-
Visit the QPR Report Messageboard for a combination of football items; nostalgia; videos (today's video: QPR Crushed) and posters' comments.
- See Also: "Flashback to QPR-at-Year's End: One, Two and Three Years Ago"
- QPR's at Year's End and in Previous Years and End-of-Season Points Totals
- Loftus Road Ranked at #42 in "Greatest Stadiums for Atmosphere"
North Devon Journal - QPR keep an eye on Appledore's Downing
- APPLEDORE youngster Sean Downing is a target for championship heavyweights Queens Park Rangers.
- Scouts were spotted watching the 17-year-old during Saturday's Peninsula League clash with Okehampton Argyle, in which he was a second-half substitute.
- But Appledore manager Geoff Copp is not prepared to lose the forward without a fight.
- He said: "He is a great prospect and we will do our best to keep hold of him.
"I think everybody can see that it is definitely in him, but he still has a lot of growing and developing to do before he becomes the player that he could be.
- If he gets the chance at a bigger club as a YTS trainee then he would learn his proper trade with quality coaches and better people around him so he would only improve as a player.
- "I will just ask the club to do their best to keep my players." Copp, however, insists that he will not stand in Downing's way if any move develops.
He said: "It will come down to money and how can I be hypocritical and tell him not to go if money is being chucked at him?" North Devon Journal
Telegraph/Sandy Macaskill/Telegraph - Joining or leaving the Premier League? - We look at who is likely to swap the Premier League for the Championship, and vice-versa, in 2009.
Going Down?....
Coming Up?
Despite his side being seven points clear of Birmingham City and Reading at the top, Wolves manager Mick McCarthy has issued a prohibition on the ‘P’ word in the dressing room and set his players a target of 92 points to guarantee promotion.
Their chances of doing so have been helped by the fact that their superb right winger, Michael Kightly, seems happy to stay at the club despite attracting interest from Bolton and now Newcastle.
McCarthy has also extended Chelsea and England defender Michael Mancienne’s loan deal until Jan 29. Wolves would have hoped for more than two draws over the festive period, however.
Tied with Birmingham on 51 points, Reading are currently in second place on goal difference. They knocked the Blues out of the top two for the first time since mid-September a fortnight ago, but have failed to capitalise since.
Yet talk of a three-horse race could be pre-emptive, as Cardiff City are steadily advancing, although they are still some way off with 44 points.
Burnley, on 43 points, and Sheffield United, on 41, also look likely to be competing for play-off places.
Queens Park Rangers ought not to be discounted. With 38 points, they are some way off, yet considering their owners’ deep pockets, the club have the ability to bring in new blood this January. Telegraph
Virginia Media - Vine on road to recovery
- QPR striker Rowan Vine is hoping for a happier 2009 after recently undergoing successful surgery on the leg he broke last season.
- The 26-year-old sustained the injury in a freak training-ground collision back in April, and cut a frustrated figure in the treatment room following a recent setback in his recovery which forced him to go back under the knife.
- However, following a scan of the leg Vine has been given the green light to step up his rehabilitation.
- "The second operation has gone very well," said Rangers physio Paul Hunter.
- "The surgeon is very happy with the outcome and the fracture itself is showing great signs of recovery.
- "We've had the green light to increase the intensity of Rowan's training programme which is a massive boost for everyone connected with the club - Virginia Media
Burnley Express/Chris Boden - Cup king Coyle shifts focus
- CUP king Owen Coyle Owen Coyle has his sights set on a run in the world's premier knockout competition.
- Carling Cup semi-finalists Burnley travel to QPR in the FA Cup third round on Saturday, just seven weeks after winning 2-1 in the league at Loftus Road. - Two titanic clashes with Spurs await, but Coyle doesn't see extra cup commitments as a bind, and would love nothing more than to win a place in the hat for the fourth round.
- Coyle said: "QPR are probably the same, they would have loved to have been playing a team from another division, whether it was higher or lower, because there is a freshness about it, rather than another Championship side.
- "We've been there on a few occasions and we'll go there again, looking to be positive.
"We've enjoyed the Carling Cup, and it would be nice to have a run in the FA Cup as well.
- "But it's going to be a difficult game.
- "They are a quality side."
The Clarets will be without skipper Steven Caldwell and Stephen Jordan through suspension, with Caldwell also missing the Carling Cup semi-final first leg at White Hart Lane after his second sending-off of the season at Doncaster.
- Coyle, meanwhile, is looking forward to locking horns with two-time Champions League winner Paulo Sousa, the new man at the helm at QPR: "Paulo has come in and made an impression.
"He's a very nice man.
"I met him a few months ago at Gleneagles when we were both on a coaching thing.
- "He won the Champions League twice, back-to-back, so that shows you what a good player he was, and I'm sure he'll look to transfer that into management.
- "It will be tough, but we're looking forward to it.
- "Home or away we go and try and win, and that's what we'll look to do."
Indeed, Sousa, a member of Portugal's "Golden Generation" alongside the likes of Rui Costa, Joao Pinto and Paulo Futre, is the only player to win the Champions League in back-to-back seasons, helping Juventus beat Ajax in 1996, before starring for Borussia Dortmund against Juve the following year.
- The 38-year-old was appointed as Carlos Queiroz's assistant with the Portugal national side in the summer, before taking over from caretaker Gareth Ainsworth in November.
- After taking his seat in the stands at Watford, where the Rs lost 3-0, he has only presided over one defeat in eight games at the helm, taking Rangers up to ninth, three points off the play-off places.
- Come tomorrow, the transfer window will reopen, and Coyle is already aware he will have to wheel and deal to bolster his squad - with Bristol City right back Bradley Orr believed to be on his wish list.
Chairman Barry Kilby admits: "Things are tight. Let's see.
"The Carling Cup money has just gone to mitigate our loss really.
"I can't promise anything on that and I'm not going to."
There has been speculation linking Chris McCann and Chris Eagles with Premier League clubs, and while Kilby admits: "I'd never say (we don't have to sell)," the club certainly want to add to their squad, not weaken it.
Burnley have had a reputation as a selling club in the past, but Kilby feels that isn't as clear-cut: "We've been no mugs on the block in transfers I don't think.
"I'd challenge our record in selling players.
"When you buy players, it's your manager's judgement. But if one of your players goes, it's not always your doing, as it would be in business.
"If you've got a player involved, there's an element that's in there that if he's not happy, you have some judgements to make.
"You might say 'we can't sell anybody', you can turn the offer down but sometimes, in this triangle you have – player, buying club, yourselves – it's not just your own decision, and sometimes you have to make a really hard decision with the hand you're dealt in terms of the best thing to do.
"Would we have wanted to get rid of Andy Gray or Kyle Lafferty? No. But you'd have had a player sulking in a corner, so sometimes you have to sell even though, in your own judgement, you sooner wouldn't.
"I'd challenge anyone to look at our record in transfer dealings, and getting top dollar for players as well."
"We have a lot of experience." Burnley Express
Richard Langley Staying on at Burnley
This is Bristol RoversRichard Langley will be staying with Bristol Rovers for another month.
And coach Paul Trollope is hopeful that the experienced Jamaican international can overcome niggling injury worries and prove he has a longer-term future with the Pirates.
The 29-year-old midfielder, who previously had spells with QPR, Cardiff City and Luton Town, had an extended trial spell with Rovers before signing a short-term deal for December.
He was on the bench for recent games against Hartlepool, Stockport and MK Dons but is still waiting to taste first-team action and was not included in the squad for the 0-0 draw at Northampton last Sunday.
"Richard is with us for another month until the end of January and trying to prove his fitness," said Trollope.
"We are pleased with what we have seen from him in training but he has experienced some tightness with his muscles, and that's the reason he wasn't involved on the bench at Northampton.
"It's a difficult time for him because he is desperate to prove his fitness and show his quality, but at the moment he is just being hampered by a bit of soreness.
"We are working hard to eradicate the problems and hopefully he will be available for the game at Crewe next Tuesday."
This week's sub-zero temperatures mean Rovers have had to tweak their training schedule during a nine-day break from competitive action.
But Trollope said the facilities at their Army base HQ in Colerne are a help when it comes to keeping the players busy.
"I would imagine most teams in the country will be finding it difficult this week, but at Colerne we have a great indoor facility and a swimming pool, which we will be using," said Trollope.
"We can get out and do some straight-line running even though the grass is frozen, but the size of the indoor facility means we can do a lot of ball work inside to keep the lads right.
"The fact there is a sprung floor as well means it's not too hard on the legs, which is good This is Burnley
Welcome to QPR REPORT - A completely unofficial and unaffiliated fan site focusing on G-d's Chosen Team, Queen's Park Rangers (QPR) FC. (Visit also QPR Report Messageboard and Follow on Twitter.) QPR Report accepts no sponsorship, advertising or financial contributions. In 2008, QPR Report was named as one of the top two blogs in the Football League
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Flashback to QPR-at-Year's End: One, Two and Three Years Ago
-
Visit the QPR Report Messageboard for a combination of football items; nostalgia; videos and posters' comments. Today's Video: QPR Crushed!
- See Also: QPR's at Year's End: A Comparison to Previous Years - And QPR's Season-End Points Totals Over the Past Decade
Flashback One Year - December 31, 2007: Mahon Joins QPR
(Some debate over whether his permanent signing was ever actually officially announced by QPR)
QPR OFFICIAL SITE EXCLUSIVE: MAHON MOVES IN
- Midfield general Gavin Mahon has joined Queens Park Rangers on an emergency loan deal from Watford, with a view to a permanent transfer.
- The midfielder, who is in line to make his R's debut against Leicester City tomorrow (Tuesday), was an interested spectator in the Vicarage Road press box on Saturday afternoon, as his new charges beat his former employers 4-2.
- Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk before his first training session this morning, Mahon expressed his delight at the move, commenting: "It's a very exciting time to be joining this Club.
- "There were four or five other Championship sides that showed an interest, but once I'd spoken to the Chairman Gianni Paladini there was never any doubt in my mind that I'd be joining Rangers. "The ambition and drive of the board and the new investors really impressed me and I'm delighted to be here."
- Mahon added: "It was a surreal experience on Saturday. When QPR went ahead early on I was happy, but at the same time it was a very difficult situation to be in, having spent so many years at Watford.
"I'm a QPR player now though and I couldn't be more delighted to be here."
- After learning his trade with Hereford United and Brentford, Mahon moved to Watford near the end of the ill-fated Gianluca Vialli reign at Vicarage Road.
He played an integral role in the Hornets' upturn in fortunes and was rewarded by being named Player of the Season at the end of the 2003/04 campaign.
He successfully skippered the Club to promotion in May 2006 and made 36 appearances in their one season stay in the top-flight. QPR
WATFORD OFFICIAL SITE - MAHON A RANGERS A MOVE
- GAVIN Mahon will join QPR on loan with a view to making his move permanent in the January transfer window.
- The Watford captain departs Vicarage Road having dropped down the pecking order in recent weeks and joins the west Londoners in a bid to revive their languishing season, where they have spent the majority of the campaign in the bottom three.
Mahon was present at the Vic on Saturday to see his new club beat the Hornets 2-4, and after the game he said his farewells to the manager, staff and players.
- Watford will receive £200,000 initially for the move as Mahon is still under contract until the end of the season, and there may be a further £50,000 due on further clauses.
- The former club captain skippered Watford to victory in the 2006 play-off final after moving to the Hertfordshire club following spells with Hereford United and Brentford.
- Mahon will forever be remembered for his willingness to take a pay cut and his part in urging his fellow team mates to do the same during Watford's more difficult times.
- Everyone at Watford Football Club would like to wish Gavin and his family well for the future. - QPR Report
Also: Watford Backgrounder on Mahon joining QPR -
Also: Gareth Ainsworth, a year ago, talking about QPR's future, the new owners and Paladini - Ainsworth/Ealing Gazette
Two Years Ago: John Gregory's QPR had just lost 1-0 at Norwich:
QPR: Royce, Bignot, Milanese, Gallen, Rowlands, Lomas, Cook, Stewart, Furlong, Jones, Mancienne. Subs: Cole, Ward, Baidoo, Kanyuka, Blackstock.
Norwich: Gallacher, Drury, Shackell, Huckerby, Croft, Dublin, Earnshaw, Safri, Etuhu, Colin, Doherty. Subs: Lewis, Fleming, Hughes, McVeigh, Jarvis
- Match Reports
John Gregory's Post Match Comments
QPR OFFICIAL - John Gregory Comments - SINKING IN THE RAIN
John Gregory bemoaned the lack of fighting spirit, as the R's succumbed to a 1-0 defeat at Norwich.
"Generally it was a good performance, but not good enough.
"We've lost by the odd goal again and that seems to be the story since I've been at this club.''
Gregory continued: "To keep the likes of Huckerby, Earnshaw and Dublin at bay for 90 minues is a huge ask, and we just came up short today.
"Sometimes defenders make the odd rick and today is cost us.''
Despite the loss, the gaffer heaped praise on Steve Lomas, adding: "Steve Lomas set the standards by which the rest should follow.
"He was outstanding today, but too many of his team-mates went missing.
"Unfortunately that's been the case lately and Stevie is absolutely gutted.''
Gregory is looking forward to the opening of the January transfer window, commenting: "The transfer window will be very beneficial to us.
"I'm hoping that it will enable us to do a few deals, but we'll have to wait and see.
Three Years Ago Typical Conflict
"After his club's December 31, 4-3 victory at Crewe (which gave QPR 35 points after 27 games) Ian Holloway was talking about various off-the-field activities at QPR and his place at the club, with press reports of Jim Smith coming to QPR (denied by the club).
"We already have more points than we did at this exact point this time last year with a game hand. "But that doesn't seem to be good enough for some people. I'm sick and tired of every Tom, Dick and Harry getting linked with my job every day. "Well ding, dang, doo. It's my job, I own it and it's up to anyone else to take it off me." BBC
Crewe vs QPR Lineup - Royce, Bignot, Shittu, Santos, Rose, Langley, Bircham, Rowlands, Cook, Nygaard, Baidoo - Subs Not Used: Moore, Donnelly, Ainsworth, Furlong. Milanese --
Two Days Earlier on the QPR Official Site: December 29, 2005 - HAPPY NEW YEAR
- Rangers Chairman Gianni Paladini and the Board of Directors would like to wish all QPR fans a Happy New Year.
- After an eventful 2005, Paladini has issued the following statement to supporters of Queens Park Rangers:
- "As you all know, as a club we went through difficult times and the new board had to bear quite a challenge and responsibility.
- "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, especially as we know we can always count on your continuous support.
"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.
"A special thanks must also go to all our colleagues and staff and of course to all our fans who, from generation to generation, continue to support the club.
"We wish to embrace them all, one by one, with our motto "We are QPR!"
"We wish you all the best for a wonderful 2006." QPR
[A Few Weeks later, Holloway was out on Gardening leave!]
Visit the QPR Report Messageboard for a combination of football items; nostalgia; videos and posters' comments. Today's Video: QPR Crushed!
- See Also: QPR's at Year's End: A Comparison to Previous Years - And QPR's Season-End Points Totals Over the Past Decade
Flashback One Year - December 31, 2007: Mahon Joins QPR
(Some debate over whether his permanent signing was ever actually officially announced by QPR)
QPR OFFICIAL SITE EXCLUSIVE: MAHON MOVES IN
- Midfield general Gavin Mahon has joined Queens Park Rangers on an emergency loan deal from Watford, with a view to a permanent transfer.
- The midfielder, who is in line to make his R's debut against Leicester City tomorrow (Tuesday), was an interested spectator in the Vicarage Road press box on Saturday afternoon, as his new charges beat his former employers 4-2.
- Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk before his first training session this morning, Mahon expressed his delight at the move, commenting: "It's a very exciting time to be joining this Club.
- "There were four or five other Championship sides that showed an interest, but once I'd spoken to the Chairman Gianni Paladini there was never any doubt in my mind that I'd be joining Rangers. "The ambition and drive of the board and the new investors really impressed me and I'm delighted to be here."
- Mahon added: "It was a surreal experience on Saturday. When QPR went ahead early on I was happy, but at the same time it was a very difficult situation to be in, having spent so many years at Watford.
"I'm a QPR player now though and I couldn't be more delighted to be here."
- After learning his trade with Hereford United and Brentford, Mahon moved to Watford near the end of the ill-fated Gianluca Vialli reign at Vicarage Road.
He played an integral role in the Hornets' upturn in fortunes and was rewarded by being named Player of the Season at the end of the 2003/04 campaign.
He successfully skippered the Club to promotion in May 2006 and made 36 appearances in their one season stay in the top-flight. QPR
WATFORD OFFICIAL SITE - MAHON A RANGERS A MOVE
- GAVIN Mahon will join QPR on loan with a view to making his move permanent in the January transfer window.
- The Watford captain departs Vicarage Road having dropped down the pecking order in recent weeks and joins the west Londoners in a bid to revive their languishing season, where they have spent the majority of the campaign in the bottom three.
Mahon was present at the Vic on Saturday to see his new club beat the Hornets 2-4, and after the game he said his farewells to the manager, staff and players.
- Watford will receive £200,000 initially for the move as Mahon is still under contract until the end of the season, and there may be a further £50,000 due on further clauses.
- The former club captain skippered Watford to victory in the 2006 play-off final after moving to the Hertfordshire club following spells with Hereford United and Brentford.
- Mahon will forever be remembered for his willingness to take a pay cut and his part in urging his fellow team mates to do the same during Watford's more difficult times.
- Everyone at Watford Football Club would like to wish Gavin and his family well for the future. - QPR Report
Also: Watford Backgrounder on Mahon joining QPR -
Also: Gareth Ainsworth, a year ago, talking about QPR's future, the new owners and Paladini - Ainsworth/Ealing Gazette
Two Years Ago: John Gregory's QPR had just lost 1-0 at Norwich:
QPR: Royce, Bignot, Milanese, Gallen, Rowlands, Lomas, Cook, Stewart, Furlong, Jones, Mancienne. Subs: Cole, Ward, Baidoo, Kanyuka, Blackstock.
Norwich: Gallacher, Drury, Shackell, Huckerby, Croft, Dublin, Earnshaw, Safri, Etuhu, Colin, Doherty. Subs: Lewis, Fleming, Hughes, McVeigh, Jarvis
- Match Reports
John Gregory's Post Match Comments
QPR OFFICIAL - John Gregory Comments - SINKING IN THE RAIN
John Gregory bemoaned the lack of fighting spirit, as the R's succumbed to a 1-0 defeat at Norwich.
"Generally it was a good performance, but not good enough.
"We've lost by the odd goal again and that seems to be the story since I've been at this club.''
Gregory continued: "To keep the likes of Huckerby, Earnshaw and Dublin at bay for 90 minues is a huge ask, and we just came up short today.
"Sometimes defenders make the odd rick and today is cost us.''
Despite the loss, the gaffer heaped praise on Steve Lomas, adding: "Steve Lomas set the standards by which the rest should follow.
"He was outstanding today, but too many of his team-mates went missing.
"Unfortunately that's been the case lately and Stevie is absolutely gutted.''
Gregory is looking forward to the opening of the January transfer window, commenting: "The transfer window will be very beneficial to us.
"I'm hoping that it will enable us to do a few deals, but we'll have to wait and see.
Three Years Ago Typical Conflict
"After his club's December 31, 4-3 victory at Crewe (which gave QPR 35 points after 27 games) Ian Holloway was talking about various off-the-field activities at QPR and his place at the club, with press reports of Jim Smith coming to QPR (denied by the club).
"We already have more points than we did at this exact point this time last year with a game hand. "But that doesn't seem to be good enough for some people. I'm sick and tired of every Tom, Dick and Harry getting linked with my job every day. "Well ding, dang, doo. It's my job, I own it and it's up to anyone else to take it off me." BBC
Crewe vs QPR Lineup - Royce, Bignot, Shittu, Santos, Rose, Langley, Bircham, Rowlands, Cook, Nygaard, Baidoo - Subs Not Used: Moore, Donnelly, Ainsworth, Furlong. Milanese --
Two Days Earlier on the QPR Official Site: December 29, 2005 - HAPPY NEW YEAR
- Rangers Chairman Gianni Paladini and the Board of Directors would like to wish all QPR fans a Happy New Year.
- After an eventful 2005, Paladini has issued the following statement to supporters of Queens Park Rangers:
- "As you all know, as a club we went through difficult times and the new board had to bear quite a challenge and responsibility.
- "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, especially as we know we can always count on your continuous support.
"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.
"A special thanks must also go to all our colleagues and staff and of course to all our fans who, from generation to generation, continue to support the club.
"We wish to embrace them all, one by one, with our motto "We are QPR!"
"We wish you all the best for a wonderful 2006." QPR
[A Few Weeks later, Holloway was out on Gardening leave!]
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Confirmation Zesh Rehman Has Returned to QPR
-
Visit the QPR Report Messageboard for articles and posters' opinions. All views welcome!
Just not confirmation coming from the Official QPR Site!
Blackpool Official Site Loan Latest - Tue 30 Dec 2008
- With the transfer window re-opening on New Years Day the official website spoke with Club Secretary Matt Williams and asked him for the latest on those loan players at the club.
- Matt, the club have several players on loan at this moment in time, can you give us an indication on who is staying and who is going?
- I can confirm that Steven Kabba, Zesh Rehman, Lee Hendrie and Graham Stack have all returned to their parent clubs, we would like to thank them for all the efforts over the last few months and we wish them well in the future...."
Blackpool
Visit the QPR Report Messageboard for articles and posters' opinions. All views welcome!
Just not confirmation coming from the Official QPR Site!
Blackpool Official Site Loan Latest - Tue 30 Dec 2008
- With the transfer window re-opening on New Years Day the official website spoke with Club Secretary Matt Williams and asked him for the latest on those loan players at the club.
- Matt, the club have several players on loan at this moment in time, can you give us an indication on who is staying and who is going?
- I can confirm that Steven Kabba, Zesh Rehman, Lee Hendrie and Graham Stack have all returned to their parent clubs, we would like to thank them for all the efforts over the last few months and we wish them well in the future...."
Blackpool
Loftus Road Ranked at #42 in "Greatest Stadiums for Atmosphere" Listing
-
Visit the QPR Report Messageboard for articles and posters' opinions. All views welcome!
Daily Mail - THE LIST - The Most Atmospheric Stadiums in Football
- "Sportsmail celebrates the great cathedrals of world football by revealing our top 50 greatest stadiums for atmosphere. Our writers have voted, with many preferring to salute venues from a time when teams played at 'grounds' rather than stadiums."
- And at #42 - Loftus Road, QPR
50 El Monumental, River Plate
49 Bramall Lane, Sheffield United
48 The Den, Millwall
47 Stadium of Light, Sunderland
46 Stadio Luigi Ferraris, Sampdoria/Genoa
45 Stamford Bridge, Chelsea
44 Villa Park, Aston Villa
43 Britannia Stadium, Stoke
42 Loftus Road, QPR
41 Maksimir Stadium, Croatia
40 Stadio San Paulo, Napoli
39 Turf Moor, Burnley
38 Stade Felix Bollaert, Lens
37 Racecourse Ground, Wrexham
36 Ayresome Park, Middlesbrough
35 Stadio Olimpico, Roma/Lazio
34 Maracana, Brazil
33 Ashton Gate, Bristol City
32 Memorial Ground, Bristol Rovers
31 The Dell, Southampton
30: The Hawthorns, West Bromwich Albion
29: Stark's Park, Raith Rovers
28: Sukru Saracoglu Stadium, Fenerbahce
27: Boothferry Park, Hull City
26: Upton Park, West Ham United
25: Elland Road, Leeds United
24: Tynecastle, Heart of Midlothian
23: Estadio Mestalla, Valencia
22: Ninian Park, Cardiff City
21: Roker Park, Sunderland
20: La Bombonera, Boca Juniors
19: Hampden Park, Scotland
18: Stade Velodrome, Marseille
17: Millennium Stadium, Wales
16: Hillsborough, Sheffield Wednesday
15: Ibrox, Rangers
14: Westfalenstadion, Borussia Dortmund
13: Galatasaray, Ali Sami Yen Stadium
12: Maine Road, Man City
11: White Hart Lane, Tottenham
10: Fratton Park, Portsmouth:
Away teams - particularly south coast rivals Southampton - are always in for a hostile atmosphere when they visit Fratton Park, home of Pompey's chiming, ever raucous fans
9: Wembley (the one with the Twin Towers), England
The home of football. Wembley has been the scene of many a wonderful spectacle, but none topped England's 1966 World Cup victory
Goodbye to all that: Chelsea and Aston Villa fans walk along Wembley Way in 2000 with the - criminally demolished - Twin Towers looming, as the great stadium played host to its final FA Cup final
8: Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid
Real Madrid fans break the goalposts before 1998's Champions League semi-final with Borussia Dortmund. The game, which Real won 2-0, was delayed by 76 minutes, with officials forced to find a replacement from the club's training ground
7: San Siro, AC Milan/Inter Milan
The Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, commonly known as the San Siro, is an intense cauldron that hosts both AC and Inter Milan. The ground was the site of one of the greatest World Cup shocks when Cameroon beat holders Argentina in 1-0 in the opening game of Italia 90, thanks to Francois Omam-Biyick's goal
6: Goodison Park:
Home of Everton since 1892, no club has contested more seasons in the top flight. Here, jubilant Toffees' fans stage a pitch invasion to celebrate Premier League survival following a 1-1 draw with Coventry on the final day of the 1997-98 season
5: Old Trafford, Manchester United
The Theatre of Dreams is England's largest stadium, and home of the European Champions
4: St James' Park, Newcastle United
Newcastle fans welcome Michael Owen to St James' Park, where the fanaticalToon Army populate the sweeping Gallowgate End
3: Parkhead, Celtic
Bhoys fans in full voice at the intimidating Celtic Park
2: Camp Nou, FC Barcelona
The majestic Camp Nou - with a capacity of 98,787 - is the largest stadium in Europe
1: Anfield, Liverpool
The sign says it all..The world famous Spion Kop - home of Liverpool's most passionate supporters - welcome Chelsea and then boss Jose Mourinho to Anfield, while fans greet the club's 2005 Champions League victory with merriment at the Paisley Gateway, below
Daily Mail
Visit the QPR Report Messageboard for articles and posters' opinions. All views welcome!
Daily Mail - THE LIST - The Most Atmospheric Stadiums in Football
- "Sportsmail celebrates the great cathedrals of world football by revealing our top 50 greatest stadiums for atmosphere. Our writers have voted, with many preferring to salute venues from a time when teams played at 'grounds' rather than stadiums."
- And at #42 - Loftus Road, QPR
50 El Monumental, River Plate
49 Bramall Lane, Sheffield United
48 The Den, Millwall
47 Stadium of Light, Sunderland
46 Stadio Luigi Ferraris, Sampdoria/Genoa
45 Stamford Bridge, Chelsea
44 Villa Park, Aston Villa
43 Britannia Stadium, Stoke
42 Loftus Road, QPR
41 Maksimir Stadium, Croatia
40 Stadio San Paulo, Napoli
39 Turf Moor, Burnley
38 Stade Felix Bollaert, Lens
37 Racecourse Ground, Wrexham
36 Ayresome Park, Middlesbrough
35 Stadio Olimpico, Roma/Lazio
34 Maracana, Brazil
33 Ashton Gate, Bristol City
32 Memorial Ground, Bristol Rovers
31 The Dell, Southampton
30: The Hawthorns, West Bromwich Albion
29: Stark's Park, Raith Rovers
28: Sukru Saracoglu Stadium, Fenerbahce
27: Boothferry Park, Hull City
26: Upton Park, West Ham United
25: Elland Road, Leeds United
24: Tynecastle, Heart of Midlothian
23: Estadio Mestalla, Valencia
22: Ninian Park, Cardiff City
21: Roker Park, Sunderland
20: La Bombonera, Boca Juniors
19: Hampden Park, Scotland
18: Stade Velodrome, Marseille
17: Millennium Stadium, Wales
16: Hillsborough, Sheffield Wednesday
15: Ibrox, Rangers
14: Westfalenstadion, Borussia Dortmund
13: Galatasaray, Ali Sami Yen Stadium
12: Maine Road, Man City
11: White Hart Lane, Tottenham
10: Fratton Park, Portsmouth:
Away teams - particularly south coast rivals Southampton - are always in for a hostile atmosphere when they visit Fratton Park, home of Pompey's chiming, ever raucous fans
9: Wembley (the one with the Twin Towers), England
The home of football. Wembley has been the scene of many a wonderful spectacle, but none topped England's 1966 World Cup victory
Goodbye to all that: Chelsea and Aston Villa fans walk along Wembley Way in 2000 with the - criminally demolished - Twin Towers looming, as the great stadium played host to its final FA Cup final
8: Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid
Real Madrid fans break the goalposts before 1998's Champions League semi-final with Borussia Dortmund. The game, which Real won 2-0, was delayed by 76 minutes, with officials forced to find a replacement from the club's training ground
7: San Siro, AC Milan/Inter Milan
The Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, commonly known as the San Siro, is an intense cauldron that hosts both AC and Inter Milan. The ground was the site of one of the greatest World Cup shocks when Cameroon beat holders Argentina in 1-0 in the opening game of Italia 90, thanks to Francois Omam-Biyick's goal
6: Goodison Park:
Home of Everton since 1892, no club has contested more seasons in the top flight. Here, jubilant Toffees' fans stage a pitch invasion to celebrate Premier League survival following a 1-1 draw with Coventry on the final day of the 1997-98 season
5: Old Trafford, Manchester United
The Theatre of Dreams is England's largest stadium, and home of the European Champions
4: St James' Park, Newcastle United
Newcastle fans welcome Michael Owen to St James' Park, where the fanaticalToon Army populate the sweeping Gallowgate End
3: Parkhead, Celtic
Bhoys fans in full voice at the intimidating Celtic Park
2: Camp Nou, FC Barcelona
The majestic Camp Nou - with a capacity of 98,787 - is the largest stadium in Europe
1: Anfield, Liverpool
The sign says it all..The world famous Spion Kop - home of Liverpool's most passionate supporters - welcome Chelsea and then boss Jose Mourinho to Anfield, while fans greet the club's 2005 Champions League victory with merriment at the Paisley Gateway, below
Daily Mail
Briatore Enjoying Running QPR- on Dowie and De Canio (Insisted that Cerny Play Over Camp)
-
Visit the QPR Report Messageboard for a combination of football items; nostalgia; videos and posters' comments.
This is London - Flavio is getting a kick out of his hoop dreams
- Flavio Briatore had not even heard of Queens Park Rangers when the SOS was tapped out last year, so he asked his chauffeur for the lowdown. 'Bad team, bankrupt' was the concise verdict.
- A year on, the crippling debts have been shed and the team's stuttering performances have failed to sway chairman Briatore from his grand vision.
- "I promise we'll reach the Premier League but with our team, our people, our philosophy," he said. "You must build sound foundations; we don't want to go up and come straight back down."
- When Grand Prix maestros Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone bought the club in August 2007 for £14million and then sold a 20 per-cent stake to steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal, QPR were labelled as the new Chelsea. Yet the Italian boss of the Renault Formula One team sees the investment as an exercise in organic growth rather than a chequebook-waving orgy.
- "Nobody really expects QPR to go up this season," added Briatore, whose side are just outside the play-off zone after draws against Charlton and Watford over the festive period. "When we took over I always said it was a four-year programme to get into the Premier League. This is the second. Last year we just wanted to survive."
- The rapid disposal of coaches - Paulo Sousa is the fifth to take charge on either a permanent or caretaker basis since Briatore arrived - suggests a more impatient demand for success.
- Briatore claims, though, Iain Dowie has been his only genuine sacking, insisting Luigi de Canio made up his own mind to quit at the end of last season.
- He said: "I never fired De Canio. He did a good job because he saved us from relegation. He left because of family problems."
- 'Communication' is a word Briatore uses frequently in explaining his business philosophy but his relationship with Dowie resembled an arranged marriage which was doomed at the altar.
- Sporting director Gianni Paladini was charged with finding an English-speaking manager who understood the Championship and Dowie appeared to tick the relevant boxes. But even before a ball was kicked in anger in August, there was friction over who should play in goal: Briatore pulled rank to insist that close-season signing Radek Cerny was preferred to the keeper in residence, Lee Camp.- The Italian said: "The coach criticised me over Cerny. I said I thought he was the best keeper in the Championship. I tried to make him understand what we wanted but it was very difficult." The final straw for Briatore came after the 0-0 draw at Swansea on 21 October, a match which saw home keeper Dorus de Vries carried off in the 26th minute.
- With no keeper on the bench, defender Alan Tate replaced De Vries but he was a near spectator throughout a dull game.
- "We didn't have a shot at the target and I found that completely unacceptable," said Briatore.
- Having axed Dowie, Briatore put winger Gareth Ainsworth in caretaker charge before making a surprise move for ex-Portugal international Sousa last month.
- Briatore was then bewildered by suggestions he had started picking the team. He said: "Sure, I give my opinion but the final decision is with him [Sousa]."
- There is no longer the air of tearful gratitude which greeted Briatore's ride to the rescue but the Italian is keen to remind the fans of what might have been.
- Briatore, whose side will be looking to progress in the FA Cup against Burnley at Loftus Road on Saturday, said: "If QPR exist it is because of us.
- "I'm proud because 200 people would have been without a job. I didn't come into football to make money. I came into it to have fun." This is London
Visit the QPR Report Messageboard for a combination of football items; nostalgia; videos and posters' comments.
This is London - Flavio is getting a kick out of his hoop dreams
- Flavio Briatore had not even heard of Queens Park Rangers when the SOS was tapped out last year, so he asked his chauffeur for the lowdown. 'Bad team, bankrupt' was the concise verdict.
- A year on, the crippling debts have been shed and the team's stuttering performances have failed to sway chairman Briatore from his grand vision.
- "I promise we'll reach the Premier League but with our team, our people, our philosophy," he said. "You must build sound foundations; we don't want to go up and come straight back down."
- When Grand Prix maestros Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone bought the club in August 2007 for £14million and then sold a 20 per-cent stake to steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal, QPR were labelled as the new Chelsea. Yet the Italian boss of the Renault Formula One team sees the investment as an exercise in organic growth rather than a chequebook-waving orgy.
- "Nobody really expects QPR to go up this season," added Briatore, whose side are just outside the play-off zone after draws against Charlton and Watford over the festive period. "When we took over I always said it was a four-year programme to get into the Premier League. This is the second. Last year we just wanted to survive."
- The rapid disposal of coaches - Paulo Sousa is the fifth to take charge on either a permanent or caretaker basis since Briatore arrived - suggests a more impatient demand for success.
- Briatore claims, though, Iain Dowie has been his only genuine sacking, insisting Luigi de Canio made up his own mind to quit at the end of last season.
- He said: "I never fired De Canio. He did a good job because he saved us from relegation. He left because of family problems."
- 'Communication' is a word Briatore uses frequently in explaining his business philosophy but his relationship with Dowie resembled an arranged marriage which was doomed at the altar.
- Sporting director Gianni Paladini was charged with finding an English-speaking manager who understood the Championship and Dowie appeared to tick the relevant boxes. But even before a ball was kicked in anger in August, there was friction over who should play in goal: Briatore pulled rank to insist that close-season signing Radek Cerny was preferred to the keeper in residence, Lee Camp.- The Italian said: "The coach criticised me over Cerny. I said I thought he was the best keeper in the Championship. I tried to make him understand what we wanted but it was very difficult." The final straw for Briatore came after the 0-0 draw at Swansea on 21 October, a match which saw home keeper Dorus de Vries carried off in the 26th minute.
- With no keeper on the bench, defender Alan Tate replaced De Vries but he was a near spectator throughout a dull game.
- "We didn't have a shot at the target and I found that completely unacceptable," said Briatore.
- Having axed Dowie, Briatore put winger Gareth Ainsworth in caretaker charge before making a surprise move for ex-Portugal international Sousa last month.
- Briatore was then bewildered by suggestions he had started picking the team. He said: "Sure, I give my opinion but the final decision is with him [Sousa]."
- There is no longer the air of tearful gratitude which greeted Briatore's ride to the rescue but the Italian is keen to remind the fans of what might have been.
- Briatore, whose side will be looking to progress in the FA Cup against Burnley at Loftus Road on Saturday, said: "If QPR exist it is because of us.
- "I'm proud because 200 people would have been without a job. I didn't come into football to make money. I came into it to have fun." This is London
Zesh Rehman Back at QPR?....Raving About Balanta
-
Visit the QPR Report Messageboard for a combination of football items (sometimes beyond QPR); nostalgia; videos (today's video Martin Allen's winner); and posters' comments..
Sky Sports - Ones to watch in '09 Our experts name their ones to watch on 2009
Chris Kamara/Sky Sport
"My ones to watch for 2009 are Adam Lallana who is a midfielder / forward at Southampton and the young striker Angelo Balanta at QPR, who has been on loan at Wycombe. They are both lovely footballers with big futures ahead of them. As they improve they will become big stars in the next generation Sky
- Six simple words...!Blackpool Gazette - Pool face exodus of loan stars
"....Zesh Rehman is back at QPR" - Blackpool Gazette
[Flashback: When Rehman Joined Blackpool on loan in July...
QPR Official Site July 2008 - REHMAN JOINS SEASIDERS ON LOAN
- R's defender Zesh Rehman has joined Blackpool on a six-month loan deal.
The 24 year-old, who joined the Hoops from Fulham for an undisclosed fee in the summer of 2006, made 22 appearances in all competitions last season.
Rangers Assistant Manager, Tim Flowers, told www.qpr.co.uk: "Zesh has been first class since the first day of pre-season, but it's clear we've got an abundance of high quality centre-backs at the Club and he knows he's slightly behind in the pecking order at the moment. "It's important that he gets some games under his belt though and he'll get that opportunity at Blackpool.
- "We wish him all the best for his six month spell, because he's a top lad and a first class professional who deserves to be playing football week in, week out."
The Pakistani international was rewarded for his work in the community at the end of last season, by scooping the Community Commitment award at the Club's annual Player of the Year showcase.
Blackpool Official Site
"...Zesh Rehman who has joined the club on loan until January, with Pool having first option on either extending the loan or signing the defender on a permanent basis. The agreement will also see Pool withdraw their complaint against QPR for the alleged illegal approach made to Kaspars Gorkss.
QPR Report
Visit the QPR Report Messageboard for a combination of football items (sometimes beyond QPR); nostalgia; videos (today's video Martin Allen's winner); and posters' comments..
Sky Sports - Ones to watch in '09 Our experts name their ones to watch on 2009
Chris Kamara/Sky Sport
"My ones to watch for 2009 are Adam Lallana who is a midfielder / forward at Southampton and the young striker Angelo Balanta at QPR, who has been on loan at Wycombe. They are both lovely footballers with big futures ahead of them. As they improve they will become big stars in the next generation Sky
- Six simple words...!Blackpool Gazette - Pool face exodus of loan stars
"....Zesh Rehman is back at QPR" - Blackpool Gazette
[Flashback: When Rehman Joined Blackpool on loan in July...
QPR Official Site July 2008 - REHMAN JOINS SEASIDERS ON LOAN
- R's defender Zesh Rehman has joined Blackpool on a six-month loan deal.
The 24 year-old, who joined the Hoops from Fulham for an undisclosed fee in the summer of 2006, made 22 appearances in all competitions last season.
Rangers Assistant Manager, Tim Flowers, told www.qpr.co.uk: "Zesh has been first class since the first day of pre-season, but it's clear we've got an abundance of high quality centre-backs at the Club and he knows he's slightly behind in the pecking order at the moment. "It's important that he gets some games under his belt though and he'll get that opportunity at Blackpool.
- "We wish him all the best for his six month spell, because he's a top lad and a first class professional who deserves to be playing football week in, week out."
The Pakistani international was rewarded for his work in the community at the end of last season, by scooping the Community Commitment award at the Club's annual Player of the Year showcase.
Blackpool Official Site
"...Zesh Rehman who has joined the club on loan until January, with Pool having first option on either extending the loan or signing the defender on a permanent basis. The agreement will also see Pool withdraw their complaint against QPR for the alleged illegal approach made to Kaspars Gorkss.
QPR Report
QPR's at Year's End: A Comparison to Previous Years - And QPR's Season-End Points Totals Over Past Decade
-
Visit the QPR Report Messageboard for a combination of football items (sometimes beyond QPR); nostalgia; videos (today's video Martin Allen's winner); and posters' comments....Manager of The Month Nominees
COMPARING QPR AT YEAR'S END TO PREVIOUS SEASONS
QPR's FIVE YEARS IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP
- On December 31, 2008 (Dowie/Ainsworth/Sousa) QPR have 38 points from 26 games.
- On December 31, 2007 (Gregory/De Canio), QPR had 27 points from 25 games
- On December 31, 2006 (Waddock/Gregory), QPR had 27 points from 26 games
- On December 31, 2005 (Holloway/Waddock) QPR had 35 points from 27 games
- On December 31, 2004 (Holloway), QPR had 33 point from 26 games (Jan 1 victory: 34 points after 27 games)
- See Also: Championship Table at Year's End for 2005, 2006 & 2007 -- and also The Relegated Championship Teams/points for past Decade
QPR's END OF SEASON CHAMPIONSHIP FINISHES
- 2007-2008, (Gregory/De Canio) QPR finished with 58 points
- 2006-2007, (Waddock/Gregory)QPR finished with 53 points
- 2005-2006, (Holloway/Waddock) QPR finished with 50 points.
- 2004-2005 (Holloway), QPR finished with 62 points
[2001-2002, 2002-2003 & 2003-2004, QPR were in the "Third Division" (albeit a different name!]
- 2000-2001 (Francis/Holloway), QPR relegated with 40 points.
- 1999-2000 (Francis) QPR finished with 66 points
- 1998/1999 (Harford/Francis) ended 47 points.
- 1997/1998 (Houston/Harford) QPR stayed up 49 points.
- 1996/1997 (Wilkins/Houston), QPR finished with 66 points.
QPR Stats Compared to This Time Last Season (From Football 365]
League Record 2008-2009
Pld W D L F A GD GFA GAA PpG Pts Rank
Home Record 13 9 2 2 20 11 9 1.53 0.84 2.23 29 4
Away Record 13 1 6 6 5 15 -10 0.38 1.15 0.69 9 19
Overall Record 26 10 8 8 25 26 -1 0.96 1.00 1.46 38 9
League Record 2007-2008 [for the same period]
Pld W D L F A GD GFA GAA PpG Pts Rank
Home Record 12 3 4 5 9 14 -5 0.75 1.16 1.08 13 21
Away Record 13 3 5 5 18 23 -5 1.38 1.76 1.07 14 13
Overall Record 25 6 9 10 27 37 -10 1.08 1.48 1.08 27 19
[Note: The name of "Division Two" has changed over the years. Currently, it's "The Championship"]
Visit the QPR Report Messageboard for a combination of football items (sometimes beyond QPR); nostalgia; videos (today's video Martin Allen's winner); and posters' comments....Manager of The Month Nominees
COMPARING QPR AT YEAR'S END TO PREVIOUS SEASONS
QPR's FIVE YEARS IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP
- On December 31, 2008 (Dowie/Ainsworth/Sousa) QPR have 38 points from 26 games.
- On December 31, 2007 (Gregory/De Canio), QPR had 27 points from 25 games
- On December 31, 2006 (Waddock/Gregory), QPR had 27 points from 26 games
- On December 31, 2005 (Holloway/Waddock) QPR had 35 points from 27 games
- On December 31, 2004 (Holloway), QPR had 33 point from 26 games (Jan 1 victory: 34 points after 27 games)
- See Also: Championship Table at Year's End for 2005, 2006 & 2007 -- and also The Relegated Championship Teams/points for past Decade
QPR's END OF SEASON CHAMPIONSHIP FINISHES
- 2007-2008, (Gregory/De Canio) QPR finished with 58 points
- 2006-2007, (Waddock/Gregory)QPR finished with 53 points
- 2005-2006, (Holloway/Waddock) QPR finished with 50 points.
- 2004-2005 (Holloway), QPR finished with 62 points
[2001-2002, 2002-2003 & 2003-2004, QPR were in the "Third Division" (albeit a different name!]
- 2000-2001 (Francis/Holloway), QPR relegated with 40 points.
- 1999-2000 (Francis) QPR finished with 66 points
- 1998/1999 (Harford/Francis) ended 47 points.
- 1997/1998 (Houston/Harford) QPR stayed up 49 points.
- 1996/1997 (Wilkins/Houston), QPR finished with 66 points.
QPR Stats Compared to This Time Last Season (From Football 365]
League Record 2008-2009
Pld W D L F A GD GFA GAA PpG Pts Rank
Home Record 13 9 2 2 20 11 9 1.53 0.84 2.23 29 4
Away Record 13 1 6 6 5 15 -10 0.38 1.15 0.69 9 19
Overall Record 26 10 8 8 25 26 -1 0.96 1.00 1.46 38 9
League Record 2007-2008 [for the same period]
Pld W D L F A GD GFA GAA PpG Pts Rank
Home Record 12 3 4 5 9 14 -5 0.75 1.16 1.08 13 21
Away Record 13 3 5 5 18 23 -5 1.38 1.76 1.07 14 13
Overall Record 25 6 9 10 27 37 -10 1.08 1.48 1.08 27 19
[Note: The name of "Division Two" has changed over the years. Currently, it's "The Championship"]
Unlikely Story: QPR Sousa as Derby County Managerial Candidate....Routlegde/QPR Favourites?
-
Visit the QPR Report Messageboard for a combination of cutting-edge news posts; nostalgia; videos; and posters' comments.
Bizarre news story of the day?
- Daily Mail - Sousa a Derby candidate despite only just taking over at QPR
"Paulo Sousa has emerged as a surprise contender for the Derby job. The QPR boss has impressed in his short tenure at Loftus Road but will be rivalled by Burton Albion's Nigel Clough." Mail
Meanwhile/Supposedly (even as Cardiff reportedly in contract talks with Routledge)..
Mirror: QPR in for Aston Villa winger Wayne Routledge
QPR are set to beat Cardiff to the £250,000 capture of Aston Villa winger Wayne Routledge.
Routledge is on loan at Ninian Park and has scored twice in nine games. Cardiff want a permanent deal but the player favours a move to London. Mirror
Visit the QPR Report Messageboard for a combination of cutting-edge news posts; nostalgia; videos; and posters' comments.
Bizarre news story of the day?
- Daily Mail - Sousa a Derby candidate despite only just taking over at QPR
"Paulo Sousa has emerged as a surprise contender for the Derby job. The QPR boss has impressed in his short tenure at Loftus Road but will be rivalled by Burton Albion's Nigel Clough." Mail
Meanwhile/Supposedly (even as Cardiff reportedly in contract talks with Routledge)..
Mirror: QPR in for Aston Villa winger Wayne Routledge
QPR are set to beat Cardiff to the £250,000 capture of Aston Villa winger Wayne Routledge.
Routledge is on loan at Ninian Park and has scored twice in nine games. Cardiff want a permanent deal but the player favours a move to London. Mirror
Monday, December 29, 2008
Interesting Assessment of QPR and Borrowdale, Helguson, Routledge and Watson and Other Past Signings....Lee Camp's Return?
-
For football-related postings and opinons, visit the QPR Report Messageboard
Update: Clive Whittingham's LoftforWords: Lee Camp's Comments about returning to QPR
Dave McIntyre - BBC606 - The Borrowdale problem
Rangers’ signing of Gary Borrowdale could turn out to be an expensive mistake.
Borrowdale has not made a single appearance since joining on an initial loan deal and is not rated by Paulo Sousa, who has chosen Damien Delaney and even an out-of-position Matt Connolly ahead of him at left-back.
The problem is that the deal to sign Borrowdale from Coventry for around £700,000 was agreed before Sousa’s appointment. As things stand, he is a QPR player.
That leaves the club with a full-back who is struggling to get a look in and Borrowdale facing the prospect of his Rangers career being halted before it’s even started – a far from ideal situation for both parties.
Heidar Helguson on the other hand has proved to be a useful addition and barring no late hitches, his permanent move from Bolton will go through.
Helguson gives Rangers something extra up front and their midfield would really be strengthened if they can finally pull off the signings of Ben Watson and Wayne Routledge. Both players have been targets for some time.
Watson was wanted by Iain Dowie and Rangers also tried to sign Routledge before he moved to Aston Villa, where he has failed to make an impact.
Routledge has been in good form for Cardiff and is scheduled to stay on loan there until 20 January.
If he ends up at Loftus Road it will be interesting to see what the fans make of him.
Routledge has never really been my cup of tea but I reckon he’d go down a storm.
He’s a very exciting winger at Championship level and would have people on the edge of their seats.
Routledge is already hugely popular at Cardiff, who want to keep him.
My concern about Routledge would be the same as it has been with several others who have been brought to Rangers. He’s yet another who wouldn’t be cheap but has little chance of developing into a Premier League player should the club get there.
It’s why I strongly disagree with the theory that this QPR regime hasn’t spent a lot of money.
Most of their signings have improved the squad but I would argue only Akos Buzsaky could cut it at a higher level, although Connolly perhaps could in the future.
For what they have signed, Rangers have shown little restraint in the transfer market despite the soundbites about not overspending.
We’ll soon know how far they are willing to push the boat out for Watson, who is no Buzsaky but would certainly do a good job for Rangers in his absence.
Watson had a brief spell in the top flight as a teenager and many believe he deserves another crack.
A number of Premier League clubs have watched him very closely for a long time but have decided not to take the plunge.
If that changes in January, it will obviously be tough for Rangers to get him even if they can agree a deal with Palace.
The games over Christmas definitely highlighted the areas that need to be improved and Sousa’s changes didn’t go down well with some.
I like what Sousa’s trying to do with Rangers but it is his – and the club’s - good fortune that Flavio Briatore was not at the Watford match.
The tide turns very, very quickly against a QPR manager who fails to please Briatore and his guests at a home game.
For now though, Sousa is still enjoying a honeymoon period and should keep Rangers in the play-off race with a decent signing or two. BBC606
For football-related postings and opinons, visit the QPR Report Messageboard
Update: Clive Whittingham's LoftforWords: Lee Camp's Comments about returning to QPR
Dave McIntyre - BBC606 - The Borrowdale problem
Rangers’ signing of Gary Borrowdale could turn out to be an expensive mistake.
Borrowdale has not made a single appearance since joining on an initial loan deal and is not rated by Paulo Sousa, who has chosen Damien Delaney and even an out-of-position Matt Connolly ahead of him at left-back.
The problem is that the deal to sign Borrowdale from Coventry for around £700,000 was agreed before Sousa’s appointment. As things stand, he is a QPR player.
That leaves the club with a full-back who is struggling to get a look in and Borrowdale facing the prospect of his Rangers career being halted before it’s even started – a far from ideal situation for both parties.
Heidar Helguson on the other hand has proved to be a useful addition and barring no late hitches, his permanent move from Bolton will go through.
Helguson gives Rangers something extra up front and their midfield would really be strengthened if they can finally pull off the signings of Ben Watson and Wayne Routledge. Both players have been targets for some time.
Watson was wanted by Iain Dowie and Rangers also tried to sign Routledge before he moved to Aston Villa, where he has failed to make an impact.
Routledge has been in good form for Cardiff and is scheduled to stay on loan there until 20 January.
If he ends up at Loftus Road it will be interesting to see what the fans make of him.
Routledge has never really been my cup of tea but I reckon he’d go down a storm.
He’s a very exciting winger at Championship level and would have people on the edge of their seats.
Routledge is already hugely popular at Cardiff, who want to keep him.
My concern about Routledge would be the same as it has been with several others who have been brought to Rangers. He’s yet another who wouldn’t be cheap but has little chance of developing into a Premier League player should the club get there.
It’s why I strongly disagree with the theory that this QPR regime hasn’t spent a lot of money.
Most of their signings have improved the squad but I would argue only Akos Buzsaky could cut it at a higher level, although Connolly perhaps could in the future.
For what they have signed, Rangers have shown little restraint in the transfer market despite the soundbites about not overspending.
We’ll soon know how far they are willing to push the boat out for Watson, who is no Buzsaky but would certainly do a good job for Rangers in his absence.
Watson had a brief spell in the top flight as a teenager and many believe he deserves another crack.
A number of Premier League clubs have watched him very closely for a long time but have decided not to take the plunge.
If that changes in January, it will obviously be tough for Rangers to get him even if they can agree a deal with Palace.
The games over Christmas definitely highlighted the areas that need to be improved and Sousa’s changes didn’t go down well with some.
I like what Sousa’s trying to do with Rangers but it is his – and the club’s - good fortune that Flavio Briatore was not at the Watford match.
The tide turns very, very quickly against a QPR manager who fails to please Briatore and his guests at a home game.
For now though, Sousa is still enjoying a honeymoon period and should keep Rangers in the play-off race with a decent signing or two. BBC606
"In Case You Missed It!" - Some QPR-Related Postings Made Over the Christmas Break
-
- For countless other football-related postsings, visit the QPR Report Messageboard: Just to read; or also to post...Meanwhile: Leroy Lita Back at Reading after Norwich loan.
SOME QPR-RELATED POSTS POSSIBLY MISSED OVER CHRISTMAS!
- Two Great Pieces Assessing and Analyzing QPR
- Amit Bhatia Talks About QPR: Pleased with Progress Thus Far
- Iain Dowie Speaks About his time at QPR
- Dani Parejo Reportedly Our Highest Earner
- Tommasi exclusive interview re QPR, Championship and Italian Football
- Frank McLintock Turns Sixty-Nine
- Stan Bowles Turns Sixty; and Brian Bedford Turns Seventy-Five
- Richard Langley Turns 29
- Scott Donnelly Turns Twenty-One
- Briatore Helping Out Kenyan Youth
- Forty Years of QPR's Boxing Day Results
RECENTLY-POSTED QPR VIDEOS
- QPR's Three 1967 League Cup Goals
- Videos: 1977 QPR Vs Manchester United
- Video, 1992 - QPR vs Everton
- Winning Promotion at Sheffield Wednesday
- QPR vs Brentford and Brentford vs QPR
- 1972 Video Snippets
- Past QPR Video Snippets
- Rodney Marsh Pre-QPR Video
SOME OLD QPR PHOTOS
- Old QPR Photos
- Old QPR Photos II
- Old QPR Programmes
ASSORTED NON-QPR ITEMS
- Antisemitism in UK Football
- UK Parliamentary Report "ANTISEMITISM IN EUROPEAN FOOTBALL: A SCAR ON THE BEAUTIFUL GAME - By John Mann MP and Johnny Cohen
- New World Record: Sent off three seconds after the kickoff
- For countless other football-related postsings, visit the QPR Report Messageboard: Just to read; or also to post...Meanwhile: Leroy Lita Back at Reading after Norwich loan.
SOME QPR-RELATED POSTS POSSIBLY MISSED OVER CHRISTMAS!
- Two Great Pieces Assessing and Analyzing QPR
- Amit Bhatia Talks About QPR: Pleased with Progress Thus Far
- Iain Dowie Speaks About his time at QPR
- Dani Parejo Reportedly Our Highest Earner
- Tommasi exclusive interview re QPR, Championship and Italian Football
- Frank McLintock Turns Sixty-Nine
- Stan Bowles Turns Sixty; and Brian Bedford Turns Seventy-Five
- Richard Langley Turns 29
- Scott Donnelly Turns Twenty-One
- Briatore Helping Out Kenyan Youth
- Forty Years of QPR's Boxing Day Results
RECENTLY-POSTED QPR VIDEOS
- QPR's Three 1967 League Cup Goals
- Videos: 1977 QPR Vs Manchester United
- Video, 1992 - QPR vs Everton
- Winning Promotion at Sheffield Wednesday
- QPR vs Brentford and Brentford vs QPR
- 1972 Video Snippets
- Past QPR Video Snippets
- Rodney Marsh Pre-QPR Video
SOME OLD QPR PHOTOS
- Old QPR Photos
- Old QPR Photos II
- Old QPR Programmes
ASSORTED NON-QPR ITEMS
- Antisemitism in UK Football
- UK Parliamentary Report "ANTISEMITISM IN EUROPEAN FOOTBALL: A SCAR ON THE BEAUTIFUL GAME - By John Mann MP and Johnny Cohen
- New World Record: Sent off three seconds after the kickoff
Lee Camp Returning to QPR?....Ramage on QPR Under Sousa
-
As always: Visit the QPR Report Messageboard for additional material and views -
BBC - Keeper Camp set to leave Forest
- Nottingham Forest's on-loan goalkeeper Lee Camp has said he believes he has played his last game for the club.
- Camp threw his shirt into the crowd as the Reds players celebrated Sunday's 3-2 victory at Norwich City.
- Camp told BBC Radio Nottingham: "That'll be my last game, the manager who brought me here and wanted me has now left the club.
- "Nottingham Forest have had the opportunity to sort it and stalled and now I'm going back to QPR."
- Since joining the club Camp has become a favourite amongst the club's supporters, who were chanting in support of the goalkeeper during the match at Carrow Road.
- The highlight of his loan spell was a last minute penalty save at the home of his former club and the Reds' local-rivals Derby County, Camp's save secured a point for Forest in a 1-1 draw.
- Two weeks later he saved a late penalty at Bristol City as the Reds held on for a 2-2 draw.
- Camp added: "I am enjoying playing and the fans have taken to me which is good and it has given me the opportunity to be in the East Midlands around the family.
- "If the opportunity came [to stay] I would strongly look at it but it's completely out of my hands at the minute.
- "Maybe the new manager will come in and not even consider me." BBC
Evening Standard/Ben Hunt - Peter Ramage not affected by QPR's great expectations
- Peter Ramage says his Queens Park Rangers team-mates are not affected by the huge expectations being placed on them by the club's board of directors.
- Rangers saw out a scrappy stalemate with Watford yesterday following on from their draw with bottom-placed Charlton on Boxing Day.
- But despite the two draws over the festive period, they are still just three points behind the play-off places and Ramage is confident they are capable of winning promotion.
- The 25-year-old defender said: "Everyone else expects us to do well, but it's not easy because this is one of the toughest leagues in world football.
- "But that does not play on our minds. We just go out there to do what we get paid for and that's to win football matches.
- "The new manager has changed a lot since he has come in. The style of play we have adopted is a little bit unfamiliar to us, but we are slowly getting there.
- "Now the Christmas period is over, we can get back to playing one game a week and getting on the training pitch to work on a few things."
- Heidar Helguson had the best chances for Rangers but was narrowly off-target with one effort, while Watford keeper Scott Loach made a save to deny him a second time.
- Watford came even closer to breaking the deadlock in the second-half when Lee Williamson struck the woodwork with his free-kick.
- And new Hornets' boss Brendan Rodgers was pleased with the solitary point against the promotion hopefuls...." Standard
As always: Visit the QPR Report Messageboard for additional material and views -
BBC - Keeper Camp set to leave Forest
- Nottingham Forest's on-loan goalkeeper Lee Camp has said he believes he has played his last game for the club.
- Camp threw his shirt into the crowd as the Reds players celebrated Sunday's 3-2 victory at Norwich City.
- Camp told BBC Radio Nottingham: "That'll be my last game, the manager who brought me here and wanted me has now left the club.
- "Nottingham Forest have had the opportunity to sort it and stalled and now I'm going back to QPR."
- Since joining the club Camp has become a favourite amongst the club's supporters, who were chanting in support of the goalkeeper during the match at Carrow Road.
- The highlight of his loan spell was a last minute penalty save at the home of his former club and the Reds' local-rivals Derby County, Camp's save secured a point for Forest in a 1-1 draw.
- Two weeks later he saved a late penalty at Bristol City as the Reds held on for a 2-2 draw.
- Camp added: "I am enjoying playing and the fans have taken to me which is good and it has given me the opportunity to be in the East Midlands around the family.
- "If the opportunity came [to stay] I would strongly look at it but it's completely out of my hands at the minute.
- "Maybe the new manager will come in and not even consider me." BBC
Evening Standard/Ben Hunt - Peter Ramage not affected by QPR's great expectations
- Peter Ramage says his Queens Park Rangers team-mates are not affected by the huge expectations being placed on them by the club's board of directors.
- Rangers saw out a scrappy stalemate with Watford yesterday following on from their draw with bottom-placed Charlton on Boxing Day.
- But despite the two draws over the festive period, they are still just three points behind the play-off places and Ramage is confident they are capable of winning promotion.
- The 25-year-old defender said: "Everyone else expects us to do well, but it's not easy because this is one of the toughest leagues in world football.
- "But that does not play on our minds. We just go out there to do what we get paid for and that's to win football matches.
- "The new manager has changed a lot since he has come in. The style of play we have adopted is a little bit unfamiliar to us, but we are slowly getting there.
- "Now the Christmas period is over, we can get back to playing one game a week and getting on the training pitch to work on a few things."
- Heidar Helguson had the best chances for Rangers but was narrowly off-target with one effort, while Watford keeper Scott Loach made a save to deny him a second time.
- Watford came even closer to breaking the deadlock in the second-half when Lee Williamson struck the woodwork with his free-kick.
- And new Hornets' boss Brendan Rodgers was pleased with the solitary point against the promotion hopefuls...." Standard
Iain Dowie Speaks About His Time at QPR
-
Visit the QPR Report Messageboard. With its mixture of articles, nostalgia, videos and opinions; and its focus solely on football-related matters, this site strives to be a little different from other QPR Boards. All views welcome! -- Today's Video Snippets: QPR Crushing Everton and more on Briatore in Kenya
Sky - No power Ranger
Iain Dowie has no regrets about leaving QPR, because he was not in complete control of the club.
- The former Northern Ireland international left the Championship club in October with just 12 games gone and Rangers sat in eighth place in the table.
- He has been replaced by Paulo Sousa and the club are now one place worse off, despite the wealth of owners Gianni Paladini and Flavio Briatore.
- But despite feeling he was not given enough time, Dowie looked back on his reign with fondness - and admitted his departure was inevitable.
- "I have to say, from minute one on the training ground, I couldn't have enjoyed it more
- "The lads were ultra-responsive, me and Tim sat down in the summer, felt they probably needed a little bit of tightening at the back. WE ended up with the third best defensive record in the league when we left.
- "It's not too often you get removed with a 53 per cent win percentage, so we can't have been that bad - and we were in the last 16 of the cup.
- "But I'm not a bitter person, I don't have time for that. You've got to move on and wish them all the best. There's still some great lads at the club and I wish them all the success but he's entitled to run it absolutely how it wants it.
-Decisions
- "Flavio was fine with me for lots of the time and then it just became a situation where I felt I had to be very much in control of my own destiny.
- "I had to look the players in the eye and know that the decisions that were being made, were being made by me."
- Rumours of Briatore picking the team himself seem to be exaggerated, but Dowie did reveal more and more of his work was taken out of his hands.
- He and fellow Goals on Sunday guest and coaching colleague Tim Flowers both lamented the way modern management is going, insisting that the foreign set-up of a directors of football and the like does not necessarily work in this country.
- And Dowie believes that he should have been left to do things his way, with the high-profile QPR board remaining in the background.
- "You don't have to do it all by yourself," he said.
- "You have a scouting network in place and a database you work from, and if a player is tagged up three times the manager goes to see him himself.
- "But the board always have the final say and that's got to be the way for me. That was very much the case and I have no problem with that being taken away, as long as you have the final say.
- Compartmentalising
- "Coaching is a big part of what I do. I've not got a problem with compartmentalising each part of the job but I just felt certainly at Championship level, you can do that."
- Dowie's reign at Loftus Road lasted just five months.
- And although he refuses to be bitter, he did point to the example of Mick McCarthy at Championship leaders Wolves, as to what can be achieved if a manager is given time and backing by his board.
- McCarthy is approaching three-and-a-half years in the Molineux hotseat and is sitting pretty at the top of the table seven points clear - proof says Dowie, that patience is needed.
- "Mick has been under pressure, but he has always been a good manager," he said.
- "He's just had time to settle, he's got some good players in there and all of a sudden he's getting it right.
- "Mick's slowly but surely getting Wolves where they should be. But it just shows there's no quick fix.
- "I had a text over Christmas from a player at one of my old clubs and another player I'd worked with, saying I believe in you, we believed in you.
- "I think that always give you faith and I think my record stands up to scrutiny." Sky
Visit the QPR Report Messageboard. With its mixture of articles, nostalgia, videos and opinions; and its focus solely on football-related matters, this site strives to be a little different from other QPR Boards. All views welcome! -- Today's Video Snippets: QPR Crushing Everton and more on Briatore in Kenya
Sky - No power Ranger
Iain Dowie has no regrets about leaving QPR, because he was not in complete control of the club.
- The former Northern Ireland international left the Championship club in October with just 12 games gone and Rangers sat in eighth place in the table.
- He has been replaced by Paulo Sousa and the club are now one place worse off, despite the wealth of owners Gianni Paladini and Flavio Briatore.
- But despite feeling he was not given enough time, Dowie looked back on his reign with fondness - and admitted his departure was inevitable.
- "I have to say, from minute one on the training ground, I couldn't have enjoyed it more
- "The lads were ultra-responsive, me and Tim sat down in the summer, felt they probably needed a little bit of tightening at the back. WE ended up with the third best defensive record in the league when we left.
- "It's not too often you get removed with a 53 per cent win percentage, so we can't have been that bad - and we were in the last 16 of the cup.
- "But I'm not a bitter person, I don't have time for that. You've got to move on and wish them all the best. There's still some great lads at the club and I wish them all the success but he's entitled to run it absolutely how it wants it.
-Decisions
- "Flavio was fine with me for lots of the time and then it just became a situation where I felt I had to be very much in control of my own destiny.
- "I had to look the players in the eye and know that the decisions that were being made, were being made by me."
- Rumours of Briatore picking the team himself seem to be exaggerated, but Dowie did reveal more and more of his work was taken out of his hands.
- He and fellow Goals on Sunday guest and coaching colleague Tim Flowers both lamented the way modern management is going, insisting that the foreign set-up of a directors of football and the like does not necessarily work in this country.
- And Dowie believes that he should have been left to do things his way, with the high-profile QPR board remaining in the background.
- "You don't have to do it all by yourself," he said.
- "You have a scouting network in place and a database you work from, and if a player is tagged up three times the manager goes to see him himself.
- "But the board always have the final say and that's got to be the way for me. That was very much the case and I have no problem with that being taken away, as long as you have the final say.
- Compartmentalising
- "Coaching is a big part of what I do. I've not got a problem with compartmentalising each part of the job but I just felt certainly at Championship level, you can do that."
- Dowie's reign at Loftus Road lasted just five months.
- And although he refuses to be bitter, he did point to the example of Mick McCarthy at Championship leaders Wolves, as to what can be achieved if a manager is given time and backing by his board.
- McCarthy is approaching three-and-a-half years in the Molineux hotseat and is sitting pretty at the top of the table seven points clear - proof says Dowie, that patience is needed.
- "Mick has been under pressure, but he has always been a good manager," he said.
- "He's just had time to settle, he's got some good players in there and all of a sudden he's getting it right.
- "Mick's slowly but surely getting Wolves where they should be. But it just shows there's no quick fix.
- "I had a text over Christmas from a player at one of my old clubs and another player I'd worked with, saying I believe in you, we believed in you.
- "I think that always give you faith and I think my record stands up to scrutiny." Sky
Blackstock to Fulham?....Flashback "QPR Are Now Sailing in Safe Waters"
-
Visit the QPR Report Messageboard. With its mixture of articles, nostalgia, videos and opinions; and its focus solely on football-related matters, this site strives to be a little different from other QPR Boards. All views welcome! -- Today's Video Snippets: QPR Crushing Everton.
The Mirror - Fulham eye QPR striker Dexter Blackstock
Fulham are considering a £2million move for QPR striker Dexter Blackstock.
Cottagers boss Roy Hodgson wants another forward to compete with Andy Johnson and Bobby Zamora.
And Fulham scouts have watched the former England Under - 21 frontman several times.
Blackstock has scored 31 goals in 104 games for Rangers and has 18 months left on his contract. The Mirror
BBC Gossip/Daily Mirror "Fulham are considering a £2m move for QPR striker Dexter Blackstock. (Daily Mirror) " BBC Gossip
And Three Years Ago: Flashback to when off-the-field, things were not so bright:
HAPPY NEW YEAR GREETINGS - December 29, 2005 QPR OFFICIAL SITE
- Rangers Chairman Gianni Paladini and the Board of Directors would like to wish all QPR fans a Happy New Year.
- After an eventful 2005, Paladini has issued the following statement to supporters of Queens Park Rangers:
- "As you all know, as a club we went through difficult times and the new board had to bear quite a challenge and responsibility.
- "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, especially as we know we can always count on your continuous support.
- "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.
- "A special thanks must also go to all our colleagues and staff and of course to all our fans who, from generation to generation, continue to support the club.
- "We wish to embrace them all, one by one, with our motto "We are QPR!"
"We wish you all the best for a wonderful 2006."
[And around the same time, December 2005: a QPR Net Interview with then-Chairman Paladini .]
Two Years Ago: Sampsa Timoska Joining QPR
- "Finnish defender checks in at QPR"
One Year ago, today: QPR won 4-2 at Watford (3-0 at half time): Reports and comments
QPR's team: Camp; Barker, Malcolm, Rehman, Stewart; Bolder (c), Rowlands, Ainsworth (Vine 63), Balanta (Buzsaky 74); Blackstock, Nygaard (Walton 90). Subs not used: Cole (gk), Moore.
Visit the QPR Report Messageboard. With its mixture of articles, nostalgia, videos and opinions; and its focus solely on football-related matters, this site strives to be a little different from other QPR Boards. All views welcome! -- Today's Video Snippets: QPR Crushing Everton.
The Mirror - Fulham eye QPR striker Dexter Blackstock
Fulham are considering a £2million move for QPR striker Dexter Blackstock.
Cottagers boss Roy Hodgson wants another forward to compete with Andy Johnson and Bobby Zamora.
And Fulham scouts have watched the former England Under - 21 frontman several times.
Blackstock has scored 31 goals in 104 games for Rangers and has 18 months left on his contract. The Mirror
BBC Gossip/Daily Mirror "Fulham are considering a £2m move for QPR striker Dexter Blackstock. (Daily Mirror) " BBC Gossip
And Three Years Ago: Flashback to when off-the-field, things were not so bright:
HAPPY NEW YEAR GREETINGS - December 29, 2005 QPR OFFICIAL SITE
- Rangers Chairman Gianni Paladini and the Board of Directors would like to wish all QPR fans a Happy New Year.
- After an eventful 2005, Paladini has issued the following statement to supporters of Queens Park Rangers:
- "As you all know, as a club we went through difficult times and the new board had to bear quite a challenge and responsibility.
- "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, especially as we know we can always count on your continuous support.
- "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.
- "A special thanks must also go to all our colleagues and staff and of course to all our fans who, from generation to generation, continue to support the club.
- "We wish to embrace them all, one by one, with our motto "We are QPR!"
"We wish you all the best for a wonderful 2006."
[And around the same time, December 2005: a QPR Net Interview with then-Chairman Paladini .]
Two Years Ago: Sampsa Timoska Joining QPR
- "Finnish defender checks in at QPR"
One Year ago, today: QPR won 4-2 at Watford (3-0 at half time): Reports and comments
QPR's team: Camp; Barker, Malcolm, Rehman, Stewart; Bolder (c), Rowlands, Ainsworth (Vine 63), Balanta (Buzsaky 74); Blackstock, Nygaard (Walton 90). Subs not used: Cole (gk), Moore.
QPR vs Watford: Reports, Managerial Comments and QPR Buying Plans
-
Visit the QPR Report Messageboard. With its mixture of articles, nostalgia, videos (Today's Video: QPR Crushing Everton) and opinions; and its focus solely on football-related matters, this site strives to be a little different from other QPR Boards. All views welcome!
The Times/Gary Jacob - Paulo Sousa set to buy after dismal display
- Their wealthy owners and romantic history conjure powerful dreams, but truth pays no regard to sentiment and the depressing fact remains that 12 years and nine managers after Queens Park Rangers dropped down from the top flight, on this evidence, they are not equipped for a return. It might one day feature as a Trivial Pursuit question that they ended the inaugural Premier League in 1992-93 as London’s best club, but what they would give now simply to mix it with the likes of Fulham.
- Their desire to stake a position in the play-offs places overflowed into impatience, predictable use of the long ball and a lack of composure. Abysmal passing and control, ballooned crosses, punts from the back and little threat in front of goal - it is hard to imagine that there has been a more dismal match in the Coca-Cola Championship this season.
- Watford, in the thick of a relegation battle and run down by one of the worst defensive records in the division, can, at least, be excused their determined, if poor, display.
- Paulo Sousa has earmarked a list of bargain players to sign in the transfer window, but maybe the QPR first-team coach should start by identifying his best team. For the second match running, the Portuguese made six changes, offering the excuse that tiredness can lead to injuries.
- Heidar Helguson fluffed a header when unmarked from a free kick ten yards out and forced a decent save from Scott Loach after a goalmouth scramble in the closing moments. “We never had the killer instinct,” Sousa said. “The owners and I both know what we want. We never had the confidence to control the game.”
- Watford’s best chance fell to Lee Williamson, when the midfield player found himself unmarked six yards from goal, but poor control allowed Radek Cerny to grab the ball. Late on, Williamson’s curled free kick struck the inside of the post.
- “To be a success, we need those painful moments,” Brendan Rodgers, the Watford manager, said. “If we won here, no one could have argued.” The Times
Daily Mail/Ben Hunt - QPR 0 Watford 0: Rangers denied valuable points by stubborn Hornets
- Queens Park Rangers will need to tempt the chequebook out of co-owner Flavio Briatore’s pocket if his Premier League dream is to become a reality.
Hot on the heels of Boxing Day’s draw away to Charlton, Rangers served up this dire goalless draw for their fans at Loftus Road.
Head coach Paulo Sousa is hoping his transfer targets come thick and fast in January to boost any chances of muscling in on the promotion race.
- Scramble: Heidar Helguson (left) and Dexter Blackstock (second left) of QPR battled to win the ball against Ross Jenkins (centre) and Lee Williamson (second right)
- The Portuguese said: ‘We have identified our targets. If we get them in January, then it will be OK because it will increase our quality.
‘I am a little bit disappointed with the first half today. In the second half, we made some adjustments and we started to create a few opportunities.
- 'We just need a killer instinct.’
Lee Williamson’s free-kick against the woodwork in the second half for Watford was as close as either side went to breaking the deadlock.
- QPR’s best chances fell to Heidar Helguson but the striker could not find a way past goalkeeper Scott Loach.
Watford manager Brendan Rodgers said:‘We were terrific. A point was the least we deserved.’ Mail
QPR Official Site - SOUSA: WE DESERVED MORE
- Paulo Sousa believes the R's deserved more than a point following the 0-0 draw against local rivals Watford.
- Sousa watched on from the dug-out as Rangers went close on a number of occasions in the second half, only to be denied by Hornets custodian Scott Loach.
- "I was disappointed with the first half, but more than pleased with the second period," he told www.qpr.co.uk.
- "We conceded a lot to a good Watford side in the first 25 minutes, but after that we controlled the match.
- "We made a change at half-time and the intensity of our performance improved.
- "We had good chances to win the match in the second half, but the ball just didn't go in for us."
- Sousa explained his decision to make six changes to the R's starting XI for the second time in as many matches, adding: "The nature of this Championship forces you to make turnovers.
- "It is a squad game and I am pleased with how all the players have performed in the last two matches.
- "I think we deserved more than the two points we got against Charlton and Watford, but we are still on a positive run."
- Sousa admitted he is looking to strengthen his First Team squad in January, but isn't over-concerned if he doesn't.
- "We have indentified the areas we want to strengthen and hopefully we can bring in the players we want," he said.
- "It is not a case of having to strengthen, but we would like to add some players in one or two areas. Even if we can't, I am confident we can push on in the New Year, because I have every confidence in this group of players.
- "We go back to playing one match a week in the New Year, which will allow me to implement my ideas on the training pitch and that is very good for us." QPR
Telegraph/Gemma Clarke - QPR manager Paulo Sousa laments lack of 'killer instinct’ - Queens Park Rangers (0) 0 Watford (0) 0
- QPR manager Paulo Sousa admitted after a game of stalemate that his side had lacked the “killer instinct” to finish off struggling Watford.
- Yet it was the visitors who had been in control for the first half, creating several good chances. Jon Harley whipped in a cross from the left but it fizzed past Lee Williamson and Tamas Priskin as goalkeeper Radek Cerny did enough to put them off.
- Williamson was in a good position to put Watford ahead again but in controlling Ross Jenkins’ cross with his chest, he gave Cerny a chance to come out and collect. A corner from Williamson was flicked on by Adrian Mariappa to Priskin at the far post, but the Hungarian headed wide.
- As the first half drew to a close, Watford came close again as Williamson’s powerful, curling shot from outside the area edged past the post.
- It was enough for Sousa to make a change at half-time, bringing on Dexter Blackstock for Lee Cook. QPR went on the attack from the restart. Patrick Agyemang fired in a shot from close range but his effort rebounded off keeper Scott Loach’s face and a befuddled Blackstock missed the chance to follow up. Agyemang later miscued a chance during a goalmouth scramble.
- Watford came back to life with just under 10 minutes left as the impressive Williamson beat Cerny with a powerful free-kick, but he was denied by the post. The last chance fell to QPR, via a Watford defender, as Mariappa deflected Hogan Ephraim’s cross inches over the crossbar.
- “I was a bit disappointed with the first half,” Sousa admitted. “Watford have a lot of quality and mobility. In the second half we changed one player and started to take control and create opportunities. But sometimes you need a killer instinct.”
- Watford manager Brendan Rogers said: “I’m really pleased. I thought we were terrific, especially first half. It was always going to be a difficult game, they are very strong at home and have a very good manager. A point was certainly the least we deserved.” Telegraph
Sky/Rob Carragher - Sousa ready to invest
Rangers looking to remedy failings as Rodger lauds his Hornets
-QPR manager Paulo Sousa has admitted that there is room for improvement from his side after they played out a goalless draw with Watford at Loftus Road.
- Sousa fielded a much changed side as he attempted to rotate his squad, but the fresh legs did not reap reward as they failed to defeat the Championship strugglers.
- "I'm a little bit disappointed with the first half," Sousa conceded.
"At half-time we made some adjustments and the team then began to control the game and make some chances. Sometimes a team just needs to have that killer instinct.
"I made a lot of changes because we had two games in two days and I have faith in my squad. I didn't want to risk some important players getting injured."
Different systems
The failure of the backup players has prompted calls for January investment, and Sousa has revealed that signings have been lined up.
"We have identified our targets," he added.
"We know what we want and if it's possible to get them in January I will be happy, but if they don't come I am happy with the players I have and happy to work with them.
"I want to have the opportunity to play with different systems and give us the possibility to play in different ways."
Improvement
Meanwhile, recently appointed Watford boss Brendan Rodgers has hailed his team's performance against one of the league's better teams.
"I was really pleased. I thought we were terrific - especially in the first half," beamed Rodgers.
"We came to a difficult place to play and I felt we were very good. The second half was a bit more even but a point was still the least we deserved.
"It was very important that we kept a clean sheet. We're the fourth highest scorers in the division but if you look at the defensive side, that's not been so good.
"If we're going to aspire to be better then we have to defend better as a team, and today we did very well.
"Anyone who has watched us recently will see there has been an improvement." Sky
Watford Official Site - RODGERS: "WE WERE THE BETTER SIDE"
- AFTER his side's 0-0 draw with QPR at Loftus Road, Brendan Rodgers emphasised his satisfaction at the boys' performance, especially following the Boxing Day defeat to Bristol City.
- "I'm very pleased," said the Watford manager who presided over his first away point as boss.
- "I felt since I've come in, we've made progress and some of the performances have been very good.
- "I was aware defensively we weren't strong as a team, and you can't always blame the back four and the goalkeeper; you defend as a team."
- "We were very good the other way and I felt that we were making great progress until the Bristol City game, and at this level, the minute you take your foot off the pedal slightly, you'll get punished, and that's what happened to us."
- With the Northern Irishman's wish of a clean sheet coming true, he praised the players' attitude at Loftus Road.
- "When we're defensively strong and the motivation is good, we play a terrific quality of football.
- "I thought we looked strong defensively today. I've talked to the players about my idea of always dominating and controlling a game, but sometimes you can control the game without the ball.
- "In the first half we were dominant but when you play against good teams, there will be moments when you don't have the ball, but you can still be comfortable as long as your organisation and structures are right, and that's what I felt we were.
- "At half time I felt there was only one team that could win it and that was us.
- "In the second half it was more even and we started playing more on the counter attack, because they were being a little more direct and offensive.
- "We nearly nicked it back at the end with a wonderful free-kick from Lee Williamson."
- And for Rodgers, the only way is up from here.
- "I'm happy for the players in that they've grown the resilience and quality to put in a performance like that a couple of days after one of what was clearly the worst performances since I've been here.
- "That shows that when they're right on it, that they can be as good as any team. I think today, that you could argue that we were the better side here in the 90 minutes."
- With the Yellow Army in full force supporting the players, Rodgers said how important the win was for the fans too.
- "Today, I was pleased for the supporters, they must be pleased too. They were here with a great support, they came to roar us on and the least we wanted to give them was a point and we did." Watford
- See Also: QPR Drop Two Points at home to Watford
Visit the QPR Report Messageboard. With its mixture of articles, nostalgia, videos (Today's Video: QPR Crushing Everton) and opinions; and its focus solely on football-related matters, this site strives to be a little different from other QPR Boards. All views welcome!
The Times/Gary Jacob - Paulo Sousa set to buy after dismal display
- Their wealthy owners and romantic history conjure powerful dreams, but truth pays no regard to sentiment and the depressing fact remains that 12 years and nine managers after Queens Park Rangers dropped down from the top flight, on this evidence, they are not equipped for a return. It might one day feature as a Trivial Pursuit question that they ended the inaugural Premier League in 1992-93 as London’s best club, but what they would give now simply to mix it with the likes of Fulham.
- Their desire to stake a position in the play-offs places overflowed into impatience, predictable use of the long ball and a lack of composure. Abysmal passing and control, ballooned crosses, punts from the back and little threat in front of goal - it is hard to imagine that there has been a more dismal match in the Coca-Cola Championship this season.
- Watford, in the thick of a relegation battle and run down by one of the worst defensive records in the division, can, at least, be excused their determined, if poor, display.
- Paulo Sousa has earmarked a list of bargain players to sign in the transfer window, but maybe the QPR first-team coach should start by identifying his best team. For the second match running, the Portuguese made six changes, offering the excuse that tiredness can lead to injuries.
- Heidar Helguson fluffed a header when unmarked from a free kick ten yards out and forced a decent save from Scott Loach after a goalmouth scramble in the closing moments. “We never had the killer instinct,” Sousa said. “The owners and I both know what we want. We never had the confidence to control the game.”
- Watford’s best chance fell to Lee Williamson, when the midfield player found himself unmarked six yards from goal, but poor control allowed Radek Cerny to grab the ball. Late on, Williamson’s curled free kick struck the inside of the post.
- “To be a success, we need those painful moments,” Brendan Rodgers, the Watford manager, said. “If we won here, no one could have argued.” The Times
Daily Mail/Ben Hunt - QPR 0 Watford 0: Rangers denied valuable points by stubborn Hornets
- Queens Park Rangers will need to tempt the chequebook out of co-owner Flavio Briatore’s pocket if his Premier League dream is to become a reality.
Hot on the heels of Boxing Day’s draw away to Charlton, Rangers served up this dire goalless draw for their fans at Loftus Road.
Head coach Paulo Sousa is hoping his transfer targets come thick and fast in January to boost any chances of muscling in on the promotion race.
- Scramble: Heidar Helguson (left) and Dexter Blackstock (second left) of QPR battled to win the ball against Ross Jenkins (centre) and Lee Williamson (second right)
- The Portuguese said: ‘We have identified our targets. If we get them in January, then it will be OK because it will increase our quality.
‘I am a little bit disappointed with the first half today. In the second half, we made some adjustments and we started to create a few opportunities.
- 'We just need a killer instinct.’
Lee Williamson’s free-kick against the woodwork in the second half for Watford was as close as either side went to breaking the deadlock.
- QPR’s best chances fell to Heidar Helguson but the striker could not find a way past goalkeeper Scott Loach.
Watford manager Brendan Rodgers said:‘We were terrific. A point was the least we deserved.’ Mail
QPR Official Site - SOUSA: WE DESERVED MORE
- Paulo Sousa believes the R's deserved more than a point following the 0-0 draw against local rivals Watford.
- Sousa watched on from the dug-out as Rangers went close on a number of occasions in the second half, only to be denied by Hornets custodian Scott Loach.
- "I was disappointed with the first half, but more than pleased with the second period," he told www.qpr.co.uk.
- "We conceded a lot to a good Watford side in the first 25 minutes, but after that we controlled the match.
- "We made a change at half-time and the intensity of our performance improved.
- "We had good chances to win the match in the second half, but the ball just didn't go in for us."
- Sousa explained his decision to make six changes to the R's starting XI for the second time in as many matches, adding: "The nature of this Championship forces you to make turnovers.
- "It is a squad game and I am pleased with how all the players have performed in the last two matches.
- "I think we deserved more than the two points we got against Charlton and Watford, but we are still on a positive run."
- Sousa admitted he is looking to strengthen his First Team squad in January, but isn't over-concerned if he doesn't.
- "We have indentified the areas we want to strengthen and hopefully we can bring in the players we want," he said.
- "It is not a case of having to strengthen, but we would like to add some players in one or two areas. Even if we can't, I am confident we can push on in the New Year, because I have every confidence in this group of players.
- "We go back to playing one match a week in the New Year, which will allow me to implement my ideas on the training pitch and that is very good for us." QPR
Telegraph/Gemma Clarke - QPR manager Paulo Sousa laments lack of 'killer instinct’ - Queens Park Rangers (0) 0 Watford (0) 0
- QPR manager Paulo Sousa admitted after a game of stalemate that his side had lacked the “killer instinct” to finish off struggling Watford.
- Yet it was the visitors who had been in control for the first half, creating several good chances. Jon Harley whipped in a cross from the left but it fizzed past Lee Williamson and Tamas Priskin as goalkeeper Radek Cerny did enough to put them off.
- Williamson was in a good position to put Watford ahead again but in controlling Ross Jenkins’ cross with his chest, he gave Cerny a chance to come out and collect. A corner from Williamson was flicked on by Adrian Mariappa to Priskin at the far post, but the Hungarian headed wide.
- As the first half drew to a close, Watford came close again as Williamson’s powerful, curling shot from outside the area edged past the post.
- It was enough for Sousa to make a change at half-time, bringing on Dexter Blackstock for Lee Cook. QPR went on the attack from the restart. Patrick Agyemang fired in a shot from close range but his effort rebounded off keeper Scott Loach’s face and a befuddled Blackstock missed the chance to follow up. Agyemang later miscued a chance during a goalmouth scramble.
- Watford came back to life with just under 10 minutes left as the impressive Williamson beat Cerny with a powerful free-kick, but he was denied by the post. The last chance fell to QPR, via a Watford defender, as Mariappa deflected Hogan Ephraim’s cross inches over the crossbar.
- “I was a bit disappointed with the first half,” Sousa admitted. “Watford have a lot of quality and mobility. In the second half we changed one player and started to take control and create opportunities. But sometimes you need a killer instinct.”
- Watford manager Brendan Rogers said: “I’m really pleased. I thought we were terrific, especially first half. It was always going to be a difficult game, they are very strong at home and have a very good manager. A point was certainly the least we deserved.” Telegraph
Sky/Rob Carragher - Sousa ready to invest
Rangers looking to remedy failings as Rodger lauds his Hornets
-QPR manager Paulo Sousa has admitted that there is room for improvement from his side after they played out a goalless draw with Watford at Loftus Road.
- Sousa fielded a much changed side as he attempted to rotate his squad, but the fresh legs did not reap reward as they failed to defeat the Championship strugglers.
- "I'm a little bit disappointed with the first half," Sousa conceded.
"At half-time we made some adjustments and the team then began to control the game and make some chances. Sometimes a team just needs to have that killer instinct.
"I made a lot of changes because we had two games in two days and I have faith in my squad. I didn't want to risk some important players getting injured."
Different systems
The failure of the backup players has prompted calls for January investment, and Sousa has revealed that signings have been lined up.
"We have identified our targets," he added.
"We know what we want and if it's possible to get them in January I will be happy, but if they don't come I am happy with the players I have and happy to work with them.
"I want to have the opportunity to play with different systems and give us the possibility to play in different ways."
Improvement
Meanwhile, recently appointed Watford boss Brendan Rodgers has hailed his team's performance against one of the league's better teams.
"I was really pleased. I thought we were terrific - especially in the first half," beamed Rodgers.
"We came to a difficult place to play and I felt we were very good. The second half was a bit more even but a point was still the least we deserved.
"It was very important that we kept a clean sheet. We're the fourth highest scorers in the division but if you look at the defensive side, that's not been so good.
"If we're going to aspire to be better then we have to defend better as a team, and today we did very well.
"Anyone who has watched us recently will see there has been an improvement." Sky
Watford Official Site - RODGERS: "WE WERE THE BETTER SIDE"
- AFTER his side's 0-0 draw with QPR at Loftus Road, Brendan Rodgers emphasised his satisfaction at the boys' performance, especially following the Boxing Day defeat to Bristol City.
- "I'm very pleased," said the Watford manager who presided over his first away point as boss.
- "I felt since I've come in, we've made progress and some of the performances have been very good.
- "I was aware defensively we weren't strong as a team, and you can't always blame the back four and the goalkeeper; you defend as a team."
- "We were very good the other way and I felt that we were making great progress until the Bristol City game, and at this level, the minute you take your foot off the pedal slightly, you'll get punished, and that's what happened to us."
- With the Northern Irishman's wish of a clean sheet coming true, he praised the players' attitude at Loftus Road.
- "When we're defensively strong and the motivation is good, we play a terrific quality of football.
- "I thought we looked strong defensively today. I've talked to the players about my idea of always dominating and controlling a game, but sometimes you can control the game without the ball.
- "In the first half we were dominant but when you play against good teams, there will be moments when you don't have the ball, but you can still be comfortable as long as your organisation and structures are right, and that's what I felt we were.
- "At half time I felt there was only one team that could win it and that was us.
- "In the second half it was more even and we started playing more on the counter attack, because they were being a little more direct and offensive.
- "We nearly nicked it back at the end with a wonderful free-kick from Lee Williamson."
- And for Rodgers, the only way is up from here.
- "I'm happy for the players in that they've grown the resilience and quality to put in a performance like that a couple of days after one of what was clearly the worst performances since I've been here.
- "That shows that when they're right on it, that they can be as good as any team. I think today, that you could argue that we were the better side here in the 90 minutes."
- With the Yellow Army in full force supporting the players, Rodgers said how important the win was for the fans too.
- "Today, I was pleased for the supporters, they must be pleased too. They were here with a great support, they came to roar us on and the least we wanted to give them was a point and we did." Watford
- See Also: QPR Drop Two Points at home to Watford
Sunday, December 28, 2008
QPR Drop Another Two Points - at Home to Watford
-
QPR Official Site
- QPR had to make do with just the one point as a determined Watford side held them to a goalless draw at a bitingly cold Loftus Road.
- In an attempt to gain a measure of revenge for the 3-0 defeat at vicarage Road earlier in the season, the R's went close through substitute Dexter Blackstock and Patrick Agyemang, whilst the visitors saw Lee Williamson strike a post with a curling free-kick.
- But in a match of few clear-cut chances, both sides had to be satisfied with a point apiece.
- After resting a number of players for the Boxing Day clash with Charlton Athletic, Manager Paulo Sousa recalled his strongest side for the visit of Watford.
- Radek Cerny continued in goal, Damien Delaney returned to left-back; Peter Ramage took the other full back slot, whilst Damion Stewart and Fitz Hall completed the back four.
- The diamond had ex-Hornets Gavin Mahon and Lee Cook at its base and tip, with Martin Rowlands and Hogan Ephraim on either side.
- Up front was all change, as Agyemang and fellow Watford old boy Heidar Helguson led the attack.
- Watford made wholesale changes to the side that lost heavily to Bristol City, Liam Bridcutt, the midfielder on-loan from Chelsea, amongst those recalled.
- It was Captain Rowlands who tried his luck in the early exchanges, as he picked up possession from Helguson and, with nothing else on, forced a simple save from visiting keeper Scott Loach at his near post from 30 yards.
- Watford however, quickly stamped their authority on the match. After Cerny had had to be brave to deny Williamson a certain goal, Tamas Priskin headed wide from a flicked on Aidy Mariappa throw-in.
- On 28 minutes the R's carved out their best opportunity of the match so far, when a set-piece move almost worked to perfection. Cook's free-kick from the left evaded everyone but Helguson, who had peeled off to the far side. Unfortunately the Icelandic's flying header went wide of the near post from close range.
- Helguson was lurking again at the back post as another hooked Cook delivery nearly fell kindly for the front-man, but this time Jay DeMerit was on hand with a superb lunging clearance.
- As the half drew to a close, there was still time for Williamson to blaze a 25-yard drive wide of the target. The shot had swerve and power, and had Cerny scrambling, but the scores stayed level as it flew wide.
- Something was needed in the second half to light the blue touch paper and fire up Rangers. Step forward R's leading scorer Blackstock, who replaced Cook.
- With three strikers on the pitch, the home side looked to provide more of a threat up front, and almost did just that.
- A long free-kick taken by Delaney was headed by Stewart into the path of Agyemang. As he controlled, he spun expertly and bicycle-kicked an effort that needed a smart save from Loach. Stewart looked to poke home the rebound but solid Watford defending saw them clear the danger in the nick of time.
- On 70 minutes the R's came within a whisker of snatching the lead. A Rowlands free-kick was headed back across goal by Stewart, and Blackstock, unmarked at the other post, only felt the brush of the ball as it skimmed over his head and out.
- Blackstock was at the heart of the next assault on the Watford goal. Ramage's long punt forward sparked the mother of all goalmouth scrambles as first Agyemang, then the former Southampton man, both had shots blocked, before Helguson wriggled free but blazed wide.
- The 10-goal hit-man was at it again seconds later, as Rowlands' corner found the unmarked striker but he could only watch as his header sailed narrowly over the bar.
- Watford weren't lying down, and Mahon had to dive headlong into a fierce Williamson drive that looked destined for the net.
- Williamson was closer with his next effort. A foul by Helguson gave the Jamaican a chance of demonstrating his dead-ball specialties. And he didn't disappoint, striking the post, then Cerny, before the ball bounced away.
- As the match see-sawed back and forth, Mariappa almost turned the ball into his own net before Rowlands smashed a volley high and wide, as both teams desperately tried to claim much-needed points.
- Ephraim followed suit minutes later, but even with four minutes of added time, neither side could break the deadlock, and the final whistle ended a goalless draw.
- QPR: Cerny, Delaney, Stewart, Mahon (Leigertwood 84), Hall, Agyemang, Rowlands, Ramage, Cook (Blackstock 46), Ephraim, Helguson. Subs: Connolly, Ledesma, Alberti.
Bookings: Ramage (45), Rowlands (63), Helguson (82)
- Watford: Loach, DeMerit, Bridcutt (Bromby 89), Priskin (Rasiak 61), McAnuff, Doyley, Williamson, Harley, Smith, Mariappa, Jenkins. Subs: Lee, Hoskins, O'Toole.
Bookings: Mariappa (29), Rasiak (65), DeMerit (76) Referee: Mr C Penton Attendance: 16,196 QPR
WATFORD OFFICIAL SITE
WATFORD secured a vital clean sheet in the Christmas derby date at Loftus Road today (Sunday) as Brendan Rodgers' side showed the sort of steel Watford fans have been accustomed to in recent years.
- Looking to put behind them a four goal defensive nightmare just 48 hours prior, Rodgers' rear-guard will have been delighted to shut out a side that have been super strong on their own patch this term.
- Having beaten Rangers at Vicarage Road a little over a month ago the Hornets went in search of their first double of the season, but with chances at a premium in the capital they'll have been happy to settle for a share of the spoils to make it a four point haul against their near neighbours.
- Rodgers reacted to the Boxing Day defeat against Bristol City by making four changes to the side that lost 4-2 to the Robins.
-Leigh Bromby, John-Joe O'Toole, Mat Sadler and Grzegorz Rasiak all paid the price for a woeful afternoon in Watford.
- Taking their places were striker Tamas Priskin, midfielders Liam Bridcutt and Ross Jenkins as well as right-back Lloyd Doyley.
- The defensive reshuffle continued with Adrian Mariappa moving to centre-half and Jon Harley moving to left-back.
- For the R's former Hornet Heidar Helguson joined other ex-Watford men Lee Cook and Gavin Mahon in their starting line-up.
- Damion Stewart was also recalled for Kaspars Gorkss as they lined-up 4-4-2 featuring a diamond-shaped midfield.
-Watford kicked off the festive fixture all in red and fared better in the opening minute than they had against their last opponents, getting past the 23-second mark without conceding a goal.
- The Hornets did have to defend a corner after just three minutes, which was delivered by the former Golden Boy Cook in front of the Watford faithful, who took their opportunity to vent some fury at the R's midfielder for the manner in which he had left Vicarage Road.
- Watford were playing a neat counter-attacking game in the opening swathe of the fixture and some 12 minutes in created a spectacular half chance that flashed across Radek Cerny's goal.
- Player-of-the-season Tommy Smith charged from inside his own half on a diagonal run before finding the feet of Harley, who despatched a low cross which went agonisingly close to the outstretched feet of Priskin and Lee Williamson.
- The next chance was Watford's too as Williamson got on the end of a Jenkins lob in to the area - the midfielder's first touch was poor though, giving Cerny enough of a chance to block his intended volley.
- Williamson caused more problems for the home defence when next his floated corner found the head of Mariappa, who flicked on for Priskin, who himself headed marginally wide of goal.
- The Hoops hadn't fashioned a chance of note in the first half an hour, until Helguson found himself on the end of easily the clearest opportunity of the game.
-Two former 'Orns combined to create the opening, Cook swinging a free-kick to the completely unmarked Icelander, who headed woefully wide of a hopelessly exposed Scott Loach. It was a major let-off for Watford.
- Adrian Mariappa then went in the book for dissent, having claimed he was pushed in the build-up to the set-play; referee Clive Penton having none of it as he collected the defender's name.
-With the game stuck at stalemate Tommy Smith tried his luck with a long-range curling effort, but his strike was watched well wide by the ever-alert Cerny.
-Cook was causing Watford problems still and his next hooked cross into the area had Loach scrambling and Jay DeMerit heading clear perilously close to his own goal line to concede just a corner, which in itself came to nothing.
-Williamson clipped a volley wide of goal late on in the period as Jobi McAnuff again found his team-mate driving forward from the centre of the park.
-His next effort was even closer as again he was allowed a free sight at Rangers' goal - this time the former Mansfield man took a touch before launching a blistering low drive which beamed just yards wide of the goal.
-Cook, who had looked Rangers best player on show, was taken off at half-time, with the dangerous Dexter Blackstock introduced as his direct replacement.
-He immediately got himself on the end of a Mahon pass in the Watford area and, but for the timely and excellent intervention of Mariappa, he might have tested Loach within seconds of his appearance.
-The Hoops were already more purposeful attacking their own fans in the Loft End of the ground, and you could anticipate that goals would come at one end or the other at some point, not least because of both sides' jittery defending.
-Loach was down to save some eight minutes into the restart as Watford scrambled for their lives in a frightening penalty area melee.
-Priskin, who had returned from injury in this game, was sacrificed by Rodgers just past the hour mark as Rasiak was thrown into the action to bolster Watford's attacking options.
-He was soon in the thick of the action, being fouled by Martin Rowlands to help him into the referee's book, before picking up a caution for himself after a foul on Fitz Hall.
-Rangers turned up the heat with a period of pressure as the game eased its way to the mid-point of the second period, with Patrick Agyemang coming alive to a host of half-chances near the Watford goal.
-Doyley conceded a free-kick after 70 minutes and after Rowlands floated a ball to the back post Helguson was on hand to nod across the face of goal, where Blackstock was straining every sinew to apply the headed finish, which he was ultimately unable to do.
-There were loud appeals from the home fans soon after as Agyemang went down under pressure from Doyley, but in truth it never looked a penalty as the lumbering striker dropped to his knees.
-The game had descended into a long range affair with little quality or cohesion, and it was in desperate need of some fresh impetus.
-Jay DeMerit went into the book for handling the ball as the game ticked into its final quarter of an hour.
-From the set play Rangers created havoc in the Watford area as two attempted shots were blocked by brave defenders before Loach saves at point-blank range from Helguson.
-From the resulting corner Hall headed over as Loach leapt to cover his net, as Rangers stepped up a gear in the search for a winner.
-Watford were forced to counter attack and when they did McAnuff was unlucky to see a stinging drive blocked by former team-mate Mahon.
-Watford won a free-kick on the left edge of the area when Smith was sent tumbling by Helguson and after a brief discussion it was left to Williamson to strike.
-With the only piece of quality on show all afternoon the midfielder struck a sweet shot past a stranded Cerny, only to see it cannon back off the far post - it was an effort of note that deserved far, far better.
- This time Rangers countered and Helguson's run and cross almost drew an own goal off Mariappa as he deflected the ball into the ground and over the bar without knowing much about it.
- Rangers took former Watford captain Mahon off and replaced him with Mikele Leigertwood, a fellow central midfielder.
- Time was ebbing away when Bromby replaced Bridcutt to help secure the clean sheet, which was registered as four minutes of added time came to an end at Loftus Road. Watford
QPR Official Site
- QPR had to make do with just the one point as a determined Watford side held them to a goalless draw at a bitingly cold Loftus Road.
- In an attempt to gain a measure of revenge for the 3-0 defeat at vicarage Road earlier in the season, the R's went close through substitute Dexter Blackstock and Patrick Agyemang, whilst the visitors saw Lee Williamson strike a post with a curling free-kick.
- But in a match of few clear-cut chances, both sides had to be satisfied with a point apiece.
- After resting a number of players for the Boxing Day clash with Charlton Athletic, Manager Paulo Sousa recalled his strongest side for the visit of Watford.
- Radek Cerny continued in goal, Damien Delaney returned to left-back; Peter Ramage took the other full back slot, whilst Damion Stewart and Fitz Hall completed the back four.
- The diamond had ex-Hornets Gavin Mahon and Lee Cook at its base and tip, with Martin Rowlands and Hogan Ephraim on either side.
- Up front was all change, as Agyemang and fellow Watford old boy Heidar Helguson led the attack.
- Watford made wholesale changes to the side that lost heavily to Bristol City, Liam Bridcutt, the midfielder on-loan from Chelsea, amongst those recalled.
- It was Captain Rowlands who tried his luck in the early exchanges, as he picked up possession from Helguson and, with nothing else on, forced a simple save from visiting keeper Scott Loach at his near post from 30 yards.
- Watford however, quickly stamped their authority on the match. After Cerny had had to be brave to deny Williamson a certain goal, Tamas Priskin headed wide from a flicked on Aidy Mariappa throw-in.
- On 28 minutes the R's carved out their best opportunity of the match so far, when a set-piece move almost worked to perfection. Cook's free-kick from the left evaded everyone but Helguson, who had peeled off to the far side. Unfortunately the Icelandic's flying header went wide of the near post from close range.
- Helguson was lurking again at the back post as another hooked Cook delivery nearly fell kindly for the front-man, but this time Jay DeMerit was on hand with a superb lunging clearance.
- As the half drew to a close, there was still time for Williamson to blaze a 25-yard drive wide of the target. The shot had swerve and power, and had Cerny scrambling, but the scores stayed level as it flew wide.
- Something was needed in the second half to light the blue touch paper and fire up Rangers. Step forward R's leading scorer Blackstock, who replaced Cook.
- With three strikers on the pitch, the home side looked to provide more of a threat up front, and almost did just that.
- A long free-kick taken by Delaney was headed by Stewart into the path of Agyemang. As he controlled, he spun expertly and bicycle-kicked an effort that needed a smart save from Loach. Stewart looked to poke home the rebound but solid Watford defending saw them clear the danger in the nick of time.
- On 70 minutes the R's came within a whisker of snatching the lead. A Rowlands free-kick was headed back across goal by Stewart, and Blackstock, unmarked at the other post, only felt the brush of the ball as it skimmed over his head and out.
- Blackstock was at the heart of the next assault on the Watford goal. Ramage's long punt forward sparked the mother of all goalmouth scrambles as first Agyemang, then the former Southampton man, both had shots blocked, before Helguson wriggled free but blazed wide.
- The 10-goal hit-man was at it again seconds later, as Rowlands' corner found the unmarked striker but he could only watch as his header sailed narrowly over the bar.
- Watford weren't lying down, and Mahon had to dive headlong into a fierce Williamson drive that looked destined for the net.
- Williamson was closer with his next effort. A foul by Helguson gave the Jamaican a chance of demonstrating his dead-ball specialties. And he didn't disappoint, striking the post, then Cerny, before the ball bounced away.
- As the match see-sawed back and forth, Mariappa almost turned the ball into his own net before Rowlands smashed a volley high and wide, as both teams desperately tried to claim much-needed points.
- Ephraim followed suit minutes later, but even with four minutes of added time, neither side could break the deadlock, and the final whistle ended a goalless draw.
- QPR: Cerny, Delaney, Stewart, Mahon (Leigertwood 84), Hall, Agyemang, Rowlands, Ramage, Cook (Blackstock 46), Ephraim, Helguson. Subs: Connolly, Ledesma, Alberti.
Bookings: Ramage (45), Rowlands (63), Helguson (82)
- Watford: Loach, DeMerit, Bridcutt (Bromby 89), Priskin (Rasiak 61), McAnuff, Doyley, Williamson, Harley, Smith, Mariappa, Jenkins. Subs: Lee, Hoskins, O'Toole.
Bookings: Mariappa (29), Rasiak (65), DeMerit (76) Referee: Mr C Penton Attendance: 16,196 QPR
WATFORD OFFICIAL SITE
WATFORD secured a vital clean sheet in the Christmas derby date at Loftus Road today (Sunday) as Brendan Rodgers' side showed the sort of steel Watford fans have been accustomed to in recent years.
- Looking to put behind them a four goal defensive nightmare just 48 hours prior, Rodgers' rear-guard will have been delighted to shut out a side that have been super strong on their own patch this term.
- Having beaten Rangers at Vicarage Road a little over a month ago the Hornets went in search of their first double of the season, but with chances at a premium in the capital they'll have been happy to settle for a share of the spoils to make it a four point haul against their near neighbours.
- Rodgers reacted to the Boxing Day defeat against Bristol City by making four changes to the side that lost 4-2 to the Robins.
-Leigh Bromby, John-Joe O'Toole, Mat Sadler and Grzegorz Rasiak all paid the price for a woeful afternoon in Watford.
- Taking their places were striker Tamas Priskin, midfielders Liam Bridcutt and Ross Jenkins as well as right-back Lloyd Doyley.
- The defensive reshuffle continued with Adrian Mariappa moving to centre-half and Jon Harley moving to left-back.
- For the R's former Hornet Heidar Helguson joined other ex-Watford men Lee Cook and Gavin Mahon in their starting line-up.
- Damion Stewart was also recalled for Kaspars Gorkss as they lined-up 4-4-2 featuring a diamond-shaped midfield.
-Watford kicked off the festive fixture all in red and fared better in the opening minute than they had against their last opponents, getting past the 23-second mark without conceding a goal.
- The Hornets did have to defend a corner after just three minutes, which was delivered by the former Golden Boy Cook in front of the Watford faithful, who took their opportunity to vent some fury at the R's midfielder for the manner in which he had left Vicarage Road.
- Watford were playing a neat counter-attacking game in the opening swathe of the fixture and some 12 minutes in created a spectacular half chance that flashed across Radek Cerny's goal.
- Player-of-the-season Tommy Smith charged from inside his own half on a diagonal run before finding the feet of Harley, who despatched a low cross which went agonisingly close to the outstretched feet of Priskin and Lee Williamson.
- The next chance was Watford's too as Williamson got on the end of a Jenkins lob in to the area - the midfielder's first touch was poor though, giving Cerny enough of a chance to block his intended volley.
- Williamson caused more problems for the home defence when next his floated corner found the head of Mariappa, who flicked on for Priskin, who himself headed marginally wide of goal.
- The Hoops hadn't fashioned a chance of note in the first half an hour, until Helguson found himself on the end of easily the clearest opportunity of the game.
-Two former 'Orns combined to create the opening, Cook swinging a free-kick to the completely unmarked Icelander, who headed woefully wide of a hopelessly exposed Scott Loach. It was a major let-off for Watford.
- Adrian Mariappa then went in the book for dissent, having claimed he was pushed in the build-up to the set-play; referee Clive Penton having none of it as he collected the defender's name.
-With the game stuck at stalemate Tommy Smith tried his luck with a long-range curling effort, but his strike was watched well wide by the ever-alert Cerny.
-Cook was causing Watford problems still and his next hooked cross into the area had Loach scrambling and Jay DeMerit heading clear perilously close to his own goal line to concede just a corner, which in itself came to nothing.
-Williamson clipped a volley wide of goal late on in the period as Jobi McAnuff again found his team-mate driving forward from the centre of the park.
-His next effort was even closer as again he was allowed a free sight at Rangers' goal - this time the former Mansfield man took a touch before launching a blistering low drive which beamed just yards wide of the goal.
-Cook, who had looked Rangers best player on show, was taken off at half-time, with the dangerous Dexter Blackstock introduced as his direct replacement.
-He immediately got himself on the end of a Mahon pass in the Watford area and, but for the timely and excellent intervention of Mariappa, he might have tested Loach within seconds of his appearance.
-The Hoops were already more purposeful attacking their own fans in the Loft End of the ground, and you could anticipate that goals would come at one end or the other at some point, not least because of both sides' jittery defending.
-Loach was down to save some eight minutes into the restart as Watford scrambled for their lives in a frightening penalty area melee.
-Priskin, who had returned from injury in this game, was sacrificed by Rodgers just past the hour mark as Rasiak was thrown into the action to bolster Watford's attacking options.
-He was soon in the thick of the action, being fouled by Martin Rowlands to help him into the referee's book, before picking up a caution for himself after a foul on Fitz Hall.
-Rangers turned up the heat with a period of pressure as the game eased its way to the mid-point of the second period, with Patrick Agyemang coming alive to a host of half-chances near the Watford goal.
-Doyley conceded a free-kick after 70 minutes and after Rowlands floated a ball to the back post Helguson was on hand to nod across the face of goal, where Blackstock was straining every sinew to apply the headed finish, which he was ultimately unable to do.
-There were loud appeals from the home fans soon after as Agyemang went down under pressure from Doyley, but in truth it never looked a penalty as the lumbering striker dropped to his knees.
-The game had descended into a long range affair with little quality or cohesion, and it was in desperate need of some fresh impetus.
-Jay DeMerit went into the book for handling the ball as the game ticked into its final quarter of an hour.
-From the set play Rangers created havoc in the Watford area as two attempted shots were blocked by brave defenders before Loach saves at point-blank range from Helguson.
-From the resulting corner Hall headed over as Loach leapt to cover his net, as Rangers stepped up a gear in the search for a winner.
-Watford were forced to counter attack and when they did McAnuff was unlucky to see a stinging drive blocked by former team-mate Mahon.
-Watford won a free-kick on the left edge of the area when Smith was sent tumbling by Helguson and after a brief discussion it was left to Williamson to strike.
-With the only piece of quality on show all afternoon the midfielder struck a sweet shot past a stranded Cerny, only to see it cannon back off the far post - it was an effort of note that deserved far, far better.
- This time Rangers countered and Helguson's run and cross almost drew an own goal off Mariappa as he deflected the ball into the ground and over the bar without knowing much about it.
- Rangers took former Watford captain Mahon off and replaced him with Mikele Leigertwood, a fellow central midfielder.
- Time was ebbing away when Bromby replaced Bridcutt to help secure the clean sheet, which was registered as four minutes of added time came to an end at Loftus Road. Watford
Teams: QPR vs Watford
-
Visit the messageboard with a difference, the QPR Report Messageboard for a mixture of articles, nostalgia, videos and opinions. All views welcome!
Today's Teams for QPR vs Watford
QPR: Cerny, Delaney, Stewart, Mahon, Hall, Agyemang, Rowlands, Ramage, Cook, Ephraim, Helguson. Subs: Leigertwood, Blackstock, Connolly, Ledesma, Alberti.
Watford: Loach, DeMerit, Bridcutt, Priskin, McAnuff, Doyley, Williamson, Harley, Smith, Mariappa, Jenkins. Subs: Lee, Bromby, Rasiak, Hoskins, O'Toole. Teams
Visit the messageboard with a difference, the QPR Report Messageboard for a mixture of articles, nostalgia, videos and opinions. All views welcome!
Today's Teams for QPR vs Watford
QPR: Cerny, Delaney, Stewart, Mahon, Hall, Agyemang, Rowlands, Ramage, Cook, Ephraim, Helguson. Subs: Leigertwood, Blackstock, Connolly, Ledesma, Alberti.
Watford: Loach, DeMerit, Bridcutt, Priskin, McAnuff, Doyley, Williamson, Harley, Smith, Mariappa, Jenkins. Subs: Lee, Bromby, Rasiak, Hoskins, O'Toole. Teams
QPR Interest in Orient's Jason Demetriou?...Routledge to QPR?....Season Assessment....Flashback to QPR's Away Crushing of Chelsea ....Frank McLintock
-
Visit the admittedly-different QPR Report Messageboard for a mixture of articles, nostalgia, videos and opinions. All views welcome! -- Today's video: - Gaining Promotion at Hillsborough....Non-QPR: Video of Coventry's famed "Donkey" Freekick..... Sad piece re Paul Gascoigne.
Orient's Jason Demetriou? Sunday People 28 December 2008 - HOTLINE - QPR boss Paulo Sousa
- QPR boss Paulo Sousa is set to make a £750,000 offer for Leyton Orient starlet Jason Demetriou. The 20-year-old has scored three times in his past seven appearances and has impressed Sousa with his ability to play anywhere across the midfield. People
- - See: About Jason Demetriou
Cardiff Rivals/Chris O'Brien - Routledge set for QPR in January
- On-loan Cardiff City man Wayne Routledge will join Queens Park Rangers in January, according to Sky Sports News. The 23-year-old has been on superb form during a two-month loan spell from Aston Villa - but now looks set to join Championship rivals QPR.
- Routledge was signed on loan in a bid to ease a midfield injury crisis - and has quickly established himself in City's side.
- He made his debut in the 2-1 defeat at Plymouth in November, setting-up Chopra's consolation goal, and has notched up five appearances for the Bluebirds bagging two goals in the process.
- There was talk City signing the player on a permanent basis during the January transfer window - but the club's tight finances meant that was always going to be difficult.
- Sky are claiming that filthy-rich QPR are on the verge of signing the midfielder with a January move on the cards. With that in mind, it now looks unlikely that the player will play any part against Plymouth on Sunday afternoon. Cardiff Rivals
Peter Beagrie/Sky Sports -Championship Assessment Half-term report II: Beagrie's half-term report on each Championship club....
Queens Park Rangers
- Everybody expected them to run away with the league, but I honestly didn't. Despite their billionaire owners, they've hardly spent anything in comparison to other teams in the division which is very strange. The stars for them have been Dexter Blackstock and Martin Rowlands who seems to be in a different position every time I see him. But I don't think QPR will make the play-offs unless they have some heavy investment. It will be interesting to see what happens in the transfer window - will they make a couple of singings to make everybody sit up and take notice? Flavio Briatore may have packed the directors' box with supermodels, but we're yet to see the sexy football he promised on the pitch." Sky
"On This Day" (Thirty-Five Years Ago!): QPR's Crushing Victory Over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge: Chelsea 0 QPR 3!
- December 28th 1974: Recently-appointed, Dave Sexton-managed QPR against a recently-having-dismissed-Dave Sexton Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. QPR had the recently-signed Don Masson in midfield and John Beck in his best QPR season. Chelsea managed by Ron Stuart with Eddie McCreadie as Coach. Final Score: Chelsea 0 QPR 3 - Two goals from Don Givens; one from Gerry Francis.
QPR: Parkes - Clement Webb Mclintock Gillard - Francis Beck Masson - Givens Bowles Thomas
Chelsea - Phillips - Locke Hay Droy Harris - Wilkins Hollins Kember Cooke - Hutchinson Garland - Sub: Houseman
Ex-QPR Frank McClintock Enters Seventieth Year!
- Born December 28, 1939: Ex-QPR (and Arsenal's) Frank McLintock Turns 69: Frank McLintock, one of QPR's 1975/76 "Championship" heroe....
- Released by Arsenal at age 33 (who preferred Jeff Blockley and later Terry Mancini!), the ex-Arsenal captain who led Arsenal to the 1971 "Double" and won the "Player of the Year," was signed by Gordon Jago after our promotion back to Division One. In four seasons in the First Division, McLintock played 120+ games, scoring 5 goals and formed an elderly, but brilliant, defensive central pairing alongside David Webb. He was a major reason why QPR stabilized in the First Division and why they (so very, very nearly) won the Championship.
- After retiring in the summer of 1977, McLintock became manager of Leicester and a coach at a couple of clubs, including briefly at QPR. And QPR - at least partly because they no longer had Mclintock - were relegated a couple of seasons later. In a club profile of/Interview with Mclintock, earlier this year, Mclintock said ""They were four of the best years of my life,''..
"I was so happy during my time at QPR and that's me speaking straight from the heart"
QPR Official Site BLAST FROM THE PAST - Frank McLintock
- In our latest instalment of exclusive past player interviews on www.qpr.co.uk, former R's legend Frank McLintock comes under the spotlight.
Few players achieve legendary status at more than one Football Club - Frank McLintock is the exception to the rule.
- When McLintock arrived at Loftus Road in 1973, he was already a legend of the beautiful game on the back of his memorable nine-year spell with North London giants Arsenal.
- When he retired from professional football in 1977, his glowing reputation had reached arguably even greater heights in W12.
- Described by former R's boss John Gregory as 'the first player I'd buy if I had the pick of any QPR players past and present,' McLintock joined Rangers for a paltry £20,000 in the summer of 1973.
- "Bertie Mee (the Arsenal Manager) didn't think I was capable of playing in the top flight any more, but I knew I could still produce the goods at the highest level,'' McLintock told www.qpr.co.uk.
- "It (joining QPR) was a simple choice to make - I didn't want my family to leave London.
- "I knew very little about QPR as a Club, but they'd recently got promoted so I saw it as a great opportunity, a great challenge if you like.
- "I didn't go there expecting much, but I received one of the biggest surprises of my life.''
- Indeed, having carved out a successful playing career down the road at Highbury, many viewed McLintock's move to Loftus Road as a step in the wrong direction.
However, in a QPR side full of flamboyance and guile, McLintock embodied the desire and will-to-win that saw Rangers - in Frank's own words - emerge as one of the 'greatest teams in the land.'
- "The quality within the QPR squad was something else. It took me totally by surprise,'' he told www.qpr.co.uk.
- "Gordon Jago was a real gentleman and Bobby Campbell the coach made me feel really welcome.
- "I arrived at QPR intent on proving a point to Bertie Mee and as it contrived a few years later, Arsenal dropped down the table and we were up there competing for the title.''
- After finishing eighth and eleventh respectively in McLintock's first two seasons in W12, Rangers mounted a serious charge for title in the 1975/76 campaign.
- "We were the best football team in the country that year, probably in the whole of Britain. It was a magnificent team to play for.
- "There was a great spine to the side. Phil (Parkes) was probably the number one ke- eper in the land at the time, up there with (Gordon) Banks as the best ever.
"Myself and Webby (Dave Webb) formed a nice little partnership at the back and Don Masson and Dave Thomas were class too. Don made the step up from division three side Notts County look so simple - it was amazing.
- "And then we had Gerry (Francis) and Stan (Bowles) - two of the best players ever to have graced the game. Gerry was just a fraction behind Stan, but they were both absolute class - a joy to play with.
- "It was a joy to behold playing in that team and the team spirit at the time was as good as I'd known throughout my playing career.''
- With just three matches of the season remaining, Rangers held a slender one point advantage over fellow title contenders Liverpool.
- Victory in all three fixtures would guarantee them the coveted Championship - but as fans of the beautiful game know only too well - football is anything but straightforward.
- Easter Saturday 1976 presented Rangers with a tricky away trip to Norwich City - and as R's fans now know - it was an afternoon which saw their title dreams all but evaporate.
- "We just made a mistake against Norwich in our final away game,'' recalled McLintock.
- "Dave Clement didn't get enough weight on his header back to Phil (Parkes) and their striker nipped in to score.''
- For the record, Norwich ran out narrow 3-2 victors, while Liverpool thumped Stoke City 5-2 at Anfield.
- Rangers now had to win their last two matches and hope that Liverpool lost one of their two remaining away games.
- The R's did all they could by beating Arsenal on Easter Monday, but the Reds also produced the goods, scoring three without reply against Manchester City.
- On the last Saturday of the season, QPR were at home to Leeds United and in front of their largest gate of the season - 31,002 - eased to a 2-0 win.
- Unbelievably though, Liverpool weren't playing their all-important final match of the season until ten days later due to international commitments. The wait was almost unbearable: "It was a crazy situation really - the type that wouldn't happen in the present day,'' recalled McLintock.
- "I owned a pub at the time. There were about 35-40 journalists down there for Liverpool's final game of the season against Wolverhampton. They'd all come along to get my reaction to winning another piece of silverware, or so I hoped!
- "We were all listening to it on the radio. They were one down with 15 minutes to go, but scored three to win the Championship and the rest is history.
- "It was such a disappointment, but so typical of that Liverpool side.''
Despite that setback, McLintock insists he has nothing but fond memories of his time in W12.
"They were four of the best years of my life,'' he said.
- "I was so happy during my time at QPR and that's me speaking straight from the heart.'' QPR
Dave Webb Talking about McClintock QPR Official Site
- "...It was probably the best team I ever played in. We were really ahead of the times with our passing football. Gordon Jago had a part to play in that. Then Dave Sexton took over, changed things slightly and gelled it all together.
"They were fun days and we had great flair players. Stan Bowles up front; Gerry Francis in the middle; and Dave Thomas wide. We constantly played the ball out from the back, which was very unusual in those days.
- "My centre-back partner Frank McLintock was always better at that than me, so we tried to make sure he was the spare man. But the full-backs, Dave Clement and Ian Gillard, were also extremely comfortable on the ball so we could build our moves up from defence. .."
- "In saying that, my main role was as a defender. Some people used to say that Frank McLintock and I were a bit too old. He was 37 and I was 30, so the pundits felt we were slow and we couldn't turn.
- "But we used to out-cute opposing strikers. We used a lot of know-how between the two of us and I recall that Rangers only conceded 33 goals in the League in 1975/76.
"I used to have little laughs out on the pitch with Frank - a sort of a nod and a wink to each other, because we did things as a pair that were almost sixth sense and like a married couple!
- "You might have left your partner in a position that people would think was vulnerable as a defender, but we both instinctively knew exactly how the other one wanted to play and what we wanted to do in matches. So we had total respect and trust in each other and it worked a treat." QPR
Don Givens on McLintock (QPRNet Interview)
- "...We had someone in Frank McLintock who was a marvellous influence on the team, he’d come from Arsenal where things were done at a different level and he tried to introduce those things to QPR and help make it better for us. He didn’t always succeed on the club side of things but he did help the team. He was probably the most influential player I’ve ever lined up with." QPRNet
McLintock's autobiography, True Grit
- "Synopsis - Frank McLintock was a leading players of his generation and is acclaimed as one of the Arsenal's greatest captains. After transferring from Leicester, in 1970 he led Arsenal to a famous victory in the Fairs Cup and followed this up with even greater glory a year later, winning an historic league and FA Cup double. He left Arsenal in 1973 after being controversially dropped, and enjoyed four successful years at QPR. He retired from playing in 1977, to make an ill-conceived and hasty move into management. Following this difficult period he entered the often shady world of agents, and faced perhaps his worst moment in the game, becoming involved in the infamous bungs scandal over Teddy Sherringham's transfer from Forest to Spurs. Frank continues to retain a high profile in the game, appearing weekly as a Sky pundit. His is a captivating football story spanning 45 years during which he achieved fabulous success and faced shattering lows, all told with enthusiasm, humour, honesty and intense passion."
- See - McLintock/Wikipedia
Visit the admittedly-different QPR Report Messageboard for a mixture of articles, nostalgia, videos and opinions. All views welcome! -- Today's video: - Gaining Promotion at Hillsborough....Non-QPR: Video of Coventry's famed "Donkey" Freekick..... Sad piece re Paul Gascoigne.
Orient's Jason Demetriou? Sunday People 28 December 2008 - HOTLINE - QPR boss Paulo Sousa
- QPR boss Paulo Sousa is set to make a £750,000 offer for Leyton Orient starlet Jason Demetriou. The 20-year-old has scored three times in his past seven appearances and has impressed Sousa with his ability to play anywhere across the midfield. People
- - See: About Jason Demetriou
Cardiff Rivals/Chris O'Brien - Routledge set for QPR in January
- On-loan Cardiff City man Wayne Routledge will join Queens Park Rangers in January, according to Sky Sports News. The 23-year-old has been on superb form during a two-month loan spell from Aston Villa - but now looks set to join Championship rivals QPR.
- Routledge was signed on loan in a bid to ease a midfield injury crisis - and has quickly established himself in City's side.
- He made his debut in the 2-1 defeat at Plymouth in November, setting-up Chopra's consolation goal, and has notched up five appearances for the Bluebirds bagging two goals in the process.
- There was talk City signing the player on a permanent basis during the January transfer window - but the club's tight finances meant that was always going to be difficult.
- Sky are claiming that filthy-rich QPR are on the verge of signing the midfielder with a January move on the cards. With that in mind, it now looks unlikely that the player will play any part against Plymouth on Sunday afternoon. Cardiff Rivals
Peter Beagrie/Sky Sports -Championship Assessment Half-term report II: Beagrie's half-term report on each Championship club....
Queens Park Rangers
- Everybody expected them to run away with the league, but I honestly didn't. Despite their billionaire owners, they've hardly spent anything in comparison to other teams in the division which is very strange. The stars for them have been Dexter Blackstock and Martin Rowlands who seems to be in a different position every time I see him. But I don't think QPR will make the play-offs unless they have some heavy investment. It will be interesting to see what happens in the transfer window - will they make a couple of singings to make everybody sit up and take notice? Flavio Briatore may have packed the directors' box with supermodels, but we're yet to see the sexy football he promised on the pitch." Sky
"On This Day" (Thirty-Five Years Ago!): QPR's Crushing Victory Over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge: Chelsea 0 QPR 3!
- December 28th 1974: Recently-appointed, Dave Sexton-managed QPR against a recently-having-dismissed-Dave Sexton Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. QPR had the recently-signed Don Masson in midfield and John Beck in his best QPR season. Chelsea managed by Ron Stuart with Eddie McCreadie as Coach. Final Score: Chelsea 0 QPR 3 - Two goals from Don Givens; one from Gerry Francis.
QPR: Parkes - Clement Webb Mclintock Gillard - Francis Beck Masson - Givens Bowles Thomas
Chelsea - Phillips - Locke Hay Droy Harris - Wilkins Hollins Kember Cooke - Hutchinson Garland - Sub: Houseman
Ex-QPR Frank McClintock Enters Seventieth Year!
- Born December 28, 1939: Ex-QPR (and Arsenal's) Frank McLintock Turns 69: Frank McLintock, one of QPR's 1975/76 "Championship" heroe....
- Released by Arsenal at age 33 (who preferred Jeff Blockley and later Terry Mancini!), the ex-Arsenal captain who led Arsenal to the 1971 "Double" and won the "Player of the Year," was signed by Gordon Jago after our promotion back to Division One. In four seasons in the First Division, McLintock played 120+ games, scoring 5 goals and formed an elderly, but brilliant, defensive central pairing alongside David Webb. He was a major reason why QPR stabilized in the First Division and why they (so very, very nearly) won the Championship.
- After retiring in the summer of 1977, McLintock became manager of Leicester and a coach at a couple of clubs, including briefly at QPR. And QPR - at least partly because they no longer had Mclintock - were relegated a couple of seasons later. In a club profile of/Interview with Mclintock, earlier this year, Mclintock said ""They were four of the best years of my life,''..
"I was so happy during my time at QPR and that's me speaking straight from the heart"
QPR Official Site BLAST FROM THE PAST - Frank McLintock
- In our latest instalment of exclusive past player interviews on www.qpr.co.uk, former R's legend Frank McLintock comes under the spotlight.
Few players achieve legendary status at more than one Football Club - Frank McLintock is the exception to the rule.
- When McLintock arrived at Loftus Road in 1973, he was already a legend of the beautiful game on the back of his memorable nine-year spell with North London giants Arsenal.
- When he retired from professional football in 1977, his glowing reputation had reached arguably even greater heights in W12.
- Described by former R's boss John Gregory as 'the first player I'd buy if I had the pick of any QPR players past and present,' McLintock joined Rangers for a paltry £20,000 in the summer of 1973.
- "Bertie Mee (the Arsenal Manager) didn't think I was capable of playing in the top flight any more, but I knew I could still produce the goods at the highest level,'' McLintock told www.qpr.co.uk.
- "It (joining QPR) was a simple choice to make - I didn't want my family to leave London.
- "I knew very little about QPR as a Club, but they'd recently got promoted so I saw it as a great opportunity, a great challenge if you like.
- "I didn't go there expecting much, but I received one of the biggest surprises of my life.''
- Indeed, having carved out a successful playing career down the road at Highbury, many viewed McLintock's move to Loftus Road as a step in the wrong direction.
However, in a QPR side full of flamboyance and guile, McLintock embodied the desire and will-to-win that saw Rangers - in Frank's own words - emerge as one of the 'greatest teams in the land.'
- "The quality within the QPR squad was something else. It took me totally by surprise,'' he told www.qpr.co.uk.
- "Gordon Jago was a real gentleman and Bobby Campbell the coach made me feel really welcome.
- "I arrived at QPR intent on proving a point to Bertie Mee and as it contrived a few years later, Arsenal dropped down the table and we were up there competing for the title.''
- After finishing eighth and eleventh respectively in McLintock's first two seasons in W12, Rangers mounted a serious charge for title in the 1975/76 campaign.
- "We were the best football team in the country that year, probably in the whole of Britain. It was a magnificent team to play for.
- "There was a great spine to the side. Phil (Parkes) was probably the number one ke- eper in the land at the time, up there with (Gordon) Banks as the best ever.
"Myself and Webby (Dave Webb) formed a nice little partnership at the back and Don Masson and Dave Thomas were class too. Don made the step up from division three side Notts County look so simple - it was amazing.
- "And then we had Gerry (Francis) and Stan (Bowles) - two of the best players ever to have graced the game. Gerry was just a fraction behind Stan, but they were both absolute class - a joy to play with.
- "It was a joy to behold playing in that team and the team spirit at the time was as good as I'd known throughout my playing career.''
- With just three matches of the season remaining, Rangers held a slender one point advantage over fellow title contenders Liverpool.
- Victory in all three fixtures would guarantee them the coveted Championship - but as fans of the beautiful game know only too well - football is anything but straightforward.
- Easter Saturday 1976 presented Rangers with a tricky away trip to Norwich City - and as R's fans now know - it was an afternoon which saw their title dreams all but evaporate.
- "We just made a mistake against Norwich in our final away game,'' recalled McLintock.
- "Dave Clement didn't get enough weight on his header back to Phil (Parkes) and their striker nipped in to score.''
- For the record, Norwich ran out narrow 3-2 victors, while Liverpool thumped Stoke City 5-2 at Anfield.
- Rangers now had to win their last two matches and hope that Liverpool lost one of their two remaining away games.
- The R's did all they could by beating Arsenal on Easter Monday, but the Reds also produced the goods, scoring three without reply against Manchester City.
- On the last Saturday of the season, QPR were at home to Leeds United and in front of their largest gate of the season - 31,002 - eased to a 2-0 win.
- Unbelievably though, Liverpool weren't playing their all-important final match of the season until ten days later due to international commitments. The wait was almost unbearable: "It was a crazy situation really - the type that wouldn't happen in the present day,'' recalled McLintock.
- "I owned a pub at the time. There were about 35-40 journalists down there for Liverpool's final game of the season against Wolverhampton. They'd all come along to get my reaction to winning another piece of silverware, or so I hoped!
- "We were all listening to it on the radio. They were one down with 15 minutes to go, but scored three to win the Championship and the rest is history.
- "It was such a disappointment, but so typical of that Liverpool side.''
Despite that setback, McLintock insists he has nothing but fond memories of his time in W12.
"They were four of the best years of my life,'' he said.
- "I was so happy during my time at QPR and that's me speaking straight from the heart.'' QPR
Dave Webb Talking about McClintock QPR Official Site
- "...It was probably the best team I ever played in. We were really ahead of the times with our passing football. Gordon Jago had a part to play in that. Then Dave Sexton took over, changed things slightly and gelled it all together.
"They were fun days and we had great flair players. Stan Bowles up front; Gerry Francis in the middle; and Dave Thomas wide. We constantly played the ball out from the back, which was very unusual in those days.
- "My centre-back partner Frank McLintock was always better at that than me, so we tried to make sure he was the spare man. But the full-backs, Dave Clement and Ian Gillard, were also extremely comfortable on the ball so we could build our moves up from defence. .."
- "In saying that, my main role was as a defender. Some people used to say that Frank McLintock and I were a bit too old. He was 37 and I was 30, so the pundits felt we were slow and we couldn't turn.
- "But we used to out-cute opposing strikers. We used a lot of know-how between the two of us and I recall that Rangers only conceded 33 goals in the League in 1975/76.
"I used to have little laughs out on the pitch with Frank - a sort of a nod and a wink to each other, because we did things as a pair that were almost sixth sense and like a married couple!
- "You might have left your partner in a position that people would think was vulnerable as a defender, but we both instinctively knew exactly how the other one wanted to play and what we wanted to do in matches. So we had total respect and trust in each other and it worked a treat." QPR
Don Givens on McLintock (QPRNet Interview)
- "...We had someone in Frank McLintock who was a marvellous influence on the team, he’d come from Arsenal where things were done at a different level and he tried to introduce those things to QPR and help make it better for us. He didn’t always succeed on the club side of things but he did help the team. He was probably the most influential player I’ve ever lined up with." QPRNet
McLintock's autobiography, True Grit
- "Synopsis - Frank McLintock was a leading players of his generation and is acclaimed as one of the Arsenal's greatest captains. After transferring from Leicester, in 1970 he led Arsenal to a famous victory in the Fairs Cup and followed this up with even greater glory a year later, winning an historic league and FA Cup double. He left Arsenal in 1973 after being controversially dropped, and enjoyed four successful years at QPR. He retired from playing in 1977, to make an ill-conceived and hasty move into management. Following this difficult period he entered the often shady world of agents, and faced perhaps his worst moment in the game, becoming involved in the infamous bungs scandal over Teddy Sherringham's transfer from Forest to Spurs. Frank continues to retain a high profile in the game, appearing weekly as a Sky pundit. His is a captivating football story spanning 45 years during which he achieved fabulous success and faced shattering lows, all told with enthusiasm, humour, honesty and intense passion."
- See - McLintock/Wikipedia
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)