thought would rescue their club.
By August 2005 several people within the club had become hostile towards Mr Paladini and were suspicious about his plans for the club.
On 13 August nearly 14,000 fans turned up to see QPR play Sheffield United.
Mr Paladini arrived at the ground around 2pm with his son, daughter and grandson Gianluca, who was due to be the club's mascot that day.
The trial heard he went upstairs to the chairman's suite and bumped into David Morris, the owner of a 2% share in the club, who asked to have a private word with him.
Mr Paladini claimed he was led into the chief executive's office and was surrounded by a group of thugs.
Mr Paladini, a slender, bespectacled figure, said he had been terrified and claimed that at one point one of the gang held a gun at his head and said: "Sign, sign the paper - we'll kill you."
He claimed he was forced to sign several documents resigning from the club and assigning his 14.7% stake in the club over to Mr Morris. Police never found the documents, only a scrunched up piece of paper in Mr Paladini's handwriting.
Mr Paladini's family alerted the police and armed officers arrived at half time and arrested Mr Morris and several other people.
They questioned Mr Paladini who, at one point, broke away from the interview to go to the directors' box and celebrate a goal by QPR's Marc Bircham.
Several men were eventually charged with conspiracy to commit blackmail, false imprisonment and possession of a firearm.
The prosecution claimed Andy Baker had been hired by Mr Morris to recruit a gang of hard men to intimidate Mr Paladini.
But giving evidence at the trial, Mr Baker said he had been invited as a guest of Mr Morris's brother Dan and was hoping to tout for the club's lucrative stewarding contract, which was up for renewal.
Asked about the £7,000 found by police in the pocket of his hooded top he said part of it was wages for his employees and the rest was "to grease some wheels at QPR to help us get the (stewarding) contract."
On 28 June a jury at Blackfriars Crown Court found six of them not guilty of all charges. A seventh man had already been acquitted on the judge's directions.
Boardroom coup
But while 13 August 2005 was the most dramatic day in the history of the soap opera which is QPR, the saga is not over.
Mr Paladini, backed by several friends and fellow investors - including Brazilian World Cup winner Dunga and two Monaco-based companies - ousted chairman Bill Power shortly after the incident.
In February this year the club's highly-rated manager Ian Holloway left after a series of rows with Mr Paladini, who had brought in players including Mauro Milanese, Stefen Nygaard and Dean Sturridge and foisted them on the manager.
During the trial Mr Paladini had been asked by Mr Morris's barrister, Jim Sturman QC: "Did you ever say to manager Ian Holloway that you would kill him?"
"In a funny way, yes, but it didn't mean anything at all," replied Mr Paladini.
Earlier this year QPR's former chairman Bill Power joined the board of directors at Swindon Town and promised to invest £1m in his new club. BBC

BBC: The murky world of football finances
By Chris Summers BBC News website
The trial of seven men accused of trying to blackmail Queens Park Rangers director Gianni Paladini at gunpoint has highlighted the parlous finances of many football clubs outside the Premiership elite. All seven were acquitted on Wednesday.
For the chosen few in the Premiership, football is a land of plenty.
Players get paid tens of thousands of pounds a week and multi-million pound sponsorship and TV deals are a given.
But for the vast majority of professional clubs in Britain the sport is a hand-to-mouth existence and the dreaded word "administration" is never very far away.
Dozens of clubs up and down the country are saddled with enormous debts and many of them are making losses of hundreds of thousands of pounds every year.
But fans of all these clubs have aspirations and this often puts pressure on directors to go for broke.
Gambling on promotion
QPR, a Premiership team until 1996, took a gamble in a bid to regain their membership of the elite.
They signed players like Chelsea's John Spencer and Stoke City's Mike Sheron - £2.35m each - and allowed their wage bill to balloon out of control.
In 2001 chairman Chris Wright was forced to put the club into administration.
The following year, threatened by expulsion from the Football League if they did not come out of administration, the club borrowed £10m from the Panama-based ABC Corporation.
With no high street banks willing to lend them the money they had been forced to go to ABC, a "lender of last resort".
But although QPR were now out of administration they now had to pay annual interest of 10% - £1m a year - and this for a club whose income was a fraction of Premiership neighbours Chelsea or Fulham.
QPR were not alone in begging for money from ABC.
Derby County, who were relegated from the Premiership in 2002, borrowed £15m from the company.
Derby, whose wage bill grew, now has huge debts
A new consortium took over Derby earlier this year and discovered it had debts of around £45m.
In the summer of 2004, former football agent Gianni Paladini, whose client list had included top stars such as Fabrizio Ravanelli, Benito Carbone and Juninho, appeared on the scene as QPR's saviour.
While there is no doubt Mr Paladini was well connected - one of his friends was Brazil's World Cup-winning midfielder Dunga, who joined him on the board of QPR - he had no experience of running a football club.
Nor was he a millionaire, let alone a Roman Abramovich-style billionaire.
Mr Paladini had looked at investing in Northampton, Rotherham, Derby County, Burnley and Port Vale, before finally plumping for QPR.
But his £600,000 investment came from remortgaging his home and, under cross examination by Jim Sturman QC, Mr Paladini admitted he was in financial dire straits in the summer of 2005.
"Yes, because I got involved with QPR. Everything I had was spent on QPR," he said.
Eventually, Mr Paladini deposed Bill Power as QPR chairman. Mr Power, a dyed-in-the-wool QPR fan, has since switched his allegiances and joined the board of directors at Swindon Town, promising to invest £1m.
Lower down the league there have been countless examples in recent years of clubs becoming involved in financial difficulties or boardroom power struggles which have proven more dramatic than anything seen on the pitch..... BBC

The Times -QPR gun case men are cleared
By Adam Fresco
A group of men accused of taking a director of Queens Park Rangers Football Club hostage at gunpoint during a game and forcing him to write a resignation letter were today cleared of all charges.
In a scene reminiscent of the television gangster series The Sopranos, Gianni Paladini was said to have been punched and slapped by a gang of five "heavies" hired by David Morris, a director of the club, during a violent boardroom ordeal.

The defendants were arrested by armed police at half-time as they sat in an executive box watching the game against Sheffield United. But today Judge Charles Byers instructed the jury to acquit the remaining four defendants.

Andy Baker, 40, Aaron Lacey, 36, David Davenport, 38, and Michael Reynolds, 45, were originally on trial alongside three other men accused of an attack on Mr Paladini, a millionaire who is now chairman of the Championship club, at QPR’s ground last year.

But after a jury cleared QPR director David Morris of charges of conspiracy to blackmail, false imprisonment and possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence Judge Byers threw the case out against all of them.

He said that the Crown had put the case against Mr Morris "as the instigator, organiser and financier of the conspiracy to blackmail" and he was "the essential core of the blackmail and without him there we have no blackmail and no conspiracy".

Mr Morris and co-defendant John McFarlane, 39, of Hayes, Middlesex, were cleared of the charges last week. A seventh defendant, Barry Powell, 34, of Greenford, Middlesex, was acquitted of all charges last month.

Blackfriars Crown Court was told that Mr Morris, 50, had wanted Mr Paladini to relinquish control and give up his majority shareholding of the West London club.

David Williams, QC, for the prosecution, alleged that that Mr Morris had "hired muscle" to force out Mr Paladini.

He said that Mr Paladini, 59, who had bought £600,000 of shares in the club - a controlling stake - had "ruffled feathers" with his fiery Latin temperament.

The team was suffering from serious financial problems and languishing in the Coca-Cola Championship division.

The alleged attack took place in the chief executive's office at QPR's Loftus Road stadium in Shepherds Bush, West London, minutes before the kick-off, Mr Williams said.

"This was no classic boardroom struggle at a football club of the type with which you might be familiar from the business papers or sports newspapers," he said.

"A gun was produced and possibly another held to the head of Gianni Paladini, who then owned a 14.7 per cent stake in the club. At the dictation of Mr Morris, a co-director, he was forced to write out a letter of resignation and to sign two documents. To ensure he did so, he was intimidated by the presence of hired muscle provided by Andy Baker."

The court was told that Mr Morris had asked Mr Paladini for a chat in the chief executive’s office. There, Mr Williams maintained that Mr Baker punched Mr Paladini in the stomach and said that the men were QPR fans and "what they were doing was best for the club".

"A gun was produced, whether real or imitation we cannot say," Mr Williams said. "It was pointed at Mr Paladini before being placed on the table in front of him.

"From the rear he could feel something being pushed at the back of his head. He was never in a position to see if that was a gun or not but, understandably, feared that it was.

"It was against this scene Gianni Paladini was forced to write his letter of resignation. He was shouted at, slapped and punched by the group until he complied. He had no means of escape and, terrified for his safety, did as he was told."

Mr Morris was said to have shouted at him, "Sign there. Sign now", while one of the gang said: "Let's kill him now."

After leaving the boardroom Mr Paladini broke free and began screaming. Police were alerted as the gang fled. Armed officers evacuated guests from executive boxes at half time, then arrested Mr Morris, Mr McFarlane, Mr Baker, Mr Powell and Mr Lacey.

In the box they found an unfinished letter of resignation in shaky handwriting and £7,000 in cash, which Mr Williams contended was payment for the "hired muscle".

Michael Carpenter, a solicitor representing Mr Baker, said outside Blackfriars Crown Court in London: "He feels absolutely fantastic, a great sense of relief, it has been utterly shocking for him, he has been trying to conduct his business and has had time on remand, has had to hand himself in very early in the morning and spend time in the cells each day and he is just relieved at long last justice has been done." Times

The Sun -QPR gun case thrown out

See Also: QPR1st's Tracy Stent - "Final Verdicts" - - The Final Verdicts and a summary of what was heard during the trial.

[And published later, QPR1st's Tracy Stent comprehensive Trial Report

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June 28, 2006: Gary Waddock (Officially) Appointed QPR Manager (as Ian Holloway is appointed Manager of Plymouth).

QPR OFFICIAL SITE - WADDOCK APPOINTED
QPR have announced Gary Waddock as first team manager following the appointment of Ian Holloway at Plymouth Argyle.
The new role for the former QPR boss means that Waddock, who was named as Caretaker Manager in February, will now be able to officially take up the title of QPR manager.
Ian Holloway was in charge at Loftus Road since February 2001 and oversaw 266 games in his time at QPR, experiencing relegation and then promotion.
When he was placed on gardening leave earlier this year, Waddock stepped up from his position as first team coach to oversee the managerial side and has since instilled a 'no nonsense' work ethic at Harlington.
Waddock first recruited Alan McDonald as a first team coach before restructuring the scouting network and transfer listing and releasing 14 players in a bid to freshen up the squad and bring in his own men.
The new QPR boss said: "I'm delighted that QPR have finally been able to officially announce my position as first team manager.
"Now I'll feel a lot more confident in my role and I'm looking forward to implementing further changes behind the scenes as well as on the pitch.
"I've got a great back room staff here and we've been planning the coming season all summer.
"The work ethic and training methods will be subjected to a complete overhaul and we're looking forward to seeing the results on the pitch."You can see Gary Waddock's first interview as QPR manager on QPR World tomorrow. QPR

Video of Waddock on the Appointment

BBC Plymouth appoint Holloway as boss
Holloway has managed QPR and Bristol RoversPlymouth have appointed former QPR boss Ian Holloway as their new manager. BBC

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Barking and Dagenham Post - 27 June 2007 NEIL TRAINIS.

....Negotiations regarding the reimbursement of a reported £150,000 insurance money that is preventing goalkeeper Tony Roberts from playing in the Football League is thought to be ongoing.
The pay-out was awarded to the Welshman by an unnamed insurance company when he broke a finger while playing for Millwall in 1998 and was forced to retire from professional football.
He is due a testimonial against West Ham at Victoria Road on July 14 having amassed 311 appearances during a seven-year stay at the League Two newcomers but the likelihood of Daggers' longest-serving player gracing the Football League again remains in the balance, with 45 days to go before the start of the season.
Compromise
Still has suggested in recent weeks that progress is being made and he and chairman Dave Andrews are quietly confident that a compromise can be struck, but it is unclear whether the insurance company are willing to accept less than the amount they paid out and there has so far been no confirmation on Daggers' website of a resolution to the discussions.
The hold-up has meant that an official announcement of Roberts signing a new two-year contract has also not materialised and the 37-year-old may be waiting to see what develops before committing his future to the Daggers. Report

Daily Mirror Rumour: Daily Mirror -DAN'S THE MAN FOR STRACHAN
CELTIC plan to offer Watford star Dan Shittu (above) the chance of Champions League football with a shock £2million swoop. The big Nigerian defender impressed at Vicarage Road but looks set to leave. And Celtic boss Gordon Strachan sees the 26-year-old as a potential replacement for Bobo Balde, who continues to struggle with injury problems Mirror

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Swidnon Advertizer - SWINDON TOWN: Trust want CVA answers
By Gareth Moorhouse
TRUSTSTFC chairman Paul Davis has challenged Swindon Town officials to reveal their hand as the clock ticks down towards the deadline for the CVA payment.....
Meanwhile, the Swindon Advertiser understands a new investor has shown an interest in the club, in addition to the previous mystery investor' and the Bill Power-led consortium bid.
But as the club continues negotiations behind closed doors, Davis wants reassurance the board can meet their financial obligations....
Davis would also like to see the club re-open negotiations with Bill Power about a possible takeover.
The two parties are currently at loggerheads over the £1.2 million which Power claims was a loan, with a court battle the likely outcome.
Power told the Swindon Advertiser: "I'm still open to persuasion, but at this moment it looks like we're going down the legal route.
"I've spoken to a QC and the documents are currently being prepared.
"I would still love to take over the club with the consortium. If the club were willing to offer the deal we first discussed I would sign it right now.
"But all of a sudden there was a totally different deal on the table. I will not sign that now and I will never sign it."
Power also dismissed claims he was about to launch a takeover bid at Queen's Park Rangers, where he was chairman for two years between 2003 and 2005.
He said: "I still have a lot of friends at QPR and I have dinner with the chairman quite regularly, but I still want to take over at Swindon.
"I've had nothing but kindness from the Swindon fans. I don't want to see their club go into administration again because I know how deeply that will affect them.
"I know what I agreed to, and the difference between that and what the board want me to sign is like chalk and cheese.
"I've been left with no other option but to go down the legal route." Swindon Advertizer

See Also: For Ex-QPR Head, Bill Power, Another Swindon Takeover "Challenger"

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Haaretz - Sports shorts
"...Chelsea is expected to announce today that it will lend Ben Sahar to Championship club Queen's Park Rangers. After Charlton said it was uninterested in Sahar, who has asked to remain in London, the option of his being lent to QPR was raised, and the Israeli is expected to accept it. "Even though I prefer to play in the Premier League, the club (QPR) has lots of fans and is in London," Sahar said. The loan is expected to last until January. (Uzi Dann) Haaretz

Daily Mirror
"...Meanwhile, Chelsea are also willing to let Israeli striker Ben Sahar start the new season on loan in the championship. London clubs Charlton and QPR are both possible destinations for the frontman for the first five months of the new campaign
Mirror

See - Ben Sahar Profile - Wikipedia

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June 27: This is Wiltshire -New investor shows interest in Swindon
By Nick Mashiter
A NEW investor has made contact with Swindon Town in the hope of buying into the club.
Non executive director Bob Holt confirmed there were now two interested parties in the Robins, excluding the fans' consortium, who have still yet to lodge a formal bid under the leadership of former QPR chairman Bill Power.
He said: "Talks with the original investor have been progressing slowly but now someone new has come in and wants to jump the queue."
Any new investment would be welcome at the County Ground with a £900,000 CVA (Company Voluntary Agreement) due to be paid to the club's remaining creditors on Saturday.
The CVA was set up in August 2002 but mixed messages have been coming out of the different parties involved as the deadline looms.
Swindon Borough Council leader Rod Bluh claimed the Robins had asked to re-open negotiations over the June 30 deadline.
Town then issued a statement denying they wanted to extend the deadline, but confirmed they met with council officials on June 6 to discuss the CVA status.
This was all after CVA supervisor Andrew Andronikou claimed he has the authority to "extend and vary" the deadline.
Andronikou was contacted by the Gazette, but refused to confirm or deny if the CVA payment would be met on Saturday.
A club statement was due to be released tomorrow. This is Wiltshire

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QPR Official Site - Striker Signs

Welsh international striker Danny Nardiello has agreed a two year deal with QPR.
The 24 year-old hot shot, who scored seven goals in his final nine Championship appearances for Barnsley last season, passed a medical and completed the formalities this morning.
Speaking moments after signing, the former Manchester United front-man, who bagged nine goals in all competitions last season, said: "Once I'd heard of QPR's interest and spoken to John Gregory, my mind was made up.
"When I was a youngster I remember watching Les Ferdinand in the Blue and White Hoops. Loftus Road took my eye from an early age and although I've only played there once, I can't wait to make my debut for Queens Park Rangers.
"I just want to cement my place in the side and perform to the best of my ability week in, week out.''
Nardiello continued: "It's always a hard decision to leave, but the benefits of this move were great for me and my footballing career.
"It's a fresh start for me and I can wait to pull on the QPR shirt and prove to the Rangers supporters what I'm about as a player.
"I learned a lot at Old Trafford during the six years I was there and I really enjoyed my time at Barnsley, but I just felt this was the right time to move on.
"I'm ready to take it to the next level and from what the gaffer has said, QPR are really going places and I can't wait to be part of it.''
Courted by an array of Championship Club's, including the Tykes, the signing of Nardiello represents somewhat of a coup for QPR, as gaffer John Gregory explained to www.qpr.co.uk.
"We've been watching his situation for a while and I'm just glad he's decided to come here,'' said Gregory.
"He could've re-signed for Barnsley, where in my opinion he would've been somewhat in the 'comfort zone.' I wanted to know whether he had the ambition and the desire to come to London, where he knows absolutely nobody, and force his way into my team and help QPR progress as a Football Club.
"It's a big challenge for him, but he's taken it on and that says a lot about him as a person and as a professional footballer.
"He's an intelligent player, who is capable of playing anywhere in the attacking third. His goalscoring record is impressive at this level, so it's an exciting signing for the Football Club.''
Nardiello will wear the number eight shirt, vacated by Marc Bircham. QPR

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QPR Official Site -DEAL FOR NEILL
The Club are delighted to announce that Warren Neill will be staying on as Coach.
The 44 year-old, who spent eight successful years in W12 as a player, joined John Gregory's backroom team on a temporary basis towards the end of last season.....QPR

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QPR play at Wycombe, July 28 and at Shrewsbury, July 31.

Wycombe Official Site - QUID A KID FOR QPR
By Matt Cecil - 26/06/07
Wycombe Fans
Tickets for the friendly with Queens Park Rangers on Saturday 28th July will go on sale tomorrow morning, and kids can watch the Blues in action for just £1.
The match will be Wanderers fans' only chance to see their side in action at Adams Park ahead of the 2007/08 season, with new signings Martin Bullock, Craig Woodman, Scott Shearer, David McCracken and Leon Johnson all likely to feature against the Championship side.
Fans will be able to purchase tickets online or over the phone from 9.15am tomorrow (Wednesday 26th June), and tickets will be dispached after Tuesday 10th July.
The prices for the game are as follows:
Seating (BCUC Stand and Family Enclosure):
Adults: £15
Students/Seniors: £10
Under-16s: £1
Standing (Valley Terrace):
Adults: £10
Students/Seniors: £8
Under-16s: £1
Call 01494 441118 to book your tickets or click here to enter the online booking process.Wycombe

SHREWSBURY - JULY 31 No Ticket Information yet (or even an announcement on the Shrewsbury site) - QPR Announcement
but photos of their new stadium photos of their new stadium

More Photos

Old Photos

[Shrewsbury have a webcam at their stadium - something QPR spoke about years ago, of having]

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On this day, last year....

June 27, 2006 -QPR Official Site - BACK TO WORK
Gary Waddock welcomes his squad back to pre-season training on Thursday and the message is clear: The hard work begins now!
The R's first team squad return for pre-season training tomorrow morning, buoyed by the addition of two new signings - in the shape of Armel Tchakounte and Damion Stewart - and the imminent arrival of Nick Ward from Perth Glory.
But Waddock insists it's time for the talking to stop and for the real work to begin.
"Pre-season is the worst possible time for professional footballers, but at the same time it's the most important,'' Waddock told qpr.co.uk.
"They've been under strict instructions over the summer months and we're expecting them to return in good condition on Thursday morning.
"Pre-season will be very tough this year, but the benefits will be clear for all to see. The players will head to Burnley on the first day of the campaign as fit as they possibly can be and that will give us the best opportunity to make a decent start.''
The first team squad return to Harlington tomorrow (Thursday)
Waddock revealed internationals Paul Jones and Damion Stewart will have an extra few days to recharge the batteries after their involvement for their respective countries over the summer, with the pair set to return to Harlington next Wednesday.
"Damion and Paul played a few games for Jamaica and Wales respectively over the summer, so it's only right they get a few more days off than the rest of the squad,'' Waddock told qpr.co.uk.
"We've already added two good players to the squad and with Ward due in next week and one or two others hopefully following in due course, we're all really looking forward to the new campaign.''QPR

QPR OFFICIAL SITE - IN RESERVE
QPR are delighted to announce the appointment of Justin Skinner as their new Reserve team manager.
Skinner, who played alongside Gary Waddock during his playing days at Bristol Rovers, joins the Club after a successful spell as coach in the academy set-up at Chelsea.
The 37 year-old - whose career also included spells at Fulham, Walsall, Hibernian and Dunfermline Athletic - is delighted to cross paths with his long time friend and fellow playing colleague once again.
"It's a fantastic opportunity for me and one which I'll relish,'' Skinner told qpr.co.uk.
"Gary and I have been friends for a very long time now and when he asked me on board I never had any doubts that it was a good move for me.
"I'm really happy to be here and I'm looking forward to the season ahead.''
Skinner has previous experience with the QPR academy set-up, as well as a spell coaching at Windsor & Eton FC.
"I really enjoyed my previous spell here but this is a different challenge altogether,'' added Skinner.
"It's a massive test, but one which I'm really optimistic about.
"I've been in the situation as a Reserve team player before, so I know what it's all about. I'm the link between Gary and Macca and the first team squad, and Joe Gallen and the youth set-up.''
Waddock himself was delighted with the appointment, commenting: "Justin will prove to be an excellent addition to the already strong backroom staff we have here at QPR.
"He's not only a good friend of mine, but is also a football man through and through.
"He's a bright, young, talented coach and will bring an array of new ideas and initiatives to the training ground.''QPR

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Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times - Dan's R man!
26 June 2007
QPR are set to strengthen their attack by snatching Daniel Nardiello ...on a three-year contract.... John Gregory has been tracking Nardiello - who was also wanted by Coventry - for some time and the deal could be completed as soon as Wednesday....
Rangers rejected an approach from neighbours Fulham [for Lee Cook]last week and chairman Gianni Paladini confirmed that no other concrete bids for Cook have yet been made. He said: "I'm fed up with Fulham, to be honest. I've made it clear that, unless anyone offers the right money, we're not interested in selling our best players."... Derby County have also shown interest in Cook...
Rangers missed out on ... Charlton midfielder Radostin Kishishev decided to sign for Championship rivals Leicester on a free transfer. The Rs were one of four Championship clubs to approach the 32-year-old Bulgarian....
[D]eparting Loftus Road next week is midfielder Tommy Doherty after QPR accepted a bid from Wycombe ...He will move for a small fee-....[Coach] Hill is expected to leave the club shortly after Gregory appointed Colchester assistant manager Mick Harford as first-team coach. Full Article by Ben Kosky at Kilburn Times

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After yesterday's announcement by Barnsley about Daniel Nardiello, QPR fans spent the rest of yesterday and the beginning of today waiting for an announcement from Queens Park Rangers.

The Star (South Yorkshire) - Reds begin search for a striker
BARNSLEY today began the task of replacing star striker Daniel Nardiello without chief scout Martin Wilkinson.
Newly capped Welsh international Nardiello stunned Oakwell officials yesterday with his 11th hour decision to join QPR.
Wilkinson's departure was one of two behind the scenes changes at Barnsley. Marketing manager Darren Hayes has also left.
Barnsley manager Simon Davey's top priority now is to find a fourth striker for his squad.
He has recruited Kayode Odejayi and Miguel Mostto to join Istvan Ferenczi. As late as yesterday morning he thought he had secured last season's top scorer Nardiello.
But QPR stepped in and the player and his agent drove to London to finalise the free transfer.
Davey explained yesterday: "This has come out of the blue, we had a deal with him on Friday and he was due at the club at 11am. At 12 we got the call saying he was going to QPR.
"We'd made him a very good offer, beat off Coventry. He looked like he was coming back to us."
Davey added that he was still lining up other players. He also confirmed Wilkinson had left Oakwell.
Barnsley chairman Gordon Shepherd told the club's website: "The club are desperately disappointed at Daniel's late, late decision – especially as the deal was all agreed and the paperwork ready on the table for his signature.
"We are also very unhappy at assurances given to us by the player that he would only consider leaving Oakwell for a club closer to his home in the Midlands.
"As we had been hoping to announce Daniel's signature this afternoon, we feel that we have no alternative but to inform our supporters of the events and we are sure that they will share our deep disappointment at the way we have been treated today."
The Star

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Wycombe Official Site - LEON JOHNSON SIGNS - By Alan Parry - 25/06/07
"... Wanderers have agreed terms with former Southend and Gillingham defender Leon Johnson, 26, and he passed his medical....The Blues are still waiting to hear if former St.Mirren striker John Sutton has accepted their offer and negotiations are continuing with Queens Park Rangers over the possible transfer of midfielder Tommy Doherty.... Wycombe

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QPR Official Site - June 26, 2007 - FITNESS FIRST
The R's first team squad returned to pre-season training today (Tuesday), as the hard work begins in earnest ahead of the 2007/08 Coca Cola Championship campaign.
Manager John Gregory, flanked by his backroom staff, put the players through their paces at the Club's Harlington Training Ground this morning.
Sports Performance Manager Joe Dunbar, assisted by members of the R's backroom team, was on hand to test the players' physical fitness levels, ahead of the real work beginning next Wednesday... QPR

Shrewsbury vs QPR: July 31
QPR announce will be playing Shrewsbury, July 31 at Shrewsbury (Not yet announced by Shrewsbury!)
QPR Announce Another Friendly - SHREWS DATE
QPR will play Shrewsbury Town in a pre-season friendly on Tuesday 31st July 2007.
The League Two outfit, who lost out in the Play-Off Final to Bristol Rovers last season, are currently in the process of moving from Gay Meadow to the New Stadium and Rangers will provide the opposition for one of their maiden outings at their new home. The match will kick-off at 7.45pm. QPR

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The Times - Luton want Furlong
Luton Town want to sign Paul Furlong, the 38-year-old striker who was released by Queens Park Rangers at the end of last season and was considering retirement. Kevin Blackwell, the Luton manager, is keen to offer Furlong a one-year deal as he aims for promotion from Coca-Cola League One. Furlong has played for six clubs since making his league debut for Coventry City in 1991-92 - The Times

[As noted on QPR Report, a couple of days ago, Sunday Telegraph re QPR's former Chairman and current "life President," Chris Wright: : Chrysalis Group to sell radio stations Chrysalis Group is finalising the £170m sale of its radio stations Heart, Galaxy and LBC to financier Michael Tabor. An announcement could come tomorrow. Chief executive Richard Huntingford is expected to announce his resignation, after a handover period. He will receive a bonus estimated at around £1.5m for completing the sale. Chairman Chris Wright will stay on to lead the rump of the company, a music publishing business valued at £105m . Sunday Telegraph

The Times - Chris Wright
Business big shot: Chris Wright by Dan Sabbagh
Chris Wright’s education in the music industry began at Manchester University in the 1960s, where he booked acts such as The Yardbirds and Cream. His graduation in the industry came in 1967 when and Terry Ellis formed Chrysalis, one of the first independent music businesses.
Over the following two decades their acts ranged from Leo Sayer to Blondie and Spandau Ballet.
Trouble hit in the late 1980s, when Mr Wright and Mr Ellis split. In 1989 Mr Wright was forced, amid financial problems, to sell the record label to EMI, a decision he regretted.
He managed to retain the music publishing arm and he helped to build up a television production arm and, from 1994, the Heart and Galaxy radio business. However, hopes of creating a mini-media conglomerate faded this decade. Mr Wright, 62, who is now chairman and a 25 per cent shareholder, has been forced by investor pressure to sell out of television and – yesterday – radio, for £170 million. That leaves him with the music publishing operation behind David Bowie and OutKast, so now he can focus on the business he knows best.
His fortune has been estimated at £95 million but there have been bumps on the road. He bought QPR in 1996. Heavy losses at the long-struggling London club forced him to put it in administration in 2001, costing him about £15 million.
He has retained his interest in sport – he owns Wasps rugby club, which is just about profitable, and the Stratford Place racing stud in Gloucestershire. The Times

The Guardian - Allen makes swift return Chris Tryhorn
Monday June 25, 2007 Guardian
Charles Allen, the former ITV chief who quit under pressure from shareholders, made a swift and unexpected return to the media sector today as the chairman of a private equity buyout of Chrysalis Radio.
Mr Allen is also believed to have a shareholding in the newly created investment firm, Global Radio, which is to buy stations including Heart, Galaxy and LBC for £170m.
Global Radio is led by Ashley Tabor, the son of betting entrepreneur Michael Tabor and the chief executive of Global Talent Group, a music publishing, artist management and rights ownership business. He and Mr Allen were introduced earlier in the year and decided to bid for Chrysalis Radio after it was put on the block in February...
Global Radio is backed by a coalition of wealthy Irishmen, including JP McManus, John Magnier and Dermot Desmond, who all have links to Lydian Capital Partners, a Swiss-based private equity group chaired by Irish entrepreneur Denis Brosnan. The precise breakdown of Global Radio's share register has not been disclosed.
The firm's ambitions in UK radio also remain under wraps as it focuses on completing the Chrysalis deal over the summer. It will be hoping that radio can retain its appeal to advertisers at a time when audiences are fragmenting.
Chrysalis's chief executive, Richard Huntingford, will step down this year after 20 years with the company, because it no longer needs a group management structure. He said yesterday the radio business would be better off in private hands.
"Consolidation led by private groups is definitely the way forward for the commercial radio industry," he said. "We felt the radio industry needed further consolidation but there are limits to financial resources — as a plc you have constraints. Plcs need to work to short-term agendas, but with private companies, consolidation is much easier as it often requires a longer-term view."
Mr Huntingford was responsible for taking Chrysalis into radio with its first licence in 1993, subsequently building it up to be a significant national player. The company put its radio business up for review this year after missing out on a wave of consolidation two years ago.
Chrysalis said yesterday it had made £95m out of the radio business and would return between £90m and £100m to shareholders after the sale to Global Radio.
The exit from radio leaves Chrysalis as a standalone music publishing business and follows its retreat from TV production in 2003 and book publishing two years later. Chrysalis started life in 1967 as an entertainment agency and record label, and its founder Chris Wright remains its chairman and a 26% shareholder. The Guardian

See Chrysalis Press Release "PROPOSED DISPOSAL OF CHRYSALIS RADIO
TO GLOBAL RADIO FOR £170 MILLION"

Steve Morrow Offering His Views about Beckham and US Soccer (Football!)

Lancashire Evening Post - Morrow warns against Beckham miracle
.... FC Dallas coach Steve Morrow does not expect him to do it again with the Los Angeles Galaxy.
Former Arsenal midfielder Morrow last week got a first-hand look at the struggling Galaxy as his team beat them 3-1.
That result left the Galaxy second bottom of the Western Conference in Major League Soccer, with only nine points from as many games.
After watching that game, the former Northern Ireland international believes the Galaxy's problems are too big for Beckham to solve alone.
"They haven't had a good start to the season up to now,'' Morrow said.
"David Beckham on his own isn't going to turn it around and I don't think (Galaxy coach) Frank Yallop expects him to.''
...However, the likes of captain Landon Donovan - one of the highest-paid players in the league prior to this season's influx of foreign stars - ensure there is plenty of pressure on the Galaxy's salary cap.
Morrow, who spent two seasons as a Dallas player after a long career in England, also warned Beckham that life in MLS will not be as easy as many expect it to be for him. For one thing, Beckham can expect opposing defenders to single him out.
"For sure he will be get special attention,'' Morrow said. "All of the more talented players in the league do get a little more tightly marked, but that is something (Beckham) has dealt with all this career.''
The biggest danger, Morrow believes, is underestimating the league he is joining.
"He certainly can help on the field,'' he said. "But you have to realise the standard is much higher here than people back in Europe think.
"I get offered players all the time and they come over and it's very quickly apparent they are just not up to it.
"I'm forever telling agents that the standard is much higher than they think.''Report

[And from a few weeks ago, news of another ex-QPR player, now in the USA: John Spencer

Daily Record "[JOHN]SPENCER SUED BY CLUB OVER £100K
"....Ex-Scotland international John Spencer is being sued by Motherwell FC for a loan which was registered with the Scottish Premier League.
Papers lodged at Hamilton Sheriff Court claim the club gave Spencer £100,000 interest-free when he signed in 1999.
Lawyers say they fear that Spencer, who now lives in Texas and is thought to own properties here, could try to move his assets abroad or sell them off.
The club also want interest at eight per cent from when they claim the loan was due to be repaid in January last year.
Lawyers for Spencer - a coach at Houston Dynamo - say they will fight the action, expected to be heard next month.
Another action for a separate loan of £358,000 Motherwell claim they gave Spencer is still outstanding.
Spencer, capped 14 times for Scotland, was Motherwell's record signing when he joined from Everton in a £500,000 deal.
The case is due to be heard in May and witnesses could include Rangers manager Walter Smith, who was Everton boss at the time, and Derby County manager Billy Davies, Spencer's brother-in-law, who was then Motherwell boss.
A spokesman for the club said yesterday: "It is well known that we have had a long-running dispute. This action is part of that."
At the family home in Texas, Spencer's wife Amanda, 36, said: "There are issues surrounding these so-called loans so this is why we are not willing to back off."
Daily Record

Spencer is currently Assistant coach at Houston Dynamo - Spencer

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Update: It's also been reported by Sky. But NOT as of yet by QPR! So until it is, presumably not yet signed and sealed.

Barnsley have posted on their Official Site that their 24-year old ex-Manchester United striker Daniel Nardiello is joining QPR (This news has been posted on QPR messageboard but as of now it has NOT yet been confirmed/announced by QPR on the QPR Official Site. See Player's Profile And a Welsh profile. Reportedly Coventry had been interested in signing him. Nardiello to QPR is also being reported by the BBC "QPR set to net striker Nardiello"

Barnsley Official Site - REDS DISMAY AT NARDIELLO'S LAST MINUTE U-TURN

STRIKER Daniel Nardiello will not be returning to Barnsley after dramatically and surprisingly turning his back on the Club this afternoon.
With the paperwork prepared and awaiting his signature, the 24-year-old striker was due at Oakwell this morning to sign the contract after agreeing the terms of a new two-year deal with the Reds.
Reds Chairman Gordon Shepherd arrived at Oakwell this morning and added his signature to the documents, which included all the relevant contracts and Agents Agreements.
At 11.00am this morning, Daniel's agent informed the Club that he was just passing Junction 23 on the M1 on his way to Oakwell but progress from the Midlands was slow because of the dreadful weather conditions although he expected to be at Oakwell early in the afternoon to sign.
However, at around 2.00pm this afternoon, Reds manager Simon Davey received a telephone call from Daniel in which he was informed that the player was now at Trowell Services on the M1 and would be returning south after agreeing to join Queens Park Rangers.
Speaking exclusively to www.barnsleyfc.co.uk, Chairman Gordon Shepherd revealed: "The Club are desperately disappointed at Daniel's late, late decision especially as the deal was all agreed and the paperwork ready on the table for his signature.
"We are also very unhappy at assurances given to us by the player that he would only consider leaving Oakwell for a Club closer to his home in the Midlands.
"As we had been hoping to announce Daniel's signature this afternoon, we feel that we have no alternative but to inform our supporters of the events and we are sure that they will share our deep disappointment at the way we have been treated today".
Barnsley Official Site

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QPR are reporting that Pat Kanyuka will miss the start of the pre-season. With QPR's already having two defenders (Sampsa Timoska and Chris Barker) miss the start of the new season, through suspension, hopefully, Kanyuka will recover quickly.
QPR's current Physiotherapist, Prav Mathema, is leaving QPR as of June 30 to join WASPS. John Gregory was reported last week that he was interviewing and would be appointing.

QPR Official Site - PAIN FOR PAT
Pat Kanyuka will miss the start of pre-season after tearing a thigh muscle.
The 19 year-old defender, who was ruled out of Rangers' final fixture of the season after suffering a slight thigh tear in his left leg in the R's penultimate match of the season against Wolves, suffered the injury during a rehabilitation session at Harlington last week.As a result, Kanyuka will now miss the start of the R's pre-season campaign, which begins with a friendly fixture against Celtic at Loftus Road on Sunday 15th July QPR

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Watford Vital Football is claiming that Chelsea's Mancienne is set to join Watford on season loan. Mancienne to Watford(Previously there have been reports of Mancienne going to other clubs.]

Watford Vital Football - Chelsea youngster tipped to join
Chelsea starlet Michael Mancienne is set to agree a season long loan deal with Watford. Jose Mourinho has made it clear that the highly rated centre back needs to gain some first team experience and believes a spell at Vicarage Road will be of great benefit to the youngster, who spent time at QPR last season. Watford are believed to have gazumped both West Bromwich Albion and Birmingham City in their pursuit of the youngster.
Aidy Boothroyd has been monitoring the Manicenne situation for some time, yet hhad to bide his time until Jose managed to bring in a defender - which turned out to be Bolton stalwart Tal Ben Haim. The opportunity is now there and all that remains is for the Stamford Bridge outfit and the Hornets to come to a satisfactory agreement. West London sources have revealed Chelsea want to include a 24 hour recall clause in case they suffer a repeat of the injury nightmare that blighted their 2006/07 campaign. Watford are not so keen on this and are currently trying to persuade Peter Kenyon to 'stick the clause where the sun don`t shine'.
Mancienne, who has been likened to Paulo Maldini in the past is said to be keen on the move so lets hope the Hornets can move as fast as Linford Christie ( 1992 ) in order to seal the deal. Watford

From a Couple of Weeks Ago: [Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times June 5, 2007 -Loan Rangers to return
Michael Mancienne will rejoin QPR on loan next season
QPR have lined up a deal to bring back Chelsea pair Jimmy Smith and Michael Mancienne on six-month loans next season.
The duo will spend pre-season training with the Premiership side and move back to Loftus Road until the end of the year, when Chelsea may recall them as cover during the African Nations' Cup.
And, should the Blues decide to sell either Smith or Mancienne in the meantime, Rangers would gain 10 per cent of the transfer fee under the terms of the agreement.
"The agreement with Chelsea is very good for QPR and it works in our favour financially," declared Rs chairman Gianni Paladini.
"Suppose someone buys Mancienne for £5m, we get £500,000 out of that and that applies to any player they sell who's with us, we get 10 per cent.
"The response from Chelsea is that they're happy to give us both of them for six months. That can only benefit QPR - without the three Arsenal players, there's no way Birmingham City would have gone up last season."
Rangers' growing links with their traditional enemy have drawn concern from fans, particularly since José Mourinho's call for Chelsea to field a 'B' team in the Football League last season.
But Paladini insists QPR's relationship with their neighbours makes good financial sense - and points to the sale of teenager Dean Parrett as proof that Chelsea have no say in affairs at Loftus Road.
The England under-18 midfielder was wanted by Chelsea, but instead moved to Tottenham in January in a deal that could eventually earn the Rs up to £2m.
"Chelsea offered us £500,000 for Parrett and we didn't take it because it wasn't a good deal," said Paladini.
"I know the fans don't like Chelsea, but you've got to look at the business position. For instance, it used to cost us £50,000 to film every training session or match.
"Chelsea did all that themselves last season because they wanted to know everything about Mancienne and Smith. So that's a free service for QPR.
"Also we can send our players to Chelsea to train any time we want, or send our coaching staff there to look at what they've got." (Kilburn Times)

Reporting on John Gregory's comments at the June 15, AGM, Rivals'Clive Whittingham reported "Bringing Smith and Mancienne back for next season was being complicated by Chelsea losing five or more players to the African nations Cup in January." Rivals

QPR1st's Tracy Stent's report on Gregory's comments at the AGM re Mancienne: "When asked about the situation regarding Mancienne and Smith, John said that we may be aware but that the African nations cup takes place in January 2008 and that as a result of this, Chelsea are going to lose some of their players whilst they take part in this tournament. Therefore it is highly unlikely we would be able to get the players on loan for a full 12 month/season period and said that if they were to come back then it would more than likely be for a three-month period." QPR1st

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With the post-season drawing to a close; and the pre-season beginning coming ever closer as the players report back for training...Another look back at some of the things said in 2006:


QPR Report "Quotes of the Year 2006"

SEE ALSO:

QPR's 2006

Season in Review - December 2006

2006-2007 Season in Review - November 2006

2006-2007 Season in Review - October 2006

2006-2007 Season in Review - September 2007

2006-07 Season in Review - August 2007

2006-2007 Season in Review: #4 - Close Season Ends; Shittu Leaves; Paladini Speaks

2006-2007 Season in Review #3 - July 2006: Italy, Dunga, MK Dons, Ward, Shittu, Holloway, Suits

2006-2007 Season in Review #2 - June 2006: The Pre-Season

2006-2007 Season in Review #1 - May 2006



Arrivals and Departures in 2006

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Terrel Forbes...Danny Dichio...Chris Wright...Alan McDonald...Clarke Carlisle

Western Daily Press - June 22: "...Slade will discuss a contract extension with defender Terrell Forbes next week, with the club insisting the player has not handed in a transfer request..." Western Daily Press

Western Daily Press - NO FORBES TRANSFER REQUEST, SAY YEOVIL - BY JAMES MCNAMARA 15 June 2007
Yeovil Town chairman John Fry has dismissed a claim that defender Terrell Forbes has handed in a transfer request.
A report yesterday suggested the defender had requested a move because he was unhappy with the financial terms of a potential contract extension.
However, Fry revealed the club had yet to table a firm offer and suggested quotes attributed to Forbes were actually given to the media by an associate of the defender's agent.
Forbes, who is on holiday in Turkey, is expected to hold talks with Yeovil next week about an improved deal.
And Fry said: "As far as the club is concerned there has been no request for a transfer.
"From what we understand, the player's agent is responsible for putting the message out. If the player has got a complaint or is not in agreement with the club he should be talking to the manager and not the press.
"As we understand it there may be a problem with his current contract in terms of money.
"We are not aware of that because no one has approached Russell (Slade, manager) or myself about that.
"We don't want to fall out with the player, but we think the agent is bang out of order and the way that he has gone about this is unacceptable procedure..."" Western Daily Press

Danny Dichio played, but didn't score as his Toronto FC lost 0-3 to New England Revolution. Report

Chris Wright...Sunday Telegraph "Chrysalis Group to sell radio stations
Chrysalis Group is finalising the £170m sale of its radio stations Heart, Galaxy and LBC to financier Michael Tabor. An announcement could come tomorrow.
Chief executive Richard Huntingford is expected to announce his resignation, after a handover period. He will receive a bonus estimated at around £1.5m for completing the sale. Chairman Chris Wright will stay on to lead the rump of the company, a music publishing business valued at £105m . Sunday Telegraph

And for ex-QPR's Alan McDonald, it's Manchester United, live on Sky

Reported various places: Burnley's Cotterill denies Burnley are interested in ex-QPR's Clarke Carlisle for 300,000 pounds..."Meanwhile, Burnley have dismissed reports linking them with Watford defender Clarke Carlisle." Report

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Sunday Mirror - ROW ISN'T BRAWL OVER
By Alistair Grant 24/06/2007
QPR have demanded FIFA tell them why China have not been fined for starting the kung-fu brawl which landed Rangers a £20,000 FA rap on Friday.
The Loftus Road club are angry the Chinese Olympic team seem to have escaped unpunished for the 30-man ruck on February 7 - despite throwing the first punch.
Disciplinary expert Graham Bean, who handled QPR's case, said: "We've been advised FIFA have been told the Chinese FA are taking action. But no indication has been given about what has happened to the Chinese team, who started all of this." Sunday Mirror

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Chairman Gianni Paladini talking about being willing to sell and of the possibility that Bill Power might reinvest in QPR.

Dave McIntyre, The Gazette - "We Just Don’t Have Enough Cash To Take QPR Forward " Article posted on the IndependentRs Site and can be read at link below: Dave McIntyre Article at Independent Rs Site

UPDATED: Now online at Ealing Gazette

We just don't have enough cash to take QPR forward

Jun 25 2007

CHAIRMAN Gianni Paladini insists QPR will not be bought on the cheap despite the club's Italian owners being willing to relinquish control.

Paladini last week declared that he and major shareholder Antonio Caliendo would seek only the money they paid for their shares when they acquired stakes in the club.

That would mean around £650,000 would be required to purchase Paladini's shareholding and around £4million to take overall control of the club.

But Paladini has warned that simply writing out a cheque for those amounts will not be enough.

He said: "The offer is there for anyone who can take the club forward. I will only want what I paid for my shares.
CHAIRMAN Gianni Paladini insists QPR will not be bought on the cheap despite the club's Italian owners being willing to relinquish control.

Paladini last week declared that he and major shareholder Antonio Caliendo would seek only the money they paid for their shares when they acquired stakes in the club.

That would mean around £650,000 would be required to purchase Paladini's shareholding and around £4million to take overall control of the club.

But Paladini has warned that simply writing out a cheque for those amounts will not be enough.

He said: "The offer is there for anyone who can take the club forward. I will only want what I paid for my shares.

"But it has to be on condition that they have serious money to invest and can show they can move QPR to the next level.

"We're a club that can compete in the Championship and if someone can take QPR further than that, then there is no way we would stand in their way.

"I would leave tomorrow for the price I paid for my shares if that kind of person wanted the club. I would want any other money they had to go into QPR."

Paladini added: "The vultures are circling. That always happens with QPR. But we're not saying we will sell to anyone. It has to be the right people.

"We're committed to the club, we just realise we don't have the money to take it further and want others to come in and either help us or take over the club."

A number of parties have expressed an interest including an Israeli group fronted by former Tottenham and Liverpool striker Ronnie Rosenthal, which has failed to prove it has sufficient funds.

And a consortium has this week been discussing approaching the club with an offer.

But at this stage the most likely addition to the Rangers board is Bill Power - the former chairman who was booted out by Paladini and Caliendo in 2005 following a bitter battle for control.

Power has invested in Swindon since his public fall-out with Paladini and has been involved in a takeover bid for the Wilt-shire club.

But the pair have recently rebuilt bridges and Paladini believes Power may return.

"The door is open for Bill," said Paladini.

"I don't think he wants to buy the club but the opportunity is there, if he wants it, to come back and work with me."

Bar an angry exchange with disenchanted club president Harold Winton and a couple of questions about ongoing financial concerns, Paladini and other directors were given a fairly easy ride at last week's annual general meeting of shareholders.

It was confirmed that Rangers made a loss of £3.3million in 2006 - up from £2.6m the previous year. A loss of around £2.6m for 2007 is predicted. Ealing Gazette

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This was the week that began with various accounts of the June 15 Annual General Meeting (AGM) and ended with the FA fining QPR over the China Brawl.

Also this week, a week after it was first reported in the press that QPR were interested, QPR appointed a new Assistant Manager: Colchester's Mick Harford. Mick Harford explained why he joined QPR
And in an unsual step, QPR publicly posted on its official site that the club had turned down two offers from Colchester for Ray Jones and one offer from Fulham for Lee Cook.

FAN SITES: Meanwhile for fans posting on messageboards, some changes and some added options:
"Battletank," the creator of the old .org (which was "THE" fan site) resurfaced with a Battletank's New QPR.org site.
Another new site QPRFANS, which is really a messageboard, also was launched.
Meanwhile the Official QPR Site adopted its new look.
A Comprehensive list of QPR Fan Messageboards was listed on the blog this week

Report of the AGMs
QPR1st's Tracy Stent Report
QPR Rivals' Clive Whittingham Report
Indypendent Rs Report
Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times

There were reports/mentions of Ex-QPR Chairman Bill Power, QPR and Swindon

More on Paul Parker's return to QPR and Parker talks

Mark Bircham talked about leaving QPR and about Chairman Paladini

Wycombe close to signing Doherty


ANNIVERSARIES:
One Year Anniversary since: "Not Guilty" Verdicts from "The Trial"

How Much Change at QPR From a Year Ago

Three Years Ago: Pre-Paladini Era Drew to a Close: CEO David Davies announced his departure, followed a few days later by QPR Chairman Nick Blackburn resigning

Forty Years: Remembering the Magic of the 1967-1968 Season


2007-2008 FA Cup Dates: Not yet on QPR's Official sites but the dates for the FA Cup are now known: 3rd Round - January 5th.....4th Round - January 26th ....5th Round - February 16th [Currently scheduled for Barnsley (A) Quarter Final - March 8th[Currently scheduled for Sheffield Wednesday (A)].....Semi-Finals - April 5th[Currently, scheduled for Preston (H)....FA Cup Final: May 17

The PFA's Pick Your Team of the Century and your QPR Representative

Non-QPR specific "Free The Fixtures" Campaign: A newly-created website by fans calling for the right for fans to publish team fixtures, without being charged. ..."Free The Fixtures

Ex-QPR:
Ian Holloway said would be talking with KevinGallen
Gary Waddock spoke about Aldershot and QPR
In the MLS (Major League Soccer), Steve Morrow's FC Dallas were crushed 4-0 by Danny Dichio's (and just maybe one day Marc Bircham's!) Toronto: 4-0. Dichio scored, made a goal and limped off!
Ex-QPR's Danny Shittu Helps Nigeria Towards African Nations Cup Eagles land in Ghana 2008 - …Beat Niger 3–1

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The FA Met today and their verdict was....:

FA News - QPR hearing result
Friday, 22 June 2007.
At a Disciplinary Commission hearing today, Queens Park Rangers FC were fined £40,000 for their involvement in a brawl with the Chinese U22 team on 9 February, £20,000 of which is suspended until 31 May 2008. It can be reactivated in full or in part in the event of a proved similar offence.
The club admitted a charge of failing to ensure that its players and/or officials conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and refrained from violent and/or threatening and/or provocative behaviour.
A charge of violent conduct against assistant coach Richard Hill was found proved. He has been suspended from all football and football management until 30 September 2007. He has 14 days to appeal. FA

QPR OFFICIAL STATEMENT - CLUB FINE
Fri 22 Jun 2007

At a Disciplinary Commission hearing today (Friday), Queens Park Rangers FC were fined £40,000 for their involvement in a brawl with the Chinese Olympic team on February 9th, £20,000 of which is suspended until May 31st 2008. It can be reactivated in full or in part in the event of a proved similar offence.

The Club admitted a charge of failing to ensure that its players and / or officials conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and refrained from violent and / or threatening and / or provocative behaviour.

A charge of violent conduct against Assistant Coach Richard Hill was found proved. He has been suspended from all football and football management until September 30th 2007. He has 14 days to appeal.

The Club will be making no further comment at this stage. QPR

See Also QPR Report - China

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Players Football Association (PFA) Site
Welcome to PFA Legends -Pick your Team of the Century!

The Professional Footballers' Association is 100 years young this year and, as part of our centenary celebrations, we are inviting the readers of givemefootball - the association's official website - the chance to vote for, and select...'The Greatest Team of All Time'.
The PFA is running one of the biggest-ever voting polls to find the Team of the Century, and, ultimately, the greatest player to have graced our Football Leagues over the last 100 years....You have until 23 August 2007 to register your vote PFA Legends

"Select from these players Learn about the legends
We've got the lowdown on all the legendary players of the last 100 years, to help you choose your perfect team of the century. 1907 to 1976 1977 to 1996 1997 to 2007
PFA List of Players

Unless I've missed it, among the players you can choose from: There is NO Rodney Marsh; NO Stan Bowles; No Gerry Francis. However included in the list of players, one can choose from: Les Ferdinand
Frank Mclintock , Clive Allen, Paul Parker Phil Parkes, Ray Wilkins, Trevor Francis Gordon Hill, Steve Hodge,Chris Woods.
Complete List of Players

And a seperate PFA competition

QPR OFFICIAL SITE - EVERY VOTE COUNTS
Fri 22 Jun 2007

As part of its Centenary Year, The Professional Footballers Association is putting together a list of the top 100 players who have played professional football over the last 100 years.
One player will be selected from each of the 100 professional clubs to have played in the Football League throughout the last 100 years.
To help fans vote, the PFA - together with the football clubs and a panel of sports journalists - have put together a top ten list for each club.
Your job is to vote for your favourite player from the list.
The winning player will go into the PFA Centenary Hall of Fame.
Remember we're looking for the greatest player to have played for Queens Park Rangers over the last 100 years - so you may have to dig out your history books!
The short-list is as follows:
Clive Allen
Les Allen
Stan Bowles
Les Ferdinand
Gerry Francis
Kevin Gallen
Mark Lazarus
Rodney Marsh
Phil Parkes
Trevor Sinclair
To vote, e-mail the name of your player to pfa@arenainternational.co.uk and please ensure the subject header is titled NUMBER 1 QPR LEGEND.
The voting lines close on Friday 29th June 2007. QPR

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Reported in Friday's Telegraph and Times

Telegraph - Fight blamed on Chinese By Alistair Grant

QPR will try to avoid a six-figure fine at a Football Association 'Great Brawl of China' disciplinary hearing today - by insisting their Chinese opponents started the 30-man fight.

The incident on Feb 7, when Rangers' players and assistant manager Richard Hill traded blows with the Chinese Olympic team, halted a 'friendly' and left China's Zheng Tao with a broken jaw.

FA disciplinary officials will finally hear the case today after it was delayed due to Hill's arrest over the incident. He was later told he would not face criminal charges.

QPR have admitted a charge of failing to ensure their players refrained from violent behaviour but will claim today that they were provoked, hoping to be let off with a small fine rather than a six-figure financial penalty or even a points deduction.

Graham Bean, the disciplinary expert and former FA compliance officer heading QPR's defence, said: "There was provocation and the emphasis will be on the conduct of the Chinese people. The video and pictures show best what it was all about and the extraordinary circumstances involved are the basis of QPR's mitigation."

Hill, whose case will also be heard today, denies a charge of violent conduct despite being photographed punching China's Jiang Ning in the face. Telegraph

The Times - QPR await ruling on fight with China
Queens Park Rangers will try to avoid a six-figure fine at the FA’s “Great Brawl of China” disciplinary hearing today by insisting that their Chinese opponents started the infamous 30-man fight on February 7, when QPR players and their assistant manager, Richard Hill, traded blows with the China Olympic team. The “friendly”, which left Zheng Tao, of China, with a broken jaw, was soon halted.
FA disciplinary officials will finally hear the case today after it was delayed because of Hill’s arrest over the brawl. He was later told he would not face criminal charges.
QPR have admitted a charge of failing to ensure that their players refrained from violent behaviour but will claim today that they were provoked, hoping to be let off with a small fine rather than a large financial penalty or even a points deduction.
The Times

Also: QPR REPORT Background and update "CHINA BRAWL UPDATE"

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MICK HARFORD EXPLAINS WHY HE JOINED QPR

QPR Official Site
"I was very impressed by what John had to say when I met him. I'm very happy to be here and am now looking forward to getting started,'' he said.
"It was a difficult decision to leave Colchester, but this was an opportunity I just couldn't turn down.''...his is a fantastic, well-established Club and the Manager is looking for an improvement on last season. I'm sure we'll do that.
"We'll take one game at a time, but every match we approach we will be looking to win, with good, attacking football." QPR

COLCHESTER OFFICIAL SITE -
"It is a real wrench to be leaving because I have been made to feel very welcome by everybody at the club, from the moment I came to Layer Road." ...QPR contacted Colchester and enquired about my circumstances and whether they could speak to me. I have a great relationship with George(Geraint Williams) and he told me of their interest."
"It was a massive decision for me even to ask for permission to talk to John Gregory and QPR and one that wasn't taken lightly," Mick continued, "but the main reason I took the job was the reduction in miles I had to drive to and from training."
Mick knew the 170 mile round trip was taking its toll on his suspect back and explained that his fears for his health were confirmed after having an operation on his back earlier this week.
"It was a minor operation to clear a couple of problems up but the surgeon said that the thirty odd hours a week I was behind the wheel were a major factor in the deterioration of the back."
"While I'm not at death's door just yet, my health is obviously very important to me and finding a solution to those back problems was something that I have thought about for a good while now."
Mick then told the official website that U's Chief Executive, Marie Partner, had discussed ways of reducing the travelling by living in Colchester, either in rented accomodation or in a hotel, but he admitted that he was keen to stay living where he was.
"We did discuss spending more time in Colchester but I must admit that I am very settled where I am, with a lot of friends and family nearby, and I wanted to remain there. I was also offered a very attractive new contract to continue as George's assistant but when your health is at risk, money isn't really a consideration."
Mick then heaped praise on the U's in general by saying,"I can't thank Colchester United enough for giving me the chance to get back in the game and I have thoroughly enjoyed the last year at the club."
"I have learnt a lot from George and the players and feel privileged to have been a part of their first season in the Championship and one of the most successful in their history. It hasn't just been the management team that have helped me though, Marie and her office staff have all helped me a great deal over the past year."
..."." Colchester

BBC "Harford said the commute from his Hertfordshire home to north Essex played a big part in his decision to become John Gregory's number two. "It is a real wrench to leave but one of the main reasons is my health," the former Luton and Chelsea striker said."I had an operation to clear-up a couple of problems and I was told the 170 mile round-trip wasn't helping."
Harford added: "In fact the 30-odd hours I'm spending behind the wheel are a major factor in the deterioration in my back. "I was offered a very attractive new contract to stay and we had talked about my spending more time in Colchester but I'm very settled where I live with plenty of friends and family." . BBC

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[Going back two decades, Mick Harford was a player then-manager, Alan Mullery came close to signing for QPR (from Birmingham) in 1984. When the deal fell through, Harford instead joined Luton and ended up playing for England.]

QPR Official Site HARFORD JOINS

The Club are delighted to announce the appointment of Mick Harford as First Team Coach.
Rangers were granted permission to speak to the 48 year-old last week and after holding talks with John Gregory over the weekend, Harford has today (Thursday) agreed to join the R's from fellow Championship rivals Colchester United.
Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, Harford - who played for 11 different Clubs during a prestigious 21 year playing career - spoke of his delight at joining Gregory's backroom team: "I was very impressed by what John had to say when I met him. I'm very happy to be here and am now looking forward to getting started,'' he said.
"It was a difficult decision to leave Colchester, but this was an opportunity I just couldn't turn down.''
Harford continued: "This is a fantastic, well-established Club and the Manager is looking for an improvement on last season. I'm sure we'll do that.
"We'll take one game at a time, but every match we approach we will be looking to win, with good, attacking football."
Gregory was just as enthusiastic about Harford's appointment, commenting: "I'm delighted to have Mick here as part of the management team.
"I would firstly like to place on record my thanks to Colchester United's owner, Robbie Cowling, and Manager, Geraint Williams, for allowing Mick to come to us, even though his contract still had another two months to run.
"Mick played a significant role in Colchester United's success last season and I know for a fact that another of our Championship rivals were looking at his situation with regard to taking him to their Club.
"He was very much a wanted man. He is going to be a great capture for this Football Club." QPR

COLCHESTER OFFICIAL SITE - Mick Joins John Gregory

The former England international has joined Queens Park Rangers as John Gregory's number two as the London side look to improve on last season's disappointing season.
After only been here as Geraint Williams right hand man for less than a year, Mick insisted that the move was neccessary in order to reduce the travelling he was having to do to get to and from training every day.
He told CU-FC.COM, "It is a real wrench to be leaving because I have been made to feel very welcome by everybody at the club, from the moment I came to Layer Road."
Explaining how the move came about, Mick said, "QPR contacted Colchester and enquired about my circumstances and whether they could speak to me. I have a great relationship with George(Geraint Williams) and he told me of their interest."
"It was a massive decision for me even to ask for permission to talk to John Gregory and QPR and one that wasn't taken lightly," Mick continued, "but the main reason I took the job was the reduction in miles I had to drive to and from training."
Mick knew the 170 mile round trip was taking its toll on his suspect back and explained that his fears for his health were confirmed after having an operation on his back earlier this week.
"It was a minor operation to clear a couple of problems up but the surgeon said that the thirty odd hours a week I was behind the wheel were a major factor in the deterioration of the back."
"While I'm not at death's door just yet, my health is obviously very important to me and finding a solution to those back problems was something that I have thought about for a good while now."
Mick then told the official website that U's Chief Executive, Marie Partner, had discussed ways of reducing the travelling by living in Colchester, either in rented accomodation or in a hotel, but he admitted that he was keen to stay living where he was.
"We did discuss spending more time in Colchester but I must admit that I am very settled where I am, with a lot of friends and family nearby, and I wanted to remain there. I was also offered a very attractive new contract to continue as George's assistant but when your health is at risk, money isn't really a consideration."
Mick then heaped praise on the U's in general by saying,"I can't thank Colchester United enough for giving me the chance to get back in the game and I have thoroughly enjoyed the last year at the club."
"I have learnt a lot from George and the players and feel privileged to have been a part of their first season in the Championship and one of the most successful in their history. It hasn't just been the management team that have helped me though, Marie and her office staff have all helped me a great deal over the past year."
Insisting that the U's would prosper in the future, Mick said, "The second season in any new league has proven in the past to be very difficult for a lot of clubs but with the current set up, I am confident that the U's will not suffer second season syndrome and will go on to have another good season in the Championship."
"As soon as last season finished, George, myself and the whole scouting team have been working tirelessly at improving the squad and I'm sure that will continue as George looks to bring in quality players to add to the quality already in the squad.
"I would like to wish everyone at Colchester United the best of luck in the future" the ex Luton forward concluded, "and hope all the fans have enjoyed the last year as much as I have done." Colchester

QPR OFFICIAL SITE PROFILE OF HARFORD

After a successful 21 year spell as a player, Mick Harford learned his managerial trade at former Club Wimbledon.
It was there that he developed his skills, before following his old boss Joe Kinnear, back to Luton Town following Luton's relegation to Division Three.
Harford helped master-mind the successful promotion season of 2001/02, as Luton stormed to promotion back to the Second Division.
However, a takeover at the Bedfordshire-based outfit eventually saw him replaced, although Harford soon returned as Director of Football, as well as being first team coach, working alongside Mike Newell.
Harford helped Newell's Luton side to a tenth place finish and with his profile rising, he swapped a League One title quest with the Hatters, for a Championship dog-fight at Nottingham Forest, working as assistant to Kinnear.
Kinnear was to last only a few more weeks at the Club, before Forest's poor form forced him to leave the City Ground. Harford was then appointed Caretaker Manager, and he performed admirably despite the problems at the Club. Gary Megson was then appointed Manager full time in January 2005, and Harford left the club.
Out of work for only a little while, Harford teamed up with Andy King at Swindon Town in a deal that would run until the end of the 2004/05 season. However, Harford never made it until the end of the season with Swindon, as in April 2005, he was appointed the new Manager of Rotherham United, who were relegated from the Championship at the end of the 2004/05 season.
Harford had an impressive start to his managerial career, but after a run of 17 games without a win, he was replaced by Alan Knill. Harford finished the season at Millwall, coaching the strikers at the Club before their relegation from the Championship at the end of the 2005/06 season.
Harford then joined his former Derby County team-mate Geraint Williams at Colchester United in the summer of 2006, becoming the Club's Assistant Manager.
Today, in his 30th year in the professional game, he joins QPR as part of John Gregory's coaching team.QPR

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QPR Official Site - "BID REBUFFED"
QPR have rebuffed an approach from Fulham Football Club for R's winger Lee Cook.
Chairman Gianni Paladini has rejected the Cottagers' enquiry and insists the player is not for sale.
"Lee Cook is one of our prized assets and we won't be letting him go unless the price is right,'' he told www.qpr.co.uk. QPR

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Ex-QPR gary Waddock on Ex-QPR, Goalie Nikki Bull

Bully May Yet Remain A Shot -
Aldershot News - Story by Stray Shots Team

New Shots boss Gary Waddock has told the Aldershot News that he hasn't spoken to anyone about Nikki Bull's future apart from the player himself.
Shots supporters who believe that the highly rated keeper could be leaving the club to further his career, may draw hope over a report in today's edition of the Aldershot News.
Waddock has told the paper, "As of this moment Nikki is still under contract to us and as of this moment I haven't spoken to any other club about him."
We will have to wait and see if these are just clever words by Waddock, who by his own admission won't get drawn in to any speculation concerning player dealings and with the manager having only just returned from his summer vacation, he won't have had time to talk to anyone, but one thing is for sure - it can only be a good thing if The Shots manage to keep hold of Bully for another season.
Waddock concluded by saying, "As of now he's still here and as of now I'm working on him being here at the start of the season." News

BBC- Shots in the distance By Pete Oliver
New Aldershot Town boss Gary Waddock plans to be at the Recreation Ground for the long haul following an all too brief previous taste of management.
Waddock was in charge at Queens Park Rangers for just a couple of months at the start of last season after ending the 2005/06 campaign in caretaker control of the Championship club.
A poor run of results cost the former QPR midfielder - an FA Cup finalist under Terry Venables in 1982 - his job.
But Waddock has bounced back with the Shots and he hopes to make his mark.
He told BBC Sport: "I worked at every level at QPR and I always wanted to be a number one.
"I had a fantastic opportunity at QPR and I will use some of that experience. I managed there for a short period of time and I want to stay in it a bit longer this time.
"I just wanted to get out and manage and coach. Aldershot have given me that opportunity and I want to be here for a number of years.
"I am looking forward to the challenge and looking, over a period of time, to get them back into the Football League. That's what I am about."
The Blue Square Premier is new territory for Waddock but the 45-year-old has experienced most things in a career which took in almost 500 League games with QPR, Luton Town, Millwall, Bristol Rovers and spell in Belgium with Charleroi.
He was also capped 21 times by the Republic of Ireland before starting a coaching career which saw him progress from the Academy to the senior job at Loftus Road.
Now he is picking the brains of colleagues and contacts to help familiarise himself with non-league football, but also has the know-how of Shots first-team coach Martin Khul to ease the transition.
Former Portsmouth and Birmingham midfielder Kuhl was part of the previously successful managerial set-up under Terry Brown and has stayed on despite being overlooked for the manager's job.
"With Martin here I have got his experience and knowledge and I will tinker with things a bit to bring in a few players," Waddock said.
"There is a good base of players brought in by Terry Brown and Martin to build on.
"I have been talking to players, agents and contacts about bringing players into the club, hopefully before pre-season or in the early part of it so we can get down to preparing properly."
Waddock expects half-a-dozen new faces to arrive before the start of the new season, with former Shots striker Tim Sills, who is currently at Hereford United, thought to be among his potential targets.
"I know the players I want," he added. "I am just in the process of talking to them to see what they want and if they are the type of characters we want at the club."
Enthusiasm, determination and desire will be three watch-words for Waddock, who will also be bringing his coaching techniques to bear.
"I have a modern approach to it all and hopefully I can get that into the players and they will respond. I am sure they will," he added.
Under Brown, who called time on his five-year stint at Aldershot in March, the former League club, which was re-formed after being wound up in 1992, won promotion to the Conference and twice reached the play-offs.
After two successive mid-table finishes, Waddock is keen to regain the momentum and get back among the front-runners.
"It's a hard league with some good clubs in it. It's a difficult league to get out of but I am looking forward to that challenge," he said.
"I want us to challenge and if we do that I am sure everybody will be happy. Me and Martin are looking to bring success.
"The club has had some success over the last few years and want to take that step forward and bring back League status." BBC

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[The BBC is reporting that Colchester's Mick Harford is set to join QPR. However there is nothing new on either the QPR or the Colchester Official sites]

Colchester Evening Gazette - Harford signing for QPR
By Matt Plummer - Colchester Evening Gazette

MICK Harford was today set to become assistant manager at Queens Park Rangers.

And the Colchester United number two admitted it was the hardest decision' of his career to quit Layer Road.

Geraint Williams' right-hand man was on his way to Loftus Road this morning to sign a one-year contract at the Hoops, working alongside boss John Gregory.

He told the Gazette: "I've agreed a contract and I'll be signing it today.

"This is something I've thought long and hard about and I can honestly say it's been the hardest decision of my career.

"Geraint gave me an opportunity to get back into football and for that I'll always be thankful.
I've got nothing but respect for the man, having learned so much from him, and I'll look back with great happiness when I reflect on my time at Layer Road." Colchester Gazette

BBC Harford set for QPR coaching job
Mick Harford is set to quit Colchester and join the coaching staff at QPR.
Harford joined the U's at the start of last season and helped manager Geraint Williams steer the club to 10th place in their first Championship campaign.
But the 48-year-old former Rotherham boss was granted permission to speak to QPR at the start of June.
The club's previous number two, Richard Hill, was suspended indefinitely by the club following February's infamous brawl with the China Olympic team.
Early favourites to replace Harford are the club's player-coach Aidan Davison and former player and present Charlton reserve-team manager Mark Kinsella. BBC

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One Year Ago today: June 21, 2006: The first of the (not-guilty) verdicts in "The Trial" with two acquitted. (The following week, the other five accused were also found not guilty.)

June 21, 2006
BBC - Two cleared of attacking QPR boss
"Two men have been cleared of taking part in a gunpoint attack on a Queens Park Rangers director. Club shareholder David Morris and John McFarlane were found not guilty of conspiracy to blackmail, false imprisonment and gun possession. Blackfriars Crown Court had heard allegations Gianni Paladini was punched and threatened with a pistol after an ambush by Mr Morris and a gang. The jury is still considering its verdicts on four other defendants. .....BBC

See Also:

Sky News - Two Cleared of QPR Attack

The Times - Two cleared of QPR gun attack

Soccernet - Soccernet -Two cleared of gunpoint attack on QPR director

Guardian - Men cleared of gunpoint attack on QPR director

Telegraph - Two are cleared of gun threat at QPR

The Sun - Men cleared of QPR attack

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Just in under the wire! Two June 20th birthdays for two players who spent short terms with QPR.

Rob Steiner - Born June 20, 1973 - Turns 34 - Joined QPR initially on loan, signed by Gerry Francis: Helped save QPR and had a good next season before injury ended his career Steiner

Peter Reid - Signed by Trevor Francis on a free...Released by Don Howe
Born June 20, 1956, Turns 51 - Career

[And one who almost joined QPR: Colin Viljoen: June 20, 1948 - Career]

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There is another comprehensive report on QPR's recent Annual General Meeting (AGM), which was held last Friday (June 15) at Loftus Road.

The report can be read at the "Independent Rs Review" Site - QPR Holdings 2007 AGM (Cock-ups But No Conspiracies ?)

See other AGM Reports:

Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times AGM Report

Clive Whittingham/QPR Rivals AGM Report

Tracy Stent/QPR1st AGM Report

Also: Past statements by Chairman Paladini about expected Loss

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Ex-QPR, Dougie Freedman - very much, "the one that got away" - signs a new contract with Crystal Palace. Meanwhile at Crystal Palace, Manager Peter Taylor is supposedly in talks with Chelsea - with rumours re Chelsea's Jimmy Smith (although elsewhere, Taylor said he wasn't interested in Smith)And ex-QPR's Aaron Brown has joined Gillingham after being released by Swindon.

BBC - Freedman agrees new Palace deal

Freedman scored three goals in 34 league appearances last season
Crystal Palace striker Dougie Freedman has agreed a new two-year contract which will tie him to Selhurst Park until the summer of 2009.
The 33-year-old Scotland international was out of contract this summer.
He has scored 72 goals in 245 league and cup appearances since returning to Palace for his second spell from Nottingham Forest in October 2000.
He scored 34 goals in 104 appearances in his first spell - and is Palace's joint fifth highest ever goalscorer. BBC

Palace eye Chelsea kids
This is Local London - By Stuart Pink

Peter Taylor is in talks with Chelsea regarding the possibility of signing one of their young starlets on a season-long loan.
The Eagles boss wants a winger to replace the now-departed Jobi McAnuff and has an eye on Blues youngsters Jimmy Smith and Scott Sinclair, who excelled while on loan in the Championship last season.
"I have spoken to assistant manager Steve Clarke about a few of their players," said Taylor.
"There is a possibility something could develop. Wingers are good to have up your sleeve, but I need someone with league experience.
"It will be hard to put a player who has not played much senior football in to the Championship."
Taylor hopes the Eagles' location can help beat competition from other Championship clubs.
He said: "I'm hopeful that being a London club will give us the edge on securing London-based players.
"Some clubs prefer it if their players are not too far away."
Twenty-year-old Smith enjoyed a successful year-long spell with QPR last season, making 31 appearances and scoring six goals, including a memorable strike against the Eagles.
Sinclair (pictured), 18, also scored against Palace while on a four-month loan deal with Plymouth Argyle.
He made 17 appearances, scoring four goals, and played twice for Chelsea when he returned towards the end of the season.
The Eagles left it late to take a Premiership youngster on loan last season, signing Iain Turner from Everton for one month.
But Taylor dismissed the suggestion he was not in favour of loan deals, insisting that an attacking player was worth the risk.
"I like long-term loans," he said.
"I want all my defenders in place before the start of the season, so they can become accustomed to each other.
"But attacking players bring something different."
Recruiting Smith or Sinclair would be a major coup for Taylor, but he insisted Palace fans should already be excited about next season.
"I think the fans will have a lot to look forward to, despite Jobi leaving and Gary Borrowdale and Darren Ward likely to go. I will have three very good replacements," he added. Report

BBC - Gillingham complete triple swoop

Brown, Cogan and Facey have all joined on free transfers
Gillingham have signed Rotherham striker Delroy Facey, Barnet midfielder Barry Cogan and Swindon midfielder Aaron Brown on free transfers.
Facey, 27, scored 11 goals last season as Rotherham were relegated.
Cogan, 22, was released by Barnet despite being a regular last season while 27-year-old Brown helped Swindon win promotion from League Two.
They have also confirmed the signing of Cheltenham defender Craig Armstrong, 32, which was recently reported..... BBC

Back in February, this site posted a list of QPR Fan sites. With the addition of "Battletank's" "new" QPR.org Battletank's New ORG an updated compilation.

There are a fair number of QPR fan sites on the web. Below is a PARTIAL listing - NOT necessarily in any order of "best" or of preference! A few additional QPR fan sites appear to have become defunct. [Profound apologies to any QPR Fan sites I may have omitted. Just contact me at qprreport@hotmail.com, and this list will be updated to include them.]

Besides the QPR Official Club website QPR Official Site

And this QPR Report Blog - QPR Report

- QPR Report Messageboard QPR Report Messageboard

QPR Fan Sites Include:

Battletank's New Org QPR.org originator Battletank's New ORG an updated compilation.

The replacement to Battletank's old org, the new Dot.org - Dot.org

QPR Rivals - QPR Rivals

QPR LSA - LSA

LSA Messageboard - New Messageboard

Old LSA Messageboard - Old Messageboard

Independent R's Review- Independent R's Review

QPRNet - QPRNet.com

Dave's Queens Park Rangers FC - Dave's QPR

QPR Mad - QPR Mad

QPR1st - QPR 1st

Boardroom Blues - Boardroom Blues

Independent R's Review - Independent R's Review

QPR Vital Football - QPR Vital Football

QPR NZ LSA - QPR NZ LSA

QPR NZ LSA Messageboard QPR LSA NZ Messageboard

QPR USA LSA - QPR USA LSA

Irish QPR (IQPR) - IQPR

Gamblog - QPR - Gamblog QPR

ADDITIONAL QPR SITES (IN ORDER OF RECEIVING ADDITIONS)

QPR News - QPR News

Danny's QPR Fans QPRFANS.NET

QPR Kent LSA - QPR Kent LSA

Lofty Heights-Hooped Dreams - Lofty Heights-Hooped Dreams

Swedish Hoops Swedish Hoops

Accrington Stanley Bowles - ASB

My Space/QPR FANS QPR FANS

My Space/Superhoopsqpr - Superhoopsqpr

My Space/QPRDOTORG - QPRdororg

QPR Supporters Norway - QPR Supporters Norway

QPR Supporters Sweden - QPR/Sweden

We Are The Rangers Boys WeAreTheRangersBoys

[Please Send any additional names & urls to qprreport@hotmail.com ]


Compilation of QPR Fan Sites

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1967-1968:

If "1967" has become synonymous with QPR's Wembley Victory (and the Third Division Championship!) 1968 was in some ways even more beyond belief. The Players Photo of Most of the 1967-1968 Players>

Forty Years ago, QPR were set to embark on an incredible season which culminated in the unbelievable: "Little QPR" Winning Promotion to the First Division - and in that most dramatic of manner; An own goal by our opponents, Aston Villa, just minutes from time, which saw QPR win promotion on Goal Difference. And QPR became only the second team to go from the Third Division to the First Division in successive seasons. (And passing us in the other direction: Fulham!)

Back in 1967-1969, it was promotion for the top two teams; and no playoffs! And it was goal aggregate (goals for divided by goals agains( rather than goal difference that determined a position in same number of points)

And then almost as a note in passing, 1967-1968 was also the season which saw Alan Wilks score a record five goals for QPR in their 5-1 League Cup victory over Oxford.

Managed by Alec Stock and Bill Dodgin...Captained by Mike Keen...Inspired by Rodney Marsh and Roger and Ian Morgan...

The Players: In 1967-1968: Mark Lazarus started with QPR and moved on to Crystal Palace. Formre England Goalkeeper, Ron Springett had returned to QPR in a swop, in which his brother Peter Springett moved to Sheffield Wednesday. Alan Harris joined QPR. Rodney Marsh missed the start of the season with a broken foot, but ended the season as top goalscorer with 14 goals. Near the transfer deadline, Frank Clarke joined QPR from Shrewsbury (after QPR failed to sign John O'Rourke)

Les Allen, Frank Clarke, Dave Clement, Alan Harris, Tony Hazell, Ron Hunt, Mike Keen, Bobby Keetch, Mick Leach, Rodney Marsh, Ian Morga, Roger Morgan, Keith Sanderson
Also: Mark Lazarus, Bobby Finch, Backup goalie, Mike Kelly, Frank Sibley, Ian Watson, Alan Wilks

[The 1967 Team Photo, mostly the same in 1968 - Photo and photos of most of the Players 1967-1968 Players Photos

1967/1968 - DIVISION TWO TABLE & RESULTS

Pld W D L GF GA Pts
1 Ipswich Town 42 22 15 5 79 44 59
2 Queens Park Rangers 42 25 8 9 67 36 58

3 Blackpool 42 24 10 8 71 43 58
4 Birmingham City 42 19 14 9 83 51 52
5 Portsmouth 42 18 13 11 68 55 49
6 Middlesbrough 42 17 12 13 60 54 46
7 Millwall 42 14 17 11 62 50 45
8 Blackburn Rovers 42 16 11 15 56 49 43
9 Norwich City 42 16 11 15 60 65 43
10 Carlisle United 42 14 13 15 58 52 41
11 Crystal Palace 42 14 11 17 56 56 39
12 Bolton Wanderers 42 13 13 16 60 63 39
13 Cardiff City 42 13 12 17 60 66 38
14 Huddersfield Town 42 13 12 17 46 61 38
15 Charlton Athletic 42 12 13 17 63 68 37
16 Aston Villa 42 15 7 20 54 64 37
17 Hull City 42 12 13 17 58 73 37
18 Derby County 42 13 10 19 71 78 36
19 Bristol City 42 13 10 19 48 62 36
20 Preston North End 42 12 11 19 43 65 35
21 Rotherham United 42 10 11 21 42 76 31
22 Plymouth Argyle 42 9 9 24 38 72 27

RESULTS

1-1 Away v Portsmouth 1967-08-19 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 1
2-0 Away v Bristol City 1967-08-22 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 2
2-0 Home v Norwich City 1967-08-26 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 3
3-1 Home v Bristol City 1967-08-29 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 4
3-1 Away v Rotherham United 1967-09-02 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 5
3-0 Home v Aston Villa 1967-09-05 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 6
0-1 Home v Derby County 1967-09-09 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 7
2-1 Home v Hull City 1967-09-12 Football League Cup, 1967/68, Round 2
2-0 Away v Preston North End 1967-09-16 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 8
2-1 Home v Charlton Athletic 1967-09-23 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 9
0-1 Away v Crystal Palace 1967-09-30 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 10
1-0 Home v Bolton Wanderers 1967-10-07 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 11
5-1 Home v Oxford United 1967-10-10 Football League Cup, 1967/68, Round 3
0-2 Away v Hull City 1967-10-14 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 12
3-1 Home v Millwall 1967-10-21 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 13
1-0 Away v Blackpool 1967-10-28 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 14
1-2 Home v Burnley 1967-10-31 Football League Cup, 1967/68, Round 4
1-3 Away v Carlisle United 1967-11-11 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 15
1-1 Home v Middlesbrough 1967-11-18 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 16
0-1 Away v Huddersfield Town 1967-11-25 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 17
1-0 Home v Ipswich Town 1967-12-02 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 18
0-2 Away v Birmingham City 1967-12-09 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 19
3-1 Home v Blackburn Rovers 1967-12-12 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 20
2-0 Home v Portsmouth 1967-12-16 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 21
0-0 Away v Norwich City 1967-12-23 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 22
1-0 Away v Plymouth Argyle 1967-12-26 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 23
4-1 Home v Plymouth Argyle 1967-12-30 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 24
6-0 Home v Rotherham United 1968-01-06 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 25
2-0 Home v Preston North End 1968-01-20 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 26
1-3 Home v Preston North End 1968-01-27 F.A. Cup, 1967/68, Round 3
3-3 Away v Charlton Athletic 1968-02-03 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 27
2-1 Home v Crystal Palace 1968-02-10 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 28
0-4 Away v Derby County 1968-02-17 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 29
1-1 Away v Bolton Wanderers 1968-02-24 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 30
1-1 Home v Hull City 1968-03-09 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 31
1-1 Away v Millwall 1968-03-16 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 32
2-0 Home v Blackpool 1968-03-23 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 33
1-0 Away v Blackburn Rovers 1968-03-30 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 34
1-0 Home v Carlisle United 1968-04-06 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 35
1-0 Home v Cardiff City 1968-04-12 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 36
1-3 Away v Middlesbrough 1968-04-13 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 37
0-1 Away v Cardiff City 1968-04-16 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 38
3-0 Home v Huddersfield Town 1968-04-20 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 39
2-2 Away v Ipswich Town 1968-04-27 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 40
2-0 Home v Birmingham City 1968-05-04 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 41
2-1 Away v Aston Villa 1968-05-11 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 42

Statistics Source

Statistics.

P W D L F A Home% Away% Total%

All League Matches 42 25 8 9 67 36 90.5% 47.6% 69.05%
F.A. Cup 1 0 0 1 1 3 0.0% - 0.00%
Football League Cup 3 2 0 1 8 4 66.7% - 66.67%

Home 25 20 2 3 54 16 84.0% - 84.00%
Away 21 7 6 8 22 27 - 47.6% 47.62%

August 4 3 1 0 8 2 100.0% 75.0% 87.50%
September 7 5 0 2 12 5 75.0% 66.7% 71.43%
October 6 4 0 2 11 6 75.0% 50.0% 66.67%
November 3 0 1 2 2 5 50.0% 0.0% 16.67%
December 7 5 1 1 11 4 100.0% 50.0% 78.57%
January 3 2 0 1 9 3 66.7% - 66.67%
February 4 1 2 1 6 9 100.0% 33.3% 50.00%
March 4 2 2 0 5 2 75.0% 75.0% 75.00%
April 6 3 1 2 8 6 100.0% 16.7% 58.33%
May 2 2 0 0 4 1 100.0% 100.0% 100.00%

Weekend Match 36 19 8 9 55 36 83.3% 44.4% 63.89%
Midweek Match 10 8 0 2 21 7 85.7% 66.7% 80.00%

Statistics

And for further Nostalgia: "Where Are They Now" - See QPRNet's Section for some of the players from the 1960s

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[Not explained why the appointment has been described by QPR as "temporary"]
Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times
Parker is back to tackle a new challenge

PAUL Parker insists he has no designs on a coaching role at QPR despite his return to Loftus Road this week.
The former Rangers defender has had two spells as a manager at non-league level, but says coaching is behind him for good after taking up a new role as commercial and communications director with his old club.
Parker, who is combining the job with media work for broadcasters Setanta Sports, told the Times: "I'll be nothing to do with the football side of things.
"I've had my stint in managing and decided I liked being able to sleep at weekends, not having 11 to 16 people affecting my life.
"But I like being around a football club - that's what my life has been about - and I've always had a lot of affection for Queens Park Rangers.
"I was looking at the pitch on my first day and, while it brought back memories of when I played there, I'd rather be upstairs trying to do some good for the club.
"The idea is to help bring in new business, get more people involved, and try to get QPR back to where I believe the club should be."
Part of the reason for Parker's appointment was the popularity he enjoyed among QPR fans, having produced four years of consistency and excellence as sweeper, centre-back and full-back.
He played a major role in guiding Rangers to their second highest finish in the league - fifth in 1988 - and broke into the England squad to become a World Cup semi-finalist in 1990.
Parker's exit in a £2m transfer to Manchester United a year later was seen as inevitable, but he declared: "I never wanted to leave.
"I had no interest in playing for another London club, but Rangers decided they were going to cash in after the World Cup and, when Manchester United come knocking on your door, you've got to go."
Parker went on to win a clutch of medals with the Red Devils and wound down his career with Derby and Sheffield United, while Rangers lurched out of the Premiership and into a downward spiral.
But he is confident that the club is now moving forward, adding: "A lot of things have improved since John Gregory came back last season.
"I come from east London and I always likened QPR to West Ham in that the community supports its club and it has that homely feel.
"I still see that around QPR now and it's great to be back here."
QPR are expecting to finalise a new contract with Danish striker Marc Nygaard during the next few weeks. The 30-year-old forward is set to follow club captain Marcus Bignot, who signed a one-year deal to stay at Loftus Road last week.
Nygaard is one of only four first-team strikers left at the club following the departures of Paul Furlong and Kevin Gallen. Kilburn Times

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Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times - More interest... but not in the club

QPR board members have confirmed that the club will be facing steeper payments on their ABC loan over the next five years.
As Rangers chairman Gianni Paladini revealed in the Times last month, the club's failure to pay off their £10m borrowing means they must cope with an increased interest rate until 2012.
Solicitor Kevin Steele, who became a non-executive director last season, told shareholders at Friday's annual general meeting that the board's strenuous efforts to find new finance had not yet borne fruit.
"In discussions with various banks, hedge funds, you name it, we have found that they are not prepared to take on a loan for a football club," said Steele.
"There are two reasons for this. One is the adverse publicity of - if the worst were to happen - a bank taking over a football club and closing it down. Then they would end up with an empty stadium on which they were paying rates.
"We've all been negotiating very hard and we still have the possibility of outside investment coming in, but the loans are with us for the foreseeable future."
Under the terms of the ABC loan, which enabled QPR to come out of administration in 2002, the interest rate will now rise to 11.59 per cent, although Steele is confident of negotiating a slight reduction on that.
Since a proposed deal with Oldham chairman Simon Blitz collapsed at the end of last season, the board have continued to hold discussions with potential buyers.
Paladini confirmed at Friday's meeting that he had spoken to a group represented by Ronny Rosenthal, the former Israeli international striker, and now an agent.
Paladini and Antonio Caliendo, the chairman of QPR Holdings Ltd, have both offered to step down and sell their shares for their original purchase price, as well as writing off six-figure loans to the club.
Legal adviser Nick de Marco, who is also a non-executive member of the board, stated: "They will not call in their loans unless the club goes into the Premiership.
"There are people with pots of gold out there, but most of them have it because they are careful with their money and investing in a football club can be a risky business."
Nevertheless, the club's turnover increased by £636,000 in the 2005-06 season, and the imminent increase in Sky TV money, as well as a major reduction in the wage bill, gives De Marco plenty of hope for the future.
He added: "Last year the overspend was largely due to the number of players, but John [Gregory] has drastically cut the squad and that's why projected losses are down."
The meeting, which saw all resolutions passed, including the re-election of Caliendo as chairman, was otherwise noteworthy for only two reasons.
Persistent problems with the sound system meant that many shareholders struggled to hear questions and answers - although they did manage to hear an irate outburst from club president Harold Winton.
Winton vehemently denied unidentified claims that he and his family had benefited financially from the sale of teenage midfielder Dean Parrett to Tottenham.
Winton, who funded the signing of Danny Shittu from Charlton in 2002, added: "We have so far not taken one penny of our investment back on Shittu.
"Our entire profit is being loaned to the club indefinitely to buy another player for QPR and we have earmarked that player.
"We will continue to do every single thing we can to support the board and the club and see that this club is successful and continues in a progressive manner.
Kilburn Times

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QPR Official Site - NO DEAL!
The Club have today (Tuesday) rejected an improved six figure offer from Colchester United for teenage hot-shot Ray Jones.
Rangers Chairman Gianni Paladini knocked back an initial £200,000 offer from the Layer Road outfit yesterday morning and has also rebuffed the U's improved offer, made at lunchtime today.
Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, Paladini reiterated his desire to keep his best players at Loftus Road: "Unless the price is right, we won't be selling our best players.
"We've rejected offers for a few of our players in the last 24 hours and I'll say it again, we're not willing to let our best players leave the Club on the cheap.''
Paladini continued: "We're building for the future here and that means keeping our best players.
"Ray has a very bright career ahead of him and he's an integral part of our first team squad.'' QPR

COLCHESTER OFFICIAL SITE
UPDATE-Ray Jones Latest Posted on: Tue 19 Jun 2007
The U's improved six figure offer for Ray Jones has once again been knocked back by QPR.
The eighteen year old Londoner has made thirty-seven appearances for the Hoops, nineteen from the substitutes' bench, and has scored six goals.
An initial bid of £200,000 was made to the West London club on Monday morning for the striker who scored the winning goal against the U's at Loftus Road last season.
This bid was rejected straight away and the U's Board then discussed the possibility of increasing the bid for Jones, who could be seen as an ideal replacement for Chris Iwelumo.
Following these discussions, a further bid was made on Tuesday lunchtime but QPR Chairman Gianni Paldini insisted that this latest offer was still short of his valuation of Jones.
U's owner and Board member Robbie Cowling told CU-FC.COM that Jones was one of the players who Geraint Williams had identified to the board and they would do everything they could to strenthen Geraint's squad.
"We were hoping to secure the services of Ray Jones early this week but both our offers have so far been rejected. In the meantime, negotiations with other players who George has identified are ongoing and we are sure that there will be positive transfer news over the coming weeks." Colchester

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Mark Bircham's comments about QPR and Gianni Paladini (and Paladini's response); Danny Dichio who limped off on Saturday, did not break anything. Birthdays today for two former QPR players: David Kerslake and Paul McGee

A report on Mark Bircham's comments in the Gazette (and Chairman Paladini's response) can be read here at Independent Rs site or here at Clive Whittingham/QPR Rivals

Toronto- Danny Dichio suffers ankle sprain Toronto FC Media Relations
After undergoing further x-rays on Monday, Toronto FC forward Danny Dichio has been diagnosed with a sprained ankle.
Dichio suffered the injury in the 33rd minute of Sunday's game against FC Dallas; he remained on the field for the remainder of the half, but was substituted in the second half for forward Andrea Lombardo.
He is listed as 50-50 for this Saturday's game against the New England Revolution in Massachusetts.
"Obviously we're very happy that the x-rays were negative and nothing was broken", said Head Coach Mo Johnston. "Danny's a very big part of this team, and we'll be doing everything to make sure he's taking care and getting the right treatment and hopefully he'll be ready to play on Saturday." Toronto

[See earlier re Dichio injury

Two Birthdays: Former QPR England youth International David Kerslake turn 41 - Born June 19, 1966 - Profile
See Wikipedia and QPR' Irish International Paul McGeee, who was at QPR for a couple of seasons in the late 1970s - Born June 19, 1954, turning 53 - Profile

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Swindon Advertizer - Consortium has still got Power’ By Gareth Moorhouse

"TRUSTSTFC remains "100 per cent confident" Bill Power will continue to finance the fans' consortium bid to buy the club, despite rumours linking him with a return to QPR.
Power was chairman of the Championship outfit between 2003 and 2005, before a fall-out with current Loftus Road chief Gianni Paladini.
Last week Paladini announced his intention to sell the London-based club, with Power's name mentioned as a possible investor.
Reports suggested the pair met for lunch on Thursday, before Paladini told the club's AGM the following night that Power was interested in a possible return.
Trust chairman Davis, however, has been in close contact with Power and his business partner Phil Emmel, insists Town fans have no reason to panic about the collapse of the consortium's bid.
He said: "Every time there is talk of a takeover at QPR Bill Power is going to be linked with it.
"He is a high-profile name and a life long fan of the club, but this news is not making me nervous.
"We are in ongoing contact with Bill and Phil Emmel and we are 100 per cent confident they are committed to the fans' consortium and that their investment in Swindon Town Football club remains undiminished."
Power and his lawyers remain locked in talks with Swindon Town over the £1.2 million he invested in the County Ground club last April.
Power is adamant the money was offered as a loan, while the club insist the investment was made in return for shares.
He was unavailable for comment on the matter last night.
Meanwhile, the Trust yesterday made the contents of their letter to CVA administrator Andrew Andronikou public.
The letter, written in response to comments in Saturday's Swindon Advertiser, demanded an apology for Andronikou's remarks about "20 or 30 busybodies.'' The Trust letter said: "Fans' legitimate fears about the survival of their football club will not be allayed by vague promises.
"We would suggest that rather than dishing out gratuitous insults to the loyal fans of Swindon Town in the local media, you confine yourself to the job you were appointed to do - protecting the interests of the creditors." Swindon Advertizer

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Blues close in on Doherty
This is Local London By Dave Peters

"[Wycombe] Wanderers are closing in on last season's Player of the Year midfielder Tommy Doherty.
They were yesterday discussing a transfer fee with QPR about a permanent switch for the man who was on loan at Adams Park last season.
The fee is thought to be nowhere near the £100,000 Rangers were reported to be asking last week for the want-away former Northern Ireland international.
Wycombe were originally hoping Rangers would let him go for nothing just to get him off their wage bill.
But R's chairman Gianni Paladini said: "It's very simple. We just cannot afford to let Tommy go for free."
Wanderers managing director Steve Hayes is confident a deal can be reached.
He told the Blues' official website: "What Rangers haven't pointed out is how much it would cost them in wages if Tommy was to see out the remaining 12 months of his contract. They will actually save money if they let him come to us now."This is Local London

WYCOMBE OFFICIAL SITE
Latest from Adams Park - MORE TO COME Written by: Matt Cecil - 19/06/07
"...Wanderers' Managing Director Steve Hayes has reassured fans that more new signings are in the pipeline as boss Paul Lambert continues to build his new-look squad.
"I know that supporters are impatient to hear about new arrivals," Steve told wwfc.com today, "but it takes time and a lot of effort to get these deals completed. We're getting close on a couple of big signings, but we're not ready to announce anything yet."
"...MD Hayes has also talked to wwfc.com about the speculation surrounding two of Wanderers' most popular players from last season, skipper Tommy Mooney and supporters' player of the year Tommy Doherty.
He told us: "Nothing has happened yet with either of them. Mooney has only just returned from holiday and now Doherty has gone off on his summer break. With Moons it's a case of finding time to sit down with him and his agent and taking it from there. The situation with Doherty is more complicated because he's still a Queens Park Rangers player and he has a year left on his contract with them...
Wycombe

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Probably only available for a very few more weeks: The 2006-07 Team photo. Numerous players have left. Probably one or two others will move on soon. And some players from last season, who have since moved on, are not even in the photo. Also: The Staff Directory from August 2006 which has its own changes.

The 2006-2007 TEAM PHOTO

QUEENS PARK RANGERS FC
Back (l-r): Nick Ward, Ray Jones, Jon Munday, Dan Shittu, Ian Evatt, Pat Kanyuka, Marc Nygaard, Damion Stewart, Mauro Milanese, Stefan Moore, Armel Tchakounte, Egutu Oliseh, Paul Furlong, Matthew Rose.

Middle: Graeme Staddon (Massage Therapist), Tony Roberts (Goalkeeping Goach), Tommy Doherty, Andrew Howell, Scott Donnelly, Jake Cole, Sean Thomas, Simon Royce, Paul Jones, Stefan Bailey, Dominic Shimmin, Matthew Hislop, Justin Skinner (Reserve Manager), John O'Brien (Head of Recruitment).

Front: Mark Barry (Sports Scientist), Prav Mathema (Physiotherapist), Steve Lomas, Marc Bircham, Martin Rowlands, Kevin Gallen, Alan McDonald (Assistant Manager), Gary Waddock (Manager), Gareth Ainsworth, Marcus Bignot, Lee Cook, Shabazz Baidoo, Gary Doyle (Kit Man), Bobby Bacic (Assistant Physiotherapist). QPR Team Photo

From August 2006 - QPR's Updated Club Directory -

QPR OFFICIAL SITE NEW Staff Directory

Chairman - Gianni Paladini

Non-executive Directors - Franco Zanotti, Olga Paladini, Antonio Caliendo

Club Secretary - Sheila Marson

Chief Operating Officer - Graham Mackrell

Chief Financial Officer - Chris Pennington

First Team Coaching Staff

Manager - Gary Waddock

Assistant Manager - Alan McDonald

Reserve Team Manager - Justin Skinner

Goalkeeper Coach - Tony Roberts

Physiotherapist - Prav Mathema

Assistant Physiotherapist - Bobby Bacic

Youth and Recruitment

Head of Youth - Joe Gallen

Head of Youth Recruitment - John O'Brien johnob@qpr.co.uk

Box Office

Box Office Manager - Jenny Elliott boxoffice@qpr.co.uk

Press Office

Press & Publications Manager - Jackie Bass: 020 8740 2536 jackieb@qpr.co.uk

Press & Publications Officer - Ian Taylor: 020 8740 2541 iant@qpr.co.uk

New Media Manager - Paul Morrissey: 020 8897 5419 paulm@qpr.co.uk

Commercial Department

Commercial Manager - Gary Hooper: 020 8740 2518 garyh@qpr.co.uk

Sales Administration Manager - Geraldine Field: 020 8740 2588 geraldinef@qpr.co.uk

Football in the Community

Community Scheme Manager - Andy Evans andye@qpr.co.uk

Ladies Football - Martino Chevannes martinoc@qpr.co.uk
As of August 2006

[As Compared to the Staff Directory as of June 19 2007 (with Paul Parker not yet added to the Directory/or any deletions made - Staff Directory

UPDATE! - STAFF DIRECTORY UPDATED THIS MORNING!
QPR STAFF DIRECTORY ONLINE
Commercial Department
Commercial & Communications Director - Paul Parker
Commercial Manager - Gary Hooper
Updated Staff Directory

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A definite wow/shades of Johnny Haynes! So proud of those QPR fans!

Gillingham fans make top 10 in the style league
Gills supporters have beaten most of the country in the league of most stylish fans on the terrace.
They came eighth in the new Brylcreem league of all 92 English clubs.
Director of sales at the club, John Holmes said: "We have a big push with our fans this year,and I have to admit we are both stylish on the pitch and off the pitch.
"We are delighted our fans have done so well in this league – coming in so high is testimony to the elegance of our supporters. They are truly a slick lot."
Reading has the most stylish football fans in the country, according to the widespread new survey.
Wigan and Blackburn were sent to the Conference as Reading took the cup in the Brylcreem League of Style...
In the first piece of research of its kind, Brylcreem interviewed football fans from all 92 English league clubs – 4,500 in total – asking them about their taste in everything from hairstyle, clothes labels, favourite drink and stylish holidays and nights out.
Responses were graded out of 10 with a maximum points score of 60.
Fans

England's Most Stylish Footie Fans.

1 Reading 52
2 Northampton 51
3 Southampton 50
4 Chelsea 49
5 QPR 49
6 Bristol Rovers 49
7 Doncaster Rovers 48
8 Gillingham 48
9 Hartlepool Utd 48
10 Bristol City 48
11 Coventry City 48
12 Plymouth Argyle 48
13 Hereford Utd 47
14 Brentford 47
15 Charlton Athletic 47
16 West Ham United 46
17 Bury 46
18 Shrewsbury Town 46
19 Lincoln City 46
20 Leicester City 46
21 Nottingham Forest 46
22 Yeovil 46
23 Crewe Alexandria 45
24 Port Vale 45
25 Tranmere Rovers 45
26 Accrington Stanley 45
27 Portsmouth 45
28 Stock port County 45
29 Bradford City 45
30 Carlisle Utd 45
31 Luton Town 45
32 Torquay Utd 45
33 Brighton and Hove Albion 45
34 Crystal Palace 45
35 Chester City 44
36 Swansea City 44
37 Sunderland 44
38 West Bromwich Albion 44
39 Millwall 44
40 Boston Utd 44
41 Huddersfield Utd 44
42 Norwich City 44
43 Stoke City 44
44 Birmingham City 44
45 Rochdale 43
46 Wrexham 43
47 Preston North End 43
48 Walsall 43
49 Bolton Wanderers 43
50 Notts County 43
51 Oldham 43
52 Scunthorpe 43
53 MK Dons 43
54 Colchester 43
55 Manchester City 43
56 Tottenham Hotspur 42
57 Burnley 42
58 Sheffield Wednesday 42
59 Grimsby 42
60 Cardiff City 42
61 Leeds Utd 42
62 Sheffield Utd 41
63 Watford 41
64 Rotherham 41
65 Blackpool 41
66 Cheltenham 41
67 Derby 41
68 Wycombe 41
69 Middlesbrough 41
70 Manchester Utd 41
71 Arsenal 41
72 Peterborough Utd 40
73 Barnsley 40
74 Chesterfield 40
75 Darlington 40
76 Ipswich Town 40
77 Mansfield Town 40
78 Macclesfield 40
79 Wolverhampton Wanderers 40
80 Everton 40
81 Southend Utd 39
82 Bournemouth 39
83 Newcastle Utd 39
84 Fulham 39
85 Hull City 39
86 Aston Villa 39
87 Swindon Town 38
88 Leyton Orient 38
89 Barnet 38
90 Liverpool 37
91 Blackburn Rovers 36
92 Wigan Athletic

The Sun - Royals fans are simply the best
By JACOB STEINBERG June 13, 2007
"...It is simply the findings of the Brylcreem Premier League of Style, which set out to find out which club boasts the most stylish supporters.
So while the Northampton lads may never require their passports for a European tie....Brylcreem interviewed fans of all 92 English league clubs, asking them questions based on their taste when it comes to hairstyle, clothes labels, favourite drink, stylish holidays and nights out.
Responses were marked out of 10 and the overall target was out of 60
The Sun

Brylcream

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Ex-QPR Justin Cochrane was today released by Rotherham.

Rotherham United Official Site - Three Players Released
Three players have today been released by Rotherham United , Pablo Mills, Justin Cochrane and Richie Partridge have all been told they are not in Mark Robins and John Breckins future plans for The Millers. Rotherham

See career of 25-year old Cochrane who signed for Rotherham last summer and played in more than half their games this season.

Wikipedia Profile

Career

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On the web: FREE THE FIXTURES

On the web: A newly-created website by fans calling for the right for fans to publish team fixtures, without being charged. "...We the fans should be free to publish our teams fixtures on our sites. Please sign the petition and we will present it to the people that are responsible for charging the fans to publish THEIR fixtures..."Free The Fixtures

Supporters of this effortPetition

Update: See Also VitalFootball - QPR re this Effort

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QPR Official Site - JONES BID REJECTED

The Club have rejected a £200,000 offer from Colchester United for teenage striker Ray Jones.
The R's received a formal offer from the U's this morning for the 19 year-old's services, but Chairman Gianni Paldini was quick to rebuff the approach.
Commenting on the derisory bid, Paladini said: "There's no way we're going to sell our best players unless the price is right and Ray Jones has a very big part to play in our future.''
Stay tuned to www.qpr.co.uk for all the latest, breaking news! QPR

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[Seems slightly unusual for this to be posted on a club's official site.]

Colchester Official Site
Jones Offer Rejected
The U's six figure offer for Ray Jones has been knocked back by QPR.
A bid of £200,000 was made to the West London club for the striker who scored the winning goal against the U's at Loftus Road last season but it was not enough to prise Jones away from Rangers.
This may not be the end of the matter though, as the U's Board are now considering going back to QPR with an increased bid for the highly rated centre forward.
He has also scored one goal in three cup games for Rangers since he signed as a professional in July 2005, after coming though the youth system at Loftus Road.
Colchester

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On this day three years ago, June 18, 2004 QPR CEO David Davies announced his departure. A few days later, QPR's Chairman, Nick Blackburn resigned. With the departure of Davies, Blackburn and Ross Jones (Chairman of the PLC), the new people in charge of QPR became Bill Power who became QPR Chairman, Kevin McGrath who became QPR PLC Chairman; and Gianni Paladini (whose wife officially became a Director).
Below BBC report + analyses from that period from "Boardroom Blues" and Ron Norris at the old QPR Rivals

June 18, 2004 BBC -Davies leaving Loftus Road
Queens Park Rangers chief executive David Davies is leaving the club.
The departure of Davies, who has been at QPR for four years, was confirmed after a series of board meetings.
"Whilst I am naturally sad to be leaving, I'd like to place on record my best wishes to the players and the supporters for the future," he said.
QPR Holdings chairman Ross Jones said: "He has worked his socks off for the company and I am personally very grateful for all he has done." BBC

BBC - June 24, 2004 QPR chief stands down
Nick Blackburn has resigned as Queens Park Rangers chairman.
His future has been in doubt since the recent resignation of chief executive David Davies.
Blackburn was former Rangers owner Chris Wright's deputy before taking over as chairman when Wright quit the club in 2001.
Davies, Blackburn and company chairman Ross Jones are leaving as part of a shake-up at Loftus Road following disagreements at board level.
Blackburn told the club's website: "I will always be proud that I was chairman of the football club when it achieved promotion.

"And I particularly enjoyed my close personal and professional relationship with manager Ian Holloway."

Blackburn was effectively at the helm through all of the club's worst times and, while we don't doubt his professed commitment to QPR, we will not miss him
QPR director Bill Power will replace Blackburn, with fellow director Kevin McGrath appointed acting plc chairman.
Justin Pieris of the QPR supporters' trust, QPR 1st, welcomed news of Blackburn's departure.
Blackburn angered fans by considering a merger with Wimbledon and was also associated with the club's slide into administration.
Pieris said: "Nick Blackburn was our last link with the years of waste that followed QPR's relegation from the Premiership.
"As Chris Wright's deputy, he was effectively at the helm through all of the club's worst times and, while we don't doubt his professed commitment to QPR, we will not miss him.
"His attempt to broker the merger of Wimbledon FC and Rangers was probably the single act that cost him most trust amongst supporters.
"He never regained that trust, deservedly so." BBC

BOARDROOM BLUES - June 21 2004 - END OF WRIGHT ERA APPROACHES
Monday 21 June 2004

Chief executive David Davies is to leave Loftus Road "by mutual agreement" next month, and it is reported that directors Ross Jones and Nick Blackburn will soon follow. With their departure the QPR boardroom will finally be rid of Chris Wright's appointees.

The exact reasons for Davies' exit are not yet clear, although QPR's official website refers to a "restructuring" at the club. This is likely to mean that there are plans afoot to convert the plc into a private company and / or that cost-cutting measures off the pitch are underway (even with loan repayments to the ABC Corporation running at £1m a year many QPR supporters are baffled as to how the club, with vastly improved merchandise sales and record attendances, can still be losing money hand over fist).

During Davies' four years at Loftus Road numerous potential investors have come and gone, and Davies is on record as describing most of them as "men of straw" with two exceptions, both of whom he courted vigorously on behalf of the club. The first was Australian David Thorne, and Davies described it as a "hammer blow" when Thorne withdrew his offer to invest. The second was Milwaukee Wave owner Tim Krause: after 18 months of prevarication QPR have given Krause a deadline of today and there is still no sign whatsoever of his investment materialising.

Davies assumed more responsibility than most chief executives of league football clubs and was often left to deal with crises alone when you would have expected chairmen or directors to step in and take over or at least provide help. Consequently he leaves big footprints, and it will be interesting to see who fills them over the coming months.

Boardroom Blues believes that behind the scenes Gianni Paladini has been trying to restructure the club since April when he bought 22% of the plc shares and installed his representative, accountant Mohammed Azeem Malik, on the board of directors. It seems probable that Paladini has now persuaded directors Kevin McGrath and Bill Power to line up with him and outvote the old guard. Boardroom Blues


QPR Rivals - June 19, 2004 DD's D-Day By Ron Norris
It was announced today that Chief Executive David Davies will leave Loftus Road next month sparking rumours of a possible imminent investment at QPR.
David Davies To Leave QPR
Davies joined QPR four years ago and leaves the club by mutual consent. He will stay until July at which point you would expect him to be handing over to someone, who that might be remains a mystery.

DD's departure has been met with mixed reactions; there is no doubt that he has done some good for the club. He is clearly a good face for QPR. He is eloquent, media friendly and comes across as an approachable man.

His impeccable handling of the recent situation with Ian Wright showed just how astute he can be, however he came in for much criticism just before Christmas when his ill timed comments to a local paper about the clubs financial position created wide spread panic.

Davies moved the club into, through and out of administration, taking out the highly controversial loan with ABC in the process; something he still maintains was unavoidable despite many protestations to the contrary. He leaves the club promoted with record season ticket sales and heading in the right direction.

He was involved in the decision to bring Ian Holloway to the club, which has undoubtedly been our best managerial appointment of recent years, however it was one the board lucked into having been turned down by all their principal choices.

His reputation took a major battering the day he decided to take three Rangers fans to court after a leaked boardroom memo was placed on a QPR website.

In a recent interview with QPRnet.com Davies defended this decision by saying "We've come too far to have people treat QPR like it's an amateur club. It's a professional club, it's got good people in it and I'm dammed if I'm going to have people treat it like no name United playing in an amateur league".

It was a move that left a sour taste in the mouth of many and one that could forever tarnish his legacy at Loftus Road. QPR Rivals


Also see QPR Net Interview with then CEO, David Davies

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Completing the Ex-QPR "Trilogy" of blog posts today, news of former QPR Chairman, Bill Power.
Western Daily Press/James McNamara - June 18, POWER COULD SNUB SWINDON
The fans' consortium bid to buy Swindon Town could be in doubt after QPR chief Gianni Paladini revealed that Bill Power is interested in buying back in to the Championship club.Power - the consortium's financial backer - has made no secret of the fact that he is a lifelong Rangers fan and was chairman until an acrimonious departure in 2005.
Rangers chairman Paladini last week confirmed that he and the current owners were willing to accept £4m to sell up and walk away - and that has alerted Power to the possibility of making a return to Loftus Road.
Power and Paladini joined forces in 2003 to topple the previous QPR board, but the relationship quickly turned sour.
But the two men appear to have reconciled their differences and met for lunch on Thursday.
Paladini then announced at the club's AGM on Friday that Power had intimated that he was interested in re-igniting his involvement at Loftus Road.
That could have serious consequences for the consortium's bid to take control after a £4m offer was formally tabled in March.
Power has been frustrated at the lack of progress and talks are currently at a standstill over the signing of documents to allow negotiations to begin in private.
The two parties are wrangling over the exact nature of the £1.2million that Power invested in April 2006, before his involvement in the club was ended after he was injured in a plane crash less than six months later.
Power insists the money was in the way of a loan, while the club maintain that the investment was made in return for shares.
That has led to the threat of legal action from Power, but both parties' lawyers are believed to have maintained dialogue to try and find an acceptable resolution to the issue.
Power was unavailable for comment last night, but the Daily Press understands that leading members of the consortium will seek assurances of his continuing commitment to the bid later this week - Report

See Also:

QPR Report: June 11: Ex-QPR Chairman Bill Power and Swindon - "Dispute"...

QPR Report/June 8 re Bill Power

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Eagles land in Ghana 2008 - …Beat Niger 3–1
Sun 0 By CHIMAOBI UCHENDU Monday, June 18, 2007

"Baring a shocker from Lesotho in the last home match, Nigeria’s Super Eagles are home and dry for the Nations Cup in Ghana in January 2008.
Eagles, yesterday (Sunday), in Niamey, secured a fourth win in the qualifying duel as they beat Niger’s Mena 3–1 to extend their lead on top of Group 3 by five goals.
The match, which started slowly, gained momentum in the closing stages of the first half, as Eagles dictated the pace in all departments and scored the opening goal through Skipper Kanu Nwankwo in the 40th minute with a well connected header.
The goal wh ich caught Niger keeper off his line added tension in the defence of the hosts, as they committed blunders at the backline, but were lucky not to conceed more goals before the blast of the referees whistle signaling the end of the first half.
Upon resumption of the second half, the hosts came out more purposeful unlike the first half, knocking the balls perfectly but were always stopped by Eagles defence led by Watford of Eangland defender, Danny Shittu...
. REport

And Pre-Match: Tides - Shittu confident of Eagles’ success
Saturday, Jun 16, 2007

Super Eagles’ defence strongman, Danny Shittu has expressed confidence that Nigeria will prevail over Niger in their Cup of Nations tie scheduled for tomorrow in Niamey.

He declared from their training camp in Abuja on Wednesday; “I am quite impressed with the training and team spirit in our camp here in Abuja. I believe this will be sustained until we take on Niger on Sunday.”

He added “I am happy with the level of commitment and dedication shown so far by the players in camp; and this is a positive development for the team.”

Shittu therefore appealed to Nigerians to give the national team the required support to enable them prevail over their opponents in the vital Cup of Nations battle.

The Watford defender who played a full game for Nigeria against the Cranes of Uganda in Kampala a forthnight ago stated “Nigerians should put our unfortunate loss to Uganda behind them and give us the required support so that we will beat Niger in the crucial qualifier game for the Ghana 2008 African Cup of Nations. “He further appealed to Nigerians not to lose faith in the national team following their recent loss to the Cranes of Uganda in the African Cup of Nations preliminary tie in Kampala.

“It is a pity we lost that game to Uganda, especially being my first full one for the country. I can understand why Nigerians are unhappy with us, but they should understand that football can be unpredictable.”

The strong defender stressed, “It is a pity really that we lost the game as a result of two penalty kicks awarded against us by the referee that handled our game. But for those penalties, there was no way they could have penetrated our defence. I am happy that I was part of the team even though we lost. Nigerians should exercise patience and give us the support needed to beat Niger in Niamey.” Report

[And in transfer gossip, Shittu has recently been linked to Wigan, Reading and Birminham and Fulham.]

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In the MLS (Major League Soccer), Steve Morrow's FC Dallas were crushed 4-0 by Danny Dichio's (and just maybe one day Marc Bircham's!) Toronto: 4-0. Dichio scored, made a goal and limped off!

Match Report: - Toronto FC run riot over FC Dallas
Canadian side's attacking blitz too much for Hoops to handle
By Mark Polishuk / MLSnet.com Staff
TORONTO -- The team with the best overall record in Major League Soccer came to Toronto -- and it was no contest. But it was Toronto FC that recorded the big victory, routing FC Dallas 4-0 on Sunday afternoon at BMO Field in the biggest win in Toronto history and Dallas' heaviest defeat of the season.
Maurice Edu knocked in a Danny Dichio rebound to open the scoring in the 22nd minute, and Dichio himself scored just a few minutes later as part of an extended TFC assault on the Hoops' goal. ...
Goldthwaite's centering pass found Dichio in the goal area, but Dichio was stopped twice at point-blank range by FCD 'keeper Dario Sala. Midfielder Edu was well-positioned, though, to knock the ball home for his second goal of the season.
Dichio broke through with a goal of his own just a few minutes later. Carl Robinson sent a beautifully-aimed direct free kick that found Dichio just outside of the goal area. The big forward headed the ball past Sala for his team-leading fourth goal of the season....
The only negative for Toronto FC on the day was a possible injury to Dichio. The striker required on-field treatment for an apparent right ankle injury in the 33rd minute, and was clearly favoring the injury for the remainder of the half. Andrea Lombardo replaced Dichio at the start of the second half.....
- Match Report

Dichio's Injury - Metro - Canada MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2007
An hour after his team’s 4-0 win over FC Dallas yesterday, Toronto FC striker Danny Dichio hobbled through the locker room with his swollen left ankle swaddled in a thick tensor bandage. Fresh from an X-ray at the Ricoh Coliseum, he was waiting for another X-ray at a hospital that might reveal just how badly he’d been injured.
Late in the first half he leapt over Dallas defender Clarence Goodson for a header, then rolled his left ankle when he landed.
After the game he said the ankle was numb, and early X-rays showed what might be a small crack in the bone.
“It had nothing to do with (Goodson),” Dichio said. “I landed on my own foot and put my whole pressure onto the bottom of my foot as I landed. I’ve just got to see what they say at the X-ray and hopefully it’s good news.”...
“If I get one glimpse at (Robinson’s) eyes where he knows he’s going to play it early for me, I know what position to get in,” Dichio said. “He can put it on a sixpence in there for me. It was a fantastic ball.”
Eight minutes after that goal he twisted his ankle.
Dichio realizes his injury comes at an inconvenient time — Toronto now plays six straight road games — but he won’t count himself out until a doctor says he can’t play.
“I’m not going to start panicking yet because we don’t want to put people into pressure situations,” Dichio said. “But I know we’re short on forwards at the moment. Jeff (Cunningham) is scoring, and I know Andrea (Lombardo) is going away but we’ve got people who can step up.”
Despite his shrinking roster, Johnston’s not worried either, but realizes Dichio’s injury makes signing Samuel, who just finished a week-long tryout, an even higher priority.
Robinson headed Toronto’s third goal in the 65th minute from a pass by Kevin Goldthwaite and Cunningham nodded in the fourth in injury time. News

TorontoFC Dallas

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Tracy Stent of QPR1st has writen a comprehensive report of the June 15 QPR Holdings AGM. The Report can be read at the QPR1st Site.
QPR1st Report on AGM

See Also:

QPR Rivals' Clive Whittingham's AGM Report

Past Assertions about QPR's Finances

AGM Came and Went"

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QPR Rivals' Clive Whittingham's account of Friday's AGM
reports that "[Director] Kevin Steele gave a quick overview of the accounts, stating that losses had increased from £2.5m to £3.3m and another £2.6m had been loaned to the club by the directors during that time...Kevin said that the projected loss for the season just gone, 2006/07, was £2.6m which he said showed they were continuing to progress towards a break even point that could be achieved for the 2007/08 season if the current projections prove accurate."

The 2006 loss figures was obviously already known/in the published accounts. But this is the first time that I recall, another £2.6m is being predicted for the next set of accounts

Accounts- Year Ending May 2006">Full Accounts for Year Ending May 2006 can be read here (and previous years' accounts)

What's Previously Been Said About QPR's Current and Future Losses?

April 2007 - What does the total loss for the year stand at as we speak?
GP said that the loss is about the same as the last year, saying that we'd had to bring in playing staff, which added to the budget. http://www.qpr1st.co.uk/documents/2006accountscomments.doc QPR

March 2007
" When I took over at the club the losses were 4.5 million pounds - and now it is less than two [million pounds]. Next year we will probably break even and maybe even make a profit because the money from the players we sold this season will go into the budget for next year." - Interview with Gianni Paladini in The London Paper, March 14, 2007 by Matt Butler

March 2007 "....The debts have been reduced. “And I tell you this: QPR will make a profit next year – whatever division we’re in – and it will be the first time that has happened for many years. It will happen." - March 12, 2007 [Posted on Dave Barton's Queens Park Rangers FC Site(www.queensparkrangersfc.com )
David McIntyre - WE WON’T QUIT IF WE GO DOWN – PALADINI

August 1, 2006 - “The Club is in a better financial position than it has been in for a number of years. Things are still tough, but we have reduced the annual debt by millions and intend to reduce it further” (August 1, 2006) QPR Official Site

June 2006 - Next season will see further improvements and we expect the losses fall to below £1m - a significant improvement on the years before I became involved with the club. ...We have put our finances in order, our losses will continue to fall towards a break even situation QPR Official Site

May 2006 -
A: This season [we will lose], £1.7 million. Next season I hope we can break even, maybe if we only lose two hundred or three hundred thousand pounds I’d be a happy man” (May 2006)
... we're hoping to go close to breaking even next season, we've reduced costs across the board. We're definitely heading in the right direction. QPR Rivals Interview

March 7, 2006 -
"...The [Evening] Standard did state that losses for the year were £2.5m but neglected to mention that was an improvement of £1.8m on the two previous years....
I know these figures are wrong because I am so intimately involved in both the day-to-day running of the club, and its financial strategy and support. ...
...The accounts for 2005 show a vast improvement on the previous years' results and the current projections for 2006 show that there will be another sizeable reduction in the clubs' net losses.However the Evening Standard states that the projected losses for the current season "could be as much as £4m" and will not be revealed until March 2007....
The club is currently working on its projections for next season and the board of directors are looking for further revenue opportunities and further cost savings as the club works towards a break-even situation.A more detailed update will be given to shareholders at the forthcoming AGM and a summary will then published on the QPR website. QPR Statement

Late 2005
"...The books will show that since I’ve been here the loss will go down from £4.5 million to £2.5 million. Next year it will go down again to £1.5 million .... Don’t judge me now, wait till you see it because it will all be there in black and white. Everyone is taking a shot at the moment but they are people who have their own agenda. They want us to fail, but if we fail then QPR fail..." QPR Net Interview witH Paladini

March 2006 - “The accounts for 2005 show a vast improvement on the previous years’ results and the current projections for 2006 show that there will be another sizeable reduction in the clubs’ net losses” (March 2006)QPR

December 2005- “We are bringing the loss down every year and within a few years we hope to break even” (December 2005) Link

BBC - March 16, 2006
Paladini said: "Can anyone say QPR aren't in a better position than when I came in two years ago? "The losses are reduced and we are in a position to move forward. " BBC March 16, 2006

December 29, 2005
"Thanks to some huge efforts in renewing its organization and bringing in some new investments, QPR are now sailing in safe waters. "We are optimistic when looking ahead for the New Year and for the whole of 2006, ...."Our hope and aim is that QPR will never again have to struggle against organizational confusion and financial distress that have badly hit the good name of our glorious club... " QPR

March 2006 AGM - QPR1st REPORTS
"...Losses will be estimated for the end of the 2006 season to be between £1.7m - £2m.....
[Chris Pennington]then spoke about losses in previous years, saying how in 2003 the losses had been £4m; in 2004 they were £3.4m; 2005 £2.5m; estimated losses for 2006 are £1.7m - £2m; and going forward the estimate for the year after would be a loss of £0.8m – though the hope was to break even eventually for this period. QPR1st

QPR1st Report on 2005 AGM - July 2005
[Pre-Paladini becoming Chairman]
"...Kevin and Chris both said that the draft accounts to 31 May 2005 were indicating a loss of £2.5m. In the current year to 31 May 2006 the recently prepared budgets had been drawn up on the basis that the club would break even. However, in reality a loss of somewhere between £500k to £1m is anticipated unless the club have a good cup run or some other similar windfall. .." QPR1st

QPR Accounts - Released May 2007 for Accounts- Year Ending May 2006

QPR1st has an analysis of the Accounts, which can be read at QPR1st

Previous Year Accounts
QPR Accounts - February 2007 - Accounts - Year Ending May 31, 2005

QPR Accounts - May 2005 -- Accounts Year Ending May 2004

For additional background re PastAccounts/Finances (and other matters), see
Boardroom Blues
QPR1st Trust

QPR1st's report on the 2006 AGM

QPR1st report on 2005 AGM

# posted by Administrator @ 10:06 AM 0 comments

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QPR's 2007-2008 Path to Wembley!

FA Cup

Not yet on FA or QPR Official sites! (From Gillingham's Official Site)

"The Football Association have announced the dates for matches in the 2007/08 FA Cup sponsored by E.ON."


1st Round - November 10th

2nd Round - December 1st


3rd Round - January 5th


4th Round - January 26th


Round 5 - February 16th
[Currently scheduled for Barnsley (A)


Quarter Final - March 8th
[Currently scheduled for Sheffield Wednesday (A)]


Semi-Finals - April 5th
[Currently, scheduled for Preston (H)


FA Cup Final: May 17


c/o Gillingham!

FA Cup

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Ex-QPR News: Paul Bruce joins Thurrock...Tony Roberts still not finalized at Dagenham

Barking and DAgenham Post - 13 June 2007
PAOLO VERNAZZA has left Dagenham & Redbridge after failing to agree personal terms with manager John Still over a new contract....Vernazza's departure follows those of Tim Cole and Paul Bruce and Still has spent the last few weeks compensating for their exits by securing the services of players who have played in the Football League.
Magnus Okuonghae, who was added to the Daggers squad from Crawley Town, made 23 league appearances for Rushden & Diamonds while Richard Graham, the Barnet winger, and Shane Huke, a midfielder who was at Peterborough last season, also boast league experience. The pair have joined Daggers according to Still, despite there being no official confirmation of the two players putting pen to paper on two-year contracts on the club's website.
"It's definitely done. They've signed the contracts," was all Still would say on the subject,...
Still is on holiday in Cyprus until the end of the month but it is understood that negotiations with the player, and with the insurance company who are owed a reported £150,000 that was paid out to goalkeeper Tony Roberts upon his retirement from league football in 1998, will continue in the manager's absence.
The man who led Daggers to their first ever Conference title and an unprecedented place in the Football League however, suggested that for the time being he has not begun formulating aims for next season's assault on League Two.
"I haven't seriously given it a thought," Still said. "When I get everything sorted out and get the players we need on board then I can. Barking and Dagenham Post

Thurrock FC -Bruce Joins Fleet
Thurrock manager, Hakan Hayrettin has made his third major capture of the close season bringing in Paul Bruce from Dagenham and Redbridge.
Paul started his career at QPR where he played nearly 40 games for the first team before moving to Dagenham in 2002 helping them to win the Conference title last season. He is 28 years old and can operate at left back as well as his preferred side midfield position.
Hakan said 'Paul is a Conference Premier standard player and we are fortunate to have him playing for us. These recent signings show my personal ambitions and those of Thurrock Football Club' Thurrock

Conference News - Thurrock swoop for Bruce
Blue Square South club Thurrock have raided Dagenham & Redbridge for a second time to capture the services of midfielder Paul Bruce.
The Daggers released 29-year-old Bruce at the end of the season as he wasn't keen on making the step-up to full-time football.
"He is a quality player and I am very pleased that he chose to come here," manager Hakan Hayrettin told the Thurrock Gazette.
"He could have had his pick from a number of clubs as he is a top grade Conference player and it is a tribute to Thurrock that he has elected to join us. I am absolutely delighted."
Bruce started his career as a trainee with QPR and made 49 appearances for the first-team after coming through their youth system.
He had a short loan spell with Cambridge United before signing for Dagenham on a free transfer in the summer of 2002.
London-born Bruce links up with former teammate and captain Tim Cole, who signed for Thurrock on a two-year deal last month. News

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This is Plymouth - HOLLOWAY SET FOR TALKS WITH GALLEN
CHRIS ERRINGTON -16 June 2007

Plymouth Argyle manager Ian Holloway plans to hold talks with striker Kevin Gallen this weekend over a possible return to Home Park.
Gallen, 31, spent the final four months of the 2006/07 Championship campaign on loan to the Pilgrims.
He was subsequently released by Queens Park Rangers at the end of the season and is now a free agent.
Gallen, who was signed by Holloway for QPR from Barnsley in November 2001, has been on holiday for the past couple of weeks.
Holloway has already made two summer recruits, with midfielder Peter Halmosi and defender Krisztian Timar completing permanent transfers to Argyle after their successful loan spells at the end of last term.
The Hungarian pair cost a combined fee of £475,000.
Holloway told Herald Sport: "It's quite quiet at the moment, but I expected that. We have got a decent squad.
"The biggest thing we had to do was to sort out Peter and Krisztian because I felt they really added to us.
"Now I'm trying to negotiate my way around the Kevin Gallen situation. I'm still to get hold of him, but I intend to do that in the next couple of days.
"I don't think he will be short of offers so we will have to see how the land lies with him.
"I shall be looking at that and will be reporting back to the board of directors at their meeting on Monday."
Gallen, who has been linked with a move to Watford, made a total of 16 appearances for Argyle last season, including nine starts, and scored two goals.
Holloway told Herald Sport earlier this month he would only be prepared to give Gallen a one-year contract at this stage of his career.
Meanwhile, Holloway has confirmed that Argyle have not received offers for any of their players so far this close season.
It is thought there have been some inquiries made by other clubs, but nothing more than that.
Holloway said: "I would be very surprised if I don't get some offers because I thought we played very well last season.
"According to Penny (chief scout Gary Penrice) it's because clubs can't be bothered sending people down here. It's too far for them, if you can believe that.
"The only time they send people to watch us is when we are in and around London."
Holloway is now counting down the days until the Argyle squad report for the start of pre-season training on Monday, July 2.
He said: "It doesn't take long does it? It's only two weeks away and I'm looking forward to it."...
Joyce even netted twice for the reserves in a 2-0 win away to Exeter City in February. This is Plymouth

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Wayne Fereday Turns 44 -Born June 16, 1963

Started as a very fast forward. Converted into a full back. Given his debut as a 17 year old by Tommy Docherty in August 1980(a few weeks before Docherty was fired) and scored twice against Bristol Rovers. After almost a decade at QPR and approaching 200 League appearances, Fereday joined Jim Smith at Newcastle in June 1989.

For Games Played:Wayne Fereday and Wikipedia on Fereday

INTERVIEW: QPRNet Q&A With Wayne Fereday

"Where is He Now?" - Profile and Q&A with Wayne Fereday

And a Newcastle fan who didn't seem to like Fereday! - Critique

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Two years ago, June 16, 2005 marked the "launch" of QPR Report. After a few months of blogging, the site somewhat mysteriously disappeared. So in December 2005 QPR Report had to start anew. Thus all the earlier posts from those first few months - such as "the (alleged) gun incident" "the coup;" "the trial" (and acquittals); and much else, are unfortunately not included on the blog.

In these past two years, fans have seen the club go from the optimism of a successful first season, an Ibiza "trophy"; and seemingly-goodsignings to managerial changes; high staff turnover; strange signings; repeated "unfortunate" stories in the press; and two relegation fights and repeated reports of financial difficulties. And much, much. much more: Threatened legal action against the Fan magazine; a bizarre Italy tour; a "non-game" against Witney; a "non-game" against China XI. And always taxes to be paid.

This site has devoted some focus to the activities and sayings of QPR Chairman Paladini who has presided over QPR for much of this period. But of course this site preceded Paladini's takeover.

So after, two years of posting (and some 1500 posts) which has seen a gratifying steady increase in "readership"...Thanks!

Initial Post: Earliest QPR Report Postings and QPR Report Returns

A couple of weeks after starting QPR Report, started QPR Memories

For any comments or queries, can be reached at:

EMAIL QPR Report

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June 16, 2006: QPR Chairman Paladini announces the cancellation of the pre-season friendly against MK Dons (Wimbledon) as a result of "several phone calls and threats from our own supporters." The cancellation came 24 hours after the club announced they would be playing MK Dons. The game was originally scheduled after QPR announced that Brentford had cancelled their pre-season friendly
(Besides the general feeling of some football fans about MK Dons "Franchise" for having moved and changed names, for QPR fans there is the added issue of the attempted merger between the two teams and the fact that MK Dons are owned by Mr. Winkelman who tried initially to buy QPR.)

QPR Official Site - June 16, 2006 - MK DONS GAME CANCELLED
Gianni Paladini would like to make the following statement, after making the decision to cancel the game against MK Dons on July 15.
"After several phonecalls and threats from our own supporters, I have decided not to go ahead with the game.
"I was extremely embarrassed at having to call the club secretary at MK Dons after he had done all he could to arrange a fixture on a day where we struggled to find any opposition.
"We were tremendously grateful to MK Dons for having initially agreed to play the fixture after Brentford cancelled the original game due to be played on July 18.
"Had that cancellation not have arisen, this whole situation would have been avoided.
"After Brentford pulled out, QPR re-contacted ALL Premiership and Football League clubs within a two hour travelling distance, yet MK Dons were the only club who answered our request.
"QPR apologises to everyone at MK Dons who pulled out all the stops to arrange a fixture at such short notice and also to all our fans that were willing to travel to the MK Dons fixture and were looking forward to visiting a new ground."
Gianni Paladini QPR

QPR Official Site - June 15, 2006
QPR are pleased to announce a pre-season friendly against MK Dons on July 15.
After only just receiving the official word from Brentford that the game scheduled for July 18 was to be cancelled, QPR have been busily trying to arrange a fixture to take its place and are delighted that MK Dons have been able to fulfil our requirements.MK Dons were themselves trying to hastily find opposition after also having a game cancelled.
The game will take place at the National Hockey Stadium and will kick off at 3pm and will be the first meeting of the two clubs since the Dons' move to Milton Keynes.
Gary Waddock said: "I'm obviously very pleased to have managed to get another pre-season game fixed up as quickly as this, and my thanks go to MK Dons for answering our request.
"We needed another game around that weekend, and I'm now looking forward to visiting Milton Keynes for the first time with a QPR side.
"It's not that far and hopefully our fans will turn out in force to support us there." QPR

QPR1st Letter Sent to Club after MK Dons Game was announced - Letter

QPR OFFICIAL SITE - JUNE 13, 2006 - BRENTFORD GAME OFF
This morning, QPR were informed that the pre-season game against Brentford has been cancelled.
Despite contacting Brentford last week, we were led to believe that the game would still be taking place in spite of the fact the Club had received several phone calls from fans to ask if the game was still going ahead.
Assistant Secretary Terry Springett explains: "It's very disappointing to have been informed of Brentford's decision to pull out at such a late stage, especially when we contacted the club last week when rumours had started to surface the game may have been in doubt.
"Only last Wednesday we were informed by Brentford that the game was indeed to go ahead, so at the time, felt it unnecessary to make an announcement on the official website."It would appear that their initial decision to take the game against us was taken without thorough consultation with their groundstaff, who have now informed the Club that the pitch at Griffin Park will not be ready in time."However, having received a phone call from Brentford this morning, we would like to inform our fans that the pre-season game against them, scheduled for Tuesday July 18, is indeed off.
"We will be doing our best in the next few days to find suitable alternative opponents for that week QPR

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Off the field: an eventful week regarding QPR fiances with an AGM, a threatened winding up order and the news that the owners are prepared to sell. On the field: The new League fixtures were published, along with the first round draw for the Carling Cup.

Last weekend, the club sent out a "confidential" email to representatives of fan groups saying the club was facing a winding up order because of unpaid taxes (VAT). But that fans shouldn't worry. Everything was under control. Then on Sunday, Chairman Paladini went public "Paladini Reassures QPR Fans"

Then came the report that Paladini and the other investors were prepared to sell up. FIrst Reported by Dave McIntyre at Ealing Gazette "Paladini Prepared to Sell Up" BBC "QPR's Italian owners want to sell"


Former Liverpool Player, Ronny Rosenthal being named as one one of the potential buyers.

And the week ended with the Annual General Meeting (AGM) with Accounts for Year Ending May 31, 2006 showing a loss of approaching 3.5 million pounds.

Almost a week after messageboard rumours about a certain staff change, on Friday, the club announced that former QPR Player, Paul Parker was announced: "The Club are delighted to announce the temporary appointment of Paul Parker as Commercial & Communication Director.
Parker...will oversee the Commercial department, as well as providing assistance to the Public Relations team." Thus far the club have not announced any departures, and their online Staff Directory remains unchanged.

After reports in the Sunday Mirror about Colchester's Mick Harford possibly coming to QPR, came an announcement on the QPR and Colchester messsageboards that the club had been given permission to talk to Colchester coach, Mick Harford.

The New Championship FIxtures Came out: Starting off with a trip to newly-promoted/recent rivals, Bristol City.

The First Round draw for the Carling Cup was made: QPR will play Orient at Loftus Road, week of August 13.

The only signing of the week: QPR defender and Captain, Marcus Bignot signed a new one year contract.

There were unsettling reports in a number of media sites that Crystal Palace were also interested in Chelsea's Jimmy Smith.

The possible move of QPR's Tommy Doherty to Wycombe depends on finances. Chairman Paladini demanding a fee. Although the exact amount being demanded is disputed by Wycombe.

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QPR held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) yesterday, June 15 with QPR having made an almost 3 1/2 million pound loss; press reports (and club email) about a winding order for unpaid taxes; and on the eve of the AGM meetings, reports and quotes by Chairman Paladini about him and the other investors being prepared to sell up.

There were various posts on the QPR messageboards offering "snippets" about went on at the meeting. There is now a comprehensive AGM report by QPR Rivals' Clive Whittingham. It can be read at: - QPR Annual General Meeting 2007

According to the report, at the AGM QPR Director Kevin Steele reported that the projected loss for the 2006-07 season was was £2.6m.

[See past statements by Chairman Paladini about predicted losses - Statements

And just as a point of interest: The report on the 2006 AGM by QPR1st's Trace Stent can be read here - 2006 AGM REPORT

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Chairman Paladini, back in March declaring would be remaining at QPR - Even if Relegated

[Posted on Dave Barton's Queens Park Rangers FC Site(www.queensparkrangersfc.com )

David McIntyre - WE WON’T QUIT IF WE GO DOWN – PALADINI

QPR’s Italian owners will stay in charge even if the club are relegated, according to chairman Gianni Paladini.
Sliding into League One would be a disaster for Rangers and destroy Paladini and major shareholder Antonio Caliendo’s dream of owning a Premiership club. But any disgruntled fans who believe the silver lining might be regime change at Loftus Road will be disappointed, Paladini insists.
Paladini says he and Caliendo will not be prepared to cut and run if Rangers lose their Championship status. “That’s not going to happen,” he insisted.
“Our commitment here means that the right thing would be to stay and keep working to make the club better - whatever division we’re in. “I believe we’re going to stay up. The players are certainly good enough. But if we were to go down then no, we would not look to sell.”
That raises the prospect – especially if Rangers are relegated – of Caliendo ploughing in more money in the form of loans. He has already done so to the tune of several million pounds. Paladini angrily denies this will eventually put the club back in the position it was in when former owner Chris Wright, whose money was similarly keeping QPR afloat, decided he’d had enough and went from bankroller to chief creditor.
That debt kept Rangers in limbo for over a year and they emerged without ownership of their training ground and saddled with a £10m loan from ABC Corporation. The annual interest alone threatens the club’s survival.
Paladini said: “I understand people being worried because of what happened before, but this is completely different. “There is no charge on the ground. There have been loans and the only way they will ever be repaid is if QPR make a profit. “If the whole thing goes caput then the people involved lose their money, simple as that.”
Paladini is under pressure after a series of problems on and off the pitch since he won a battle for control in 2005 and forced out the then chairman Bill Power and chief executive Mark Devlin. He has always been distrusted by a section of supporters and discontent appears to be growing.
During Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Ipswich, the first audible anti-Paladini chants from Rangers fans were heard. Paladini countered: “I wish all bad guys were like me. “If this bad guy had been in charge years ago, the club wouldn’t have lost their training ground and all sorts of other bad things would not have happened. “People can say what they like. The board that were here a few years ago were bad news. They almost destroyed this club. Now we are trying to sort the mess out.
“I have had so many problems to deal with at this club and have kept doing my best since the moment I came here. “So many people said we would go into administration and it hasn’t happened. The debts have been reduced. “And I tell you this: QPR will make a profit next year – whatever division we’re in – and it will be the first time that has happened for many years. It will happen..."
McIntyre


Recent statements re Finances at QPR Report "Finances: Looking Forward to QPR's AGM...Looking Back at Last Year's AGM"

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QPR today announced "the temporary appointment of Paul Parker as Commercial & Communication Director." Parker "will oversee the Commercial department, as well as providing assistance to the Public Relations team." QPR Official Site

A brilliant player for QPR and England the now 43 year old Parker was signed by Jim Smith from Fulham, in 1987 (after another QPR crisis: David Bulstrode's proposed QPR-Fulham merger had fallen through). Parker was at QPR for four seasons before joining Man United in the summer of 1991.

Prior to today's announcement, for the last couple of days, there had been hints on the QPR Fan messageboards of his coming return (although not what the position he was coming to.) There have been no announced departures from QPR, but the messageboards were also talking about a staff departure this week. It's not entirely clear what experience Parker has that led him to be appointed to head the commercial Department. And it's also not quite clear why this is termed a temporary appointment. But best of luck to him.


WIKIPEDIA:
"...Parker went into the non-league game and did a spot of coaching. He is often seen and heard as a pundit when matters concerning QPR, Manchester United or England are in the news. He also managed Welling United. As a result he is now an ambassador for the non-league top division, now re-named the Blue Square Premier Division.
Paul has ventured into media punditry and from August will be the lead co-commentator on Setanta Sports exclusively live Blue Square Premier coverage.
Wikipedia

Parker - Blue Square Commentating

September 2005 - Parker joins Folkestone as coach

2005 - Parker in at Folkestone
By Tony Incenzo. Tuesday, 20 September 2005.

Former England defender Paul Parker, 41, has been appointed as assistant manager of Folkestone Invicta in the Ryman League Premier Division.

Parker won 19 full caps in a career with Fulham, QPR, Manchester United,
Derby, Chelsea and Sheffield United. He has had coaching and management
experience with Ashford Town, Chelmsford City and Welling United.

Q. Paul, good luck at Folkestone. How do you feel about the appointment?

A. I am getting my toe back into Non-League football. I am there to help
boss Neil Cugley, who has become quite a good friend over a period of
time from when I was at Chelmsford and Welling. The role will be split
with my media work with MUTV for Manchester United fans.

Q. So how will you help Neil then?

A. It is just a case of being with him at as many games as possible. I will be there for Neil to bounce ideas off and for me to throw ideas back at him. I will also help to recruit players from north of the Thames. And also feed Neil with information about teams in the Ryman League, because he has spent most of his time managing in the Southern League.

Q. Folkestone have a disappointing start in the Ryman Premier this
season. So can you see signs of an improvement?

A. There is always room for improvement at any club. But it is very difficult for Folkestone. I have known Neil for a while and I am aware that the team is run on a very tight shoestring budget. They have always relied on local boys and Folkestone have been a very difficult side to beat over the last few years. But now Neil is finding that Kent has dried up in terms of footballers. There are not enough quality players around in the county and clubs in Kent are struggling. So Neil knows that he has to look a little bit further out. Then the difficulty comes with trying to bring players in with very little money and also with the travelling involved. So hopefully I can open up another avenue for Neil
to bring in some fresh faces.

Q. It sounds like a tricky task. So why did you become involved at Folkestone?

A. I very much enjoy Non-League football. Neil has given me a way back
into it without affecting my role on MUTV. I have missed out on a lot of media work over the years because of coaching and management, but I have now got myself involved in television quite fully. Neil understands that and he just asked me to give him as much help as I can.

Q. You have been involved in Non-League for quite a few years now haven't you?

A. Yes. I started out in late 1997 and was managing until November last
year. Things change so quickly and players move all over the place, so I
have a bit of catching up to do now. I've watched a few games down at
Gravesend in recent months, but I need to get myself back up to speed.
I'll be reading all the news on the internet and in the papers to catch
up on what is going on.

Q. Well let's talk about yourself Paul. You had some great times as a
player at the very highest level. Do you look back on your career with
affection?

A. I certainly do. I am still involved at Manchester United for every home game due to my media work. I have good memories and people are always reminding me about games I have played in.

Q. You appeared in the 1990 World Cup Semi-Final for England against West Germany. Was that the highlight of your career?

A. Yes it was certainly one of them. The public tend to remember it because the World Cup is a global event. Obviously, fans remind me about the bad bit first where Brehme's shot deflected off me to give Germany the lead. But then when people have stopped laughing and taking the Mickey out of me, they will go on to talk about my cross that set up Gary Lineker to score the equaliser. So all that sticks in my mind. And obviously we are coming around to another World Cup year so I am quite sure I will be reminded about it all over again.

Q. Finally, do you get satisfaction from passing your experience on to players at Non-League level?

A. Yes, I hope I can play my part. I hope we can progress at Folkestone,
rather than move backwards or parallel. That is the reason why I have gone back into Non-League football. To help the club step forward. FA

Queens Park Rangers FC Profile of Paul Parker

2004 Q&A With Parker

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QPR OFFICIAL SITE
John Gregory has revealed he wants to add 'two or three more big hitters' to his squad ahead of the new campaign.
In an exclusive interview with www.qpr.co.uk, Gregory spoken openly and honestly about his search for new players.
"The priority was to get my back four sorted and I'm almost there now,'' he said.
"Strikers win matches, but defenders win Championships, so that was always my top priority.
"I'm still actively searching for one more defender and of course the goalkeeping department is one we're looking at too.''
Gregory, who described the 'new' signing of Marcus Bignot as 'another huge pat on the back for QPR,' has already earmarked the areas that need strengthening.
"I know the areas we're weak in,'' he said.
"We need another striker and a midfielder, but I don't want to bring players in just for the sake of it.
"I want players who will play week in, week out, and to a very high level.
"It's not easy given our financial restraints - we can't pick and choose; yet having said that, I'm quietly confident we'll add some decent players to the squad before the new season.''
The R's gaffer also reiterated his delight at the capture of Bignot, commenting: "Its better the devil you know really.
"He's a fantastic professional, a born leader and a very consistent performer at this level. "He was outstanding last season and I'm expecting more of the same next season.'' QPR

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QPR Official Site - PARKER APPOINTED

The Club are delighted to announce the temporary appointment of Paul Parker as Commercial & Communication Director.
Parker, who enjoyed four fantastic years in W12 as a player, starts his new role on Monday and will oversee the Commercial department, as well as providing assistance to the Public Relations team.
"I've got myself back into a Club that has always meant so much to me. It's 20 years to the month that I joined the Club as a player, so it's a nice way to celebrate that anniversary!'' he told www.qpr.co.uk.
"I'll be working with the staff that are already in place, but hopefully I'll be able to open a few doors and drive the Club's off-the-field activities to create further revenue.
"I've got some very good contacts within the commercial and PR world, so that's a good start, but we'll just take one step at a time.''
Parker added: "I've been around the Club quite a lot during the last few weeks and I'm convinced they've got the right people in place to take it to the next level.
"My job is to aid and assist and it's an exciting and challenging role for me. Just as I did as a player, I'll give 100 per-cent in this role.''
A nippy and incisive defender, Parker joined QPR in 1987 and went on to make 125 appearances for the R's, as well as representing England in the 1990 World Cup Finals.
Chairman Gianni Paladini welcomed Parker's appointment, commenting: "He's a legend at this Football Club and a fantastic addition to our staff.
"If he can do the same off the pitch as he did on it during his time here as a player, then we will all be delighted.''
*The QPR World cameras will catch up with Paul during next week, as he settles into his new role at Loftus Road. QPR


[No Announcement about the club about who - if anyone - he might possibly be replacing - although one specific person, has supposedly departed]

Club Directory


General Contacts

Main switchboard - 020 8743 0262

QPR Direct Mail Order - 0870 240 4547

Ticket Office - 0870 112 1967

Press Office - 0208 740 2536 or 0208 740 2541

Chairman - Gianni Paladini

Non-executive Directors - Franco Zanotti, Olga Paladini, Antonio Caliendo, Nick De Marco, Kevin James Steele, Jason Kallis

Club Secretary - Sheila Marson

Financial Controller - Akin Yilmaz

First Team Coaching Staff

Manager - John Gregory

Coach - Richard Hill & Warren Neill

Sports Performance Manager - Joe Dunbar

Goalkeeper Coach - Tony Roberts

Physiotherapist - Prav Mathema

Youth

Head of Youth - Joe Gallen: 020 8897 5418

Box Office

Box Office Manager - Jenny Elliott boxoffice@qpr.co.uk

Press Office

Press & Publications Officer - Ian Taylor: 020 8740 2541 iant@qpr.co.uk

New Media Manager - Paul Morrissey: 020 8897 5419 paulm@qpr.co.uk

Club Shop

Retail & Merchandise Manager - Francis Atkinson: 020 8749 6862 clubshop@qpr.co.uk

Commercial Department

Commercial Manager - Gary Hooper: 020 8740 2518 garyh@qpr.co.uk

Commercial Sales - Julie Newman: 020 8740 2588 julien@qpr.co.uk

Football in the Community

Community Scheme Manager - Andy Evans andye@qpr.co.uk

Ladies Football - Martino Chevannes martinoc@qpr.co.uk

QPR

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In the stories re QPR's owners being prepared to sell, Ronny Rosenthal is the only person named as being seeking to buy QPR. Below a brief bio re Rosenthal. Rosenthal is an Israeli International who for the decade of the 90s, played for Luton, Liverpool, Spurs and Watford. Since retiring, he's done a number of other things, including reportedly being a football agent! [Although NOT listed in list of FIFA agents in England (or Israel)]

Premier League - WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Ronnie Rosenthal

Previous Clubs: Maccabi Haifa, FC Brugge, Standard Liege, Luton Town, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Watford

Last Appearance in the Premiership: Everton 1-0 Tottenham Hotspur, 12/04/1997

That miss. Mention the name Ronnie Rosenthal to any Premiership fan and they will remember the Israeli for that miss against Aston Villa in 1992. Clean through, Rosenthal skipped round Villa goalkeeper Nigel Spink and, with the goal wide open, he leant back and side-footed the ball against the bar, to the derision of an hysterical Holte End. Until that point, Rosenthal was better known for shooting to fame by scoring a hat-trick on his full debut for Liverpool against Charlton Athletic in 1990. After scoring seven goals in eight games that helped Liverpool win their 18th league title, his loan deal from Standard Liege was made permanent by Reds manager Kenny Dalglish. Rosenthal’s explosive pace, dribbling and trickery added an extra dimension to Liverpool's attack, and his nuisance factor made him a very useful weapon from the bench. He was a handful for any defence with his direct running and thunderbolt shot but Rosenthal’s Anfield career, in which he scored 22 goals in 97 games, stagnated when he became pigeon-holed as a super-sub. It was a little unfair because his game caused defences real problems, whether or not he was on from the start, but by the time a young scoring sensation called Robbie Fowler had burst onto the scene in 1993, Rosenthal’s Liverpool days were numbered. The fans’ favourite left for Tottenham Hotspur but he failed to shake the super-sub tag, although that meant headline-grabbing moments such as the night he came on at Southampton with Spurs trailing 2-0 in the FA Cup and proceeded to score a stunning hat-trick to win the game for the visitors. He dropped down a division in 1997 to join Watford and his last season as a player ended with the Hornets gaining promotion to the Premiership. Rosenthal is now a football agent. Premier League

One deal he reportedly brokered

While obviously nothing posted on Wikipedia can be vouched, it's a rough profile of Ronny Rosenthal Wikipedia on Ronny Rosenthal

Also re Rosenthal:

re Liverpool Career

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And from today's Mirror, a brief piece which really provides anything additional to what was already reported.

Daily Mirror - ROSENTHAL MAKES QPR TAKEOVER BID

QPR's Italian owners are ready to sell the club for a cut-price £4million.

A group fronted by former Liverpool and Spurs striker Ronny Rosenthal is among several interested parties.

Chairman Gianni Paladini is likely to be confronted by angry shareholders at the troubled club's annual general meeting. Mirror

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QPR Official Site - Bignot Comments
New' signing Marcus Bignot insists it's time for the current QPR squad to deliver the goods.
Speaking after putting pen to paper on a new one year contract, the versatile defender gave www.qpr.co.uk his thoughts on the campaign ahead.
"It's time for us to show what we're capable of under John Gregory,'' he said.
"There can be no excuses next season and I don't think there will be the need to make any.
"I've always said a Manager can only be judged once he's been able to bring is his own people over the summer and I genuinely believe we'll make great progress next season.
"I'm sure we won't be in the position we were in last season - I've got no doubt about that.''
The 32 year-old believes John Gregory's experience and know-how will stand Rangers in far greater stead next season, commenting: "I expect us to push on as a Club next season.
"I've been in the game long enough to know it's not just about the players - the Manager plays a crucial role and I've been blown away by his approach to everything, both on and off the pitch.
"Only a man of his ilk could do what he's doing and for that reason alone the future is very bright at Queens Park Rangers....''
"I'll always look back at last season fondly from a personal point of view,'' he said.
"It was a difficult period on the pitch, but we saw it through and as captain it was tremendously satisfying.
"I saw it as a celebration, both for myself, the rest of the squad, the staff and the supporters.'' QPR

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Wycombe Official Site - Doc Deal Not Dead

Managing Director Steve Hayes has denied newspaper reports that Wanderers have been asked to pay £100,000 to sign Tommy Doherty from Queens Park Rangers.

"It's true that Rangers have asked for a fee," Hayes told wwfc.com today, "but it's nowhere near the figure that was reported. "

QPR chairman Gianni Paladini was quoted as saying: "It's very simple. We just can't afford to let Tommy go for free." But Hayes retorted: "What Rangers haven't pointed out is how much it would cost them in wages if Tommy was to see out the remaining twelve months of his contract. They will actually save money if they let him come to us now."

The player himself has made it known that he would like to join Wanderers following his successful loan spell last season. "The Doc" has attracted interest from a number of clubs, but he's hoping to return to Adams Park where supporters voted him their player of the season after making less than 30 appearances in League Two.

Manager Paul Lambert has publicly declared that he'd like to include Doherty in his new-look line-up for next season and Blues fans are desperate to see the Northern Ireland international return to Adams Park. Wycombe

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BBC - QPR's Italian owners want to sell

QPR chairman Gianni Paladini says the club's Italian owners are ready to sell up for about £4m.
Paladini says he will sell his stake for the £650,000 he paid for it when he joined the board in 2004.
Fellow investors Antonio Caliendo and Franco Zanotti are also believed to be prepared to accept the price they paid for their larger stakes.
Paladini said: "We've taken the club as far as we can and don't have the money to take it further."
Between them, Paladini, Caliendo and Zanotti own about 62% of the Championship club.
We've done all we can and someone else is needed to take things forward
Paladini added: "We need new investment and new people to take QPR forward. We just want the club to succeed.
"If the right people are there and can show they would be good for QPR, then there is no way we would try to stop them."
Rangers have been plagued by problems on and off the pitch since Paladini and Caliendo took control in 2005 following a bitter power struggle.
Caliendo has loaned the club a substantial amount in order to prevent it from going into administration.
Paladini insists this money will only be repayable should QPR make a profit by reaching the Premiership, and should not be a barrier to a takeover.
But any new owner would have to deal with ongoing losses and 11.59% interest repayments on a £10m loan a previous regime at Loftus Road arranged to take the club out of administration in 2002.
"When we came here the club was in a very bad position," Paladini added.
"Things are better now but we've done all we can and someone else is needed to take things forward.
"As long as they can show they have the money to improve QPR for the future, then I won't be looking for anything more from them than what I paid for my shares. Anything more should go into the club." BBC

Also reported at 24Dash.com

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According to an article by Dave McIntyre in the Ealing Gazette.

Dave McIntyre - Ealing Gazette - Paladini ready to sell up - Jun 14 2007

Chairman to tell shareholders he will accept £4m

QPR'S Italian owners are ready to sell the club for around £4 million.
Chairman Gianni Paladini says he is willing to part with his shares for the price he bought them for and that fellow investors Antonio Caliendo and Franco Zanotti will do the same.
It means that after a year of being merely open to offers, the trio - who together own around 62 per cent of the club - have now gone a step further and effectively put Rangers up for sale.
A group fronted by former Liverpool and Tottenham striker Ronny Rosenthal is among a number of parties to have expressed an interest. Another group is due to enter discussions about a possible takeover today (Thursday).
Paladini paid around £650,000 for a 22 per cent stake back in 2004 and ousted Bill Power as chairman a year later following a bitter struggle for control.
For the full story, read tomorrow's edition of the Gazette.

Also in tomorrow's paper: Marc Bircham's amazing contention that Paladini forced him out of the club, and the chairman's response to the allegations....
. Ealing Gazette

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QPR Holdings Ltd AGM is being held Friday June 15 at 2:00 Pm at Loftus Road. The accounts show a loss of over approaching 3 1/2 million pounds (considerably up from the 2005 loss) and comes after last weekend's report about unpaid taxes and an email from Club Director/Legal Advisor, Nick DeMarco. This in turn comes after QPR's 10 Million pound, ABC Loan reached its halfway mark and Paladini issued an appeal for any possible investors to step forward to take over the loan - Paladini Appeal.

See Chairman Paladini Comments about Unpaid VAT Taxes - and Fan Site comments

- See QPR Report re AGM and Finances

2006 Accounts Can be accessed at Boardoom Blues site 2006 Accounts

See Also: QPR1st - QPR Holdings Ltd AGM announced and Accounts comments
May 21, 2007
QPR1st- QPR Holdings Ltd AGM announced and Accounts comments

Also: QPR1st Comments on 2006 Accounts

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QPR Official Site - BIGGY SIGNS ON

Marcus Bignot has agreed a new one year extension to his current QPR contract.
The diminutive full-back, whose current deal was due to expire at the end of June, has today signed a new one year contract.
Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, Bignot revealed his delight at the deal, commenting: "I'm delighted to have committed my future to QPR.
"As any professional football will tell you, it's vitally important to be settled and I didn't want the uncertainty of not knowing where I'd be playing my football next year going on any longer.
"I'm now a John Gregory signing and that's an amazing feeling and a great confidence boost for me ahead of the new campaign.''
John Gregory added: "I'm delighted that he's accepted our offer.
"He was a major player last year and he'll have a pivotal role to play next season too.
"He's a fantastic professional, a born leader and a very consistent performer at this level.''......
*Stay tuned to www.qpr.co.uk for all the latest, breaking news! QPR

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No news yet on whether QPR have been able to agree terms with Mark Nygaard and Marcus Bignot. The last "news" was a month ago.
[UPDATE: Half-an-hour after posting this, a poster on the messageboards is "reporting" that Bignot has signed a new contract. But if accurate, there has been no announcement yet from the club.]

QPR Official Site - TALKS TO BEGIN...
John Gregory is hopeful he can thrash out deals with Marcus Bignot and Marc Nygaard in the next few weeks.
Both players are due to be offered terms in the next 48 hours and Gregory is confident the duo will prolong their stay in W12 after their existing contracts expire at the end of June.
"Marcus and Marc haven't been offered terms yet, but we expect to sit down with them in the next 48 hours or so,'' Gregory told www.qpr.co.uk.
"They know we're talking about one year deals and I'm quietly confident both of them will put pen to paper.''
"They know we're talking about one year deals and I'm quietly confident both of them will put pen to paper.
"However, if they get a better offer to go elsewhere, we simply shake hands and that will be that, but I don't foresee that being the case.'' QPR

Sporting Life - May 17 - NYGAARD WANTS NEW RANGERS DEAL
Marc Nygaard is optimistic about his chances of staying at QPR after being offered a new one-year deal by the club.
The powerful forward and defender Marcus Bignot are both considering their options after fresh terms were put on the table by Rangers.
Nygaard said: "I love to be at QPR, and I am proud to be a QPR player.
"Hopefully, the club and I can agree on a deal, and I can be here next year."
QPR

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[Never knew: "Gary's [Bristol City manager, Gary Johnson] father Ron used to work for the R's as a chiropractor when I was here as a player in the eighties..."

QPR Official Site
John Gregory has described the R's first few fixtures of the new campaign as 'tough,' but he believes his side are ready for the battle ahead.
Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk. Gregory was honest enough to admit he'd have rather avoided one of the promoted sides on the opening day, but he is already looking forward to the R's trip to Ashton Gate - the home of League One runners-up Bristol City - on Saturday 11th August.
"Ideally we'd have liked to have avoided one of the promoted sides,'' Gregory told www.qpr.co.uk.
"There will be a real buzz of expectancy amongst the City faithful, but we'll go there looking to spoil the party.''
Gregory continued: "I can remember the days when they were in the equivalent of the Premiership and they've got a very partisan set of supporters.
"They play a very attractive brand of football and Gary Johnson has done a terrific job there.
"Gary's father Ron used to work for the R's as a chiropractor when I was here as a player in the eighties, so there's a link between the two Clubs which is nice.
"The whole Club is on the front foot at the moment, so it's a very tough start for us.''
Four of the R's first seven fixtures of the new campaign are at home and Gregory is determined to kick start the season on a positive note.
"A good start is paramount and given the way we ended the campaign at home, it's nice to start with a large bulk of matches at Loftus Road,'' he said.
"There was a real feel good factor at Loftus Road towards the end of the season and we'll look to continue where we left off.
"We've lost just two home fixtures in 11 since the turn of the year and they were against two sides who reached the play-off's, so we're a tough side to beat in W12.''
Gregory believes the first ten fixtures of the campaign provide a decent indication of a Club's hopes and aspirations for the season ahead, commenting: "The first ten fixtures are all about putting markers down and with four out of our first seven matches at home, I'm quietly confident that we'll make a good start.
"There are no easy games in this division, but it's certainly got all the makings of another entertaining season in the Championship.'' QPR

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QPR's 2007-2008 Fixtures List

QPR start away to Bristol City on August 11, with their first home game vs Cardiff City, the following Saturday. For their Boxing day game, QPR have to travel all the way to Plymouth! A New Year's Day game at home to Leicester. QPR's final game of the season is at home to WBA, on May 4.
QPR Official Site - Fixtures
BBC: QPR's Fixtures

See Also: Complete Championship Schedule - Week-by-Week

Also: All Other Club's Fixtures Lists

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Plymouth Herald - PULIS SAGA STILL RANKLES STAPLETON
Even now, 12 months later, the bitterness over the departure of former manager Tony Pulis still resurfaces when Plymouth Argyle chairman Paul Stapleton reflects on the events of last summer.Many fans would argue the Pilgrims are better off now with Ian Holloway as their boss than had Pulis stayed at the club....
Pulis had been sacked by Stoke in June 2005, when an Icelandic consortium owned the Potteries' club.
But when former City chairman Peter Coates completed a successful takeover last summer, it was always on the cards Pulis would be reunited with him at the Britannia Stadium....
But Pulis then made it clear he wanted to return to Stoke for a second spell and, after several weeks of speculation, a compensation package was settled upon....
Stapleton said: "It meant we could not start our search for a manager. Obviously, you can make preliminary inquiries but, legally, you can't really do too much."
However, two weeks after Pulis took over at Stoke, Argyle had appointed Holloway as his successor - one day before the start of pre-season training.
Holloway had been on 'gardening leave' at Queens Park Rangers after being suspended by their Italian chairman Gianni Paladini in February.
Paladini had supposedly taken that course of action after Holloway expressed an interest in the then managerial vacancy at Leicester City.
Stapleton spoke to Paladini about Holloway while they were at the Football League chairmen's conference in Portugal.
He said: "We talked to Gianni Paladini quite a bit, and to other clubs that had interviewed him (Holloway). Ipswich Town were one of them. "Ian was available and we were able to get him in the day before pre-season training started.
"That was two weeks from when Tony Pulis left to when we actually got him down here, which wasn't too bad really."
One hurdle that had to be cleared before Holloway could start work for Argyle was the fact he was still an employee at QPR.
Stapleton said: "Ian had to be broken away from his contract, which we had to help with."
Holloway brought Des Bulpin with him as a coach but, otherwise, he inherited the backroom staff left behind by Pulis.
David Kemp, Mark O'Connor and Lindsay Parsons all remained on the payroll for a while.
Gradually though, albeit far too slowly for Holloway's liking, he was able to hire Gary Penrice as chief scout and Tim Breacker as assistant manager, with both arriving from QPR. Stapleton said: "When Ian turned up he was faced with David Kemp, Mark O'Connor and Lindsay Parsons.
"Stoke City had promised me they would take them but, when the crunch came, they stayed put, waiting to be paid off, which wasn't the spirit of the agreement with Stoke.
"The spirit of the agreement with Stoke was that if Tony wanted them they could go and the chairman (Coates) would employ them.
"It meant we had a few weeks - and months in some cases - of people working at the football club and doing their job but they weren't Ian's men.
"We managed to get Des Bulpin in pretty quickly, which really helped Ian a great deal.
"But it took a bit longer to get Tim Breacker and Gary Penrice because they were both contracted at QPR and didn't want to walk away from contracts which they were entitled to. We understood the situation."
Stapleton added: "I did offer Mark O'Connor a job with us because I thought he was a very good person to have on the team, but he actually then left to join Stoke."..
This is Plymouth

Plymouth Herald - PILGRIMS FANCY SINCLAIR CHANCES
CHRIS ERRINGTON 14 June 2007
Plymouth Argyle chairman Paul Stapleton is convinced there is a 'good chance' Chelsea winger Scott Sinclair could return for another loan spell with the club next season. ....The possibility of Sinclair returning to Argyle will depend on whether he figures in the first team plans of Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho next season.
If not, Argyle are sure to face strong competition as they try to bring Bath-born Sinclair back to Home Park.
Stapleton told Herald Sport: "As far as loans are concerned, it's very unusual to get players from Premiership clubs until August or September, when they have had their pre-season and things have settled down.
"Queens Park Rangers have got two loan players from Chelsea (Michael Mancienne and Jimmy Smith) already, so they are a bit ahead of the game.
"They had them last season and have arranged to keep them now.
"But they have only got them until Christmas because of the African Nations' Cup.
"People know the player (Sinclair) we had on loan was starting to break into the first team at Chelsea but was then injured.
"He has made a name for himself, and we hope to be in with a shout of getting him next season."
Stapleton added: "Everything we did for the lad, and for Chelsea, was done right so we have got a chance - a good chance I would think - but you just never know."
Sinclair recently returned to Plymouth to visit the landlady he stayed with while he was at Argyle.....
"There is one thing about Plymouth Argyle - we look after our loan players."
He continued: "QPR are sitting there laughing most of the time because they can pick up anybody from London clubs as they don't have to move house.
"We have always known we are out on a limb geographically. We can't help that - that's the way it is.
"So we have got to do what we can to make people feel at home." This is Plymouth

Plymouth Herald - MORE SIGNINGS COULD FOLLOW
13 June 2007
Chairman Paul Stapleton has not ruled out Plymouth Argyle making further forays into the transfer market this summer.The Pilgrims have already paid out a combined £475,000 for Hungarian pair Peter Halmosi and Krisztian Timar, who both ended last season on loan with the Championship club.
Manager Ian Holloway has now spent more than £1.1 million in transfer fees during his 12 months at Home Park and has a squad of 26 players.
But the double signing of Halmosi and Timar could still be followed by other new recruits.
Stapleton told Herald Sport that Argyle's board of directors had always backed Holloway whenever he wanted to sign new recruits, and they would consider any more proposals put to them by the manager.
The Pilgrims' chairman also revealed offers totalling more than £1m were made for Oldham Athletic striker Chris Porter and Gillingham winger Matt Jarvis last season.
However, Porter did not want to move to Argyle while Gillingham refused to sell 20-year-old Jarvis, their most prized asset.
Porter scored 21 league goals for Oldham last term but they failed to secure promotion to the Championship after losing to Blackpool in the play-off semi-finals.
Stapleton said: "As a board, we have never turned Ian down on anything.
We made a £300,000 offer for Jarvis in November, which was rejected, and a £750,000 offer for Chris Porter in January.
"But the lad (Porter) was going to be out of contract this summer so, therefore, didn't want to move. And he thought Oldham would go up anyway.
"Now, while we have never once turned Ian down, that's not to say we won't ever turn him down. But I think Ian is sensible enough to realise that if you have got 26 pros I don't really fancy buying another one or two to put in the Grandstand - because we might need the seats!"
With Porter now out of contract, the 6ft 1in goalscorer has been linked with a move away from Oldham.
But as he is aged 23, the Latics would still be entitled to a compensatory transfer fee for him.
Whether Argyle will renew their interest in him remains to be seen, but they already have seven strikers on their books.
Stapleton believes the Pilgrims have a strong squad with Holloway having plenty of talented players to choose form.
He said: "We have got 26 professionals, which is certainly the most we have had in my time at the club. "I spoke to some clubs when I was in Portugal for the Football League chairmen's conference last week and they have only got 10 or 12 players.
"They are scrambling to get people in, but we are sitting back saying 'We could put out a team that would give anyone a good game'.
"You could pick a team that looks quite strong and leave some good players on the bench, and leave some good players in the Grandstand."
Stapleton revealed that, including agents' fees, Argyle had spent £1.3m on players in the past year.
He said: "I don't know if Plymouth Argyle has ever spent that amount in a year before.
"I know when (former chairman) Dan McCauley first came in, he got (Gary) Poole, (Steve) Castle and (Paul) Dalton, but I don't think that was over £1m.
"I think it was £800,000, and he sold (Marc) Edworthy around that sort of time. We haven't sold anybody. So, really, we have invested in the team and basically that's to show to Ian that we are willing to support him.
"In fact, the wages budget for last year was the highest it has been in the club's history."
Argyle have had rival clubs inquiring about some of their players this close season, but there have been no firm offers for any of them.
The Carling Cup first round draw will take place at 10am today. See The Herald website www.thisisplymouth.co.uk for details. This is Plymouth

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QPR FA Cup Hero, Bob Hazell Turns 48-
Born June 14 1959 - One of the first signings Tommy Docherty made for QPR after our relegation, he starred for QPR in their FA Cup Final season and their following Division II Championship season.
See: Profile
Profile II

Photo from 1982 Cup Final
Bob-Hazell/Wikipedia

Ex-QPR Jamie Cureton Talking About Leaving Colchester & Possible £500,000+ Fee -
Colchester Evening Gazette - Cureton breaks silence - By Francis Ponder

COLCHESTER United player-of-the-year Jamie Cureton today broke his silence about the decision to hit the club with a transfer request.
The Coca-Cola Championship leading scorer exclusively told the Gazette: "I will be 33-years-old when my current contract runs out next summer so I would like to be given the opportunity now to talk to the bigger teams who are interested in me."
Cureton handed in the request last Tuesday which was promptly turned down by the U's board.

It is belived that bids have already been made for Cureton Hull are definitely interested - although new Tigers chairman Paul Duffen denied that his club have made a bid for the player.

He added: "We are one of those clubs that has made an inquiry about him."

Cureton said: "You're only worth what somebody's willing to pay for you.
"And I think somewhere in the region of £500,000 and upwards would be a great fee for the club.

"I got to the situation earlier this summer where I sat down and took a good look at what was left of my career for the future.

"I'm not selfish and I'm not silly. I know Colchester's situation and I know they can't match what the bigger teams are offering players.

"But I'm not 21-years-old anymore and I know there's interest in me out there."

Cureton stressed: "This could be my last chance to play for a big club." Colchester Evening Gazette

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Mirror - FOOTBALL SPY SPECIAL: IT'S DOUGH FOR DOH

QPR are adamant Wycombe will have to pay £100,000 for Tommy Doherty.
The Chairboys were hoping the midfielder, 28, would be allowed to join for nothing after last season's loan.
But Rangers chairman Gianni Paladini insisted: "It's very simple. We just cannot afford to let Tommy go for free." Mirror

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News that Derby County have appointed former Chelsea CEO, Trevor Birch as Derby's new CEO has a certain additional interest:Given that until recently, QPR and Derby were the two beneficiaries/recipients/ victims of multi-million pound loans from the Derby's new CEO ">mysterious ABC lenders. Off-the-field, Derby refinanced their ABC Loan with local investors - and of course, on the field they won promotion, last season through the playoffs.
Derby's Announcement: June 12 TREVOR BIRCH JOINS RAMS
".... appointment of Trevor Birch as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and new member of the Board of Directors.
He will start his employment with immediate effect and replaces Mike Horton, the vice-chairman, who last week decided not to continue in the role of managing director.
Trevor is an experienced football man having started his career as a professional footballer before going on to a successful career as a partner with one of the world's biggest business advisory firms. In recent years he returned to the game as CEO of Chelsea and followed that with roles at Leeds United and Everton.
His appointment, together with new management hires in the commercial, operations and finance departments, completes a transformation of the administration team off the field at Derby.
Trevor Birch said: "I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to join Derby at such an exciting time in its history. I very much look forward to playing my role in moving the club forward and helping the Manager and Board of Directors fulfil their ambition in realising the club's true potential."
Rams Chairman Peter Gadsby said: "Trevor earned a great reputation when he was last in the game and we are delighted that someone with his experience and understanding of football in general and the Premiership in particular has agreed to join us on the Board of Directors.
"We have big plans and ambition for the club and Trevor's appointment together with other senior personnel changes in operation, finance and commercial is another step along the way to making Derby a major force in the football world once again." Derby's new CEO

QPR however, over the past couple of years, under Chairman Gianni Paladini have chosen to operate mostly without a CEO (de facto or de jure). In September 2005, then CEO Mark Devlin was removed by the Board as part of a change which also saw current Chairman Paladini replaced then Chairman Bill Power. Paladini has since then, basically operated as the CEO and spoke of the money saved by doing without CEO. For three short months, last season, QPR had a Chief Operating Officer, Graham Mackrell. Mackrell was appointed in August last year. His departure was announced in November.

Of course, in this respect, Derby are seemingly the norm as most clubs, seem to operate with a CEO (whatever the official title).

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The Nigerian Football Association (NFA) has condemned former QPR striker (for a very brief period), Dominic Iorfa for his verbal attack on National Team Coach, Berti Vogts. As was noted earlier this week in QPR Report - "Former QPR Striker Advocates Sacking of Nigeria's Coach"

BBC - NFA condemns attack on Vogts
Oluwashina Okeleji BBC Sport, Lagos
The Nigeria Football Association (NFA) has condemned the verbal attack on German coach Berti Vogts by board member Dominic Iorfa.
Vogts was verbally assaulted by an angry Iorfa while conducting a training session for Nigeria's national team on Tuesday.
A visibly furious Iorfa accused the German for turning up late for training and also criticized his appointment as Super Eagles coach.
The incident happened two days after nine board members slated NFA chairman Sani Lulu over his running of the federation and the appointment of Vogts.
The aggrieved members also questioned a clause in Vogts' contract which allows him to operate from Germany.
But NFA spokesman Ademola Olajire condemned the attack insisting that the board will take disciplinary action against Iorfa.
"What happened on Tuesday is totally unacceptable and the NFA will take the necessary action," Olajire told BBC Sport on Wednesday.
"No one sent him there and it was indeed an act of shame.
"He had no business at the training ground and conducting himself in such an embarrassing state is sad for the image of our football.
Olajire said despite the differences within the NFA over Vogts' appointment, the German should be treated with respect.
"There's been so much fuss in the media about Mr. Vogts and the aggrieved board members of the NFA.
"Mr. Vogts has a contract with Nigeria and should be accorded all the respect and support he needs to succeed.
"The board will be meeting soon to discuss the situation concerning Berti Vogts and the perceived discontent on the part of some members."
Meanwhile, Nigeria-born midfielder Sunday Stephen has described his inclusion in Spain's under-20 side as 'a dream come true'.
The youngster, who was ignored by Nigeria's under-20 handlers, was included in Spain's team for the World Youth Championship in Canada later this month.
"It's always been a dream to play at the world stage and thankfully the coach here gave me the platform," Stephen told BBC Sport on Wednesday.
"I have no regrets or whatsoever. I had hoped to play for Nigeria but was never given the chance by the handlers.
"My immediate target now is to help Spain win the championship in Canada."
BBC

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Thirty-one years ago, today - June 13, 1976: Gerry Francis Captain England for the last time as England won 4-1 in Finland..

This was Francis's 12th and final game for England, and his 8th as captain. Unfortunately, for himself, for England, and for QPR, Francis underwent bad back injuries which ended his internatioal career.

The England Team for this final game, captained (and played in) by Francis vs Finland Game

1. Ray Clemence Liverpool
2. Colin Todd Derby County
3. Mick Mills Ipswich Town
4. Phil Thompson Liverpool
5. Paul Madeley Leeds United
6. Trevor Cherry Leeds United
7. Kevin Keegan Liverpool
8. Mick Channon Southampton
9. Stuart Pearson Manchester United
10. Trevor Brooking West Ham United
11. Gerry Francis Queens Park Rangers
Data

Francis made his England debut in October 1974 against Czechoslovakia
at Wembley Team

Francis first captained England, September 3, 1975 against Switzerland, in Switzerland. - Team

FA Profile of Gerry Francis as England Captain
Gerry's profile
Gerry Francis might have played only 12 times for England, but he captained the side on no fewer than eight of those occasions.
Francis made his name as a stylish midfielder at QPR, having broken into the side in 1969, and quickly earned a reputation for his excellent technical ability and pinpoint passing.
He was a key member of the QPR side that won promotion from the Second Division and then finished runners-up to champions Liverpool in the top flight in 1975-76.
That same season, at the age of 22, Francis also made his England debut against Czechoslovakia, and for the next year or so he was a virtual ever-present in the line-up.
Indeed, he became captain in just his fifth international appearance and he retained the armband in his remaining eight matches for the Three Lions.
But perhaps the biggest individual highlight came in the game before he took up the captain's role when he scored two goals against Scotland in a famous 5-1 rout of the Auld enemy at Wembley. One was a real scorcher as well, as Francis picked the ball up in midfield before unleashing an unstoppable 25-yarder right into the top corner.
Francis would undoubtedly have won more caps, but he became troubled by a back injury and made his final international appearance - still as captain - against Finland in 1976. ..

Also: Wikipedia on Gerry Francis

See Complete List of England Captains

England Captains, Post-WWII

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UPDATED: The draw for the First Round of the League Cup ("Carling Cup") has been made:
QPR vs Orient at Loftus Road - Week of August 13.

QPR OFFICIAL SITE - GREGORY'S RESPONSE TO DRAW
John Gregory has welcomed the news that Rangers will be hosting Leyton Orient in round one of the Carling Cup.
Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, Gregory revealed his delight at the home draw: "Everybody wants to be drawn at home in the first round, so in that respect it's a good draw.
"The draw is regionalised and seeded, so we knew the kind of opposition we'd draw out of the hat.
"The O's should bring a few down from Brisbane Road, so it's got all the makings of a good Cup tie.''
After the highs of promotion just over 12 months ago, Orient narrowly avoided the dreaded drop straight back into League Two last season, eventually finishing one place outside the relegation zone in the third tier of English Football.
However, having witnessed a few Cup upsets in his time, Gregory isn't about to rest on his laurels.
"It (the fixture) comes very early in the season and it will certainly be a tough test, but we'll be ready, fully focused and up for the battle,'' he said.
"We'll undoubtedly go into the tie as favorites and rightly so.''
The financial revenue a good Cup run can generate isn't lost on Gregory either: "The extra revenue a Cup run generates is vital to a Club like ours,'' he told www.qpr.co.uk.
"We could generate a vast amount of money that hasn't been budgeted for and that's a huge incentive to go on a nice Cup run."
Gregory was appointed into the R's hot-seat in the wake of our Carling Cup second round exit at Port Vale last season and it's a match he remembers fondly, although not entirely for all the right reasons.
"The last time I saw a QPR side play in the Carling Cup, I was thinly disguised, sitting amongst the Vale fans in the 3-2 defeat at Vale Park!'' he said.
"It was a bit of an eye-opening experience that night, but that's in the past now and I'm hopeful we'll be in far better shape by the time we welcome Orient to Loftus Road
QPR

ORIENT'S REACTION TO DRAW
Orient Official Site - O's To Face QPR In Carling Cup
ORIENT have been drawn to face Queens Park Rangers in the first round of the Carling Cup.
The game will take place at Loftus Road in the week commencing August 13.
QPR, who are managed by John Gregory, had a tough time last season, finishing a lowly 18th in the Championship.
However, despite their divisional advantage, Orient will have history on their side as last time they met in the competition in 2002, it was The O's who progressed, winning 3-2.
O's boss Martin Ling said: "We haven't been past the first round of the Carling Cup for the past few year's now so we want to put that right this season.
QPR will provide us with a tough test, but we will be giving it our best shot and hopefully it can be the start of a good cup run." Orient

See "League Cup"/"Coca-Cola Cup"?Carling Cup Rules: CARLING CUP RULES

FULL DRAW - Carling Cup First Round Fixtures

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Bradford City
Grimsby Town v Burnley
Rochdale v Stoke City
Scunthorpe United v Hartlepool United
Port Vale v Wrexham
Crewe Alexandra v Hull City
Chester City v Nottingham Forest
Sheffield United v Chesterfield
Rotherham United v Sheffield Wednesday
Barnsley v Darlington
Bury v Carlisle United
Doncaster Rovers v Lincoln City
Preston North End v Morecambe
Stockport County v Tranmere Rovers
Accrington Stanley v Leicester City
Macclesfield Town v Leeds United
Oldham Athletic v Mansfield Town
Blackpool v Huddersfield Town
Watford v Gillingham
Swindon Town v Charlton Athletic
Milton Keynes Dons v Ipswich Town
Southend United v Cheltenham Town
Norwich City v Barnet
Shrewsbury Town v Colchester United
Cardiff City v Brighton and Hove Albion
Swansea City v Walsall
Brentford v Bristol City
Bristol Rovers v Crystal Palace
West Bromwich Albion v AFC Bournemouth
Peterborough United v Southampton
Hereford United v Yeovil Town
Queens Park Rangers v Leyton Orient
Northampton Town v Millwall
Dagenham and Redbridge v Luton Town
Plymouth Argyle v Wycombe Wanderers
Coventry City v Notts County

Ties will be played on the ground of the first club named during the week commencing 13th August 2007. - Football League

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[NB: An interesting exercise is to search QPR Report for postings re Finances or Accounts

QPR shareholders will shortly be attending the club's Annual General Meeting (AGM) (Friday June 15). The AGM comes nearly two years (September 2005) after current Chairman Gianni Paladini replaced former Chairman Bill Power and nearly exactly three years (June 2004) since Paladini (initially through his wife) and Bill Power replaced former Chairman Nick Blackburn,Ross Jones and then CEO David Davies. See - BBC - June 24, 2004- QPR Chief Steps Down - Nick Blackburn Departs and BBC June 18, 2004 - Davies leaves QPR

The AGM comes in the aftermath of the recently-released Accounts ending May 31, 2006 which show another loss for the club: This time, approaching 3 1/2 million pounds.

In addition, there is the "notorious" ABC Loan, which has reached the half-way mark. Chairman Paladini's "Urgent Call for Help" re the ABC Loan (which comes a few weeks after QPR were in talks with Oldham Chairman Simon Blitz re assuming the ABC Loan).

And last weekend, there were messageboard posts about an email from the club to Fan Representatives about certain unpaid taxes. And Chairman Paladini spoke to a Sunday newspaper (but has not yet commmented on the club's official site) talking about unpaid VAT debts but assuring no threat to the club. Paladini soothes QPR fears See Also Fans Trust QPR1st re situation and email from QPR Director, Nick DeMarco Statement "Winding up order"

See Also: Rivals Clive Whittingham "
"Is this a(nother) wind up? ?"

Of course as a search of QPR Report shows, Chairman Paladini has previously spoken about "winding up" concerns re other bills. PAST REFERENCES TO "WINDING UP"

See ALSO: re QPR ACCOUNTS, debts and the ostensibly Improving Situation: Some past statements by Chairman Paladini QPR Report - Coming Week

QPR Holdings AGM Set for June 15


The recently-released accounts for year ending, May 2006 showed a loss of over 3 million pounds for the year ending May 2006.

QPR Accounts - Released May 2007 for Accounts- Year Ending May 2006

QPR1st has an analysis of the Accounts,w hich can be read at QPR1st

Previous Year Accounts
QPR Accounts - February 2007 - Accounts - Year Ending May 31, 2005

QPR Accounts - May 2005 -- Accounts Year Ending May 2004

For additional background re PastAccounts/Finances (and other matters), see
Boardroom Blues
QPR1st Trust

QPR1st's report on the 2006 AGM

QPR1st report on 2005 AGM

Some Statements by QPR Chairman Paladini About Past and Future Losses

April 2007 - Fan Consultative Meeting
5. Accounts update
5.1 Why haven't the accounts been filed with Companies House? We were told they would be filed by 31st March 2007?
GP replied that the accounts for the year end May 2006 have been filed; that they'll be in the public domain soon; and that the AGM will follow, citing the 21 day period that has to be given to inform shareholders of the meeting.

5.2 What does the total loss for the year stand at as we speak?
GP said that the loss is about the same as the last year, saying that we'd had to bring in playing staff, which added to the budget. QPR

March 2007
" When I took over at the club the losses were 4.5 million pounds - and now it is less than two [million pounds]. Next year we will probably break even and maybe even make a profit because the money from the players we sold this season will go into the budget for next year." - Interview with Gianni Paladini in The London Paper, March 14, 2007 by Matt Butler

March 12, 2007 - “....So many people said we would go into administration and it hasn’t happened. The debts have been reduced. “And I tell you this: QPR will make a profit next year – whatever division we’re in – and it will be the first time that has happened for many years. It will happen." - March 12, 2007 [Posted on Dave Barton's Queens Park Rangers FC Site(www.queensparkrangersfc.com )
David McIntyre - WE WON’T QUIT IF WE GO DOWN – PALADINI

August 1, 2006 - “The Club is in a better financial position than it has been in for a number of years. Things are still tough, but we have reduced the annual debt by millions and intend to reduce it further” (August 1, 2006) QPR Official Site

June 2006 - Next season will see further improvements and we expect the losses fall to below £1m - a significant improvement on the years before I became involved with the club. ...
...We have put our finances in order, our losses will continue to fall towards a break even situation QPR Official Site

May 2006 - Q Rivals :How much money will we lose this season and next?
A: This season, £1.7 million. Next season I hope we can break even, maybe if we only lose two hundred or three hundred thousand pounds I’d be a happy man” (May 2006)
... we're hoping to go close to breaking even next season, we've reduced costs across the board. We're definitely heading in the right direction. QPR Rivals

March 7, 2006 -
Gianni Paladini has issued the following statement following recent inaccurate reporting.
The total value of the debt in the 2005 accounts (ie the sum of the current liabilities and the long term liabilities) is £18m.The total value of the same debt in the 2004 accounts was £18m.In other words no change, but this is definitely not the impression conveyed by the headline.
As most fans know the biggest item in the total debt is the £10m loan from the ABC Corporation which was entered into in 2002 several years before the current regime took over.
Current liabilities fell in 2005 as the debts to the Customs & Revenue were reduced and short-term loans to shareholders were repaid.
You should also be aware that £2.8m of the total "debts" is for income for the 2005/06 season that was banked before the 31st May 2005 and, in accordance with standard accounting practice, is included in current liabilities as deferred income.The bulk of this deferred income is for season ticket receipts, which is being released in the 2005/06 financial year.
This means that the high value of the early bird season ticket sales for both the 2004 and 2005 seasons have increased the "debt" at the club's financial year end.So rather perversely the increase in deferred income is a positive sign and not an indication of "misery" as heralded by the Evening Standard.
The Standard did state that losses for the year were £2.5m but neglected to mention that was an improvement of £1.8m on the two previous years.This improvement was all the more impressive as it was achieved despite losing the revenue from Fulham ground sharing deal. Running costs have been reduced and supply contracts have been renegotiated.
I know these figures are wrong because I am so intimately involved in both the day-to-day running of the club, and its financial strategy and support. Along with my trusted friend and chairman of QPR Holdings, Antonio Caliendo, we have dug into our own pockets to pay off the debts we inherited when we took over - debts that, quite frankly, would have forced the club into liquidation if they had not been paid.
...The accounts for 2005 show a vast improvement on the previous years' results and the current projections for 2006 show that there will be another sizeable reduction in the clubs' net losses.However the Evening Standard states that the projected losses for the current season "could be as much as £4m" and will not be revealed until March 2007....
The club is currently working on its projections for next season and the board of directors are looking for further revenue opportunities and further cost savings as the club works towards a break-even situation.A more detailed update will be given to shareholders at the forthcoming AGM and a summary will then published on the QPR website. QPR

Paladini in Late 2005 - QPR Net interview
Next month I’m at the AGM, we will send the letter out soon and it will be held in February.
I have to sit down with all the shareholders face to face and tell them what we’ve done and show them the books, the actual books, not the rubbish that people who think they know more than me come up with.
The books will show that since I’ve been here the loss will go down from £4.5 million to £2.5 million. Next year it will go down again to £1.5 million .... Don’t judge me now, wait till you see it because it will all be there in black and white. Everyone is taking a shot at the moment but they are people who have their own agenda. They want us to fail, but if we fail then QPR fail..." QPR

March 2006 - “The accounts for 2005 show a vast improvement on the previous years’ results and the current projections for 2006 show that there will be another sizeable reduction in the clubs’ net losses” (March 2006)QPR

December 2005- “We are bringing the loss down every year and within a few years we hope to break even” (December 2005) Link

BBC - March 16, 2006
Paladini said: "Can anyone say QPR aren't in a better position than when I came in two years ago? "The losses are reduced and we are in a position to move forward. Everything is settled and we just want to get on with running the club. "This board have invested over £8m. Yes, some of that has been used to buy shares, but that is how much has been paid and that shows commitment." BBC March 16, 2006

December 29, 2005
"Thanks to some huge efforts in renewing its organization and bringing in some new investments, QPR are now sailing in safe waters. "We are optimistic when looking ahead for the New Year and for the whole of 2006, ...."Our hope and aim is that QPR will never again have to struggle against organizational confusion and financial distress that have badly hit the good name of our glorious club. "A special mention must go to Ian Holloway, who has shown his passion and devotion to the club and as someone who gives us positive hopes for promotion. "We are proud of our players and we are confident that we can continue to strengthen our team with some new arrivals at the beginning of the next year. QPR

QPR1st REPORTS

QPR1st's report on the 2006 AGM
"...losses will be estimated for the end of the 2006 season to be between £1.7m - £2m.....
CP said they were expecting to improve revenue whilst hoping that the heads at LR will increase.
He then spoke about losses in previous years, saying how in 2003 the losses had been £4m; in 2004 they were £3.4m; 2005 £2.5m; estimated losses for 2006 are £1.7m - £2m; and going forward the estimate for the year after would be a loss of £0.8m – though the hope was to break even eventually for this period. QPR1st

QPR1st Report on 2005 AGM - July 2005
[Pre-Paladini becoming Chairman]
"...It was explained that Gianni Paladini is now a Director and his wife Olga, who previously represented his interests, had stood down. He then went on to state that, despite the success of achieving promotion in 2003/04, from a business perspective the financial year ended 31 May 2004 was disastrous. He emphasised that the accounts covered a period when the old executive team was in place and there were now considerably less people employed by the club who were collectively doing a lot more work than previously.
Kevin and Chris both said that the draft accounts to 31 May 2005 were indicating a loss of £2.5m. In the current year to 31 May 2006 the recently prepared budgets had been drawn up on the basis that the club would break even. However, in reality a loss of somewhere between £500k to £1m is anticipated unless the club have a good cup run or some other similar windfall. .." QPR1st
QPR Report Compilation

2006 AGM

The previous AGM was in March 2006.
QPR's AGM Held - Detailed Report by QPR1st's Tracy Stent-
From QPR1st

QPR Holdings Ltd -AGM Report "March 19, 2006
Tracy Stent represented the interests of the Supporters Trust at the Annual General Meeting of QPR Holdings Ltd.
It was a fairly lively affair and Tracy has produced a report of the meeting which can be viewed/downloaded via the link below. The document is in MS Word format.After the AGM, QPR 1st received details of the loan agreement between Ross Jones and QPR holdings plc (from 2004) mentioned in the report,which he has given us permission to reproduce. ... QPR1st

[ brief AGM report in the Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror 18 March 2006 -
RANGERS 'STAY PUT' By Aidan Magee

QPR chairman Gianni Paladini has assured supporters the club will stay at Loftus Road.
Paladini (pictured below), thought to have been considering a switch to a site at White City, made the pledge as he and Brazil World Cup legend Carlos Dunga - a club director - faced angry fans at QPR's annual meeting.
They were upset by price-hikes, boss Ian Holloway's sacking, debts of £18m and director Antonio Caliendo's suggestion of a move from Shepherds Bush.
But Paladini said: "Antonio Caliendo doesn't speak English. If you asked him what he thought White City was, he would reply: 'Que?' We won't be moving and that's final." Mirror


And on the eve of the AGM:
BBC - March 16, 2006
BBC - Dunga will face QPR shareholders
Carlos Dunga will face shareholders at Queens Park Rangers' Annual General Meeting on Friday.
The former Brazil captain became a QPR director in 2004 as part of a Monaco-based group that later staged a boardroom coup at Loftus Road. Dunga did not attend board meetings prior to using his vote to help Gianni Paladini oust Bill Power as chairman. "I take my role as a director of QPR seriously and look forward to appearing in front of shareholders," said Dunga. "Myself and the other directors have put money into the club to help it survive and will continue to do so."
Paladini has faced scepticism from some fans since Power and chief executive Mark Devlin were removed following a series of boardroom disagreements. Rangers are heavily in debt and several behind-the-scenes changes have been made since Paladini took control along with Antonio Caliendo. Both men are former agents.
Italian businessman Franco Zanotti has also bought a major stake and Paladini has defended their running of the club.
Paladini said: "Can anyone say QPR aren't in a better position than when I came in two years ago? "The losses are reduced and we are in a position to move forward. Everything is settled and we just want to get on with running the club. "This board have invested over £8m. Yes, some of that has been used to buy shares, but that is how much has been paid and that shows commitment."
BBC

10 days before last year's AGM, the club issued this statement:

March 7, 2006 - QPR - CLUB STATEMENT -
Gianni Paladini has issued the following statement following recent inaccurate reporting.

Once again this club has been subjected to a barrage of pitifully inaccurate reporting in the London Evening Standard - and once again I am left with no option but to set the record straight in order that you, our true supporters, know exactly how QPR's finances stand.

The article in last Friday's edition should be seen in the light of the previous negative and misleading articles by the same author for which they had to print an apology and pay our solicitor's costs.

The total value of the debt in the 2005 accounts (ie the sum of the current liabilities and the long term liabilities) is £18m.The total value of the same debt in the 2004 accounts was £18m.In other words no change, but this is definitely not the impression conveyed by the headline.

As most fans know the biggest item in the total debt is the £10m loan from the ABC Corporation which was entered into in 2002 several years before the current regime took over.

Current liabilities fell in 2005 as the debts to the Customs & Revenue were reduced and short-term loans to shareholders were repaid.

You should also be aware that £2.8m of the total "debts" is for income for the 2005/06 season that was banked before the 31st May 2005 and, in accordance with standard accounting practice, is included in current liabilities as deferred income.The bulk of this deferred income is for season ticket receipts, which is being released in the 2005/06 financial year.

This means that the high value of the early bird season ticket sales for both the 2004 and 2005 seasons have increased the "debt" at the club's financial year end.So rather perversely the increase in deferred income is a positive sign and not an indication of "misery" as heralded by the Evening Standard.

The Standard did state that losses for the year were £2.5m but neglected to mention that was an improvement of £1.8m on the two previous years.This improvement was all the more impressive as it was achieved despite losing the revenue from Fulham ground sharing deal. Running costs have been reduced and supply contracts have been renegotiated.

I know these figures are wrong because I am so intimately involved in both the day-to-day running of the club, and its financial strategy and support. Along with my trusted friend and chairman of QPR Holdings, Antonio Caliendo, we have dug into our own pockets to pay off the debts we inherited when we took over - debts that, quite frankly, would have forced the club into liquidation if they had not been paid.

I need to say a few more words about Antonio at this point because the Standard has also intimated there is something dark and mysterious about his presence at the club. Antonio is chairman of our holding company, and I am chairman of the football club.

There is nothing murky or sinister about this two-man structure - it's exactly the same format that existed before we took over. We have no hidden agendas - if we did, we wouldn't have stuck around for so long, working so hard to get QPR's finances back on the straight and narrow.

The accounts for 2005 show a vast improvement on the previous years' results and the current projections for 2006 show that there will be another sizeable reduction in the clubs' net losses.However the Evening Standard states that the projected losses for the current season "could be as much as £4m" and will not be revealed until March 2007.

As the club has had no contact with the writer of this article we are left to ponder as to the both the source of his inaccurate statements and the motives behind them.

The club is currently working on its projections for next season and the board of directors are looking for further revenue opportunities and further cost savings as the club works towards a break-even situation.A more detailed update will be given to shareholders at the forthcoming AGM and a summary will then published on the QPR website. QPR

QPR OFFICIAL SITE - CONSULTATIVE MEETING
QPR Fans Consultative Group Meeting
Tuesday 13th February 2007 - 6pm, The Chairman's Suite, Loftus Road
Minutes
The following are the minutes taken from the initial QPR fans consultative group meeting, which was held at Loftus Road on the night of Tuesday 13th February. Those in attendance hope that this is of interest to all QPR fans everywhere.
In attendance: Gianni Paladini (GP) Chairman, QPR FC ~ Nick De Marco (NDM) QPR FC legal advisor, and Chair of initial meeting ~ Akin Yilmaz (AK) Club Financial Controller and Company Secretary ~ Pat Harrison (PH) Official Supporters Club ~ Karen Hampshire (KH) Official Supporters Club ~ Tracy Stent (TS) QPR 1st Supporters Trust ~ Stephen Dedridge (SD) QPR 1st Supporters Trust~ Victor Stephenson (VS) Friends of QPR ~ Spencer Schwartz (SS) Friends of QPR.

"....3 The 2005 accounts
AY started off by saying how at the AGM in March 2006, the accounts that were presented had not been signed off by the auditors. The changes of figures in the accounts that have just recently been filed are down to the subsidiary (Queens Park Rangers Football and Athletic Club) accounts that have now been done/finalised/filed. Geoff then intercepted by explaining that he has the facility for doing a search on Companies House which means that every time a new file appears or is updated on their website, he gets notified by an email and he then checks the website to see what has been updated. This allows him, and anybody else with this facility, to know the history of filing dates and he said that at the time when GP joined there were subsidiary accounts (QPRFAC) that were four years out of date. He said that AY is the first man to have brought those accounts up to date and explained about auditors; how they are basically an independent body of accountants who do an audit on company accounts; that they have to be fair; and with no skulduggery going on. He explained that the most important thing for any auditors is for them to be sure that the accounts they are signing off shows reasonable proof that the company is a going concern for the following year. He said that the note about this in the auditor's report had been changed and that it could have been an option by shareholders to call an EGM. It was quoted that the cost of calling an EGM could amount to £10k and that AY is now drafting a letter to be sent to shareholders explaining the situation to them about how the last accounts were not finalised; that they had now been filed; and that the proposal is for them to be approved within a resolution at the next AGM.

GP stated how new auditors had come in, that basically there had been confusion, and that the auditor had pressured the club for extra money before the books had been released to them. He said he had sought advice from other people and that it had been recommended to him to bring back the firm the company used in the past, Rothman Pantell, and that this had been done. He claimed how the club tried to put things right and SD pointed out to him that the club must have realised that this would happen, how it would give a wrong impression for fans/shareholders to read about this in the newspapers, and why did they not contact someone like Geoff in the first instance? AY acknowledged this and said how he could see that this could be seen as a cover-up but that there had been a lack of communication between the ex financial controller and the auditors.

GP commented on how it was all a bad mistake; that he has put his trust in people that are paid to do a job; that he acknowledges he has to carry the can; that the figures - the loss amount - is the exact same; that he wants to be surrounded by people who know what they are doing; and that he is learning something new every day.

AY said that Rothman are now on the case for the 2006 (May year end) accounts and that they are hopeful of them being signed off and filed at companies house on/by 31st March. GP asked Geoff if he would come in to monitor the accounts/process and he agreed to at the least send in one of his accountants for the day before the end of March. Geoff suggested this so as to avoid any possible conflict of interests.

AY asked if there were anything else required to be known about the accounts and as time was getting on by this stage, Geoff suggested he email specifics to him, as he does have a number of queries, and for any responses to be relayed in due course.

VS asked about the community department and into which company this department comes under and AY said it's the Holdings company. ..." QPR OFFICIAL SITE

BOARDROOM BLUES FAN SITE
For Copy of Accounts and comparisons: at Boardoom Blues
- "Meet the New Accounts, Not the same as the old Accounts"
- "Shareholders' Guide to the New Accounts"
- COMPLETE ACCOUNTS can be viewed here
Boardroom Blues
QPR Report "QPR's Last AGM (in 2006)

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Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times - June 12, 2007 - Rangers can take the Mick

Jamie Cureton fears Mick Harford may lure more Colchester players to Loftus Road if he is appointed as QPR's assistant manager.
Rangers were granted permission on Sunday to speak to Harford, who is currently Colchester's number two, about replacing Richard Hill as John Gregory's assistant.
Harford's arrival at QPR has already been preceded by that of left-back Chris Barker, who spent last season on loan with the U's, and ex-Rangers striker Cureton predicts others will follow.
"I spoke to Lee Cook on Monday to find out if what I'd heard was true and I told him Mick would be a big asset to the club," Cureton told the Times.
"I wouldn't be surprised if he gives John Gregory tips about some of the other lads - not necessarily myself though! It's a shame that when you've started to build something, other clubs come and take bits away, but that shows how hard it is to compete.
"Obviously we've already lost Chris. He's a seven out of 10 player week in, week out, very consistent and he'll definitely strengthen the club - I'd say Rangers have got a great signing there.
"If Mick goes, he'll be a big loss to Colchester and a very good addition to QPR. He was good to me last season and I'll miss him."
Cureton has undoubtedly flourished under the guidance of Harford, who was assisting U's boss Geraint Williams last year after spells in charge of Rotherham and Nottingham Forest, the latter as caretaker.
After Rangers released the striker in 2005, he struggled in League One with Swindon and only regained form when he joined promotion-bound Colchester on loan.
But Cureton took the Championship by storm last season, finishing as the division's top scorer with 28 goals, and gives Harford plenty of credit for the turnaround.
"He doesn't only coach the forwards - he seems to know about every area on the pitch and he's certainly knowledgeable about all the teams in the Championship," said Cureton.
"Before games he'd come and give me the lowdown on the centre-halves we were playing against and I think that probably helped me a hell of a lot.
"Mick's a good talker and he gets on well with the boys. He doesn't need to rant and rave because he's got that aura where people are a bit scared of him anyway, but when he says something, you listen.
"He's one of the reasons why everyone performed to the maximum - we didn't have the best squad in the world, but we felt we were capable of getting results."
In his playing days, Harford, now 48, was a much-travelled and respected centre-forward with 10 League clubs, including Birmingham City, Luton, Derby, Chelsea and Wimbledon.

It seems inevitable that he will take over from Hill, who was suspended by Rangers in February over his role in the infamous training ground punch-up with the Chinese Olympic team.
Hill will go when his contract runs out, while goalkeeping coach Tony Roberts - also suspended by Rangers since February - will not be returning to Loftus Road.
But the club are also likely to offer Warren Neill, who assisted Gregory in the last two months of the season, a permanent role on the coaching staff, possibly as reserve team manager. Kilburn Times

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The draw for the First Round of the Carling Cup Will be made tomorrow. The game will be played the week of August 13th.

Based on information taken from other sites (Millwall vital Football and Carlisle Official Site):

Because of regional and level-of-team seeding, QPR will drawn to play one out of the following 18 teams: Northampton Town, Gillingham, Cheltenham Town, Brighton & HA, AFC Bournemouth, Leyton Orient, Walsall, Swindon Town, Bristol Rovers, Brentford, MK Dons, Shrewsbury Town, Peterborough United, Wycombe Wanderers, Notts County, Barnet, Hereford United, Dagenham & Redbridge

For LIST OF COMPLETE SEEDING, NORTH AND SOUTH, See LIST OF TEAMS, SEEDED & NOT

Millwall Vital Football:
The draw is broken down into a Northern and Southern section, meaning the Lions will only play teams in their section in the first few rounds.

Southern Seeded:

Charlton Athletic
Watford
West Brom
Southampton
Colchester United
Plymouth Argyle
Crystal Palace
Cardiff City
Ipswich Town
Norwich City
Coventry City
QPR
Bristol City
Southend Unitd
Luton Town
Yeovil Town
Swansea City
Millwall

Southern Unseeded:
Northampton Town
Gillingham
Cheltenham Town
Brighton & HA
AFC Bournemouth
Leyton Orient
Walsall
Swindon Town
Bristol Rovers
Brentford
MK Dons
Shrewsbury Town
Peterborough United
Wycombe Wanderers
Notts County
Barnet
Hereford United
Dagenham & Redbridge
Millwall Vital Football

See Also QPR Official Site

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PFA's Give Me Football - Zeshan Rehman - QPR
After falling down the pecking order at QPR, defender Zeshan Rehman made the decision to join Brighton on loan at the end of last season with a view to getting some games under his belt. With two years left on his contract at Loftus Road, Rehman has since returned to Loftus Road and will be hoping to force his way into manger John Gregory's plans for next season. Rehman, who became the first Pakistani and British Asian to play in the Premiership whilst with his first club Fulham, has been busy this summer undertaking his Level 3 UEFA B coaching badge on one of the PFA-run courses and givemefootball's Mark Shail caught up with the former England Youth international.

Q DID YOU ENJOY THE COACHING COURSES?
AIt went very well. There were a lot of current professionals, some ex-pros and others who had dropped out of the game on the course but everyone gelled together very quickly. Some of the days were a bit long though, because the 8 v 8 sessions were all done one after the other, but we all managed to get through it.

Q AT AGE OF 23, YOU SEEM PRETTY YOUNG TO BE TAKING YOUR SENIOR COACHING QUALIFICATIONS?
A A couple of years ago I took my Level 2 badge and it really helped me think about the game in a different way and the following season I had a really good campaign. I definitely think undertaking these courses can improve my overall game and I hope that will be the case again next season. I've spoken to a lot of older pros and retired ex-players during the course and a lot of them said they wished they had taken their coaching badges ten years ago.

Q SO I HAVE YOU COMPLETED THE COURSE NOW?
ANo, now I have to go away and do my 12 hours of practical coaching and then when I feel I'm ready to be examined I'll go for my final assessment.

Q WHAT WAS YOUR REASON BEHIND THE DECISION TO JOIN BRIGHTON ON LOAN AT THE END OF LAST SEASON?
A To be honest I wasn't playing for QPR and I don't like sitting around not playing so it was a case of getting some competitive matches under my belt. The Brighton manager rang me up and asked if I was prepared to sign for a month and I thought it was a good opportunity to get some playing time.

Q ARE YOU HOPING JOHN GREGORY GIVES YOU A CHANCE AT QPR NEXT SEASON? A I'd like to think so. He phoned me a couple of times while I was at Brighton and told me that he'd heard I was doing well so now it's a question of me going back there and fighting for a place in the team. I've got two years left on my contract at QPR and we'll just have and see how things go during pre-season.

Q BEING THE FIRST PAKISTANI AND BRITISH ASIAN TO PLAY IN THE PREMIERSHIP, DO YOU SEE YOURSELF AS A ROLE MODEL TO A LOT OF ASIAN YOUNGSTERS?
AI've often been described as that but I don't want to place too much of an extra burden on myself. If people from Asian backgrounds look up to me that's great and I've always done a lot of work with the PFA and the Kick Racism out of Football campaign at every club I have been at. I get a lot of letters and e-mails from young Asians and I always try to give them as much encouragement and advice as I can.
PGA

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UPDATE: See Also: QPR America and QPR USA


Toronto DC: Dichio's volley wins Goal of the Week
Toronto FC forward Danny Dichio has won the Sierra Mist Goal of the Week award, his second of the season. Dichio helped TFC defeat the Colorado Rapids by finishing off a brilliant move on the right by Marvell Wynne to score the home side's first goal. Watch the goal Toronto FC

Globe and Mail Toronto FC maps out long trip - LARRY MILLSON June 12, 2007
"Mo Johnston feels his team can win on the road as well as at home, where support comes from a boisterous crowd at BMO Field.
After Sunday's Major League Soccer game against FC Dallas, Toronto FC will have a chance to prove the head coach right, as it will play six consecutive games on the road as the under-20 World Cup takes over BMO Field.
All three of Toronto's victories have been at home from six games played, while there is one draw to show for four away games.
....There are enough young players to form a nucleus that could stay for a few years. "We can stay together, and don't forget we have two No. 1 draft picks for next year," Johnston said. "We still have allocation money. So there's a lot of good stuff in there."...
Johnston said he hopes to have a couple of players in this week who will work with the team.
"We're going to take a close look at them and hopefully I can get one of them signed," he said. "I'm looking at doing something with a Premiership team on a loan deal. We can do two or three different things."
He has been looking to strengthen the back line. He also could use some help up front....
Recently, former Canadian national team midfielder Marc Bircham had a trial in Toronto.
His contract with Queens Park Rangers has expired. He has returned to England and will meet with officials from a couple of other clubs before deciding his future.
"We're strong in that department where he plays," Johnston said.
"We were impressed by him. He's good on the ball. He knows how to play soccer."
MLS

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Ex-QPR Richard Graham joins Dagenham...News about ex-QPR's Tony Robert's testimonial game(which is NOT being played against QPR)

Dagenham and Redbridge: - More Arrvials
The Daggers have added two more players to their squad ahead of their debut League Two campaign with the completion of the signings of winger Richard Graham from Barnet and midfielder Shane Huke from Peterborough United.
Newry born Richard, 27, was the winger who tore the Daggers apart and inspired Barnet to a 5-0 victory at Underhill in front of the Sky television cameras two-and-half years ago.
"He can play wide right or wide left, he can cross the ball and he knows this level", Said John Still. "He's deceptive with his running and gets crosses in from both sides. I've seen quite a bit of him and I've known him for a while and he gives us competition for places out wide."
Twice capped at Under-21 level for Northern Ireland, Richard began his career as youth at Queens Park Rangers with moves to Chesham United, Billericay Town and Kettering Town before joining the Bees in 2004...
Both have joined on two-year contracts Dagenham

Dagenham & Redbridge v West Ham United
Tony Roberts Testimonial
Saturday 14th July, kick-off at 3.00pm
Tickets are now on sale to purchase in the clubhouse behind the bar everyday after 11am.
Prices:
Seats - (Adults) £15, (Concessions) £10
Terrace - (Adults) £12, (Concessions) £7
Please note: West Ham United supporters will be segregated for this match so if you would like to purchase a ticket for the Hammers end you need to apply for tickets via West Ham United ticket office. Dagenham

AFC Wimbledon - Wes Daly Reportedly Acccepts a New Contract While Jermaine Darlington is Released
Friday 08 June 2007 - Terry looks back on the week and a late signing
"At the end of a busy week, Terry Brown was very pleased with progress. “...
“We have also offered an improved contract to Wes Daly and I am delighted to say that he has accepted it. We have managed to maintain the nucleus of last year’s talented young squad, with twelve having signed or re-signed and with Roscoe Dsane yet to decide over the coming days. It looks increasingly unlikely that we will be able to retain him, however. We’ve made him a vastly improved offer but whether that will be able to match the lure of full-time Conference football is doubtful.
“As well as signing new players it falls upon a manager’s shoulders to release them. Unfortunately we have had to release two talented and hard-working players this week, in Jermaine Darlington and Chris Gell. Again, I would like to thank them for the valuable contributions they made to the club’s success over the last couple of seasons. .” ADC Wimbledon

AFC Wimbledon On Jerome Darlington's Release -05 June 2007
Terry moves closed to finalising the squad
"...Whenever a new manager joins a club there will be difficult decisions to make that involve popular players. One particularly difficult decision has been to release Jermaine Darlington, who is a very talented player. However, as the manager I have to look at the long term picture as well as the immediate future of the club.
"I've already brought in some experienced Conference players and I felt I needed to balance that with some young legs around them. On behalf of the club, I'd like to thank Jermaine and all the other players who we've released for the contribution they've made towards the club's progress over the last few years." ADC Wimbledon


Alan McDonald is building his staff at Glentoran - Belfast Telegraph

Aldershot report on the marriage of former QPR goalie, Nikki Bull!
Aldershot

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No idea the reliability of the source and seen this nowhere else.

Palace seek Smith deal
24 Dash ComPublisher: Mel Bagley - Published: 12/06/2007

Crystal Palace are aiming to put one over Championship rivals QPR by landing Chelsea youngster Jimmy Smith on a season-long loan deal. The 20-year-old spent last term at QPR and won over the fans with some impressive displays - including two goals in a 4-2 win over Palace. Palace boss Peter Taylor is determined to strengthen his squad, but has been told by chairman Simon Jordan to recruit players on loan rather than shell out funds.
And after scouring the marketplace, Taylor has identified Smith as being the best available option and is confident he can lure the player to Selhurst Park.