-
Hopefully Gareth Southgate is just saying this!
Goal.com/Peter Staunton - Southgate: Johnson Staying Put
Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate has dismissed any rumours linking winger Adam Johnson with a move away from the Riverside Stadium.
The 20-year old has appeared only 44 times for Boro since 2004 and has found himself loaned out over the past two seasons, to Leeds United and Watford respectively.
Johnson enjoyed a degree of success at Vicarage Road this term; he scored five times in only 12 appearances.
He had this week been linked with a transfer to UEFA Cup finalists Rangers and Championship side QPR, however, Southgate sees the wide-man as a part of his plans for next season.
He said: “Despite what has appeared in some papers we have not had a single approach from any club about Adam Johnson, we have had absolutely no contact about Adam from either Rangers or QPR, nor do we expect to have any.
“As I have made it clear, he remains a big part in my plans for the club. Adam is a fantastic talent and I do not want to see him leave. He could be very, very special and I would not want to see him play for another club.” - Goal.com
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
Saturday, May 31, 2008
QPR Fan/Club Meeting and Ex-QPR Snippets
-
UPDATE: Turns out, reportedly due to a misunderstanding, Ali Russell did not meet with the fans groups. But a number of fans groups reps did meet with each other. Obviously the gist of what RUssell would have said remains what he told told QPR1st last week at its AGM.
Fan-Club Meeting: Today is the day of the joint fan groups representatives meeting with the club's Ali Russell, regarding the recently-announced new season ticket prices. A couple of weeks ago, various fan groups sent this joint letter to the club. Earlier this week, one group, QPR1st heard from Ali Russell at its AGM. QPR1st Report. See also QPR Fans Condemn QPR Ticket Price Increases
BBC -Bankole lands Colchester position
Colchester have named much-travelled goalkeeper Ademola Bankole as their new permanent keeping coach.
The former Nigerian international replaces Aidan Davison, who has retired and moved to the United States.
Bankole spent the final three months of last season at Layer Road deputising for Davison, who had a shoulder injury, as well as acting as keeping cover.
The 38-year-old, who played for Crewe, Doncaster and QPR, will now coach Dean Gerken and Mark Cousins. BBC
Colchester Official Site - Bankole Takes On Coaching Role
The U's have taken on goalkeeper coach Ademola Bankole on a full time basis after using his services over the past season.
Nicknamed 'George', the former Nigerian international had been looking after Dean Gerken and co. whilst Aidan Davison underwent, and then recovered from, surgery on his shoulder.
Aidan has now retired and is emigrating to the United States, so boss Geraint Williams has moved to make Bankole his permanent keeper coach.
'George' made ten appearances for his country and was in the squad that participated in the 2002 World Cup Finals in Japan, taking on England in the group stages.
On his appointment, the towering former shot stopper said: "From the first day I came in, everyone has made me very welcome and I've loved every minute of being at the club, I think the sky's the limit for me here."
There will be no rest for George over the summer as he completes the next stages of his coaching qualifications, in goalkeeper coaching as well as general football coaching... Colchester
Best of luck to former QPR Gavin Peacock:
The Times/Tony Cascarino - Gavin Peacock convinced God is on his side
Down a pot-holed lane, hidden deep in the Kent countryside, lies a large detached house. A “For Sale” sign stands out, as if illuminated, against the woodland backdrop. It is such an idyllic existence that Gavin Peacock, the 40-year-old former Queens Park Rangers, Newcastle United and Chelsea midfield player, is forsaking to move to Calgary, Canada. Not to continue his career as a respected media analyst but to study for three years for his Masters degree in divinity. A career in the church awaits. As Peacock leaves the macho world of football far behind, he talks to Tony Cascarino, his former Chelsea team-mate and close friend, about his past, present and future, his hopes and his fears ... and his faith.
TC: Why, Gav? The lifestyle change, giving up work, everything. It involves so much. Why?
GP: Well, I've been a Christian practically all my playing career, from when I was 18, but I've never felt called to the ministry. When I retired from playing six years ago, a very good friend of mine, whom I regard as my spiritual mentor, the Rev Tony Roake [chaplain to the church of St John and St Philip in The Hague, the Netherlands, and chaplain to the British Embassy], said to me: “I think you should go into the ministry.” I said: “No, Tony. I've no calling to do that at all. I'm going to do media work.” There are people who have faith, who are Christians, but who aren't called to lead. But then about two years ago, out of the blue really, I just felt a weight of conviction. I'd forgotten what Tony had said but I just felt: ‘I'm going to do this.'
TC: A calling? Describe it?
GP: Over my football career and life as a Christian, I've always spoken at different things - youth events, dinners, in churches. Over the last eight months, I've actually been preaching in churches. When I do that, I'm happy, it feels right. I enjoy it but, at the same time, I have to do it. I feel compelled to do it. It's twofold. I not only enjoy it and it makes me feel good and it completes me, it's that I have to do it. It's a conviction I have. It's different from doing something just because you enjoy it.
TC: It's a dramatic change. Are you afraid of making the break, the move to Canada?
GP: We [the family] go to Canada quite a lot, we've got a small place there, we love the place. I looked at the seminary that was proposed, it was a good one, I went for an interview and I got accepted. I just feel that that's the right place to be for us for the next three years. To go away, to do this. Sure, anything that takes you out of your comfort zone is a bit scary. It's the unknown but, because I have my faith, the unknown is not as frightening.
TC: You never preached to your former team-mates. Certainly, not to me.
GP: I've always been open about my faith, but it's not as if I went in and bashed the lads over the head with a Bible. It's more a case of: “What did you do on Sunday?” “Oh, you went to church.” And then the conversation strikes up. People get to know. Sure, there's the ribbing. About anything that's different, if you wear a new tie or a new pair of shoes. The lads would take the Mickey. But when they saw I was sincere about what I believe, I think most of them respected it.
TC: You got on really well with Dennis Wise and other lads with, er, reputations.
GP: I just think I'm an ordinary person. I do do things wrong [laughs] and there are lot of other people who I consider as better than me. But that's not really the issue. I just feel that when my faith is there, it is the centre of my life. Football was never central, it was never my God. It was very important, it was my job, I loved it. But it's never been the core of my life.
TC: But, as a footballer, you wanted to win?
GP: Oh, yeah. I wanted to beat you. That was my job, I had to give everything to that. But it wasn't the be-all and end-all. I mean, a lot of people in our industry struggle when they finish football. Their world collapses. What takes that place? Football is transitory; God is permanent.
TC: Life will be different when you return to England.
GP: Sure, we're going to sell this house. Eventually, hopefully. Because I know that when we come back, I won't live in a house like this; it is incongruous with church leadership. So, this will go. But while we've enjoyed nice things, I've never gripped on to it. I've held it lightly, it's just things. Money does not bring happiness and the world of football shows that.
TC: I used to be altar boy, when I was 9, 10, 11, at my Catholic church in Orpington. I had all the church upbringing. You never had any of that at that age?
GP: No, church conflicted with Sunday football. I liked playing on a Sunday. So I didn't go to church nor Sunday school. But I did have the belief that God was up there somewhere but, then, it was more like a superstition. But when I was 18, my mum [Lesley] started going to the local church. I saw a change in her and thought: ‘Let's go along myself and see what it's about'. It was just before I'd broken into the first team at QPR, I had an XR3i, I had money in my pocket and I was an England youth international. But when I met with these other young people, they were speaking about Jesus and it was as if he was real to them. I had everything that the world said was successful but they had someone I didn't.
TC: What do the family [wife, Amanda, son, Jake, 15, and daughter, Ava, 12] think about moving?
GP: They're excited. It's an outdoor life. There's skiing and snowboarding for the kids in the winter; in the summer, there's hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, canoeing. Each member of the family sees something individually for them there as well.
TC: What happens at the end of the three years?
GP: I'll have done all my theological training, I'll have done six months' internship within the church I go to out there, which is Baptist. What denomination I'll be ordained into - Anglican, Baptist, Pentecostal, Catholic - is down to me to choose.
TC: Would you ever come back to help out troubled footballers?
GP: All things are possible. I could be finished with football but I couldn't rule it out completely. It's difficult to look so far in the future. A lot of people thought I might go into coaching but I never felt that calling. I feel that this is what I'm made to do, this is my purpose. For me, there is no higher calling. I know it's the right thing. The Times
Snippets:
Les Ferdinand and Mark Bircham taking part in a fundraiser match for Edgware Town joint manager Del Deanus, who was recently diagnosed with the terminal illness motor neurone disease" -Harrow Observer
Ex-QPR Brett Angell Speaking (about Everton's prospects)
Belated commiserations to ex-QPR's Alan McDonald, whose Glentoran team finished as runners up to Linfield - Final Table
UPDATE: Turns out, reportedly due to a misunderstanding, Ali Russell did not meet with the fans groups. But a number of fans groups reps did meet with each other. Obviously the gist of what RUssell would have said remains what he told told QPR1st last week at its AGM.
Fan-Club Meeting: Today is the day of the joint fan groups representatives meeting with the club's Ali Russell, regarding the recently-announced new season ticket prices. A couple of weeks ago, various fan groups sent this joint letter to the club. Earlier this week, one group, QPR1st heard from Ali Russell at its AGM. QPR1st Report. See also QPR Fans Condemn QPR Ticket Price Increases
BBC -Bankole lands Colchester position
Colchester have named much-travelled goalkeeper Ademola Bankole as their new permanent keeping coach.
The former Nigerian international replaces Aidan Davison, who has retired and moved to the United States.
Bankole spent the final three months of last season at Layer Road deputising for Davison, who had a shoulder injury, as well as acting as keeping cover.
The 38-year-old, who played for Crewe, Doncaster and QPR, will now coach Dean Gerken and Mark Cousins. BBC
Colchester Official Site - Bankole Takes On Coaching Role
The U's have taken on goalkeeper coach Ademola Bankole on a full time basis after using his services over the past season.
Nicknamed 'George', the former Nigerian international had been looking after Dean Gerken and co. whilst Aidan Davison underwent, and then recovered from, surgery on his shoulder.
Aidan has now retired and is emigrating to the United States, so boss Geraint Williams has moved to make Bankole his permanent keeper coach.
'George' made ten appearances for his country and was in the squad that participated in the 2002 World Cup Finals in Japan, taking on England in the group stages.
On his appointment, the towering former shot stopper said: "From the first day I came in, everyone has made me very welcome and I've loved every minute of being at the club, I think the sky's the limit for me here."
There will be no rest for George over the summer as he completes the next stages of his coaching qualifications, in goalkeeper coaching as well as general football coaching... Colchester
Best of luck to former QPR Gavin Peacock:
The Times/Tony Cascarino - Gavin Peacock convinced God is on his side
Down a pot-holed lane, hidden deep in the Kent countryside, lies a large detached house. A “For Sale” sign stands out, as if illuminated, against the woodland backdrop. It is such an idyllic existence that Gavin Peacock, the 40-year-old former Queens Park Rangers, Newcastle United and Chelsea midfield player, is forsaking to move to Calgary, Canada. Not to continue his career as a respected media analyst but to study for three years for his Masters degree in divinity. A career in the church awaits. As Peacock leaves the macho world of football far behind, he talks to Tony Cascarino, his former Chelsea team-mate and close friend, about his past, present and future, his hopes and his fears ... and his faith.
TC: Why, Gav? The lifestyle change, giving up work, everything. It involves so much. Why?
GP: Well, I've been a Christian practically all my playing career, from when I was 18, but I've never felt called to the ministry. When I retired from playing six years ago, a very good friend of mine, whom I regard as my spiritual mentor, the Rev Tony Roake [chaplain to the church of St John and St Philip in The Hague, the Netherlands, and chaplain to the British Embassy], said to me: “I think you should go into the ministry.” I said: “No, Tony. I've no calling to do that at all. I'm going to do media work.” There are people who have faith, who are Christians, but who aren't called to lead. But then about two years ago, out of the blue really, I just felt a weight of conviction. I'd forgotten what Tony had said but I just felt: ‘I'm going to do this.'
TC: A calling? Describe it?
GP: Over my football career and life as a Christian, I've always spoken at different things - youth events, dinners, in churches. Over the last eight months, I've actually been preaching in churches. When I do that, I'm happy, it feels right. I enjoy it but, at the same time, I have to do it. I feel compelled to do it. It's twofold. I not only enjoy it and it makes me feel good and it completes me, it's that I have to do it. It's a conviction I have. It's different from doing something just because you enjoy it.
TC: It's a dramatic change. Are you afraid of making the break, the move to Canada?
GP: We [the family] go to Canada quite a lot, we've got a small place there, we love the place. I looked at the seminary that was proposed, it was a good one, I went for an interview and I got accepted. I just feel that that's the right place to be for us for the next three years. To go away, to do this. Sure, anything that takes you out of your comfort zone is a bit scary. It's the unknown but, because I have my faith, the unknown is not as frightening.
TC: You never preached to your former team-mates. Certainly, not to me.
GP: I've always been open about my faith, but it's not as if I went in and bashed the lads over the head with a Bible. It's more a case of: “What did you do on Sunday?” “Oh, you went to church.” And then the conversation strikes up. People get to know. Sure, there's the ribbing. About anything that's different, if you wear a new tie or a new pair of shoes. The lads would take the Mickey. But when they saw I was sincere about what I believe, I think most of them respected it.
TC: You got on really well with Dennis Wise and other lads with, er, reputations.
GP: I just think I'm an ordinary person. I do do things wrong [laughs] and there are lot of other people who I consider as better than me. But that's not really the issue. I just feel that when my faith is there, it is the centre of my life. Football was never central, it was never my God. It was very important, it was my job, I loved it. But it's never been the core of my life.
TC: But, as a footballer, you wanted to win?
GP: Oh, yeah. I wanted to beat you. That was my job, I had to give everything to that. But it wasn't the be-all and end-all. I mean, a lot of people in our industry struggle when they finish football. Their world collapses. What takes that place? Football is transitory; God is permanent.
TC: Life will be different when you return to England.
GP: Sure, we're going to sell this house. Eventually, hopefully. Because I know that when we come back, I won't live in a house like this; it is incongruous with church leadership. So, this will go. But while we've enjoyed nice things, I've never gripped on to it. I've held it lightly, it's just things. Money does not bring happiness and the world of football shows that.
TC: I used to be altar boy, when I was 9, 10, 11, at my Catholic church in Orpington. I had all the church upbringing. You never had any of that at that age?
GP: No, church conflicted with Sunday football. I liked playing on a Sunday. So I didn't go to church nor Sunday school. But I did have the belief that God was up there somewhere but, then, it was more like a superstition. But when I was 18, my mum [Lesley] started going to the local church. I saw a change in her and thought: ‘Let's go along myself and see what it's about'. It was just before I'd broken into the first team at QPR, I had an XR3i, I had money in my pocket and I was an England youth international. But when I met with these other young people, they were speaking about Jesus and it was as if he was real to them. I had everything that the world said was successful but they had someone I didn't.
TC: What do the family [wife, Amanda, son, Jake, 15, and daughter, Ava, 12] think about moving?
GP: They're excited. It's an outdoor life. There's skiing and snowboarding for the kids in the winter; in the summer, there's hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, canoeing. Each member of the family sees something individually for them there as well.
TC: What happens at the end of the three years?
GP: I'll have done all my theological training, I'll have done six months' internship within the church I go to out there, which is Baptist. What denomination I'll be ordained into - Anglican, Baptist, Pentecostal, Catholic - is down to me to choose.
TC: Would you ever come back to help out troubled footballers?
GP: All things are possible. I could be finished with football but I couldn't rule it out completely. It's difficult to look so far in the future. A lot of people thought I might go into coaching but I never felt that calling. I feel that this is what I'm made to do, this is my purpose. For me, there is no higher calling. I know it's the right thing. The Times
Snippets:
Les Ferdinand and Mark Bircham taking part in a fundraiser match for Edgware Town joint manager Del Deanus, who was recently diagnosed with the terminal illness motor neurone disease" -Harrow Observer
Ex-QPR Brett Angell Speaking (about Everton's prospects)
Belated commiserations to ex-QPR's Alan McDonald, whose Glentoran team finished as runners up to Linfield - Final Table
Friday, May 30, 2008
Season Tickets Selling Well
-
QPR Official Site - PLATINUM AREAS SOLD OUT
As the countdown continues to the 2008/09 Coca Cola Championship campaign, the Club is pleased to announce that the Platinum areas of the ground have sold out to new Season Ticket holders.
Due to the unprecedented demand for Season Tickets, the Club has extended the opening hours in the Box Office tomorrow (Saturday) from 9.00am-5.00pm.
Alternatively, to renew your Season Ticket, simply call 08444 777 007 - 24 hours a day.
R's fans are also encouraged to take advantage of the option to renew online.
By booking online, you can also pre-order the new R's home shirt, as well as subscribe to QPR World ahead of what is sure to be a season to remember.
If you would like to renew your Season Ticket now, simply log on to https://eticketing.co.uk/qpr
Alternatively, you can also renew by:
*Post - Loftus Road Stadium, South Africa Road, London, W12 7PJ.
*In person.
To download Season Ticket Prices click here
To download a Season Ticket Price Band plan click here
To download an Application Form click here
To download a Zebra Finance Form click here
QPR
QPR Official Site - PLATINUM AREAS SOLD OUT
As the countdown continues to the 2008/09 Coca Cola Championship campaign, the Club is pleased to announce that the Platinum areas of the ground have sold out to new Season Ticket holders.
Due to the unprecedented demand for Season Tickets, the Club has extended the opening hours in the Box Office tomorrow (Saturday) from 9.00am-5.00pm.
Alternatively, to renew your Season Ticket, simply call 08444 777 007 - 24 hours a day.
R's fans are also encouraged to take advantage of the option to renew online.
By booking online, you can also pre-order the new R's home shirt, as well as subscribe to QPR World ahead of what is sure to be a season to remember.
If you would like to renew your Season Ticket now, simply log on to https://eticketing.co.uk/qpr
Alternatively, you can also renew by:
*Post - Loftus Road Stadium, South Africa Road, London, W12 7PJ.
*In person.
To download Season Ticket Prices click here
To download a Season Ticket Price Band plan click here
To download an Application Form click here
To download a Zebra Finance Form click here
QPR
QPR Reportedly Bid for Crystal Palace Ben Watson - And Are Rejected
-
According to some messageboard posts, Ben Watson to QPR was virtually a done deal. This article implies otherwise.
SkySport/Peter O'Rourke - Palace reject Watson bid
Midfielder wanted by former manager Dowie
Skysports.com understands Crystal Palace have turned down a bid from Queens Park Rangers for Ben Watson.
The midfielder is reported to be a target for new QPR boss Iain Dowie, who worked with Watson at Selhurst Park.
Watson came through the ranks at Palace, but only has 12 months remaining on his current contract.
QPR are understood to have made an offer in the region of £1.25million, but the bid has been knocked back by their Championship rivals.
During the January transfer window, the 22-year-old was linked with moves to both Reading and Norwich City.
Palace boss Neil Warnock admitted at the time that the right offer could have led to Watson leaving the club.
Warnock will now have to wait to see if his Loftus Road counterpart Dowie elects to make an improved attempt to sign Watson" Skysports
According to some messageboard posts, Ben Watson to QPR was virtually a done deal. This article implies otherwise.
SkySport/Peter O'Rourke - Palace reject Watson bid
Midfielder wanted by former manager Dowie
Skysports.com understands Crystal Palace have turned down a bid from Queens Park Rangers for Ben Watson.
The midfielder is reported to be a target for new QPR boss Iain Dowie, who worked with Watson at Selhurst Park.
Watson came through the ranks at Palace, but only has 12 months remaining on his current contract.
QPR are understood to have made an offer in the region of £1.25million, but the bid has been knocked back by their Championship rivals.
During the January transfer window, the 22-year-old was linked with moves to both Reading and Norwich City.
Palace boss Neil Warnock admitted at the time that the right offer could have led to Watson leaving the club.
Warnock will now have to wait to see if his Loftus Road counterpart Dowie elects to make an improved attempt to sign Watson" Skysports
QPR Fans Condemn QPR Ticket Price Increases
-
Ealing Gazette/Yann Tear- Owners blasted over 'contemptuous' hikes
SEASON ticket holders who are faced with forking out 50 per cent more to watch QPR from next August have accused the club of taking their loyalty for granted.
One supporters' group website has branded the move "an absolute disgrace," saying that ordinary fans were now going to be priced out of renewing tickets.
At a time when even many Premier League clubs like Chelsea have decided to freeze tickets or peg prices to inflation, Rangers fans are being asked to pay far more.
A seat in the upper Loft End last season cost £398. Next season, it will cost £599 and some supporters are threatening to end long associations with the club rather than pay up to keep watching their team.
Rangers' price rise is the biggest in London and comes despite calls from the Government and supporters' groups to address the soaring cost of watching football.
t
One 40-year-old fan, who has been a season ticket holder for 13 years, told the Gazette: "I haven't renewed my ticket yet and I honestly don't know that I will.
"It's ironic that at a time when we have the richest owners we have ever had, we are now being asked to pay this huge increase - and there was not even an 'early bird' option this year to keep the cost down.
"I think we are now not far off the average cost of a Premier League season ticket and I don't think fans of any other club in the Championship are being asked to meet such an increase on demand."
Paul Finney of indyrs.co.uk, one of the club's independently-run web messageboards told the Gazette: "When the new owners talked in terms of getting to the Premier League, they didn't mention that the fans would be the ones paying for it.
"Are we there to fulfil their dreams or are they there to realise ours? Frankly, it's an absolute disgrace because they are pricing ordinary fans out of it. Our loyalty is being taken for granted and we are being treated with contempt."
Finney continued: "They have classified the ground into gold, silver and platinum areas but they have to sort out the standard of the ground if they want to justify that - not just the directors' box so Naomi Campbell and the other celebrities can watch in comfort."
Rangers say they are sensitive to the views of their fans but claim the ticket prices are in line with the club's ambitions and the top clubs in the division.
A club spokesman said: "It is the club's aim to achieve promotion to the Premier League and as such we have to generate further income to assist us in our pursuit of that goal.
"Whilst these decisions are never easy or straightforward, the club does need the continued support of the fans to help achieve that.
"It is certainly not our intention to drive away loyal fans who have supported the club through some very difficult times.
"However, whilst the new owners have invested heavily in the squad, as well as improving particular areas of the stadium, the club itself must endeavour to run more cost effectively. As a result, it is necessary for prices to increase.
"We do feel, however, that the new pricing structure has been designed to accommodate the needs of each and every QPR fan."
It is not clear yet whether season ticket sales have been affected by the price rise. Last year, 8,100 tickets were sold but the club have not disclosed how many have been sold so far.
Prices range from £450 to £699 and considering a typical price at Stamford Bridge is £790, Rangers appear close to embracing Premier League status before they are even there.
* Give us your views:Sende-mails to sport@ealinggazette.co.uk Ealing Gazette
Also: The fan group QPR1st heard from QPR's De Facto, CEO, Ali Russell this week -
QPR1st AGM Report. A combination of Fan Groups are meeting with Ali Russell tomorrow (May 31). See Also: Previous Club Statements re Season Tickets and: Season Tickets Hike at Rangers Sparks Outrage"
Ealing Gazette/Yann Tear- Owners blasted over 'contemptuous' hikes
SEASON ticket holders who are faced with forking out 50 per cent more to watch QPR from next August have accused the club of taking their loyalty for granted.
One supporters' group website has branded the move "an absolute disgrace," saying that ordinary fans were now going to be priced out of renewing tickets.
At a time when even many Premier League clubs like Chelsea have decided to freeze tickets or peg prices to inflation, Rangers fans are being asked to pay far more.
A seat in the upper Loft End last season cost £398. Next season, it will cost £599 and some supporters are threatening to end long associations with the club rather than pay up to keep watching their team.
Rangers' price rise is the biggest in London and comes despite calls from the Government and supporters' groups to address the soaring cost of watching football.
t
One 40-year-old fan, who has been a season ticket holder for 13 years, told the Gazette: "I haven't renewed my ticket yet and I honestly don't know that I will.
"It's ironic that at a time when we have the richest owners we have ever had, we are now being asked to pay this huge increase - and there was not even an 'early bird' option this year to keep the cost down.
"I think we are now not far off the average cost of a Premier League season ticket and I don't think fans of any other club in the Championship are being asked to meet such an increase on demand."
Paul Finney of indyrs.co.uk, one of the club's independently-run web messageboards told the Gazette: "When the new owners talked in terms of getting to the Premier League, they didn't mention that the fans would be the ones paying for it.
"Are we there to fulfil their dreams or are they there to realise ours? Frankly, it's an absolute disgrace because they are pricing ordinary fans out of it. Our loyalty is being taken for granted and we are being treated with contempt."
Finney continued: "They have classified the ground into gold, silver and platinum areas but they have to sort out the standard of the ground if they want to justify that - not just the directors' box so Naomi Campbell and the other celebrities can watch in comfort."
Rangers say they are sensitive to the views of their fans but claim the ticket prices are in line with the club's ambitions and the top clubs in the division.
A club spokesman said: "It is the club's aim to achieve promotion to the Premier League and as such we have to generate further income to assist us in our pursuit of that goal.
"Whilst these decisions are never easy or straightforward, the club does need the continued support of the fans to help achieve that.
"It is certainly not our intention to drive away loyal fans who have supported the club through some very difficult times.
"However, whilst the new owners have invested heavily in the squad, as well as improving particular areas of the stadium, the club itself must endeavour to run more cost effectively. As a result, it is necessary for prices to increase.
"We do feel, however, that the new pricing structure has been designed to accommodate the needs of each and every QPR fan."
It is not clear yet whether season ticket sales have been affected by the price rise. Last year, 8,100 tickets were sold but the club have not disclosed how many have been sold so far.
Prices range from £450 to £699 and considering a typical price at Stamford Bridge is £790, Rangers appear close to embracing Premier League status before they are even there.
* Give us your views:Sende-mails to sport@ealinggazette.co.uk Ealing Gazette
Also: The fan group QPR1st heard from QPR's De Facto, CEO, Ali Russell this week -
QPR1st AGM Report. A combination of Fan Groups are meeting with Ali Russell tomorrow (May 31). See Also: Previous Club Statements re Season Tickets and: Season Tickets Hike at Rangers Sparks Outrage"
QPR International Snippets: Delaney....Rehman...Leigertwood...Langley...Phillips
-
Damian Delaney picked up a second cap, playing for Ireland against Columbia - Rating Reports 1 - Report 2
Zesh Rehman in the Pakistan Squad.
Post " Pakistan national football team will leave for Maldives en route Karachi and Colombo today (Friday) from Lahore to take part in the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship being played from June 3 to 14 at Male.
Zahid Hameed will lead the 20-player squad in the eighth national elite tournament of South Asia. The SAFF Championship, known as World Cup for South Asia, will comprise four times champion India, 2003 gold medallist Bangladesh, Pakistan, 1995 champion Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives and Bhutan and Afghanistan....
PAKISTAN'S SQUAD
Goalkeepers (2): Syed Sultan Ali, Bilal Rafiq (PIA). Defenders ( 7): Samar Ishaq, M Ahmed (KRL), Naveed
Akram (Wapda), M Imran (Army), Zeeshan Rehman (Queen's Park Rangers), M Irfan, Nasr Ullah Khan (PIA). Midfielders (8): Farooq Shah, Abdul Aziz (NBP), Adnan Farooq Ahmed (Tranmere Rovers), Atif Bashir (Haverfordwest County AFC), Jadid Khan (Afghan FC, Chaman), Vice Captain Imran Niazi (Wapda), Skipper Zahid Hameed (Wapda), Kashif Siddiqi (Presbyterian College, South Carolina, USA). Strikers (3): Arif Mehmood (Wapda), M Qasim (KRL), Asif Mehmood (Navy).Official : Akhtar Mohiuddin (Coach), M Habib and Sajjad Mehmood (assistant coaches), Noman Ibrahim (GK Coach), Kamran Mehdi (Physiotherapist). The Post
Telegraph/Mark Armstrong - Willie Donachie attempts success with Antigua
"When former Ipswich assistant coach Willie Donachie agreed to take charge of Antigua and Barbuda for their World Cup qualifier against Cuba next month he knew his preparations would be difficult.
A lack of training facilities and a relatively small squad to choose from were always going to be major obstacles for Donachie as he looks to lead the Caribbean island a little closer to the 2010 World Cup.
Donachie didn't expect his plans to be thrown into disarray by goalkeeper Janiel Simon, a landscape gardener, damaging his right eye after a "weed-whacker" left the goalkeeper needing surgery with a "50/50" chance of regaining his sight....
Despite the keeper's injury, Donachie is quietly confident the Antiguans can cause a shock against Cuba and win through to a World Cup qualifying group that would see them up against the likes of the USA and Mexico for a place in South Africa....
" Donachie has been looking to bolster his squad in the build-up to the first leg and is hoping Rotherham defender Marc Joseph will make himself available although efforts to get QPR man Mikele Leigertwood have failed as he has a wedding to attend… as you do... Telegraph
As noted yesterday, Richard Langley is back in the Jamaica Squad And arriving in Jamaica.
And...Today's Mirror on Kevin Phillips:
Mirror/James Nursey - West Brom boss Tony Mowbray slams Kevin Phillips
Tony Mowbray has slammed Kevin Phillips for "hawking" himself to rival clubs and warned he will not wreck Albion's wage structure to keep the former England striker.
Phillips scored 24 times to help the Baggies back to the top flight.
But a stand-off has developed between Phillips - who turns 35 in July - and the club, with the player unhappy at being offered only a 12-month contract.
Phillips, who has 46 goals in 81 appearances since joining from Aston Villa in 2006, is a free agent and wants a two-year deal.
The West Brom boss and Albion's hard-nosed chairman Jeremy Peace refuse to compromise and have also adopted a tough stance with out-of-contract midfielder Zoltan Gera and defender Martin Albrechtsen, who are stalling on new terms too.
Mowbray said: "For me, it should never be about money.
"We're not in the business of them going out and checking the rest of the world, coming back with their best offer and asking us to beat it - we don't operate like that. Our offers will stay the same, but can only remain on the table for a certain amount of time as we have to start knowing if we need to fill places.
"They will be offered the best contract this club can offer. Their agents know that and if they want to hawk them around and get a better price and salary package, we won't be budging."
Phillips has been offered a two-year deal by Championship side QPR and is attracting interest from Premier League rookies Stoke.
That may appeal as he has just bought a house outside Birmingham.
..."The squad is what everyone must respect. We won't be bursting the bank for any single player," added Mowbray, who played and coached at Portman Road. "I've seen it happen and it can be bad for a dressing room.
"We won't be breaking structures, it's that simple as I want to be fair to the other players.
"If they get better packages out of our ball park and want to ply their trade elsewhere for more money, then good luck to them. Mirror
Damian Delaney picked up a second cap, playing for Ireland against Columbia - Rating Reports 1 - Report 2
Zesh Rehman in the Pakistan Squad.
Post " Pakistan national football team will leave for Maldives en route Karachi and Colombo today (Friday) from Lahore to take part in the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship being played from June 3 to 14 at Male.
Zahid Hameed will lead the 20-player squad in the eighth national elite tournament of South Asia. The SAFF Championship, known as World Cup for South Asia, will comprise four times champion India, 2003 gold medallist Bangladesh, Pakistan, 1995 champion Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives and Bhutan and Afghanistan....
PAKISTAN'S SQUAD
Goalkeepers (2): Syed Sultan Ali, Bilal Rafiq (PIA). Defenders ( 7): Samar Ishaq, M Ahmed (KRL), Naveed
Akram (Wapda), M Imran (Army), Zeeshan Rehman (Queen's Park Rangers), M Irfan, Nasr Ullah Khan (PIA). Midfielders (8): Farooq Shah, Abdul Aziz (NBP), Adnan Farooq Ahmed (Tranmere Rovers), Atif Bashir (Haverfordwest County AFC), Jadid Khan (Afghan FC, Chaman), Vice Captain Imran Niazi (Wapda), Skipper Zahid Hameed (Wapda), Kashif Siddiqi (Presbyterian College, South Carolina, USA). Strikers (3): Arif Mehmood (Wapda), M Qasim (KRL), Asif Mehmood (Navy).Official : Akhtar Mohiuddin (Coach), M Habib and Sajjad Mehmood (assistant coaches), Noman Ibrahim (GK Coach), Kamran Mehdi (Physiotherapist). The Post
Telegraph/Mark Armstrong - Willie Donachie attempts success with Antigua
"When former Ipswich assistant coach Willie Donachie agreed to take charge of Antigua and Barbuda for their World Cup qualifier against Cuba next month he knew his preparations would be difficult.
A lack of training facilities and a relatively small squad to choose from were always going to be major obstacles for Donachie as he looks to lead the Caribbean island a little closer to the 2010 World Cup.
Donachie didn't expect his plans to be thrown into disarray by goalkeeper Janiel Simon, a landscape gardener, damaging his right eye after a "weed-whacker" left the goalkeeper needing surgery with a "50/50" chance of regaining his sight....
Despite the keeper's injury, Donachie is quietly confident the Antiguans can cause a shock against Cuba and win through to a World Cup qualifying group that would see them up against the likes of the USA and Mexico for a place in South Africa....
" Donachie has been looking to bolster his squad in the build-up to the first leg and is hoping Rotherham defender Marc Joseph will make himself available although efforts to get QPR man Mikele Leigertwood have failed as he has a wedding to attend… as you do... Telegraph
As noted yesterday, Richard Langley is back in the Jamaica Squad And arriving in Jamaica.
And...Today's Mirror on Kevin Phillips:
Mirror/James Nursey - West Brom boss Tony Mowbray slams Kevin Phillips
Tony Mowbray has slammed Kevin Phillips for "hawking" himself to rival clubs and warned he will not wreck Albion's wage structure to keep the former England striker.
Phillips scored 24 times to help the Baggies back to the top flight.
But a stand-off has developed between Phillips - who turns 35 in July - and the club, with the player unhappy at being offered only a 12-month contract.
Phillips, who has 46 goals in 81 appearances since joining from Aston Villa in 2006, is a free agent and wants a two-year deal.
The West Brom boss and Albion's hard-nosed chairman Jeremy Peace refuse to compromise and have also adopted a tough stance with out-of-contract midfielder Zoltan Gera and defender Martin Albrechtsen, who are stalling on new terms too.
Mowbray said: "For me, it should never be about money.
"We're not in the business of them going out and checking the rest of the world, coming back with their best offer and asking us to beat it - we don't operate like that. Our offers will stay the same, but can only remain on the table for a certain amount of time as we have to start knowing if we need to fill places.
"They will be offered the best contract this club can offer. Their agents know that and if they want to hawk them around and get a better price and salary package, we won't be budging."
Phillips has been offered a two-year deal by Championship side QPR and is attracting interest from Premier League rookies Stoke.
That may appeal as he has just bought a house outside Birmingham.
..."The squad is what everyone must respect. We won't be bursting the bank for any single player," added Mowbray, who played and coached at Portman Road. "I've seen it happen and it can be bad for a dressing room.
"We won't be breaking structures, it's that simple as I want to be fair to the other players.
"If they get better packages out of our ball park and want to ply their trade elsewhere for more money, then good luck to them. Mirror
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Simon Walton Disappointed...Ex-QPR (sort of) Mark Bosnich Back in Australia and Hoping to Play
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Selby Times/Charles Gardner - Soccer star's 'kick in the teeth'
Sherburn football star Simon Walton was left disappointed at not being included for the play-off final which saw Hull City win promotion to the Premiership by beating Bristol City 1-0 at Wembley.
The 20-year-old midfielder has been on loan to the Tigers from Queen's Park Rangers for much of the season and, although he has only played ten games, has been on the bench every week barring the play-off final which dad Steve reckons is "a bit of a kick in the teeth". Selby Times
Australian Telegraph/Tom Smithies - Mark Bosnich back in Australia to pay soccer Debts
YESTERDAY morning, Mark Bosnich saw his first Australian sunrise in eight years - finally, after fame, fortune and ultimately infamy, back in his home city.
It's only a fleeting visit, and London now is the place he lives and a place he loves - but back with his parents, walking under the Harbour Bridge, Bosnich is home.
The fact that the sun does rise every morning seems one of the few things he does take for granted, after a fall from grace spectacular even in this celebrity-obsessed age.
From goalkeeper in the most famous club in the world to a well-publicised drug addiction, lurid tabloid headlines over his relationship with a supermodel and even a sex tape, the descent to rock bottom was played out in an unforgiving public eye.
That a goalkeeper of such talent should have been washed up on the rocks of the game's periphery was arguably the biggest shame of all, but months of training with a club in London have reawakened the passion for soccer that first carried him to the upper reaches of the Premier League.
Flown back by Football Federation Australia to be a guest at this week's FIFA Congress, among several other former internationals, Bosnich is ready to lift his head again and look to the future - even if that is still little more than day by day.
"It's the most beautiful city in the world, isn't it," he says, looking out from a hotel room with 30 floors worth of view. "I love where I live, I love London, but when you haven't been back for so long, even to see the family, it's very exciting.
Walking along the promenade this morning, looking at the Bridge and the Opera House . . . that's something London hasn't got.
"But you know, I'm very appreciative of what England, and football in England, has done for me. I don't want to seem bitter or twisted, because I'm not.
"I wouldn't be sat here talking to you if it wasn't for England and the Premier League.
"I had some bad times but I don't want to turn around and complain and moan. That's not a correct way to behave as a man.
"I've got my hunger back. Everything happens for a reason and I'm not complaining because football's been fantastic to me. There's always people worse off than you. There are quite a few options, and I'll explore every one of them."
He is reluctant to be drawn on those options, for fear of appearing presumptuous if they don't happen. But they may include playing - he says he hasn't been contacted directly by any A-League club, though there are rumours that a couple are circling - and you get the sense he wants to retrieve what he can of that once steepling career.
"One thing I did realise in the time I spent at QPR was that I can still do it," he said of the time he has spent on a training ground in west London, shedding kilos and sharpening reflexes.
"And one thing I have to make sure of, for my own self-respect, is that I can do it at a comparable level to before.
"But equally, it's also very much down to whether there are people out there who want me, because I do have a lot of baggage. So I don't want to be presumptuous and say there will be an opportunity.
"If it doesn't happen then I'll understand, my past is nobody else's and I have to accept that."
There is talk that Bosnich may have some role to play with the FFA, one of several former internationals who played at the highest level and who have ideas, contacts and experience to offer.
If the request came, it's clear the answer would be yes.
"I'll help in any way I can. I've taken a lot out of the game, and I'd like to put something back in both countries - but to put something back in your home country would be a privilege and an honour."
He made his commentary debut on the FA Cup final, and media work is one of those options.
"That was fun, I really enjoyed it. Nothing beats playing but it was nice to do. I'm flattered, there were times when I didn't think I would be saying anything to anyone.
"You know, I'm very lucky. There's a lot more to the story than meets the eye but I went down avenues that . . . well, that's the past. The thing to address is that I'm alive, I'm healthy and happy."
And then just as the interview has wrapped up, he bounces back over. "Hey, when's the next Origin game? I can't wait, is it this week?"
In every sense, Mark Bosnich is back." Australian Telegraph
Selby Times/Charles Gardner - Soccer star's 'kick in the teeth'
Sherburn football star Simon Walton was left disappointed at not being included for the play-off final which saw Hull City win promotion to the Premiership by beating Bristol City 1-0 at Wembley.
The 20-year-old midfielder has been on loan to the Tigers from Queen's Park Rangers for much of the season and, although he has only played ten games, has been on the bench every week barring the play-off final which dad Steve reckons is "a bit of a kick in the teeth". Selby Times
Australian Telegraph/Tom Smithies - Mark Bosnich back in Australia to pay soccer Debts
YESTERDAY morning, Mark Bosnich saw his first Australian sunrise in eight years - finally, after fame, fortune and ultimately infamy, back in his home city.
It's only a fleeting visit, and London now is the place he lives and a place he loves - but back with his parents, walking under the Harbour Bridge, Bosnich is home.
The fact that the sun does rise every morning seems one of the few things he does take for granted, after a fall from grace spectacular even in this celebrity-obsessed age.
From goalkeeper in the most famous club in the world to a well-publicised drug addiction, lurid tabloid headlines over his relationship with a supermodel and even a sex tape, the descent to rock bottom was played out in an unforgiving public eye.
That a goalkeeper of such talent should have been washed up on the rocks of the game's periphery was arguably the biggest shame of all, but months of training with a club in London have reawakened the passion for soccer that first carried him to the upper reaches of the Premier League.
Flown back by Football Federation Australia to be a guest at this week's FIFA Congress, among several other former internationals, Bosnich is ready to lift his head again and look to the future - even if that is still little more than day by day.
"It's the most beautiful city in the world, isn't it," he says, looking out from a hotel room with 30 floors worth of view. "I love where I live, I love London, but when you haven't been back for so long, even to see the family, it's very exciting.
Walking along the promenade this morning, looking at the Bridge and the Opera House . . . that's something London hasn't got.
"But you know, I'm very appreciative of what England, and football in England, has done for me. I don't want to seem bitter or twisted, because I'm not.
"I wouldn't be sat here talking to you if it wasn't for England and the Premier League.
"I had some bad times but I don't want to turn around and complain and moan. That's not a correct way to behave as a man.
"I've got my hunger back. Everything happens for a reason and I'm not complaining because football's been fantastic to me. There's always people worse off than you. There are quite a few options, and I'll explore every one of them."
He is reluctant to be drawn on those options, for fear of appearing presumptuous if they don't happen. But they may include playing - he says he hasn't been contacted directly by any A-League club, though there are rumours that a couple are circling - and you get the sense he wants to retrieve what he can of that once steepling career.
"One thing I did realise in the time I spent at QPR was that I can still do it," he said of the time he has spent on a training ground in west London, shedding kilos and sharpening reflexes.
"And one thing I have to make sure of, for my own self-respect, is that I can do it at a comparable level to before.
"But equally, it's also very much down to whether there are people out there who want me, because I do have a lot of baggage. So I don't want to be presumptuous and say there will be an opportunity.
"If it doesn't happen then I'll understand, my past is nobody else's and I have to accept that."
There is talk that Bosnich may have some role to play with the FFA, one of several former internationals who played at the highest level and who have ideas, contacts and experience to offer.
If the request came, it's clear the answer would be yes.
"I'll help in any way I can. I've taken a lot out of the game, and I'd like to put something back in both countries - but to put something back in your home country would be a privilege and an honour."
He made his commentary debut on the FA Cup final, and media work is one of those options.
"That was fun, I really enjoyed it. Nothing beats playing but it was nice to do. I'm flattered, there were times when I didn't think I would be saying anything to anyone.
"You know, I'm very lucky. There's a lot more to the story than meets the eye but I went down avenues that . . . well, that's the past. The thing to address is that I'm alive, I'm healthy and happy."
And then just as the interview has wrapped up, he bounces back over. "Hey, when's the next Origin game? I can't wait, is it this week?"
In every sense, Mark Bosnich is back." Australian Telegraph
Key QPR Summer Dates - Updated Schedule
-
Updatd: As of June 7, just over 60 days till QPR's 2008-2009promotion season kick off! !
Thus far, there are three pre-season games announced: Non-League, Stevenage; League One, Northampton; and AC Chievo Verona. In addition, there are a couple of QPR XI matches. There are a few other dates remaining to be filled in, such as the dates for any pre-season tour; and any additional friendlies to be played in the UK! Other summer "events" to look forward to: The official unveiling of the new strip; new player signings; presumed player departures; the announcement of squad numbers.
Summer Schedule Thus Far:
JUNE
- June 13 - Carling Cup First Round Draw (QPR have bye into Round 2)
- June 16 - 2008-09 Fixtures Released
- June 30 - First Day of Training
JULY
- July 19, Stevenage, Away (Friendly) 3:00 pm.
-[CANCELLED July 19 - Oxford United ]
- July 22 - QPR XI vs Windsor and Eton - Announcement
- July 23 - Northampton Town - Friendly Away (7:45 pm Kickoff)
- July 25 QPR XI vs Hayes and Yeading (Away) - Report
AUGUST
- August 2, AC Chievo Verona (Loftus Road) (3:00 pm Kick off)
- August 9 - 2008-09 Championship Season Kicks off
UPDATED - From club - KEY [PROVISIONAL] DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Some provisional points of note are:- Season begins on 9th August and ends on 2nd May
- No game on New Year's Day or Eve
- Free international weekends on 6th September, 11th October and 28th March
- Two games over the Easter weekend on Saturday 11th April and Monday 13th
- We enter the Carling Cup at round two and the FA Cup at round three
- The Championship play-off final is back on a Monday again, and takes place on 25th May
- The Football League ends fully three weeks before the Premier League campaign QPR
2008-2009 Championship Teams: Three of Which to Get to Promoted...Three to Get Relegated!
Barnsley
Birmingham City
Blackpool
Bristol City
Burnley
Cardiff City
Charlton Athletic
Coventry City
Crystal Palace
Derby County
Doncaster Rovers
Ipswich Town
Norwich City
Nottingham Forest
Plymouth Argyle
Preston North End
Queens Park Rangers
Reading
Sheffield United
Sheffield Wednesday
Southampton
Swansea City
Watford
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Football League
Updatd: As of June 7, just over 60 days till QPR's 2008-2009promotion season kick off! !
Thus far, there are three pre-season games announced: Non-League, Stevenage; League One, Northampton; and AC Chievo Verona. In addition, there are a couple of QPR XI matches. There are a few other dates remaining to be filled in, such as the dates for any pre-season tour; and any additional friendlies to be played in the UK! Other summer "events" to look forward to: The official unveiling of the new strip; new player signings; presumed player departures; the announcement of squad numbers.
Summer Schedule Thus Far:
JUNE
- June 13 - Carling Cup First Round Draw (QPR have bye into Round 2)
- June 16 - 2008-09 Fixtures Released
- June 30 - First Day of Training
JULY
- July 19, Stevenage, Away (Friendly) 3:00 pm.
-[CANCELLED July 19 - Oxford United ]
- July 22 - QPR XI vs Windsor and Eton - Announcement
- July 23 - Northampton Town - Friendly Away (7:45 pm Kickoff)
- July 25 QPR XI vs Hayes and Yeading (Away) - Report
AUGUST
- August 2, AC Chievo Verona (Loftus Road) (3:00 pm Kick off)
- August 9 - 2008-09 Championship Season Kicks off
UPDATED - From club - KEY [PROVISIONAL] DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Some provisional points of note are:- Season begins on 9th August and ends on 2nd May
- No game on New Year's Day or Eve
- Free international weekends on 6th September, 11th October and 28th March
- Two games over the Easter weekend on Saturday 11th April and Monday 13th
- We enter the Carling Cup at round two and the FA Cup at round three
- The Championship play-off final is back on a Monday again, and takes place on 25th May
- The Football League ends fully three weeks before the Premier League campaign QPR
2008-2009 Championship Teams: Three of Which to Get to Promoted...Three to Get Relegated!
Barnsley
Birmingham City
Blackpool
Bristol City
Burnley
Cardiff City
Charlton Athletic
Coventry City
Crystal Palace
Derby County
Doncaster Rovers
Ipswich Town
Norwich City
Nottingham Forest
Plymouth Argyle
Preston North End
Queens Park Rangers
Reading
Sheffield United
Sheffield Wednesday
Southampton
Swansea City
Watford
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Football League
QPR's Quartet of Promotions
-
Unfortunately not really celebrated or commemorated by the club, but this year marked four major milestone anniversaries of major QPR successes: Four QPR Promotions. (Unfortunately, there haven't been that many triumphs in QPR's history to make the ones we have had, so easy to overlook or ignore.)
It's 60 years - 1948 - since QPR won their first League Championship - and promotion for the first time out of the old Division Three South. QPR's First Championship
It's 40 years - 1968 -since Alec Stock's QPR first gained promotion to the First Division - The Greatest Day in QPR History
It's 35 years - 1973 - since QPR won promotion to the First Division under Gordon Jago, Terry Venables, Stan Bowles, Gerry Francis and Dave Thomas (and all the rest) - QPR's Promotion.
It's 25 Years - 1983 - since QPR's Last Promotion under manager Terry Venables, and Clive Allen, Simon Stainrod, John Gregory, Garry Waddock and Terry Fenwick - QPR's Last Title
What was previously posted on QPR Report re these Four Triumphs
1983: 25 Years Ago: QPR's Last Championship Title (1982-83 Season)
Marking a Quarter of a Century since QPR last won a championship Title: May 14, 1983 when Terry Venables (and Allan Harris') Queens Park Rangers concluded their season with a 1-1 draw at Grimsby to win the then Division Two (now The Championship) title by 10 points. (A season which had begun with a 0-1 loss at Newcastle who had just signed Kevin Keegan).
Video: One of the Highlights: Video from March 5, 1983: QPR 6 Middlesbrough 1 including Clive Allen's Hattrick Video of QPR's Six Goals
Hucker Neil Wicks Fenwick Dawes Flanagan Waddock Gregory Mickelwhite Allen Stainrod
Promoted Teams:
Queens Park Rangers 42 26 7 9 77 36 85
Wolverhampton W. 42 20 15 7 68 44 75
Leicester City 42 20 10 12 72 44 70
A QPR team with Fenwick and Wicks...Gregory and Waddock...Allen and Stainrod (The normal QPR Team: Hucker - Neil Wicks (or Hazell) Fenwick (Roeder) Dawes - Waddock Gregory Flanagan Micklewhite - Stainrod Sealy (or Clive Allen) - Tony Currie mostly injured.)
But most of all, a QPR under the brilliant Terry Venables. (And of course, a QPR playing on the "Controversial artificial/plastic pitch!"). Coming on the footsteps of their two FA Cup Final matches against Spurs, and with a great season in Division to come, QPR's future under Terry Venables looked bright.
QPR's Leading goalscorers that season: Tony Sealy 16, John Gregory 15 Simon Stainrod 9 and Clive Allen 13 (From 26 appearances)
{The only thing that ruined the season: Chelsea JUST failed to get relegated to Division Three that season!)
See QPR's Season: Results and Final Table
- 1982/1983 Table
- 1982/1983 Results
- The famed Guiness Shirt
1973: Thirty-Five Years Ago: QPR Promotion at End of 1972-1973 Season
Thirty-five years ago today (wow!), Gordon Jago's QPR team, with Parkes, Clement, Venables, Francis, Thomas, Bowles and Givens, completed their 1972-1973 promotion season with a 3-0 victory at FA Cup Winners Sunderland. 1972-1973 Results
In that final games at Sunderland, Stan Bowles has spoken and written about how he almost started a riot, by deliberately knocking over Sunderland's newly-won FA Cup with a long range shot.
As someone on Wikipedia has written "Bowles was often regarded as something of a character both on and off the pitch. One notable incident in his playing days involved the famous FA Cup trophy. Having won the FA Cup competition four days prior, Sunderland were parading the trophy at Roker Park on May 9, 1973 when they met QPR in the old Division 2. The trophy had been placed on a table at the side of the pitch when Bowles tore straight across the park and kicked the ball at it full speed, sending the Cup flying through the air.[1] The crowd predictably went ballistic, however Stan had the last laugh by scoring a brace in the match which ended in a pitch invasion. According to Bowles some of the QPR players had laid bets as to who could hit the trophy first." Wikipedia
Although For what it's worth: From the Guardian - November 2006
DID STAN BOWLES TAKE A POT SHOT AT THE FA CUP (2)?
Last week we delved into Stan Bowles's autobiography to discover that, apparently, he once booted a ball at the FA Cup trophy while it was being displayed pitchside at Sunderland during a game. But that's not the end of the story ...
Because reader Brian Halliday sent our article to a friend of his, one Gordon Jago MBE, the manager of QPR at the time of the incident, and who now resides in Dallas. Here's Gordon's view of the events: "The truth is that yes, the FA Cup was knocked off the table during the game against Sunderland, but not by Stan Bowles. It was Tony Hazell, the QPR defender.
"At some time during the game Tony cleared a ball and it knocked the cup flying. This incident really upset the home fans; so much so that the referee took both teams from the field to let tempers cool. The game was eventually restarted and we finished 3-0 winners. Stan had someone write a book for him and he tells the story about a bet and that he deliberately knocked the cup off the table. Fiction! I do not know if Tony or any of the other players have contacted Stan to correct him, but that story is typical of him and no doubt it helped to sell the book." Guardian
DIVISION TWO 1972/1973
Pos Name Pld W D L GF GA Pts
1 Burnley 42 24 14 4 72 35 62
2 Queens Park Rangers 42 24 13 5 81 37 61
3 Aston Villa 42 18 14 10 51 47 50
4 Middlesbrough 42 17 13 12 46 43 47
5 Bristol City 42 17 12 13 63 51 46
6 Sunderland 42 17 12 13 59 49 46
7 Blackpool 42 18 10 14 56 51 46
8 Oxford United 42 19 7 16 52 43 45
9 Fulham 42 16 12 14 58 49 44
10 Sheffield Wednesday 42 17 10 15 59 55 44
11 Millwall 42 16 10 16 55 47 42
12 Luton Town 42 15 11 16 44 53 41
13 Hull City 42 14 12 16 64 59 40
14 Nottingham Forest 42 14 12 16 47 52 40
15 Orient 42 12 12 18 49 53 36
16 Swindon Town 42 10 16 16 46 60 36
17 Portsmouth 42 12 11 19 42 59 35
18 Carlisle United 42 11 12 19 50 52 34
19 Preston North End 42 11 12 19 37 64 34
20 Cardiff City 42 11 11 20 43 58 33
21 Huddersfield Town 42 8 17 17 36 56 33
22 Brighton & Hove Albion 42 8 13 21 46 83 29
Table
1968 Season: Forty Years Ago: 1967-1968 Promotion
While opinions might vary, arguably this was the greatest - and most momentous - day in QPR history: May 11, 1968, the day that "little" QPR won promotion to the First Division (as it was then called) opened up new vistas and a new horizon for a team that was historically "just" a little Third Division Team. To reach the First Division...The feeling for a QPR fan was truly incredible.
The history should be known to all QPR Fans: Promoted the previous season as Third Division Champions and League Cup Winners, QPR had previously spent only four seasons (1948-1952) in the Second Division. Only one other team in history had gone straight through from the Third to the First Division in successive seasons. Basically with a couple of additions and departures, this was the same team that got QPR promoted from the Third Division. Incoming: Ron Springett, Frank Clarke...Outgoing: Peter Springett, Mark Lazarus.
May 11, 1968, QPR travelled to Aston Villa, neck and neck with Blackpool chasing for promotion. (In an era, when there were two points for a win; there was goal aggregate (goals for divided by goals against) rather than goal difference; and only two teams were promoted - with no playoffs for the teams below). The Programme Mick Leach scored QPR's first. Eight Minutes from time, a Bradley Own goal put QPR 2-1 up and that was the final score. QPR promoted with a marginally better goal aggregate than Blackpool.
The QPR team on that day: Mike Kelly in goal. Allan Harris, Bobby Keetch, Tony Hazell and Ian Watson in defense
Ian Morgan, Mike Keen Les Allen, Mick Leach
Rodney Marsh, Frank Clarke
The 1967-1968 Season: If "1967" has become synonymous with QPR's Wembley Victory (and the Third Division Championship!) 1968 was in some ways even more beyond belief.
Managed by Alec Stock...coached by Bill Dodgin...Captained by Mike Keen...Inspired by Rodney Marsh and Roger and Ian Morgan...
The 1967/1968 Players: Mark Lazarus started with QPR and moved on to Crystal Palace. Formre England Goalkeeper, Ron Springett had returned to QPR in a swop, in which his brother Peter Springett moved to Sheffield Wednesday. Alan Harris joined QPR. Rodney Marsh missed the start of the season with a broken foot, but ended the season as top goalscorer with 14 goals. Near the transfer deadline, Frank Clarke joined QPR from Shrewsbury (after QPR failed to sign John O'Rourke)
Les Allen, Frank Clarke, Dave Clement, Alan Harris, Tony Hazell, Ron Hunt, Mike Keen, Bobby Keetch, Mick Leach, Rodney Marsh, Ian Morga, Roger Morgan, Keith Sanderson Also: Mark Lazarus, Bobby Finch, Backup goalie, Mike Kelly, Frank Sibley, Ian Watson, Alan Wilks. Ever presents: Mike Keen, Roger Morgan, Allan Harris.
Leading Scorers: Rodney Marsh 14, Ian Morgan 10, Mick Leach 10, Roger Morgan 8, Les Allen 6, Mike Keen 6, Frank Clarke 3.
And of course the season, when in the League Cup, Alan Wilks scored a record five goals in QPR's 5-1 win over Oxford United.
A couple of team photos from the era: The 1967 squad and Many of QPR's 1967/1968 Squad
Memories of the May 11, 1968 day on the Indepdent Rs Site: Memories I
Memories II
Ex-Blackpool's Tony Green Recalls QPR's 1967/1968 Promotion Pipping
Blackpool Gazette, February 9, 2008 - Legends: Tony Green
"...Signed with Pool already doomed to drop out of the old First Division, Green was sidelined for the '69/70 promotion season and a further ankle injury finished him at 25.
His abiding memory of five years at Bloomfield Road was being denied promotion back to the First Division on goal difference in '67/68, when Pool came third behind Ipswich and QPR.
"We'd won at Huddersfield and thought we were up. Our supporters crowded onto the field and were going daft but we got back in the dressingroom to find that QPR had scored a winner in the last minute against Aston Villa. They'd been losing with ten minutes left," said Green, who lives at Poulton.
"Inside a few minutes the mood went from euphoria to massive disappointment. But we were eventually upbeat because our manager Stan Mortensen was a fairly upbeat character." Blackpool Gazette
See
1967/1968 Table
1967/1968 Division Two Week-by-Week Results,
For further Nostalgia: "Where Are They Now" - See QPRNet's Section for some of the players from the 1960s
1967/1968 - DIVISION TWO TABLE & RESULTS
Pld W D L GF GA Pts
1 Ipswich Town 42 22 15 5 79 44 59
2 Queens Park Rangers 42 25 8 9 67 36 58
3 Blackpool 42 24 10 8 71 43 58
4 Birmingham City 42 19 14 9 83 51 52
5 Portsmouth 42 18 13 11 68 55 49
6 Middlesbrough 42 17 12 13 60 54 46
7 Millwall 42 14 17 11 62 50 45
8 Blackburn Rovers 42 16 11 15 56 49 43
9 Norwich City 42 16 11 15 60 65 43
10 Carlisle United 42 14 13 15 58 52 41
11 Crystal Palace 42 14 11 17 56 56 39
12 Bolton Wanderers 42 13 13 16 60 63 39
13 Cardiff City 42 13 12 17 60 66 38
14 Huddersfield Town 42 13 12 17 46 61 38
15 Charlton Athletic 42 12 13 17 63 68 37
16 Aston Villa 42 15 7 20 54 64 37
17 Hull City 42 12 13 17 58 73 37
18 Derby County 42 13 10 19 71 78 36
19 Bristol City 42 13 10 19 48 62 36
20 Preston North End 42 12 11 19 43 65 35
21 Rotherham United 42 10 11 21 42 76 31
22 Plymouth Argyle 42 9 9 24 38 72 27
RESULTS
1-1 Away v Portsmouth 1967-08-19 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 1
2-0 Away v Bristol City 1967-08-22 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 2
2-0 Home v Norwich City 1967-08-26 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 3
3-1 Home v Bristol City 1967-08-29 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 4
3-1 Away v Rotherham United 1967-09-02 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 5
3-0 Home v Aston Villa 1967-09-05 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 6
0-1 Home v Derby County 1967-09-09 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 7
2-1 Home v Hull City 1967-09-12 Football League Cup, 1967/68, Round 2
2-0 Away v Preston North End 1967-09-16 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 8
2-1 Home v Charlton Athletic 1967-09-23 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 9
0-1 Away v Crystal Palace 1967-09-30 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 10
1-0 Home v Bolton Wanderers 1967-10-07 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 11
5-1 Home v Oxford United 1967-10-10 Football League Cup, 1967/68, Round 3
0-2 Away v Hull City 1967-10-14 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 12
3-1 Home v Millwall 1967-10-21 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 13
1-0 Away v Blackpool 1967-10-28 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 14
1-2 Home v Burnley 1967-10-31 Football League Cup, 1967/68, Round 4
1-3 Away v Carlisle United 1967-11-11 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 15
1-1 Home v Middlesbrough 1967-11-18 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 16
0-1 Away v Huddersfield Town 1967-11-25 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 17
1-0 Home v Ipswich Town 1967-12-02 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 18
0-2 Away v Birmingham City 1967-12-09 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 19
3-1 Home v Blackburn Rovers 1967-12-12 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 20
2-0 Home v Portsmouth 1967-12-16 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 21
0-0 Away v Norwich City 1967-12-23 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 22
1-0 Away v Plymouth Argyle 1967-12-26 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 23
4-1 Home v Plymouth Argyle 1967-12-30 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 24
6-0 Home v Rotherham United 1968-01-06 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 25
2-0 Home v Preston North End 1968-01-20 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 26
1-3 Home v Preston North End 1968-01-27 F.A. Cup, 1967/68, Round 3
3-3 Away v Charlton Athletic 1968-02-03 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 27
2-1 Home v Crystal Palace 1968-02-10 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 28
0-4 Away v Derby County 1968-02-17 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 29
1-1 Away v Bolton Wanderers 1968-02-24 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 30
1-1 Home v Hull City 1968-03-09 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 31
1-1 Away v Millwall 1968-03-16 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 32
2-0 Home v Blackpool 1968-03-23 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 33
1-0 Away v Blackburn Rovers 1968-03-30 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 34
1-0 Home v Carlisle United 1968-04-06 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 35
1-0 Home v Cardiff City 1968-04-12 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 36
1-3 Away v Middlesbrough 1968-04-13 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 37
0-1 Away v Cardiff City 1968-04-16 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 38
3-0 Home v Huddersfield Town 1968-04-20 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 39
2-2 Away v Ipswich Town 1968-04-27 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 40
2-0 Home v Birmingham City 1968-05-04 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 41
2-1 Away v Aston Villa 1968-05-11 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 42
Statistics Source
QPR's 1967/1968 Statistics.
P W D L F A Home% Away% Total%
All League Matches 42 25 8 9 67 36 90.5% 47.6% 69.05%
F.A. Cup 1 0 0 1 1 3 0.0% - 0.00%
Football League Cup 3 2 0 1 8 4 66.7% - 66.67%
Home 25 20 2 3 54 16 84.0% - 84.00%
Away 21 7 6 8 22 27 - 47.6% 47.62%
August 4 3 1 0 8 2 100.0% 75.0% 87.50%
September 7 5 0 2 12 5 75.0% 66.7% 71.43%
October 6 4 0 2 11 6 75.0% 50.0% 66.67%
November 3 0 1 2 2 5 50.0% 0.0% 16.67%
December 7 5 1 1 11 4 100.0% 50.0% 78.57%
January 3 2 0 1 9 3 66.7% - 66.67%
February 4 1 2 1 6 9 100.0% 33.3% 50.00%
March 4 2 2 0 5 2 75.0% 75.0% 75.00%
April 6 3 1 2 8 6 100.0% 16.7% 58.33%
May 2 2 0 0 4 1 100.0% 100.0% 100.00%
Weekend Match 36 19 8 9 55 36 83.3% 44.4% 63.89%
Midweek Match 10 8 0 2 21 7 85.7% 66.7% 80.00%
Statistics
1948 - QPR's First Title and Promotion (1947-1948)
This year marks the Diamond Anniversary of QPR's First Title and Promotion: Sixty Years ago, the 1947/1948 came to a close and QPR won the Third Division South Championship and promotion to the Second Division for the first time in their history.
QPR's manager that season was Dave Magnall. In goal was Reg Allen (still with QPR before moving on to Man United.) QPR's top scorer with 25 goals was C Hatton followed by D Boxshall with 13. Most appearances: Playing in 47 of the 48 League and cup games: Ivor Powell (who's still active sixty years later.).
From QPR Official Site - A POTTED HISTORY OF QPR (1882-2008)
"...In 1945/46 QPR finished top of the League they were in. They also got through to the Fifth Round of the Cup - the only time it was played on a two-leg basis. In 1947/48 they reached the Sixth Round of the Cup before losing to Derby after a replay, and on 26th April 1948 won promotion for the first time to the Second Division.
QPR spent four years in the Second Division, before they were relegated back to Division Three in 1952. Dave Mangnall left the club and his place was taken by Jack Taylor. In 1953 the first floodlights were installed at Loftus Road at a cost of £5,000, the first floodlit match being against Arsenal on 5th October. In 1959 Alec Stock joined the club as a manager, and signed Brian Bedford from Bournemouth.... QPR
From The Official History of Queens Park Rangers by Gordon acey (2000 Edition)
"1947-1948. "...Rangers made two costly signings. They paid their record fee of £2,000 fo George Smith the Bentford centre-half and the same figure to Wolverhampton Wanderers for Fred Ramscar....
....By now the crowds were into the mid 20,000 range for each game ...the title belong to Rangers who had now won promotion for the first time in their history....
...The increased revenue enable the club to make a very important purchase, that of the freehold of the ground together with the thirty nine houses adjoining in Ellersie and Loftus Roads. The cost of £26,250 was met by the issue of shares, which due to the club's success was fully taken up...
Before the start of the [1948-1949] season, Rangers became the first British club to make an official trip to Turkey..." (pp 67-68)
Brief Video of QPR from that year: In the FA CUP that year: - QPR vs Derby Video
Pathe Description: "Start of the FA (Football Association) Cup 6th round football match between Queen's Park Rangers and Derby County. Ball goes out to Harrison. Bad pass. Powell kicks the ball forward. Goalkeeper of Derby County collects ball as Heath rushes in and clears up field. Various shots of the game. Hartburn scores for QPR. Crowd cheering. Throw-in. Close up shot of cheerful Charlie Chester. Billy Steele (Steel) shoots. Goalkeeper partially saves, but ball goes back to Steele who scores from rebound. Crowd cheering. Steele to Morrison, Morrison to Stamps. Centre to Steele, back to Jackie Stamps (Stamp) and Smith clears. Leuty beats Heath in the air, to Steele to Morrison. Powell tackles and slices across goal area. Carter shoot but goalkeeper Allen clears. Steele collects and dribbles forward. Forward pass. Various shots of the game. Final score Queen's Park Rangers 1, Derby County 1." Pathe -
STILL PHOTOS Stll Photo 1 Still Photo II - The Supporters 1 - The Supporters II
QPR's hoops in 1948 (as opposed to their first season after promotion: QPR's "hoops in 1949") (replaced by Hoops again)
DIVISION THREE SOUTH - 1947/1948
Pld W D L GF GA Pts
1 Queens Park Rangers 42 26 9 7 74 37 61
2 Bournemouth & Boscombe Athleti 42 24 9 9 76 35 57
3 Walsall 42 21 9 12 70 40 51
4 Ipswich Town 42 23 3 16 67 61 49
5 Swansea Town 42 18 12 12 70 52 48
6 Notts County 42 19 8 15 68 59 46
7 Bristol City 42 18 7 17 77 65 43
8 Port Vale 42 16 11 15 63 54 43
9 Southend United 42 15 13 14 51 58 43
10 Reading 42 15 11 16 56 58 41
11 Exeter City 42 15 11 16 55 63 41
12 Newport County 42 14 13 15 61 73 41
13 Crystal Palace 42 13 13 16 49 49 39
14 Northampton Town 42 14 11 17 58 72 39
15 Watford 42 14 10 18 57 79 38
16 Swindon Town 42 10 16 16 41 46 36
17 Leyton Orient 42 13 10 19 51 73 36
18 Torquay United 42 11 13 18 63 62 35
19 Aldershot 42 10 15 17 45 67 35
20 Bristol Rovers 42 13 8 21 71 75 34
21 Norwich City 42 13 8 21 61 76 34
22 Brighton & Hove Albion 42 11 12 19 43 73 43
Table
1947-1948 Results: QPR's 1947-1948 Results:
[Further Memories: If you have any memories of this season - or any links to material or photos from this season, please feel free to post or to email at QPRReport@hotmail.com
It's 25 Years - 1983 - since QPR last won a title - and promotion to the First Division, under Terry Venables - QPR's Last Title
Unfortunately not really celebrated or commemorated by the club, but this year marked four major milestone anniversaries of major QPR successes: Four QPR Promotions. (Unfortunately, there haven't been that many triumphs in QPR's history to make the ones we have had, so easy to overlook or ignore.)
It's 60 years - 1948 - since QPR won their first League Championship - and promotion for the first time out of the old Division Three South. QPR's First Championship
It's 40 years - 1968 -since Alec Stock's QPR first gained promotion to the First Division - The Greatest Day in QPR History
It's 35 years - 1973 - since QPR won promotion to the First Division under Gordon Jago, Terry Venables, Stan Bowles, Gerry Francis and Dave Thomas (and all the rest) - QPR's Promotion.
It's 25 Years - 1983 - since QPR's Last Promotion under manager Terry Venables, and Clive Allen, Simon Stainrod, John Gregory, Garry Waddock and Terry Fenwick - QPR's Last Title
What was previously posted on QPR Report re these Four Triumphs
1983: 25 Years Ago: QPR's Last Championship Title (1982-83 Season)
Marking a Quarter of a Century since QPR last won a championship Title: May 14, 1983 when Terry Venables (and Allan Harris') Queens Park Rangers concluded their season with a 1-1 draw at Grimsby to win the then Division Two (now The Championship) title by 10 points. (A season which had begun with a 0-1 loss at Newcastle who had just signed Kevin Keegan).
Video: One of the Highlights: Video from March 5, 1983: QPR 6 Middlesbrough 1 including Clive Allen's Hattrick Video of QPR's Six Goals
Hucker Neil Wicks Fenwick Dawes Flanagan Waddock Gregory Mickelwhite Allen Stainrod
Promoted Teams:
Queens Park Rangers 42 26 7 9 77 36 85
Wolverhampton W. 42 20 15 7 68 44 75
Leicester City 42 20 10 12 72 44 70
A QPR team with Fenwick and Wicks...Gregory and Waddock...Allen and Stainrod (The normal QPR Team: Hucker - Neil Wicks (or Hazell) Fenwick (Roeder) Dawes - Waddock Gregory Flanagan Micklewhite - Stainrod Sealy (or Clive Allen) - Tony Currie mostly injured.)
But most of all, a QPR under the brilliant Terry Venables. (And of course, a QPR playing on the "Controversial artificial/plastic pitch!"). Coming on the footsteps of their two FA Cup Final matches against Spurs, and with a great season in Division to come, QPR's future under Terry Venables looked bright.
QPR's Leading goalscorers that season: Tony Sealy 16, John Gregory 15 Simon Stainrod 9 and Clive Allen 13 (From 26 appearances)
{The only thing that ruined the season: Chelsea JUST failed to get relegated to Division Three that season!)
See QPR's Season: Results and Final Table
- 1982/1983 Table
- 1982/1983 Results
- The famed Guiness Shirt
1973: Thirty-Five Years Ago: QPR Promotion at End of 1972-1973 Season
Thirty-five years ago today (wow!), Gordon Jago's QPR team, with Parkes, Clement, Venables, Francis, Thomas, Bowles and Givens, completed their 1972-1973 promotion season with a 3-0 victory at FA Cup Winners Sunderland. 1972-1973 Results
In that final games at Sunderland, Stan Bowles has spoken and written about how he almost started a riot, by deliberately knocking over Sunderland's newly-won FA Cup with a long range shot.
As someone on Wikipedia has written "Bowles was often regarded as something of a character both on and off the pitch. One notable incident in his playing days involved the famous FA Cup trophy. Having won the FA Cup competition four days prior, Sunderland were parading the trophy at Roker Park on May 9, 1973 when they met QPR in the old Division 2. The trophy had been placed on a table at the side of the pitch when Bowles tore straight across the park and kicked the ball at it full speed, sending the Cup flying through the air.[1] The crowd predictably went ballistic, however Stan had the last laugh by scoring a brace in the match which ended in a pitch invasion. According to Bowles some of the QPR players had laid bets as to who could hit the trophy first." Wikipedia
Although For what it's worth: From the Guardian - November 2006
DID STAN BOWLES TAKE A POT SHOT AT THE FA CUP (2)?
Last week we delved into Stan Bowles's autobiography to discover that, apparently, he once booted a ball at the FA Cup trophy while it was being displayed pitchside at Sunderland during a game. But that's not the end of the story ...
Because reader Brian Halliday sent our article to a friend of his, one Gordon Jago MBE, the manager of QPR at the time of the incident, and who now resides in Dallas. Here's Gordon's view of the events: "The truth is that yes, the FA Cup was knocked off the table during the game against Sunderland, but not by Stan Bowles. It was Tony Hazell, the QPR defender.
"At some time during the game Tony cleared a ball and it knocked the cup flying. This incident really upset the home fans; so much so that the referee took both teams from the field to let tempers cool. The game was eventually restarted and we finished 3-0 winners. Stan had someone write a book for him and he tells the story about a bet and that he deliberately knocked the cup off the table. Fiction! I do not know if Tony or any of the other players have contacted Stan to correct him, but that story is typical of him and no doubt it helped to sell the book." Guardian
DIVISION TWO 1972/1973
Pos Name Pld W D L GF GA Pts
1 Burnley 42 24 14 4 72 35 62
2 Queens Park Rangers 42 24 13 5 81 37 61
3 Aston Villa 42 18 14 10 51 47 50
4 Middlesbrough 42 17 13 12 46 43 47
5 Bristol City 42 17 12 13 63 51 46
6 Sunderland 42 17 12 13 59 49 46
7 Blackpool 42 18 10 14 56 51 46
8 Oxford United 42 19 7 16 52 43 45
9 Fulham 42 16 12 14 58 49 44
10 Sheffield Wednesday 42 17 10 15 59 55 44
11 Millwall 42 16 10 16 55 47 42
12 Luton Town 42 15 11 16 44 53 41
13 Hull City 42 14 12 16 64 59 40
14 Nottingham Forest 42 14 12 16 47 52 40
15 Orient 42 12 12 18 49 53 36
16 Swindon Town 42 10 16 16 46 60 36
17 Portsmouth 42 12 11 19 42 59 35
18 Carlisle United 42 11 12 19 50 52 34
19 Preston North End 42 11 12 19 37 64 34
20 Cardiff City 42 11 11 20 43 58 33
21 Huddersfield Town 42 8 17 17 36 56 33
22 Brighton & Hove Albion 42 8 13 21 46 83 29
Table
1968 Season: Forty Years Ago: 1967-1968 Promotion
While opinions might vary, arguably this was the greatest - and most momentous - day in QPR history: May 11, 1968, the day that "little" QPR won promotion to the First Division (as it was then called) opened up new vistas and a new horizon for a team that was historically "just" a little Third Division Team. To reach the First Division...The feeling for a QPR fan was truly incredible.
The history should be known to all QPR Fans: Promoted the previous season as Third Division Champions and League Cup Winners, QPR had previously spent only four seasons (1948-1952) in the Second Division. Only one other team in history had gone straight through from the Third to the First Division in successive seasons. Basically with a couple of additions and departures, this was the same team that got QPR promoted from the Third Division. Incoming: Ron Springett, Frank Clarke...Outgoing: Peter Springett, Mark Lazarus.
May 11, 1968, QPR travelled to Aston Villa, neck and neck with Blackpool chasing for promotion. (In an era, when there were two points for a win; there was goal aggregate (goals for divided by goals against) rather than goal difference; and only two teams were promoted - with no playoffs for the teams below). The Programme Mick Leach scored QPR's first. Eight Minutes from time, a Bradley Own goal put QPR 2-1 up and that was the final score. QPR promoted with a marginally better goal aggregate than Blackpool.
The QPR team on that day: Mike Kelly in goal. Allan Harris, Bobby Keetch, Tony Hazell and Ian Watson in defense
Ian Morgan, Mike Keen Les Allen, Mick Leach
Rodney Marsh, Frank Clarke
The 1967-1968 Season: If "1967" has become synonymous with QPR's Wembley Victory (and the Third Division Championship!) 1968 was in some ways even more beyond belief.
Managed by Alec Stock...coached by Bill Dodgin...Captained by Mike Keen...Inspired by Rodney Marsh and Roger and Ian Morgan...
The 1967/1968 Players: Mark Lazarus started with QPR and moved on to Crystal Palace. Formre England Goalkeeper, Ron Springett had returned to QPR in a swop, in which his brother Peter Springett moved to Sheffield Wednesday. Alan Harris joined QPR. Rodney Marsh missed the start of the season with a broken foot, but ended the season as top goalscorer with 14 goals. Near the transfer deadline, Frank Clarke joined QPR from Shrewsbury (after QPR failed to sign John O'Rourke)
Les Allen, Frank Clarke, Dave Clement, Alan Harris, Tony Hazell, Ron Hunt, Mike Keen, Bobby Keetch, Mick Leach, Rodney Marsh, Ian Morga, Roger Morgan, Keith Sanderson Also: Mark Lazarus, Bobby Finch, Backup goalie, Mike Kelly, Frank Sibley, Ian Watson, Alan Wilks. Ever presents: Mike Keen, Roger Morgan, Allan Harris.
Leading Scorers: Rodney Marsh 14, Ian Morgan 10, Mick Leach 10, Roger Morgan 8, Les Allen 6, Mike Keen 6, Frank Clarke 3.
And of course the season, when in the League Cup, Alan Wilks scored a record five goals in QPR's 5-1 win over Oxford United.
A couple of team photos from the era: The 1967 squad and Many of QPR's 1967/1968 Squad
Memories of the May 11, 1968 day on the Indepdent Rs Site: Memories I
Memories II
Ex-Blackpool's Tony Green Recalls QPR's 1967/1968 Promotion Pipping
Blackpool Gazette, February 9, 2008 - Legends: Tony Green
"...Signed with Pool already doomed to drop out of the old First Division, Green was sidelined for the '69/70 promotion season and a further ankle injury finished him at 25.
His abiding memory of five years at Bloomfield Road was being denied promotion back to the First Division on goal difference in '67/68, when Pool came third behind Ipswich and QPR.
"We'd won at Huddersfield and thought we were up. Our supporters crowded onto the field and were going daft but we got back in the dressingroom to find that QPR had scored a winner in the last minute against Aston Villa. They'd been losing with ten minutes left," said Green, who lives at Poulton.
"Inside a few minutes the mood went from euphoria to massive disappointment. But we were eventually upbeat because our manager Stan Mortensen was a fairly upbeat character." Blackpool Gazette
See
1967/1968 Table
1967/1968 Division Two Week-by-Week Results,
For further Nostalgia: "Where Are They Now" - See QPRNet's Section for some of the players from the 1960s
1967/1968 - DIVISION TWO TABLE & RESULTS
Pld W D L GF GA Pts
1 Ipswich Town 42 22 15 5 79 44 59
2 Queens Park Rangers 42 25 8 9 67 36 58
3 Blackpool 42 24 10 8 71 43 58
4 Birmingham City 42 19 14 9 83 51 52
5 Portsmouth 42 18 13 11 68 55 49
6 Middlesbrough 42 17 12 13 60 54 46
7 Millwall 42 14 17 11 62 50 45
8 Blackburn Rovers 42 16 11 15 56 49 43
9 Norwich City 42 16 11 15 60 65 43
10 Carlisle United 42 14 13 15 58 52 41
11 Crystal Palace 42 14 11 17 56 56 39
12 Bolton Wanderers 42 13 13 16 60 63 39
13 Cardiff City 42 13 12 17 60 66 38
14 Huddersfield Town 42 13 12 17 46 61 38
15 Charlton Athletic 42 12 13 17 63 68 37
16 Aston Villa 42 15 7 20 54 64 37
17 Hull City 42 12 13 17 58 73 37
18 Derby County 42 13 10 19 71 78 36
19 Bristol City 42 13 10 19 48 62 36
20 Preston North End 42 12 11 19 43 65 35
21 Rotherham United 42 10 11 21 42 76 31
22 Plymouth Argyle 42 9 9 24 38 72 27
RESULTS
1-1 Away v Portsmouth 1967-08-19 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 1
2-0 Away v Bristol City 1967-08-22 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 2
2-0 Home v Norwich City 1967-08-26 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 3
3-1 Home v Bristol City 1967-08-29 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 4
3-1 Away v Rotherham United 1967-09-02 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 5
3-0 Home v Aston Villa 1967-09-05 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 6
0-1 Home v Derby County 1967-09-09 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 7
2-1 Home v Hull City 1967-09-12 Football League Cup, 1967/68, Round 2
2-0 Away v Preston North End 1967-09-16 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 8
2-1 Home v Charlton Athletic 1967-09-23 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 9
0-1 Away v Crystal Palace 1967-09-30 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 10
1-0 Home v Bolton Wanderers 1967-10-07 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 11
5-1 Home v Oxford United 1967-10-10 Football League Cup, 1967/68, Round 3
0-2 Away v Hull City 1967-10-14 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 12
3-1 Home v Millwall 1967-10-21 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 13
1-0 Away v Blackpool 1967-10-28 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 14
1-2 Home v Burnley 1967-10-31 Football League Cup, 1967/68, Round 4
1-3 Away v Carlisle United 1967-11-11 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 15
1-1 Home v Middlesbrough 1967-11-18 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 16
0-1 Away v Huddersfield Town 1967-11-25 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 17
1-0 Home v Ipswich Town 1967-12-02 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 18
0-2 Away v Birmingham City 1967-12-09 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 19
3-1 Home v Blackburn Rovers 1967-12-12 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 20
2-0 Home v Portsmouth 1967-12-16 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 21
0-0 Away v Norwich City 1967-12-23 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 22
1-0 Away v Plymouth Argyle 1967-12-26 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 23
4-1 Home v Plymouth Argyle 1967-12-30 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 24
6-0 Home v Rotherham United 1968-01-06 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 25
2-0 Home v Preston North End 1968-01-20 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 26
1-3 Home v Preston North End 1968-01-27 F.A. Cup, 1967/68, Round 3
3-3 Away v Charlton Athletic 1968-02-03 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 27
2-1 Home v Crystal Palace 1968-02-10 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 28
0-4 Away v Derby County 1968-02-17 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 29
1-1 Away v Bolton Wanderers 1968-02-24 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 30
1-1 Home v Hull City 1968-03-09 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 31
1-1 Away v Millwall 1968-03-16 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 32
2-0 Home v Blackpool 1968-03-23 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 33
1-0 Away v Blackburn Rovers 1968-03-30 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 34
1-0 Home v Carlisle United 1968-04-06 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 35
1-0 Home v Cardiff City 1968-04-12 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 36
1-3 Away v Middlesbrough 1968-04-13 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 37
0-1 Away v Cardiff City 1968-04-16 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 38
3-0 Home v Huddersfield Town 1968-04-20 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 39
2-2 Away v Ipswich Town 1968-04-27 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 40
2-0 Home v Birmingham City 1968-05-04 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 41
2-1 Away v Aston Villa 1968-05-11 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 42
Statistics Source
QPR's 1967/1968 Statistics.
P W D L F A Home% Away% Total%
All League Matches 42 25 8 9 67 36 90.5% 47.6% 69.05%
F.A. Cup 1 0 0 1 1 3 0.0% - 0.00%
Football League Cup 3 2 0 1 8 4 66.7% - 66.67%
Home 25 20 2 3 54 16 84.0% - 84.00%
Away 21 7 6 8 22 27 - 47.6% 47.62%
August 4 3 1 0 8 2 100.0% 75.0% 87.50%
September 7 5 0 2 12 5 75.0% 66.7% 71.43%
October 6 4 0 2 11 6 75.0% 50.0% 66.67%
November 3 0 1 2 2 5 50.0% 0.0% 16.67%
December 7 5 1 1 11 4 100.0% 50.0% 78.57%
January 3 2 0 1 9 3 66.7% - 66.67%
February 4 1 2 1 6 9 100.0% 33.3% 50.00%
March 4 2 2 0 5 2 75.0% 75.0% 75.00%
April 6 3 1 2 8 6 100.0% 16.7% 58.33%
May 2 2 0 0 4 1 100.0% 100.0% 100.00%
Weekend Match 36 19 8 9 55 36 83.3% 44.4% 63.89%
Midweek Match 10 8 0 2 21 7 85.7% 66.7% 80.00%
Statistics
1948 - QPR's First Title and Promotion (1947-1948)
This year marks the Diamond Anniversary of QPR's First Title and Promotion: Sixty Years ago, the 1947/1948 came to a close and QPR won the Third Division South Championship and promotion to the Second Division for the first time in their history.
QPR's manager that season was Dave Magnall. In goal was Reg Allen (still with QPR before moving on to Man United.) QPR's top scorer with 25 goals was C Hatton followed by D Boxshall with 13. Most appearances: Playing in 47 of the 48 League and cup games: Ivor Powell (who's still active sixty years later.).
From QPR Official Site - A POTTED HISTORY OF QPR (1882-2008)
"...In 1945/46 QPR finished top of the League they were in. They also got through to the Fifth Round of the Cup - the only time it was played on a two-leg basis. In 1947/48 they reached the Sixth Round of the Cup before losing to Derby after a replay, and on 26th April 1948 won promotion for the first time to the Second Division.
QPR spent four years in the Second Division, before they were relegated back to Division Three in 1952. Dave Mangnall left the club and his place was taken by Jack Taylor. In 1953 the first floodlights were installed at Loftus Road at a cost of £5,000, the first floodlit match being against Arsenal on 5th October. In 1959 Alec Stock joined the club as a manager, and signed Brian Bedford from Bournemouth.... QPR
From The Official History of Queens Park Rangers by Gordon acey (2000 Edition)
"1947-1948. "...Rangers made two costly signings. They paid their record fee of £2,000 fo George Smith the Bentford centre-half and the same figure to Wolverhampton Wanderers for Fred Ramscar....
....By now the crowds were into the mid 20,000 range for each game ...the title belong to Rangers who had now won promotion for the first time in their history....
...The increased revenue enable the club to make a very important purchase, that of the freehold of the ground together with the thirty nine houses adjoining in Ellersie and Loftus Roads. The cost of £26,250 was met by the issue of shares, which due to the club's success was fully taken up...
Before the start of the [1948-1949] season, Rangers became the first British club to make an official trip to Turkey..." (pp 67-68)
Brief Video of QPR from that year: In the FA CUP that year: - QPR vs Derby Video
Pathe Description: "Start of the FA (Football Association) Cup 6th round football match between Queen's Park Rangers and Derby County. Ball goes out to Harrison. Bad pass. Powell kicks the ball forward. Goalkeeper of Derby County collects ball as Heath rushes in and clears up field. Various shots of the game. Hartburn scores for QPR. Crowd cheering. Throw-in. Close up shot of cheerful Charlie Chester. Billy Steele (Steel) shoots. Goalkeeper partially saves, but ball goes back to Steele who scores from rebound. Crowd cheering. Steele to Morrison, Morrison to Stamps. Centre to Steele, back to Jackie Stamps (Stamp) and Smith clears. Leuty beats Heath in the air, to Steele to Morrison. Powell tackles and slices across goal area. Carter shoot but goalkeeper Allen clears. Steele collects and dribbles forward. Forward pass. Various shots of the game. Final score Queen's Park Rangers 1, Derby County 1." Pathe -
STILL PHOTOS Stll Photo 1 Still Photo II - The Supporters 1 - The Supporters II
QPR's hoops in 1948 (as opposed to their first season after promotion: QPR's "hoops in 1949") (replaced by Hoops again)
DIVISION THREE SOUTH - 1947/1948
Pld W D L GF GA Pts
1 Queens Park Rangers 42 26 9 7 74 37 61
2 Bournemouth & Boscombe Athleti 42 24 9 9 76 35 57
3 Walsall 42 21 9 12 70 40 51
4 Ipswich Town 42 23 3 16 67 61 49
5 Swansea Town 42 18 12 12 70 52 48
6 Notts County 42 19 8 15 68 59 46
7 Bristol City 42 18 7 17 77 65 43
8 Port Vale 42 16 11 15 63 54 43
9 Southend United 42 15 13 14 51 58 43
10 Reading 42 15 11 16 56 58 41
11 Exeter City 42 15 11 16 55 63 41
12 Newport County 42 14 13 15 61 73 41
13 Crystal Palace 42 13 13 16 49 49 39
14 Northampton Town 42 14 11 17 58 72 39
15 Watford 42 14 10 18 57 79 38
16 Swindon Town 42 10 16 16 41 46 36
17 Leyton Orient 42 13 10 19 51 73 36
18 Torquay United 42 11 13 18 63 62 35
19 Aldershot 42 10 15 17 45 67 35
20 Bristol Rovers 42 13 8 21 71 75 34
21 Norwich City 42 13 8 21 61 76 34
22 Brighton & Hove Albion 42 11 12 19 43 73 43
Table
1947-1948 Results: QPR's 1947-1948 Results:
[Further Memories: If you have any memories of this season - or any links to material or photos from this season, please feel free to post or to email at QPRReport@hotmail.com
It's 25 Years - 1983 - since QPR last won a title - and promotion to the First Division, under Terry Venables - QPR's Last Title
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
QPR1st's Report on Its AGM Meeting and Season Ticket Discussion With QPR's Ali Russell
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The QPR supporters Trust Group, QPR1st held its AGM last night. Of particular interest to many supporter is the meeting held by QPR Deputy Managing Director (and de facto, CEO) Ali Russell where the issue of season ticket pricing was heavily discussed.
"QPR1st AGM report - May 28, 2008
"The Supporters Trust AGM meeting took place on the 27th May at the White City Community Centre.A report from the evening can be viewed as a PDF file using the link below." QPR1st
The QPR1st AGM report can be read here
The QPR supporters Trust Group, QPR1st held its AGM last night. Of particular interest to many supporter is the meeting held by QPR Deputy Managing Director (and de facto, CEO) Ali Russell where the issue of season ticket pricing was heavily discussed.
"QPR1st AGM report - May 28, 2008
"The Supporters Trust AGM meeting took place on the 27th May at the White City Community Centre.A report from the evening can be viewed as a PDF file using the link below." QPR1st
The QPR1st AGM report can be read here
QPR's New Crest: Different Perspectives
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QPR's new crest was officially unveiled at the club's last game of the season (WBA at Loftus Road). Fan reaction was mixed. Below a couple of other views:
Patrick Nathanson on European football - Telegraph Blog
Badges of honour -Posted by Patrick Nathanson on 28 May 2008
"A badge is not just a badge. It's a family heirloom." Or so says the Adidas advert for the new Liverpool shirt.
New look: The fesh face of the modern Queens Park Rangers
And for once I actually agree with the marketing men. The problem is that in the year 16 A.S. (anno Sky), clubs are changing their badges faster than Chelsea change managers. And it's almost always for the worst.
Take QPR. I have to disagree with my fellow blogger James Higgs - I think the arabesque twirls of the classy old-school design have been traded in for something that looks like a Hogwart's crest, hurriedly designed by a 13-year-old using Paint Shop.
I was half expecting the new motto to be 'Never tickle a sleeping dragon'.
Chelsea, Aston Villa, Arsenal, Bolton and Man City are amongst those clubs to have changed their emblem in recent years. The fools! Forget managers, championships and FA Cup triumphs, the badge is the true mirror of a club's soul and should not be tinkered with willy-nilly.
Millwall fans know the score, successfully lobbying to get the original rampant lion from the 'Lion Comic' re-sewn onto the shirt. Millwall aren't Millwall without the lion, just as the hammers are a crucial part of West Ham's identity and Luton aren't the same without the hat.
Join the campaign to save the endangered species that is the good old-fashioned club badge and send in your own favourites from around the world.
I've found some real beauties. Hats off to Napier City Rovers of New Zealand for their dolphin balancing on a ball.
Then there's the bizarre effort from the Cypriot side Apep Limassol featuring a dove flying through the air holding an envelope in its mouth.
But for me, top prize goes to Luxembourg's Avenir Beggen for the surreal image of a bearded leprechaun clambering over a giant football. Post
Telegraph/James Higgs - Considerably richer than you
"...The new logo is OK, I suppose, at least it's better than the horrible 80s one we've had for the last 20 years or so. What it looks like isn't the point; it's the symbolic nature of the change that's important. Like it or not, in order for us to reach the Premiership, and sustain membership of it, there have to be changes at every level of the club..."Post
Soccerlens/Ahmed Bilal Queens Park Rangers: New Crest
Queens Park Rangers launched their new club crest on Sunday, 4th May 2008, and is perhaps one of the best ‘redesigns’ done this summer.
Flavio Briatore, Chairman of QPR Holdings Ltd, said: “I am delighted with the design of the new crest, which maintains the Queens Park Rangers tradition of blue and white hoops. I know how important it is to the fans that the hoops remain, and that was always going to be the case.”
Briatore explained the rationale behind the new crest, adding: “This is a period of huge transformation at QPR.
“This new crest is stylish, thrilling and authentic and signifies the start of what we hope will become the most successful period in the Club’s history.”
Apart from the PR speak, the crest itself is quite striking although the one downside is the plain / ordinary way the club’s name is printed in the center - it takes the shine away from the rest of the crest.
New QPR Crest:
Old QPR Crest:
Soccerlens
http://shirts.soccerlens.com/queens-park-rangers-new-crest/363/
QPR's new crest was officially unveiled at the club's last game of the season (WBA at Loftus Road). Fan reaction was mixed. Below a couple of other views:
Patrick Nathanson on European football - Telegraph Blog
Badges of honour -Posted by Patrick Nathanson on 28 May 2008
"A badge is not just a badge. It's a family heirloom." Or so says the Adidas advert for the new Liverpool shirt.
New look: The fesh face of the modern Queens Park Rangers
And for once I actually agree with the marketing men. The problem is that in the year 16 A.S. (anno Sky), clubs are changing their badges faster than Chelsea change managers. And it's almost always for the worst.
Take QPR. I have to disagree with my fellow blogger James Higgs - I think the arabesque twirls of the classy old-school design have been traded in for something that looks like a Hogwart's crest, hurriedly designed by a 13-year-old using Paint Shop.
I was half expecting the new motto to be 'Never tickle a sleeping dragon'.
Chelsea, Aston Villa, Arsenal, Bolton and Man City are amongst those clubs to have changed their emblem in recent years. The fools! Forget managers, championships and FA Cup triumphs, the badge is the true mirror of a club's soul and should not be tinkered with willy-nilly.
Millwall fans know the score, successfully lobbying to get the original rampant lion from the 'Lion Comic' re-sewn onto the shirt. Millwall aren't Millwall without the lion, just as the hammers are a crucial part of West Ham's identity and Luton aren't the same without the hat.
Join the campaign to save the endangered species that is the good old-fashioned club badge and send in your own favourites from around the world.
I've found some real beauties. Hats off to Napier City Rovers of New Zealand for their dolphin balancing on a ball.
Then there's the bizarre effort from the Cypriot side Apep Limassol featuring a dove flying through the air holding an envelope in its mouth.
But for me, top prize goes to Luxembourg's Avenir Beggen for the surreal image of a bearded leprechaun clambering over a giant football. Post
Telegraph/James Higgs - Considerably richer than you
"...The new logo is OK, I suppose, at least it's better than the horrible 80s one we've had for the last 20 years or so. What it looks like isn't the point; it's the symbolic nature of the change that's important. Like it or not, in order for us to reach the Premiership, and sustain membership of it, there have to be changes at every level of the club..."Post
Soccerlens/Ahmed Bilal Queens Park Rangers: New Crest
Queens Park Rangers launched their new club crest on Sunday, 4th May 2008, and is perhaps one of the best ‘redesigns’ done this summer.
Flavio Briatore, Chairman of QPR Holdings Ltd, said: “I am delighted with the design of the new crest, which maintains the Queens Park Rangers tradition of blue and white hoops. I know how important it is to the fans that the hoops remain, and that was always going to be the case.”
Briatore explained the rationale behind the new crest, adding: “This is a period of huge transformation at QPR.
“This new crest is stylish, thrilling and authentic and signifies the start of what we hope will become the most successful period in the Club’s history.”
Apart from the PR speak, the crest itself is quite striking although the one downside is the plain / ordinary way the club’s name is printed in the center - it takes the shine away from the rest of the crest.
New QPR Crest:
Old QPR Crest:
Soccerlens
http://shirts.soccerlens.com/queens-park-rangers-new-crest/363/
"Season Tickets Hike at Rangers Sparks Outrage"
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Season tickets hike at Rangers sparks outrage
Paul Jiggins, Evening Standard
Fans' group calls for an inquiry into rising ticket costs
Half of London's professional football clubs have chosen to raise the price of season tickets, a Standard Sport investigation reveals today.
The biggest hike is at Queens Park Rangers but directors at Dagenham & Redbridge, Fulham, Millwall, Tottenham, Watford and West Ham have also sanctioned increases.
The moves come despite calls from the Government and supporters' groups for clubs to address the soaring cost of watching football.
While Premier League neighbours Chelsea have frozen their season-ticket prices, QPR have chosen to increase their rates by as much as 36 per cent.
The cost of QPR's most expensive adult season ticket has rocketed from £513 to £699, while the cheapest seat has shot up from £405 to £450.
The change of pricing policy follows this year's takeover by Flavio Briatore and fellow Formula One tycoon Bernie Ecclestone, and the subsequent investment by Indian steel billionaire Lakshmi Mittal. It has outraged many fans and some are pondering their football-supporting futures in W12.
Among them is salesman Mark Todd, 40, who has seen the season-ticket bill for himself and his young sons Lewis, eight, and Oliver, five, increase from £530 this season to £1,599.
Todd, from Bovingdon, Hertfordshire, told Standard Sport: "I have been a season-ticket holder in the South Africa Road stand upper tier for eight years.
"Last season I paid £460 for my ticket and £70 for Lewis's, while Oliver's was free as part of an FA initiative.
"But the club have decided to change the price structure for our part of the ground and call it the Platinum Area.
"That means if we want to continue sitting there, which we do, I'd have to fork out £699 for my ticket and £450 each for both of my boys.
"Rangers keep saying it's a 50 per cent increase, but in real terms to me it's a 200 per cent rise. I'm outraged and my boys are heartbroken. When I told them we wouldn't be able to get season tickets next year they both cried.
"How can you explain finances to eight and five-year-olds? My wife says we should just go ahead and pay the money but it's the principle of the thing. I'm disgusted with the way we've been treated."
But a QPR spokesman denied there had been a backlash from fans. He said: "Looking ahead to next season, it is the club's aim to achieve promotion to the Premier League, and as such, we have to generate further income to assist us in our pursuit of that goal.
"It is certainly not our intention to drive away loyal fans, but while the new owners have invested heavily in the squad as well as improving particular areas of Loftus Road stadium, the club itself must endeavour to run more cost-effectively."
Elsewhere in the capital, some crafty supporters are getting round the hike by sharing the cost of their yearly seat with a friend.
One Tottenham season-ticket holder, who asked not to be named, said: "My ticket has gone up from £708 to £775 and with the rising costs of my mortgage, petrol and food, the only way I can afford to renew is by going half each with my mate." Evening Standard
Evening Standard/Paul Jiggins 0 Fans' group calls for an inquiry into rising ticket costs
A leading fans' group today urged the Government to clamp down on the soaring cost of football season tickets.
The call comes as a Standard Sport investigation reveals that seven of London's 14 league clubs have raised prices for next season.
The increases, which are as high as 36 per cent at Queens Park Rangers, have outraged many supporters.
As a result, the national body which represents their interests want the Office of Fair Trading - the Government department for protecting consumers - to launch an investigation.
Steven Powell, director of policy and campaigns at the Football Supporters Federation, said: "There is no excuse at a time when the game is awash with money. I would be very happy to see an inquiry from the Office of Fair Trading into ticket pricing. It is about time this outrageous exploitation was stopped. It is an abuse of a dominant position in the market and not a necessity.
"In Germany, you can go and watch Schalke 04 - who were third in the Bundesliga - for 11 euros to stand and 15 euros for a seat. I am hacked off with our fans being treated as mugs by clubs. We have got two choices for our national game - either wake up in 10 years' time and ask why all the empty seats, or get a grip now."
Despite being bought by wealthy Formula One tycoons, Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone, a QPR spokesman today defended their price rises saying: "We have to generate further income."
Research by the BBC published yesterday revealed the cost of Premier League season tickets has risen by 7.2 per cent, more than twice the rate of consumer price inflation. Standard
Season tickets hike at Rangers sparks outrage
Paul Jiggins, Evening Standard
Fans' group calls for an inquiry into rising ticket costs
Half of London's professional football clubs have chosen to raise the price of season tickets, a Standard Sport investigation reveals today.
The biggest hike is at Queens Park Rangers but directors at Dagenham & Redbridge, Fulham, Millwall, Tottenham, Watford and West Ham have also sanctioned increases.
The moves come despite calls from the Government and supporters' groups for clubs to address the soaring cost of watching football.
While Premier League neighbours Chelsea have frozen their season-ticket prices, QPR have chosen to increase their rates by as much as 36 per cent.
The cost of QPR's most expensive adult season ticket has rocketed from £513 to £699, while the cheapest seat has shot up from £405 to £450.
The change of pricing policy follows this year's takeover by Flavio Briatore and fellow Formula One tycoon Bernie Ecclestone, and the subsequent investment by Indian steel billionaire Lakshmi Mittal. It has outraged many fans and some are pondering their football-supporting futures in W12.
Among them is salesman Mark Todd, 40, who has seen the season-ticket bill for himself and his young sons Lewis, eight, and Oliver, five, increase from £530 this season to £1,599.
Todd, from Bovingdon, Hertfordshire, told Standard Sport: "I have been a season-ticket holder in the South Africa Road stand upper tier for eight years.
"Last season I paid £460 for my ticket and £70 for Lewis's, while Oliver's was free as part of an FA initiative.
"But the club have decided to change the price structure for our part of the ground and call it the Platinum Area.
"That means if we want to continue sitting there, which we do, I'd have to fork out £699 for my ticket and £450 each for both of my boys.
"Rangers keep saying it's a 50 per cent increase, but in real terms to me it's a 200 per cent rise. I'm outraged and my boys are heartbroken. When I told them we wouldn't be able to get season tickets next year they both cried.
"How can you explain finances to eight and five-year-olds? My wife says we should just go ahead and pay the money but it's the principle of the thing. I'm disgusted with the way we've been treated."
But a QPR spokesman denied there had been a backlash from fans. He said: "Looking ahead to next season, it is the club's aim to achieve promotion to the Premier League, and as such, we have to generate further income to assist us in our pursuit of that goal.
"It is certainly not our intention to drive away loyal fans, but while the new owners have invested heavily in the squad as well as improving particular areas of Loftus Road stadium, the club itself must endeavour to run more cost-effectively."
Elsewhere in the capital, some crafty supporters are getting round the hike by sharing the cost of their yearly seat with a friend.
One Tottenham season-ticket holder, who asked not to be named, said: "My ticket has gone up from £708 to £775 and with the rising costs of my mortgage, petrol and food, the only way I can afford to renew is by going half each with my mate." Evening Standard
Evening Standard/Paul Jiggins 0 Fans' group calls for an inquiry into rising ticket costs
A leading fans' group today urged the Government to clamp down on the soaring cost of football season tickets.
The call comes as a Standard Sport investigation reveals that seven of London's 14 league clubs have raised prices for next season.
The increases, which are as high as 36 per cent at Queens Park Rangers, have outraged many supporters.
As a result, the national body which represents their interests want the Office of Fair Trading - the Government department for protecting consumers - to launch an investigation.
Steven Powell, director of policy and campaigns at the Football Supporters Federation, said: "There is no excuse at a time when the game is awash with money. I would be very happy to see an inquiry from the Office of Fair Trading into ticket pricing. It is about time this outrageous exploitation was stopped. It is an abuse of a dominant position in the market and not a necessity.
"In Germany, you can go and watch Schalke 04 - who were third in the Bundesliga - for 11 euros to stand and 15 euros for a seat. I am hacked off with our fans being treated as mugs by clubs. We have got two choices for our national game - either wake up in 10 years' time and ask why all the empty seats, or get a grip now."
Despite being bought by wealthy Formula One tycoons, Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone, a QPR spokesman today defended their price rises saying: "We have to generate further income."
Research by the BBC published yesterday revealed the cost of Premier League season tickets has risen by 7.2 per cent, more than twice the rate of consumer price inflation. Standard
The Players QPR Supposedly Chasing - Updated
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UPDATED: And a slightly different version in the Ealing Times, with a few additional players mentioned:
David McIntyre/Ealing Gazette- Harewood and Zamora top Dowie wish-list Rs also pursuing Spurs defender Gardner after cooling interest in Shittu
MARLON Harewood, Bobby Zamora and Tottenham defender Anthony Gardner have emerged as QPR's top targets, but the club are ready to abandon their attempt to bring Dan Shittu back to Loftus Road.
Rangers were this week planning to approach Aston Villa ahead of a possible bid for 28-year-old striker Harewood, who has started just one Premiership match since moving from West Ham for £4million last summer.
West Ham forward Zamora, 27, was earmarked as a potential signing some time ago and Rangers are stepping up their interest following the appointment of Iain Dowie as manager.
Dowie is an admirer of the former Tottenham man and would love to sign him if a deal can be thrashed out.
But the longstanding bid to re-sign Shittu from Watford is all but dead.
Watford seem be holding out for around £4million for the Nigerian international - far more than Rangers are willing to shell out and other clubs are targeting him.
Shittu, who left to join the Hornets in 2006, has been linked with Glasgow giants Rangers and Celtic and a number of Premier League clubs have shown an interest.
That now makes it highly unlikely Watford will be forced to settle for a price of around £2million, which the Rs were looking to pay.
The club are now looking elsewhere for a centre-back and Gardner, 26, is currently top of their list.
Gardner has been with Tottenham for eight-and-a-half years and won an England cap in 2004, but he has been plagued by injuries and is expected to leave White Hart Lane this summer. He ended the season on loan at Everton.
With three ambitious signings in mind, Rangers have a contingency plan should their pursuit come to nothing and a number of other players have been lined up, some of whom play abroad.
Those based in England include Blackpool's Latvian centre-back Kaspars Gorkss and Leicester defender Gareth McAuley.
Left-winger Wes Hoolahan, also of Blackpool, has attracted Rangers' interest but the club remain keen on Lee Cook and Plymouth's Peter Halmosi.
Highly-rated wide-man Halmosi has been a target since his fellow Hungarian Akos Buzsaky moved to west London from Plymouth last season.
Plymouth want £2.5million for him and Halmosi is wanted by several other clubs, although QPR still fancy their chances of capturing him.
But another Hungarian Plymouth player, Krisztian Timar, will not be signing. Like Halmosi, the commanding centre-back has been a longstanding target but Timar suffered a fractured forehead during Argyle's final-day match against Wolves and is expected to be sidelined for some time.
As for Cook, Rangers have temporarily ended discussions with Fulham having failed to agree a fee for his return.
Hampered by a knee injury since leaving W12 last year, Cook has not appeared in a competitive match for Fulham and although QPR want him back, they are unwilling to pay the £2.5million price they have been quoted until he proves his long-term fitness.
A season-long loan deal is now their aim but that will not be up for discussion until Fulham manager Roy Hodgson assesses his squad later in the summer.
The same applies with Martin Cranie, who is also wanted on loan if a deal for the England U21 defender's permanent signing from Portsmouth cannot be agreed.
That means Rangers must again wait, this time for Pompey boss Harry Redknapp to decide which players he wants for the new season.
In the meantime, QPR continue to be linked with a host of other players. They include striker Clinton Morrison, who played under Dowie at Crystal Palace, but for now, he is not a target.
Neither is Freddy Eastwood. Rangers did make enquires about the Wolves forward but have since cooled their interest and Dowie is keen to add more of a physical presence up front.
Rangers were at one stage very interested in Nathan Ellington but backed away after making enquires about the Watford striker, who looks set to join Derby. Ealing Gazette
QPR LATEST by DAVE MCINTYRE/Kilburn Times
Dowie chasing top fight trio
MARLON Harewood, Bobby Zamora and Tottenham defender Anthony Gardner have emerged as QPR's top targets, but the club are ready to abandon their attempt to bring Dan Shittu back to Loftus Road.
Rangers were this week planning to approach Aston Villa ahead of a possible bid for 28-year-old striker Harewood, who has started just one Premiership match since moving from West Ham for £4million last summer.
West Ham forward Zamora, 27, was earmarked as a potential signing some time ago and Rangers are stepping up their interest following the appointment of Iain Dowie as manager.
Dowie is an admirer of the former Tottenham man and would love to sign him if a deal can be thrashed out.
But the longstanding bid to re-sign Shittu from Watford is all but dead. Watford seem to be holding out for around £4million for the Nigeria international - far more than Rangers are willing to shell out - and other clubs are targeting him.
Shittu, who left to join the Hornets in 2006, has been linked with Glasgow giants Rangers and Celtic and a number of Premier League clubs are also interested.
That now makes it highly unlikely Watford will be forced to settle for a price of around £2million, which was what Rangers were looking to pay.
The club are now looking elsewhere for a centre-back and Gardner, 26, is currently top of their list.
Gardner has been with Tottenham for eight-and-a-half years and won an England cap in 2004, but he has been plagued by injuries and is expected to leave White Hart Lane this summer. He ended the season on loan at Everton.
With three ambitious signings in mind, Rangers have a contingency plan should their pursuit come to nothing and a number of other players have been lined up, some of whom play abroad.
Those based in England include Blackpool's Latvian centre-back Kaspars Gorkss and Leicester's Gareth McAuley.
Left-winger Wes Hoolahan, also of Blackpool, has attracted Rangers' interest but the club remain keen on Lee Cook and Plymouth's Peter Halmosi.
Highly-rated wide-man Halmosi has been a target since his fellow Hungarian Akos Buzsaky moved to west London from Plymouth last season.
Plymouth want £2.5million for him and Halmosi is wanted by several other clubs, although QPR still fancy their chances of capturing him.
As for Cook, Rangers have temporarily ended discussions with Fulham having failed to agree a fee for his return.
Hampered by a knee injury since leaving W12 last year, Cook has not appeared in a competitive match for Fulham and although QPR want him back, they are unwilling to pay the £2.5million price until he proves his long-term fitness.
A season-long loan deal is now Rangers' best chance of getting Cook back to Loftus Road. The same applies to Martin Cranie if a deal for the England Under-21 defender's permanent signing from Portsmouth cannot be agreed. Kilburn Times
UPDATED: And a slightly different version in the Ealing Times, with a few additional players mentioned:
David McIntyre/Ealing Gazette- Harewood and Zamora top Dowie wish-list Rs also pursuing Spurs defender Gardner after cooling interest in Shittu
MARLON Harewood, Bobby Zamora and Tottenham defender Anthony Gardner have emerged as QPR's top targets, but the club are ready to abandon their attempt to bring Dan Shittu back to Loftus Road.
Rangers were this week planning to approach Aston Villa ahead of a possible bid for 28-year-old striker Harewood, who has started just one Premiership match since moving from West Ham for £4million last summer.
West Ham forward Zamora, 27, was earmarked as a potential signing some time ago and Rangers are stepping up their interest following the appointment of Iain Dowie as manager.
Dowie is an admirer of the former Tottenham man and would love to sign him if a deal can be thrashed out.
But the longstanding bid to re-sign Shittu from Watford is all but dead.
Watford seem be holding out for around £4million for the Nigerian international - far more than Rangers are willing to shell out and other clubs are targeting him.
Shittu, who left to join the Hornets in 2006, has been linked with Glasgow giants Rangers and Celtic and a number of Premier League clubs have shown an interest.
That now makes it highly unlikely Watford will be forced to settle for a price of around £2million, which the Rs were looking to pay.
The club are now looking elsewhere for a centre-back and Gardner, 26, is currently top of their list.
Gardner has been with Tottenham for eight-and-a-half years and won an England cap in 2004, but he has been plagued by injuries and is expected to leave White Hart Lane this summer. He ended the season on loan at Everton.
With three ambitious signings in mind, Rangers have a contingency plan should their pursuit come to nothing and a number of other players have been lined up, some of whom play abroad.
Those based in England include Blackpool's Latvian centre-back Kaspars Gorkss and Leicester defender Gareth McAuley.
Left-winger Wes Hoolahan, also of Blackpool, has attracted Rangers' interest but the club remain keen on Lee Cook and Plymouth's Peter Halmosi.
Highly-rated wide-man Halmosi has been a target since his fellow Hungarian Akos Buzsaky moved to west London from Plymouth last season.
Plymouth want £2.5million for him and Halmosi is wanted by several other clubs, although QPR still fancy their chances of capturing him.
But another Hungarian Plymouth player, Krisztian Timar, will not be signing. Like Halmosi, the commanding centre-back has been a longstanding target but Timar suffered a fractured forehead during Argyle's final-day match against Wolves and is expected to be sidelined for some time.
As for Cook, Rangers have temporarily ended discussions with Fulham having failed to agree a fee for his return.
Hampered by a knee injury since leaving W12 last year, Cook has not appeared in a competitive match for Fulham and although QPR want him back, they are unwilling to pay the £2.5million price they have been quoted until he proves his long-term fitness.
A season-long loan deal is now their aim but that will not be up for discussion until Fulham manager Roy Hodgson assesses his squad later in the summer.
The same applies with Martin Cranie, who is also wanted on loan if a deal for the England U21 defender's permanent signing from Portsmouth cannot be agreed.
That means Rangers must again wait, this time for Pompey boss Harry Redknapp to decide which players he wants for the new season.
In the meantime, QPR continue to be linked with a host of other players. They include striker Clinton Morrison, who played under Dowie at Crystal Palace, but for now, he is not a target.
Neither is Freddy Eastwood. Rangers did make enquires about the Wolves forward but have since cooled their interest and Dowie is keen to add more of a physical presence up front.
Rangers were at one stage very interested in Nathan Ellington but backed away after making enquires about the Watford striker, who looks set to join Derby. Ealing Gazette
QPR LATEST by DAVE MCINTYRE/Kilburn Times
Dowie chasing top fight trio
MARLON Harewood, Bobby Zamora and Tottenham defender Anthony Gardner have emerged as QPR's top targets, but the club are ready to abandon their attempt to bring Dan Shittu back to Loftus Road.
Rangers were this week planning to approach Aston Villa ahead of a possible bid for 28-year-old striker Harewood, who has started just one Premiership match since moving from West Ham for £4million last summer.
West Ham forward Zamora, 27, was earmarked as a potential signing some time ago and Rangers are stepping up their interest following the appointment of Iain Dowie as manager.
Dowie is an admirer of the former Tottenham man and would love to sign him if a deal can be thrashed out.
But the longstanding bid to re-sign Shittu from Watford is all but dead. Watford seem to be holding out for around £4million for the Nigeria international - far more than Rangers are willing to shell out - and other clubs are targeting him.
Shittu, who left to join the Hornets in 2006, has been linked with Glasgow giants Rangers and Celtic and a number of Premier League clubs are also interested.
That now makes it highly unlikely Watford will be forced to settle for a price of around £2million, which was what Rangers were looking to pay.
The club are now looking elsewhere for a centre-back and Gardner, 26, is currently top of their list.
Gardner has been with Tottenham for eight-and-a-half years and won an England cap in 2004, but he has been plagued by injuries and is expected to leave White Hart Lane this summer. He ended the season on loan at Everton.
With three ambitious signings in mind, Rangers have a contingency plan should their pursuit come to nothing and a number of other players have been lined up, some of whom play abroad.
Those based in England include Blackpool's Latvian centre-back Kaspars Gorkss and Leicester's Gareth McAuley.
Left-winger Wes Hoolahan, also of Blackpool, has attracted Rangers' interest but the club remain keen on Lee Cook and Plymouth's Peter Halmosi.
Highly-rated wide-man Halmosi has been a target since his fellow Hungarian Akos Buzsaky moved to west London from Plymouth last season.
Plymouth want £2.5million for him and Halmosi is wanted by several other clubs, although QPR still fancy their chances of capturing him.
As for Cook, Rangers have temporarily ended discussions with Fulham having failed to agree a fee for his return.
Hampered by a knee injury since leaving W12 last year, Cook has not appeared in a competitive match for Fulham and although QPR want him back, they are unwilling to pay the £2.5million price until he proves his long-term fitness.
A season-long loan deal is now Rangers' best chance of getting Cook back to Loftus Road. The same applies to Martin Cranie if a deal for the England Under-21 defender's permanent signing from Portsmouth cannot be agreed. Kilburn Times
Fans Everywhere Unhappy at Clubs' Price Increases - "Even Moneybags QPR" Price Increases
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Mail - Clubs are treating fans like mugs with price rises, blasts fans' group. . . (even moneybags QPR put tickets up by a third)
Football fans hit by soaring season-ticket prices are being "exploited", says a fans' group.
The national body which represents their interests want the Office of Fair Trading - the Government department for protecting consumers - to launch an investigation.
How much? Chelsea fans look like they've just seen their season ticket bill for next season
Steven Powell, director of policy and campaigns at the Football Supporters Federation, said: "There is no excuse at a time when the game is awash with money. I would be very happy to see an inquiry from the Office of Fair Trading into ticket pricing.
"It is about time this outrageous exploitation was stopped. It is an abuse of a dominant position in the market and not a necessity.
"In Germany, you can go and watch Schalke 04 - who were third in the Bundesliga - for 11 euros to stand and 15 euros for a seat. I am hacked off with our fans being treated as mugs by clubs. We have got two choices for our national game - either wake up in 10 years' time and ask why all the empty seats, or get a grip now."
An investigation by the London Evening Standard shows that prices at Queens Park Rangers have risen by as much as 36 per cent.
The Loftus Road club were bought by wealthy Formula One tycoons, Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone, and a QPR spokesman has defended their price rises. "We have to generate further income," he said. Mail
Research by BBC Sport revealed the cost of Premier League season tickets has risen by 7.2 per cent, more than twice the rate of consumer price inflation.
Mail - Clubs are treating fans like mugs with price rises, blasts fans' group. . . (even moneybags QPR put tickets up by a third)
Football fans hit by soaring season-ticket prices are being "exploited", says a fans' group.
The national body which represents their interests want the Office of Fair Trading - the Government department for protecting consumers - to launch an investigation.
How much? Chelsea fans look like they've just seen their season ticket bill for next season
Steven Powell, director of policy and campaigns at the Football Supporters Federation, said: "There is no excuse at a time when the game is awash with money. I would be very happy to see an inquiry from the Office of Fair Trading into ticket pricing.
"It is about time this outrageous exploitation was stopped. It is an abuse of a dominant position in the market and not a necessity.
"In Germany, you can go and watch Schalke 04 - who were third in the Bundesliga - for 11 euros to stand and 15 euros for a seat. I am hacked off with our fans being treated as mugs by clubs. We have got two choices for our national game - either wake up in 10 years' time and ask why all the empty seats, or get a grip now."
An investigation by the London Evening Standard shows that prices at Queens Park Rangers have risen by as much as 36 per cent.
The Loftus Road club were bought by wealthy Formula One tycoons, Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone, and a QPR spokesman has defended their price rises. "We have to generate further income," he said. Mail
Research by BBC Sport revealed the cost of Premier League season tickets has risen by 7.2 per cent, more than twice the rate of consumer price inflation.
Gary Waddock Talking About Aldershot and QPR
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PFA's Give me Football - Interview with Gary Waddock
Gary Waddock is a busy man as Aldershot Town prepare for life back in the Football League after a 16-year absence. The Shots romped to the Blue Square Premier League title after being wound up with crippling debts and their records expunged in 1992. However, whilst supporters are celebrating the romance of another seemingly doomed club returning to the league just three years after Accrington Stanley's rise, Waddock is concentrating on building a new squad to keep momentum flowing at the Recreation Ground. And as givemefootball discovered, there is no rest for Waddock even as he embarks on his annual holiday.
Q WHAT IS THE LATEST SITUATION WITH THE CONTRACT SITUATION REGARDING PLAYERS' PLAYER OF THE YEAR NIKKI BULL?
AIt's been a bit difficult being away as it appears the situation has been changing from day to day. I did speak to Nikki last week by phone but that is never the same as talking face to face. But I haven't spoken to him since the announcement that no new contract had been agreed and he was leaving. I need to make sure it really is the case. Until he signs for another club, has the door really closed? I don't want to pass comment until there is news that he has signed for another club. I wanted Nikki to stay as he was outstanding for us last season. He's been an important part of the club and one of the major reasons we won promotion. But there has been speculation and rumours regarding Nikki's future for years. So I have already been trying to prepare in case he was to leave. [Note: Nikki Bull has now agreed a new Aldershot contract]
Q YOU HAVE ADDED PLAYERS TO YOUR SQUAD ALREADY HAVEN'T YOU?
A Dean Howell has good quality and is quick and athletic. He ticks the right boxes. I've known about Dean for some time. He is versatile and can play in left midfield or even on the left side of three centre backs. Chris Blackburn is a player I've had my eye on for a while. I watched him a fair bit at Morecambe the season before last, including when they won the play-off final. He then got his move to Swindon, so he's experienced but young too. Chris is a good footballer and will add healthy competition. He's a good passer of the ball but strong and aggressive as well. And he can lead too. He's not a ranter and a raver but he's a good organiser.
Q AREN'T YOU SUPPOSED TO BE ON HOLIDAY AT PRESENT?
A I know you do need a break but I'm not that type of guy. When the phone rings it might be the difference between gaining a good player or not. It's the same on Sundays in the season too, it's non-stop. I wouldn't want it any other way. I had a period after QPR when the phone didn't ring because I was out of work and I know it will stop again when I'm next out of work. That's the nature of it and we just have to make sure we keep developing and moving Aldershot forward and if that means being on the phone on holiday, so be it.
Q HOW DO YOU THINK THE SIDE WILL COPE IN LEAGUE TWO AS LAST YEAR'S CHAMPIONS DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE AVOIDED RELEGATION BY A WHISKER?
A This group of players, if we keep them together, there's great potential. I don't see any reason why we can't go into League Two and do well. We have to add to what we've got and bring in some more quality and tinker with the group. Let's just see where we are this time next year. There is loads of work to do at Aldershot and I'm committed to two years. The club and I have spoken regarding renewing my contract and Im waiting for the club to come back to me. But I'm not the concern; the players are the more important ones. Besides, while things didn't go right at QPR and they have here, I'm no different today than I was then. Does that make me a good or a bad manager? It's more that people thought I couldn't do it, now they think I can.
Q ARE YOU CONSCIOUS OF THE NEED TO BRING IN THE RIGHT PLAYERS TO MAINTAIN YOUR STRONG TEAM SPIRIT?
A The players may be young but they have their feet firmly on the ground. Everybody could sense that this year. They never got carried away; they never spoke of winning promotion or being champions. They just got on with the job in hand. If it was another group, it might have been different. You can't do well, we can't be celebrating come December. You have to move on. The players who haven't been offered new deals were upset and weren't happy, but that is part of my job. I have to do that. All the players are good ones and have played their part. It is a difficult side of the job. Everybody knows the type of players I like, but if I'm after one player, then there will be other managers after that player too. Hence the need never to miss a phone call.
Q WERE YOU EXPECTING PROMOTION SO SOON AT ALDERSHOT AFTER A DIFFICULT SPELL IN CHARGE AT QUEENS PARK RANGERS?
A QPR was a valuable learning experience for me. I've always wanted to be a manager and I really wanted it to work at QPR as it was my club and had been a large part of my life. Unfortunately, it didnt work out. But it didn't put me off being a manager. I just wanted an opportunity to show that I could do it and Aldershot gave me the chance and I thank them for that. It's worked extremely well but it could have backfired, massively. If it had, what would I be doing now? I just don't know. But I think if Aldershot had gone wrong, I might be looking at another career.
PFA
PFA's Give me Football - Interview with Gary Waddock
Gary Waddock is a busy man as Aldershot Town prepare for life back in the Football League after a 16-year absence. The Shots romped to the Blue Square Premier League title after being wound up with crippling debts and their records expunged in 1992. However, whilst supporters are celebrating the romance of another seemingly doomed club returning to the league just three years after Accrington Stanley's rise, Waddock is concentrating on building a new squad to keep momentum flowing at the Recreation Ground. And as givemefootball discovered, there is no rest for Waddock even as he embarks on his annual holiday.
Q WHAT IS THE LATEST SITUATION WITH THE CONTRACT SITUATION REGARDING PLAYERS' PLAYER OF THE YEAR NIKKI BULL?
AIt's been a bit difficult being away as it appears the situation has been changing from day to day. I did speak to Nikki last week by phone but that is never the same as talking face to face. But I haven't spoken to him since the announcement that no new contract had been agreed and he was leaving. I need to make sure it really is the case. Until he signs for another club, has the door really closed? I don't want to pass comment until there is news that he has signed for another club. I wanted Nikki to stay as he was outstanding for us last season. He's been an important part of the club and one of the major reasons we won promotion. But there has been speculation and rumours regarding Nikki's future for years. So I have already been trying to prepare in case he was to leave. [Note: Nikki Bull has now agreed a new Aldershot contract]
Q YOU HAVE ADDED PLAYERS TO YOUR SQUAD ALREADY HAVEN'T YOU?
A Dean Howell has good quality and is quick and athletic. He ticks the right boxes. I've known about Dean for some time. He is versatile and can play in left midfield or even on the left side of three centre backs. Chris Blackburn is a player I've had my eye on for a while. I watched him a fair bit at Morecambe the season before last, including when they won the play-off final. He then got his move to Swindon, so he's experienced but young too. Chris is a good footballer and will add healthy competition. He's a good passer of the ball but strong and aggressive as well. And he can lead too. He's not a ranter and a raver but he's a good organiser.
Q AREN'T YOU SUPPOSED TO BE ON HOLIDAY AT PRESENT?
A I know you do need a break but I'm not that type of guy. When the phone rings it might be the difference between gaining a good player or not. It's the same on Sundays in the season too, it's non-stop. I wouldn't want it any other way. I had a period after QPR when the phone didn't ring because I was out of work and I know it will stop again when I'm next out of work. That's the nature of it and we just have to make sure we keep developing and moving Aldershot forward and if that means being on the phone on holiday, so be it.
Q HOW DO YOU THINK THE SIDE WILL COPE IN LEAGUE TWO AS LAST YEAR'S CHAMPIONS DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE AVOIDED RELEGATION BY A WHISKER?
A This group of players, if we keep them together, there's great potential. I don't see any reason why we can't go into League Two and do well. We have to add to what we've got and bring in some more quality and tinker with the group. Let's just see where we are this time next year. There is loads of work to do at Aldershot and I'm committed to two years. The club and I have spoken regarding renewing my contract and Im waiting for the club to come back to me. But I'm not the concern; the players are the more important ones. Besides, while things didn't go right at QPR and they have here, I'm no different today than I was then. Does that make me a good or a bad manager? It's more that people thought I couldn't do it, now they think I can.
Q ARE YOU CONSCIOUS OF THE NEED TO BRING IN THE RIGHT PLAYERS TO MAINTAIN YOUR STRONG TEAM SPIRIT?
A The players may be young but they have their feet firmly on the ground. Everybody could sense that this year. They never got carried away; they never spoke of winning promotion or being champions. They just got on with the job in hand. If it was another group, it might have been different. You can't do well, we can't be celebrating come December. You have to move on. The players who haven't been offered new deals were upset and weren't happy, but that is part of my job. I have to do that. All the players are good ones and have played their part. It is a difficult side of the job. Everybody knows the type of players I like, but if I'm after one player, then there will be other managers after that player too. Hence the need never to miss a phone call.
Q WERE YOU EXPECTING PROMOTION SO SOON AT ALDERSHOT AFTER A DIFFICULT SPELL IN CHARGE AT QUEENS PARK RANGERS?
A QPR was a valuable learning experience for me. I've always wanted to be a manager and I really wanted it to work at QPR as it was my club and had been a large part of my life. Unfortunately, it didnt work out. But it didn't put me off being a manager. I just wanted an opportunity to show that I could do it and Aldershot gave me the chance and I thank them for that. It's worked extremely well but it could have backfired, massively. If it had, what would I be doing now? I just don't know. But I think if Aldershot had gone wrong, I might be looking at another career.
PFA
Fanzine Awards: Winners in The Various Categories including AKUTRs
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The Fanzine awards winners have been announced. Congratulations again to AKUTRs for best Championship Fanzine And nice praise for AKUTRs on the QPR Official Site - especially in light of past "issues" between the club and the magazine! See also: More re AKUTRs
The winners are: Fanzine Winners. To view the other finalists in the various categories
In the blog category: No. QPR Report didn't win best blog! That award went to Liverpool's Kopblog. [The other blog "finalists" can be viewed here.]
Fanzine Awards - The Winners
The winning fanzines in the ‘The New Football Pools Fanzine Awards 2008’ powered by the Football Fans Census.
Over 6,000 fans voted in the Awards and comments from the judges, are as follows:
Best Overall Fanzine – ‘A Love Supreme’ – Sunderland AFC
A high standard of design and writing, combined with exceptional levels of fan participation made ‘A Love Supreme’ a hit with the fans and judges. Original, amusing and packed with content, it fully deserves its accolade as the best football fanzine in Britain.
Best Premier League Fanzine – ‘A Love Supreme’ – Sunderland AFC
Short listed in four separate categories and receiving more nominations than any other publication, Sunderland deservedly came first in the Premier League – not a phrase you often hear.
Best Championship Fanzine – ‘A Kick Up The R’s’ – Queens Park Rangers FC
The QPR fanzine took the plaudits in the Championship, praised by the judges for its design and overall presentation, the fanzine provides a terrific read for any football fan.
Best League One Fanzine – ‘Monkey Business’ – Hartlepool United FC‘Monkey Business’ impressed with its unique brand of comedy. The first edition was published back in 1989, with letters, articles, jokes and fan photos making it a very amusing read. It’s very much a fanzine written for the love of football and for those who religiously follow the Pool week in, week out.
Best League Two Fanzine – ‘The City Gent’ – Bradford City FC‘The City Gent’ has now been running for over 20 years, oozes quality and is quite possibly the oldest active fanzine in Britain. Well-written, it contains some excellent articles and is a smart, well-presented fanzine which lives up to its name – a true city gent!
Best Non-League Fanzine – ‘We’re Not Playing on THAT pitch’ – Silsden AFC‘We’re Not Playing On THAT Pitch’ touched the judges with it’s positive approach to its club. Witty, informative and generous in spirit, it encapsulates much of what is good about the beautiful game.
Best League SPL Fanzine – ‘Follow Follow’ on Footymad – Rangers FC
The site received the highest number of nominations from fans of SPL clubs - scoring over 50% of fans nominations in this category.
Best Editor – Jonathan Fear, editor of Vital Villa – Aston Villa FC
Well respected and admired by Villa fans, Jonathan Fear, editor of Vital Villa, is described by his editorial team as ‘fun’, ‘witty’ and ‘having that rare ability to poke fun at the club he loves and at himself’. Judges were particularly impressed by the contribution he has made in improving the relationship between the fans and the club.
Best Writer – Mickey Blue Eyes, writer for Blue Kipper – Everton FC
Michael Durkin or ‘Mickey Blue Eyes’ as he is affectionately known, writes for popular Everton fanzine ‘Blue Kipper’. His original, humorous and personal style of writing, coupled with his articulate approach, earned him the biggest vote from the fans.
Best Blog – Kopblog – Liverpool FC
Another accolade for Merseyside - Kopblog received the most nominations in this award category. Frequently updated with news, match previews, well written articles and reports, Kopblog is a passionate take on the life and times of Liverpool FC.
Each category winner has received a special engraved trophy
Football Fanzine Awards
The Fanzine awards winners have been announced. Congratulations again to AKUTRs for best Championship Fanzine And nice praise for AKUTRs on the QPR Official Site - especially in light of past "issues" between the club and the magazine! See also: More re AKUTRs
The winners are: Fanzine Winners. To view the other finalists in the various categories
In the blog category: No. QPR Report didn't win best blog! That award went to Liverpool's Kopblog. [The other blog "finalists" can be viewed here.]
Fanzine Awards - The Winners
The winning fanzines in the ‘The New Football Pools Fanzine Awards 2008’ powered by the Football Fans Census.
Over 6,000 fans voted in the Awards and comments from the judges, are as follows:
Best Overall Fanzine – ‘A Love Supreme’ – Sunderland AFC
A high standard of design and writing, combined with exceptional levels of fan participation made ‘A Love Supreme’ a hit with the fans and judges. Original, amusing and packed with content, it fully deserves its accolade as the best football fanzine in Britain.
Best Premier League Fanzine – ‘A Love Supreme’ – Sunderland AFC
Short listed in four separate categories and receiving more nominations than any other publication, Sunderland deservedly came first in the Premier League – not a phrase you often hear.
Best Championship Fanzine – ‘A Kick Up The R’s’ – Queens Park Rangers FC
The QPR fanzine took the plaudits in the Championship, praised by the judges for its design and overall presentation, the fanzine provides a terrific read for any football fan.
Best League One Fanzine – ‘Monkey Business’ – Hartlepool United FC‘Monkey Business’ impressed with its unique brand of comedy. The first edition was published back in 1989, with letters, articles, jokes and fan photos making it a very amusing read. It’s very much a fanzine written for the love of football and for those who religiously follow the Pool week in, week out.
Best League Two Fanzine – ‘The City Gent’ – Bradford City FC‘The City Gent’ has now been running for over 20 years, oozes quality and is quite possibly the oldest active fanzine in Britain. Well-written, it contains some excellent articles and is a smart, well-presented fanzine which lives up to its name – a true city gent!
Best Non-League Fanzine – ‘We’re Not Playing on THAT pitch’ – Silsden AFC‘We’re Not Playing On THAT Pitch’ touched the judges with it’s positive approach to its club. Witty, informative and generous in spirit, it encapsulates much of what is good about the beautiful game.
Best League SPL Fanzine – ‘Follow Follow’ on Footymad – Rangers FC
The site received the highest number of nominations from fans of SPL clubs - scoring over 50% of fans nominations in this category.
Best Editor – Jonathan Fear, editor of Vital Villa – Aston Villa FC
Well respected and admired by Villa fans, Jonathan Fear, editor of Vital Villa, is described by his editorial team as ‘fun’, ‘witty’ and ‘having that rare ability to poke fun at the club he loves and at himself’. Judges were particularly impressed by the contribution he has made in improving the relationship between the fans and the club.
Best Writer – Mickey Blue Eyes, writer for Blue Kipper – Everton FC
Michael Durkin or ‘Mickey Blue Eyes’ as he is affectionately known, writes for popular Everton fanzine ‘Blue Kipper’. His original, humorous and personal style of writing, coupled with his articulate approach, earned him the biggest vote from the fans.
Best Blog – Kopblog – Liverpool FC
Another accolade for Merseyside - Kopblog received the most nominations in this award category. Frequently updated with news, match previews, well written articles and reports, Kopblog is a passionate take on the life and times of Liverpool FC.
Each category winner has received a special engraved trophy
Football Fanzine Awards
Rowlands Injury Update....Ex-QPR Players News
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Update: Good News About Martin Rowlands. New Scunthorpe deal for Ian Barraclough....Nikki Bull changes his mind and decides to stay with Gary Waddock's Aldershot (just a couple of days after Aldershot Chairman said Bull was going)...International Call up for Richard Langley
QPR Official Site - TALKING WOUNDED
Skipper Martin Rowlands is likely to be fit for the start of the R's pre-season campaign at the end of June.
The 29 year-old was withdrawn from the Republic of Ireland squad last week owing to an ankle injury sustained at their training camp in Portugal, but the scan results were far more positive than previously envisaged, as QPR Head Physio Paul Hunter explained.
"The scan results have shown that Martin sustained a sprained ankle ligament injury," Hunter told www.qpr.co.uk.
"He'll undergo treatment in the coming days, but considering the type of injury he sustained, the results from the scan are as good as we could have expected."
Ironically, Rowlands will miss the first three matches of the 2008/09 campaign, owing to his dismissal against West Bromwich Albion in the R's 2-0 defeat on the final day of the season. QPR
SCUNTHORPE OFFICIAL SITE - BARACLOUGH AGREES NEW DEAL
Ian Baraclough is now the club's first-team coach after agreeing a new one-year contract to stay at Glanford Park.
The deal also has a pay-as-you-play option, but the 37-year-old will focus more on his off-field duties next season.
Andy Crosby will remain as assistant to Nigel Adkins, while Kevin Pressman will also stay as goalkeeping coach.
Baraclough has been with the club since June 2004, and has seen plenty of activity while at Glanford Park - experiencing two promotions and a relegation.
He was a key performer in his first year, forming an excellent midfield double-act with Richard Kell which helped Scunthorpe on their way to a second-place finish, and promotion from League Two.
The next campaign was all about consolidation for the club, and the player - who signed from Notts County - was a key performer, using his vast experience to help Scunthorpe to a safe mid-table finish in the higher league.
The following season was perhaps the highlight though, as not only did he play an important role on the field, but formed part of a new management team alongside Crosby and former physio Adkins following the departure of Brian Laws and Russ Wilcox to Sheffield Wednesday.
Scunthorpe romped to the League One title and had the chance to enjoy Championship football for the first time in 43 years.
He wasn't involved as much as before on the pitch this year, with injuries and a greater focus on off-field duties combining, but was more than reliable when called upon. He found himself playing in central midfield, at centre-back, and in the left-back spot at stages when certain players weren't available. Scunthorpe
BBC - Bull signs new deal after U-turn
Aldershot keeper Nikki Bull has signed a new two-year contract with the club - after saying he would leave last week.
The out-of-contract 26-year-old had turned down a new deal after a season which saw him named player of the year as they won the Blue Square Premier.
Shots chairman John McGinty told BBC Southern Counties Radio: "He's happy and I'm ecstatic about it - my patience has won the day.
"I didn't get everything I wanted - Nikki didn't, but I am delighted."
Shots captain Rhys Day has also agreed to a new one-year contract, while forward Junior Mendes has signed a six-month deal. BBC
Jamaica Observer/Howard Walker - Williamson, Ford among UK-based Boyz arriving yesterday
English-based Reggae Boyz from left Deon Burton, Lee Williamson, Simon Ford, Marlon King and Richard Langley, as they arrived at the Norman Manley International Airport yesterday. (Photos: Naphtali Junior)
New Reggae Boyz Lee Williamson and Simon Ford arrived in Jamaica virtually unknown as they walked through the arrival tunnel.... Jamal Campbell-Ryce and the recalled Richard Langley are the other two players that arrived to join the 29-member Jamaican squad as they prepare for three international friendlies and two World Cup qualifying games....
Richard Langley, 28, who plays for Luton Town, first represented the Reggae Boyz against Nigeria in a friendly international played in London in May 2002.
"I am excited to get back in the team and play international football again. I was injured during the last World Cup qualifying games," said Langley.
"I want to play in this World Cup campaign and hope we progress to South Africa."
Langley has scored approximately 30 goals from over 350 appearances, but he couldn't kelp Luton from being relegated this season.
"It has not been a good season. I was injured and I have been back for the last three months now and I will be looking to increase my fitness. I hope things can finish on a high which would be good for Jamaica," said Langley.
The six players will join the training squad at the Grand Lido Braco Resort in Trelawny, as they begin preparation for a series of friendly international games starting with St Vincent and the Grenadines on June 3.
That will be followed by games against Trinidad and Tobago on June 7 and Grenada on June 10 before hosting World Cup qualifiers against the Bahamas in Jamaica on June 15 and 18. Jamaica Observer
Update: Good News About Martin Rowlands. New Scunthorpe deal for Ian Barraclough....Nikki Bull changes his mind and decides to stay with Gary Waddock's Aldershot (just a couple of days after Aldershot Chairman said Bull was going)...International Call up for Richard Langley
QPR Official Site - TALKING WOUNDED
Skipper Martin Rowlands is likely to be fit for the start of the R's pre-season campaign at the end of June.
The 29 year-old was withdrawn from the Republic of Ireland squad last week owing to an ankle injury sustained at their training camp in Portugal, but the scan results were far more positive than previously envisaged, as QPR Head Physio Paul Hunter explained.
"The scan results have shown that Martin sustained a sprained ankle ligament injury," Hunter told www.qpr.co.uk.
"He'll undergo treatment in the coming days, but considering the type of injury he sustained, the results from the scan are as good as we could have expected."
Ironically, Rowlands will miss the first three matches of the 2008/09 campaign, owing to his dismissal against West Bromwich Albion in the R's 2-0 defeat on the final day of the season. QPR
SCUNTHORPE OFFICIAL SITE - BARACLOUGH AGREES NEW DEAL
Ian Baraclough is now the club's first-team coach after agreeing a new one-year contract to stay at Glanford Park.
The deal also has a pay-as-you-play option, but the 37-year-old will focus more on his off-field duties next season.
Andy Crosby will remain as assistant to Nigel Adkins, while Kevin Pressman will also stay as goalkeeping coach.
Baraclough has been with the club since June 2004, and has seen plenty of activity while at Glanford Park - experiencing two promotions and a relegation.
He was a key performer in his first year, forming an excellent midfield double-act with Richard Kell which helped Scunthorpe on their way to a second-place finish, and promotion from League Two.
The next campaign was all about consolidation for the club, and the player - who signed from Notts County - was a key performer, using his vast experience to help Scunthorpe to a safe mid-table finish in the higher league.
The following season was perhaps the highlight though, as not only did he play an important role on the field, but formed part of a new management team alongside Crosby and former physio Adkins following the departure of Brian Laws and Russ Wilcox to Sheffield Wednesday.
Scunthorpe romped to the League One title and had the chance to enjoy Championship football for the first time in 43 years.
He wasn't involved as much as before on the pitch this year, with injuries and a greater focus on off-field duties combining, but was more than reliable when called upon. He found himself playing in central midfield, at centre-back, and in the left-back spot at stages when certain players weren't available. Scunthorpe
BBC - Bull signs new deal after U-turn
Aldershot keeper Nikki Bull has signed a new two-year contract with the club - after saying he would leave last week.
The out-of-contract 26-year-old had turned down a new deal after a season which saw him named player of the year as they won the Blue Square Premier.
Shots chairman John McGinty told BBC Southern Counties Radio: "He's happy and I'm ecstatic about it - my patience has won the day.
"I didn't get everything I wanted - Nikki didn't, but I am delighted."
Shots captain Rhys Day has also agreed to a new one-year contract, while forward Junior Mendes has signed a six-month deal. BBC
Jamaica Observer/Howard Walker - Williamson, Ford among UK-based Boyz arriving yesterday
English-based Reggae Boyz from left Deon Burton, Lee Williamson, Simon Ford, Marlon King and Richard Langley, as they arrived at the Norman Manley International Airport yesterday. (Photos: Naphtali Junior)
New Reggae Boyz Lee Williamson and Simon Ford arrived in Jamaica virtually unknown as they walked through the arrival tunnel.... Jamal Campbell-Ryce and the recalled Richard Langley are the other two players that arrived to join the 29-member Jamaican squad as they prepare for three international friendlies and two World Cup qualifying games....
Richard Langley, 28, who plays for Luton Town, first represented the Reggae Boyz against Nigeria in a friendly international played in London in May 2002.
"I am excited to get back in the team and play international football again. I was injured during the last World Cup qualifying games," said Langley.
"I want to play in this World Cup campaign and hope we progress to South Africa."
Langley has scored approximately 30 goals from over 350 appearances, but he couldn't kelp Luton from being relegated this season.
"It has not been a good season. I was injured and I have been back for the last three months now and I will be looking to increase my fitness. I hope things can finish on a high which would be good for Jamaica," said Langley.
The six players will join the training squad at the Grand Lido Braco Resort in Trelawny, as they begin preparation for a series of friendly international games starting with St Vincent and the Grenadines on June 3.
That will be followed by games against Trinidad and Tobago on June 7 and Grenada on June 10 before hosting World Cup qualifiers against the Bahamas in Jamaica on June 15 and 18. Jamaica Observer
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
QPR Jumped The Gun?
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Oxford Mail: -UNITED: QPR clash highlights need
Oxford United's need to buy the Kassam Stadium was highlighted by the booking clash which has forced them to cancel a potential pre-season clash with Queens Park Rangers.
The U's had pencilled in July 19 to take on the Coca-Cola Championship outfit, but have had to alter their plans because the Kassam Stadium is needed for another event that day - a wedding.
United secretary Mick Brown said: "It was just unfortunate that QPR released the date before we had firmed it up.
"We thought we could work around it, but we couldn't."
Rachel Harwood, of the Kassam Stadium, said: "Oxford United can have up to four dates outside of the season for friendlies, but need to ask us about them first.
"The first we knew of this one was when it had been publicised.
"We asked the bride if she would switch the reception or share the facilities, but understandably she said no." Oxford Mail
Oxford Mail: -UNITED: QPR clash highlights need
Oxford United's need to buy the Kassam Stadium was highlighted by the booking clash which has forced them to cancel a potential pre-season clash with Queens Park Rangers.
The U's had pencilled in July 19 to take on the Coca-Cola Championship outfit, but have had to alter their plans because the Kassam Stadium is needed for another event that day - a wedding.
United secretary Mick Brown said: "It was just unfortunate that QPR released the date before we had firmed it up.
"We thought we could work around it, but we couldn't."
Rachel Harwood, of the Kassam Stadium, said: "Oxford United can have up to four dates outside of the season for friendlies, but need to ask us about them first.
"The first we knew of this one was when it had been publicised.
"We asked the bride if she would switch the reception or share the facilities, but understandably she said no." Oxford Mail
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