One Time QPR "Wonder Kid" Turns 30...Flashback - QPR "European Champions" and Ugo Ukah Signs

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Ex-QPR Midfielder, Nigel Quashie, Turns 30 (Born July 20, 1978)
Ray Wilkins gave midfielder, Nigel Quashie his QPR debut as a 17 year old in our Premierhsip Relegation season. In his three seasons at QPR, Quashie was highly, highly rated, including by then-England manager, Glen Hoddle who called him "the new Paul Ince."
While at QPR, Quashie played for England U-21 and England B before QPR sold Quashie to Nottingham Forrest for 2.5 million pounds. Quashie subsequently moved to Portsmouth, Southampton, then WBA and now is at West Bromwich Albion and then on to West Ham. And he's now been capped by Scotland.
- Profile: --- Wikipedia -- Stats


Three Years ago, Ugo Ukah signs for QPR
BBC - July 20, 2005 - QPR swoop for Nigerian defender
QPR have signed Nigerian defender Ugo Ukah on a three-year contract following a successful trial.
Ukah, 21, played in Rangers' recent victory in the pre-season Copa de Ibiza tournament, and impressed boss Ian Holloway enough to earn a deal.
"Every day in training I give my all to improve, and Ian Holloway seems to like that," Ukah told the club's website.
"I enjoyed my time in Ibiza, and to play in the final against Coventry there was amazing." BBC

Independent - July 21, 2005 Football: QPR contract for Ukah after trial
The Nigerian defender Ugo Ukah has signed a three-year deal with Queen's Park Rangers following a trial spell. The 21-year-old, who played for Italian club Reggina last season, was involved in Rangers' victory in the Copa de Ibiza, and impressed the manager Ian Holloway enough to be given a contract. 'Every day in training I give my all to improve, and Ian Holloway seems to like that,' Ukah said."

[For More on Ugo Ukah's QPR career, see "Where Are They Now? #1 Ugo Ukah"


Ukah ("Hugo") was part of QPR's Ibiza Winning Team: or as the QPR Official Site termed it at the time " QPR Official Site - "EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS!
Rangers first half: Cole, Gallen, Bircham (Doherty), Evatt, Brown, Furlong, Rose, Miller, Bignot, Santos, Chambers
Rangers second half: Royce, Shittu, Moore, Cook, Doherty, Shimmin, Hislop, Bean, Sturridge (Chambers), Hugo, Gallen -

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS!
Posted on: Tue 19 Jul 2005

Rangers fought back from 2-0 down in the Copa De Ibiza final to claim the trophy with a 3-2 win.

Two second half goals from Dean Sturridge and a late winner from Kevin Gallen turned the game on its head in a match that might well give Liverpool a run for their money when it comes to great European cup final comebacks!

Trailing 2-0 at half time, thanks to some powerful Coventry finishing, Rangers had it all to do after the break.

But two goals from Dean Sturridge gave Rangers a lifeline and there was yet more drama to come.

Coventry had the ball in the back of the net, but the linesman's flag ruled it out. As play swung up the other end, Gallen was on hand to strike and ensure the cup was on the plane home to London.

Although Monday's 5-0 win over local side Saint Antoni looked impressive, little can be learnt from a performance against a non league side.

But it could be said that the final against Coventry would be a fairer indication of how Rangers may fare in this year's Championship.

Once again Ian Holloway was able to give his entire squad a run out, apart from the injured Gareth Ainsworth and Martin Rowlands.

It may have been just a pre-season tournament, but Rangers' determination was evident from the start as the team huddle that has become synonymous with the Superhoops was put into action.

Adam Chambers had the first effort for Rangers after Aaron Brown whipped the ball across the face of goal, but the trialist skewed his shot over the bar.

Rangers' task was made harder when Coventry took the lead through Dele Adebola on 25 minutes. Clean through, the imposing forward slotted past Jake Cole into the far corner.

Tommy Doherty was introduced when Marc Bircham went down holding his ankle and there was more bad news for Rangers when Coventry doubled their lead through Gary McSheffrey.

Rangers had it all to do in the second half and Dean Sturridge wasted no time in narrowing the scoreline with a delightful shot from the edge of the box.

Coventry's disallowed goal was a heart stopping moment for Rangers fans, but they were soon elated with Gallen riffled the ball into the back of the net.

There were just five minutes to sit out before the referee signalled Rangers' European victory and what will hopefully be the first silverware of the season.

QPR Ibiza Match Report