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Sunday, November 30, 2008

Mahon and Warnock Praise Sousa....Warnock: "What's happening at QPR is tremendous and it's not a case of if they get to the Premier League, but when"

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Update: Gary Waddock one of League Two Managers Nominated for Manager of The Month...Totally NON-QPR related, but Quite an Apology from Exeter City to their main Sponsors.

- A Sunday Footballer was Killed at the Little Harlington Playing Fields (on the Pitch next to Where QPR Train)
- "A Sunday league footballer died yesterday after being attacked on the pitch at the end of the match....The man who died was 43 and had turned out for amateurs Old Greenfordians....Police arrested two men....Officers yesterday cordoned off the part of pitch where the attack took place at the Little Harlington Playing Fields in Harlington, Middlesex. It is next to Chelsea’s old training ground, now used by Championship side QPR. China’s Olympic team ended up brawling on the pitch during a friendly in 2007...."
- Also: - " Time - Past Time - For Fan/Club Meeting (It's been some considerable time Since QPR Fan Groups Met with Club (Certainly not the three/four times a year meetings that were once spoken about.)
- Some Other Posted-Over the Weekend QPR Related Items: - Football Clubs Responding to the VAT Reduction (No Word Yet from QPR) --- Ten Days That Shook The World --- Obituary for a QPR Supporter (BBC Producer, Steve Rose) ---- Marking Forty Years Since Tommy Docherty Quit QPR (after 28 Days in Charge).


This is Local London/Mark George - Warnock says big wage earners 'have got to go'
-CRYSTAL Palace manager Neil Warnock thinks it's only a matter of time before big spenders QPR reach the Premiership and admitted the Eagles will be looking to offload players.
QPR have grabbed plenty of headlines following the purchase of the club by a group including Formula 1 team boss Flavio Briatore and look set to spend big to win promotion.
After Saturday's 0-0 draw against Paulo Sousa's team at Selhurst Park, Warnock was in favour of owners investing in Championship clubs.
He said: "I think it's tremendous. I like Flavio and I think he'll get to the Premiership. It's not if they get to the Premiership, it's when. I think they're going about it the right way. They're not throwing millions of pounds at players who are no good."
But the finances at Selhurst Park are somewhat different.
Warnock said: "We haven't got money at the moment so we've got to look to bring youngsters in and try and develop and get loan players. Hopefully in January we can let go five or six. We've got big wage earners who've got to go."
After a week which has seen the Eagles take seven points out of a possible nine, the Palace boss remained confident his team can continue their good run of form.
He said: "We've chipped away this year. We've started to play particularly well the last four weeks and I can only see us getting better, as long as we don't get too many injuries." This is Local London


Daily Mail - Warnock backs stunning Sousa to be a big hit in English football...and the English women
Neil Warnock has already lost his wife's heart to Paulo Sousa and now he fears the new QPR boss will also pip him to promotion.
The Crystal Palace manager has tipped the former Portugal midfielder to be a huge hit in the Championship - and not just among female fans.
- Sousa quit his coaching job with the Portuguese national federation to take charge at Loftus Road two weeks ago and earned a point from this scrappy derby.
- Crystal Palace manager Neil Warnock thinks new QPR boss Paulo Sousa will be a big hit in English football
- The ex-Juventus star cut an incongruent figure at Selhurst Park, with his swept-back hair and designer suit providing a rare dose of glamour in this corner of south London.
- But Warnock believes Sousa has substance to back up his style.
"What's happening at QPR is tremendous and it's not a case of if they get to the Premier League, but when," Warnock said.

"Sousa seems a nice fella and he's a smooth b****** so my wife will like him.
"He could certainly get some modelling work if he wanted to but they all seem to be that way in Portugal.
"But Rangers seem to be going about things the right way.
"He played a lot of English lads and that's important because no matter how good the coaches, you need a nucleus of English guys in this league."
Gavin Mahon, one of six native players picked by Sousa, admitted a spot of internet research had made him understand why his new manager has such a gilded reputation.
"He has got an aura about him and obviously everyone has a lot of respect for him," he said.
- "When he was announced we started talking about him and what he's won in the game.
"I went on YouTube and saw some footage of him playing. It's clear he'll bring different things to my game and make me a better player."

- Rangers' wait for an away league goal might have been stretched to 662 minutes following this stalemate but they should have been celebrating a victory.
Early in the second half, Palace keeper Julian Speroni came haring out of his goal to close down Dexter Blackstock, but the Rangers striker won the race and squared to Heidar Helguson.
The on-loan Bolton striker had only to roll into an empty net from 25 yards, but he sliced wide of an open goal. Mail


Telegraph/Gemma Clarke - Queens Park Rangers manager Paulo Sousa learning fast as Neil Warnock eyes market
It is a new experience for QPR manager Paulo Souza to visit grounds like Selhurst Park, but he earned the approval of Crystal Palace manager Neil Warnock, who is eyeing the January sales.
Sousa's initiation in English football is well underway, after he led his side through a gritty and unattractive 0-0 draw at a bitterly cold Selhurst Park.
Although the football on display was less than pleasing on the eye, Sousa's counterpart, Warnock, remained keen to discuss aesthetics.
"He's a looker, isn't he?" Warnock said of Sousa. "He could certainly get some modelling work if he wanted to. I met him before the game and he seems a nice fella. He will have his own way of doing things and, like the rest of us, will be judged on results."
Ben Watson and Sean Scannell both tested Rangers goalkeeper Radek Cerny but it was the visitors' on-loan forward, Heidar Helguson, who squandered the best chance. Moments into the second half, he received the ball in space with keeper Julian Speroni beaten and fired wide of the empty net.
It was not the type of encounter a Portuguese title winner is used to. "Of course this sort of game is different – a very different style to the places I played – but the points are the same," Sousa said. "I think we controlled the game and we had a clear chance to win it with Helguson, but we couldn't take it. I'm proud of the side because we've changed our ideas and way of playing in just a few training sessions and that is difficult to do.
"In the future, I hope we will be better and have more quality in games like this."
Warnock, meanwhile, has his eye on next month's transfer window. "We don't have the money so we have to try and develop our youngsters and bring in a few loan players," he said. "Hopefully we can get five or six big earners off the wage bill and freshen things up. But we've started to play well the last few weeks and I can only see us getting better." Telegraph


Mirror/Ann Gripper -MAHON: GOLDEN BOY SOU INSPIRING
- Paulo Sousa was part of Portugal's golden generation, but mixing it in the Championship will not be a problem, reckons Gavin Mahon.
After the short-lived Iain Dowie reign, Flavio Briatore has gone for a manager with a playing CV more in keeping with where he hopes QPR will be in the future.
This draw at Palace means Rangers have accumulated four points since the appointment of Sousa, twicea Champions League winner, 12 days ago. And his team are feeling inspired by the arrival of the former Benfica, Juventus and Inter Milan man.
Hoops skipper Mahon said: "He has a bit of an aura. Everyone has a lot of respect for him.
"He understands what our football is all about, he has friends who have played in this country and he's watched a lot of games since he's arrived.
"He knows this league is 100mph with no time on the ball. He's played under a lot of good coaches and has a lot to offer.
"The players do look at a manager's achievements.
When he was announced we started talking about him and what he's won in the game, and his experience.
"I remember seeing him play with Rui Costa in midfield for Portugal, and we've had a bit of a look on YouTube."
Saturday's point at Selhurst Park was only Rangers' seventh on their travels this season, but they could not end a goal drought away from home in the league that stretches back to August 17 - and Sousa will know he has work to do after this drab display.
The best chance fell to Heidar Helguson two minutes after half time as Eagles keeper Julian Speroni rushed out, but the striker - on loan from Bolton - shot wide of an open goal.
Palace, who dominated possession without creating anything, almost snatched a win at the death when Radek Cerny spilled Leandre Griffit's fierce shot but recovered to clear the loose ball. Mirror

- Also: Clive Whittingham/Lost for Word Match Report


- Visit the QPR Report Messageboard

Parejo Makes a Team of the Week! ....FA Cup Draw: Burnley at Home

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Visit the QPR Report Messageboard ---- Ex-QPR Jim Smith Back Managing ---- In Germany: Open Access to Fans and Press


Heavily slated on the messageboards; taken off at half-time...Dani Parejo
Eurosport: Championship Team of The Week - Including....Dani Parejo
":...In midfield Daniel Parejo deservedly takes a shirt following a cultured showing for Crystal Palace against QPR. The Spaniard is on loan from Real Madrid and the La Liga behemoths may well want him back if Parejo continues in similar vein..." Report


FA CUP Third Round: QPR vs Burnley
- Meanwhile in the Third Round of the FA Cup, QPR were drawn at home to Burnley. (Game to be played January 3) - Complete FA Cup Third Round Draw.


Past QPR-Burnley FA Cup Games: Burnley Mad recall the two previous QPR-Burnley FA Cup encounters

Brian Glanville on QPR Under Briatore...Gulf Weekly QPR Poll...Ex-Chairman Caliendo Q&A....AEK Athens' QPR Victory...Les Ferdinand (and Son) in Gulf

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Visit the QPR Report Messageboard...Among the articles posted there:
- Forty Years Ago Today, After 28 Days in Charge, "The Doc" (Tommy Docherty) Quit as QPR Manager
- The Continued Attraction of English Football
- Continuing Sports (not football specific) in the age of Terrorism
- Football Clubs Prices and the VAT Reduction: (No Word yet from QPR)


Brian Glanville/World Soccer (Written Prior to this week's Charlton/Watford games)
- Could things get any worse at Queens Park Rangers? Could Paulo Sousa, now enlisted, not as manager, mark you, but only as chief coach to the club, already be regretting having left his post as second in command of Portugal’s national team? Any comparison one might have made between the stern reign of Jim Gregory, which at least produced substantial results, and that of the autocratic Flavio Briatore, now seem irrelevant. The suggestion that Briatore himself might have become the manager in name as well, it seems, as in practice, was surely unfounded. All that money – Mitta, Ecclestone, even if so much of it seems ominously to be in the wife’s name; and the mountain produces the mouse of a 3-0 defeat at struggling Watford. All very sad to see. World Soccer


Gulf Weekly Poll Question:Will QPR go up into the Premiership at the end of the season?
Yes 51.64%
No 48.36% Gulf Weekly Poll


From an Article on Greek Football Successes, including -The Horror. The Horror! - of AEK Athens QPR Victory]
Goal.com - Just How Important Was Panathinaikos' Inter Triumph?
Panathinaikos’ Champions League victory over Inter Milan will live long in the memory of a generation of fans,but just where does it sit in Greek football history? Goal.com’s Chris Paraskevas gives his list of the most important accomplishments for Greek football on the European scene…..

Fairytale Run: AEK Athens, 1976-77 UEFA Cup Campaign
A semi-final appearance in the UEFA Cup remains the furthest a Greek side have ever progressed in the competition to this day.
The feat was accomplished by an AEK Athens side enjoying a ‘Golden Era’ under president Loukas Barlos and their famous run included unprecedented victories over a Derby County team who had just emerged out of their tutelage under Brian Clough, an away goals win over Red Star Belgrade and perhaps most famously of all, a penalty shoot-out victory over an in-form Queens Park Rangers outfit who had scored 26 goals in the competition up until that point. The Greeks were eliminated in the semi-final by Giovanni Trapattoni’s Juventus, who would go on to clinch their first ever European title with a two-legged victory over Athletic Bilbao in the final, though it was a fairytale run to perhaps at least rival that of Panathinaikos’ European Cup campaign five years earlier." Goal.Com


Gulf Weekly/Stan Szecowka - [Les Ferdinand] Son's injury agony
LES Ferdinand brought his 21-year-old son Aaron with him on his trip to Bahrain for a morale-boosting break as the young striker tries to follow in his father's footsteps and become a professional footballer.
Last New Year the youngster was undergoing a major operation to repair his shattered left leg after a crunching tackle in the penalty box looked like it may have put paid to a promising career before it had started.
Aaron was severely injured by a lunging clearance attempt by an opposing goalie to prevent him from scoring for Conference South side St Albans City. His powerful running and goal-scoring talent appeared to be a 'chip off the old block' and Championship side Watford was set to sign him up on professional terms. "I can remember the incident so clearly in my mind - my standing leg was taken away and I had no chance.
"Doctors have said that I can start playing football again next month so I'm very excited although I appreciate the hard work is only just about to start."
At least the young man will have his proud father to turn to for support. 'Sir' Les suffered serious Achilles problems during his time playing for Tottenham and says it takes real strength of character to fight back to fitness from injury. "Injuries are part and parcel of the game. You've got to keep your head up, stay confident and determined."
The former England international hopes to instil his 'never say die' attitude to the current Spurs team after being approached by recently-installed manager Harry Redknapp to coach the improving Premiership side's strikers.
"Harry believes there are a number of players of my generation who have still got lots to offer the sport," said Ferdinand, 42, who aims to further his coaching skills and obtain the necessary qualifications and experience needed to qualify for a management hot-seat in the future.
As a player he says former Newvcastle boss Kevin Keegan was the best 'man motivator' and ex-England coach Terry Venables the top strategist. Gulf Weekly


Q&A With Ex-QPR Chairman Antonio Caliendo
- In Italian Caliemercato - ANTONIO CALIENDO: Antonio Caliendo, storico agente di calciatori, si è confessato in esclusiva a calciomercato.it

English Web Translation ANTONIO CALIENDO
Antonio Caliendo, historical agent players, has confessed exclusively to calciomercato.it
MILAN - Antonio Caliendo not many years ago was the number one of the prosecutors. . In his team were champions of Caratage world (and there is no more time off: in the final of Rome of Italian World in 1990 between Germany and Argentina out of 22 players in camp, 12 are its well-assisted) and the particular appeal technical racetracks. Caliendo, so to name a few, is the one who has followed step by step pardon football after football, players like Roberto Baggio, Carlos Dunga, Claudio Paul Caniggia, Daniel Passarella, Diaz Ramon, David Trezeguet, Douglas Maicon. Caliendo in practice was the precursor dell'ormai arch-known figure of the modern prosecutor, or agent players who say it should.
Following is the country 'chairman' and shareholder of the Queen's Park Rangers, famed English training currently campaigning in Championship (Series B local), After an attempt to climb the property of Modena together with a group enterprise, now a consultant for players and society. Calciomercato.it has interviewed Exclusive:

Dr. Caliendo, his name has again erupted in several newspapers on arrogance is still interested in acquiring the Modena?

" "No. The explain why: I created a very strong group to take over ownership of the club Emilian, but there were details to go forward. Those economic, I mean ... The family Amadei has submitted a request that, according to the My experience with evaluations of the club, not even worth it to look. E 'out of the market, are quite rational. I treaty on behalf of my team, but we are always the usual ".

It 'an unfortunate period for her, after the vicissitudes on the sale of Flavio Briatore at QPR ...

"Days ago I issued a press release, I gave mandate to my lawyers (there are outstanding disputes between the old and the new ownership, ndr) to assess the situation. We will see what happens."

The job of prosecutor sport has changed over time ...

"The answer with a small consideration: more can be done today consultants, once the prosecutor to be a player had to be almost a second father. Football has changed the way I was expecting me, today we are also dancing mere economic interests. There is also this ...".
After Calciopoli the world of 'ball rolling' has changed for the better or Moggi and members have paid for all?

"... Mah has said and written a lot about this. I believe that football now is certainly more unpredictable. There are companies that some time ago I never believed come fourth or fifth. Today they are there. The Catania had risen in top positions despite a name not to cry and now has fallen a bit after a few days, Chievo at the time was a beautiful fairy tale. Once, however, there was a marked difference: it seemed there were two championships, now you can at least win or lose with all teams. There is talk of so-called 'rigorini' to Milan and other benefits granted to Inter or Juventus well, now I believe comes from good faith and into arbitration. Unfortunately, there are several different Concept Lo Bello and the like, now a director tendering wrong may have less preparation of others. It 'also a problem of personality. "

. She has always been tied to the figure of Dunga, since the times in which he was better known by its natural name: Carlos Caetano Bledorn Verri.? Now that is the national coach of the most titled world as he has read the criticisms on the case Amauri?
Ha vastness of choice, the choice not to convene Amauri believe has influenced the fact that they are working for it world-famous players. If there are issues of nationality do not know, but I know that Dunga is a serious man. For him there are not any ultimatums, there is blackmail which takes ".

Now what Antonio Caliendo?
"I am a consultant, too many players, I follow a po 'entire football landscape."
Now that is considered the best right side of the world, what makes them happy?

"Perhaps even harbor some 'luck Inter. Nineteen years ago Ramon Diaz took the Nerazzurri and won the scudetto. After sixteen here and Maicon Inter wins again ... these are also satisfactions."
And Trezeguet, another great champion who follows a daily basis?

"About him I would say one thing. I take this opportunity thanks to you, but why a player like him has never been in the qualifications of the Golden Ball? There is talk of a world champion and Europe, was gunner Juve's for many years, the bomber most prolific of European football ... a thing to think when it is not present in the rankings of the Golden Ball? Jean-Pierre Papin won his prize, but is not comparable to David, from These are facts I think that this is an assignment policy ...".

Not bad as incipit ...
"Mass, people are careful enough, the player is stronger voted on the basis of what they won in their careers. If after winning a lot is not even selected, it is really incredible. If you are not separate him .. . Says the history of football. "

. At that time was procurator of 140 players participating in the World and Italian final between Germany and Argentina in the field there were 12, more than half. Qual è il ricordo più bello? What is the best memory?

"There are many anecdotes, one day more calm I tell them in detail. I could say things about Baggio and many others, but I like to remember what I said to Schillaci still before the end Juve. It was in Messina in B, I had to bring him to Turin: the predicted the Magical Nights of which was the protagonist. A few months later became the gunner's Juventus in the first year in A, was led by the World Azeglio Vicini and became the Golden Shoe of the event with 6 networks. I had expected, we had always believed. One day I said that Schillaci and Baggio were the twins of Italy, I was orgogliosissimo. "
Luigi Sinibaldi - Web Translation

See also: Past Caliendo Blog Posts including re QPR matters


Visit the QPR Report Messageboard

Saturday, November 29, 2008

QPR's Draw at Crystal Palace - Reports, Analysis and Managerial Comments

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Visit the QPR Report Messageboard...Among the articles posted there:
- Forty Years Ago Today, after 28 days in charge, "The Doc" (Tommy Docherty) Quit as QPR Manager
- The Continued Attraction of English Football
- Continuing Sports (not football specific) in the age of Terrorism
- Football Clubs Prices and the VAT Reduction: (No Word yet from QPR)


QPR's draw moves them up to 9th in the table. QPR have now not scored away in the League, since....September! (Last goal at Norwich, September 17) - and have scored two away goals all season. (Wolves, by contrast, have scored 23 away goals!)...Reminder: The FA Cup Third Round Draw being made later today:(2:15pm GMT)

The Times/Barry Flatman - Paulo Sousa acclimatises for QPR
After little more than a week in charge of QPR, life for Paulo Sousa is still very much about acclimatising to the Championship way of doing things after living most of his competitive life amongst the game's elite. Yet his team nearly did enough to make the words of Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan sound ill judged.

Jordan has never been a man who reacts favorably when others offer observations on how his own club is run but he saw fit to question the appointment of the Portuguese whose former clubs number Sporting Lisbon, Benfica, Juventus, Inter Milan, Palma and Borussia Dortmund. "He knows next to nothing about the Championship which is a very specific league," maintained the Palace chairman.

Sousa is wise enough not involve himself in an argument but he seems a man ready to learn. After just three training sessions and having picked the side for two matches, he can look back on a return of four points and if loan signing Heidar Helguson had been a little sharper when presented with a gilt edged opportunity immediately after his half-time introduction, Jordan would really have something to complain about.

As it is QPR still possess the most horrendous goal scoring record away from home in the Football League and are now just 11 minutes of play away from having gone ten hours on their travels without scoring a goal. Sousa knows that is one of the first things that must change under his tenure but he said: "Of course this level is different to what I am used to working with. The English style is quick with high intensity and I need to adapt.

"Hopefully I will give confidence to the players and that will create more scoring chances. This team will grow and develop in the future and we will have more opportunities."

Helguson's last piece of action for Bolton Wanderers was a half hour run out as a substitute on September 13, four days before QPR scored their last away league goal at Norwich. The Icelandic international had made just one token touch in midfield when the ball was laid into his path by the willing Patrick Agyemang and unimpaired by any defensive change he advanced on the Palace goal only to blaze his shot agonisingly wide.

Such gifts have been rare for QPR of late as they have now gone six away games with a goal, let alone a win. Nevertheless they left with an air of contentment. Palace after all have been something of a form team of late and had been thwarted in their attempt to register a fourth win in succession. Still manager Neil Warnock maintained: "I cannot fault anybody and overall I am quite pleased with the way we played."

Crystal Palace: Speroni 6, Clyne 7, McCarthy 6, Fonte 6, Hill 6, Oster 5, Watson 7, Carle 5 (sub. Derry 62 mins 7), Ifill 5 (sub. Kuqi 62 mins 7), Scannell 6 (sub. Griffit 86 mins 5), Beattie 6.

QPR: Cerny 6, Ramage 6, Stewart 8, Gorkss 6, Delaney 5, Ephraim 6, Leigertwood 7, Mahon 6, Parejo 4 (sub Helguson HT 5), Blackstock 6 (sub. Rowlands 56 mins 6), Agyemang 7 (sub. Di Carmine 90 mins 5)
Star player: Damion Stewart (QPR)
Attendance: 16,411 The Times


QPR Official Site - The Gaffer STEADY GROWTH

Paulo Sousa was pleased with the effort and commitment of his players as they gained a point at in-form Crystal Palace this afternoon.
-Heidar Helguson came on in the second-half to make his R's debut following his loan arrival from Bolton, and he could have given his new team the lead with his very first touch.
His effort whizzed wide of the right-hand post, however, and Sousa told www.qpr.co.uk: "Up until that point I felt we were in control of the match.
"We had other chances as well, but that was the most clear-cut.
"I am very proud of my team. It is not easy for them to adapt to new ideas, especially in such a short space of time, but I am very happy with them."
Sousa reserved special praise for his new striker, explaining: "Heidar came in and has had only one training session with us, so to do as well as he did today shows me that he can become an important player for us.
"One of my aims is to give my players confidence, because I know they are good footballers. And the best way to gain confidence is by winning matches.
"My feeling is that we are now creating more and more chances in front of goal, and as the team grows together I am confident that we will continue to do better and better. I am very sure about that, I have no doubts.
With the January transfer window just around the corner, Sousa added: "Together we will make decisions about what is best to do. We will look for the correct players to improve the squad." QPR


SPORTING LIFE -WARNOCK TARGET PLAY-OFFS
Neil Warnock hopes history can repeat itself and Crystal Palace can stage a late Championship promotion charge after watching his team earn a goalless draw at home to QPR.
- The Eagles stretched their unbeaten run to three games against their local rivals at a wet and freezing Selhurst Park on Saturday.
Craig Beattie came close to snatching a precious win for the hosts in stoppage time when his low shot was spilled by goalkeeper Radek Cerny, but in truth this was a game neither side deserved to win.
Palace are just two points off the top six, despite slipping to 13th in the table following this stalemate.
Warnock led the south Londoners to the play-offs last term, having taken over when they were languishing in the relegation zone, and he is convinced his young side can challenge again.
"It was about this time last year that we started our run, and that came after a home draw against QPR as well," he said.
"I think it's well within our reach to do the same this season.
"Clubs like QPR have got the finances but we've got the squad and the management to get there so I'm sure we can play a part.
"We're working very hard and are just starting to get things together. We're looking to win games away from home and while we'll make mistakes I think we can still be very optimistic.
"I don't set targets as such but realistically, we want to be one of the teams who are up there at the end of the season.
"We've got some momentum going now and we're playing quite well now. I certainly wouldn't want to play us at the minute."

New QPR manager Paulo Sousa admitted the match was a far cry from his halcyon days as a player, which included Champions League triumphs with Juventus and Borussia Dortmund.
But the Portuguese maintained he was proud of his side's efforts and believes they would have been celebrating their first away win since September had loan signing Heidar Helguson not sliced wide of an open goal from 30 yards early in the second half.
"Of course this sort of game is different - a very different style to the places I played," Sousa said.
"Everything is different but I am already adjusting to it.
"I think we controlled the game and we had a clear chance to win it with Helguson, but we couldn't take it.
"I am proud of the side because we have changed our ideas and way of playing in just a few training sessions and that is difficult to do.
"We have made a big jump and we are in a good way. I hope in the next game that we can go one better and win the match.
"The team is growing and developing. In the future, I hope we will be better and have more quality in games like this. I am sure about that." Sporting Life


Crystal Palace Official Site - Warnock Happy With Battling Spirit

Neil Warnock praised his team's battling spirit after drawing to Paulo Sousa's QPR at Selhurst Park.
"They were a tough side and the way they played you were not going to get any fluent football. It was very cramped and we had to be a bit patient but overall I am quite pleased after a hard week. To get seven points from three games is very good."
After a hard week the manager is hoping to be able to pick from a full strength squad when the Eagles travel to Pride Park next Saturday.
"Now we have got a week to get rid of the aching bones and whatever and look forward to next weekends game against Derby. We will have a few playing in the reserves next week. Danny Butterfield, Alan Lee and possibly James Scowcroft so it will be nice to have a near full squad to choose from."
The Eagles stuck with a pretty much-unchanged side for the QPR encounter, which meant both Shaun Derry and Matt Lawrence were kept on the bench.
"I am not really a tinker and I like to stay with the team if they have done well. I cannot fault anyone this week and today I thought we were solid at the back against a mobile side.
"Even Derry yesterday when I told him that he would not be starting said that he could not complain as the midfield three have been doing really well, so that is the spirit at the minute."
One of those midfielders was man of the match winner John Oster who has certainly come into a bit of form of late with two goals in his last three games, a change that Warnock has certainly been aware of.
"John has been playing ever so well, I told him three weeks ago before he was in the team that I would be extending his contract until the end of the season and since I told him he has been a breath of fresh air."
Nathanial Clyne played his third game in succession and the manager was quick to praise the product from the youth academy.
"He played very well today barring a few mistakes. I told him at half-time not to be afraid of making a mistake and what I love about him is he plays the game simple. When the pass is on to go wide he plays it, if he needs to lay it to the central midfielder he does it. Playing simple is the hardest thing to do and he does it so well." Crystal Palace


Crystal Palace Official Site
Crystal Palace have been held to a 0-0 draw by QPR in a game that will be remembered more for the fourth official, who was to replace the linesman, taking a couple of minutes to warm up along the touch line than any actual moments from the match.
But Neil Warnock will be encouraged by clean sheet, the first in three games, as well as compact performance against a QPR side that would have been buoyed by the arrival of their new manager.
In the first half, Palace were much the better side, patiently building up play in a bid to find a small gap between QPR's water tight lines.

The home side recorded their first chance with only three minutes on the clock when Craig Beattie found himself free inside the box, on a tight angle, 15 yards from goal. Receiving the ball to his feet he swivelled and attempted a curled effort to the far post, but the keeper saved comfortably.

QPR responded five minutes later with a half chance from Real Madrid starlet Daniel Parejo when he connected with a Patrick Agyemang cross to flick the ball across goal. But he would have been disappointed had he known the amount of space he actually had to maybe have taken a touch.

Palace continued to dominate but their chances were kept at a premium. Ben Watson's 14th minute low shot was the closest of the early exchanges when he found himself in space, 20 yards from goal and drilled in a shot that ran just wide of the post.

While Paul Ifill came even closer in the 41st when he worked some space for himself just inside the box and smashed a low drive that hit the post.

The second half began in the most memorable of circumstances as QPR substitute Heider Helguson missed the chance of the season when he played the ball wide of an open goal. It was as bad as it sounds. Speroni had come out to close the angle when Helguson was put through but, as he rounded the Palace keeper, he screwed his shot from 18 yards past the post.

A scare for Palace but a sign for things to come because they came out to the second half a changed side. Much more nervous and disjointed, they failed to impose themselves on the early exchanges and QPR pushed in search of a breakthrough.

On 50 minutes, full back Peter Ramage ghosted in round the back of the Eagles defence to connect with a deep cross but his left footed volley, with the inside of his boot, looped on to the top of the net.

Blackstock then came close five minutes later when he squirmed away from his two markers on the edge of the box to shoot low to the near post however Speroni saved down to his left.

And the bad spell continued into the hour mark as substitute Martin Rowlands was allowed way too much space outside the area to measure up a shot from 20 yards. Luckily for the home side though the midfielder dragged his shot wide.

Changes needed to be made and Neil Warnock obliged with the introduction of Shaun Derry, who took the captain's armband from Clint Hill, and Shefki Kuqi.

And the big man up front had an immediate impact as his size and, surprisingly, his pace began to cause the QPR defence some problems.

On 71 minutes Kuqi forged his first chance when he connected with a superb John Oster cross. But the ball was slightly behind him and he had to reach behind himself to get a header away, which meant the effort was weak and Cerny gathered.

Nathanial Clyne, who was making his third consecutive appearance in a Palace shirt, had again impressed all afternoon with his defensive play. But, in 72nd minute, he almost had an assist to his name when he put in a brilliant whipped cross for Sean Scannell. However the winger could not direct his header on goal and it flew harmlessly wide.

The game then entered into a dull period where both sides failed to get a grip on play and it only came back into life in the five minutes of stoppage time when Craig Beattie had a great chance to win it late on.

Slipped through the QPR defence by a great pass from substitue Leandre Griffit, on the outside of the box he shot across the keeper, who saved down to his right. But the ball slipped out of his hands and Kuqi tried to follow up but the defender did enough to hold him back as Cerny kicked it away.

It was to be the final chance of the game and referee Rob Styles blew up for full time soon after.

Stay with cpfc.co.uk for Neil Warnock's post-match press conference. The full press conference will be posted later exclusively on Palace World. To sign up for World click on the link below.

Join Palace World

Att: 16,411 (1,731 away)

Team News

At a glance: Paul Ifill is preferred to Shefki Kuqi in an otherwise unchange line up from Tuesday night's victory away at Carrow Road. One notable inclusion on the bench is that of winger Leandre Griffit who make a return from injury.

Crystal Palace - 1. Julian Speroni, 3. Clint Hill (c), 5. Paddy McCarthy, 6. Jose Fonte, 10. Nick Carle (4.Shaun Derry, 64), 14. Sean Scannell (27. Leandre Griffit, 86) 19. Craig Beattie, 23. Paul Ifill (32. Shefki Kuqi, 64), 24. Ben Watson, 26.John Oster, 43.Nathanial Clyne.

Subs- 2.Matt Lawrence, 11.Victor Moses

QPR - 24. Radek Cerny, 2. Damien Delany, 3. Damion Stewart, 4. Gavin Mahon (c), 6. Mikele Leigertwood, 7. Daniel Parejo (27. Heider Helguson, 45), 9. Dexter Blackstock (14. Martin Rowlands, 58), 11. Patrick Agyemang (22. Samuel Di Carmine, 90 +1), 13. Kaspar Gorkss, 15. Peter Ramage, 25. Hogan Ephraim

Subs - 23. Jake Cole, 29. Gary Borrowdale Crystal Palace


QPR Official Site
QPR finished their London derby trilogy by holding Crystal Palace to an uninspiring 0-0 draw at a wet and cold Selhurst Park.

In a game of few chances, the match was summed up by new striker Heidar Helguson missing an open goal, and the R's testing home keeper Julian Speroni just once through Patrick Agyemang.

Palace enjoyed most of the possession but they themselves only tested Radek Cerny in the Rangers goal a handful of times, most notably from Paul Ifill.

But neither side could make the breakthrough during the 90 minutes and the R's completed the set, adding a draw to their win and loss from the last two games.

For Part Three of the trilogy, Manager Paulo Sousa made one change to his starting eleven. Damiano Tommasi made way for Gavin Mahon at the base of the midfield diamond.

The bench however, was given a dramatic makeover, as Martin Rowlands returned to the First Team squad. He was joined by new loan signings Helguson and ex-Eagle Gary Borrowdale.

The home side handed starts to youngsters Nathaniel Clyne and Sean Scannell, whilst on-loan Craig Beattie started up front looking to continue his fine goalscoring form.

And it was Beattie who had the match's opening effort. Ben Watson found the on-loan Baggie with a pass inside and the striker took a touch before firing into the arms of Radek Cerny, giving the R's an early warning.

That warning was not heeded and Rangers struggled to assert their own influence on the match. Palace by contrast were enjoying the majority of possession and Watson saw a 25-yard low drive fly wide of Cerny's right-hand post.

Palace threatened again as John Oster released Scannell down the right. The prospect jinked his way past Delaney and fired a low cross that Cerny did well to collect.

Rangers finally threatened the home defence but when Dexter Blackstock knocked down a lofted pass into the path of Agyemang, the pacy striker could not garner enough power on his volley attempt, and Speroni saved comfortably.

After scoring a wonderful goal in his previous game, Oster tried again with a chip from the edge of the box. Fortunately for the R's, Cerny was wise to it and took the catch with ease.

Palace were by now firmly in control, and Nick Carle was the latest Eagle to try his luck, curling a left-footed effort towards goal that took a deflection on its way wide.

Agyemang was looking a real handful, operating down the left side. Damion Stewart's long pass was expertly controlled by the hitman, before a burst of pace and strength held off Clyne as he drove into the Palace box. Speroni, however, was off his line quickly to smother before Agyemang could cross.

A brief lull was shattered by a venomous strike from Ifill that needed a solid two-handed save at his near-post from Cerny. It looked like it could've gone wide but the Czech custodian was alert and made sure with a fine save.

Manager Sousa made one change at halftime. Helguson replaced Daniel Parejo and should've made an instant impact.

When a long ball forward towards Agyemang saw Speroni try and clear the danger, the Ghanaian managed to touch the ball into the path of the man making his debut. But with the goal gaping he only managed to side-foot the ball wide of the open goal.

Rangers had come out of the dressing room in determined fashion and Mikele Leigertwood tried his luck after cutting in from the left. His well struck shot, however, was comfortably saved, low to his right, by Speroni.

Minutes before the hour, the impressive Rangers following were treated to a welcome sight, as Rowlands emerged from the bench to mark his return from injury by replacing Blackstock.

The introduction of the talismanic Rowlands did little to shift the momentum of the match as first Palace substitute Shefki Kuqi, and then Scannell went close with headed chances.
Despite both sides enjoying spells of possession and briefly threatening, neither could beat Cerny or Speroni in their respective goals and the score remained 0-0, keeping alive Manager Sousa's unbeaten start as gaffer.
Attendance: 16,411 QPR

Teams for Crystal Palace vs QPR....Previewing Crystal Palace vs QPR

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Ostensibly Watch Livestreaming of the game (Perhaps not holding your breath)!

Today's Teams:

Crystal Palace - 1. Julian Speroni, 3. Clint Hill (c), 5. Paddy McCarthy, 6. Jose Fonte, 10. Nick Carle, 14. Sean Scannell, 19. Craig Beattie, 23. Paul Ifill, 24. Ben Watson, 26.John Oster, 43.Nathanial Clyne.
Subs- 2.Matt Lawrence, 4.Shaun Derry, 11.Victor Moses, 27. Leandre Griffit, 32. Shefki Kuqi

QPR - 24. Radek Cerny, 2. Damien Delany, 3. Damion Stewart, 4. Gavin Mahon (c), 6. Mikele Leigertwood, 7. Daniel Parejo, 9. Dexter Blackstock, 11. Patrick Agyemang, 13. Kaspar Gorkss, 15. Peter Ramage, 25. Hogan Ephraim
Subs - 14. Martin Rowlands, 22. Samuel Di Carmine, 23. Jake Cole, 27. Heider Helguson, 29. Gary Borrowdale


- Crystal Palace take on QPR today. Ninteen years ago, a just-appointed Don Howe and a just-signed Ray Wilkins led a QPR to a 3-0 away win at Palace. If QPR get even a point today, they'll have done well.

- Over the years, numerous Crystal Palace players have played for QPR; and some of the other way: Off the cuff: Mark Lazarus; Terry Venables and Ian Evans who were swopped to Palace in 1974 in exchange for an aging Don Rogers. A few months later, QPR, under Dave Sexton tried to buy back Venables. Others: When Venables came to QPR as manager (from Palace, bringing with him coaches Alan Harris and George Graham) they also signed: Burridge, Fenwick, Flangan, Sealy and ex QPRs, Clive Allen, Steve Wicks and Gerry Francis. And then over the years an array of former Palace players have spent some time at QPR.


Crystal Palace Official Site Next Up...QPR
- With a new man in charge, QPR are a team with new direction and refreshed vigour. A win midweek against Charlton did its best to halt the steady fall away from the top of the table, while also taking the pressure away from Paulo Sousa, the Portuguese legend now in charge at Loftus Road.
- It has so far been a season of inconsistency as, from home they are looking comfortable, with seven wins from ten suggesting as such and 16 goals scored also suggesting that they are not short of confidence going forward. However, away from home they are a completely different proposition, with only one win on record so far.
- Even more of a concern is their goal scoring form on the road, with only two goals in their For column sitting as an impoverished sum against a relatively obese 11 goals conceded.
- Palace, on the other hand, are very much the form team. Three wins out of four and nine goals scored, Neil Warnock's men are full of confidence and will be eager to continue their unbeaten run.
- Team News :
Palace - Alan Lee and James Scowcroft are close to return and are expected to feature next week in the Reserve fixture against Reading, while Danny Butterfield (hamstring) is expected to be out of contention for a third game.
Shaun Derry has recovered from the illness that kept him out of last weekend's match and will by vying for a place in the starting line-up.
QPR - Emmanuel Ledesma (5 yellows - one game) and Fitz Hall (second of three game) are suspended.
Matthew Connolly and Lee Cook remain doubts, with back and knee injuries respectively.
Previous League Encounters :
Football League Championship
2007/2008
Queen's Park Rangers 1-2 Crystal Palace 04-12-2007
Crystal Palace 1-1 Queen's Park Rangers 10-11-2007

2006/2007
Crystal Palace 3-0 Queen's Park Rangers 02-12-2006
Queen's Park Rangers 4-2 Crystal Palace 04-11-2006

2005/2006
Crystal Palace 2-1 Queen's Park Rangers 14-02-2006

Ticket Information
Main Stand Adults £40, £23 Concessions
Croydon Ad Stand and Family Stand Block J £30 Sen Citz £18 Juveniles £13
Arthur Wait Stand - Holmesdale Lower Adults £30 Concessions £18
Holmesdale Upper Tier Adults £35 Concessions £18
Gallery Adults £37 Senior Citizens £20.

Betting
Crystal Palace are 21/20 to win the match. Check out all the odds with Bet 365 and to place your bet CLICK HERE.
Match Officials
Referee: Mr R Styles
Asst Referees : Mr M Murphy & Mr A Watts
4th Official: Mr K Wright Crystal Palace


See also:
- QPR Report: Next Crystal Palace vs QPR
- Ron Norris/Simon Skinner - QPRNet Palace vs QPR Preview
- Ashleigh Rose/LoftforWords - Crystal Palace vs QPR: Connections Memories

Visit QPR Report Messageboard

Friday, November 28, 2008

Snippets - "Flavio QPR Critic Unmasked"...Birmingham's Karen Brady on Briatore Involvement...Various Clubs VAT Price Reductions

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- See also QPR Report on Vital Football: Ten Days That Shook The World...

- Various Clubs Reducing Ticket or Shop prices because of the VAT Reduction (Growing List) - Clubs reducing Prices because of the VAT Cut.

Also on the QPR Report Messageboard::

- Watch (Maybe) Livestreaming Crystal Palace vs QPR

- Obituary for a QPR Supporter

- Some Possible Future England Stars-

- Remembering John Beck, whose Histon Team Takes on Leeds Today

- On This Date: NostalgiaA 6-4 loss to Bolton; Gavin Peacock's Debut...and beating Stoke with John Beck and Phil Nutt.


Daily Mail/Charles Sale - Flavio QPR critic unmasked
Lawyer Nick De Marco, former director and legal advisor at QPR who works as a sports specialist for the Blackstone Chambers, has revealed he was the author of the email sent to Rangers fans describing owner Flavio Briatore (left) as a 'dictator and a really nasty piece of work'.
De Marco had taken legal advice in a bid to prevent Sportsmail naming him when publishing the contents of his email last Saturday that urged QPR fans to use his inside information to stir up trouble.
But De Marco then admitted to Briatore that he was responsible for winding up the fans before confessing his role to three QPR websites. Mail


Birmingham's Karen Brady/The Sun "...SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23
"...WHERE players are concerned I regard myself as nothing more than a servant of the club and manager.
It’s the only subject on which I always do what I am told.
Some chairmen can’t resist being ‘helpful’ to managers. Another word might be ‘interfering’.
Barry Fry’s comment that our plc chairman David Sullivan “doesn’t know the difference between a goal-line and a clothes line” came back to me when I read that Flavio Briatore, the QPR chairman, handed a team selection to his manager with 13 players on it!
The Italian is also said to have called caretaker-boss Gareth Ainsworth 32 times in one match but Ainsworth had left his mobile on silent. Paulo Sousa is now the club’s eighth boss in two years. Sounds like the job from hell — even at £20,000 a week" The Sun

As always: Visit the QPR Report Messageboard

QPR: Ten Days That Shook The World

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QPR Report/Vital Football QPR - "Ten Days That Shook The World

- "QPR Report takes a look at the last ten days at the long running soap-opera that is Queens Park Rangers"
"OK. An extremely hyperbolic title! But it's certainly been quite an intense past ten days for followers of Queen's Park Rangers (QPR). Where to begin? On the managerial front..." For article, See: QPR Report/Vital Football "Ten Days That Shook The World"


- [Visit the QPR Report Messageboard]

Megson on Helguson/QPR: "[D]eal has been on, it has been off...unbelievable" --- Past Charles Sale Articles re QPR

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Visit the QPR Report Messageboard for additional material of interest! including:
- In the aftermath of his recent articles; some QPR Messageboard posters have been vociferously expressing their views about the Daily Mail's Charles Sale. So the logical next step: A look at his previous writings: The Daily Mail's Charles Sale on QPR
Also on the the QPR Report Messageboard :
- Other Clubs Reducing Prices because of VAT Cuts
- Updated Biography of Bernie Ecclestone (including re QPR)
- Spurs B*st*rds!


Leigh Journal/November 28 - Helguson loan deal done at last
- QPR will be given the option of signing Heidar Helguson after finally completing a loan move for the wantaway striker.
- The Championship club have agreed terms to take the Iceland international until mid-January.

- Helguson has made just two appearances for Wanderers all season and was told by Gary Megson that he was not in his first-team plans. Should the deal be officially completed by the end of business today, he could make his Hoops debut tomorrow against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
- “It is not a criticism of QPR but I do feel a bit sorry for Heidar at the moment,” Megson explained. “The deal has been on, it has been off, it has been unbelievable.
- “But now I understand that the deal is back on and they have the option of signing him at the end of January.”

- Megson has stepped-up his search for players but ruled out any move for highly-rated Hapoel Petach Tikva striker Shimon Abu Hazeira.
- Worried about the size of his squad, the Whites boss admits he is under pressure to bring in signings in the new year.
“It’s been a worry and we’re getting close towards the window now,” he said. “The numbers in the squad have got to come up, but it’s got to be quality numbers as well. We don’t want to just bring players in for the sake of it.
“We won’t get through the second half of the season with the squad at the size it is at the moment.
“We know names of players we would like to bring in, but it’s not always that simple. It’s harder bringing players in during January than it actually is in July.” Leigh Journal

Snippets: QPR Price Reductions?...Previewing Crystal Palace vs QPR..."On This Day" Don Howe Appointed....Recall for Ex-QPR Greg Goodridge

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Visit the QPR Report Messageboard for additional material and to express your views. Latest Postings:
- "Leeds Announce £4.5 Million Profit
- FA Cup: Histon (vs Leeds): The QPR Connection
- A reposting reminder what we don't want QPR to become like: "Chelsea, a soulless brand that loves to be loathed"

- Chelsea's Unsuccessful Youth Policy.

Football Clubs VAT Reductions and Price Reductions(QPR?):
- A number of clubs are reducing prices because of the reduction in VAT from 17 ½% to 15%. A number of other clubs have alrady announced they are going to reduce club prices in some form - or at least to consider reductions. For instance: Liverpool, Everton, Spurs, Sunderland, Newcastle, Bolton, Reading, Crystal Palace Dagenham, and Lincoln have all made announcements re VAT/Reductions. Probably a number of other clubs have or will follow suit. Nothing from QPR re what, if any plans they may have re this. "QPR to Reduce Ticket Prices - or Club Shop Prices?". QPR's opponents on Saturday, Crystal Palace, for instance:"Crystal Crystal Palace Football Club are revising their prices for both matchday and season tickets to reflect the new VAT ruling introduced by the government..."Crystal Palace.


Don Howe:
"On This Day" November 28 (1989) Don Howe was named Acting Manager (or Acting First Team Coach) to replace the axed Trevor Francis. Howe's First Game in charge? Crystal Palace Away. Also making his debut in that game: Ray Wilkins. Result? Crystal Palace QPR 3.


Crystal Palace vs QPR:
Saturday, QPR travel to Crystal Palace, for their third successive London Derby. A win for Palace will put them above QPR. Latest Table -- Crystal Palace's Squad -- Crystal Palace Stats this season
- Last November, QPR drew 1-1 at Crystal Palace...and then the following month QPR lost 2-1 at Loftus Road. At Palace, QPR took the lead before a late Morrison equalizer. (No more worried about Morrison - or Freedman - scoring for Palace against QPR!) - The teams for the last time the two clubs played at Palace:
- Crystal Palace: Speroni, Lawrence, Hudson (c), Fonte, Hill, Songo'o (Hall HT), Watson (Bostock 65), Soares (Feedman 72), Kennedy (Soares 72), Ifill, Morrison.
Goal: Morrison 88. Subs not used: Idrizaj, Hills.
- QPR: Camp, Barker, Stewart, Mancienne, Bolder (c) (Rahman 90), Buzsaky, Rowlands (Ainsworth 87), Vine (Sahar 90), Timoska, Leigertwood, Sinclair. Subs not used: Cole, Nardiello Goal: Sinclair 45. . Match Reports
- Crystal Palace vs QPR - Head to Head.
QPR may have their two new loan signings making their debuts: Forward Heidar Helguson and defender, Gary Borrowdale. (Of course QPR fans a week ago, expected to see Heglguson's debut against Watford - not realizing...!)


QPR OFFICIAL SITE THE FRIDAY PREVIEW: EAGLES
- Rangers are on their travels again on Saturday afternoon, for the final part of their November London derby trilogy.
- After defeat at Watford last weekend was followed hot-on-the-heels by victory in W12 against Charlton Athletic on Tuesday night, the R's make the short coach ride to Selhurst Park this weekend, to face a Crystal Palace side slowly but surely finding their groove once again, after initially suffering from a bit of a hangover from last season's whirlwind campaign.
- Indeed, the Eagles came from nowhere to snatch a play-off place last time out, only to be beaten by Bristol City in the semi-finals.
- So far this season, however, Palace have begun in an inconsistent fashion. Indeed, Eagles fans had to wait until the fifth game of the season to see their side register their first win, a 2-0 victory over Swansea City.
- Ironically, the match against the Swans saw the return of the exiled Ben Watson to the starting line-up. The creative midfielder has refused to sign a new deal at Selhurst Park, prompting widespread speculation over his future, but Watson opened the scoring that day.
- Predictably, he has kept his place ever since and has netted a further four times, including a crucial equaliser against Sheffield Wednesday.
- He has been aided in his revival by the re-emergence of another outcast, in Shefki Kuqi, and winger Paul Ifill, who have weighed in with three goals apiece.
- But form has not come as easily as the business end of last season, with results ranging from losing at home to struggling Nottingham Forest, to winning away at Coventry City, and earlier this week, at Norwich City.
- A controversial Craig Beattie strike and a fine John Oster finish helped Palace clinch a 2-1 victory at Carrow Road on Tuesday night.
- The Eagles took the lead when Patrick McCarthy's long ball found Beattie, who poked the ball under keeper David Marshall despite suspicions of offside.
- Palace doubled their lead just before half-time when Oster chipped the ball brilliantly over a stranded Marshall.
- The Canaries pulled one back when Matthew Pattison nodded in Lee Croft's cross, but the Eagles held on, to move up to twelfth in the Championship - and just three points shy of the play-off's.
- Despite being buoyed by Dexter Blackstock's double on Tuesday night, the final instalment of the R's London derby trilogy may prove to be the toughest to date, as forecasting which Crystal Palace side will turn up is unpredictable at best.
QPR


This is Local London/Graham Moody - Warnock disappointed at Styles appointment
- Neil Warnock has admitted his unhappiness after Rob Styles was appointed referee for tomorrow’s clash with QPR at Selhurst Park.
- The Yorkshireman has been a long-standing critic of Styles after the official awarded a controversial penalty to Liverpool against his Sheffield United side on the opening day of their Premiership season two years ago and then failed to award a cast iron penalty to the Blades at Old Trafford.
- Of the latter incident, Warnock wrote in his autobiography: “It was the most obvious of penalties and the most obvious of red cards.
- “Everybody said so but Rob Styles didn’t give it. Let’s face it he doesn’t give much against the big teams. He hasn’t quite got the courage.”
- Styles has made a number of high profile blunders this season, including awarding Christiano Ronaldo a penalty at Bolton when Jlloyd Samuel clearly got the ball and then sending off Habib Beye in the 12th minute of Newcastle’s draw against Manchester City, a decision that was later rescinded and led to Styles being dropped from the Premiership programme.
- Warnock said: “I am disappointed that we have been given Rob Styles again simply because of the comments I made about him in my book.
- “I feel strongly about two of the decisions he made that season. I was hoping I would never get him again and I am disappointed I do.”
- Paul Ifill will face a late fitness test ahead of tomorrow’s match while Alan Lee and Danny Butterfield are set to play in a reserve fixture next Wednesday against Reading at Bromley’s Hayes Lane as they continue to recover from hamstring injuries.
This is Local London


Evening Standard - Jose Fonte will achieve a lifetime's ambition when he faces boyhood hero Paulo Sousa tomorrow.
- The Crystal Palace defender was a huge fan of Queens Park Rangers boss Sousa when he was growing up in Lisbon.
- Sousa is an icon in Portugal after winning 51 caps as part of the country's 'golden generation' and claiming two Champions Leagues at Juventus and Borussia Dortmund. Fonte, 24, has been filled in on his coaching prowess by his brother, Rui, an Arsenal trainee who played for Sousa in Portugal's Under-18s.
- Ahead of tomorrow's clash at Selhurt Park Fonte said said: "Sousa is a huge figure in Portugal. He gained so much respect because he was a massive player for the national team and he played for some of Europe's biggest clubs.
- "Maybe there was a bit of surprise that he is managing QPR but he is very respected in Italy and Flavio Briatore is Italian so that must have played a part.
- "He knows the game extremely well and I have so much respect for him. It will be an honour to play against him." Standard


Who knew! Greg Goodridge is still playing
- Barbados -Lalu recalled for finals Nation News/Barbados by EZRA STUART
LIKE GOOD OLE WINE, former national captain and English professional Gregory "Lalu" Goodridge is back in the Barbados football firmament.
The 37-year-old Goodridge has been recalled to the Barbados team, selected for the finals of the lucrative Digicel Caribbean Championships starting in Jamaica next week.
The Barbados footballers will have a tough opening match on Wednesday night against host country Jamaica at the National Stadium, which is known as "The Office".
The Bajan Tridents will then oppose the seven-time champions Trinidad and Tobago on Friday at Jarret Park in Montego Bay, followed by another Group match against Grenada at the Trelawny Stadium on Sunday as they hunt a first prize of US$120 000 and a berth in the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
The evergreen Goodridge, who played for Queen's Park Rangers in the English Premier League in 1996 following stints at Torquay, Bristol City and Cheltenham, makes a return to the national team after a two-year "retirement" following the 2006 Digicel Cup finals in Trinidad and Tobago.
"I'm very grateful to hear that they (coaching staff) wanted me to come back and play. I always put my country first. I consider it an honour to represent my country and will never refuse an opportunity to do so because playing for Barbados, it doesn't get any higher," Goodridge told WEEKENDSPORT yesterday.
Goodridge said he attended a couple of training sessions with the national team and was able to match the younger players in the fitness drills.
"The only people who look at age in sports are Barbadians. Trinidad are playing with Dwight Yorke and Russell Latapy in their World Cup matches. As long as you have the legs, can read the game and willing to play, you will come through," he pointed out.
With Goodridge returning, his Brittons Hill teammate Bryan Gay, who made his senior debut in St Kitts but did not play in any of the three games in Cuba, has been excluded....
Nation News

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Ex-QPRs Warren Neil and Joe Dunbar Axed by Luton...Cureton to Barnsley on Loan

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Luton Official Site CHANGES IN THE DRESSING ROOM
- Luton Town Football Club 2020 Ltd (LTFC2020) has announced today that it has released the services of first team coach Warren Neill and performance manager Joe Dunbar
- Both Warren and Joe were appointed by the administrator when the club was in turmoil following the departure of Kevin Blackwell and his staff. Working alongside Hatters' boss Mick Harford, they were responsible for first team activities and played a significant role in the massive restructuring of the squad during July and August 2008.
- Mick Harford said, "Both guys have done a tremendous amount for the club and fans should thank them both for their contribution. We had a huge task on our hands putting a squad together for this season and without their knowledge and support that would have been an impossible task.
- Mick continued, "They have supported me during this difficult year and I am full of gratitude for their support and friendship. I know both guys very well and respect them hugely. Very few people would have taken on the challenge at the time they did and I wish them every success in the future."
- Gary Sweet, md of LTFC2020 commented, "We know the situation we are in and we are aware of the skills needed. Warren and Joe have done a great job for us but this club is in a unique situation and clinical action is sometimes required in order for us to maximise our chances of survival.
- Gary continued, "Decisions like this are always hard and we have spoken to both of them personally to explain the situation, however, we now feel we need to introduce a change of emphasis at this time. We will be taking interviews and making an announcement in the next few days on their long-term replacements."
- Antony Brown, LTFC2020 director, added, "We have a good squad of players and we need to overcome our injury problems. Everyone strongly believes that we can overcome the plight we face and we know the importance of being able to play our first choice eleven. As the club is stabilising financially we have the opportunity to step up the support in the dressing room and on the training pitch so that is what we intend to do."
- Until announcements are made Alan Neilsen will support Mick by taking temporary charge of first team coaching. Luton Official Site


Jamie Cureton Joins Barnsley on Loan
Barnsley Official Site - SENSATIONAL CURETON DEAL
BARNSLEY manager Simon Davey has today swooped into the transfer market and beaten the deadline to sign Norwich City striker Jamie Cureton on a three-month emergency loan.
The deal has beaten the deadline and Jamie will be able to make his Barnsley debut against Nottingham Forest this weekend.
Born in Bristol, the 33-year-old started his career with Norwich City, hitting six goals in 32 games as a youngster. Loan spells with Bournemouth and Bristol Rovers followed before he eventually joined Rovers on a permanent basis in 1996. Jamie hit the goal trail at the Memorial Stadium, netting 74 times in 196 games earning a switch to Reading in 2000. He scored 55 goals in just 127 matches for the Royalsand enjoyed a year in South Korea with Busan I'cons before returning to English football in 2004 with QPR. His time at Loftus Road was not as successful as he hoped and he found the back of the net six times in 47 games for Rangers.
Jamie went out on loan during the 2005/2006 season enjoying stints with Swindon Town and Colchester United, where he impressed with seven goals in just ten games. He joined the Us permanently in the summer of 2006 as they prepared for life in the second tier of English football and the striker went on to plunder 23 goals in 46 matches as the Layer Road club had a memorable year.
He returned to Norwich City in June 2006 and Jamie managed 14 goals for the Club last season. He has started three league games for the Canaries this term although he has been called into action from the bench eleven times.
Reds boss Simon Davey said: "We have lost Iain (Hume) and our thoughts are with him but we need to ensure we have the firepower to maintain our excellent run. Jamie is a player I have admired for a long time and has a fantastic goalscoring record. He is another piece in the jigsaw here.
"He is a goalscorer and is proven at this level and if he gets the opportunity then he will put it into the back of the net. We are on a fantastic run at the moment and now is the right time to strengthen. Having spoken with his representatives and to Jamie we know that he wanted to come here. We wanted Jamie and we have signed him". Barnsley

- As always, visit the QPR Report Messageboard for additional football focus.

FA Cup Third Round Draw: QPR's Number #31

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[Visit the QPR Report Messageboard for additional football posts and to express your views.] See for example:
- Airbrushing History - Kiyan Prince
- QPR's Relegation-Achieving Squad of a Decade Ago
- Middlesbrough Musing: Use TV Money to Subsidize Ticket prices
- Nostalgia: Seven Years Ago: The Search for New Owners
- Last Year's Caretaker Manager in Action
- "Sleeping giants: Ten teams that should be granted Premier League status for life" (QPR being one of them!)
-
Ex-QPR Jon Munday Update


FA re FA CUP THIRD ROUND DRAW
"Live on ITV, Sir Trevor Brooking and Ray Clemence will make the draw with Jim Rosenthal at Soho Square on Sunday at 2.15pm. With the 44 sides from the Premier League and Championship coming into the draw, there will be 64 balls in the hat for the Third Round and ties will be played on the weekend of 3-4 January. Winning clubs will receive £75,000 from The FA"

FA Cup Third Round Draw Numbers
1 - Arsenal
2 - Aston Villa
3 - Barnsley
4 - Birmingham City
5 - Blackburn Rovers
6 - Blackpool
7 - Bolton Wanderers
8 - Bristol City
9 - Burnley
10 - Cardiff City
11 - Charlton Athletic
12 - Chelsea
13 - Coventry City
14 - Crystal Palace
15 - Derby County
16 - Doncaster Rovers
17 - Everton
18 - Fulham
19 - Hull City
20 - Ipswich Town
21 - Liverpool
22 - Manchester City
23 - Manchester United
24 - Middlesbrough
25 - Newcastle United
26 - Norwich City
27 - Nottingham Forest
28 - Plymouth Argyle
29 - Portsmouth
30 - Preston North End
31 - Queens Park Rangers
32 - Reading
33 - Sheffield United
34 - Sheffield Wednesday
35 - Southampton
36 - Stoke City
37 - Sunderland
38 - Swansea City
39 - Tottenham Hotspur
40 - Watford
41 - West Brom
42 - West Ham United
43 - Wigan Athletic
44 - Wolves
45 - Chesterfield or Droylsden
46 - Peterborough United or Tranmere Rovers
47 - Eastwood Town or Wycombe Wanderers
48 - Notts County or Kettering Town
49 - Leicester City or Dagenham & Redbridge
50 - Barrow or Brentford
51 - Bradford City or Leyton Orient
52 - Southend United or Luton Town
53 - Forest Green Rovers or Rochdale
54 - Histon or Leeds United
55 - Scunthorpe United or Alfreton Town
56 - Torquay United or Oxford United
57 - Fleetwood Town or Hartlepool United
58 - Morecambe or Cheltenham Town
59 - Gillingham or Stockport County
60 - Millwall or Aldershot Town
61 - Carlisle United/Grays Athletic or Crewe Alexandra
62 - Bournemouth or Blyth Spartans
63 - Kidderminster Harriers or Curzon Ashton
64 - Port Vale or Macclesfield Town

FA Cup: Third Round Details

Snippets - Rowlands on Sousa...Borrowdale: Coventry Wanted £1.5 Million Year Ago.... No Gorkss to Preston....Caliendo-Briatore Update...QPR in Bahrain

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[Visit the QPR Report Messageboard for additional football posts and to express your views.] - Airbrushing History - Kiyan Prince....QPR's Relegation-Achieving Squad of a Decade Ago...Middlesbrough Musing: Use TV Money to Subsidize Ticket
prices
.....Nostalgia: Seven Years Ago: The Search for New Owners
- Ex-QPR Jon Munday Update

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Caliendo-Briatore Update - From his blog
[Italian speakers welcome!]


Dave McIntre/Ealing Gazette - Borrowdale joins from Coventry
QPR have agreed the signing of Coventry full-back Gary Borrowdale.
The former England U21 international is set to join Rangers on loan with a view to a permanent move for an undisclosed fee when the transfer window opens in January.
Borrowdale, 23, joined Coventry from Crystal Palace for around £650,000 in July last year.
He has since lost his first team place and was recently told he could leave the Sky Blues if another club came in for him.
That alerted QPR, who were interested in buying him last January but were told then that he would cost £1.5m.
Borrowdale is likely to be in the Rangers squad for Saturday's game against old club Palace at Selhurst Park....Ealing Gazette

Eleven a Side - "Rowlands Backs New QPR Boss"
"...And Ireland international Rowlands is pleased to welcome the Portuguese to west London. He said: “He’s had a fantastic playing career and was assistant to Luiz Felipe Scolari for five years with Portugal - and Scolari is obviously a great manager.
“If he can bring that experience with him, I’m sure it will be very beneficial. It is a big plus that he speaks English. He’ll have his own way of saying things and his own opinions but I’m sure we’ll have a good relationship." Eleven a Side


This is Lancashire/Tony Dewhurst -Gorkss is a no go - for now
- Former Blackpool defender Kaspars Gorkss could still be a Preston North End target.
But Deepdale chairman Derek Shaw today denied North End are locked in talks with the Latvia international, whose future is looking increasingly uncertain at Queens Park Rangers.
- Preston boss Alan Irvine tried to sign the 27-year-old stopper last summer before the big defender's £250,000 switch to Loftus Road.
-Shaw told the Evening Post: "We tried to sign Kaspars Gorkss but we couldn't compete with the financial package on offer to the player at QPR.
-"Alan Irvine was keen to bring him to Deepdale, and Gorkss is a player our manager admires.
-"I believe his father represented him when we had talks in the summer, but we've not spoken since then and speculation that we are having more discussions is nonsense.
-"We would certainly need some assistance from QPR if we were to do anything in the January window, but I doubt we will.-

"We've a young centre-half, Neil Trotman, we haven't seen yet and we've other options there..." This is Lancashire


QPR Official Site - FOOTBALL IN THE COMMUNITY - IN BAHRAIN


Queens Park Rangers Football Club has joined forces with Gulf Air to promote grass roots football among Bahraini children.

In conjunction with the Club's Football in the Community department, Gulf Air - Bahrain's national carrier and the R's official shirt sponsors - launched the first phase of its initiative at a lunch and presentation ceremony in the presence of ex-England and Rangers striker Les Ferdinand at the Gulf Air Club in Isa town last week.

The event, which was attended by representatives from the Government Organisation for Youth and Sport (GOYS) and QPR, is part of the R's on-going commitment to the people of Bahrain.!

The first phase of the initiative, which targets the youngest members of the community, was kicked off by Ferdinand, with the presentation of coaching kits to representatives from over 20 local Football Clubs in Bahrain.

The kits were awarded to the teams as part of Gulf Air's Football in the Community Initiative.

As part of the partnership, the Club has committed to a special five-day football coaching camp that will be run by professional coaches from QPR, from Sunday 30th November.

The camp will provide children from the local community with the opportunity to improve their football skills with some of the Club's best coaches, free of charge.

The camp will have five different sessions, including one specifically for the Bahraini National Youth Development Team and the Bahraini Girls National Team.

Commenting on the recent launch, Ferdinand said: "Football is a sport which has the power to bring people together and I am proud to be involved in a programme that will provide a fantastic opportunity for local kids as well as strengthening social and community links."

Ali Russell, Assistant Managing Director of QPR, commented: "We are delighted to be in partnership with Gulf Air and support the development of grass roots football in the Kingdom of Bahrain. QPR is fully committed to Gulf Air and its Football in the Community initiative. We would like to thank Gulf Air and its partners for the opportunity to participate in this social cause, which I am sure will be a great success!"

Gulf Air Chief Executive Officer Björn Näf added: "This initiative is about giving people - particularly children - the opportunity not just to come together and play football but to learn about the benefits of team work.

"As the flag carrier of the Kingdom, Gulf Air is committed to promoting grassroots sport in the Kingdom of Bahrain and we are looking forward to working closely with local football clubs, GOYS and the Bahrain Football Association." QPR

Sheila Marson Update: Supposedly Starting Legal Proceedings re Her Sacking

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Of course the source is Charles Sale/Daily Mail

Daily Mail/Charles Sale
"...QPR's deposed secretary Sheila Marson is starting legal proceedings claiming unfair dismissal.
Sheila, 55, who had been at Loftus Road for more than 20 years, alleges she was given no reason for her sacking this week.
But fans are speculating on websites that owner Flavio Briatore wanted her out as she is too old and doesn't fit in with the dolly-bird image he wants to replicate from F1 in his QPR 'project'." Mail


Statement from QPR1st Over Her Departure
Sheila Marson - November 25, 2008
QPR1st are saddened and shocked to hear of the news that club secretary Sheila Marson has left the club.
Sheila has been a part of Queens Park Rangers Football Club for a period spanning four decades and is very much part of our history and is widely respected up and down the country by the footballing community.
She deserves the utmost respect and recognition for her work during this period and QPR1st would like to express our gratitude for everything she has done for the club. QPR1st

Visit the QPR Report Message Board

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Only from Bolton Learn "Helguson has finally completed a loan move [to QPR]"

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Reading QPR's Official site, you would never know that there had been any problem with the transfer since it was announced as having been completed last week. Instead from QPR you get today the risible ostensible Helguson quote "When QPR showed their interest in me, I didn't hesitate in making the move."

Bolton Official Site - Heidar Is A Loan Ranger
Wed 26 Nov 2008
HEIDAR HELGUSON has finally completed a loan move to Coca Cola Championship outfit Queens Park Rangers.
The Iceland international will stay at Loftus Road until the 1st of January.
Since arriving at the Reebok Stadium in the summer of 2007 from Fulham, the 31 year-old has made 10 appearances for Wanderers, netting two goals. Bolton

QPR's Way of Ensuring People KNEW that Helguson was now at QPR was this post today. Nothing about he had just signed; and that the announcement last week from last week had become, for a while "inoperative."

QPR OFFICIAL SITE HELGUSON RARING TO GO -
November 26, 2008 = Buoyed by his recent goalscoring exploits for Iceland, Heidar Helguson is raring to go in a QPR shirt.
The 31 year-old, who could make his Rangers debut against Crystal Palace this weekend, can't wait to prove himself to the R's faithful.
"This is a good opportunity for me to play some First Team football," the Bolton Wanderers loanee told www.qpr.co.uk.
"I need to be playing regular football and hopefully I'll get the chance to do that here.
When QPR showed their interest in me, I didn't hesitate in making the move."
A scorer at Championship level for Watford in the past, Helguson is confident he can score the goals to fire Rangers up the Championship table.
"I've been brought here to score goals," he added.
"Of course it could take time to settle, like it does at any Club, but I am confident I can produce the goods for QPR."
Helguson will wear squad number 27. QPR

Visit the QPR Report Messageboard

Confirmation: Coventry Defender Gary Borrowdale (and Helguson) Joins QPR (Loan)

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QPR Official Site - BORROWDALE JOINS ON LOAN
- Queens Park Rangers Football Club is pleased to confirm the emergency loan signing of Coventry City defender Gary Borrowdale.
- The 23 year-old left back has put pen to paper on a deal until 31st December 2008, and is in contention to make his R's debut against former Club, Crystal Palace, on Saturday.
- Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, Borrowdale expressed his delight at the move, commenting: "I'm really pleased to be here - it's a great move for me.
- "Things have gone a bit stale for me since the change in management at Coventry, but I've got every belief in my own ability and I'm confident I'll be a success here."
- Borrowdale added: "It's a fresh start for me and I'm looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead." QPR


QPR OFFICIAL SITE HELGUSON RARING TO GO -
Buoyed by his recent goalscoring exploits for Iceland, Heidar Helguson is raring to go in a QPR shirt.
The 31 year-old, who could make his Rangers debut against Crystal Palace this weekend, can't wait to prove himself to the R's faithful.
"This is a good opportunity for me to play some First Team football," the Bolton Wanderers loanee told www.qpr.co.uk.
"I need to be playing regular football and hopefully I'll get the chance to do that here.
When QPR showed their interest in me, I didn't hesitate in making the move."
A scorer at Championship level for Watford in the past, Helguson is confident he can score the goals to fire Rangers up the Championship table.
"I've been brought here to score goals," he added.
"Of course it could take time to settle, like it does at any Club, but I am confident I can produce the goods for QPR."
Helguson will wear squad number 27. QPR

Visit the QPR Report Messageboard

Snippet: Football Expert David Mellor on QPR's Situation

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David Mellor/The Standard
"...Flavio has to splash the cash
Who'd be a QPR fan? They must have thought Christmas had come early when three of the world's wealthiest men, Flavio Briatore, Bernie Ecclestone and Lakshmi Mittal bought their club.
Instead, all they get from Briatore is a rich man's ego without much rich man's cash.
Come back Gianni Paladini, all is forgiven." The Standard


Also Chris Charles Blog/BBC
"...Over at my crazy club, Paula Sousa became the sixth man to take the reins at QPR since Flavio Briatore and co assumed control 14 months ago. Sousa was quickly christened Keyser by wags on the Loft for Words messageboard, but was powerless to stop the usual suspects crashing 3-0 to Watford. The Portuguese superstar said: "I have always wanted to work for a big club" - hope he gets his wish one day...." BBC

League Requirement re "Home Grown" Players'?...A Comment on Today's Mirror/Briatore Story...Sousa's Coaching Goals....Hogan's Hopes for Club Stability

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Visit the QPR Report Messageboard for other articles and views -- Football League to Consider Home Grown Rule "...The new rule would require at least four players from clubs' sixteen man matchday squads to have been registered domestically, for a minimum of three seasons, prior to their 21st birthday...."


- Football 365 Media Watch comments on today's Mirror article by Oliver Holt re Briatore [Oliver Holt's original Mirror Story Highlighted


Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times - Sousa sets out to instill confidence- NEW QPR coach Paulo Sousa intends to focus on improving the players at his disposal rather than seeking to replace them in January.
Sousa watched from the stands at Vicarage Road as Rangers slumped to an embarrassing 3-0 defeat, but he stated afterwards: "I know what I need to do and I know the results are coming.
"I believe in the players. The changes are coming with these players - I think they don't have confidence in themselves and they need to work very hard.
"I'm here with a medium to long-term project, to build a solid base and get us to the Premier League. When you go to the Premier League, without a base you go down."
Sousa's plans to work with his current players rather than seeking yet more changes to the squad is highly admirable - yet the sad reality is that he, like his predecessors, will have little or no say on those issues.
The former Portugal midfielder has appointed countryman Bruno Oliveira - who is only 30 - as his assistant, with Tim Flowers, who had been number two to Iain Dowie, departing Loftus Road last week.
Gareth Ainsworth, who acted as caretaker manager following Dowie's sacking, has reverted to his original roles as player-coach and reserve team boss.
Sousa added: "My thanks to Gareth for his hard work in those three weeks, he received me very well and worked very hard to give me the best reports."
Chief scout Filippo Orlando, who was appointed just over a year ago, has also left the club following Sousa's arrival. Kilburn Times


Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times - Hogan Ephraim Now stick with him!
HOGAN Ephraim is pleading for stability at QPR following the arrival of Paulo Sousa - the SIXTH boss he has played for in just over a year.
The Portuguese picked up his first win as Rangers coach on Tuesday night - a fortuitous 2-1 victory over strugglers Charlton at Loftus Road, courtesy of a Dexter Blackstock double.
Ephraim, whose cross set up Blackstock's winner 11 minutes from time, told the Times: "Including my loan here, I've had six different managers. To be quite honest, that's crazy.
"You want stability at the club - you don't want to be walking into the changing room and no-one knows what's happening from one day to the next.
"We keep saying 'it's a tight unit, a family' and then it breaks up every so often because the manager's gone. So we definitely need to make it happen now and concentrate on pushing for the play-offs and higher.
"Hopefully we can now have stability on and off the pitch. All we know is that Paulo Sousa's the manager at the present time and hopefully he'll be here for two and a half years, if not longer.
"I think with his character he'll be here for a while. He's very assertive and wants it done his way - he demands respect and, being the sort of player he was, you have to give him that respect.
"Watford was a disgrace. We knew from the fans' reaction that we had to put in a good performance, the manager demanded that and we showed amazing character."
Despite Ephraim's assertion, it was hard to escape the conclusion that Blackstock's brace got Rangers out of jail after they had toiled lamely against a managerless Charlton side.
The ex-Southampton striker has netted almost half of QPR's league goals this season - underlining the sheer lunacy of Flavio Briatore's plans to sell him in January. Kilburn Times

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