QPR Permitted to Talk to Blackpool's Gorkss...."Versatile as an Egg" Ned Zelic...Six QPRs Turn Pro + Oastler & Crowther Signings

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UPDATED 11:30am (GMT):

QPR Official Site KASPARS GORKSS UPDATE
Queens Park Rangers Football Club have been given permission to speak to Blackpool defender Kaspars Gorkss. The 26 year-old has agreed personal terms with the R's and the deal is expected to be finalised early next week. The Latvian international has been with the Seasiders since January 2007. QPR Official Site


Blackpool Gazette - Gorkss misses Pool training as QPR dispute rages
Latvian international Kaspars Gorkss was a notable absentee when the Seasiders reported in for the start of pre-season training yesterday.
The defender is the subject of an acrimonious dispute between Queens Park Rangers and the Seasiders, who have complained of an illegal approach by the Londoners.
Whatever the outcome of that, it is most likely that he has played his last game for the Seasiders, though the matter is now the subject of Football League arbitration and the club are making no further comment.
Gorkss is a summer target for a host of Championship clubs attracted by the £250,000 release clause in his contract..." Blackpool Gazette

Formher QPR record-signing, Ned Zelic Turns 37
QPR fans will long, long remember Ned Zelic. not so much for what he achieved but for what he was part of. Signed with part of the Les Ferdinand money; a short-term part of QPR's relegation's team before quickly leaving; Wilkins high signing praise and his for-ever-to-be-remembered description as being "versatile as an egg."
Zelic is still playing. He's currently with Dinamo Tbilisi in Georgia, who he joined in February 2007, and they won the Natonal Championship.

See: See: Wikipedia/Zelic and Playing Record

"Flashback - Independent, The (London), Jul 27, 1995 Football; QPR break club record for Zelic Queen's Park Rangers made a club-record signing yesterday when the Australian international Ned Zelic moved from Borussia Dortmund for pounds 1.25m. The three- year deal exceeds the pounds 1.1m Rangers invested in Reading's Simon Osborn earlier this month.
Ray Wilkins, the QPR manager, is hoping Zelic's work permit is granted in time for the start of the season. He said: "He's a player of immense talent who will add a bit of quality to that we already have at the club. We're very fortunate in that he is versatile as an egg - he can play at the back and in midfield; he's a good user of the ball and he has a physical presence."
Wilkins also denied speculation that the England Under-21 winger Trevor Sinclair is to leave Loftus Road. Gerry Francis was reportedly interested in the player he bought in his time as QPR manager, but Wilkins said: "Trevor Sinclair won't be going anywhere - to Tottenham or anywhere else." - Independent

[See Also article/Quotes with Zelic)


Six QPR Youngsters Sign on...
QPR Official Site - YOUNGSTERS TURN PRO
QPR youngsters Danny Maguire, Matt O'Brien, Chris Arthur, Romone Rose, Josh Ford and Lee Brown are all celebrating signing their first professional contracts with the Club this week. The teenagers, all of whom played integral roles in Steve Brown's Puma Youth Alliance Championship winning team of last season, have all been rewarded for their performances with one-year professional deals.
The new young professionals are soon to be joined in the senior ranks by goalkeeper Reece Crowther, along with 18 year-old Joe Oastler, who joins the 'Under-21 Club' after being released by Portsmouth.
Young centre back Ryan Myers, who missed almost all of last season after suffering a knee injury in the first match of the campaign, will remain on a non-contract basis.
Brown told www.qpr.co.uk: "I'm delighted for them. They've earned this chance and now is the time for them to really show the Club that they deserve to be here.
"They've all played regularly for me in the Reserves last season so the step up hopefully won't be too much of a problem for them. So far their attitudes have been excellent - most of them came in during the summer for extra fitness work when they didn't have to and I can see that this is already paying off as they are flying.
"We've only been back at training for a few days and they are all aware that their efforts in this pre-season period are vitally important for when the real games kick in." QPR

More re Joe Oastler (whose forthcoming signing was reported in the local press, in May)