QPR-Swindon Links....Swindon and Ex-QPR Kanyuka Respond to "Big" QPR Game

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The Swindon game is a good illustration of how the new "Super Rich" QPR are going to be viewed by other clubs, and the increased effort they'll probably put into playing QPR.

This will be the 40th Anniversary of then-Third Division Swindon's fabulous Don Rogers League Cup Triumph over Arsenal at Wembley (emulating QPR a couple of years previously!) Recall the 1969/1970 season when freshly-relegated QPR and newly-promoted Swindon were challenging for promotion to Division One and in one game had the two greats, Rodney Marsh and Don Rogers playing against each other. (Unfortunately years later, when Don Rogers joined QPR from Crystal Palace, it didn't work out for the player and club.)

The connection between QPR and Swindon includes: Don Rogers, Peter Eastoe and Frazer Digby playing for QPR. Ex-QPR Alan McDonald and Alan Spratley playing for Swindon (as well, of course, as Pat Kanyuka). Other players for both clubs include David Kerslake, Jamie Cureton, Tony Thorpe and Eric Sabin. Gary Waddock spent a brief period on loan at Swindon. Going back some years, Frank Large played for both clubs. As did Alan Mayes and Mick McGovern. Les Allen managed both teams Ex-QPR Chairman Bill Power almost took over at Swindon and ex-QPR CEO, Mark Devlin had a similar role at Swindon. Ex-QPR defender Rufus Brevitt was part of the Swindon takeover last year and was Sporting Director at the club. Another Swindon manager, Andy King played for QPR. Swindon's former manager, Ossie Ardiles was briefly at QPR as a player.


Wiltshire Gazette - Swindon handed mouth-watering QPR tie
Swindon Town have been drawn at home to big-spending Queens Park Rangers in the first round of next season's Carling Cup.
The tie with Iain Dowie's new-look Championship side will be played at the County Ground the week commencing August 11. Wiltshire Gazette


Swindon Advertizer/Gareth Moorhouse - Kanyuka: I'll show my old club in cup
PAT Kanyuka has described Town's Carling Cup first round tie against Queens Park Rangers as his "cup final" - insisting the Loftus Road outfit made a big mistake in letting him go.
Kanyuka moved to Wiltshire in January after an injury-plagued four years with the Championship club and is desperate to play against his former team when the competition gets under way in the week commencing August 11.
The 20-year-old central defender claims he was "hard done by" during his final days in London and says he would love nothing more than to score the goal to send QPR crashing out of cup.
Kanyuka said: "This is going to be my cup final. If there is a penalty I will be fighting for the ball because it would mean everything to me to score against them.
"Every professional that I know gets the fixture list at the start of each season and circles the big games that they want to play in.
"We will be travelling to places like Leeds and Leicester next season, but for me QPR is a massive game. I am buzzing about it.
"For me personally I would have liked to play at Loftus Road because it would have been emotional, but for the Swindon fans it is good to have a home draw.
"It will be a tough match because QPR are a very good side, so we'll just have to see what happens."
With Rangers many people's tip to win promotion to the Premier Division next season, Town can expect a tough test of their own credentials.
Kanyuka knows first hand the kind of talent at his former club's disposal, but he insists Swindon can cause an upset.
"I know everyone is talking about their billionaire owners but even without the money QPR are a famous club," he said.
"I did have some good times there but I was not happy with the way it ended for me. They were not very professional.
"I was just coming back from nine months injury and the manager had not even seen me play, but they just said goodbye.
"I felt hard done by but Swindon showed faith in me and now I want to perform for them.
"I just really want to play in this game and prove to everyone at QPR, and Swindon, what I can do." Swindon Advertizer


Swindon Official Site MAURICE WELCOMES HOME DRAW
Swindon Town boss Maurice Malpas insists that his side will be aiming high in all cup competitions after being drawn at home to QPR in the Carling Cup first round.
The Carling Cup first round draw has paired Swindon with the much-fancied Championship outfit with the Town boss looking forward to the clash.
"I am delighted that we got a home start. QPR will no doubt put together a decent side but it will give us a chance to pit our wits against an established Championship club.
"It is important that we put on a good performance and show what we can do against a team such as QPR. We will be ready for it."
The manager also revealed that Town fans can expect to see professional approach to the FA Cup, Carling Cup and Johnstone's Paint Trophy this term.
"That was one of the first things I spoke to the Chairman about when I joined.
"We discussed the cup competitions, and my background in Scotland means that I will be taking all games we play very seriously, whether in the cup or not."
He added: "It is a good way to generate revenue and get your club talked about.
"Anything can happen in a cup game and it is important that we put out the best team we can and get the best result possible."...Swindon