QPR REPORT

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AutoSports.com - Q&A With Flavior Briatore

[Almost the entire interview is about the racing world (and can be read at Q&A

Q. Can you continue delivering as well as you have been in F1 and at QPR as well?
FB: Whatever you're doing, what's most important is the people managing the situation.
In Formula One I believe I have very good people with me, and exactly the same in football. What you need is to organise the club, and then it doesn't take away any time, because now we have everybody: a finance director, a commercial director, a sporting director, a coach, players, everything.
The results will go up and down – you never know – but it's not something taking my time out of Formula One." Q&A

Michael Mancienne Call-up
QPR's season-long loan from Chelsea, Michael Mancienne is again in the England U-21 squad.
England Under-21 squad: Joe Hart (Manchester City); Tom Heaton (Manchester United); Joe Lewis (Peterborough United); Craig Gardner (Aston Villa); Michael Mancienne (QPR); Joe Mattock (Leicester City); Nedum Onuoha (Manchester City); Ryan Shawcross (Stoke City); Steven Taylor (Newcastle United); David Wheater (Middlesbrough); Lee Cattermole (Middlesbrough); Tom Huddlestone (Tottenham Hotspur); Adam Johnson (Middlesbrough); Aaron Lennon (Tottenham Hotspur); James Milner (Newcastle United); Fabrice Muamba (Birmingham City); Mark Noble (West Ham United); Jamie O'Hara (Tottenham Hotspur); Andrew Surman (Southampton); Cameron Jerome (Birmingham City); Luke Moore (Aston Villa); James Vaughan (Everton); Theo Walcott (Arsenal). QPR Site

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Yet another great interview on the Official Site. (Although could have mentioned Gordon's Jago and Jim Gregory's very bold step in signing Thomas as a replacement for the terribly-injured Martyn Busby. QPR at the time, a second Division club, paid a Division record transfer fee for a player dubbed "the best young player in Europe." Also no note of Gregory's sale of Thomas to Everton just before the start of Frank Sibley's first season in charge

QPR Official Site - BLAST FROM THE PAST
In our latest instalment of exclusive past player interviews on www.qpr.co.uk, R's legend Dave Thomas comes under the spotlight. Dave Thomas (1972-1977)

The fans at Loftus Road have always loved a winger. There is no greater sight than seeing a wide man race down the flank, take on a string of defenders and cross the ball at full pace.
One of the greatest exponents of this art was Dave Thomas. He was a real livewire in our marvellous team from the mid 1970's - a period he recalls with much affection.
Thomas said: "My spell at QPR was one of the best in my playing career. Happy days! Fantastic!
"Everything that happened to me was really nice. I was newly married in 1972 when I signed for Rangers. Then we had our children. So they were wonderful times.
"The Club started to take off and became successful in the top-flight. I enjoyed playing on the wing and it was good for me. I've always felt it is the best way to break defences down. The majority of goals come from wide areas with the most dangerous ball in football being whipped into the box.
"I was a two-footed player so I could cross from the right or the left wing. I was very fortunate in that respect and it never bothered me what area of the pitch I played on."
The Super Hoops just missed out on the League title by a point to Liverpool in the 1975/76 season. However, Thomas feels we should have been Champions that year.
He said: "Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but yeah we should have clinched it. We lost 3-2 at Norwich on Easter Monday and if we had won that game then we would have been there.
"I remember Liverpool playing Wolves in their final match after we had finished our fixtures. The whole QPR squad was out in Israel for an end of season tour just before that decider at Molineux. We stuck a load of messages in the Wailing Wall to see if they would bring us any luck but they didn't!
"Toshack and Keegan sealed victory for Liverpool and that was it. It would have been nice for everyone at Rangers to win the League but it wasn't to be. We were all very disappointed."
The R's played a potent brew of attacking football at the time. According to Thomas, our exciting style of play was masterminded by Manager, Dave Sexton.
"He was a great coach as well as being a gentleman and a genius. Dave just wanted you to become a better player. The quality of our passing was fantastic and it was all down to him.
"We believed in that way of playing. Maybe I am old hat but I feel that football has always been the same. It is all about passion and skill. It is a very, very simple game. We tried to entertain and I think the Rangers fans enjoyed the way we played.
"We had some very strong players in that side - from Phil Parkes in goal right the way through. Each of my team mates were excellent in their own right and we all respected each other - both as individuals and footballers.
"So we formed a good team that was quite difficult to beat. We were all different characters in every way and there was a great spirit in the camp."
Thomas won eight England caps during his time at Loftus Road and those international appearances were the icing on the cake for him.
"I was one of the very few who played for my country at every level. I went from schoolboy international all the way through to the full side and I was very proud of that.
"It was a real highlight for me to represent England. That is hopefully everyone's ambition when they start off as a footballer. It is the highest accolade one can get in an individual career."
Thomas, who is now 57 years-old and lives on the South Coast, still has an involvement in the sporting environment.
"I teach PE at a secondary school in Sussex. I've been there for 16 years now. I just work part-time - I do about 10 hours a week. I really enjoy it and there is a nice staff of people at the school. I also coach the young men at a local university for an hour a week. So life is good for me."
Not surprisingly, Thomas still follows all the fortunes at Loftus Road too - 'Once a Hoop, always a Hoop.'
"QPR were a great part of my life, so naturally I will never forget my days in Shepherds Bush.
"I look out for their results all the time. In fact, I was thinking of applying for the Manager's job before Mr De Canio got it!
"Seriously though, it has been very sad to see how Rangers have declined in recent years. But I am hoping things will pick up now with the new regime in charge. I would really love to see the Club do well." QPR

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Bradford on Ricketts - Yorshire Post
"...Further down the football ladder, however, the transfer window continues to wreak havoc with Bradford City yesterday discovering the planned sale of goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts to QPR had collapsed due to the Jamaican having his application for a work permit turned down – causing ramifications for the club.
Bradford joint chairman Mark Lawn said: "We were assured by his agent it would go through and that is why we used the wages we thought we had freed up to bring in two or three lads that we wanted to have a look at with regards possibly signing permanently in the summer.
"We also told Ady Boothroyd that Scott Loach (who joined on loan from Watford on Tuesday) would be first choice for the rest of the season.
"It is not a matter of life and death by any means, but it is something we could have done without. Donovan joined us in the Championship so is in the top three or four earners at the club.
"The transfer window is not popular in the game because it drives up wages and drives up transfer fees.
"We have been through two administrations at Bradford City so we adopt a sensible approach. But other clubs might be tempted to commit to spending money they cannot really afford and that is a worry for the game." Yorkshire Post

QPR OFFICIAL SITE - TALKING WOUNDED
Head Physio Paul Hunter has reported mixed news from the treatment room this morning (Thursday).
R's defensive duo Matthew Connolly and Fitz Hall both limped out of Tuesday's 3-1 defeat to Cardiff City at Ninian Park, and while the former's injury isn't as bad as initially feared, former Wigan defender Hall will definitely miss Saturday's showdown against Bristol City.
"Matt sustained a heavy blow to his thigh which caused his knee to hyper-extend," Hunter told www.qpr.co.uk.
"We were initially quite concerned about the knee, so we sent him for a scan, but I'm pleased to report his knee is fine. Effectively he has just suffered heavy bruising.
"It is too early to say at this stage whether he will be fit for this weekend, but needless to say, we will be giving him intense treatment in order to give him the best possible chance.."
Hunter added: "Unfortunately Fitz suffered a torn groin muscle and will now require a period of rehabilitation.
"He will certainly be unavailable for Saturday's fixture, but it is just too early to say how long he will be out of action for." QPR

Swindon Advertiser - Kanyuka takes the hits for Town
PAT Kanyuka was given a painful introduction to the rigours of League One football but he insists he still will not be ducking out of any challenges as he bids to repay Swindon's faith in him.
The Congolese defender made an impressive debut at the heart of Town's defence in Tuesday night's 1-0 win at Luton, despite having to play the last quarter with a bandage over his head covering a deep wound.
Post-match he received six stitches - after being kicked in the head by old pal Paul Furlong, but the hurly burly nature of lower league football will not daunt the ambitious youngster.
Kanyuka was released by Championship outfit QPR just a fortnight ago, after injuries saw his obvious potential fail to live up to expectations at Loftus Road, before being picked up by Robins' boss Maurice Malpas.
Jerel Ifil's suspension handed him his chance sooner than was expected, and now he is just keen to help Town into the Championship and show Malpas he has made the right decision.
He said: "A lot of things happened in the game. I got a nice memory of my first game back.
"But it is good to get that first kick on the backside to make me know it is not going to be easy in this league so it is good experience.
"I wanted to stay on the pitch and wanted to repay the manager's faith in me, I was not going off and it was great to help get those three points.
"Swindon have given me my new chance and I am thankful for that. It is up to me show the manager, the fans and the other players what I can do and that I was not a mistake."
In a twist of fate, Kanyuka's debut saw him directly up against former QPR teammate Paul Furlong, right, as he was given a tough test for his first League One game.
Wily campaigner Furlong has scored goals throughout his career but Kanyuka dealt admirably with his pace and power, undoubtedly finishing the game the winner of that individual battle.
He said: "Funnily enough I used to tease Furlong at QPR for doing that.
"I used to say Furs you are sweet in the eye but a terrier on the pitch', and he showed me that today. I know how defenders felt like last season.
"It was good to play against him though because I knew all about his movement so it is good. I thought I did okay as well but I obviously need to continue that for the rest of the season, and improve."
While Kanyuka was impressing the away travelling at Kenilworth Road, skipper Hasney Aljofree was doing all he could to help the new man settle in - something that did not go unappreciated.
He said: "Hasney really helped me out. He is very experienced I have gained a lot already.
"It is strange for me to say that after just one game but I have gained from playing alongside him.
"He is a different sort of player, he is more vocal and I really appreciated his help.
"I got first hand experience of the challenges that do fly around in League One.
"You don't really get too much time on the ball and I have got the scars to prove that.
"It was not a very good game. Luton are battlers and the situation they are in now they were looking to impress the new manager. But we certainly matched them."
While Kanyuka & co stayed solid at one end, Christian Roberts' stunning solo strike won the game for Town on Tuesday with the Congo hopeful admitting the quality of the strike was no surprise.
He said: "I have seen Robbo score goals like that in training all the time.
"He did it on Thursday so it is natural to me already.
"I will see the physio and see what he has to say about Saturday. I will see how the cut heals but if he gives me the go-ahead I would love to play." Swindon Advertiser

Jim Smith - Thirty-Five Years of Managing Oxford Mail - The eagle has landed
THERE were no obvious signs, when he was a player, that James Michael Smith would go on to become one of our game's top managers - apart maybe from the leadership qualities he possessed, and his undoubted strength of character.
The young Yorkshireman had been a trainee at Sheffield United, but was unable to break into the first team, and he would embark on a path that would take him through the lower divisions, as a wing-half with Aldershot, Halifax Town and Lincoln City before eventually taking charge of a team for the first time at Boston United.

But he was in love with football, and listening to those who knew the game undoubtedly rubbed off on him, with a passion.

"I was pretty often the captain," he recalled.

"At school and then Sheffield United's youth team, and although I never captained Aldershot, I did at Lincoln and obviously Boston where I became player-manager."

There were many early influences in sharpening up Jim's mind about what made a good football team.
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"I don't think there were many tactics in those days," he said. "It was all about players, and fitness. We were part-time, so we did it Tuesdays and Thursdays in the evenings - and the guy who took us was part-time.

"I didn't think then that's what I'm going to be - a manager - but obviously you start going out on courses and it sticks with you.

"It was a different era then. My first manager was Joe Mercer who was very influential, very smart, very correct, and very, very enthusiastic.

"After that I played under Vic Metcalfe and Willie Watson (at Halifax) - they were two of the nicest men you could ever meet.

"Jimmy Sirrel was another influence (at Aldershot) with his ideas and enthusiasm.

"I went to Lilleshall to get my coaching badges and that's when you learned things.

"You pick up bits and pieces, but you do it yourself mainly. It's always been in my blood."

After a year at Lincoln in which he made 54 appearances, Smith signed for non-League Boston United as player-manager, and made a good start, with his team invariably near the top of the very competitive Northern Premier League.

One of the players Jim signed at Boston was Howard Wilkinson, who would himself go on to become a leading coach. He is the last Englishman to have managed a top-flight-winning team when his Leeds side won the title in 1991-2.

"Howard was always very interested in the coaching side of the game," Smith added.

"He was doing his badges at college and then I left, and he took over from me."

Smith left Boston because his good record there led to Colchester United offering him the position of player- manager at Layer Road in 1972.

Success came quickly as Smith guided Colchester to the Fourth Division title in 1974.

His performance attracted the attention of bigger clubs, and in 1975 he quit, and hung up his boots, to join Blackburn Rovers as manager.

"That was my big break, yes," Smith admitted.

"As much as I loved Colchester and wanted to do well there, when a club like Blackburn Rovers come along - it may have been run-down - but it's a big club, a real football club.

"I got a really good team at Blackburn, probably as good a team as I've had. We just couldn't get a goalscorer and so missed out on promotion."

"After that I thought we ain't going anywhere here', and Birmingham approached me.

"It's the first time I've ever walked out really and the chairman, Mr Bancroft, never spoke to me for about two years!"

Smith took over from Sir Alf Ramsey at St Andrews, a hard act to follow anyway, but then injury problems conspired against him and Birmingham were relegated from the old First Division the next year.

However, Smith guided the Blues back into the top flight the following season.

These days, there aren't many managers who last after relegation from the top flight.

"Most don't survive ten games if they're losing", Jim laughed. "Ten or 11 and you've gone . . ."

In 1982, Smith parted company with Birmingham and joined Oxford United as manager.

He led them to the Third Division championship and the Second Division championship the following season, a feat never achieved before.

"They were some of my happiest times," he says.

"Of course, it's always happier when you're winning, ain't it?

"It was one of those things that happens very occasionally. It doesn't happen to every manager, that's for sure.

"Ian Greaves had done a great job before and I took it on.

"But to go on and win back-to-back promotions and championships was very special."

Despite the Bald Eagle's spectacular success at the Manor, in leading Oxford into the top flight for the first time, United chairman Robert Maxwell refused to improve his contract, which led to Smith's resignation and then being offered the job of manager at QPR, which he accepted.

In his first year at Loftus Road, Smith took Rangers to the League Cup final, but they lost 3-0 to his former club Oxford.

He continued to manage QPR until 1981 when he left to become manager of that perennial sleeping giant, Newcastle United.

However, the following year Newcastle were relegated and although they almost bounced back, finishing third and then losing to rivals Sunderland, who had finished sixth, in the play-offs, spelled the end for him at St James' Park.

"Newcastle was a nightmare time, but I wouldn't have missed it for the world," he said.

"That is the biggest club I've ever been involved with. If you could just get that right . . .

"When I was there - though I didn't get involved in it - there was an unbelievable battle for the club with Sir John Hall and Gordon McKeag. It was evil really.

"My job was impossible really and I resigned."

At Newcastle, though, they consider Smith was sacked. But it didn't take long for him to bounce back and he was appointed manager of Portsmouth the same year.

Jim had a successful four years at Portsmouth, which included reaching the FA Cup semi-finals in 1992 where they agonisingly lost on penalties to Liverpool.

They missed out on automatic promotion on goal difference, by just one goal, their Premiership dream ended by defeat in the play-offs, and Smith was sacked two years later after a gradual decline in the team's fortunes.

"We should have won the bloody FA Cup that year," he said.

"We lost in the semi-final to Liverpool, and the year after we lost in the play-offs. I've never won a play-off."

Smith then went into semi-retirement and became chief executive of the League Managers' Association in 1995.

But it wasn't really his cup of tea.

"I didn't find it very interesting," he admitted."We had no teeth then. I attended meetings at the FA on disciplinary or whatever, and we were asked for observations, but couldn't comment unless asked to.

Smith was offered the manager's position at Derby County and in his first full season in charge, the Rams came second in Division 1, gaining promotion to the Premier League.

And for three seasons Derby showed impressive improvements in the Premiership, finishing 12th, 9th and 8th.

"I took Steve McClaren from Oxford to be my assistant and it was a great combination," Jim said.

"I was talking to Paul Simpson the other day. He said he'd been around a bit, but the best two he'd ever seen were me and Steve, a good mix of age and youth, and it was good.

"Steve's a top coach and we had good times together.

"For obvious reasons we gelled and it was a bitter blow," he said with a chuckle, "when Alex (Ferguson) stole him off me!"

In the next two seasons Derby narrowly avoided relegation and Smith resigned in 2001 after refusing an offer to become director of football.

The next year, Smith was appointed assistant manager at Coventry, working alongside Roland Nilsson.

But after failing to clinch a play-off place, Coventry's entire management team was dismissed.

Later in 2002, his old club Portsmouth invited him back as assistant manager to Harry Redknapp and he accepted.

Smith helped Redknapp win the Division One title at the first attempt and went on to become a major part of Pompey's consolidation process in the Premier League.

In November 2004, both Smith and Redknapp resigned from Portsmouth after the appointment of a director of football which they felt threatened their authority and control in team matters.

Redknapp soon became boss at Southampton and Smith was appointed his assistant a few weeks later, having turned down the role of chief scout.

Going back to Fratton Park with Southampton that season necessitated some heavy-handed police protection for both men. Or so it was felt.

"Typical police, they thought we were going to get shot or something!" Jim said.

"They let all the burglars run around and spent a fortune on protecting us' at the game, but there was no problem."

Being No 2 is never the same as No 1, though.

"Assistant manager is a totally different role," he says.

"Only someone who's been a manager can understand that. The manager's the one who has to make the decisions. As an assistant, you've just got to support him and help him.

"But we had a great team at Portsmouth - Harry likes to play the game the same way.

"But it was a nightmare with the chairman, Milan Mandaric.

"For whatever reasons, I don't know why, it was just always confrontational.

"He hated the fans' song of Harry and Jim'. He wanted to be thought of as the reason for the success."

Smith's contract at St Mary's was not renewed in the summer of 2005 due to cost-cutting, but he returned to front-line management when he was appointed Oxford United boss again in March 2006, becoming a director of the club at the same time.

"It's a big disappointment to me that it didn't work out the second time at Oxford," he said.

"The biggest disappointment was not keeping them up, in all honesty.

"Looking back over those six or eight games, or whatever it was, and seeing the goals that we missed - that was been the story throughout.

"And I can see it now, in the play-off second leg here, all Rob Duffy has to do is put it in the back of the net, which he's been doing all season, but he tries to go around the goalkeeper and fell over."

But over 35 years of managing in the Premier and Football League, and nearly 40 years of management if non-League is also included, the Bald Eagle has many, many more good memories than bad.

And so he should, because it isn't just the promotions and titles that he's won, but the style of football he has tried to get his teams to play.

"I'm pleased that, wherever I've been, the football we've played has been good," he said.
"Everywhere I've been, at some given time, the punters will have said wow, that was some performance'.

"I remember going to watch the FA Cup final replay at Wembley between Man City and Tottenham when Tottenham won and it was quite exciting.

"I was in the stand and Tottenham fans afterwards were saying never mind that performance, the best game of the season was at Birmingham when you beat us 1-0'.
"Ossie Ardiles also said: That was such a game.' "I remember going into the press box for the interviews afterwards and I was still shaking. It was only 1-0 but it was some game.
"That's what I'd want to be remembered for . . . (he started chuckling because he knew, as I did, that it sounded like he was talking as though he was about to snuff it!).
"At some given time in that period that I was the manager, they would have had good football." Oxford Mail

Evening Star - U's recruit new goalkeeping coach [Ademola Bankole]
CARL MARSTON
ADEMOLA Bankole has been recruited as Colchester United's new goalkeeping coach, while Aidan Davison recuperates from an exploratory operation on his troublesome shoulder.
Former Nigerian keeper Bankole, who featured in the World Cup Finals of 2002, will take Dean Gerken and Mark Cousins under his wing over the next few weeks.
The 38-year-old can draw on bags of experience in English club football with the likes of Crewe, QPR, Brentford and MK Dons.
Davison has been sidelined with a sore shoulder since the 1-0 defeat at Coventry at the end of October. He is currently resting at home....Report

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January 31, 2006, was Ian Holloway's last time he was in charge of a game at Loftus Road as QPR lost 3-2 to Leicester. The following week, QPR played and lost at Leeds, with five players (three loans) making their debuts. It was announced that Ian Holloway had been placed on "gardening leave," after having expressed an interest in the Leicester City managerial job. (Prior to that Leeds game, Ian Holloway reportedly heard - not directy from QPR - that he was out. The official announcement was made a couple of days later)

That Last Home Game: January 31, 2006: QPR 2 Leicester 3
QPR - Royce, Bignot, Shittu, Santos, Rose - Ainsworth, Lomas, Langley, Cook - Furlong, Nygaard. (subs) Moore, Kus, Taylor, Donnelly, Baidoo.
Leicester - Douglas, Stearman, McCarthy, Kisnorbo, Johansson - Maybury, Williams, Gudjonsson, Hughes - Hume, Fryatt. (sub) Hammond, Wesolowski, Gerrbrand, Smith, O'Grady.
QPR: Ainsworth (6) Shittu (83)
Leicester Fryatt (10), Stearman (79), Hughes (88)
Match Details

Sporting Life - Match Report: QPR 2 Leicester 3
Stephen Hughes struck a late winner to hand managerless Leicester a crucial three points in their fight against relegation as they beat QPR 3-2.

Dan Shittu's 82nd-minute equaliser looked to have earned QPR a point after Richard Stearman had put Leicester 2-1 up, but Hughes' 88th-minute effort gave caretaker-boss Rob Kelly victory in his first Coca-Cola Championship match since replacing the sacked Craig Levein.

The game looked to be heading for a 1-1 draw thanks to first-half goals from Gareth Ainsworth and Matty Fryatt, but the game exploded into life, with the final three goals coming in the last 11 minutes to give Leicester only their second away win in the league this term.

Kelly's team - who won at Loftus Road for the first time since September 1986 - made the worst possible start to the match by going behind in the sixth minute.

Richard Langley played the ball left to Lee Cook, who was allowed the time and space to pick out Ainsworth, who had moved into the penalty area from the right and rose unchallenged to head into Rab Douglas' top-right corner from 10 yards.

Leicester looked dispirited - but they were gifted an equaliser four minutes later thanks to some awful Rangers defending.

Fryatt shook off Marcus Bignot on the left and got the better of Shittu inside the penalty area before firing past Simon Royce from eight yards.

In the 20th minute, Joey Gudjonsson robbed the dawdling Langley in midfield and fed Fryatt on the right.

The former Walsall player curled over a fine cross that Royce did well to push away from danger.

Neither defence looked comfortable, and in the 27th minute Alan Maybury cleared the ball from under his own bar after Paul Furlong had beaten keeper Douglas to another Cook cross.

Maybury was involved at the other end six minutes before half-time, striking a sweet effort that drew another smart stop from Royce.

Cook was proving QPR's main creative source, and in the 42nd minute he swung over a free-kick from the right that Furlong headed goalwards but that was deflected narrowly wide.

The game appeared to be going nowhere, until Leicester substitute James Wesolowski sent over a perfect right-wing cross for the unmarked Stearman to volley past Royce from five yards, 11 minutes from the end.

Three minutes later, Leicester were pegged back when Shittu headed in Cook's free-kick but, with time running out, Stearman collected Gudjonsson's through-ball and cut it back for Hughes to tap into the empty net. Sporting Life

IAN HOLLOWAY POST-MATCH COMMENTS
TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE
Ian Holloway has labelled the defeat to Leicester City as 'totally unacceptable.'"It' s hard to express just how dissapointed I am. Tonight was totally unacceptable. There were some individual performances that were unacceptable.
"The back line were shocking. I stuck with them after Luton and have they have done well for me, but that was awful. I've never seen so many errors in all my life. I've made one or two acquistions, I'll work with them and think about changing it about because that was unacceptable.''
Holloway had seen his Rangers side take the lead through Gareth Ainsworth with just five minutes on the clock, but a quick response from Matty Fryatt five minutes later levelled the scores.Richard Stearman's 79th minute strike gave Leicester the lead for the first time in the game, but despite Dan Shitttu's header nine minutes from time, it was Leicester who went home with the three points.As the clock ticked down, Leicester struck again through Stephen Hughes to kill any chance Rangers may have had of stealing the three points."I think our expectations need looking at. We need to take a right good look at ourselves. What investment have we had? What have we spent? How many injuries have we got. Gallen, Bircham, Rowlands, they're all quality players and I think we need to get real.
"I don't make excuses for my team, but tonight was unacceptable. That's the worst I've seen a lot of my players play for this club. It was a terrible night.'' QPR

Ian Holloway -.BEN KOSKY, KILBURN TIMES
".... "I've never seen such a spate of mistakes," Holloway declared. "It wasn't just one person - nearly every single one of my players played the wrong pass and our clearances were diabolical.
"That was my back four, that I've had for a while and I've showed faith in. But on this showing, it was back to the drawing board. Mentally, they looked the weakest team I've ever had.
"I've asked them all to go home and work out why they were so nervous or frustrated. That wasn't acceptable and it'll have to be changed - we looked like the side who were 13 points behind the other.
"For the first time, I can probably pick a whole new back four, if I want.
We've got some new people and maybe I'm going to have to work with them and get them out there." Kilburn Times

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Daily Mail - The Screamer ... It's the talk of football
Last updated at 22:03pm on 30th January 2008

"...Aston Villa are hoping to snap up a second Tottenham player in the space of 24 hours today with a move for Kevin-Prince Boateng after Wayne Routledge signed last night for £1.25million. Routledge has made just five appearances for Spurs since his move from Crystal Palace in the summer of 2005, but Villa boss Martin O'Neill has seen enough to offer him an 18-month deal.
However, Megson has lost out in a bid to sign Robert Earnshaw on loan ...
Leicester and QPR bid £1.5m for Preston's Simon Whaley ... QPR failed to land Bradford's Donovan Ricketts ... " Daily Mail

Wikipedia/Whaley Profile

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QPR's site said he was on loan till the end of February.

Hull Official Site - Brown On Walton Loan
Phil Brown believes the versatility of Simon Walton will be a valuable asset during the remainder of the season.
Walton joined City on loan from Queens Park Rangers on Tuesday and was thrown straight into the starting line up for the victory against Coventry.
The former Leeds United man can play in a number of positions and Brown is glad to have him on board.
"Simon is a centre back who can also play in the middle of midfield as well as at right back," said Brown.
"I like players who can play in various positions because it's a sign that they've been educated the right way and that they understand the game.
"It's a loan signing with a view to a permanent deal but they always are, aren't they?
"If we go undefeated from now until the end of the season and Simon plays every game, the fans will be chanting his name and he'll be difficult to let go.
"At the moment, he's here for six months."
Brown admits he did question whether or not to throw Walton straight into the side but says his performance showed he was ready for the challenge.
"Simon did concern me because he'd been in a car for a few hours on his way up here yesterday morning.
"He picked his boots up, signed his forms and met the squad players at the training ground because they had a session yesterday afternoon.
"Then I found out that Ian Ashbee had the flu. I asked Simon whether he was ready to play and he told me to throw him in.
"He played his part in a really grinding performance." Hull

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Update: QPR Official Site
"...Meanwhile, we can also confirm Donovan Ricketts will not be joining the R's after his Work Permit application for QPR was refused.
The R's were granted permission to speak to the Bradford City custodian earlier this week, but the deal has now fallen through." QPR

Bradford Official Site
"Donovan Ricketts move to QPR falls through
Jamaican has Work Permit application refused Bradford

UPDATED:
Bradford Official Site- Donovan Ricketts move to QPR falls through
Donovan Ricketts' proposed move to Championship side Queens Park Rangers has fallen through with the news that the Home Office has turned down the Jamaican's application for a Work Permit.
Due to the lack of competitive internationals played by Jamaica in the last two years, he does not meet the necessary criteria and Rangers failed with their appeal in London on Wednesday.
Ricketts is under contract with the Bantams until the end of the season when his current Work Permit expires.
Home Office rules do not allow a Work Permit to be transferred from one club to another.
The 30-year will now return to Valley Parade where he will have to fight for the number one goalkeeping place with City having signed Watford's Scott Loach on loan until the end of the season. Bradford

Bradford Telegraph and Argus/Mike Crowther - Lawn 'stunned' as Ricketts returns
Donovan Ricketts is back at City after being refused a new work permit following his proposed move to QPR
Donovan Ricketts' move to Queens Park Rangers has collapsed after his application for a new work permit was turned down.
The Home Office have rejected his bid in light of the lack of competitive fixtures played by Jamaica over the last two years so he has returned to Valley Parade.
It is also believed the fact that he was unlikely to have been first choice at Rangers was also a factor. England under-21 goalkeeper Lee Camp has been a regular at Loftus Road this season.
QPR's subsequent appeal was turned down and the news has left joint City chairman Mark Lawn stunned' - especially after Jamaican team-mate Omar Daley has just been granted a new work permit after agreeing a new contract with the Bantams.
He said: "Donovan's agent said he's done this lots of times and said it wouldn't be a problem so we are shocked and stunned."
The news came just two days after City brought in Scott Loach on loan from Watford until the end of the season as a replacement keeper. The Hornets were only keen to let Loach go out if he was getting regular first-team games.
Lawn added: "It is a blow as we've brought people on board to have a look at them to see whether we might be able to sign them at the end of the season.
"Obviously in doing that we had planned to make use of Donovan's wages."
But Lawn assured supporters that it would not put the club under big financial pressure.
Jamaica only played eight friendlies throughout 2007, with Ricketts playing just once. The Reggae Boyz have dropped to 98th in the FIFA world rankings.
Ricketts' current work permit expires at the end of the season when his contract with City runs out. Home Office rules do not allow a work permit to be transferred from one club to another.
Any move to QPR now looks dead in the water for Ricketts. Clubs are only allowed one appeal per player during the year regarding permits so would not would be able to come in for him at the end of this season.
Meanwhile, City are hoping to complete the permanent signing of Lee Bullock before the transfer window closes tomorrow. Bradford Telegraph and Argus

As posted earlier, from Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times
Rangers develop Ricketts problem
QPR's attempt to sign Jamaican goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts is under threat after problems relating to his work permit.
Rangers are still hoping to untangle the red tape in time to complete the signing of Ricketts, 30, before the transfer window closes tonight.
The club have already agreed a small fee with Bradford City, where Ricketts - an international team-mate of Rs defender Damion Stewart - has been playing for the last three and a half years.
This is not the first time the issue has held up Ricketts' move to an English club - Leyton Orient gave up after a prolonged campaign to sign the keeper in 2003.
Rangers had also earmarked Darlington keeper David Stockdale as a possible alternative back-up to Lee Camp, but any bid to sign him is likely to be rejected after second choice Andy Oakes was ruled out for the rest of the season.

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Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times - What about tomorrow, Flavio?
JANUARY 2008 may become renowned as the month when Queens Park Rangers transformed beyond all recognition - but not necessarily for the better.
At first glance, everything seems rosy in the Loftus Road garden. Rangers have reversed a decade of penury by embarking on a breathtaking buying binge during the transfer window.
Few would question the wisdom of adding players of the calibre of Akos Buzsaky, Rowan Vine and Fitz Hall to the squad, even though some of the other recent signings look superfluous and overpriced.
But it's all too easy for Rangers fans to be carried away by the influx of expensive players and ignore the alarming trend with regard to movement in the opposite direction.
A few years ago, the playing staff included several promising youngsters nurtured by the likes of Gary Waddock and Joe Gallen and knocking on the first team door.
Tragically, we will never know how Ray Jones might have progressed - but what about Scott Donnelly, Shabazz Baidoo, Pat Kanyuka and, even more recently, Kieron St Aimie?
None of them were wanted at QPR. Donnelly and Baidoo seemed to lose enthusiasm after being frozen out by John Gregory, but both had shown enough ability to suggest they were far from being lost causes.
By contrast, Kanyuka performed well under Gregory until injury ruined his season - and having missed the first half of the current campaign for the same reason, he was surely worthy of a chance to prove himself under new boss Luigi de Canio.
Apparently not. Nor was St Aimie, handed a pro contract only six months ago and now discarded without more than a single substitute appearance in the Carling Cup.
All this sends out the message that QPR are a club that no longer places any importance on homegrown talent - because they can now shell out a fortune for other teams' youngsters instead.
One of those is ex-West Ham forward Hogan Ephraim - who, in a recent interview with the Times, stressed the need for Rangers to copy his old club's blueprint and make sure they are planning for the future.
Ephraim said: "Fans love nothing more than seeing one of their own players breaking into the team. If QPR can get on that road as well as bringing in quality players from elsewhere, it'll be a great mix."
Fat chance. Neither Flavio Briatore nor any of his fellow investors have said one word to indicate that they have any intention of putting funds into the Centre of Excellence - or, for that matter, regaining the club's Academy status.
Even Chelsea, the detested enemy who Rangers fans dream of deposing one day, were building up their youth facilities at the same time they were lavishing £24m on Didier Drogba.
That's because they plan to be a serious player in world football for many years. It looks as if QPR's plan is to keep stockpiling as many players as possible, then buy some more next season.
Some may see that as ambition. Actually, it's better described as greed, recklessness and stupidity.
Remember the pride we felt when Gerry Francis, Clive Allen, Peter Hucker, Alan McDonald, Kevin Gallen and many others broke into the first team to carry our hopes and dreams?
Remember those days well... because it looks as if they're gone forever. Kilburn Times


Gareth Ainsworth/Kilburn Times
THERE'S an unwritten law in football that, if you're at the same club for three or four years, you're seen as something of an old pro.
Martin Rowlands and myself are the only ones who fall into that category now at QPR, people who remember the day we got promoted at Sheffield Wednesday.
It's inevitable that'll happen because team-mates come and go - and, with times changing rapidly at QPR, we've had several people leaving in the last couple of weeks.
Marc Nygaard's gone back to Denmark and I know he's hoping to be able to feature in European competition and maybe even nudge his way into the national team there.
Marc sometimes took some stick from the crowd but, if you look at his record of playing in games we've won, it's phenomenal. He always gave 100 per cent and he's going to be missed.
Like Biggy, he made a big input during the dark days for this club. They deserve as much credit as the lads who are hopefully going to get us into the Premier League.
Biggy's departure was a bit more gradual, but I know he will get a great reception if he comes back to Loftus Road. He always wears his heart on his sleeve and, like everyone else, I'm sad to see him go.
Tuesday's result at Cardiff was very disappointing. The game was basically over after an hour, which isn't nice, and there were signs of an old problem creeping back in. Paul Parry and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink linked up well and Cardiff's firepower was superb. But we got outfought physically and we can't afford to slip back into that habit.
The gaffer made it clear there's plenty of work to do and now we've got to pick ourselves up for Saturday's game against Bristol City.
We battered City on the opening day of the season, and I don't think many of the lads would have expected them to be where they are - so it's credit to Gary Johnson that they've done so well.
He's picked up some shrewd signings and, with the fanbase City have got, I consider them as one of the bigger clubs in this division - and certainly one of the better footballing sides.
It should be a game for the purists. We've been playing some good football ourselves at home of late, so hopefully we can be the better footballing side on the day. Kilburn Times

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Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times - Rangers develop Ricketts problem
QPR's attempt to sign Jamaican goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts is under threat after problems relating to his work permit.
Rangers are still hoping to untangle the red tape in time to complete the signing of Ricketts, 30, before the transfer window closes tonight.
The club have already agreed a small fee with Bradford City, where Ricketts - an international team-mate of Rs defender Damion Stewart - has been playing for the last three and a half years.
This is not the first time the issue has held up Ricketts' move to an English club - Leyton Orient gave up after a prolonged campaign to sign the keeper in 2003.
Rangers had also earmarked Darlington keeper David Stockdale as a possible alternative back-up to Lee Camp, but any bid to sign him is likely to be rejected after second choice Andy Oakes was ruled out for the rest of the season.
But the Loftus Road exodus continued to gather pace this week as five more players - including three strikers - departed the club.... Kilburn Times

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If actually true, sounds a little outlandish: Such a big increased offer for a player who will be out of contract in June.

Mirror - Rangers up the ante for Commons
Qpr have raised their bid for Nottingham Forest winger Kris Commons (above) to £1.5million.
Rangers had a £500,000 offer knocked back last week.
Commons will be available for free when his contract runs out in June, but QPR are worried that rivals Wolves and Leicester could get him in the summer." Mirror

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Snippet: Former QPR, Peter Crouch turns 27 today: Born January 30, 1981. (The Same age Rodney Marsh was, when QPR sold him) - Crouch

One year ago, QPR lost 0-2 at Barnsley with last minute goals in each half. QPR were in the midst of a terrible run with 2 wins and 10 Losses from their past 12 games. QPR's team against Barnsley: Royce, Rehman (Nygaard 85), Bolder, Lomas (Ainsworth 74), Cook, Stewart, Timoska, Furlong (Jones 70), Blackstock, Smith, Mancienne - Subs: Cole, Kanyuka
The table after their Barnsley loss a year ago:

Last season: January 30, 2007
Norwich 29 34
Leicester 29 33
Barnsley 30 32
Hull 30 31
Luton 30 31
QPR 30 30
Southend 30 27
Leeds 29 27

This season: January 30, 2008
Norwich 29 35
Leicester 29 34
Blackpool 29 34
QPR 29 33
Coventry 28 32
Sheff Wed 28 31
Preston 29 30
Scunthorpe 29 27
Colchester 28 26

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SPORTING LIFE - JONES: BLUEBIRDS FIGHTING FIT
Cardiff boss Dave Jones pointed to the club's fitness regime as the catalyst for Tuesday night's 3-1 Coca-Cola Championship victory over QPR.
Joe Ledley scored his seventh and eighth goals of a stellar season as the Bluebirds extended their unbeaten run to nine matches in all competitions.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was the principal creative force, expertly laying on the young midfielder's second of the evening and feeding Paul Parry for Cardiff's third.
The 35-year-old Dutchman produced a tireless performance as lone striker for 90 minutes until he gave way to Steven Thompson in stoppage-time.
"To put on a performance like that after playing on Sunday was excellent and a tribute to our fitness staff," said a delighted Jones, whose side reached the FA Cup fifth round at the weekend.
"Their fitness levels were superb and I can't praise them enough as some of our movements were up there with the best we have done this season.
"The only downside was conceding a goal and having Michael Oakes injured with a blow to the face but we have a great back-up team here and all our walking wounded will be well looked after."
With a three-goal lead established, Cardiff took their foot off the gas, and substitute Hogan Ephraim capitalised with a smart close-range finish after 76 minutes.
But it could not prevent the Bluebirds notching up their fifth straight home victory to move within a point of the play-offs.
Rangers boss Luigi Di Canio said: "Cardiff surprised us by the way they played and they took full advantage of our mistakes.
"We conceded an early first goal and that gave them the opportunity to play the way they wanted.
"They were very quick at making use of the space out wide and that caused us problems.
"We have many new players and it will take time to show any improvements."
Cardiff were on top from the opening whistle but the goal they deserved never came until the 12th minute when a back pass from Damian Delaney went astray. Parry raced on to the loose ball and made ground before crossing to Ledley, who slotted home from close range.
Only Lee Camp in the Rangers goal prevented the Bluebirds from improving the scoreline as he made a number of crucial saves to deny Peter Whittingham, Hasselbaink and Ledley.
Five minutes from the break, the hosts scored the goal they deserved when 17-year-old Aaron Ramsey floated a pass out wide to Hasselbaink.
The veteran slipped the ball through to Ledley and the Wales international made no mistake.
Twelve minutes into the second period, it was the busy Parry's turn to get on the score sheet.
A long through ball to Glenn Loovens was worked up to Parry and he made progress before beating Camp with a crisp shot.
Rangers had a small consolation when they pulled one back through Ephraim.
In the goalmouth scramble, City keeper Michael Oakes was injured and loan signing Peter Enckelman replaced him for his Bluebirds debut.
The home defence had one or two scares as the game drew to a close but City were well worth the victory. Sporting Life


Western Mail - City flair stuns nouveau riche QPR
IT was billed as the Championship princes v the paupers and like every good fairy story it was the down-trodden who eventually lived happily ever after.
In one of their finest showings of the season the Bluebirds demolished the nouveau riche Londoners in a fantastic team effort which keeps them very much in the play-off hunt.
Indeed prior to kick-off manager Dave Jones had urged his side to forget the glamour of the up-coming FA Cup tie with Wolves and concentrate instead on a top-six finish in their league campaign.
However, on this form, the Bluebirds are buzzing with such confidence that both dreams seem a reasonable proposition.
Rangers may have a the riches of Croesus at their disposal after a multimillion-pound takeover, but this game showed there is still a long way to go before the “hoops” are lording it with the likes of Chelsea in the big time.
Two first-half goals from Joe Ledley, simple finishes after some scintillating build-up play, put the home side in control and a second-half strike by Paul Parry sealed things.
Hogan Ephraim managed to force one home for the visitors, but it was too little too late in a game where Rangers simply found themselves out-classed in all departments.
It was a victory made all the more impressive by the fact Jones was forced into major change ahead of kick-off. Captain Stephen McPhail was ruled out after failing to recover from a hip problem and it meant a first ever league start for highly-rated 17-year-old Aaron Ramsey.
Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink was reinstated in attack after being rested at Hereford, Steve Thompson dropped to the bench, and amongst the substitutes was veteran wideman Trevor Sinclair back after a long-term absence following knee surgery.
Rangers boss Luigi de Canio made just the one change from the team which overcame Barnsley in QPR’s last outing, Gavin Mahon came in and Dexter Blackstock found himself on the bench.
Blackstock found himself joined the action just before the half-time whistle as Matthew Connolly was stretchered off.
Cardiff went in 2-0 up at the break, but it could have been five with some better finishing after they carved out chance after chance.
But as Cardiff enjoyed all the play they got their deserved first from a Rangers defensive error, Damien Delaney under-hitting a back-pass which Parry was on to like a whippet, the Welsh-cap rolled the ball across goal and Ledley tapped home from just a few yards out.
On 22 minutes the Bluebirds had two successive guilt-edged chances to extend their lead. The ball fell to Peter Whittingham eight yards out and the midfielder smashed it at goal only to see ’keeper Lee Camp pull off a good save diving to his right. Back came the ball and this time Hasselbaink thundered at goal only to see Camp pull off a carbon copy of his earlier save.
It was one way traffic, really breathless stuff from Cardiff and fabulous entertainment from a City perspective.
On the half-hour a Cardiff free-kick fell to Johnson this time in the box, the centre-half lashed at goal, but again Camp made the save. There were a string of good stops from Camp, but he really should not have been given the chance to make them.
You wondered if these misses were going to come back and haunt Cardiff particularly when they had a little wobble moments later.
Rangers skipper Martin Rowlands got to the byline, the ball flashed across goal, but Loovens, magnificent with Johnson again in the heart of the Cardiff, was across to boot it out for a corner.
City failed to clear their lines and Damion Stewart’s low shot flashed skidded across goal only requiring a touch to guide it into the net, but City escaped.
Then normal business was resumed as Cardiff went straight up the other end and should have scored. Hasselbaink, having his best game since arriving at the club, went rampaging down the left. He cut it across goal, Parry shot and again Camp saved. It was worked out to Hasselbaink again on the left, again it came across and this time Whittingham turned it wide.
You could hardly keep track of the Bluebirds’ dominance. You were afraid to go to the toilet in case you missed something.
A Ledley corner was volleyed into the ground by Johnson and bounced over and then City got their second. Ramsey, neat and tidy in midfield and very much looking the part, played in a nice ball to Hasselbaink who had beaten the off-side trap, he laid it across to Ledley who again tapped it home.
The Bluebirds second half never quite lived up to the first, but then again it was a tough act to follow.
The first meaningful action, appropriately, was Cardiff scoring again. Loovens punted out of defence, Hasselbaink played a fortuitous one-two with a Rangers defender, it fell into Parry’s path and he stroked it home. Moments later Parry was through again, but Camp got his fingertips to the attempted lob.
Cardiff then turned off the ignition and went to sleep.
This culminated in Rangers’ striker Ephraim poking home a consolation for the visitors after Oakes had saved Agyemang’s shot.
No one realised Rangers had scored, not even their own fans, and Oakes had to go off injured giving Peter Enckelman his first taste of action for ages.
And Enckelman had to be alert with three minutes left when he tipped an Agyemang header on to the bar.
The jubilant Cardiff supporters summed it up best with the taunt: “You’re rich and you are still not very good.”
Cardiff meanwhile may be lacking funds, but on this showing they have no shortage of guts, commitment and downright flair. Western Mail

Also: Previous compilation of reports and comments of Cardiff 3 QPR 1

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QPR Official Site - De Canio Post Match
IT WAS NOT THE REAL QPR'
Luigi De Canio was at a loss to explain QPR's below-par display after the 3-1 defeat to Cardiff City.
A brace from Joe Ledley and a Paul Parry goal put the Bluebirds in control, and although Patrick Agyemang pulled one back for the R's late on, a 3-1 defeat flattered Rangers.
"I'm very disappointed. We could and we should have played a better game," De Canio told www.qpr.co.uk.
"We simply got it wrong on the night. We didn't have the right attention on the pitch, or the right determination.
It was not the real QPR out there, but credit to Cardiff. They really surprised us and took full advantage of our mistakes.
"The first goal was a very disappointing one to concede and we never recovered."
To compound Rangers woes, Fitz Hall and Matthew Connolly both limped off with injuries in the first half. De Canio added: "We will assess the injuries in the morning, but at this stage they look like they could be serious.
"The two injuries summed up our night, but we need to re-group ahead of the match against Bristol City on Saturday." QPR

BBC - Cardiff 3-1 QPR
A Joe Ledley brace helped Cardiff to a comfortable win over woeful QPR.
An awful back pass from the visitors gave Paul Parry the chance to lay on the opener for Ledley with a fine feed.
Aaron Ramsey, making his full league debut, then found Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink who delivered the pass for Ledley to stroke in his second.
More weak defending saw Hasselbaink set up Paul Parry for a well-taken third, before Hogan Ephraim's late consolation slipped under an injured Michael Oakes.
The Bluebirds are now just one point off the Championship play-offs, having extended their unbeaten run to nine games. BBC

League Table
17 Leicester 29 1 34
18 Blackpool 29 -1 34
19 QPR 29 -9 33
20 Coventry 28 -15 32
21 Sheff Wed 28 -5 31
22 Preston 29 -8 30
23 Scunthorpe 29 -17 27
24 Colchester 28 -8 26

Table

QPR Official Site - Cardiff 3 QPR 1

In-form Cardiff City continued their march to the top-six with a domineering display against out-of-sorts Rangers.

On a night when the R's lost defensive duo Fitz Hall and Matthew Connolly to first half injuries, the Bluebirds totally orchestrated proceedings, to leave Luigi De Canio's men contemplating a third successive away defeat in all competitions.

In a first period totally dominated by the hosts, Joe Ledley opened the scoring in the 13th minute, before the midfield maestro doubled the Bluebirds' advantage four minutes before the break.

Rangers were indebted to the outstanding Lee Camp for keeping the scoreline down to just two goals at half-time, with the R's number one on hand to make a series of stunning saves, most notably from the inventive Jimmy Floyd-Hasselbaink.

But there was nothing Camp could do to prevent Paul Parry making it three early in the second half, as the forward coasted through unmarked to notch the Bluebirds' third.

To their credit, Rangers continued to plug away as the clock ticked down, and they were rewarded when Patrick Agyemang fired home his third in as many games after Michael Oakes dropped Hogan Ephraim's cross under pressure from Dexter Blackstock.

In the only change to the side which won 2-0 against Barnsley ten days ago, De Canio welcomed back Gavin Mahon from illness.

Blackstock dropped to the bench as a result, while young goalkeeper Reece Crowther was again amongst the substitutes, deputising for the injured Jake Cole.

Just 48 hours after their FA Cup fourth round victory against Hereford United, Cardiff gaffer Dave Jones was forced into two changes.

Aaron Ramsey and Hasselbaink returned to the starting XI, at the expense of Stephen McPhail and Steve Thompson.

After an equally contested opening ten minutes, it was the hosts who created the first chance of note in the 11th minute.

Ledley's speculative 12-yard drive appeared to be heading goalwards, before Hall's outstretched leg diverted the ball to safety.

The danger signs were there from the hosts, but the R's failed to heed the warning and when Damien Delaney's blind back pass fell horribly short of Camp, Rangers paid the ultimate price.

Parry seized upon the loose ball, before delivering a precise ball across the six-yard box, which the unmarked Ledley tucked home with ease.

Stunned by the nature of the goal, Rangers looked alarmingly disjointed at the back and Hasselbaink very nearly doubled the Bluebirds' advantage a minute later, only to fluff his lines from 15-yards.

It was all Cardiff by now and but for the heroics of Camp, the R's could have been down and out.

The R's number one made two stunning saves in a minute; first to deny Peter Whittingham and then to thwart Hasselbaink.

City centre-half Glenn Loovens glanced a ten-yard header wide midway through the half, as Cardiff continued to lay siege on the R's goal.

Loovens' fellow centre-back Roger Johnson was next to test Camp, firing a thunderous volley on target, which the R's stopper again punched to safety.

It took Rangers 30 minutes to create their first chance of note, but Damion Stewart - who had earlier been booked for a mistimed challenge on the lively Hasselbaink - blazed wide from an acute angle.

Cardiff's free-flowing counter-attacks left Rangers chasing shadows at times and from their very next foray forward, Whittingham, with the goal at his mercy, somehow skewed his shot wide from six-yards out.

The R's were forced into a change seven minutes before the break, when Hall limped off and was replaced by Michael Mancienne.

That prompted a defensive reshuffle, with Connolly moving to centre-back and Chelsea loanee Mancienne filling in at right-back.

The new-look R's back four were powerless to prevent the Bluebirds from doubling their advantage moments later though, as Hasselbaink evaded the R's offside trap with ease and squared for Ledley, who tapped home unopposed from close range.

As if a two-goal deficit at the break wasn't a big enough mountain to climb, De Canio's men suffered a further blow on the stroke of half-time, when Connolly left the field on a stretcher and was immediately replaced by Blackstock.

Undeterred, the R's began the second period on the front foot, forcing two corners in a matter of minutes; the second of which was glanced wide by Blackstock.

But it was Cardiff who notched the all-important third goal of the contest in the 58th minute, as Hasselbaink - looking marginally offside - played provider for Parry, who steered the ball beyond the outstretched dive of Camp from 15-yards.

Camp was in the right place, at the right time, to deny the roaming Ledley again on the hour, sprinting from his line to deflect the left-sided midfielder's looping effort wide of the upright.

Rangers pulled a goal back 13 minutes from time when Oakes - under pressure from Blackstock - failed to gather Ephraim's cross from the right and Agyemang was on hand to continue his rich vein of scoring form.

It proved to be a mere consolation though, despite Mikele Leigertwood forcing replacement keeper Peter Enckelman into a fine save and the woodwork coming to the hosts' recue, when Delaney's back post header was deflected onto the crossbar before being hacked to safety.

Cardiff City: Oakes (Enckelman 78), McNaughton, Capaldi, Rae, Loovens, Whittingham (Blake 88), Parry, Johnson, Ledley, Ramsey, Floyd-Hasselbaink (Thompson 93).

Subs: Purse, Sinclair.

Scorers: Ledley 13 & 41, Parry 58

Bookings:

Red Cards:

QPR: Camp, Delaney, Mahon, Stewart, Buzsaky (Ephraim 62), Rowlands, Connolly (Blackstock 45), Agyemang, Vine, Hall (Mancienne 38), Leigertwood.
Subs: Lee, Crowther.
Scorers: Agyemang 76
Bookings: Stewart 25, Buzsaky 48
Red Cards:
Referee: Mr P Walton QPR

CARDIFF OFFICIAL SITE - Report: Sean Wozencroft

Snapshot: City moved into seventh position, just one point off the play-offs, with an excellent 3-1 win against QPR. City were in thrilling form for the first hour, tearing Rangers apart and looking good value for their three goal advantage. The first came on 12 minutes, Paul Parry racing to the byline and finding Joe Ledley in the centre. The midfielder comfortably converted from closerange.

Youngster Aaron Ramsey created the second, finding unmarked Hasselbaink in the area. The striker could have scored himself but showed great awareness to lay off for Ledley to bag his second. The game was won on 57 minutes. Again Hasselbaink was involved, knocking down for the progressing Parry to fire low past Camp. A bizarre goal for the visitors gave them some hope, but City comfortably played the game out to give our promotion chances another huge boost.

Team News

Dave Jones made two changes to the side that won at Hereford on Sunday. Starlet Aaron 'Rambo' Ramsey replaced Steve McPhail, suffering with a hip problem, in central midfield. It was the 17-year-old's first league start for the Bluebirds after impressing during 89 minutes at Chasetown in the FA Cup.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink returned to the fray upfront alongside Paul Parry. Steve Thompson suffered with cramp on Monday after playing nearly a full match at Edgar Street. There was no place in the QPR squad for Chris Barker, who is recovery from a minor hernia operation.

Chronological Report

In a lively start with drizzle drifting in and out, Partrick Agyemang's pace took him beyond City's last defender early on but his first touch took him wide of goal and Roger Johnson recovered.

The first real chance fell to Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink on nine minutes. Joe Ledley's in-swinging corner found the Dutchman on the front post but he couldn't connect properly. It was only cleared as far as Johnson though, but he couldn't scramble it home. Agyemang was playing on the last man and was looking a real handful with electric pace, but City took the lead on 12 minutes.

Paul Parry picked the ball up inside the Rangers half, took it to the byline and easily found the unmarked Joe Ledley in the centre. Ledley couldn't miss, side-footing past Camp from no more than five yards. The 'keeper dived the right way but the pace of the shot was enough to give the Bluebirds a vital lead.

Cardiff City 1 - 0 QPR

"What a waste of money" was the taunt of choice for the home supporters, and it was nearly 2-0 four minutes later. With the Rangers defence at sixes and sevens, Hasselbaink's flick-on header was met by the progressing Paul Parry, but his shot from closerange was blocked by the legs of the 'keeper.

Soon after Parry nearly connected with Peter Whittingham's intelligent ball on the increasingly greasy surface. Camp was forced into a brilliant double save on 21 minutes. First Gave Rae did well to battle in midfield and collect the ball, playing it forward to Loovens who shot well and the 'keeper was equal to it. It came out to Whittingham who forced an equally fine save from Camp, diving to his left at waist height.

With QPR repetitively trying the ball over the top, it was City playing all the football. On 24 minutes Hasselbaink superbly turned Damion Stewart, used his strength to power forward and won a freekick on the edge of the area. The setpiece was straight off the training ground. A short ball was played to Peter Whittingham, who took it a step wide and crossed. Defender Glenn Loovens rose highest only to see his header miss the upright by inches.

Rangers were desperately unlucky not to level the scores five minutes later. Martin Rowlands drilled over a low cross and Loovens' clearance nearly found his own net but instead went out for a corner. From Akos Buzsaky's resulting cross it went all the way into the six yard area and was somehow cleared with plenty of red shirts waiting when it looked inevitable that a goal would follow. City nearly hit QPR immediately on the counter. Hasselbaink rolled back the years, sprinting forward in possession and playing a lovely ball for Parry but his shot was saved.

Again in came back in for City but Whittingham contrived to miss from closerange when he should have scored. Some neat play in the centre by Aaron Ramsey seconds later gave Hasselbaink a chance in the area. His touch took it past his man but his side-footed effort was deflected over the crossbar by Camp.

City were two goals to the good five minutes before the interval following more imaginative play. Ramsey showed the composure to play in a pinpoint ball into the inexplicably unmarked Hasselbaink. You would have backed the striker to score himself but he unselfishly and perfectly knocked it down for Ledley to easily half volley into the net from eight yards, his second of the game.

Cardiff City 2 - 0 QPR

With the visitors' defence rocking and Stewart unable to deal with Parry came close again as the half concluded. City were threatening to turn it into a rout with lightening fast attacks in a thrilling game.

Half time - Cardiff City 2 - 0 QPR

The first goal of the second half was always going to be important. City had it and secured the points on 57 minutes. Whittingham chipped it into Hasselbaink inside the area from a central position. His head down for the on rushing Parry was perfect and the Welshman bagged his seventh of the season, stroking the ball past Camp with ease.

Cardiff City 3 - 0 QPR

Ninian Park sensed a demolition. On 62 minutes sublime skill from McNaughton set Whittingham on his way down the right flank. His cross should have been held by the 'keeper, but he thumbled and Hasselbaink nearly took advantage.

On 66 minutes Gavin Rae sent a long ball straight down the throat of the Rangers defence. Camp came charging out but Parry still beat him to it but his attempted lob bounced just wide via a deflection.

Rangers were having more possession in the second half and threatening from corners, but City remained the more dangerous.

Rangers pulled one back in the most bizarre of circumstances. Even the travelling QPR fans stood silent until the referee marched play back to the centre circle unaware that the ball had trickled beyond Michael Oakes. Oakes was then replaced by new boy Peter Enckelman after seemingly colliding with the post. Substitute Hogan Ephraim was credited with the goal.

Cardiff City 3 - 1 QPR

The game was stopped for several minutes and suffered a lull as a consequence. Plenty of oxygen was sharply sucked by the home supporters on 83 minutes when Rowan Vine's fine cross found Agyemang in space but his header was straight into the arms of Enckelman. We may have had some nervous closing minutes if he had scored, as he probably should've.

Rangers continued to cause problems late on. Martin Rowlands' freekick was headed on by Damien Delaney, Roger Johnson touched it on towards his own goal and Enckelman had to make a fine save to tip it onto the crossbar. Another heart attack moment.

The fluency of City's play had completely gone and there were minor concerns when six minutes of injury time were announced. But City were troubled no further and recorded the home victory that our fantastic first 60 minutes so richly deserved.

Full time: Cardiff City 3 - 1 QPR

City: Michael Oakes, Kevin McNaughton, Tony Capaldi, Roger Johnson, Glenn Loovens, Joe Ledley, Gavin Rae, Aaron Ramsey, Peter Whittingham, Paul Parry, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. Subs: Peter Enckelman, Darren Purse, Trevor Sinclair, Steve Thompson, Darcy Blake

QPR: Lee Camp, Damien Delaney, Gavin Mahon, Damion Stewart, Akos Buzsaky, Martin Rowlands, Matthew Connolly, Patrick Agyemang, Rowan Vine, Fitz Hall, Mikele Leigertwood. Subs: Michael Mancienne, Dexter Blackstock, Kieran Lee, Hogan Ephram, Reece Crowther Cardiff

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QPR's highly-ranked goalkeeper Liam O'Brien, whose reported unhappiness was noted in the press a few weeks ago, is listed as a trialist with Arsenal.

Arsenal Academy 2-3 Ipswich - FA Premier Academy League
Under-18s Saturday, January 26, 2008Report
Arsenal
Liam O'Brien (TRIALIST) Anton Blackwood Sam Byles 75 Cedric Evina Luke Ayling Kyle Bartley Tom Cruise Craig Eastmond Emmanuel Frimpong Luke Freeman Jonas Rasmussen Ahmed Abdulla 70 Jay Emmanuel-ThomasAcademy Report
Arsenal


From an Arsenal blog, Young Guns " Decision Close On Arsenal Trialist O’Brien" Arsenal are expected to make a decision on Goalkeeper Liam O’Brien before the end of the week.
O’Brien [16] played 90 minutes on Saturday as a young Under 18s team lost 3-2 to an impressive Ipswich side .... Manchester United and Tottenham are also keen on the QPR goalie but Arsene Wenger and his coaching staff have managed to bring him in on trial, he featured last week for the Under 16s another story we broke first....Young Guns


From a few weeks ago:

Skysports December 22, 2007Sky Sports/Graeme Bailey - Eight eye R's starlet
Premier League sides battle for R's youngster

Up to eight Premier League clubs are looking to lure Queens Park Rangers starlet Liam O'Brien away from Loftus Road, skysports.com understands.
The 16-year-old goalkeeper is already playing for the club's Under 18s and has made his debut for the reserves, and is rated by many as one of the brightest talents for his age in the country.
Scouts have been alerted to O'Brien - who is still on schoolboy terms at the club having rejected the chance to sign scholarship forms.
The likes of Arsenal, Aston Villa, Portsmouth, Manchester United and Newcastle are believed to be amongst those showing an interest in O'Brien.
QPR know they face a real battle to keep O'Brien and realise if he did leave he could do so at the end of the season with only minimal compensation due to the Championship club. Skysports

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Tonight's Teams for QPR at Cardiff

QPR: Camp, Delaney, Mahon, Stewart, Buzsaky, Rowlands, Connolly, Agyemang, Vine, Hall, Leigertwood.
Subs: Mancienne, Blackstock, Lee, Ephraim, Crowther

Cardiff City: Oakes, McNaughton, Capaldi, Rae, Loovens, Whittingham, Parry, Johnson, Ledley, Ramsey, Floyd-Hasselbaink.
Subs: Enckleman, Purse, Sinclair, Thompson, Blake.

.

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Tonight's Teams

TEAM NEWS
Posted on: Tue 29 Jan 2008

Cardiff City: Oakes, McNaughton, Capaldi, Rae, Loovens, Whittingham, Parry, Johnson, Ledley, Ramsey, Floyd-Hasselbaink.

Subs: Enckleman, Purse, Sinclair, Thompson, Blake.

QPR: Camp, Delaney, Mahon, Stewart, Buzsaky, Rowlands, Connolly, Agyemang, Vine, Hall, Leigertwood.

Subs: Mancienne, Blackstock, Lee, Ephraim, Crowther.
Advertisemen

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QPR OFFICIAL SITE - EXCLUSIVE: WALTON'S A LOAN RANGER
QPR midfielder Simon Walton has joined fellow Championship side Hull City on loan until the end of February.
The 20 year-old, who joined Rangers from Charlton Athletic in the summer, has been restricted to just a handful of appearances since breaking his leg against Fulham in a pre-season friendly.
Walton is in line to make his Tigers debut against Coventry City tonight (Tuesday). QPR

HULL OFFICIAL SITE - City Agree Walton Loan
The Tigers have signed midfielder Simon Walton on loan from Queens Park Rangers.
Should the relevant paperwork be completed in time, Walton is expected to be available for selection for tonight's game against Coventry City and will be with the club until the end of the season. Walton began his career with Leeds United before earning a £500,000 move to Charlton in July 2006.
Loan moves to Ipswich and Cardiff followed before a £200,000 switch to QPR last summer. He has made five appearances for Rangers in the Championship this season. Walton is set to be allocated squad number five. Hull

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UPDATED: John Hollins now confirmed as manager of Weymouth

BBC Hollins revealed as Weymouth boss
Weymouth have confirmed the appointment of former Chelsea boss John Hollins as their new manager.
The 61-year-old replaces Jason Tindall, who was sacked on Monday with the Terras languishing in 19th place in the Blue Square Premier.
"I've been patiently waiting for the right job and the chance to take over at Weymouth was too tempting a challenge to turn down," said Hollins.
"It's clear that Weymouth is a club with lots of potential and ambition."
Former Chelsea, Arsenal and QPR midfielder Hollins has previously managed at Swansea and Rochdale and in the Blue Square Premier at Crawley Town.
Weymouth chairman Malcolm Curtis said: "After speaking to numerous candidates John was absolutely our first choice for the post.
"His appointment is tremendous in every way for the club. Not only does he bring us experience, professionalism and a passion for the game, but he's also a great ambassador." BBC

Earlier:
Snippets: Ex-QPR John Hollins Reportedly Managerial Favourite

This is Dorset/Ky Capel - Hollins at the helm?
By Ky Capel
MARCUS Browning admits the sacking of Weymouth manager Jason Tindall was "a sad day" but remains keen to stay at the Wessex Stadium.
Browning was brought to the club during the summer by former Bourne-mouth team-mate Tindall, who installed the 36-year-old as his right-hand man as well as being part of the playing staff.
But the midfielder, who would like to continue as assistant boss, is unsure what will happen with the expected arrival of John Hollins as the new Terras chief at a press conference later today (3pm).
Browning told Echosport: "It's a sad day for us but we have got to move on and deal with what life throws at you.
"I would like to carry on as an assistant but I will have to wait and see what the new man wants to do and he may well bring in his own people. I'm in the dark at the moment.
"I took training yesterday and we tried to keep things as normal as we could and we shall do the same today.
"I'm happy to stay, I've got a family to look after and I can't really afford to just pack up and leave."
Tindall was dismissed yesterday morning on the back of a 3-2 defeat at Rushden & Diamonds on Saturday,...
The club are expected to announce the 30-year-old's replacement this afternoon, who is believed to be former Chelsea legend Hollins.
Hollins' last managerial role saw him in charge at league rivals Crawley Town, a post he left in October 2006. Before that, the man who made over 450 appearances for the Blues also managed Swansea City and Rochdale with caretaker stints at QPR and Stockport County. Report

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Much has been made in the press about QPR's "big spending" and signing of some nine or ten players. But QPR have also released a slew of players. Added to the players they released last summer (and the year before), and there's been an ongoing turnover of players at Loftus Road. With 60+ hours to go before the transfer window closes, more departures (and arrivals) remain possible. (QPR lead the Championship in the number of players used this season.)

In recent weeks, a number of QPR players have been released - with further players rumoured to be departing. Among those who have left QPR: Dominic Shimmin, Marc Nygaard, Marcus Bignot, Danny Cullip, Nick Ward, Shabbaz Baidoo, Daniel Nardiello, John Curtiss, Steffan Moore, Pat Kanyuka, Kieron St. Aimie. Also: Loans Ben Sahar, Malcolm, Jarrett and Scott Sinclair have returned to their clubs

Others released in the Past Year
A year ago, QPR saw a number of players depart in the weeks leading up to the January transfer window closing: Adam Czerkas, Ian Evatt, Egutu Oliseh, Ugo Ukah (again), Scott Donnelly, Matthew Hislop, Matthew Rose, Jonathan Munday. In addition Tommy Doherty, Sean Thomas and Kevin Gallen went out on loan till the end of the season. After the window closed, Dean Parrett moved to Spurs. And in the summer, Lee Cook of course was sold to Fulham.
At the end of the season, Marc Bircham, Paul Furlong, Kevin Gallen, Paul Jones, Steve Lomas, Mauro Milanese, Simon Royce and Armel Tchakounte were all given free transfers.

Pre-Season: QPR OFFICIAL SITE - June 29, 2007 - NUMBERS UP
2. Marcus BIGNOT
3. Chris BARKER
4. Danny CULLIP
5. Damion STEWART
7. Adam BOLDER
8. Danny NARDIELLO
9. Dexter BLACKSTOCK
11. Gareth AINSWORTH
12. Jake COLE
14. Martin ROWLANDS
15. Dominic SHIMMIN
16. Ray JONES
17. Lee COOK
18. Stefan MOORE
20. Kieron ST AIMIE
22. Shabazz BAIDOO
23. Stefan BAILEY
24. Pat KANYUKA
27. Samspa TIMOSKA
28. Zesh REHMAN
29. Nick WARD

July 2006 - THE SQUAD LIST AS ANNOUNCED AT THE BEGINNING OF THE 2006/2007 SEASON
1. Simon Royce
2. Marcus Bignot
3. Mauro Milanese
4. Ian Evatt
5. Dan Shittu
6. Tommy Doherty
7. Matthew Rose
8. Marc Bircham
9. Nick Ward
10. Kevin Gallen
11. Gareth Ainsworth
12. Jake Cole
14. Martin Rowlands
15. Dominic Shimmin
16. Steve Lomas
17. Lee Cook
18. Stefan Moore
19. Tchakounte-A
20. Scott Donnelly
21. Paul Jones
22. Shabazz Baidoo
23. Stefan Bailey
24. Pat Kanyuka
25. Damion Stewart
26. Sean Thomas
29. Paul Furlong
30. Marc Nygaard
34. Matthew Hislop
35. John Munday

April 2006 - QPR OFFICIAL SITE - PLAYERS RELEASE
Today, following talks with Gary Waddock, several players have been released from Queens Park Rangers.
Those who still have contracts outstanding will be placed on the transfer list and those who have come to the end of their deals will be released.
Georges Santos, Richard Langley, Sammy Youssouf, Marcin Kus, Ryan Johnson and Luke Townsend will not be offered new deals by the club.
Stefan Moore, Tommy Doherty, Ian Evatt, Ugo Ukah, Marcus Bignot, Steve Lomas, Matthew Hislop and Marc Bircham will all be placed on the transfer list. QPR

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Jamaica Gleazer/Howard Walker - Ricketts moves to QPR
Jamaican goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts is on his way to League Championship team Queens Park Rangers (QPR) after passing a medical yesterday at Loftus Road.
Ricketts, 30, is expected to sign a three-and-a-half year contract today with the West London club which play one division below the premier league - a step up of two divisions from his former club Bradford City. The club is expected to apply to the British Home Office for a work permit on Thursday, and according to his agent Phil Graham, it should not be a problem.
Ricketts, whose contract at Bradfod City expires at the end of the current campaign, is not guaranteed a starting place, but Graham told the Observer yesterday that it is a positive move at this time.
Said Graham: "He won't be guaranteed a starting position, but I know he is capable. He has always wanted to play in the League Championship and I have always believed he has the ability do so."
Ricketts, who joined Bradford City in 2004 and made 118 appearances, while keeping 32 clean sheets, has left fellow Reggae Boy Omar Daley at Bradford, but will team up with another Jamaican, Damion Stewart, at his new club.
QPR, who are currently 17th in the 24-team league, have agreed to an undisclosed fee with the League Two outfit Bradford City for the stopper's services.
Bradford City are struggling in 16th place on 32 points from 26 games.
Last August QPR was bought by Formula One tycoons, Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore, but the club continues to struggle and is languishing just six points above the relegation zone.
Ricketts started his club career with Village United before he moved to Bradford City where he served as understudy to Paul Henderson until Henderson left for Leicester City.
Ricketts, at age 21, was a part of Jamaica's squad to the 1998 World Cup in France as the third-string goalkeeper behind Warren Barrett and Aaron Lawrence. Jamaica Observer

UPDATED:
Bradford Official Site - Stuart McCall sad to see Donovan Ricketts go
Donovan Ricketts was finalising a move to QPR on Tuesday after City made it clear he would have to drop his wages to stay.
The Jamaican keeper was in London for talks on Monday and a deal has been agreed for a "minimal" fee.
City have moved quickly to replace Ricketts by snapping up teenage prospect Scott Loach from Watford for the rest of the season. And he will be in goal against Shrewsbury Town on Tuesday night, providing the Rangers deal goes through.
Stuart McCall admitted he was sad to see the back of Ricketts, who played 118 games for City with 32 clean sheets.
"Donovan's had a couple of sticky spells but he's always bounced back and I still think he's a smashing lad," said McCall while talking to the Telegraph & Argus. "He's done well for this club and people should look back and think of the penalty saves and acrobatic moments rather than the negatives.
"We spoke to his agent the same time as we were discussing Omar Daley's new deal. The simple fact was we weren't going to be able to give Donovan the money next season that he's on.
"The agent thought he could get more elsewhere and spoke to QPR, who were interested in taking him before the deadline. We get a minimal fee, something we wouldn't in the summer when he'd be out of contract, and also get Donovan off the wage bill now.
"The deal was all ready to go and we couldn't stand in his way, though we would have stopped it if we hadn't got somebody else in."
Ricketts, who joined City from Jamaican club Village United in August 2004, follows former Valley Parade team-mate Damion Stewart to Loftus Road.
McCall has been tracking Loach for some time. The 19-year-old is third choice at Vicarage Road behind Richard Lee and Mart Poom but has earned rave reviews during a brief loan spell with Morecambe.
McCall said: "He's got a good pedigree and comes highly recommended to us. I spoke to Aidy Boothroyd, their goalkeeping coach Alec Chamberlain and Martin Hunter with his Bradford links and they all said good things about him.
"We wanted to bring Scott in a couple of months ago to put pressure on Donovan but Watford would only let him out if he was playing games.
"He's one we've been monitoring since and we're delighted that he's come in now.
"He went to Stafford early on and did ever so well and had a few games with Morecambe, where I saw him play against Macclesfield the other week and save a penal


Telegraph and Argus/Simon Parker City to receive 'minimal' fee for Ricketts
Donovan Ricketts was finalising a move to QPR today after City made it clear he would have to drop his wages to stay.
The Jamaican keeper was in London for talks yesterday and a deal has been agreed for a "minimal" fee.
City have moved quickly to replace Ricketts by snapping up teenage prospect Scott Loach from Watford for the rest of the season. And he will be in goal against Shrewsbury tonight, providing the Rangers deal goes through.
Stuart McCall admitted he was sad to see the back of Ricketts, who played 118 games for City with 32 clean sheets.
"Donovan's had a couple of sticky spells but he's always bounced back and I still think he's a smashing lad," said McCall. "He's done well for this club and people should look back and think of the penalty saves and acrobatic moments rather than the negatives.
"We spoke to his agent the same time as we were discussing Omar Daley's new deal. The simple fact was we weren't going to be able to give Donovan the money next season that he's on.
"The agent thought he could get more elsewhere and spoke to QPR, who were interested in taking him before the deadline. We get a minimal fee, something we wouldn't in the summer when he'd be out of contract, and also get Donovan off the wage bill now.
"The deal was all ready to go and we couldn't stand in his way, though we would have stopped it if we hadn't got somebody else in."
Ricketts, who joined City from Jamaican club Village United in August 2004, follows former Valley Parade team-mate Damion Stewart to Loftus Road.
McCall has been tracking Loach for some time. The 19-year-old is third choice at Vicarage Road behind Richard Lee and Mart Poom but has earned rave reviews during a brief loan spell with Morecambe.
McCall said: "He's got a good pedigree and comes highly recommended to us. I spoke to Aidy Boothroyd, their goalkeeping coach Alec Chamberlain and Martin Hunter with his Bradford links and they all said good things about him.
"We wanted to bring Scott in a couple of months ago to put pressure on Donovan but Watford would only let him out if he was playing games.
"He's one we've been monitoring since and we're delighted that he's come in now.
"He went to Stafford early on and did ever so well and had a few games with Morecambe, where I saw him play against Macclesfield the other week and save a penalty." Telegraph and Argus




Also "Bradford and QPR Agree Fee for Jamaican Goalkeeper, Donovan Ricketts...Player in Talks with QPR

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Cardiff Official Site HOME TO THE RANGERS
Moneybags Queens Park Rangers visit Ninian Park on Tuesday night as City return to league action. With a near full midweek Championship fixture list, City will be desperate for the three points to put pressure on those top six spots.
City's eight game unbeaten run has seen us fly up the league table and progress to the last sixteen of the FA Cup. The optimism is back amongst supporters.
Rangers are also enjoying better times, making a steady rise away from the relegation zone. They currently occupy 17th position in the Championship, six points clear of Preston in 22nd. But they are far from safe yet and will be eager to reach the magic fifty points sooner rather than later.
Their upturn in fortunes has coincided with Lakshmi Mittal's arrival in West London. Mittal, the fifth most minted man on the planet bought a 20 per cent stakeholding in the R's in December. The Indian steel magnate topped last year's Sunday Times Rich List with a near £20bn fortune - almost double that of Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich. He has joined Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone at Loftus Road and already the spending has started.
So far they have parted with over £3.5m during the January transfer window for three players and have brought in a further four on free transfers. One of those additions, Hungarian attacking midfielder Akos Buzsaky, has already bagged six goals in 16 appearances since moving from Plymouth.
Other notable faces added to their squad include defender Fitz Hall who moved from Wigan for a free transfer and striker Rowan Vine who put pen to paper from Birmingham for a cool £1m.
Their last game finished in a comfortable 2-0 victory at home to Barnsley. New signing Patrick Agyemang opened the scoring, latching onto Dexter Blackstock's tidy cross to head home from six yards early on, his second in as many games. Vine then secured the three points from Agyemang's tempting cross in the closing stages of the first half.
Prior to that they were beaten at Sheffield United and were unlucky to lose at Chelsea in the Cup from an own goal by 'keeper Lee Camp.
QPR midfielder Gavin Mahon will return to their squad after he missed their Barnsley fixture through illness. Club captain Adam Bolder also missed that match due to personal reasons but will return to the fray. Former City fullback Chris Barker may feature following a successful hernia operation, but goalkeeper Jake Cole is likely to be sidelined with a bruised thumb.
Also amongst the QPR ranks is former City midfielder Gareth Ainsworth. Ainsworth made just nine league appearances over two months during our successful play-off season of 2002/03 but is fondly remembered by the City faithful for his frantic efforts and rock and roll celebrations.
A number of City players picked up knocks and bruises during our 2-1 win at Hereford on Sunday so Dave Jones will wait until Tuesday morning before evaluating the fitness of his men. Steve Thompson has been suffering with cramp and might not be ready for a second game in three days. Loan goalkeeper Peter Enkelman may have to continue to wait for his chance to impress following a decent display by Michael Oakes at Edgar Street. There may be a place on the bench for Trevor Sinclair returning from injury.
Speaking ahead of the game, Jones told CCWorld: "There's no easy games in this division. QPR have invested a lot of money and brought in plenty of good players they're on a little good run themselves, expectations are high so it becomes a very difficult game. But again, if we can play to our maximum and keep the performance levels high then hopefully we can come away with maximum points."
City faced Rangers in the second league game of the campaign and came away with a 2-0 win thanks to goals from Steve MacLean and Paul Parry. Trevor Sinclair's corner was helped across the box by Parry and MacLean was there to swivel the turn the ball home on half hour. Paul Parry put the Bluebirds 2-0 up after a great move down the right culminated in McPhail putting an inch perfect cross into the six yard box and Parry headed past Camp. Cardiff

CARDIFF OFFICIAL SITE - MANAGER. Dave Jones DAVE TALKS RANGERS and WOLVES
There were some tired legs after the tough Cup tie at Hereford, but Dave Jones is hoping that everyone will be fit to face QPR.
"I'll just see how they all feel today," he said. "Johnson was struggling to walk and McPhail was feeling his hip. Thommo had cramp which is to be expected as it was his first full game since the Bristol game. We'll get them down the gymnasium, get them on the bikes and in the pool and see how they feel. They're in again tomorrow before the game, so we won't know until then.
"There're no easy games in this division. QPR have invested a lot of money and brought in plenty of good players - they're on a little good run themselves and expectations are high, so it becomes a very difficult game. But again, if we can play to our maximum and keep the performance levels high then hopefully we can come away with maximum points.".....
"If you were going to get one of the big four financially you would want to play away as you get triple the money. It is an old cliché but we will look at the Wolves game when it comes around and the most important game for us is the next one which is QPR on Tuesday night Cardiff

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After almost three years at QPR, Dominic Shimmin has been released by the club.

QPR Official Site -DOM DEPARTS
Dominic Shimmin has today (Monday) had his QPR contract terminated by mutual consent with immediate effect.
The defender, who joined the R's from Arsenal in March 2005, made just four appearances in all competitions during an injury interrupted spell in W12.
Queens Park Rangers Football Club would like to place on record its thanks to Dominic for his contribution during his time at Loftus Road and wish him all the best for the future. QPR

See Shimmin/Wikipedia

Flashback: BBC - March 21, 2005 Rangers target Arsenal youngster
Queens Park Rangers are hoping to sign teenager Dominic Shimmin from Arsenal.
The defender has played for England at Under-16 level and is regarded as a bright prospect.
Shimmin, 17, is the second Gunners player QPR have targeted since their appointment of John O'Brien as youth recruitment officer.
O'Brien previously worked at Highbury and was instrumental in Rangers' recent signing of former Arsenal left-back Matthew Hislop BBC

March 2005 - SkySports: Shimmin Signs for QPR
Rangers sign Gunners starlet
Queens Park Rangers have bolstered their squad with the signing Dominic Shimmin from Arsenal.
The 17-year-old defender inked a two-and-a-half-year deal at Loftus Road, signing for an undisclosed fee.
Rangers boss Ian Holloway believes Shimmin will prove to be a valuable addition to the squad.
"He's a great prospect and a player I think we're very fortunate to be signing - it's a great deal for us," said Holloway.
"I'm planning for the future and I want to build a QPR squad that will last for years.
"That means picking up quality youngsters and a lot of them are with the top Premiership clubs


Shimmin Signs for QPR

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UPDATE:
-Bradford Official Site Donovan Ricketts in QPR talks
Bradford City have given permission to QPR to speak with keeper Donovan Ricketts after an undisclosed fee was agreed between the two clubs.
The Championship club made their move after watching the Jamaican international in action at Wrexham on Saturday.
Ricketts is out of contract at the end of the season and is expected in London on Monday afternoon to discuss terms and undergo a medical.
Should the deal go through, they will have a loan keeper in goal against Shrewsbury Town on Tuesday night. Ricketts, 30, joined City in 2004 and has made 118 appearances, keeping 32 clean sheets. Bradford [Note: Bradford have already signed a replacement -

Queens Park Rangers Football Club can confirm Bradford City custodian Donovan Ricketts is in West London for talks ahead of a proposed transfer to Loftus Road.
The Jamaican international travelled South today (Monday) after Rangers agreed an undisclosed fee with the League Two outfit for the stoppers' services. He is due to undergo a medical this afternoon. Ricketts, who is out of contract at the end of the current campaign, joined City in 2004 and has made 118 appearances, keeping 32 clean sheet
QPR

[It was reported yesterday that QPR had been watching Ricketts. "..Ricketts, being watched by a scout from QPR, had seen little action before then. ...."] Telegraph Argus

Telegraph and Argus/Simon Parker - Ricketts lines up QPR switch
City stopper Donovan Ricketts was in London this afternoon for talks with QPR.
The Championship club made their move after watching the Jamaican international in action at Wrexham on Saturday.
Ricketts is out of contract at the end of the season and it is thought that City are looking to get him off the wage bill.
Should the deal go through, they will have a loan keeper in goal against Shrewsbury tomorrow night.
Ricketts, 30, joined City in 2004 and has made 118 appearances, keeping 32 clean sheets. Telegraph and Argus

Bradford Official Site Profile of Ricketts
Name: Donovan Ricketts
Nationality: Jamaican
Date of Birth: 07/06/1977
Height: 6' 4" (193cm)
Weight: 14st 7lbs (92.16kg)
Previous Clubs: Bolton
Position: Goalkeeper
The 6'4" Jamaican international goalkeeper joined Bradford City in July 2004.
At present he is the vice captain of the Jamaica national football team. On June 3, 2006 he appeared in goal for Jamaica in the International Friendly against England at Old Trafford. Jamaica went on to lose the game 6-0.
Donovan has not only kept goal for Jamaica at the senior level, but has also done it at various junior levels for his country.
He came through the national ranks under the guidance of goalkeeping coach, Paul Campbell.
Donovan is a World Cup veteran, being named to the Jamaican squad that played in the World Cup finals in France. But, the opportunity never presented itself for him to see any game time....Bradford

Also: Wikipedia/Ricketts

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Update: Vital Football - Nygaard talks about leaving QPR and signing for Danish club, Randers FC Vital Footballre Nygaard

QPR Official Site GREAT DANE DEPARTS
Danish front-man Marc Nygaard has today (Monday) had his QPR contract terminated by mutual consent with immediate effect.
The Great Dane, who joined Rangers on a free transfer in July 2005, is expected to return to his homeland to sign a contract with Danish Superliga side Randers FC.
Nygaard made 72 appearances in all competitions during his two-and-a-half year spell in W12, scoring 14 goals.
Queens Park Rangers Football Club would like to place on record its thanks to Marc for his contribution during his time at Loftus Road and wish him all the best for the future. QPR

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One year ago, Matt Rose was released by QPR after almost a decade with the club. - "QPR Official Site - FAREWELL ROSIE"

Seven Years Ago... January 27, 2001 - FA Cup QPR 0 Arsenal 6
QPR Lee Harper, Ludek Miklosko, Ian Baraclough, Clarke Carlisle, Jermaine Darlington, Steve Morrow, Christopher Plummer, Matthew Rose, Sam Koejoe, Richard Langley, Gavin Peacock, Mark Perry, Karl Connolly, Peter Crouch, Chris Kiwomya, Michel Ngonge
Arsenal Alex Manninger, David Seaman, Tony Adams, Ashley Cole, Lee Dixon, Gilles Grimandi, Igors Stepanovs, Nelson Vivas, Etame Mayer Lauren, Stefan Malz, Ray Parlour, Robert Pires, Patrick Vieira, Dennis Bergkamp, Thierry Henry, Sylvain Wiltord - Venue: Loftus Road Attendance: 19,003
Corners: QPR 3 Arsenal 10 Goal Attempts: QPR 4 Arsenal 20 On Target: QPR 2 Arsenal 12 QPR 0 Arsenal 6 - Match Reports


Fifteen Years ago: January 27, 1993: Gerry Francis' QPR drew in the League: QPR 1 Chelsea 1
QPR: Roberts - Bardsley Mcdonald Maddix Brevitt -- Wilson Barker Holloway Impey --Allen Ferdinand - Sub: White (Bradley Allen goal)


Eighteen Years ago: January 27, 1990: Don Howe's QPR drew 0-0 at Arsenal in the FA Cup Fourth Round (before winning the replay 2-0 at Loftus Road). QPR's team at Highbury: Seaman - Bardsley Maddix McDonald - Parker Barker Wilkins Sinton Clarke Wegerle - Wright


Forty Years Ago: January 27, 1968: FA Cup 3rd Round QPR 1 Preston 3
Springett - Harris Keetch Hazell Clement - Morgan Sanderson Keen Morgan - Marsh Leach
Goal Keen. (The previous week, QPR had played and beaten Preston 2-0 at Loftus Road. In the next round, Preston were drawn against the FA Cup holders Spurs.

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Former QPR Dean Parrett was named to the England U-17 Squad to play Denmark, France and Portugal in Portugal, Feb 2-5 - Full squad

John Curtis Icons - Good times are on the horizon
I've stopped going in to Preston now, so I haven't actually trained properly for the last couple of weeks, although I'm running a bit and keeping myself in reasonable shape.
Although I'm desperate to play football it's been quite nice to have a couple of weeks free to see my family, sort a few things out and live a little bit more of a normal life.
I'm as hungry as ever and hopefully when the transfer windows closes and it quietens down a little bit there will be a few options available to me. Right now it's just too hectic and everyone's running around in circles.
I was asked recently if I was surprised about how my career has gone from then days when I was at United and obviously when I was in Manchester I believed I'd be there for a while and the world was sort of at my feet.
But you have to be lucky in football and perhaps I haven't always had the best of luck. You have to be in the right place at the right time and avoid being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
But, having said that, there have been a lot of good times, I've played with some fantastic clubs and met some brilliant people, so I've no real regrets. I do believe there will be more good times to come in my football career and they're just around the corner. Icons

SouthWales Echo/Terry Phillips -Barker keen to play only a week after hernia op
CHRIS Barker, the full-back discarded by Cardiff City manager Dave Jones last summer, is aiming for a return to Ninian Park on Tuesday.
Yorkshireman Barker is determined to play for Queens Park Rangers – only a week after he had a second hernia operation.
The op, in Germany, was on Tuesday and he’s already back in light training.
Another former City player is also on his way back to Ninian Park with QPR. Gareth Ainsworth looks certain to be in their squad. ic Wales



Cardiff Manager - Cardiff Official Site
"City go into a tiring three days, starting on Sunday with a difficult short trip to face League Two Hereford and finishing on Tuesday night with the home game against QPR in the Championship.
"We've got a heavy schedule this week with Hereford making us play on the Sunday," said Dave Jones. "But when you're winning and doing quite well then people tend to get over those knocks and bruises that little bit quicker.
"We asked that we could play the game on Saturday but for some reason the police have said no. It's Catch 22, if we changed the QPR game to the Wednesday we would have had all the hassle of changing the programmes and the police and we still would have had the same problem because then two days later we travel to Stoke, so it's six of one and half a dozen of the other. If we changed the game to a Wednesday then we would have paid for the game on Saturday, and that's a 12:30 kick-off in Stoke so we decided to leave it al alone. "Obviously we want to keep the run going because we're winning games so it's important to keep that atmosphere and togetherness ticking along..."
Cardiff


QPR OFFICIAL SITE - WE SHOULD FEAR NO-ONE'
Mikele Leigertwood believes the new-look QPR squad should 'fear no-one' as the business end of the season looms large.
The combative midfielder - who has recently returned to the Rangers side following a four match suspension - is adamant that the R's can keep climbing the table in the second half of the campaign.
"With the squad we've got now, I don't think we should fear anyone," he told www.qpr.co.uk.
"A few weeks ago, people were probably looking at the fixtures and thinking 'QPR will lose that one,' but now I think they can see that there's a bit more quality with the way we're setting ourselves up and approaching games.
"Everything has changed really quickly, but hopefully for the better."
However, Leigertwood has warned his QPR team-mates that they need to be on their guard for the midweek trip to Ninian Park.
With a rare weekend off due to the FA Cup fourth round ties, the R's return to Championship action against the rejuvenated Bluebirds on Tuesday night.
After a mid-season slump, Dave Jones' Cardiff side have soared up the table to eighth in recent weeks, with five wins from their previous eight fixtures.
"We're on a decent run of form, but we have to respect Cardiff, who have really improved in recent weeks," said Leigertwood.
"They almost beat West Bromwich Albion in their last league game, but we have to approach the match in a positive manner, that is what the gaffer wants us to do." QPR

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Football League's 'League Leader' -
"...[Angelo Balanta] was scouted while playing for Brunswick in the Harrow Youth League...'One of my teachers recommended me to someone at Ranges and they had a look at me...I felt right at home with Rangers from the first time I trained with the club and I'm delighted to have signed a contract. The older players have been brilliant and looked after me...This club is going places and I want to be part of it. Loads of players have come in, but I'm not afraid of that. I just want to prove I am worthy of a place in the side." Scroll down to Page Three, Football League's League Leader

See Also:
- QPR Official Site Profile of Balanta
- Wikipedia Profile of Angelo Balanta

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Mirror - Clubs come winging in to sign Kris
Nottingham Forest have received bids of £500,000 from QPR, Leicester and Wolves for Kris Commons.
The 24-year-old winger (above) is out of contract in the summer and has declined a new deal.
League One Forest will cash in on him once they eventually recruit striker Leon Best from Coventry for around £1.3million. Mirror

From The Times, from a couple of days ago...but with respect to Rowan Vine, of course, referring to Rowan Vine's move to Birmingham from Luton, last January, not his move to QPR!:

The Times/Tom Dart - The 50 best and worst January signings
"Plenty of clubs nab a bargain in the January sales but, for every side shopping to avoid relegation or kick on at the top, there is a chairman waiting to exploit their desperation - and that transfer window saviour turns out overrated, overpriced, or both. Here, we list the 25 best and worst January signings since the transfer window was introduced in 2003....
The WORST
23 Rowan Vine, Luton Town to Birmingham City, 11 January 2007
De-Vine inspiration was absent during the forward’s spell in the Midlands. Prolific at Luton, he scored just once after his £2.5 million switch and has spent most of this season on loan at QPR, where he has just made the move permanent for £1 million." The Times


BBC Gossip: "MK Dons boss Paul Ince could move for striker Stefan Moore after he was released by QPR. (Daily Star)" BBC Gossip


Also: Mirror repeats what's been reported elsewhere:
Mirror - Cerny: Buy me or I'm off to QPR
REBEL TREBLE REBEL 3 JUST 7 DAYS UNTIL THE TRANSFER WINDOW CLOSES
Tottenham keeper Radek Cerny admits he would be interested in a move to QPR - even though he has just become first-choice at White Hart Lane.
Cerny is on a long-term loan deal from Slavia Prague, but the contract is due to expire at the end of the season. The Czech star has overtaken England keeper Paul Robinson as the No.1. Cerny (right) is in pole position to keep his place for the Carling Cup Final against Chelsea.
But it is believed that his agent Pavel Paska has held talks with QPR's co-owner Flavio Briatore over a possible move to Loftus Road and the keeper has yet to be offered a permanent deal at Spurs. Cerny said: "As my contract in Tottenham expires in the summer, I must be looking for a different club. And if QPR were it, then I would go there.
"I have no problem with the Championship, it is an extremely tough competition of high quality." Mirror

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No QPR this year in the Football League Awards shortlists. Next year! (Last year, the club was in the "Community Club of the Year" and "best matchday programmes." 2007 Football League shortlist

Football League

SHORTLISTS ANNOUNCED FOR THE 2008 FOOTBALL LEAGUE AWARDS
The Football League Awards

The Football League has announced the shortlists for five award categories in the 2008 Football League Awards incorporating FourFourTwo's Top 50 Football League Players.
Over 123 entries were received from clubs across all three divisions, with 50 clubs entering in total. This year, the award categories have been modified to include divisional awards, with clubs from each league going head to head. 28 clubs have been shortlisted for this year's Awards, with eight clubs earning more than one entry in the shortlists.
The winners will be announced at the third annual Football League Awards which will take place at The London Hilton, Park Lane on Sunday 2nd March 2008.
Expert judging panels were assembled for each category and the process of evaluating each entry took place at The Football League on 15th and 16th January.
Stewart Thomson, Commercial Director of The Football League said: "The Football League Awards incorporating FourFourTwo's Top 50 Players aim to reward outstanding achievements both on and off the football pitch. This year's new Family Club of the Year award in each division will reward clubs delivering a truly outstanding family experience through their pricing, customer service and Matchday family focussed activity.Once again, the quality of the entries is testament to the commitment and hard work throughout the clubs, and there will be some truly worthy winners."

The shortlists for the five award categories are:
Wickes Community Club of the Year
Charlton Athletic
Colchester United
Millwall
Watford
West Bromwich Albion
Wycombe Wanderers

Advance Performance Best Community Initiative - Championship
Charlton Athletic
Ipswich Town
Norwich City
Stoke City

Advance Performance Best Community Initiative - League 1
Brighton and Hove Albion
Leyton Orient
Northampton Town
Southend United

Advance Performance Best Community Initiative - League 2
Brentford
Lincoln City
Notts County
Wycombe Wanderers

Perform Best Fan Marketing Campaign
Bradford City
Cardiff City
Leicester City
Norwich City
Wrexham

Best Matchday Programme
Brighton and Hove Albion
Bristol City
Hull City
Norwich City
Watford
West Bromwich Albion

Family Club of the Year - Championship
Leicester City
Norwich City
Plymouth Argyle
Preston North End

Family Club of the Year - League 1
Huddersfield Town
Northampton Town
Tranmere Rovers
Yeovil Town

Family Club of the Year - League 2
Lincoln City
Milton Keynes Dons
Wycombe Wanderers

Nivea for Men Apprentice Award - League 1 Click here for more info
Alex Dyer - Northampton Town
Daniel Broadbent - Huddersfield Town
Thomas Schwarz - Walsall

Nivea for Men Apprentice Award - League 2 Click here for more info
Daniel Hone - Lincoln City
Liam Kelly - Milton Keynes Dons
Ryan Bennett - Grimsby Town

The Football League Awards will, once again, recognise footballing excellence on and off the field, with clubs and players honoured alongside fans. There will be 19 award categories in total, including a range of football awards and industry-specific honours.
To find out more about The Football League Awards, and for a full list of Award categories, please visitwww.footballleagueawards.com.
The Awards highlights TV programme will be shown on Sky Sports 1 in the week following the Awards ceremony. Football League

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THE VIEW FROM ITV SPORT'S 'THE CHAMPIONSHIP'
ITV Sport's Andy Townsend takes a closer look at situation at QPR and Newcastle
Andy Townsend
It is fair to say that Newcastle have dominated the headlines over the last ten days and I for one believe they made the right appointment in King Kev. I've missed him - we all have.
Keegan is box office and his press conference was a lesson to some on how to engage with the media as a modern day football manager. If only his players were as good against Bolton. No sparkle, no magic, no entertainment and KK will have to literally perform miracles to get this team winning regularly never mind thrilling us each week. We shall see?
I had a chat with a London cabbie on my way from Marylebone to Waterloo recently and he had an interesting take on the situation at Newcastle. I was asked the usual questions about whether or not Keegan would be successful, should he take Shearer? etc etc and then the twist. "I bet you my team - Q.P.R. - will win something, one of the cups, before the Geordies!"
I laughed and he replied "You think I'm joking don't ya? Keegan may play some lovely football but they won't win anything this time round. They had their chance but didn't grab it but we are on the up and you watch us go. You heard it here first Andy!"
I thanked him for the lecture, paid him his £23 fare (and yes I did give him a tip) and went on my way. Later that evening that conversation got me thinking. With the Loftus Road outfit now owned by two billionaires and a multi-millionaire they are only going one way.
Those guys did not acquire such wealth and success by sitting around staring at the sky. They make things happen and quickly. Luigi Di Canio has now got the ship moving in the right direction - 19 points from their last 24 in the league looks pretty decent to me and they are currently eleven points from a play-off place. The cabbie has a point, if, and it is a big if, they can get out of this league quickly then they have big advantages over Kevin Keegan.
They would find it easier to attract the very biggest names to Loftus Road as London living suits top international players. Talk of a new stadium excites players. Being part of something new in itself is tempting and crucially, players know that the club can afford them. I bet Rangers have been contacted by more agents over the last three weeks than Manchester United. QPR will be successful, they will return to the Premier League.
It is not impossible to claw back an eleven point deficit; you only need to look at Crystal Palace who have had an amazing run to go from virtually bottom to serious challengers - seeing off the likes of Sheffield United, Watford, Wolves and Bristol City recently. The Championship is that sort of division. Nothing is impossible.
At the moment I'm not sure that QPR possess the squad to amass a huge collection of points from the run-in but should they add to the squad again before the deadline then you never know.
The fans in Geordieland believe the good times are set to return and this time success will be theirs. Mike Ashley's megabucks and a brand of football that will light up the North-East will see to that. I hope I'm there to witness it.
As for my Cabbie friend, I was concerned he was slightly bonkers and didn't know where he was going. Under closer inspection I now realise he wasn't joking and who knows, he could be right..." ITV The Championship

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Mail/Ivan Speck - He deserves a Pacquette for putting kids on the right path
Chasing the Wembley dream? Havant & Waterlooville striker Richard Pacquette spends his working day in the shadow of the mighty arch that bestrides the national stadium.
Yet while flights of fancy will fill his heart as the Havant team coach leaves Hampshire this morning on the journey of a football lifetime to Liverpool, stopping on the way for a training session at Manchester United's indoor complex at The Cliff, it is Pacquette's day job which makes a difference in reality.
In a league of his own: Pacquette at his school in Neasden
As a school standards officer, the 24-year-old's duty is to patrol the corridors and corners of Neasden's John Kelly Boys School to make sure pupils are in lessons rather than playing truant, bullying or taking drugs that ruin so many young lives when they have hardly begun.
To others it would be just a job, but Pacquette feels a responsibility to offer advice and hope. As for reinforcing those principles, well, an FA Cup run like Havant & Waterlooville's works wonders.
The day after their third round replay win over Swansea, Pacquette drove to the school with fellow striker Rocky Baptiste. Their car was mobbed by delirious pupils as it turned into the drive.
"It's been madness since then," he laughed. "My job is to patrol the building and make sure the kids are doing lessons, not bunking off. I ask them where they should be, hurry them up and make sure they go back to lessons on time.
"It's quite a new thing for schools in the borough. They try to get youth workers in to educate the kids a bit and keep them away from the streets. I try to talk to the kids. Neasden's quite rough and they can easily get distracted, so I tell them there is always hope to do something.
"I do a bit of coaching, too. I take the sixth formers for football after school. I enjoy it. The kids look up to me and the teachers have been really supportive. A few of them came to Swansea, quite a lot to the home game and 20 of them will be coming to Liverpool. They know my desire to get back into full-time football."
The hope that Pacquette instils in pupils is evident when you meet him. After all, his own career was disappearing into oblivion.
At 13 he was in QPR's youth team with DJ Campbell, now at Leicester, whose own FA Cup heroics with Yeading three seasons ago got him back into the professional game. Pacquette made his QPR debut at 18 in a Championship game against Huddersfield. His partner in attack was Peter Crouch, opposite him tomorrow for Liverpool.
He played in the League One play-off final loss to Cardiff at the Millennium Stadium in 2005 but slowly drifted out of favour. After signing on a non-contract basis with MK Dons, then Brentford, he dropped into non-league with Farnborough and next Hampton & Richmond — all four clubs in the same season.
"When I left QPR, I had offers from some Conference sides who were full-time. When I look back, I maybe should have taken that and started from there. But I was a bit naive. I just wanted to stay in the league. That's why I took a chance on going to MK Dons and Brentford.
"During the time I was moving around here, there and everywhere, I lost my fitness because I wasn't training every day. That affected my performance when I did play.
"I sat down with my agent and he said, 'Right, this summer you just have to go somewhere and play a whole season'. That's been proved right.
"I signed with Worthing and since then I've been scoring every season and doing well. So hopefully all my hard work will pay off. I never give up anyway. I believe that if you work hard, you will get there.
"I've matured as a player. As a forward you've got to work hard off the ball as well as on it. As I've got older, I've learned that. I feel I'm a better player now and I'm ready to make that step back up again to full-time football.
"DJ's a mate. What he's done in coming out from a pro club into non-league and going back again inspires me and drives me more because I know what I'm capable of.
"The FA Cup has helped a lot of us non-league players by being giant-killers and performing on the big stage. It's opened the shop window for us."
Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant is another friend from youth team football. The pair see each other every summer as part of a group of players who work on their pre-season fitness in London by meeting up for five-a-side games.
"I didn't think we'd be playing each other in the fourth round of the Cup, but whenever they see me, they always ask how I'm doing and tell me just to keep at it, keep working hard and hopefully it will come.
"Anfield will be great. It's every kid's dream. There are big players in the Liverpool team but everyone's human, so anything could happen."
Pacquette turns 25 on Monday. The fifth round draw will probably be an irrelevance for Havant by then, but the words of wisdom Pacquette imparts at school will carry greater weight than ever. Mail

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News about former QPR defender Ugo Ukah (or Ukah Ugochukwu) Polish Club, Widzew Lodz: Along with a couple of other Polish teams, they have been demoted for supposed match-fixing. Ukah's Widzew Lodz Stats

Widzew punished for match-rigging
Thursday 17 January 2008-
The Polish Football Federation has punished seven clubs for match-fixing (Uefa.Com)Four-time Polish champions Widzew Łódź will be demoted by one division at the end of the season for their part in a major match-fixing scandal.
Relegation concerns
Currently 13th in the 16-team Ekstraklasa, should they finish the campaign in a relegation position, they will start 2008/09 in the third tier of the Polish league. Under the terms of their sentence, they will begin next season with minus six points and will also have to pay a €10,000 fine. They are the seventh club to be punished as a result of a two-year investigation into match-rigging. Arka Gdynia, GKS Górnik Łęczna, Zagłębie Sosnowiec, KSZO Ostrowiec and KS Górnik Polkowice were all relegated for their misdemeanours while TS Podbeskidzie Bielsko-Biała were docked points.
New signing
Widzew's battle to avoid a two-division drop at the end of term has been boosted with the signing of 25-year-old defender Wojciech Szymanek, who has spent the last 18 month in Greece with Egaleo FC. "Szymanek is a very good and promising player and that is why I am happy we have managed to sign him," said Widzew vice-president Grzegorz Bakalarczyk. Champions Zagłębie Lubin are also under investigation for match-fixing and will hear their fate on 24 January. Report

Another club ordered demoted - Report - January 24, 2008

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Brentford Official Site - TALL WINGER SIGNS
Kieron St. Aimie, an 18-year-old winger released by Queen's Park Rangers, has signed for Barnet today.
The 6ft 1 youngster scored on his debut for Rangers in a pre-season match against Celtic after being signed by former manager John Gregory on his 18th birthday. He played for QPR against Leyton Orient in the Carling Cup at the start of the season and also had a loan spell with Oxford United.
Kieron, who has trained with the Bees, said: "I like what I hear from Paul Fairclough. I think I will do well under him ... I'm sure that he will get the best out of me".
He is Barnet's third signing during the January transfer window - Cliff Akurang and Albert Adomah are the others.
Kieron is cup-tied by virtue of playing for Oxford United in this season's FA Cup competition. - Dennis Signy and David Bloomfield Barnet

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Burnley's Operational Director, Brendan Flood on Burnley's spending plans: "[W]e're continuing to make further commitments to the club, and I think everyone can see that we are getting a better squad and we're not going to do a QPR...." Hopefully "to do a QPR" is not going to become a perjorative!

This is Lanashire - Flood's transfer vow
BRENDAN Flood has stressed that Burnley will not be stretched beyond their financial limits during the January transfer window....
Operational director Flood has faith in Coyle's powers of negotiation to wheel and deal in his efforts to make Burnley a strong Championship force capable of pushing for the Premier League. But he has reiterated that the board aren't demanding overnight success.
"The key thing to remember is the transfer window involves a desire to forget everything that's been done over the past 12 months and focus on an amount of money that gets spent in this month," he said.
"Barry and I are committed guys and we're continuing to make further commitments to the club, and I think everyone can see that we are getting a better squad and[b] we're not going to do a QPR.[/b]
"It's a medium to long-term plan to get Burnley established one day in the Premier League......" This is Lancashire

Memory!!
WBA's former Center Half John Wile "I also lost another semi-final a few years later to QPR when a dreadful game was settled by a fluke goal from Clive Allen and it's never a great feeling to get so close to Wembley and then lose.
"I suppose we did better than 88 other teams, but it's horrible when you hear the other team down the corridor celebrating. Losers' dressing rooms can be the most depressing places on earth." Report

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Another great profile and interview on the QPR Official Site. This time, QPR's Ian Gillard, who was part of QPR's 1972/73 promotion squad; QPR's 1975/76 "Championship" Team; and QPR's 1982 FA Cup Final team. (His last game QPR was in the Wembley replay.) Background: Recently turned 57; Given his debut by Tommy Docherty in November 1968 (at home to Nottingham Forest. Played 400+ times for QPR - Record). Also - Wikipedia/Gillard and Dave Barton's QPR Profile of Gillard


QPR OFFICIAL SITE - BLAST FROM THE PAST
In our latest instalment of exclusive past player interviews on www.qpr.co.uk, Ian Gillard comes under the spotlight.
Ian Gillard (1968-1982)
When Ian Gillard retired from playing football, he went to work in the Mars Bar factory and he put on so much weight that his former R's team mates thought he was eating up all the chocolate he was making!
"Yes I piled on a few stone," said Gilly.
"It was a different sort of living altogether for me. Football had been in my blood and then all of a sudden things changed and I was out in the big wide world.
"Some guys are quite lucky in that they can stay involved in sport and keep themselves in trim. But I took one look at my FA Cup Final shirts and my England shirts and thought 'how the hell did I ever fit into them?'"
Joking apart, Gillard was an accomplished left-back who joined Rangers as an apprentice in 1968 and went on to make nearly 500 appearances for the first team. He loved his time at Loftus Road.
He said: "It was a big part of my life. I had my ups and downs like most professional footballers, but I really enjoyed it at QPR. It was a good Club and very well run.
"We had a super Chairman in Jim Gregory. He knew exactly what he was doing business-wise. He was a bit of a devil when you tried to negotiate with him, but he understood how to rule a Football Club."
Gillard was an integral part of the great R's side that challenged for the League Championship in 1975/76 - and he still regrets missing out on a title medal.
"I felt that we deserved to win it. We were an attacking side that played lovely flowing football, but it wasn't to be. Liverpool pipped us by a point and it was a real disappointment for us.
"That was the best team I ever played in. They were good times and we had a host of quality players. There was an excellent balance throughout the squad.
"Dave Sexton was the finest Coach I ever worked with. He was top notch. Dave was a very private and quiet man, but all the players had so much respect for him."
Gilly's excellent form for the Super Hoops led to three full England appearances in the mid-1970's. He takes massive satisfaction when looking back on his international caps.
"I was very proud obviously. I was lucky as a few regulars in the squad like Kevin Beattie and Alan Kennedy got injured. So I got my chance and I was really chuffed to play for my country.
"It was just nice to be part of the set-up and be in the England squad as there were a lot of good players involved in those days. I was very honoured."
Snappy in the tackle and lethal on the overlap, Gillard was a formidable defender. He only scored 11 times for the Hoops, but one particular strike sticks in his mind.
"It was at home to Manchester United in September 1978. I still talk about it to this day as it was quite funny!
"Paddy Roche was in goal for United and I put the ball between his legs at the School End. It wasn't meant to be that way but I miss-hit my shot and it just happened!
"I didn't notch many goals in my career so to get one against Manchester United was quite a privilege really."
After completing 14 years with Rangers, Gillard bowed out at the very top. His last games for the Club were at Wembley Stadium in the 1982 FA Cup Final and Replay.
"We had two bites of the cherry against Spurs. We played on the Saturday and then the Replay was on the Thursday night. I knew that I was about to move on from QPR so it was a really good way for me to bow out.
"Tottenham dominated the first match and if wasn't for our keeper Peter Hucker, then we could have lost by two or three goals. But we got over that and Terry Fenwick headed the equaliser towards the end to make it 1-1.
"Then in the Replay, I thought we really did well. We had a good Manager in Terry Venables and he knew what was required to damage Spurs. The plan worked but unfortunately we didn't score, so it was a sad occasion to lose 1-0."
Gilly has had a varied life since leaving Rangers - both in football and in his existence beyond.
"I went to Aldershot as Player-Coach in July 1982. I retired from playing four years later but I stayed on the coaching staff at the Recreation Ground until 1990. We won promotion to the Third Division during my time there.
"But when you have played at the top, it is very hard to go down to the lower levels and I could see a contrast in the players' attitudes. It was so different that it really hit me, to be honest.
"After my time at Aldershot, I worked for Mars before I set up a cleaning company with my wife. It was just the two of us involved and it was very successful actually. But you get a little bit older and we decided to call it a day. So I have jacked that in and I am semi-retired."
Ian Gillard is now 57 years-old and lives in Surrey. He remains a firm follower of our beloved R's and wishes the Club every success.
"It is the first result I look for every week. QPR have always been close to my heart and I pop up to Loftus Road occasionally to watch games with my son or my wife.
"I don't want to see the team where they are at the moment in the lower half of the Championship. They have come through so many difficult years and I am hoping for an exciting future ahead under the new owners." QPR

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Mirror - Thomas Sorensen
Qpr will make a bid for out-of-favour Aston Villa keeper Thomas Sorensen after shelving plans to sign Dutchman Stefan Postma. Dane Sorensen, 31, is third choice at Villa Park and is set to be thrown a lifeline by Rangers. Mirror

The Sun - "QPR are set to bid for Aston Villa’s out-of-favour keeper THOMAS SORENSEN after shelving plans to sign Wolves’ Dutch stopper STEFAN POSTMA. " The Sun

BBC Gossip "QPR will make a bid for out-of-favour Aston Villa keeper Thomas Sorensen after shelving plans to sign Dutchman Stefan Postma. (Various) " BBC

See: Aston Villa Profile of Sorensen and Wikipedia Profile of

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UPDATE: Nardiello has gone out on loan for the rest of the season, returning to Barnsley.
As noted below, QPR have announced that Stefan Moore has "had his contract terminated by mutual consent with immediate effect." QPR Official. Meanwhile it's reported (as has been rumoured on the messageboards the last few days) that goalkeeper, Stefan Postma would not be signing for QPR.

QPR Official Site - LOAN RANGER
R's front-man Danny Nardiello has rejoined former Club Barnsley on loan until the end of the season.
The Welsh international, who joined Rangers on a free transfer in the summer after turning down an improved offer to stay at Oakwell, returns after making just eight appearances in all competitions for the R's.
Under the terms of the loan deal, Nardiello won't be able to play against QPR when the two sides meet at Oakwell on Saturday 16th February. QPR

BARNSLEY OFFICIAL SITE EXCLUSIVE - NARDIELLO BACK AT OAKWELL!!!
BARNSLEY manager Simon Davey has pulled off a sensational move in the transfer market to bring Oakwell favourite Daniel Nardiello back to the Club until the end of the season.
The Manchester United starlet was a massive hit on loan at Oakwell during the 2003/2004 campaign netting seven goals in 16 games before returning to Old Trafford. He came back to Barnsley in the summer of 2004 on a season-long loan deal that delighted supporters. Left out of the side for long periods, Daniel managed to net seven goals in 30 first team appearances before returning to Manchester United at the end of the season. Released by the Old Trafford club last summer, he signed a two-year deal at Oakwell in July 2005.
Daniel struggled for first team starts through the 2005/2006 season but ended the season in fine form bagging the winning goal against Huddersfield Town in the Play Off Semi Finals. He was also on target at the Millennium Stadium to take the clash with Swansea to a penalty shoot out.
Daniel enjoyed a memorable end to the 2006/2007 campaign when he hit form and fitness after another stop-start campaign. An end of season goal rush helped keep the Reds up and re-affirm the ex-Manchester United striker as an Oakwell favourite. He hit nine goals in 32 games in total.
Although in talks with the Reds last summer, Daniel opted to try his luck elsewhere and joined Queens Park Rangers on a free transfer. Injuries have limited him to just eight appearances for the Loftus Road club this season.
Daniel will stay with the Reds until the end of the 2007/2008 campaign although he will not be able to play against QPR at Oakwell on February 16, 2008.
Simon Davey told www.barnsleyfc.co.uk: "We are delighted to bring Daniel back to the Club.
"Daniel worked with us as a staff last season and excelled in the games he played. Daniel will make us more of a threat at a time when we need goals".
The relevant paperwork is now being completed and the deal is subject to registration with the football authorities.
Barnsley

BARNSLEY OFFICIAL SITE -DANIEL NARDIELLO - QPR PROFILE
QPR clinched the free transfer signing of Danny Nardiello in the summer of 2007.
The former Manchester United ace agreed a two year deal in W12, despite late interest from Championship rivals Norwich City. Nardiello, who scored seven goals in his final nine appearances for Barnsley last season, turned down an improved deal with the Tykes to link up with the R's.... Barnsley

NARDIELLO SPEAKS - Barnsley Official Site
NARDIELLO DELIGHTED TO HAVE SECOND CHANCE AT OAKWELL!!!
REDS new boy Daniel Nardiello is delighted to have a second chance at Oakwell.
Speaking exclusively to www.barnsleyfc.co.uk, Daniel said: "I am delighted that the manager and chairman here have given me a second chance and I just want to repay them by scoring goals. I know I have a lot to prove to some people at Barnsley but I cannot wait to get going here again.
"I am delighted to have this second chance and want to make the most of it. I am looking forward to coming back and pulling on a Barnsley shirt again.
"I don't know why things have not happened at Queens Park Rangers and to be honest I do regret going there from a footballing point of view. I picked up an injury at the start of the season and the change of manager has not helped me. I just want to play football and score goals.
"It has been a good experience for me to try something else but with hindsight maybe I made the wrong choice in the summer. I just want to play. Barnsley have given me a second chance now and I am determined to repay that with goals.
"It was a very tough decision in summer and I know it upset a lot of people. Some supporters will not be happy to see me back but I am determined to prove them all wrong by scoring goals. I am here to work hard and score as many goals as I can. I cannot wait to get going.
"I have spent the last few weeks training as hard as I possibly could and have done a lot of running work. I am fit and raring to get back on the pitch.
"Hopefully I will be able to play at Southend this Friday. We did very well there last season in a big relegation battle. I managed to score twice that day and it was a great feeling and a great result.
"Coming back to Barnsley is brilliant and this is the only place I want to play my football now. I am delighted to be back". Barnsley

Daily Mail/This is London -Postma snubbed by QPR as he fails to deliver
Stefan Postma's proposed move to Queens Park Rangers has fallen through after he failed to impress during a trial.
The 31-year-old goalkeeper was believed to be on the verge of signing a one-and-a-half-year deal.
But a club source said today: "It doesn't look like the deal will be going through now..." . Daily Mail

Meanwhile it's reported that the winger, Kieron St Aimie, recently released by QPR will be signing for Barnet. Report

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Update: Stefan Moore departs QPR
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - MOORE DEPARTS
Striker Stefan Moore has today (Wednesday) had his contract terminated by mutual consent with immediate effect....Queens Park Rangers Football Club would like to place on record its thanks to Stefan for his contribution during his time at Loftus Road and wish him all the best for the future." QPR

Gareth Ainsworth/Kilburn Times- Step on the Gaz 23 January 2008
I ALWAYS thought it would really hurt the day I was fully fit and left out of the squad on matchday.
Last Saturday was the first time that had happened in my career - but, although I'd obviously rather be playing, I felt fine about being out of the 16.
That's because the gaffer's made it clear that he wants me involved. He's told me to be in the dressing room before the game, at half-time and after the final whistle, whether I'm playing or not.
As the senior player in the squad, I enjoy trying to get the younger lads up for the challenge and inspire them. I'm pleased that the gaffer feels I can contribute off the pitch as well as on it. That's something I'd like to think about doing in the future too.
It also says a lot about the gaffer's man-management - and even though his speeches are through a translator, the words are always poignant and from the heart.
When you're younger and left out of the side, there's a tendency to hope someone else will have a bad game, but when you're a bit older you get behind the lads 100 per cent and egg them on as much as anyone else.
I think the squad's really showing its strength in depth - plus we had probably the youngest subs' bench I've ever seen and that bodes well for the future of the club.
We looked comfortable for most of the game and it was good to see two of the newer signings scoring, particularly Pat Agyemang, who I knew from our Wimbledon days.
Even I raised my eyebrows when we signed Pat - he'd never been a 15 to 20 goals a season player - but I can see he's matured and may be the regular scorer that you need if you want to get promoted.
There have been massive changes since the last time we played Cardiff - but maybe the biggest of those has been attitude and spirit.
The gaffer's been instilling a mentality that makes you stop counting how far above the bottom three we are. Now we're looking at the table and working out how many teams we could overtake next week, or how many wins will put us into the top 10.
I think we can definitely pick up another at Cardiff next Tuesday. At the start of the season they looked one of the favourites in this league, but maybe they have talented individuals instead of a team.
We are a team - and I feel very much part of it, whether I'm wearing the shirt or not. Kilburn Times


Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times - Biggy backs Rs for the big time
MARCUS Bignot is predicting Premier League football for QPR - as he begins life after Loftus Road with the familiar scenario of a relegation battle.
The popular full-back captained Rangers as they escaped the drop into League One last season and believes that achievement has paved the way for future success.
Bignot, who signed for Millwall on a free transfer last week, told the Times: "I take great satisfaction from what we achieved last year and I look on it as such an important part of the club's history.
"The manner in which we stayed up was very satisfying, playing some good football - and, if we hadn't, I don't think there would have been a club to kick off the new season before the new investors came in.
"I feel it was the springboard for what's going on now and it's only a matter of time before QPR are back in the Premier League.
"I'll be delighted when that happens because it's something everyone at the club has been craving for so long."
Now Bignot, 33, is aiming to repeat the trick as he - along with several familiar faces - strives to lift Millwall out of the bottom four in League One.
Former QPR number two Kenny Jackett took charge at the New Den earlier this season, while Joe Gallen and Bobby Bacic have since joined the backroom staff.
Bignot spent two months on loan with the Lions before signing a two and a half year contract and admitted: "My agent worked hard, talking to other clubs - that's his job - and there was interest from elsewhere.
"But if I was going to leave QPR, the only club I wanted to play for was Millwall.
"There's a lot happening in this part of London, especially with the Olympics in 2012, and I didn't want to flit around for the rest of my career.
"I want to get myself up to 500 appearances and I want to do that in the Championship.
"Kenny was so instrumental alongside Ollie when we won promotion at QPR and, having worked with him before, I can only see him doing good things for Millwall.
"We want to get into the Championship, but first and foremost we've got to stay in this division.
"Hopefully that can be the start of things and I've seen it, done it, worn the T-shirt!"
It seemed Bignot's QPR career - totalling four and a half years in two separate spells - would at least continue until the end of this season after he agreed a one-year contract extension last summer.
But the former skipper made just one appearance this season, as a second-half substitute in Rangers' Carling Cup defeat by Leyton Orient, and added: "I wish I'd had a final game, to say goodbye to the supporters.
"I had a great career at QPR and I'd like to thank the supporters, as well as everyone I worked with - players, staff and everyone else.
"I'm a realist and I don't bear any grudges, but I went out the back door, so to speak, and that's my only regret. Kilburn Times

Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times re Leigertwood "- Mikele glad to be mixing it again
MIKELE Leigertwood has vowed he will not change his style of play just to avoid collecting another lengthy ban this season.
The combative midfielder finally returned to the QPR side last Saturday for the 2-0 win over Barnsley, having served a five-match suspension after his Boxing Day red card at Plymouth.
That dismissal, which came after Leigertwood launched a verbal volley towards referee Steve Bratt at the end of a controversial match, was his second since joining Rangers in late August.
Athird in the coming months would land Leigertwood in serious trouble, but the player insisted: "I don't smash people. I just make honest tackles, and that's an important part of my game.
"What I said to the referee at Plymouth was just my passion for the game coming out and, if you don't have that, there's no point in being involved in football.
"Of course I was annoyed with myself because I knew I'd be missing the FA Cup game against Chelsea - and then I couldn't play in the next game against my old club Sheffield United, which I was really looking forward to."
In Leigertwood's absence, QPR have embarked on the biggest spending spree in their history, with eight permanent signings joining the squad at an estimated cost of around £6m.
Among the new arrivals was defensive midfielder Gavin Mahon, while Simon Walton has returned to the squad after missing four months with a broken leg.
That meant Leigertwood's return to the starting line-up against Barnsley was by no means guaranteed and the ex-Wimbledon and Crystal Palace man admitted: "There's always that doubt at the back of your head.
"We're trying to build a strong squad at the moment and there are a lot of fresh faces, so there's always someone to come in when there are injuries and suspensions.
"That means that nobody is missed, but I want the club to do well and I wouldn't rant and rave if I hadn't been back in the team.
"It felt like a very long time and, having not played for a few weeks, I found the adrenaline was buzzing - it got me chasing around and trying to close down the goalkeeper, which is something I don't normally do.
"Barnsley came and set up with one up front, which showed their intentions, but they passed the ball well without really hurting us. The main thing was that we got the three points."
Now Leigertwood - who played for Palace during their incredible spring surge of 2004, when they went from the relegation zone to winning the play-offs, is aiming to nudge his current club up the Championship table as quickly as possible.
With a blank Saturday due to the FA Cup fourth round, Rangers return to action next Tuesday when they travel to face Cardiff at Ninian Park.
Leigertwood observed: "We have to respect Cardiff - they almost beat West Brom in their last league game - but we have to approach this in a positive manner, that's what Luigi de Canio has made clear to us.
"With the squad we've got now, I don't think we should be fearful of anyone. Only a few weeks ago, people would be looking at fixtures and thinking 'QPR are going to lose'.
"But now I think people can see there's a bit more quality from the way we've been approaching games. Everything's changing quite quickly, but hopefully for the better. Kilburn Times


Also: Richard Pacquette hopes to return to the Football League
"...I look at every game as being in the shop window - hopefully I can show people I'm still about, still hungry and I want to get back into the league.
"I've never lost hope of getting back there and seeing what people like [ex-Yeading striker] DJ Campbell have done has given me more drive to keep going....
"[The Millenium Final]t was definitely the highlight of my career at QPR.
"I was so happy the day before when Ollie told me I was starting in the final. We had a tight unit at QPR and Cardiff was a great experience - it was just a shame about the result.
"I still speak to Paul Furlong quite a bit - he was always someone who helped me and gave me advice, and I'm also in contact with people like Terrell Forbes and Marcus Bean.
"But every footballer wants to play at places like Liverpool and I think the opportunity to be part of this is just going to edge it over the play-off final..." - Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times

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Sportstar - KICKING AROUND / BRIAN GLANVILLE COLUMN

From Italy to West London

Beginning with the local club, first as player, then as manager, Luigi De Canio slowly and doggedly made his way up the Italian football ladder.

We now have two contrasting managers in West London with Italian experience. Yet it is Luigi De Canio, the relatively unknown manager of “Championship” (i.e. 2nd Division) Queens Park Rangers, who appears to have the more promising job; Roy Hodgson, once manager of powerful Inter, manager of the outstanding Swiss World Cup finals team of 1994, most recently coach to the excellent Finland team which showed such resilience in a European qualifying group including Poland, Portugal and Serbia, who has the heavier burden to carry, a few miles across West London, at Fulham. Who, just a few years ago, shared the QPR stadium at Shepherds Bush, while their own Craven Cottage was being renovated.

But while Roy, turning down the chance to return to Inter and their ever admiring President, Massimo Moratti, as a senior executive, has inherited a Fulham team lacking, as he agrees, in confidence, far too open in defence, unincisive in attack, De Canio suddenly finds himself backed by three enormously wealthy men. The last of whom to arrive, Lakshmi Mittal, is possibly the richest man in the world. With wealth which dwarfs even that of Chelsea’s billionaire oligarch owner, Roman Abramovich. Greatly to the amusement of the QPR fans who went in loud and noisy numbers to the recent FA Cup tie at Chelsea.

In just that week, QPR, with their new money, had made half a dozen new signings and deployed them all in that match, some as substitutes. Note that none of these players is what you might call a star. That, no doubt, will come later when QPR have definitively escaped the prospect of relegation from which De Canio was steadily piloting them before the new money and the new players arrived. Fifty years old, he can hardly be compared with the likes of his compatriots Fabio Capello or Marcello Lippi. Nor with Francesco Guidolin, a much more prominent figure who, it was rumoured initially, would be coming to QPR; but didn’t, preferring to take another Italian Serie A club.

It is especially intriguing to know that the amiable, modest, dedicated De Canio comes from the little town of Matera deep in the south of Italy. When I visited it back in 1955, people were still notoriously living in the caves of Sasso Caveoso. Generous and hospitable they were.

Beginning with the local club, first as player, then as manager, De Canio slowly and doggedly made his way up the Italian football ladder. He has roamed the length and breadth of the Peninsula, from Udinese in the North East — he did well with them in Serie A — to Napoli in the South West; he almost won them promotion to Serie A. Quite plainly he will never have had so much money to spend; but then, on the face of it, who has?

Weird, though, to find Ray Wilkins, formerly of England, Chelsea and QPR, whom he later managed, lamenting the possible loss of the “little bit of the heart and family atmosphere.” This, of the club where, in August, the Chairman, Italian Paladino, claimed to have been threatened in his office before a game by a director with a gun, forcing him to sign a resignation statement. But when the case came to criminal court, it was simply dismissed.

De Canio said after the Chelsea game that though he was satisfied with the way the team had performed — which was indeed impressive given the influx of debutant players — he was still looking for improvement. With his last Italian club, he saved Siena in Serie A; having initially managed them many years ago when they were in Serie C. As he also saved another unfashionable club, Reggina, from the same fate. He seems to have liked it wherever in Italy he went; and Italy is a country of extreme contrasts. Naples and Reggio Calabria are cities of explosive temperament, but he liked the fans in both places. And he found the more reserved and taciturn North Easterners in Udinese very like the people of his native Matera, so much farther South.

He admires English football, and even makes a case for the speed at which it tends to be played, its agonismo, or combativeness. He still doesn’t speak English but neither does Fabio Capello who has just taken over the England team. So they must rely on interpreters who, however bilingual, tend to miss the subtleties of what is said.

Roy Hodgson, in his second season at Inter, once upbraided the local football journalists for daring to give Inter as favourites for the Campionato, when, he insisted, Juventus and Milan were far better placed. Later, having said that he would give all his Press interviews in English rather than Italian, he’d clash with the reporters again, declaring that he had never been so scurrilously treated.

Yet things at Inter had begun so well. Hodgson had made his name in Swede, winning five championships in a row with Malmo, and knocking Inter out of the European Cup in the process. This won him the admiration of the late Giacinto Facchetti, once the towering, goal-scoring left-back for Inter and Italy but by then a senior official. I remember standing with Facchetti at Appiano Gentile, watching Roy train his men. Facchetti remarked that when he did so, Roy was so drawn into his work that he almost lost track of time. It is plainly this desire for day to day training contact with his troops — something he couldn’t have as an international manager with Switzerland and Finland — which made him take the Fulham job, when a so much easier life was beckoning him at Inter.

Massimo Moratti, son of the powerful oil magnate Angelo, notoriously complicit in Inter’s campaign to bribe referees in Europe, but free from suspicion himself, actually sacked Roy in his second season. One in which after a 3-1 home lead against Sampdoria had turned into a 4-3 defeat, resulting in a violent siege of the dressing rooms by outraged fans. Roy took over Blackburn Rovers, got sixth place in his first season, was sacked in the second. Can he keep Fulham up? Sportstar

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Setanta/Tom Adams - Radek revelling in Spurs run
After helping Tottenham Hotspur secure such a memorable win over arch-rivals Arsenal on Tuesday night, Radek Cerny told setantasports.com he is happy with his new status as the club's number one goalkeeper.
The Czech international was brought into Juande Ramos' starting XI at the expense of Paul Robinson for the Carling Cup semi-final, first leg draw at Emirates Stadium on January 9 and, five games and four goals conceded later, was celebrating being part of a Spurs side that wrote their name into local folklore with a 5-1 destruction of their near-neighbours in the return fixture at White Hart Lane.
Cerny has looked assured in the role since displacing England's Robinson, and will now be targeting a prolonged run in the side in the long build-up to the Carling Cup final at Wembley on February 24, starting with Sunday's trip to Manchester United in The Premier League.
Whilst he is adopting the old adage of 'taking each game as it comes', understandably given has played just 14 times in his two-and-a-half-year career in North London, the keeper who has been linked with a move to free-spending QPR admits he is currently delighted to be playing a key role for Ramos and his quickly improving side.
"Yes [I am happy] because now we are playing a third game [in a row] where I am playing and we have won, that is very important," Cerny told setantasports.com.
"Especially because Tottenham have not won against Arsenal for nine years, and the supporters were unbelievable.
"It is difficult to say now [if he will keep his place], but I always look just one game, which is next."...
"It was perfect [in the dressing room], everyone was so happy because we beat Arsenal 5-1," Cerny continued.
"It is not just for me, for everyone, I feel everyone is so happy about the win, especially against Arsenal.
"Now we have to think about the next game against Manchester United on Sunday and still there are a lot of games.
"I think [Wembley] is one of the best stadiums in the world but the final game is on the 24th and that is still a long way." Setanta

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Who knew? Best of luck to him.

QPR Official Site - BARKER UNDERGOES OP
Chris Barker is already making good progress after undergoing his second hernia operation of the season on Tuesday morning.
The 27-year-old required surgery on the right side in October, and this week he went under the surgeon's knife again in order to cure a similar problem on the left side.
Barker returned to Germany to be treated by top surgeon Ulrika Muschaweck, and is now hoping to be available for the R's next fixture, which is at Cardiff City - his former team - next Tuesday.
"I have had the problem for about a month," Barker revealed to www.qpr.co.uk, "and we've been waiting for this gap in the fixtures to get it dealt with.
"It gives me seven days to recover. In October, I played the full match against Ipswich Town after a ten-day break, so I've got a chance.
"I don't think this hernia was as bad as the last one because I already feel at least a day ahead, in terms of recovery."
Barker, who joined the R's in the summer from the Bluebirds, admits the injury has been difficult to deal with.
"It's like having a constant back ache," he explained. "It's particularly bad the morning after a match, you really feel it then."
Barker played some of his best football for Rangers following his previous operation, but says he still has more to give.
"I'm yet to produce what I am really capable of," he added. "I haven't played at my best yet, and I know I've got more to offer."
The Rangers full-back's first task upon recovering from his latest stint under the surgeon's knife is to win back his place in the side.
New signing Damien Delaney played at left back against Barnsley on Saturday, and Barker acknowledged: "The added competition is good for the Club.
"It brings the best out in players. From my perspective, I want to get back into the team as soon as possible."
"This Club is going places and I want to be a part of it. The players want to be in the Premier League, the Club wants to be in the Premier League, and the fans want to be in the Premier League." QPR


[As noted on QPR Report last week...]

BID TO PLAY AT LOFTUS ROAD
Football's ultimate January Sales are underway giving you the chance to play for QPR.
Football Aid is allowing you the chance to battle it out in our online auction against your fellow Super Hoops fans to snap up one of the few remaining positions in our 2008 game at Loftus Road. Or why not avoid the risk and secure your position using the Buy Now option available on selected places?
Live the Dream and experience the ultimate football experience by bidding online now at www.footballaid.com
Those lucky enough to secure their positions on the team sheet will be given the chance to pull on their team's famous Hooped shirt and play alongside QPR legends in a 90 minute match at Loftus Road.
Alan McDonald and Gary Waddock are just two of the stars who have either managed or played in our previous events and we hope to be able to call on the support of a similar calibre of legends this year.
Football Aid's brand new bidding system features a number of improvements, including our automated "Proxy" bidding system, the option to Buy Now to end an auction early and our much improved Bid Monitoring system.
Bidding began on 16th January and positions will close at regular intervals throughout the six week bidding period, with the first position due to close on 4th February and the last available position closing on 29th February.
So why wait? Visit www.footballaid.com and select your team's page to start bidding now!
Furthermore, you'll be pitching in for a good cause, as funds raised from the event will go to your club's nominated charity and Football Aid's parent charity, Field of Dreams, towards diabetes research, education, and management or community projects.
If you would like to know anything else about this event, you can contact Football Aid directly by e-mail at info@footballaid.com or by phone on 0131 220 5999. QPR

Simon Royce sent off for Gillingham vs Oldham - Report

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Charles Sale/Daily Mail
"An intriguing billionaire property battle could break out in West London between Roman Abramovich's Chelsea and Queens Park Rangers, bought by Bernie Ecclestone, Flavio Briatore and Lakshmi Mittal, over the BBC Television Centre in Shepherds Bush, which the Corporation have announced they will sell. Advisors for the clubs have recommended that the Beeb site, close to both clubs, is seriously worth considering as a new stadium venue"- Daily Mail

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One Year ago, January 23, 2007 -
QPR got knocked out of the FA Cup by Luton, in a replay at Luton which had forced the club to cancel or reschedule a friendly against Witney United. Match Reports and Comments of Luton 1 QPR 0 with QPR dominating; Bailey getting sent off; and Rehman scoring an own goal. QPR's team that night: Royce, Rehman, Mancienne, Stewart, Milanese,Smith (Ainsworth 84), Bailey, Lomas, Cook, Blackstock,Nygaard (Ray Jones 72). Subs Not Used: Cole, Kanyuka, Furlong.

Also one year ago today, after reports in the press that QPR would be play a friendly against China, the club issued a denial. "Correction: The Club has had it brought to its attention that Ceefax and Teletext are reporting a game between QPR and China on February 8. We would like to confirm that no such fixture is taking place at Loftus Road and we have already asked both parties to remove the story. No China Game

And way back on this day...:

January 23 1989 - Manchester United defeated Trevor Francis' QPR 3-0 in an FA Cup replay at Old Trafford. QPR's team: Seaman - Pizanti Law Mcdonald Maddix - Channing Barker Parker Kerslake - Stein Coney Subs: (Bradley) Allen Fleming

January 23, 1982: QPR's Wembley Cup march almost ended as Terry Venables andQPR drew 0-0 at Blackpool (before winning the replay 5-1 with 4 goals by Clive Allen.) QPR's team: Hucker, Fenwick Howe Roeder Gillard - Flanagan Currie Waddock Gregory - Stainrod Allen

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Ansa - Web Translation - QPR Briatore wants Di Vaio in QPR
The agreement could be concluded by the end of the week
LONDON, JAN 22 - Marco Di Vaio could be the first purchase of the prestigious Queen's Park Rangers, English club owned 'by Flavio Briatore.Secondo the tabloid Daily Mirror the agreement could already' completed by the end of the week on the basis of a loan until the end of the season.Di Vaio, who seemed about to go to Bologna, the team trained by Luigi De Canio would be a reinforcement needed to consolidate a ranking which sees them six points from relegation. Translation

ANSA - Briatore vuole Di Vaio nel QPR
L'accordo potrebbe concludersi entro la fine della settimana
(ANSA) - LONDRA, 22 GEN - Marco Di Vaio potrebbe essere il primo acquisto di prestigio del Queen's Park Rangers, club inglese di proprieta' di Flavio Briatore.Secondo il tabloid Daily Mirror l'accordo potrebbe gia' concludersi entro la fine della settimana sulla base di un prestito fino al termine della stagione. Di Vaio, che sembrava sul punto di andare al Bologna, per il team allenato da Luigi De Canio sarebbe un rinforzo indispensabile per consolidare una classifica che li vede a sei punti dalla retrocessione. Ansa

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Eurosport - Cerny "would go" to QPR
Tottenham goalkeeper Radek Cerny has revealed he would accept a move to Queens Park Rangers after the west London outfit revealed an interest in the Czech shot-stopper.
Cerny, 33, has recently been installed as Spurs' number one in place of the error-prone Paul Robinson, but manager Juande Ramos is said to be ready to swoop for a new 'keeper.
Bolton's Jussi Jaaskelainen, Maarten Stekelenburg of Ajax, Oscar Ustari at Getafe and Timo Hildebrand of Valencia are the names linked with the berth between the posts, leading QPR to think about a move for Cerny.
"Considering that my contract at Tottenham expires in the summer, I must look for a different club," Cerny told Sport.
"And if QPR were that club then I would go there.
"I have no problem with the Championship: it is an extremely tough competition and of high quality.
"I have seen something [about their interest] in the English media. If someone has held talks yet, I don't know [about it].
"I leave these matters to other people and concentrate fully on playing matches."
QPR are flush with cash to spend after a takeover by Formula One magnates Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore, plus the later investment of Britain's richest man Laskmi Mittal.
They have already brought in nine players this month and moved away from the Championship relegation zone.
"I don't want to speak too soon [about the takeover]," Cerny commented. "I am satisfied at Tottenham and what is to come, is to come.
"I have always been a professional and if Tottenham are not interested in keeping me then I will be glad to go to QPR." Vasek Kadlec & Jonathan Symcox / Eurosport

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Mail/Peter Chayney - QPR fits perfectly for Hall
There is an optimistic feeling around Loftus Road after their 2-0 victory over Barnsley, their third win in four matches, took them six points clear of the relegation zone.
But new signing Fitz Hall is focusing on the job in hand.
The former Wigan man, who forged an impressive partnership with Damion Stewart in the centre of QPR's defence against Barnsley on Saturday, said: "First and foremost we are in a bit of a dodgy position in the Championship and I don't think we can look too far ahead.
"We've got to look at getting ourselves out of trouble."
However he is excited about the future at QPR and believes his stay in the Championship will not be a long one.
He said: "It was a big decision to leave Wigan. I was at a Premier League club but I wasn't playing. All I want to do is play football and next season or the season after that I think QPR will be in the Premier League anyway so that's what made my decision a lot easier." Mail

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Mirror - Marco Di Vaio 22/01/2008
"+ Former Italy striker Marco Di Vaio, who has played for Juventus, Lazio and Valencia, is a transfer target for wealthy QPR + " Mirror

Injury Update: Stewart injury not serious; Mahon was sick; Bolder had a "family commitment." QPR Official Site - TALKING WOUNDED While the rest of the R's First Team squad enjoyed a rare day off today (Monday), Damion Stewart was at the R's Harlington Training Complex receiving treatment on the pelvis injury he sustained on Saturday afternoon.
The Jamaican international took a heavy blow to his pelvis in the closing stages against Barnsley and left the field on a stretcher, much to the worry of the Rangers faithful.
But Luigi De Canio was less than worried at the final whistle and - with his tongue firmly in his cheek - told www.qpr.co.uk: "He was just playing up to the crowd.
"It's nothing serious - he just wanted the applause from the public!"
R's physio Paul Hunter confirmed that Stewart had indeed sustained a knock, but he isn't unduly worried about the injury.
"Damo sustained a heavy blow to his pelvis after a challenge in the six-yard box," he said.
"He was initially very sore and in quite a lot of pain, but he has been in for treatment today (Monday) and is responding very well."
Meanwhile, Gavin Mahon missed Saturday's clash against the Tykes due to illness, while Club Captain Adam Bolder was unavailable due to family commitments. QPR

Swindon Official Site KANYUKA EXCITED BY TOWN CHALLENGE
Swindon Town's latest capture Patrick Kanyuka is looking forward to the challenge of battling for a place in the Robins' squad after joining The County Ground ranks for the remainder of the campaign.
The 20-year old Congolese defender also has international ambitions, although his initial target is to make the most of what he describes an excellent opportunity here in Wiltshire.
"I didn't want to stay at QPR and just sit in the reserves so coming to Swindon permanently was a great opportunity for me," he explained.
"I know a few of the lads here. Pooky is someone I know quite well having played against him regularly ay youth level. I played with Moses at Millwall too, which is where I started my career before joining Leyton Orient.
"The aim is to push up League One. Moses, Anthony and myself have all arrived at around the same time and hopefully we can make a difference."
Kanyuka knows he faces a tough test to force his way into the Swindon starting line-up, but it is a challenge he is relishing.
"The squad is strong here, but I am really looking forward to the challenge of getting into the side.
"People have described me as an old fashioned centre-half. I'll win my headers and don't like to get caught in possession, I'll win the ball then let someone else do the rest." Swindon

Swindon Advertiser/Andy Cryer - Pat turns back on QPR billions
LOFTUS Road may have just become the newest fashionable place in the world of football but as far as Town's latest recruit is concerned money is not everything.'
Bernie Ecclestone, pictured right, and Flavio Briatore's billions have turned the Championship outfit into one of football's rich boys but it was not enough to stop Pat Kanyuka starting a new chapter at the County Ground.
The 20-year-old Congolese defender has signed in Wiltshire until the end of the season and, despite insisting he could have stayed with the R's, is relishing a fresh adventure.
He has already received several international call-ups to represent Congo but, due to injuries and postponements, he is is yet to take to the field for his home nation - something he hopes his move to Swindon will change.
He said: "I could have been one of those players who stay around and become a bit of a background player at QPR, picking up a lot of money, but I like to play.
"Swindon meet my expectations and I want to be a part of it. Gaining match experience is a big plus and hopefully I will do that with Swindon.
"Unfortunately I would have played in the African Nations but we did not qualify. They came very close to qualifying, they needed a point in the last game but unfortunately they lost.
"One day I will play for them and hopefully that will be helped with regular football at Swindon."
Standing at 6ft 3ins tall, Kanyuka has earned a good reputation among those in the know in football although a knee injury has disrupted his early years.
He started at Millwall before going to Leyton Orient on trial aged 16 and eventually moving to Loftus Road on a scholarship.
He said: "I made my debut at 17 at Burnley and carried on from there. Ian Holloway gave me my first break.
"I enjoyed playing under John Gregory last season although it was a harsh lesson. It was the relegation battle so I think I got a lot of experience from that.
"I have had bad times with injury but hopefully I can put that behind me and start a new chapter at Swindon injury free.
Last season I was getting no game time at QPR and there was interest in a loan move at Swindon. While this season with all the things that happened at QPR I felt it would be a good opportunity for me and the club to come and join Swindon."
Kanyuka is not available for tonight's trip to Barnet but is eligible for the weekend's game, either against Crewe or a fourth round FA Cup clash against either Bristol Rovers or Premiership side Fulham.
"Saturday was a very entertaining match and very exciting to watch," he said. "I am really up to the challenge because I think it is going to be hard to get into the squad.
"I get on with my job, like any centre back does. I try to win headers and give it to the players who can play.
"I like to forget about my injuries. Signing for Swindon is such a sweet thing and I would like to think of it as a blessing and forget about the injuries.
"If I am selected but the team is on a good run, it would be hard to get in the squad." Swindon Advertiser


Also Photos of Pat Kanyuka

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Rowan Vine!
Football League - Championship Team of the Week
Speroni:
Bullen DeMerit Cort Dickinson
Smith Whelan Edwards Jarvis
Vine Ebanks-Blake
Team of the Week

UPDATE - QPR OFFICIAL SITE - VINE SHINES
Rowan Vine has been named in the Football League's Championship Team of the Week following his sublime individual display against Barnsley on Saturday.
Playing in an unorthodox left sided midfield role, Vine scored the R's all-important second goal in the 2-0 victory against the Tykes, to take his season's tally to five goals in all competitions. To view the Team of the Week, click here QPR

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Sounds unlikely, with an agent trying to promote his players, but who really knows anymore!

UPDATE: Daily Mail reports "...QPR joint owner Flavio Briatore met the players' agent Pavel Paska for talks last week." Daily Mail

Eurosport - Championship - QPR eye up Spurs duo
QPR hope to continue their January spending spree with the captures of Tottenham pair Radek Cerny and Tomas Pekhart.
Eight new signings made their debuts for Rangers during the weekend's 2-0 over Barnsley, but joint owners Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone have no intentions of putting their chequebooks away just yet.
And Spurs' Czech duo are top of the Loftus Road management's shopping list, according to agent Pavel Paska.
"QPR want to capture both players in the January transfer window," Paska said.
"Radek's contract with Tottenham expires in the summer, while Pekhart could leave on a six-month loan deal with an option for a permanent move."
Cerny has been preferred to Paul Robinson by Juande Ramos of late, but the Spurs boss claims he is merely resting the England number one.
And with an extension to Cerny's current deal yet to be tabled, the keeper's future at White Hart Lane remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, young striker Tomas Pekhart has been doing well for the club's junior side and is thought to want more match practice.
Vasek Kadlec / Eurosport Eurosport

Originating article on International Sports Management site

[Same story also posted on Skysports ]

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Swindon Official Site - KANYUKA SIGNS UP
Swindon Town manager Maurice Malpas has made his third signing inside four days with the arrival of Patrick Kanyuka.
The 20-year old was released by Coca-Cola Championship side Queens Park Rangers last week, paving the way for a move to The County Ground.
Kanyuka made his first appearance for QPR against Burnley in 2005 and went on to make 12 league appearances for The R's.
He joined the Loftus Road side in April 2005 after starting out as a youngster with Leyton Orient.
Kanyuka's arrival will add to the central defensive options for Malpas and the Congolese-born new recruit has signed for The Robins until the end of the current campaign.
He joins the Swindon squad at training on Monday ahead of Tuesday night's FA Cup Third Round replay at Barnet on Tuesday night, although he is not eligible for selection. Swindon Official Site

SWINDON ADVERTISER/Andy Cryer - Kanyuka signs up
CONGOLESE international Pat Kanyuka has become Town's third signing in the space of four days.
The 20-year-old centre back was released by Championship outfit QPR last week but will not eligible for tomorrow's FA Cup replay at Barnet.
He made 12 league appearances for the R's between 2005-08 and is a former Leyton Orient defender.
Kanyuka has signed at the County Ground until the end of this season... Swindon Advertiser


QPR OFFICIAL SITE PROFILE - Patrick Kanyuka Defender Pat Kanyuka arrived at QPR as a 16 year-old in 2003, following his release from Leyton Orient.
Kanyuka made 14 appearances in all competitions last season and suitably impressed Manager John Gregory, who described his performance against Southampton in late September as 'outstanding.'
Career
Following successful spells at Youth and Reserve level, Kanyuka signed a professional contract in February 2005.
He made his debut against Burnley in April that year.
Season 2007 - 08
Career History:
Club Season Comp. Apps
(as sub) Goals
QPR 2006 - 07 League 7 (4) 0
FA Cup 1 (0) 0
League Cup 1 (1) 0
QPR 2004 - 05 League 1 (0) 0
QPR

Also Wikipedia Profile

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Telegraph/Sam Green - QPR magnates net instant on-field return Queens Park Rangers (2) 2 Barnsley (0) 0
Talk of Champions League football and challenging Chelsea has made Loftus Road a giddy place of late. But while the directors' box has welcomed supermodels, an all-together less glamorous cast of footballers have been hired for the more prosaic job of keeping Queens Park Rangers out of League One.
Eight new signings featured on Saturday and two of them - Patrick Agyemang and Rowan Vine - scored the goals that put six points between QPR and the drop zone. Not a bad return for the £5.75 million new owners Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone have committed on players this month.
While the Formula One magnates are associated with Monte Carlo and Monza, Agyemang and Vine cut their teeth at Gillingham, Brentford and Luton. But that does not stop them sharing Briatore's aim of Champions League qualification within four years. "Something big is happening here and I wanted to be part of it," said Agyemang, a £350,000 signing from Preston. "The owners want Champions League football and the players go along with that. With the money they've got, anything is possible."
With Lakshmi Mittal, the fifth richest man in the world, also on the board, QPR have serious clout, yet the manager they have installed is hardly A-list. Luigi de Canio looks more like an Italian Gary Mabbutt than Gianluca Vialli, but the charming former Udinese and Napoli manager is clearly making an impression. "He's definitely the most tactical manager I've played under," said Fitz Hall.
Agyemang put Rangers ahead, exchanging passes with Dexter Blackstock before lobbing goalkeeper Heinz Muller, and though Barnsley responded with some neat passing, they were 2-0 down by half-time. This time Agyemang provided the link-up as Vine slotted home.

Match details:
Queens Park Rangers (4-4-2): Camp; Connolly, Stewart (Lee 84), Hall (Mancienne 80), Delaney; Vine, Leigertwood, Rowlands, Buzsaky; Blackstock (Ephraim 89), Agyemang.
Subs: Crowther (g), Balanta.
Goals: Agyemang (5), Vine (45).
Barnsley (4-1-4-1): Muller; Van Homoet, Foster, Souza, Tininho; Hassell; Campbell-Ryce, Leon (Ferenczi 55), Howard, Devaney (Ricketts 70); Coulson (Odejayi 55).
Subs: Kozluk, Togwell.
Ref: R Beeby (Northants). Telegraph

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From the Italian Press re Genoa's 31 year old Italian International forward, Marco Di Vaio

Calcimercato - Genoa Qpr insiste per Di Vaio
18:38 del 20 gennaio
Sembrava destinato al Bologna, ma in realtà il destino di Marco Di Vaio sembra diverso, l'ex bomber della Lazio è nel mirino del Qpr allenato da De Canio . Calcimercato

Web Translation
It seemed destined to Bologna, but in fact the fate of Marco Di Vaio seems different, the former Lazio bomber is under attack, Qpr trained by De Canio - Web Translation

Also from "TransferMarket - QPR, Interest for Di Vaio
20.01.2008 - Source: mercato365.fr "According to french sources, many english clubs are interested in Genoa striker Marco Di Vaio. One of them is Briatore's QPR." Transfermarket

WIKIPEDIA re Di VaioWikipedia
Marco Di Vaio (born July 15, 1976) is an Italian football (soccer) striker, who currently plays for Genoa C.F.C.
Born in Rome, Di Vaio has played for Lazio (1994-95), Hellas Verona (1996), Bari (1996-97), Salernitana (1997-99), Parma (1999-2002), Juventus (2002-04), Valencia (2004-05) and Monaco (2005-2007).
He was a revelation at Salernitana, leading them to their second promotion to the Serie A in 1997-98 as the top scorer in Serie B for that season. Despite Salernitana's relegation the following season, Di Vaio remained in Serie A, after being purchased by Parma. He scored an impressive number of goals for the Gialloblu and he went on to become the 2nd highest scorer of the league in his third season for the team. Juventus won the race to sign him during the following summer (2002), but Di Vaio never really reproduced the form he showed at Parma, mainly because of the immense competition for a first-team place at Juventus. Still, he managed to win one scudetto with Juventus. Di Vaio then moved to Valencia on a 5-year contract, where he became the top scorer for the Spanish side, despite managing a mere eleven goals in La Liga. However, his presence in the first team line-up of Valencia became constricted by the arrivals of Patrick Kluivert and David Villa. In January 2006, Di Vaio was loaned out to French side Monaco. At the end of the season, he transferred to the club permanently and signed a 2 year-deal. On the 21st of January 2007 however, after an unsuccessful spell in France, Di Vaio surprisingly returned to Italy by signing with Serie A club Genoa on a two-year contract....WIkipedia

Also - Marco Di Vaio Website

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["World Domination" a phrase employed by this blogger a couple of days ago!]

The Sunday Times/Rob Maul Queen's Park Rangers shine with Rowan Vine

NOT short of money or, it would seem, ambition following the bold declaration from co-owner Flavio Briatore that the club would be playing in the Champions League in the next four years, Queens Park Rangers took their first, tentative steps towards world domination yesterday with one of their most efficient victories at home this season, giving them a six-point safety net from the Championship relegation zone.

Hopefully for the F1 magnate those surprising words, which were printed in the Italian press last week, do not look foolish come the London Olympics. Yet, every journey has its beginning. The Rangers crowd were certainly convinced – this was the biggest attendance of the campaign thus far – and the performance, while not necessarily memorable, was enough to see off Barnsley and stretch their vanquished opponents’ unwanted record without a win to eight league matches.

Manager Luigi De Canio agreed with the plan, explaining that the attitude of the club needed to change first. “We can’t change it overnight. We need to play and grow together,” he said, speaking through an interpreter. “What I want is players who, when they score, pick the ball out of the net and place it on the centre circle, who strive for a third and fourth. Once we do that we have a winning mentality. We don’t have a crystal ball but (Champions League football) is what we are working for. If not four years then maybe five.”

Confident words indeed. Of the nine signings made in January, six were in the starting lineup, making their full home debuts – which included the permanent captures of Akos Buz-saky and Rowan Vine – with two more on the substitutes’ bench.

Remodelled and clearly revitalised, Rangers took the lead with barely five minutes gone through one of their exciting new talents, Patrick Agyemang, signed from Preston earlier this month. The goal came from his opportunism and bravery, when he intelligently chipped the ball over the advancing goalkeeper Heinz Muller, and then fearlessly nodded the ball into the net from six yards when Dennis Souza tried to clear.

Having scored one, the 27-year-old turned provider in first-half stoppage time. The Barnsley defence, which appealed for an offside flag that never came, were carved open as Agyemang and Vine played two one-twos inside the penalty area and Vine slotted the ball in for probably his easiest goal of the season. Having had reasonable amounts of possession and territory, Barnsley needed to be more lethal in attack. Away from Oakwell, they have scored just 10 goals in 14 league matches. “We got punished for two lapses in concentration,” was manager Simon Davey’s assessment as for the 19th time since January 1950, Barnsley returned to South Yorkshire from this fixture without a victory.

Star man: Patrick Agyemang(QPR) Player ratings. QPR:Camp 8, Connolly 7, Stewart 7 (Lee 84min), Hall 7 (Mancienne 79min), Delaney 7, Vine 7, Rowlands 8, Liegertwood 7, Buzsaky 8, Blackstock 7 (Ephraim 89min), Agyemang 8 Barnsley:Muller 6, Van Homoet 6, Foster 6, Souza 6, Tininho 6, Hassell 7, Campbell-Ryce 7, Leon 6 (Ferenczi 55min 6), Howard 6, Devaney 6 (Ricketts 70min), Coulson 6 (Odejayi 55min 6) Scorers: QPR:Agyemang 5, Vine 45 Referee:R Beeby Attendance:16,197 The Times

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The Sunday Times Profiles the 1981 Notts County Promotion Team and looks at what happened to the players. Three of the squad, Eddie Kelly, Rachid Harkouk and Don Masson were formerly with QPR. Often a little depressing to read about former players, many years later.

"Eddie Kelly A Glasgow-born midfielder, Kelly had helped Arsenal win the Double and the Inter-City Fairs Cup. He had only one season for County. Now works for a double-glazing company in Torquay, where he finished his playing career

6 Rachid Harkouk Known as Rash the Smash because of his propensity for long shots, Harkouk was born in Chelsea and joined County from QPR at the start of the season. He played for Algeria in the 1986 World Cup finals in Mexico. He has business interests in the Nottinghamshire village of Burton Joyce.

15 Don Masson A skilful midfielder who had helped QPR finish runners-up in the First Division, Masson was in his second spell at Meadow Lane. He won 17 caps for Scotland. He and his wife, Brenda, ran a hotel near Trent Bridge for 15 years. They own The Grange, a five-star guesthouse in the Belvoir valley close to Newark. "

For the rest of the 1981 Notts County Players: Where are they Now - Sunday Times


Argus/Howard Griggs - Lewes boss is delighted
Steven King believes new signing Hamid Barr can be a real success at Lewes.
Barr joined the Rooks following his release from Tonbridge Angels.
He has netted 14 goals in 18 starts for the Ryman premier strugglers this season, including the winner when they knocked Oxford United out of the FA Trophy.
The 31-year-old was on the books of Millwall and Crystal Palace as a youngster and played one first team game for Queens Park Rangers in October 2001 when they lost 3-0 to Yeovil in the Football League Trophy.
King said: "He is an excellent signing. He is skilful and quite a crafty player too. He can play in a number of positions but his best is as a second striker, dropping off the centre forward.
"He has scored 14 goals in 18 starts for a side who are third from bottom so that speaks for itself."
Barr goes straight into the squad at home to third-placed Hampton and Richmond...
. Argus

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The Sunday Times/Mark Palmer - Luigi De Canio puts survival before dreams of glory
Despite dreams of glory, the Italian manager’s first priority is to ensure his club can survive in the Championship

LUIGI DE CANIO is walking us through the defining moments of his managerial career. We start out at Udine, and a first taste of European action for the city’s football team. We move 800 miles south to Reggio, and an improbable escape from relegation for one of Serie A’s smallest fry. Having traversed Italy from top to toe, De Canio tugs us back to the middle with a tale that gives a glimpse of his own core.

We’re now in the Tuscan heartlands of Siena, scene of his last senior job and the following instructive vignette. “I took a walk there one Sunday,” he says. “I was with a friend, a heart surgeon. He’s a guy who spends his life saving other lives. I’m a football manager, not even a famous one. But people were asking me for autographs, not him. I found that too strange.”

The story reveals a lot of what, and who, he is - a quiet, unassuming man whose acute self-awareness takes its bearings from an upbringing in the austerity of Italy’s south. What it doesn’t explain is what he’s doing at Queens Park Rangers, new home of the rich, flaunter of ambition, where egos and expectation have combined noisily since September.

It was then that Formula One tycoons Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone combined their loose change to come up with the £14m necessary to buy a controlling stake in the club and cover its debt. A third headline act squeezed in two months later in the shape of Lakshmi Mittal, the Indian steel magnate whom Briatore persuaded to take on 20% of his shares. Mittal, valued at £19.25 billion, is the richest man in Britain and the fifth richest in the world.

Playthings are only fun when they work, of course. For Rangers, under the designs Briatore unveiled when he arrived and reiterated last week, that means reaching the Premier League by 2011 and Europe the following season. The natural assumption is that the chasm between the realities of the present and the imagined future utopia will be filled with wads of the owners’ banknotes. Collectively, after all, they are worth £22 billion.

Listen to De Canio, however, and you’ll be told that such simplistic thinking distorts what the money men are in this for. The 50-year-old talks not of flourishes but of foundations. The nine January signings he has already made he describes as a necessary exception, aimed simply at securing their Championship survival.

“Every project has its road and its time,” he says. “QPR are aiming high, but what can you do without a base? I could ask the owners for Ronaldo, Tevez, Kaka, but if there’s no plan or structure underpinning things, how does it work? It would be easy for us to get results but just as easy to fall on our faces very fast. If a structure isn’t solid it crumbles. We need to grow incrementally.”

And so the secondments agreed by De Canio and Gianni Palladini, the club’s chairman-cum-general manager, have been of the type of centre-backs Matthew Connolly and Fitz Hall. The manager believes he is practising a form of positive discrimination. “The place needs to be English, or at least to understand English football, because England is where we are and where we must succeed,” he says. “These players can help us to compete better in this division, then think about the next target. On that base we’ll be able to layer on Brazilians, Americans, who knows. But you need the base first. Until we have it, dreaming is not allowed.” His one worry is that the first step in QPR’s recovery might be his last. Rumours persist that Briatore and Co fancy a bigger, or simply louder, name.

In the meantime, he spends his spare time “doing the tourist thing” before returning to his home to devour the food and wine parcels sent over from his native Matera, where his wife and daughter have remained. “I’m not lonely,” he says. “I’m enjoying myself. I feel an important part of an important project. I want to make this club work again.” And prove he is the man for the job. The Times


SUNDAY MIRROR/John Gubba - Football: Luigi wants more from happy Hoops
Luigi De Canio has been given four years to get Rangers into the Champions League - which may be wishful thinking - but his Italian revolution is gathering momentum.
The confident boss is certainly up for the challenge, insisting it is not mission impossible to satisfy his mega-rich employers' lofty ambitions.
"First it's important we instil a winning mentality at the club," explained De Canio, who admits promotion this season may be too much to ask.
"In the past some players have been satisfied with staying up. If we want to achieve great things we need a winning mentality. But it won't happen overnight.
"When my team are leading 2-0 I want them to be striving to score three of four. Then we will be a winning team.
"Considering the recent changes I'm moderately happy - but I'm not satisfied with this result."
With new signings arriving almost daily, the club that was heading for relegation and bankruptcy until Formula 1 bosses Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore took charge are now moving in the right direction.
Patrick Agyemang was the pick of the new men who made Barnsley suffer for failing to make the most of their first-half possession.
Just five minutes were on the clock when the frontman showed his poise and strength, playing a one-two with Dexter Blackstock and hooking the ball over keeper Heinz Muller before forcing home the opener.
Barnsley promised to make it a contest until they were swatted aside with ease when Rangers stepped up a gear.
At times in the first half Rangers looked like a team of strangers, which - with four of their starting line-up making home debuts - was hardly surprising.
But when they started to click just before the break, De Canio's men looked a class act.
Rowan Vine, one of nine new signings this month, applied the finish to the best move of the match when he made it 2-0 seconds before the break.
Vine, playing wide right to accommodate Agyemang, exchanged neat passes with the Ghanaian star before walking the ball into the empty goal.
Akos Buzsaky had stepped up the pace a few seconds earlier with a dazzling run that ended with a shot well saved by Muller.
But it was Agyemang who caught the eye.
HOW THEY RATED
QPR Camp 6, Connolly 6, Stewart 6 (Lee 5), Hall 6 (Mancienne 5), Delaney 7, Vine 7, Rowlands 7, Leigertwood 6, Buzsaky 7, AGYEMANG 8, Blackstock 6 (Ephraim 5). Manager De Canio 7
BARNSLEY Muller 7, Van Homoet 6, Foster 6, Souza 5, Tininho 6, Hassell 6, Campbell-Ryce 6, Leon 7 (Ferenczi 5), Howard 7, Devaney 6 (Ricketts 5), Coulson 5 (Odejayi 5). Manager Davey 6
Referee R Beeby 6
MAN OF THE MATCH PATRICK AGYEMANG Started with a goal and just got better. Sunday Mirror

SUNDAY PEOPLE/Dave Lewis Agyemang adds bite to Rangers
Flush with cash and reinvigorated with a fresh cutting edge, Rangers sank befuddled Barnsley thanks to goals from new signings Patrick Agyemang and Rowan Vine.
Five players had home debuts after the club made nine captures this month - but Luigi De Canio's team of strangers had an instant rapport.
Agyemang made it two goals in successive games since his arrival from Preston with the opener after five minutes.
The quality of the goal showed why De Canio wanted him.
The striker of Ghanaian heritage played a one-two with Dexter Blackstock, flicked the ball over keeper Heinz Muller and buried a header under pressure from Dennis Souza.
Multi-millionaire co-owner Flavio Briatore reckons Rangers will be playing in the Champions League within four years - and the optimism around Loftus Road is growing.
Vine, whose loan from Birmingham has been made into a permanent move, side-footed the second on half-time after a neat exchange of passes with Agyemang to leave the Tykes dishevelled and downcast.
It should have been three after 52 minutes when Martin Rowlands weaved past two defenders and keeper Muller but his shot was then cleared off the line.
Qpr: Camp 7 - Connolly 7, Hall 7 (Mancienne, 79mins), Stewart 6 (Lee, 85mins), Delaney 6 - Rowlands 7, Leigertwood 7, Buzsaky 7, Vine 7 - Blackstock 6 (Ephraim, 88mins),*AGYEMANG 8.
Barnsley: Muller 6 - Van Homoet 5, Foster 5, Souza 6, Tininho 6 - *CAMPBELL-RYCE 8, Hassel 7, Howard 6, Devaney 6 (Ricketts, 70mins) - Leon 5 (Ferenczi, 54mins), Coulson 6 (Odejayi, 56mins). Ref: R Beeby 6. People

Also: Previous Reports and Comments on QPR's Win over Barnsley

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QPR won 2 0 before a record home crowd of 16,000 plus, and move up to 33 points: 6 away from the bottom 3 and 11 points away from the 6th playoff spot with 18 games left. League Table


QPR OFFICIAL SITE - DE CANIO COMMENTS: STARTING TO GEL
Luigi De Canio was 'moderately satisfied' following the R's 2-0 victory against Barnsley.
Goals from home debutants Patrick Agyemang and Rowan Vine set the seal on an encouraging attacking display from the hosts at a packed Loftus Road, but De Canio wants more.
"The new players are really starting to gel," he told www.qpr.co.uk.
"But I am only moderately satisfied with the display, because I know there is still so much more to come from this group.
"I strive for perfection and I wanted us to finish Barnsley off in the second half and that didn't happen.
"We will work on it though and I am sure we can achieve our objectives."
De Canio continued: "I'm really happy though, because we're moving forward as a group.
"We have a group of players that can withstand any problems thrown their way."
De Canio also responded to paper talk that suggested he had failed to settle in London, commenting: "The man who wrote that is wrong.
"I just don't know where he got his information from. I am very happy here." QPR


SPORTING LIFE - DE CANIO DENIES BEING UNSETTLED
QPR boss Luigi De Canio dismissed speculation about his future following the 2-0 Championship victory over Barnsley at Loftus Road.
Reports had suggested the Italian was struggling to settle in London and could leave Rangers at the end of the season.
But De Canio said: "I have no idea where all that came from. I am very happy here. I am a happy man and a happy manager.
"The owners of the club have an ambitious project and want to take this club forward.
"When I work with people I trust them and give them all my faith. I am enjoying working at this club."
Goals from Patrick Agyemang and Rowan Vine gave a new-look Rangers team a deserved victory.
They made the perfect start, going ahead after just four minutes.
Vine crossed from the right and Dexter Blackstock's lay-off found Agyemang, who lifted the ball over keeper Heinz Muller before applying the finishing touch with his head.
And Vine's goal - his first since his loan move from Birmingham was made permanent - put Rangers further ahead just before half-time.
Vine combined brilliantly with Agyemang, twice exchanging quick passes with his fellow striker before tapping home.
Martin Rowlands almost netted an even better goal just after the break.
The Rangers captain weaved his way past three defenders and rounded Muller only for his shot to be cleared off the line by Dennis Souza.
Defender Matt Connolly - one of four QPR players making their home debut - sent a long-range chip just wide and Mikele Leigertwood's drive was saved by Muller as the home side continued to dominate.
De Canio added: "I am moderately satisfied with the performance, although with the number of new signings playing for the team today, I have to be quite happy.
"It is not easy bringing in new players but we now know that we have a group of players that are working very well.
"It is important, though, that we have the mentality that when we are 2-0 up we want to kill the game and go on and get three or four goals."
Barnsley missed good chances when Jamal Campbell-Ryce shot straight at Rangers keeper Lee Camp and substitute Kayode Odejayi later blazed wide from close range.
"We had chances in the second half and we needed one of them to go in," admitted Barnsley manager Simon Davey.
"We had a lot of possession, we just didn't get the goal. Jamal had a good chance and after that, Kayode had one as well.
"This is a tough place to come to. We had a gameplan, and it was undone when QPR scored after just a few minutes.
"But for two lapses of concentration in the first half, it might have been very different. But we got caught out for the first goal and then the second goal killed us.
"You make your own luck in this game and we need now to start winning matches." Sporting Life


QPR OFFICIAL SITE
New-boys Patrick Agyemang and Rowan Vine were on target, as Rangers eased to a comfortable 2-0 victory against out-of-sorts Barnsley.
In front of the biggest crowd of the campaign, the R's were good value for the two goal win, which extended their unbeaten home run to four matches.
In a first half which largely flattered to deceive, Rangers were perhaps a little fortunate to head into the break with a two-goal buffer.
Agyemang opened the scoring inside the opening five minutes with a tidy finish, before Vine made it two on the stroke of half-time, after the former Preston man played provider.
The R's went on to dominate the second half, with Martin Rowlands going closest to extending the hosts' advantage on a couple of occasions.
Following last weekend's 2-1 defeat to Sheffield United, Luigi De Canio opted for the guile and pace partnership of Dexter Blackstock and Agyemang in attack, but there was no place in the squad for Gavin Mahon, who missed out due to illness.

Tykes boss Simon Davey gave a debut to recent recruit Miguel Tininho, while Brian Howard overcame a slight knock to start in the heart of the Barnsley midfield.

There was an early scare for the hosts when debutant Matthew Connolly required lengthy treatment from physio Paul Hunter following a four-way collision on the halfway line.

Thankfully the right back emerged unscathed, and from their very first attack of the game just 60 seconds later, the R's took the lead.

Vine's centred ball found Blackstock, who in turn played a sublime reverse pass into Agyemang. The pacy front-man beat the onrushing Heinz Muller to the ball, flicked it over him and headed home into an empty net for his second in as many games.

It was a fitting reward for Rangers' impressive start, which yet again owed much to the battling qualities of skipper Rowlands and the returning Mikele Leigertwood in the R's midfield engine room.

Buoyed by their early superiority, Rangers went in search of a second, with Fitz Hall heading an Akos Buzsaky corner a yard wide in the 13th minute.

The Tykes, to their credit, were enjoying plenty of possession, but the Rangers back four, marshalled by the domineering Hall, were rarely tested.

Brian Howard's 24th minute effort from distance, which flew well wide of Lee Camp's right hand post, was the best Barnsley could muster, while at the other end, Buzsaky's cross from the by-line just evaded Vine.

Rangers saved their best move of the half for the final minute, as Vine notched home the all-important second goal of the contest.

Agyemang, who impressed on his full home debut, played provider, as he and Vine twice combined to tear the Tykes defence to shreds.

Faint appeals for an offside flag fell on deaf ears as Agyemang unselfishly squared the ball for Vine, and the wide-man did the rest, firing into the back of the net with aplomb.

Rangers began the second half in determined mood and but for a late stumble, Rowlands would've had the goal of the season all but wrapped up.

Picking the ball up just inside the Barnsley half, the midfield maestro jinked past challenge after challenge, only to lose his footing as he attempted to coast past goalkeeper Heinz Muller.

Despite seeing his effort from an acute angle eventually cleared off the line, the Loftus Road masses rose as one to salute an extraordinary individual run.

At the other end, Camp saved with his face to deny the roaming Jamal Campbell-Ryce, after Hall's slip allowed the nippy winger to bare down on goal, before strong appeals for a QPR spot-kick were turned down when Blackstock was dragged to ground by Dennis Souza.

In complete contrast to the first period, the chances were now coming thick and fast, with Connolly getting in on the act when his deft clip flew inches wide of Muller's right hand upright.

Leigertwood's 59th minute blockbuster brought the best out of the overworked Muller, who palmed the ball to safety, before Tykes substitute Kayode Odejayi somehow volleyed over after fellow replacement Rohan Ricketts sent an inviting ball to the back post.

Rowlands' all-action display very nearly got the goal it deserved in the 76th minute, with a move direct from the Harlington Training Ground.

Buzsaky picked him out on the edge of the box from a corner, and Rowlands took one touch to set before drilling his low shot inches wide.

With Hall seemingly struggling with a calf injury, De Canio even had the luxury of welcoming Michael Mancienne back to the fold from a seven week lay-off in the final 10 minutes.

That prompted a defensive reshuffle and there were yet more changes to the R's back-line in the final moments, when Damion Stewart was stretchered off and replaced by Kieran Lee.

QPR: Camp, Delaney, Stewart (Lee 84), Blackstock (Ephraim 89), Buzsaky, Rowlands, Connolly, Agyemang, Vine, Hall (Mancienne 80), Leigertwood.

Subs: Crowther, Balanta.

Scorers: Agyemang 5, Vine 45

Barnsley: Muller, Hassell, Howard, Foster, Souza, Campbell-Ryce, Van Homoet, Coulson (Ferenczi 55), Devaney (Ricketts 71), Leon (Odejayi 55), Tininho.

Subs: Kozluk, Togwell.

Referee: Mr R J Beeby

Attendance: 16, 197 QPR

BARNSLEY OFFICIAL SITE - FULL TIME FROM LOFTUS ROAD
QUEENS PARK RANGERS 2 (Agyemang 5, Vine 44) BARNSLEY 0

BARNSLEY had a go in the second half but were eventually made to pay for two cataclysmic goals in the opening 45 minutes.

Reds boss Simon Davey handed full debuts to new signing Miguel Tininho and Diego Leon as he looked for a vital away success at Loftus Road. Michael Coulson also started the game as Kayode Odejayi, Miguel Mostto and Grant McCann dropped out.

Barnsley got off to the worst possible start inside the first five minutes as the Reds defence made a complete mess of Rowan Vine's cross and Patrick Agyemang was able to nip through and planted the ball past Heinz Muller and into the back of the net.
QPR went close to a second on 14 minutes as the Reds defence was caught out from Akos Buzsaky's corner and Dexter Blackstock rose highest but planted his header well wide of the target.
The Reds finally broke into the Rangers half on 18 minutes when Jamal Campbell-Ryce was sent sprawling by Damion Stewart. Brian Howard took the free kick but fired well over the bar from 30 yards. Marciano van Homoet managed to get in behind the Rangers defence on 19 minutes to cross well but Coulson could not divert his header on target. A minute later Tininho found himself in acres of space down the left and crossed well but Martin Devaney could not get his shot away under pressure. Leon turned the Rangers defence in knots on 23 minutes as he spun away from two challenges before finding Howard in space but the Reds skipper could not hit the target from 20 yards.

After laying dormant as an attacking force pretty much since the opening goal, Rangers finally burst into life on 42 minutes as Buzsaky broke down the left and brought an outstanding low save from Muller with a well-struck shot. The ball bounced up and somehow evaded Vine on the edge of the six yard box.

Rangers ended the first half with a goal and pretty much ended the Reds hopes a Loftus Road as Agyemang raced clear onto Blackstock's fine pass in the area. Agyemang did well to cross and gave Vine the simplest of tap ins from four yards out.

Barnsley finally had QPR on the back foot in the opening seconds after the break when Campbell-Ryce ran at the heart of the home side only to see his shot cannon away for a corner. Martin Devaney's corner was headed over the bar by Hassell.

For all Barnsley's bright play at the start of the second half, it was Martin Rowlands who could have put Rangers further in front as he led the Reds defence on a merry dance by beating five players including Muller but Stephen Foster was in the right place to kick the ball clear off the line.
Barnsley finally brought a save from Lee Camp on 53 minutes as Campbell-Ryce got in down the right and lashed the ball goalward from a tight angle but the Rangers keeper managed to parry his effort away.
The Reds had another massive let off on 55 minutes as Blackstock raced clear and looked odds on to score but for Foster's outstanding last-gasp challenge. Muller was well beaten on 57 minutes when Matt Connolly chipped the ball goalward from 30 yards but his effort dropped a foot or so over the bar. Rangers got in again a minute later when Blackstock raced through a massive hole in the Reds defence but saw his shot well parried away by Muller.
At the other end Istvan Ferenczi managed to bring a fine save from Camp on 58 minutes after letting fly from 18 yards but the linesmans' flag was already raised.
Odejayi wasted a golden chance to pull one back on 70 minutes as he attacked Rohan Ricketts' fizzing cross inside the six yard box but blazed over with the goal gaping.
Rowlands was a foot away from a third on 76 minutes after the Reds stood back and watched the midfielder shoot from Buzsaky's corner.
Campbell-Ryce then had Camp worried on 83 minutes as he let fly from 18 yards but his shot flew just wide. Rowlands did the same at the other end in stoppage time as he fired over from 18 yards.
QUEENS PARK RANGERS: Camp, Delaney, Stewart (Lee 84), Blackstock (Ephraim 88), Buzsaky, Rowlands, Connolly, Agyemang, Vine, Hall (Mancienne 79), Leigertwood.
Subs: Crowther, Balanta. Barnsley

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On the bench, American youth team goalie, Reece Crowther. Bio - Reece Crowther DOB: 28.11.88 Place of Birth: United States of America Previous Club: Unattached Position: Goalkeeper QPR Also: December 2007: QPR announce off to Wealdstone

QPR: Camp, Delaney, Stewart, Blackstock, Buzsaky, Rowlands, Connolly, Agyemang, Vine, Hall, Leigertwood.
Subs: Mancienne, Lee, Ephraim, Crowther, Balanta.

Barnsley: Muller, Hassell, Howard, Foster, Souza, Campbell-Ryce, Van Homoet, Coulson, Devaney, Leon, Tininho.
Subs: Kozluk, Togwell, Odejayi, Ferenczi, Ricketts.

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Timeout - Coca-Cola Championship Queens Park Rangers v Barnsley
Sat Jan 19 Rangers Stadium, South Africa Rd, W12 7PA map
Some of the hoopla surrounding QPR should have died down by now. Epithets like 'the world's richest club' and bitter, ignorant articles have begun to ebb away as Rangers get on with a far more serious matter: surviving in the Championship. It's a tight league and while recent games have brought elegant football, it's grit that's needed to progress. A match like this is the perfect challenge. The mid-table Tykes epitomise this division: hard-working and quick to tackle. And with Rangers' new signings, including ex-Premier League youth alongside solid defenders such as Fitz 'One Size' Hall, still finding their way, the attractive style favoured by likeable manager Gigi De Canio may not work against such opposition. However, now's a good time to be a Rangers fan. Safe from administration, trying not to think too hard about the future and signing players for £1m who aren't Mark Hateley. Noam Friedlander Time Out

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Skysports/Patricio Figueroa - Rusculleda deal collapses
Deal collapses at last minute

Sebastian Rusculleda's expected transfer from Argentinian club Tigre to QPR has fallen through.
Everything appeared to have been arranged and Rusculleda had even travelled to England but the deal fell through at the final hour and he has since returned to Argentina.
"I know that the first thing that was said about my transfer to Queens Park Rangers was that I had a problem with my knee and that I couldn't pass the medical exam but none of that is true," the player said in the Argentinian media. "Somebody put stones in my way and when I was about to sign the contract the amount wasn't the same that was agreed via a fax.
"Some hours before I travelled to England there was a phone call at Tigre from England saying that they were paying more than what I am worth. They said that Tigre paid Boca Juniors €130,000 and that they were going to pay 20 times more. They even said that they had been informed that I had surgery in one of my knees and that I wasn't well and I insist none of that is true.
"I really don't know who got in my way. It's simple; we only have to wait to see which player arrives at QPR in my position and who is his agent."
No problem
When asked what the QPR officials said to him when he arrived in England to sign the contract, Rusculleda responded: "In the fax that they had sent to Tigre there was an amount agreed but when I arrived there it was different so we didn't reach an agreement. There was a 42% difference to what we had arranged before.
"But what hurts more is that it has been said that I am injured. I am perfectly well; I don't have any physical problem."
Released
Meanwhile, in the other direction, QPR boss Luigi De Canio has continued his clear-out by releasing two more players.
Centre-half Pat Kanyuka, who has missed the whole season with a thigh injury which he has just recovered from, and teenage midfielder Kieron St Aimie have both been let go.
St Aimie has made just a single substitute appearance in the Carling Cup against Leyton Orient. Skysports

Also: What QPR Official Site and Sky Sport initially report -

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A past QPR vs Barnsley game.It's just over eleven years ago, January 11, 1997: John Spencer's Hatrick vs Barnsley. QPR 3 Barnsley 1 -
Roberts
Brevitt Ready McDonald Graham
Brazier Murray Peacock Sinclair
Hately Spencer
Subs: Dichio, Maddix, Impey
Sunday Mirror, Jan 12, 1997 by JOHN GUBBA - Mirror-Spencer leaves Danny in a daze QPR 3 Barnsley 1
Honest boss Danny Wilson gallantly took defeat on the chin and admitted: "I've no qualms about losing - that was a cracking game."
Wilson's inspirational skipper Neil Redfearn broke the ice with a superb opener.
But Barnsley were undone by a magnificent hat-trick from super Scot John Spencer that left Wilson lamenting: "They're the best team we've played this season."
Wilson went on: "We matched them in the first half, but their equaliser just before half-time gave them a big lift.
"I've no complaints with the efforts of my players although we were possibly a bit too cavalier at times."
Wilson was more concerned with the injury to Steve Davis, who was stretchered off with a suspected broken leg 15 minutes from the end.
Davis was caught accidentally in a challenge by Rangers' match- winner Spencer, who confessed:
"That was my first-ever hat-trick, but all I could think about at the end was the injured player.
"I went straight to the Barnsley dressing room to ask how he was."
It was an unlucky end for Barnsley, who had looked a good bet to avenge their 3-1 defeat at Oakwell last September when they drew first blood in the 38th minute.
Redfearn curled home a sweet dead ball after Jovo Bosancic won a controversial free-kick and then persuaded referee Carl Finch to move the defensive wall back.
Barnsley looked like a side sitting in the top two of the First Division. But a classic Rangers move right on half-time took the wind out of their sails. Mirror

QPR's Greatest-Ever Comeback? Eleven Years ago Today.....
January 19, 1997: Port Vale 4 QPR 4
At half-time, Stuart Houston/Bruce Rioch's QPR were 0-4 down at Port Vale.....Final Score: QPR scored 3 goals in the last five minutes. Final score. Port Vale 4: QPR 4. (5,736 were there to see it.)
QPR's scorers; Holwyn (OG), Impey, Murray, Spencer.
Venue: Vale Park, Burslem Attendance: 5736
Port Vale: Musslewhite, Hill, Tankard, Jansson, Griffiths (Howlyn), Glover, McCarthy, Porter, Mills, Naylor, Guppy
QPR: Roberts, Graham, Brevett, Murray, McDonald, Ready, Spencer, McDermott, Hatley, Brazier, Sinclair. Subs: Dichio, Impey, Maddix
"....At half time Port Vale looked untouchable and Television pundits who were covering the game tipped them to continue the route in the Second Half. Things didn't quiet work out this way and it was QPR who got back in to the game when Port Vale's ex Ajax defender Jermaine Holwyn (og) headed in to his own net from a deep QPR cross on 66 minutes.
With 5 minutes of normal time remaining the home side still looked comfortable, then one of the most drmatic turn of events took place… On 85 minutes a deep QPR cross was headed out by the Vale defence only for the ball to fall to Andy Impey just inside the penalty area. Impey swung his boot at the ball to produce a spectacular goal that bounced in off the underside of the cross bar to reduce the score to 4-2.
Soon after QPR struck again on 88 minutes when Paul Murray latched on to a long ball and chipped the stranded Musslewhite to make it 4-3. The Port Vale defence looked in a state of shock and following a brief altercation between Dean Glover and Rangers Striker Dichio in the goalmouth following Murray's goal the match was again underway.
Almost inevitably in the last minute QPR again broke forward down the left. A pin point cross from Impey met the head of Dichio in the 6 yard box only for Vale keeper Musslewhite to pull of a brilliant one handed save. To no avail however and the lose ball fell to QPR stiker John Spencer who gleefully fired home from a tight angle to make it 4-4, sparking scenes of wild celebration from the visiting QPR supporters behind Musslewhite's goal.
Goal times: Glover (Port Vale) 24 mins Mills (Port Vale) 35 mins Jansson (Port Vale) 41 mins Brazier (og) (Port Vale) 45 mins
Holwyn (og) (QPR) 66 mins Impey (QPR) 85 mins Murray (QPR) 88 mins Spencer (QPR) 90 mins
Report

The Star - Reds scoff at QPR cash
"AS Barnsley prepared to face mega-rich QPR tomorrow, manager Simon Davey warned: Wealth doesn't guarantee winning.
The London outfit have billionaires in the boardroom and have splashed the cash, signing 10 new players.
Yet Davey declared: "There are a lot of clubs in this division who have spent a lot of money and they're still in this division."
He claimed making the correct decisions at the right time was more important than a giant bank balance.
Davey has big choices to make for tomorrow's clash.
He was today considering handing debuts to midfielder Diego Leon and left-back Tininho.
Leon is likely to start now Grant McCann has quit Barnsley for Scunthorpe.
Tininho is the only specialist left-back in Davey's squad but has not played since September.
"He is an attacking fullback who likes to get forward. He rarely gives the ball away. He can start an attack, follow it and deliver crosses," Davey said.
"He is a good defender but at Beira Mar where he was playing in the top Portuguese league the emphasis is on attacking.
"He is here to improve his defending."
If Tininho gets the go-ahed to play, Bobby Hassell looks likeliest to stand down. He was the right-footed makeshift left-back who played in last week's 3-1 defeat by Norwich at Oakwell.
Barnsley play QPR home and away inside a month.
Davey added: "We're sitting in 15th place, seven points off the play-offs, seven points off the relegation places.
"We have to start winning again and that starts against a strong QPR side.
"They are a strong side and a club who have spent a lot of cash. It is going to be a difficult game but we are going there prepared to make sure that we come away with the points."
QPR manager Luigi De Canio, bankrolled by co-owners Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone and the investment of the billionaire Mittal family, took his January spending to an estimated £6 million yesterday when he bought defender Damien Delaney from Hull for around £600,000..." The Star


The Northern Echo: Sunderland's David Connolly for QPR?
"...And with an offer for David Connolly on the table from QPR, there is a feeling that Keane needs to act quickly to strengthen his squad, something he disagrees with...." Northern Echo See - Connolly's Playing/Scoring Record. Also Wikipedia Connolly Record


The Mirror - first and last we put the questions to Matthew Connolly
Q What's the first team you ever played for?
Comet Rangers, when I was eight-years-old
Q Last time you lost your temper on the field?
I played against Charlton earlier in the season on loan for Colchester. I got sent-off and I got angry with myself
Q First female celebrity you fancied?
Jennifer Lopez - she's really good looking fancied?
Q First weekly wage you ever had?
£90 when I signed YTS forms at Arsenal as a 17-year-old
Q Last time you had a really good laugh?
I went to watch 'I am Legend' and I found parts of that really funny
Q The first holiday you ever went on?
A family holiday to Spain when I was aged about 12
Q First time you thought you would make it as a footballer?
Probably after one year of my YTS scheme when I was offered a threeyear professional deal by Arsenal
Q Last book you read?
A biography of Mike Tyson about a year ago - I don't read that much
Q The last promising young player you saw?
Henri Lansbury at Arsenal is excellent, technically he's really good and got everything
Q Last great film you have seen?
Blood Diamond. It was really entertaining and enjoyable to watch
Q Your targets for the rest of the season?
To play as many games as I can for QPR and improve the club's league position
Mirror


Mirror - Predator - NEW QPR defender
New Qpr defender Damien Delaney got an early idea of what he can expect at the new London glamour club after signing this Wednesday from Hull for £1.2million.
First Delaney was stunned as mega-rich QPR co-owner Flavio Briatore handed over one of the £3,000 gold watches he had made for the club's squad to thank them for their recent efforts
And then the Irishman's jaw really hit the floor when he walked out of Briatore's office to find supermodel Naomi Campbell (right) waiting for him to finish so she could go in and see her Italian ex-boyfriend. Mirror

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South London Press/Ton Porter- Marc me in
MARCUS Bignot would like Millwall to be the club where he passes 500 games as a professional.
Because he thinks this is a club that's going places and he wants to be part of it.
The former QPR star signed a deal on Tuesday which will keep him at The Den for 18 months.
"That will take me just short of my 36th birthday and I hope I can get to 500 games by then," said the 33-year-old.
"I want to see Millwall in the Championship at least by then. I do not want us to spend too much more time in this division - and I hope I can be an asset getting out of it.
"It is a big relief to have signed. This is a new chapter in my career and I can't wait.
"I would have liked to have played at Port Vale - I don't like missing games.But it wasn't to be."
Bignot must have been frustrated at the delay in his signing which kept him out of two Millwall games,but he's under-standing about it.
"They are very busy getting players at QPR and there has been a huge change in personnel,"he said.
"In the end, though, when it happened, it did go through quickly. Signings never happen overnight.
"The new chairman came in just as I went on loan to Millwall.
"I understood I was not top of their list of priorities. And I realised it was unlikely Rangers would want to renew my contract. So it was a relief to be playing at The Den and knowing Millwall were interested.
"I am just grateful to the chairman and the Rangers staff for allowing the deal to go through."
Bignot, Kenny Jackett's first signing on arriving at The Den, was especially keen to be part of the new Millwall which the manager and the chairman are forging.
"Chairman John Berylson has a lot of vision,"said Bignot. "With the board and the directors backing him, the staff and the players on the pitch, with the investment and vision they have, Millwall can move onwards and upwards.
"John is a very humble man. The things he wants to do can only be good for the club.
"Everything he's planning will improve the community feel of the club and bring back the supporters.
"That community feel, the ideas he has for bringing more kids back through the turn-stiles,mean it is a good time to be part of this club.
"With the Olympics coming in 2012, the ideas he has for developing the area can only help."
Bignot is aiming to go into coaching once he hangs up his boots."But there is still a lot of football in my legs," he said. "My leadership has always been a part of my game.
"One of the highlights at QPR was taking over the captaincy last year.
"We were in a similar position, near the bottom of the table.
"I have always been that sort of person, trying to set an example to the other players and I love playing so much, my enthusiasm seems to rub off on people."
It's rubbing off on the fans, too."I have been lucky at all my clubs," said Bignot. "The fans have always taken to me. I have never had any stick and have usually had a good reception. I hope it will be the same at Millwall."
The most important thing now, though, is pulling away from the relegation zone to guarantee next season in League One.
"It needs everyone to be in it together," said the right-back.
"If the supporters are on board, The Den can be a fortress where teams fear to come." South London PRess


Dagenham Official Site Manager, John Still -
"...The other two to join us are permanent deals. Shabazz Baidoo is a young player I’ve seen a few times for Queens Park Rangers. A quick exciting player and with the transition going on at Loftus Road at the moment it was obvious it wasn’t going to be the place for him and we moved as quick as possible to conclude this deal..." Dagenham

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Barnsley - QPR: FIVE TO WATCH
FIVE QPR players to keep an eye on at Loftus Road tomorrow.
LEE CAMP
Goalkeeper Lee Camp signed from Derby County for a fee of £300,000 in July 2007.
After two successful loan spells with the R's, Camp, 22, finally made his switch to W12 permanent by putting pen to paper on a three-year deal.
Camp had already enjoyed two successful loan spells in W12, albeit for very different reasons, prior to his summer transfer.
He first joined QPR for the final two months of the 2003/4 campaign and made 12 appearances between the sticks to help the Club win promotion to the Championship.
During the 2006/07 campaign, John Gregory brought Camp back to West London to play an integral role in the final three months of the season.
Once again his performances helped the R's, as this time he did his bit to keep Rangers in the second tier of English football.
Camp was a regular in the Derby side during the 2004/5 campaign and, at the end of that season, he won the Sammy Crooks Young Player of the Year award.
He made a total of 97 appearances for the Pride Park outfit.
Camp, who also spent loan spells with Burton Albion and Norwich City, has won international recognition with England Under 21s, and was in goal for their first match at the New Wembley Stadium in March 2007, a 3-3 draw with Italy.

GAVIN MAHON
A solid and reliable midfielder, Gavin Mahon began his professional career at Hereford United, for whom he made 50-plus appearances.
Mahon earned a transfer to Brentford, for a fee of £50,000, in November 1998 and it was at Griffin Park that he firmly established himself in the professional game.
After making 150-plus starts for the Bees, the no-nonsense midfielder moved to Watford near the end of the ill-fated Gianluca Vialli reign at Vicarage Road.
Mahon played an integral role in the Hornets' upturn in fortunes and was rewarded by being named Player of the Season at the end of the 2003/04 campaign.
He successfully skippered the Club to promotion in May 2006 and made 36 appearances in their one season stay in the top-flight.
Mahon joined QPR in an emergency loan deal in January 2008, making his debut from the substitutes' bench against Leicester City on New Years Day.

DEXTER BLACKSTOCK
QPR added to their attacking options by completing the signing of Southampton striker Dexter Blackstock, for an undisclosed fee, in August 2006.
The hardworking front-man penned a three year contract at Loftus Road and immediately stamped his undoubted class on proceedings in W12.
Blackstock bagged 14 goals in all competitions, linking up effectively with R's Player of the Year Lee Cook.
His reward arrived in the shape of the R's Young Player of the Year award at the Club's end of season showcase.
A scorer of three goals in just seven first team starts for the Saints in 2005/06, Blackstock spent time on loan with Derby County and Plymouth Argyle during his three year spell on the South coast.

PATRICK AGYEMANG
Patrick Agyemang joined QPR from Preston in January 2008 on a four-and-a-half year deal.
Agyemang, who signed for North End in a deal in the region of £300,000 from Gillingham, joined Rangers after the two Clubs agreed an undisclosed fee for his services.
The pacy and powerful forward made his name at Wimbledon, where he came through the ranks and went on to make 116 appearances, scoring 22 goals.
He went on to make 31 appearances in his first season with the Whites, chipping in with four goals in all competitions, before netting six times in the following campaign.
His fine form earned him a recall to the Ghana squad, three years after his last and only other appearance, and he went on to pick up three caps for his country, but was left out of the final 23 man squad for the World Cup.
Injury curtailed much of his 2006/07 campaign, but his statistics were still highly impressive, bagging seven goals in just 10 starts

ROWAN VINE
Queens Park Rangers completed the emergency loan signing of Birmingham City front-man Rowan Vine on Tuesday 2nd October 2007.
The 25 year-old signed a one month loan deal, which was later extended by a further two months at the start of November.
Vine joined Blues from fellow Championship side Luton Town in January 2007 for a substantial but undisclosed fee.
During his time at St Andrews, Vine has been used sparingly and has made a total of 19 appearances, scoring one goal.
Vine, who scored against the R's for Luton in an FA Cup third round tie at Loftus Road last season, will wear squad number 26. Barnsley

Barnsley Official Site - QPR: EX REDS
A QUICK look at the ex Reds in the QPR squad:
CHRIS BARKER
QPR secured the free transfer signing of Chris Barker in the summer of 2007, after the defender was released by Cardiff City.
Barker, who spent last season on loan at Championship newcomers Colchester United from Cardiff City, was widely expected to join the U's on a permanent deal in the summer, but John Gregory jumped to the front of the queue and duly made him his first signing of the summer at the start of June.
Barker made 39 appearances in all competitions whilst on loan at Layer Road last season, and was widely regarded as the U's most consistent performer throughout the campaign.
The Sheffield born defender began his career at non-league outfit Alfreton, before Barnsley snapped him up in 1999.
Barker spent three seasons at Oakwell, before Cardiff paid £600,000 for his services in 2002.
He went on to make 150-plus appearances for the Bluebirds, before falling out of favour under current Cardiff boss Dave Jones.

DANIEL NARDIELLO
QPR clinched the free transfer signing of Danny Nardiello in the summer of 2007.
The former Manchester United ace agreed a two year deal in W12, despite late interest from Championship rivals Norwich City.
Nardiello, who scored seven goals in his final nine appearances for Barnsley last season, turned down an improved deal with the Tykes to link up with the R's.
A product of the Youth Academy at Wolverhampton Wanderers, Nardiello joined English giants Manchester United in October 1999.
The Coventry-born midfielder, whose father Donato was a Welsh international in the late 1970's, made his Red Devils debut in November 2001, against Arsenal.
Despite showing promise in United's second string, Nardiello failed to make the breakthrough to first team level at Old Trafford and was eventually farmed out on loan to Barnsley in season 2003/04, where he scored seven goals in just 16 appearances.
After impressing the Tykes faithful with his goalscoring prowess and endeavour, Nardiello returned to Oakwell on a season long loan for the 2004/05 campaign.
Unfortunately, injuries restricted him to just 30 games in all competitions, during which period he scored a further seven goals.
Nevertheless, after his release from Old Trafford, Barnsley swooped to secure the strikers' services and he went on to score an impressive 34 goals in 108 appearances.
Nardiello made his full Welsh debut in May 2007, entering the fray as a second half substitute for John Toshack's men, in their international friendly draw with New Zealand. Barnsley


Barnsley Official Site - QPR: LAST TEN MEETINGS
A QUICK look at the Reds' last ten meetings with Queens Park Rangers.
Barnsley vs QPR

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With the multitude of players signed by QPR in the past couple of weeks; Agyemang, Buzsaky, Connolly, Delaney, Ephraim, Hall, Mahon, Vine, and Lee (loan). Add to this, the players added to the squad in the summer - Camp, Walton, Barker, Curtiss, Nardielo; Leighterwood signing during the year, and loans who have come in (not allll of whom are still with the club) and the couple of players signed during the season, and to state the obvious, it's been quite a change in a short period of time.

QPR's Squad as of January 18, 2008
1 Lee Camp Goalkeeper
2 Damien Delaney Defender
3 Chris Barker Defender
4 Gavin Mahon Midfielder
5 Damion Stewart Defender
6 Michael Mancienne (on loan from Chelsea ) Defender
7 Adam Bolder Midfielder
8 Daniel Nardiello Striker
9 Dexter Blackstock Striker
10 Akos Buzsaky Midfielder
11 Gareth Ainsworth Midfielder
12 Jake Cole Goalkeeper
14 Martin Rowlands Midfielder
15 Dominic Shimmin Defender
16 Matthew Connolly Defender
17 Patrick Agyemang Striker
18 Stefan Moore Striker
19 Simon Walton Midfielder
21 Kieran Lee (on loan from Man U ) Defender
23 Stefan Bailey Midfielder
25 Hogan Ephraim Midfielder
26 Rowan Vine Striker
27 Sampsa Timoska Defender
28 Zeshan Rehman Defender
29 Fitz Hall Defender
30 Marc Nygaard Striker
31 Ray Jones Striker
32 Mikele Leigertwood Midfielder
35 Chris Goodchild Goalkeeper
36 Angelo Balanta Striker
Aaron Goode Defender
Andrew Howell Defender
Sean Thomas Goalkeeper
Squad

Pre-Season: QPR OFFICIAL SITE - June 29, 2007 - NUMBERS UP
As the countdown continues to the away kit launch, gaffer John Gregory has released the first team squad numbers ahead of the 2007/08 campaign....

2. Marcus BIGNOT
3. Chris BARKER
4. Danny CULLIP
5. Damion STEWART
7. Adam BOLDER
8. Danny NARDIELLO
9. Dexter BLACKSTOCK
11. Gareth AINSWORTH
12. Jake COLE
14. Martin ROWLANDS
15. Dominic SHIMMIN
16. Ray JONES
17. Lee COOK
18. Stefan MOORE
20. Kieron ST AIMIE
22. Shabazz BAIDOO
23. Stefan BAILEY
24. Pat KANYUKA
27. Samspa TIMOSKA
28. Zesh REHMAN
29. Nick WARD
QPR
[No numbers originally for Nygaard or Doherty]

BBC Championship Prospects - Club by Club
In: Chris Barker (Cardiff), Daniel Nardiello (Barnsley), Simon Walton (Charlton), Ed de Goey (Stoke), Lee Camp (Derby), John Curtis (Nottingham Forest), Michael Mancienne (Chelsea, loan), Ben Sahar (Chelsea, loan).
Out: Lee Cook (Fulham), Marc Bircham (Yeovil), Simon Royce (Gillingham), Ricky Stapleton (Leicester), Kevin Gallen (MK Dons), John Munday (Kidderminster), Ian Evatt (Blackpool), Steve Lomas (Gillingham), Paul Furlong, Paul Jones, Mauro Milanese, Armel Tchakounte... Key man: Daniel Nardiello BBC

And QPR's squad - Two Seasons Ago: From August 2006
Daily Telegraph - Championship preview 2006/7
Squad numbers: 1 Simon Royce, 2 Marcus Bignot, 3 Mauro Milanese, 4 Ian Evatt, 5 Danny Shittu, 6 Tom Doherty, 7 Matthew Rose, 8 Marc Bircham, 9 Nick Ward, 10 Kevin Gallen, 11 Gareth Ainsworth, 12 Jake Cole, 14 Martin Rowlands, 15 Dominic Shimmin, 16 Steve Lomas, 17 Lee Cook, 18 Stefan Moore, 19 Armel Tchakounte, 20 Scott Donnelly, 21 Paul Jones, 22 Shabazz Baidoo, 23 Stefan Bailey, 24 Patrick Kanyuka, 25 Damion Stewart, 26 Sean Thomas, 27 Egutu Oliseh, 28 Adam Czerkas, 29 Paul Furlong, 30 Mark Nygaard, 34 Matthew Hislop, 35 Jonathan Munday.
In: Damion Stewart (Harbour View, U), Egutu Oliseh (La Louviere), Adam Czerkas (Odra Wodzislaw), Armel Tchakounte (Carshalton), Nick Ward (Perth Glory, U).
Out: Marcus Bean (Blackpool), Richard Langley (Luton), Dean Sturridge (Kidderminster), Ugo Ukah (Nouresa Calcio).
Released: Marcin Kus, George Santos, Sammy Youssef.

The 2006-2007 TEAM PHOTO
Back (l-r): Nick Ward, Ray Jones, Jon Munday, Dan Shittu, Ian Evatt, Pat Kanyuka, Marc Nygaard, Damion Stewart, Mauro Milanese, Stefan Moore, Armel Tchakounte, Egutu Oliseh, Paul Furlong, Matthew Rose.
Middle: Graeme Staddon (Massage Therapist), Tony Roberts (Goalkeeping Goach), Tommy Doherty, Andrew Howell, Scott Donnelly, Jake Cole, Sean Thomas, Simon Royce, Paul Jones, Stefan Bailey, Dominic Shimmin, Matthew Hislop, Justin Skinner (Reserve Manager), John O'Brien (Head of Recruitment).
Front: Mark Barry (Sports Scientist), Prav Mathema (Physiotherapist), Steve Lomas, Marc Bircham, Martin Rowlands, Kevin Gallen, Alan McDonald (Assistant Manager), Gary Waddock (Manager), Gareth Ainsworth, Marcus Bignot, Lee Cook, Shabazz Baidoo, Gary Doyle (Kit Man), Bobby Bacic (Assistant Physiotherapist). QPR Team Photo

From August 2006 - QPR's Updated Club Directory -
QPR OFFICIAL SITE NEW Staff Directory
Chairman - Gianni Paladini
Non-executive Directors - Franco Zanotti, Olga Paladini, Antonio Caliendo
Club Secretary - Sheila Marson
Chief Operating Officer - Graham Mackrell
Chief Financial Officer - Chris Pennington
First Team Coaching Staff
Manager - Gary Waddock
Assistant Manager - Alan McDonald
Reserve Team Manager - Justin Skinner
Goalkeeper Coach - Tony Roberts
Physiotherapist - Prav Mathema
Assistant Physiotherapist - Bobby Bacic
Youth and Recruitment Head of Youth - Joe Gallen
Head of Youth Recruitment - John O'Brien johnob@qpr.co.uk
Box Office Box Office Manager - Jenny Elliott boxoffice@qpr.co.uk
Press Office Press & Publications Manager - Jackie Bass: 020 8740 2536 jackieb@qpr.co.uk
Press & Publications Officer - Ian Taylor: 020 8740 2541 iant@qpr.co.uk
New Media Manager - Paul Morrissey: 020 8897 5419 paulm@qpr.co.uk
Commercial Department
Commercial Manager - Gary Hooper: 020 8740 2518 garyh@qpr.co.uk
Sales Administration Manager - Geraldine Field: 020 8740 2588 geraldinef@qpr.co.uk
Football in the Community
Community Scheme Manager - Andy Evans andye@qpr.co.uk
Ladies Football - Martino Chevannes martinoc@qpr.co.uk
As of August 2006

Labels: u

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OK not exactly! "Just" to be one of Europe's elite.

Daily Mail - QPR supremo Flavio: Within four years we will challenge Milan in Europe
Flavio Briatore today promised to take Queens Park Rangers from the Championship into the Champions League within four years. The club's multi-millionaire owner also revealed he had been part of Bernie Ecclestone's bid to buy Chelsea, only for them to lose out to Roman Abramovich.
Rangers are 20th in the table and just three points off the relegation zone but Briatore believes the club can achieve his dream thanks to their new-found financial muscle-power.
Ecclestone and Lakshmi Mittal, the fifth richest man in the world, are also on the board and
Briatore insisted: "Within four years we will challenge Milan in Europe. Our programme is to reach the Premier League within three years.
"I want to be in Europe within four years. It would be great to challenge Milan. Briatore against [Adrian] Galliani [Milan president].
"I love football. But buying a football club is not what the doctor ordered so you need to enjoy yourself.
"That's why I got Bernie Ecclestone involved emotionally. I don't think he even knew QPR existed.
"To be honest, Bernie and I tried to buy Chelsea three months before Abramovich.
"But Roman put in an offer that was far more interesting than ours."
Briatore joked about how, in London, billionaire Abramovich was considered "poorer".
"For sure,"he told Italian newspaper Corriere Della Sera. "Ecclestone and I have 70 per cent of the shares but one of my good friends, Lakshmi Mittal, has 20 per cent and he has a fortune estimated at around 60billion euros (£42bn)." Daily Mail

Briatore's Interview - Briatore's interview (in Italian) with Corriere Della Sera

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QPR Official Site - BIG PAT LEAVES
Central defender Pat Kanyuka has today (Thursday) had his contract terminated by mutual consent with immediate effect.
The no-nonsense centre-half, who joined the R's as a teenager in 2003 following his release from Leyton Orient, made just 15 appearances in all competitions. QPR

QPR OFFICIAL SITE - ST AIMIE DEPARTS
Teenage midfielder Kieron St Aimie has today (Thursday) had his contract terminated by mutual consent with immediate effect.
The 18 year-old, who signed professional terms in the summer, made just a solitary substitutes' appearance in this season's Carling Cup first round tie against Leyton Orient, before being farmed out on loan to Blue Square Premier division outfit Oxford United. QPR

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QPR Official Site EXCLUSIVE: DEFENDER PENS DEAL
Queens Park Rangers Football Club are delighted to announce the signing of Hull City defender Damien Delaney.
The versatile 26 year-old has put pen-to-paper on a three-and-a-half year deal with the R's, after the two Clubs agreed an undisclosed fee for his services. Delaney, who is expected to go straight into the Rangers squad for Saturday's Championship fixture against Barnsley at Loftus Road, expressed his delight at the move, commenting: "It's a massive challenge for me personally. The squad is very strong in every department and the initial task for me is to play my way into the
"I met the Chairman (Gianni Paladini) and he sold the Club to me in an instance. He spoke in glowing terms about the new owners and what they want to achieve and from that moment on, there was never any doubt in my mind that this was the Club for me.
"I've experienced something similar, albeit on a smaller scale, in the past, when Hull came into some serious investment and made their way up through the divisions and that should stand me in good stead.
"This is a new chapter for me and one I'm going to relish."
Delaney, who began his professional career in Ireland with Cork City, will wear squad number 2. QPR

HULL OFFICIAL SITE - Delaney Completes QPR Move
Damien Delaney has completed his move to Queens Park Rangers.
Delaney, who joined the Tigers in 2002, passed a medical at Loftus Road last night before completing the formalities of his move this morning.
The versatile defender and midfielder has signed a three-and-a-half year deal with the London club. Hull

QPR Official Site Profile of Delaney - PROFILE: DAMIEN DELANEY
Damien Delaney began his career with Irish side Cork City, before moving to Leicester City in November 2000.
Delaney was signed by then Foxes boss Peter Taylor, who paid £50,000 for his services, yet despite making eight Premiership appearances for the Foxes, he soon spent time on loan at Stockport County and Huddersfield Town.
A further loan spell at Mansfield Town followed, before he joined Hull City in 2002/03.
After a difficult start, in which Delaney was largely played out of position in midfield, the left back proved any doubters wrong with a superb campaign the following season.
He was the only ever-present in the Tigers' promotion campaign and won the Club's Player of the Year, Players' Player of the Year and Supporters' Player of the Year accolades.
Prior to his arrival in W12, the former City skipper featured in all but five of Hull's Championship fixtures in season 2007/08. QPR

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The Scotsman/Barry Anderson - Anderton tips Russell to prosper with QPR

AFTER Vladimir Romanov and his Russian comrades, Ali Russell is now at the mercy of Bernie Ecclestone, Flavio Briatore and their Italian friends. Some might say out of the frying pan into the fire, but Phil Anderton is backing his former colleague to drive Queens Park Rangers' rejuvenation just as the club's Formula One-obsessed owners demand.

Russell left his position as Hearts' commercial director last week to head to London and become QPR's deputy managing director, for which read de facto chief executive. The title is temporary until previous CEO Mark Devlin concludes his lawsuit against the club. It is no small step for Russell, who shadowed Anderton's moves by following a strictly commercial path from Coca-Cola to Hearts via the Scottish Rugby Union.

Devlin was ousted from Loftus Road during an impromptu board meeting last year at which none other than Carlos Dunga, the Brazilian national coach, had the decisive vote. It is understood Dunga's agent had invested money in QPR and asked the former World Cup winner to represent him at the meeting, and Devlin was left privately seething by his removal. Russell has been recruited to work alongside new chairman Gianni Paladini, a former agent entrusted with the task of fronting Ecclestone and Briatore's joint £20million investment. Life at Hearts ensures Russell is well prepared for any turbulence in London, although a new career in a Formula One-style fast lane may take some getting used to.

"QPR is a great opportunity for him. I'm actually a little bit jealous," said Anderton, who was sacked as Hearts chief executive by Romanov in 2005 and now works in London as chief marketing officer with the Association of Tennis Professionals. "QPR have Ecclestone and Co, they're buying players and it's an exciting time to be working for a club like that. Ali has done extremely well to get that position.

"The difference between being a marketing executive and being a CEO is you can't do it all yourself. You're responsible for financial issues, marketing, commercial. Suddenly there are loads of areas you never had responsibility for before. That's when you need to get the right people in and delegate well, let others get on with it. That's a skill Ali will work on.

"He has a sound, down-to-earth commercial reality about him. He knows what's going to work and what isn't, but he's also willing to try things and I liked that about him. Coming into sport from a consumer goods background he had a lot of initiative, he was never the typical old-school administrator who sits back and waits for things to happen. He wants to make them happen.

"I made the transition from marketing to CEO and a lot of the principles are the same. He'll need a thorough understanding of what the club is about, what the guys investing the money want to achieve, what the club's strengths and weaknesses are. Then he can come up with a plan."

While chief executive at Murrayfield, Anderton hired Russell and then repeated the appointment when he moved to Hearts. Both know the stringent demands of Romanov well but Anderton predicts a slightly more straightforward existence for his former colleague at Loftus Road.

"Hopefully at QPR he'll actually be told what the plans are. I'm a bit dubious about whether he's actually ever been told what the expectations are at Hearts," he continued. "When I brought Ali to the club he was fully aware of the situation and there was always an element of risk. But the upside was clear because getting yourself into football makes you contacts that can take you onto the next level. I think that's what has happened with Ali." The eventual rise to such a prominent position as chief executive won't be without difficulties for Russell, however. Anderton recalled his own transition period at Tynecastle to offer valuable advice.

"I hadn't been involved in football when I became CEO at Hearts," he explained. "I didn't know agents or players and we weren't only operating in a Scottish market. We were looking in England and eastern Europe and no doubt they'll be doing the same at QPR. I brought on board a few agents, people like John Colquhoun, George Wright and John Calderwood. I told them what I was trying to achieve, the monies and parameters I had and asked them to help me by finding player resources and offering us opportunities.

"That then means you aren't the one floundering around on your own. I found that approach extremely helpful. I remember the whole recruitment of George Burley, that involved working with George Wright an
d John Calderwood. We had a couple of strategies, a list of world-class managers and then a separate list of other candidates.

"They then made contacts, finding out what people's positions were and whether there was any interest. I learned from those guys the best ways to approach and handle certain people. You learned what skills a candidate had, whether their career was on the ascendancy and if they would fit in with the culture of Romanov. That approach might be something Ali chooses to do."

Meanwhile, how do Hearts attempt to replace Russell, the man who negotiated the biggest commercial deal in club history when Umbro agreed to pay £2million for kit manufacturing rights? Anderton is coy.

"Who knows how things operate at Hearts now. I can't really answer that. Predicting what goes on at Tynecastle these days isn't something I'd make a lot of money on if I was a betting man." The Scotsman

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UPDATE: Baidoo signs for Dagenham till the end of the season - Baidoo/Dagenham

Dagenham & Redbridge Football Club are pleased to announce the signings of Peter Gain from Peterborough and Shabazz Baidoo from Queens Park Rangers.
After fierce competition for his signature, midfielder Peter, has signed a contract with the Daggers until summer 2009 whilst striker Shabazz has signed a contract until the end of the season...
Shabazz was on Arsenal's books as a youngster and after being released he had a trial at Norwich City before signing for QPR. Born April 1987, he made his debut aged just 16 and his blistering pace and skill immediately caught the eye of the QPR fans. However, after Ian Holloway's departure his chances were few and far between. Baidoo went on loan to Gillingham in December 2007 but didn’t make any appearances for the Priestfield Club.
Baidoo will wear shirt 32 and Gain will wear shirt number 33."Dagenham

QPR Official Site - BAIDOO MOVES ON
Striker Shabazz Baidoo has today (Thursday) had his contract terminated by mutual consent with immediate effect.
Baidoo, 19, made 33 appearances in all competitions for the R's, scoring three goals, but has not figured at all this season and spent time on loan at League One strugglers Gillingham in the latter part of 2007. QPR


Flashback
BBC - March 20, 2006- BBC -Teenager ponders new QPR contract
QPR want striker Shabazz Baidoo to commit his future to the club by signing a new contract.
Youngsters Stefan Bailey and Scott Donnelly have already agreed two-year deals and boss Gary Waddock is keen for Baidoo to sign.
Waddock revealed: "We'll be sitting down with Shabazz and his agent.
"I want him to sign it. It's now down to Shabazz and what he wants to do. Hopefully we can get that contract sorted out."
Baidoo came on as a substitute during Rangers' 1-1 draw against Brighton on Saturday.
The teenager missed a golden chance to win the match for Waddock's side in injury time.
Waddock said: "I don't want that miss to affect him. On another day he would have scored and been the hero.
"I know what he's capable of and he's getting better all the time." BBC

Skysport - April 7 2006 - Baidoo rejects contract offerQueens Park Rangers youngster Shabazz Baidoo has rejected two contract offers from the club, and is unlikely to decide on his future until the summer.
A product of the Arsenal academy, Baidoo also represented England Under-16s during his time at Highbury.
The young striker, who will celebrate his 18th birthday next week, is rumoured to have attracted interest from other clubs, but Rangers caretaker manager Gary Waddock is keen to keep the youngster at Loftus Road.
"Shabazz has turned down two offers, and he will probably now wait until the summer before figuring out what he wants to do," said Waddock.
"I want him to sign, he knows that and his agent knows that. I rate him highly. Shabazz has to ask himself whether he would be a first-team player if he went to another club." Skysport

Skysports - June 2006 - Baidoo pens pro deal By Andrew Scurr
Queens Park Rangers striker Shabazz Baidoo has signed a two-year deal at Loftus Road, ending months of speculation about his future.
The 18-year-old had been linked with a switch to Premiership new-boys Watford after stalling on his first professional contract with Rangers.
Manager Gary Waddock was keen to secure the starlet to a professional contract having impressed in his 17 appearances last season and the player was finally happy to oblige.
"QPR is in my blood and I'm going to do my best to become a regular for the first team next season," Baidoo said.
"I'm fortunate to be training with Paul Furlong and Kevin Gallen, and I hope to emulate what they have achieved here."
Waddock was understandably delighted to secure Baidoo to a contract after previously admitting his concern at the prospect of losing his future star.
"Shabazz is a great young player with a very bright future. He's a natural goalscorer, and it's fantastic to see another scholar become a professional," he added. ...." Skysport


BBC - Gillingham sign Grays striker Oli
Oli has signed a deal to keep him with the Gills until 2010
Gillingham have completed the signing of Grays Athletic striker Dennis Oli on a two-and-a-half year deal for an undisclosed fee.
Gills boss Mark Stimson recruited the 23-year-old on loan in November.
Grays will also receive a 50% sell-on fee if the former QPR forward is sold in the future. Stimson told the club website: "It is great to get him on a permanent deal because he is at the right age and we feel he'll develop into a fine player." BBC

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BBC Gossip:
QPR's players may be forced to return £3,000 watches given to them by Flavio Briatore as FA rules say any wages, bonuses or inducements must be registered within their contracts (Express). BBC

- Victory for Ex-QPR's Richard Pacquette (and team) in the FA Cup. Next: Liverpool
Independent- Havant & W 4 Swansea City 2: Havant's Hawks swoop to claim Anfield reward By Glenn Moore
Havant & Waterlooville regret they will have to rearrange their Blue Square South fixture with Weston-super-Mare on 26 January. They have a new date in the diary, a dream date, Liverpool away in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
The Hawks, the last non-League team in the competition, last night devoured Swansea, the League One leaders, to earn a fixture which this collection of taxi drivers, plasterers, bin men and property developers will remember all their lives. The winning goal of a thrilling tie came from Tom Jordan. His father, the old Scotland, Leeds and Manchester United forward Joe, can rarely have been prouder. Jordan, who had been omitted from the starting XI, having been out of favour since asking for a move to neighbours Eastleigh, was chaired off in triumph by fans.

"It is unbelievable," said Shaun Gale. Havant's ecstatic manager understandably worked his way though a series of clichés as he added: "It's a dream that's become reality. The romance of the FA Cup is alive. There are lads in the dressing room who have been reduced to tears because they are going to Anfield."

The setting was as far from Liverpool's storied stadium as could be imagined. Westleigh Park is a workmanlike low-rise arena set in a suburban housing estate. One modest seated stand occupied part of one touchline, two hastily erected Heath Robinson structures housed media on the other. The rest was standing room only. Yet the night was replete with such romantic potential the club had received more than 250 requests for press accreditation, from as far afield as America and Australia.

Havant & Waterlooville embarked on their FA Cup quest at Bognor Regis in September, in the second qualifying round. As well as Jordan junior they fielded player-coach Charlie Oatway, once of Brighton but more noteworthy for possessing 11 Christian names honouring the QPR squad of 1972, the result of a bet struck by his father.

They also included Brett Poate who had been dismissed in the first match, along with Swansea's Alan Tate. The latter was automatically banned but the wheels of justice move more slowly in the semi-professional game so Poate was clear to play, a situation which was "amazing" and "unfortunate" according to Roberto Martinez. The Swansea manager will feel even more strongly this morning. Poate set up three of Havant's goals.
A mere 575 had watched Havant defeat St Albans here on Saturday. Funnily enough, their supporters had swelled to nearly 4,000 last night, plus 550 Swansea fans. They saw an extraordinary game launched when Gary Monk, under pressure from Richard Pacquette, glanced a fourth-minute cross into his own net. Next, from Poate's half-cleared 25th-minute corner, Jamie Collins drove in. A dozen minutes later the home fans were chanting "Easy, easy," after Baptiste had turned in Pacquette's mishit shot.
The celebration was premature for, a minute later, Guillem Bauza chipped in from 20 yards. The Spaniard was then brought down in the box but goalkeeper Kevin Scriven parried Leon Britton's penalty. "That changed the game," Gale said.
Maybe, but soon after the break Swansea, unbeaten since November, scored anyway, Jason Scotland tapping in after Bauza struck the post. Disappointment loomed but, with 25 minutes left, Jordan steered in another Poate set play.
"I'm a taxi driver and a Liverpool fan so I know the way," Baptiste said: "M1, M6, turn left". Collins, the captain, added: "If someone offered me £1m to take my place in leading the team out at Anfield I would turn it down. To play against players like Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher... Some things money can't buy."
Maybe not, but it is important at this level. Anfield, said club officials, sets them up for "five to 10 years". They have earned £100,000 in prize-money alone, a figure that will be quintupled with gate receipts and television fees. The final words went to Gale. "It's been a fairy tale, and it continues."
Havant & Waterlooville (4-4-2): Scriven; Gregory, Warner, Smith (Jordan, h-t), Poate; Harkin, Oatway (Wilkinson, 43), Collins, Potter; Baptiste, Pacquette (Slabber, 77). Substitutes not used: Taylor (gk), Taggart.
Swansea City (4-4-2): De Vries; Rangel, Lawrence, Monk, Painter (Duffy, 77); Anderson (Butler, 51), Pratley, Britton, Robinson; Scotland, Bauza. Substitutes not used: Knight (gk), Austin, O'Leary.
Referee: A D'Urso (Essex). Independent


Former QPR, Patrick Gradley
Brickies in double swoop as Hogg joins Ashford
SITTINGBOURNE boss Gary Abbott has added to his squad by signing former QPR and Gravesend & Northfleet midfielder Patrick Gradley.
The 24-year-old, who has also played for Margate and Boreham Wood, made 15 appearances for Gravesend four seasons ago, scoring two goals..." Kent News

SITTINGBOURNE OFFICIAL SITE
"As expected , Anthony Hogg has tonight signed for Ashford Town. Gary has moved quickly to sign a midfield replacement. He is former Gravesend & Northfleet and Margate skipper Patrick Gradley. Patrick has also played for QPR (where he started) and had a brief loan period at Boreham Wood. By coincidence Anthony Hogg and Patrick Gradley joined Gravesend & Northfleet on the same day! Patrick is a 24 year old midfielder." Sittingbourne

Also: Recent QPR Loan, Derby's Rob Malcolm appeared in Court Yesterday - This is London

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Numerous accounts says Hull's 26 year old defender, Damien Daley will be signing for QPR for a fee of a million pounds, plus. [Vital Football/Hull City reports 600,000 pounds up front, which could rise to 1.2 million depending on performances/appearances)
Vital Football/Hull

Today's Yorkshire post reports re Delaney "Queens Park Rangers look set to continue spending their millions with the Loftus Road club apparently bidding for Hull`s Damien Delaney. The City defender has fallen out of favour at the KC Stadium this season but A £450,000 offer from Colchester was rebuffed by Hull City who want more for their man. " Yorkshire Post . Last week's Yorkshire Post "Damien Delaney continues to attract interest from Colchester United and Leeds United with the Essex outfit understood to have lodged a bid of around £400,000 last week." Yorkshire Post

And Goal.com reports "QPR Beat Leeds To Delaney's Signature, Land Postma
"Wealthy Queen's Park Rangers of the Championship have agreed a £1.2million deal for Hull City defender Damien Delaney and all but finalised a deal to sign Dutch goalkeeper Stefan Postma.
Queen's Park Rangers could have Damien Delaney in defence on Saturday against Barnsley after completing his signing from Hull City for £1.2million.
Rangers successfully fought off competition from Leeds United to take 26-year-old Delaney to Loftus Road on a three-year deal..." Goal.com

Mail - De Canio swoops to bring Delaney and Postma to QPR
Big-spending QPR have agreed a £1.2million deal for Hull defender Damien Delaney. Delaney could make his Rangers debut against Barnsley on Saturday after Rangers fought off competition from Leeds to land the 26-year-old. Delaney is to sign a three-year deal with Rangers, who also look certain to push through a move for Dutch goalkeeper Stefan Postma. Mail

Mirror - RANGER DAMIEN
Big-SPENDING QPR have agreed a £1.2million deal for Hull defender Damien Delaney.
Delaney, 26, could make his Rangers debut against Barnsley on Saturday after Rangers fought off competition from Leeds.
Delaney is to sign a three-year deal with Rangers, who also look certain to push through a move for Dutch goalkeeper Stefan Postma.
The Dutch FA have solved a contractual dispute between Postma, 31, and his club ADO Den Haag, meaning the former Aston Villa and Wolves man is free to move to Loftus Road.
Rangers boss Luigi De Canio still hopes to complete a £1.8m deal for Tottenham winger Wayne Routledge - which would take the club's number of January signings to Mirror

From Hull City Mad
"...The Irishman is one of City's longest serving players, having been signed by Peter Taylor for £50,000 from Leicester over five years ago.
After initally being an unpopular signing, Delaney then became Player of the Year in 2004 for his part in City's promotion from Division Three.
Usually a centre back, some of Delaney's 224 league appearances for the club have been at left back and in midfield. The 26-year-old has also worn the captain's armband on occasion.
Chairman Paul Duffen revealed at last night's Fans' Liaison Committee meeting that Delaney would join QPR for an undisclosed fee today - an offer the club couldn't refuse." Hull City Mad

Hull City Official Site Profile
Name: Damien Delaney
Nationality: Rep of Ireland
Date of Birth: 20/07/1981
Height: 6' 3" (191cm)
Weight: 14st 0lbs (88.98kg)
Previous
Clubs: Leicester City, Mansfield Town (loan), Huddersfield (loan), Stockport (loan)
Position: Defender

Having brought Damien across from Ireland when he was manager of Leicester City, Peter Taylor signed the Republic of Ireland Under-21 international on his first official day in charge of the Tigers in matching the £50,000 fee that went to Cork City in November 2000.

Making his Foxes debut against York City in the FA Cup, Damien went on to make eight Premiership appearances for Leicester. He gained further senior experience in 2001-02 with loan spells at Stockport County and Huddersfield Town. A further loan at Mansfield Town ended with his move to the Tigers.

Damien became the last Tiger to score at Boothferry Park. It was his first goal for City and his cross-cum-shot proved to be the winner against Boston United.

After a difficult first season when he was often used in a less familiar midfield role, Damien won over the doubters with a superb 2003-04. He was the only ever-present in the Tigers' promotion campaign - missing only the second-half of the visit to Mansfield Town following a clash of heads.

Personal highlights included captaining the team at Kidderminster Harriers and winning wonder goals against Rochdale and Bristol Rovers (the former voted City's Goal of the Season while the latter disproved his earlier nickname of 'Jigsaw' because he went to pieces in the box!).

To no one's surprise, Damien won the club's Player of the Year award, the Players' Player award and the supporters' Player of the Year prize.

His consistent form continued throughout our second successive promotion campaign when he formed a formidable central defensive partnership with Leon Cort. The genial Irishman missed only three games in City's League One campaign as he underwent keyhole surgery to a knee injury in September.

Damien's importance to the Tigers cause meant he became the only player to be involved in some part of every game in City's first Championship season.

As well as his familiar centre-back partnership with Leon, injuries to his colleagues saw also fill-in to good effect in centre midfield and at left back.

Damien's contract was extended to June 2009 in June 2006.

He was named captain for Phil Parkinson's first game in charge (at West Bromwich Albion on the opening day of 2006-07).

Unfortunately, a few weeks later Damien suffered the first major injury of his career when he ruptured ankle ligaments in a freak training ground incident.

On his return, he established a new central defensive partnership with Michael Turner as the Tigers successfully avoided relegation back to League One.

Season 2007 - 08

Competition Apps
(as sub) Goals Yellow
Cards Red
Cards
League 20 (2) 0 6 0
FA Cup 1 (0) 0 0 0
League Cup 3 (0) 0 0 0

Career History:
Club Season Comp. Apps
(as sub) Goals
Hull City 2006 - 07 League 36 (1) 1
FA Cup 1 (0) 0
League Cup 1 (0) 0
Hull City 2005 - 06 League 45 (1) 0
FA Cup 1 (0) 0
League Cup 1 (0) 0
Hull City 2004 - 05 League 43 (0) 1
FA Cup 3 (0) 0
League Cup 1 (0) 0
Hull City 2003 - 04 League 46 (0) 2
FA Cup 1 (0) 0
League Cup 1 (0) 0
Hull City 2002 - 03 League 30 (0) 1
FA Cup 1 (0) 0
Mansfield Town 2002 - 03 League 7 (0) 0
Huddersfield 2001 - 02 League 1 (1) 0
Leicester City 2001 - 02 League 2 (1) 0
League Cup 1 (0) 0
Stockport 2001 - 02 League 10 (2) 1
Leicester City 2000 - 01 League 3 (2) 0
FA Cup 1 (1) 0
Hull City

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[Provided by Football Aid]

Football Aid - BID TO PLAY AT LOFTUS ROAD

Football’s ultimate January Sales are underway giving you the chance to play for QPR.

Football Aid is allowing you the chance to battle it out in our online auction against your fellow Super Hoops fans to snap up one of the few remaining positions in our 2008 game at Loftus. Or why not avoid the risk and secure your position using the Buy Now option available on selected places.

Live the Dream and experience the ultimate football experience by bidding online now at www.footballaid.com

Those lucky enough to secure their positions on the team sheet will be given the chance to pull on their team’s famous Hooped shirt and play alongside QPR legends in a 90 minute match at Loftus Road.

Alan MacDonald and Gary Waddock are just two of the stars who have either managed or played in our previous events and we hope to be able to call on the support of a similar calibre of legends this year.

Football Aid’s brand new bidding system features a number of improvements, including our automated “Proxy” bidding system, the option to Buy Now to end an auction early and our much improved Bid Monitoring system.

Bidding starts on the 16th January and positions will close at regular intervals throughout the six week bidding period, with the first position due to close on the 4th February and the last available position closing on the 29th February.
So why wait? Visit www.footballaid.com and select your team’s page to start bidding now! [Click Here for Football Aid/QPR
Furthermore, you’ll be pitching in for a good cause, as funds raised from the event will go to your club’s nominated charity and Football Aid’s parent charity, Field of Dreams, towards diabetes research, education, and management or community projects.
If you would like to know anything else about this event, you can contact Football Aid directly by e-mail at info@footballaid.com or by phone on 0131 220 5999.
Football Aid

CLICK HERE FOR FOOTBALL AID/QPR


BIDDING
Home
Shirt No. / Position Time Opening / Closing Dates
1. Goal Keeper
Sold 90 mins Opens: 12/09/2007 11:00
Closes: 13/12/2007 15:00
2. Right Back
Sold 45 mins Opens: 12/09/2007 11:00
Closes: 13/12/2007 15:00
3. Left Back
Playing legend 90 mins Opens: NA
Closes: NA
4. Centre Half
Buy Now price £600.00
Starting Bid £200.00
90 mins Opens: 16/01/2008 11:00
Closes: 20/02/2008 15:00
5. Centre Half
Buy Now price £325.00
Starting Bid £170.00
45 mins Opens: 16/01/2008 11:00
Closes: 22/02/2008 15:00
6. Centre Mid
Sold 45 mins Opens: 12/09/2007 11:00
Closes: 20/09/2007 11:45
7. Right Mid
Starting Bid £200.00
90 mins Opens: 16/01/2008 11:00
Closes: 06/02/2008 15:00
8. Left Mid
Buy Now price £325.00
Starting Bid £170.00
45 mins Opens: 16/01/2008 12:00
Closes: 08/02/2008 15:00
9. Centre Forward
Sold 90 mins Opens: 12/09/2007 05:00
Closes: 21/09/2007 10:30
10. Centre Mid
Sold 90 mins Opens: 12/09/2007 11:00
Closes: 13/12/2007 15:00
11. Centre Forward
Sold 90 mins Opens: 12/09/2007 07:00
Closes: 21/09/2007 11:00
14. Centre Mid
Starting Bid £170.00
45 mins Opens: 16/01/2008 11:00
Closes: 25/02/2008 15:00
15. Centre Half
Buy Now price £325.00
Starting Bid £170.00
45 mins Opens: 16/01/2008 11:00
Closes: 26/02/2008 15:00
16. Right Back
Buy Now price £325.00
Starting Bid £170.00
45 mins Opens: 16/01/2008 11:00
Closes: 27/02/2008 15:00
17. Left Mid
Sold 45 mins Opens: 12/09/2007 11:00
Closes: 13/12/2007 15:00
18. Manager
home side manager NA Opens: NA
Closes: NA

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TEAMTALK
Briatore rules out spending spree
Flavio Briatore insists he and QPR's board of billionaires will not be tempted into a Roman Abramovich-style spending spree at Loftus Road.
Rangers have been dubbed 'the Chelsea of the Championship' after Briatore, co-owner Bernie Ecclestone and the Mittal family invested heavily in the west Londoners.
Boss Luigi De Canio has already spent around £5million on eight players this month, but the Renault Formula 1 chief is determined to turn Rangers into a successful business as well as a successful team, and not just a rich man's plaything.
"This is serious project in business and in sport, we want to become a great club in England and Europe," the Italian told Sky Sports News.
"QPR is one of the richest clubs in the world but I promise we will not be spending money. We will never do something crazy.
"We are not interested in top players. We want to do it our way. Shevchenko and Ronaldinho are cheaper to watch on TV than to have in your team." Teamtalk

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Luton Official Site - HATTERS APPOINT NEW MANAGER
In a press conference at Kenilworth Road on Wednesday afternoon Luton Town Football Club announced that Mick Harford has been appointed as the new Manager until the end of the season, replacing Kevin Blackwell.
Former Portsmouth and QPR defender Warren Neill will be the new Assistant Manager.
Harford, who will need little introduction to Hatters fans, will take charge of the side for the first time on Saturday when Luton travel to seventh placed Leyton Orient.
More news and reaction from the press conference to follow shortly...Luton

Luton Official Site - Harford re Warren Neil
"...Just tell us who you have brought in as part of your backroom staff.
I have brought in Warren Neill, he played at QPR and Portsmouth. He brings with him a lot of experience and coaching. He has been at QPR looking after their youth yeam for five years. When I was Caretaker Manager at QPR, Warren became my Caretaker Assistant Manager. We have a good relationship and he is a fantastic coach. He knows what it takes to win football matches." Luton


QPR OFFICIAL SITE - EXCLUSIVE: BALANTA TURNS PRO
Teenage striker Angelo Balanta has put pen-to-paper on his first professional contract with Queens Park Rangers Football Club.
The 17 year-old Colombian, who has made three appearances since graduating from the Under-18 squad earlier this season, has inked a deal that keeps him at the Club until the summer of 2010.
Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, Balanta said: "It has always been a dream of mine to become a professional footballer.
"I am very grateful to the Club and especially Mr De Canio, who has shown his faith in me already this season.
"I just want to go on and establish myself in his First Team plans as soon as possible." QPR


QPR Official Site - STEWART SELECTED
R's defender Damion Stewart has been called up to represent Jamaica.
The 27 year-old, who has scored five goals in all competitions already this season, has been selected for the Reggae Boyz' forthcoming international friendlies against Costa Rica (February 6th) and Trinidad & Tobago (March 26th). QPR

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Dave McIntyre/Ealing Gazette - Hull defender Delaney is next target
Keeper Postma arrives, Nygaard could be on his way

QPR have made a bid for Hull defender Damien Delaney after having an improved offer for Sheffield Wednesday's Tommy Spurr rejected.
Rangers are also set to complete the signing of goalkeeper Stefan Postma, who is having a medical today (Wednesday), while Marc Nygaard could be on this way out of Loftus Road.
Irishman Delaney, 26, has been lined up after successive attempts to land the highly-rated Spurr were rebuffed.
If the deal goes through, Delaney will join the Rs for a fee which could rise to £1.2million, depending on appearances.
Spurr, who currently plays at left-back but is regarded as a centre-back with real potential, has been watched by a number of Premier League clubs.
But with Rangers keen to sign a left-back sooner rather than later, Delaney has now been targeted.
Former Aston Villa and Wolves keeper Postma, 31, can finally complete his move to west London from Dutch outfit ADO Den Haag after a contractual dispute was resolved.
Meanwhile, Nygaard may leave Rangers during the transfer window after being told his contract will not be renewed in the summer.
Colchester and Scunthope have shown an interest in the forward, whose current deal expires at the end of the season. There has also been interest in the player from Holland and his native Denmark. Ealing Gazette

See Delaney/Wikipedia

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Update: Photos from QPR's team visit with Flavio Briatore to the Renault Factory. - Photos

Gareth Ainsworth/Kilburn Times - Step on the Gaz
16 January 2008
TEAMWORK is the key to success in sport - and we all saw that for ourselves when Flavio invited us to tour the Renault Formula 1 factory on Tuesday.
There are 600 people who work in the factory, up near Oxford, and each one of them plays a part in getting the car on the road.
It's similar to the way you have to have every player on the football pitch, plus the coaches and backroom staff, working together as a unit.
I think most of us could see the parallels, even though a few were more interested in getting into the driver's seat. Rowly fancies himself a bit - he always wins at go-karting, so maybe Flavio will give him a shot at Formula 1.
One thing Flavio stressed was that winning the world championship was the most amazing feeling - and it'd be great if we could give him that feeling in football too.
At the moment, that looks a long way off. The result at Sheffield United has brought us down to earth after the razzmatazz of Chelsea and the gaffer was trying to keep our feet on the ground even before the game.
All the money in the world isn't an automatic ticket to the Premier League. We can still slip into the relegation places and there are some big games coming up, so we need to show mental toughness.
The gaffer's made it clear that he's worried we tend to sit back a bit after taking the lead. He wants a team that'll go looking for another goal and try to smash the other side into the ground.
It's not a fitness issue, it's a mental thing, and one that is being addressed. Overall I felt a draw might have been fair at Bramall Lane, but it wasn't to be.
From the bench, I couldn't get a clear view when Akos' shot was cleared off the line - and, to be honest, it would have been a great save from a goalkeeper!
I think maybe the linesman should have seen the hand up by the side of his head - but the lad got away with it and I'm sure he was the toast of the dressing room.
Barnsley have surprised me this season. I thought they'd be near the bottom again, but it looks as if their foreign legion has really come together for my old team-mate Simon Davey.
It'll be tough on Saturday, but we need to remember our home form over Christmas and New Year and make sure we continue that for the rest of the season. Kilburn Times


Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times - Hogan favours the Hammers formula
HOGAN Ephraim believes QPR need to follow his old club's blueprint for success by pumping money into their youth set-up.
Ephraim emerged through the ranks at West Ham, a club that prides itself on spotting talented young players and nurturing many of them into full internationals.
By contrast, Rangers' well has been dry for most of the last decade, ever since the like of Kevin Gallen, Nigel Quashie and then Richard Langley burst onto the scene.
So far, the club's new backers have ploughed funds into strengthening the first-team squad, but Ephraim stressed: "The youth system is massively important as well.
"The owners have done well to bring in young English players like Matthew Connolly and myself, but the fans will want to see their own players coming through.
"We've got Angelo Balanta, who's doing really well, and fans love nothing more than seeing one of their own players breaking into the team.
"West Ham have a great tradition for doing that and, if QPR can get on that road as well as bringing in quality players from elsewhere, it'll be a great mix."
The 20-year-old forward, who signed for Rangers in an £800,000 move as soon as the transfer window opened, was unable to make the transition to first-team football at Upton Park.
He made just a single Carling Cup appearance for the Hammers before spending a successful loan period at Colchester last season and following the Us' assistant manager Mick Harford to QPR in August.
Although other Championship clubs, including Colchester, were keen to win Ephraim's signature, Loftus Road was always the player's preferred destination after his three months on loan there earlier in the season.
He said: "It wasn't really in doubt - the club made their intentions clear quite early and the fans seemed to take to me, which was very pleasing.
"After I went back to West Ham, Alan Curbishley told me 'if you want us to accept bids, we'll accept them. If not, we'll talk about a new deal'. But I felt it was time for me to move on and play regular football.
"There were two other bids accepted and two other clubs were interested in doing something in the summer, when my contract was finished, but the ambitions of this club persuaded me.
"I want to be back in the Premier League and, when I looked at my options, I felt this was the club that would get me there as soon as possible."
Ephraim is making no rash predictions about how quickly QPR can book a seat on the Premier League train but, having been part of the squad that languished at the bottom of the Championship earlier in the season, he is convinced that the club are on an upward trend.
"I'm not really sure what it was at the start of the season," he reflected. "Whether we didn't gel or whether the tragic death of Ray [Jones] had a bigger effect than we realised, I don't know.
"I don't want to make excuses - we didn't do well enough. But we've picked up and, with the players we've got here and others coming in, it can still be a good season for us, I feel."
Ironically, Rangers could have secured Ephraim's services for virtually nothing two seasons ago - the player was offered to them on loan with a view to a £50,000 transfer, but the proposal was declined by chairman Gianni Paladini. Kilburn Times


Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times- Pat makes himself at home
IT takes most players time to settle in at a new club, but Loftus Road feels like home already for Patrick Agyemang.
Although a cluster of unfamiliar faces have been flocking into the QPR training ground in the past fortnight, it was more a case of friends reunited when Agyemang joined the club.
"I know Gaz [Ainsworth] and Mikele [Leigertwood] from Wimbledon and when I went on loan to Brentford, I played with Gavin Mahon and Martin Rowlands," Agyemang pointed out.
"I've known Fitz Hall since I was 10 years old - we played for the same district and county teams in east London. So I was lucky enough to have people I knew here and that's made it a bit easier for me.
"I'd been at Preston for three years and felt within myself maybe it was time for a change. Things weren't really happening there and the team was low on confidence.
"I knew that, if a move came up, I wanted to go back to London and I'm glad I took that opportunity."
Seizing opportunities, of course, is the name of the game for any striker and the best way of settling in is to find the net as soon as possible for your new club.
Happily for the 27-year-old Ghanaian international, he bagged his first Rangers goal on his full debut at Bramall Lane last weekend - but that achievement was, inevitably, tarnished by the team's eventual 2-1 defeat.
"It's good to score and I want to play as many games as possible and get as many goals as I can," admitted Agyemang. "But I'd rather we'd have got a result.
"It was a bad way to lose the game with two sloppy mistakes, after being ahead at half-time. I'm sure if we can get three points against Barnsley, more wins will follow."
Agyemang struggled with a hamstring problem in the second half against Sheffield United but, if he can shake that off, should be in line for his first appearance in front of the Loftus Road crowd on Saturday.
Then the £350,000 signing can get on with the business of hauling QPR up the Championship table and avoiding another battle to avoid the drop from this division.
Agyemang has more than enough experience of those - Preston have been struggling all season, while both Wimbledon and Gillingham were relegated a matter of months after his departure.
"It's different from Preston and Gillingham a few years ago, because the first day I came into training there were three other new signings. At this club, anything can happen," Agyemang insisted.
"People can say that I've swapped one relegation battle for another, but I can see that they're building something for the future at QPR and I want to be part of that. Kilburn Times





Also Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times on Routledge interest; Cook interest.. Bignot and Baidoo departures. Kosky/Kilburn Times

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As noted yesterday on QPR Report, QPR have appointed Ali Russell as Deputy Managing Director

While Russell is listed on the Official Site as "Commercial & Marketing Director" there is also a "Deputy Commercial & Marketing Director" listed: David Orman. According to a messageboard poster, David Orman was previously at Eurosport. This is one bio of Orman


QPR Official Site - RUSSELL APPOINTED
Former Heart of Midlothian Commercial Director Ali Russell has been appointed as Deputy Managing Director of Queens Park Rangers Football Club.
Russell, who moved to Tynecastle in 2005 after previously occupying the position as Head of Marketing at the Scottish Rugby Union, will work in partnership with new Managing Director Alejandro Agag.
Thirty-six year-old Russell also fills the role of Commercial & Marketing Director, working alongside his deputy David Orman, who was appointed a fortnight ago.
The Club is also pleased to confirm the recent appointment of John MacDonald as Stadium Director. Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, Russell said: "I'm delighted to have joined Queens Park Rangers Football Club.
"It's a highly exciting stage of development here at this Club.
"The backing that the Club has now is absolutely vast and this is a fantastic opportunity for me."
*An exclusive interview with Ali Russell will be available on QPR World soon. QPR Official Site

See Complete QPR Online Staff Directory

QPR FC Chairman - Gianni Paladini
Managing Director - Alejandro Agag
Deputy Managing Director - Ali Russell
Stadium Director - John MacDonald
Financial Controller - Gavin Taylor
Club Secretary - Sheila Marson

Box Office Manager - Jenny Elliott
Press & Publications Manager - Ian Taylor
New Media Manager - Paul Morrissey:

Operations Manager - Steve Pike
Club Shop Retail & Merchandise Manager - Francis Atkinson:

Commercial & Marketing Director - Ali Russell
Deputy Commercial & Marketing Director - David Orman
Commercial Sales - Julie Newman

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Mick Leach would have been 61 Today:

Born January 16, 1947. Died in 1992

Great, very much unappreciated, QPR Hero of the mid-to late 1960s and much of the 1970s. Leach made his debut in 1964/1965 season (Feb 1965 vs Colchester) and left in September 1979 (for the US). Although he did not feature in QPR's 1967 Cup run/triumph, did play a big part in QPR's promotion to Division One; was joint top-scorer in QPR's Relegation team (with 8); and played a big part in Gordon Jago's Promotion team; and QPR's 1975/76 Championship (almost) team.
Leach Played over 300 league games and scored over 60 goals, first as a forward; then as a midfielder (including in the 1975/76 "Championship" Team).
For quite a time, Leach was the "boo-boy" victim of some in the QPR crowd; the scapegoat; the person whose name was booed when he was announced in the lineup. But he showed true character.

Dave's Queens Park Rangers website Profile of Mick Leach - Mick Leach

Also Mick Leach Stats and also: Wikipedia on Leach - Wikipedia Leach

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QPR Websites:

There are a growing number of QPR websites. Below - not necessarily in order of "best" or "preferred" or "most popular" - is a list of QPR Site which are still active (or of as many as I'm aware)
[If there are any corrections, or additional QPR sites, just contact me at qprreport@hotmail.com, and this list will be ammended.]
As a point of "personal privilege:" My two sites: QPR Report Blog - QPR Report and a recently- created site, intended primarily for people in the USA, Canada, North and South America, QPR USA QPRUSA.

UPDATE II - Jan 17: Another QPR site to add (Apologies for the oversight): QPR Today - QPR Today

Update - Jan 16 : Just to note, two additional sites have been added to this list, since it was initially posted today: Queens Pod Rangers - Queens Pod Rangers and QPR Russian Loyals - QPR Russian Loyals


QPR SITES LIST

- QPR Official Club website QPR Official Site


- QPR Report QPR Report


- QPR Dot.org - Dot.org


- Loft For Words (De facto, if not de jure, QPR Rivals)- Loft For Words


- Battletank's revived QPR.ORG - QPR.ORG


- QPRNet - QPRNet.com


- Independent R's Review (Indyrs)- Independent R's Review


- QPRFans QPRFans


- We Are The Rangers Boys - We Are The Rangers Boys


- QPR LSA - LSA


- Dave's Queens Park Rangers FC - Dave's QPR


- Queens Pod Rangers - Queens Pod Rangers


- QPR Today - QPR Today


- QPR Mad - QPR Mad


- QPR1st - QPR 1st


- Boardroom Blues - Boardroom Blues


- QPR Vital Football - QPR Vital Football


- Paul's QPR Site Paul's QPR Website


- Gamblog - QPR - Gamblog QPR


QPR OVERSEAS


- QPR USA QPRUSA


- QPR USA LSA - QPR USA LSA


- Big Soccer (US QPR Forum) - Big Soccer/QPR


- Irish QPR (IQPR) - IQPR


- QPR NZ LSA - QPR NZ LSA


- QPR Italia - QPR Italia


- Swedish Hoops Swedish Hoops


- QPR Supporters Sweden - QPR/Sweden


- QPR Supporters Norway - QPR Supporters Norway


- QPR Russian Loyals - Loyal Russians


OTHER QPR SITES


QPR Kent LSA - QPR Kent LSA


Lofty Heights-Hooped Dreams - Lofty Heights-Hooped Dreams


Accrington Stanley Bowles - Accrington Stanley Bowles (ASB)


My Space/QPR FANS QPR FANS


My Space/Superhoopsqpr - Superhoopsqpr


[CORRECTIONS and ADDITIONS: Please Send any corrections or additional sites to qprreport@hotmail.com ]

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Marcu Bignot signs for Millwall where he teams up with ex-QPRs Kenny Jackett and Kevin Gallen and Tony Roberts and Chris Day.

Millwall Official Site Biggie deal
Lions boss Kenny Jackett has concluded his fourth permanent signing since the opening of the January transfer window.
Marcus Bignot, who completed a two month loan spell at The Den earlier this month, has returned to SE16, signing an 18-month contract on Tuesday afternoon.
He said: "I'm delighted to be back. After my loan spell I was hoping that I could become a Millwall player because I thoroughly enjoyed my time here, and I'm grateful to Kenny Jackett and QPR for enabling it to happen.
I'm convinced that this club has got some successful times ahead, but first and foremost we need to knuckle down and battle our way away from the bottom of the League One table."
Bignot, who is ineligible to play in tonight's FA Cup replay against Walsall but could do so should The Lions progress to Round Four..." Millwall

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Dominic Shimmin trialing with Yeovil?

Somerset County Gazette/Steve Sowden - QPR defender appears for Yeovil Town in friendly
THERE has still to be any announcements made this week about new players signing-in at Yeovil Town as the January transfer window continues.
While clubs across the land are being rumoured to be linked with various players, things have remained pretty tight-lipped at Huish Park.
Boss Russell Slade has said that he is talking to players, but has yet to make any formal announcements about new arrivals.
One player who turned out for a Yeovil Reserves X1 yesterday in the 1-0 defeat at old rivals Weymouth, however, was Queen's Park Rangers defender Dominic Shimmin.
The 20-year-old former Arsenal trainee, who joined QPR in March 2005, has failed to make an impact at Loftus Road and recently spent a loan spell at Yeovil's Coca-Cola League One rivals Bournemouth. Somerset Gazette
But whether he could be coming to Yeovil on a longer basis is unknown.
It might be unlikely considering Slade has said that his main priority is to boost Yeovil's striking options following the departure of James Walker yesterday leaving him with just two senior attacking players in his squad.

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QPR OFFICIAL SITE : DE CANIO GOING NOWHERE
Flavio Briatore set the record straight this morning, following recent speculation regarding the future of R's First Team Coach Luigi De Canio.
An article in a Sunday tabloid reported that Gianluca Vialli had been lined up to replace De Canio at the end of the season.
However, in an exclusive interview with www.qpr.co.uk, Briatore refuted such claims, commenting: "It's not even an issue.
"Gigi has a contract with QPR and we intend to honour it - simple as that.
"Gianluca is a friend of mine and he is welcome to come and watch matches whenever he wants, but Gigi is our Manager, end of story.
"We are happy with the job Gigi and his staff are doing and he is very much part of our project." QPR

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ITV Football - Postma free to join Hoops
Stefan Postma has been given the go-ahead by the The Dutch Football Association to complete his move to QPR.
The ADO Den Haag goalkeeper was reported to have agreed terms on an 18-month contract with the Championship club last week but the Dutch side refused to sanction the deal.
Postma's agent insisted the Dutchman had a clause in his contract that allowed him to leave ADO if a club were willing to pay off the remainder of his deal.
The KNVB's arbitration committee ruled in the former Aston Villa and Wolves keeper's favour at a meeting on Tuesday. ITV-Football

Stefan Postma Profile - Postma/Wikipedia

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QPR's next game: Barnsley at Loftus Road.

Barnsley's captain, midfield goalscorer, Brian Howard is doubtful for the game.

Barnsley Official Site - HOWARD BLOW FOR REDS
BARNSLEY skipper Brian Howard is almost certain to miss out on this weekend's trip to Queens Park Rangers through injury.
The midfielder, who has hit ten goals for the Reds this season, is struggling with a thigh injury and is not expected to train until Friday.
Speaking exclusively to www.barnsleyfc.co.uk, manager Simon Davey said: "Brian is a worry. He has a thigh problem which is quite sore and he will not train.
"We will have to look at him closely before making a decision for the weekend".
Barnsley

Barnsley's season: Strong at home; less strong away. Away from home Record: 1 win, 5 draws, 7 defeats. For 10: Against 20. = League Table
Barnsley's Results this season

Barnsley's Squad
1 Nick Colgan Goalkeeper
2 Bobby Hassell Defender
4 Paul Reid Defender
5 Robert Kozluk Defender
6 Andy Johnson Midfielder
7 Sam Togwell Midfielder
8 Miguel Mostto Striker
9 Kayode Odejayi Striker
10 Brian Howard Midfielder
11 Grant McCann Midfielder
12 Robert Atkinson (on loan to Grimsby ) Defender
13 Istvan Ferenczi Striker
14 Kim Christensen Striker
16 Stephen Foster Defender
17 Rohan Ricketts Midfielder
18 Dennis Souza Striker
19 Jacob Butterfield
20 Jamal Campbell-Ryce Midfielder
22 Heinz Muller Goalkeeper
23 Marciano Van Homoet Defender
24 Michael Coulson Striker
25 Martin Devaney Midfielder
26 Simon Heslop(on loan to Halifax ) Midfielder
29 Diego Leon
30 Kyle Letheren Goalkeeper
34 Scott McGrory Striker
35 Rhys Meynell Defender
37 Dwayne Mattis Midfielder
38 Luke Potter Defender
Miguel Tininho(on loan from WBA ) Defender
Squad

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NonLeague Daily - Jan 15, 2008 SLADE RE-EMERGES AT BARKING
Dave Ross, manager of Essex Senior League club Barking, has made four new additions to the squad, including the signing of former Tottenham Hotspur and Queens Park Rangers star Steve Slade for his second stint with the Blues. Slade started his career with Tottenham in July 1994 and went on to make eight League appearances for the club until his £350,000 move to QPR in August 1996 following their relegation from the Premiership.
Slade (pictured) played for Rangers until the end of the 1999/00 season, notching up over sixty appearances, scoring six times, and he also made four appearances on loan with Brentford in that time.
Then came an unsuccessful move to Cambridge United where he failed to establish himself and left after three months to join Hayes.
Hayes released Slade at the end of the 2000/01 season and following spells in Iceland, a trial spell with Grimsby and Maidenhead United before having his first stint at Barking.
Dave Armstrong, Daniel Brook and Neil Matthews are Ross` other new signings...
Slade marked his return with two goals against Eton Manor on Saturday. Non-League Daily

Barking FC
"Manager Dave Ross has made four additions to the squad with the signing of ex Tottenham Hotspur and Queens Park Rangers star Steve Slade (pictured left) for his second stint with the Blues together with Dave Armstrong, Daniel Brook and Neil Matthews. Armstrong and Matthews were signed from Clapton where they have scored seven goals between them this season. Armstrong plays up front or wide on the right and Matthews is a midfielder who started his career as a schoolboy at Charlton Athletic. Steve Slade marked his return with two goals against Eton Manor. BarkingFC

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Yet another great Official Site rememberance/profile/interview: This time Gordon Jago: The man who took QPR and brought Stan Bowles, Dave Thomas, Don Givens, Frank McClintock and Dave Webb to QPR. From the interview ""We faced Carlisle United just after Rodney left and Stan Bowles played magnificently against us at Loftus Road" (Well remember that game; it was a rainy day; Loftus Road pitch was muddy. And Bowles was brilliant.)

QPR OFFICIAL SITE - BLAST FROM THE PAST
In our latest instalment of exclusive interviews on www.qpr.co.uk, former R's boss Gordon Jago comes under the spotlight.

Gordon Jago - 1971-1974
Gordon Jago laid the early foundations for the greatest team in the history of Queens Park Rangers Football Club.
Jago was Manager at Loftus Road from 1971 to 1974. In that time, he built a side that eventually went on to compete with the best in the land.
He said: "It was the happiest period of my career. I took great pleasure from working with the QPR players and I always enjoyed the quality of their play.
"The key to our advancement was the sale of Rodney Marsh in March 1972. We didn't want him to leave, but it was Rodney's choice and he wished to join Manchester City. Fortunately, my Chairman Jim Gregory negotiated a marvellous transfer deal and we got £200,000 clear, which was a large sum of money to rebuild with in those days.
"There was a certain kind of player that was attractive to me. I always went for skilful technique. I didn't favour the old fashioned, big centre-forward down the middle and crashing the ball up to him. I liked to play good football.
"We faced Carlisle United just after Rodney left and Stan Bowles played magnificently against us at Loftus Road. I thought he would be ideal for me. A very similar type of striker to Marsh - very talented, able to beat people, a cute passer of the ball. Stan had a different type of personality, but it was still similar to Rodney's. They were both very flamboyant and I loved that.
"I had also watched Don Givens at Luton Town and Burnley's Dave Thomas. So the money we got for Rodney was used to buy Bowles, Givens and Thomas, who were three top class forwards. We didn't need a lot of new faces as we had some really promising youngsters coming through in Gerry Francis, Dave Clement and Ian Gillard.
"And when I got my final X1 together, from Clement at right-back all the way over to Thomas at outside-left, they could each play passing football. They were happy with the ball and had good touch. There were some great characters and we won promotion to the top flight in 1972/73."
Jago eventually left the R's in October 1974 after a disagreement behind the scenes. But he took immense pride as the Rangers success story continued with Dave Sexton in charge.
"You didn't have to be too clever to know that we had assembled a good squad," said Jago.
"In my first year up in the First Division, we finished eighth. We matched everybody and beat Arsenal and Chelsea for the first time in our history.
"We had a nice blend of experience - like McLintock and Venables - along with the younger element. So it was a perfect position for me as a manager. I felt that the next stage would be the upper echelons of the table and perhaps European football.
"Then unfortunately I fell out with Jim Gregory. It was the most disappointing day of my life when I resigned. It was a hellish decision for me to make.
"So when I walked away, I realised that I wasn't going to have the opportunity to fulfil my dream at Loftus Road. We'd started something, we'd built an excellent team and we'd gone a long way towards where we were aiming.
"I always knew that Rangers were going to be a top side. Of course the season after I departed, they finished runners-up in the League by a point to Liverpool and then went on a superb UEFA Cup run.
"Years afterwards as QPR sustained their status at the highest level, I was able to quietly say to myself 'I had a little bit to do with that.' It was nice to see Rangers become firmly established as a strong club."
Jago has since had a long coaching career in America. Despite being old enough to draw his pension, he still reports for work every day.
"I came out in 1978 so I've been here 30 years. I had six seasons as coach of Tampa Bay Rowdies before joining the Dallas Sidekicks, where I stayed in charge for 18 years. After that, I became Commissioner of the World Indoor Soccer League for three years.
"Nowadays, I am Executive Director of the Dallas Cup, which is the most prestigious youth soccer tournament in the world. I bring in 184 teams from all over the globe. We've had Manchester United, Real Madrid and Chelsea here in recent times.
"I'm 75 years old now and my current role has enabled me to renew a great deal of my old football friendships. Often when I put the phone down after speaking to people over in England, I'm almost certain they say 'I didn't know he was still alive!'
"I'm still having great fun in soccer. I've been very lucky and I've had great health. My wife June has recovered from cancer so we are very blessed.
"And my blood has always been blue and white for QPR. It has been disappointing to see that the club has not enjoyed good fortune in recent years. But let's hope that the new owners can turn it around and put the Hoops where they should be back up in the Premier League." QPR

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Snippets:: Recalling QPR's chance to sign Jermaine Beckford...QPR supposedly making one more effort to sign Sheffield Wednesday's defender, Tommy Spurr..and QPR's former International Goalie, Jan Stejskal Turns 46

Leeds's hot-shot goalscorer, Jermaine Beckford: From March 2006, when QPR (and others including Watford) were among the teams interested in signing Jermaine Beckford from non-league near neigbours, Wealdstone. He previously trained with/trialed with QPR.
re Jermaine Beckford "Watford to Decide on Non-Leaguer"

From Wealdstone's site - January 29, 2006
"There was a short mention of Jermaine Beckford's trial with QPR in the sports section of the Daily Mirror on Friday. It said that he was going for a trial with QPR and that he had gone there for a trial two years ago but was turned down because of a suspect temperament
"Jermaine Beckford has trained with both QPR and Wycombe Wanderers this week. Beckford aged 22, is the leading scorer in the Ryman Premier League and has scored more than 30 goals in all competitions. Stones boss Gordon Bartlett said, "Jermaine has created lots of interest. A dozen clubs from the Coca-Cola League have sent scouts to our games. His scoring record this year is phenomemal and he has matured a lot as a player. In fact, Jermaine's partnership with Richard Jolly is fantastic. They both compliment each other and their goals ratio has been incredible when you consider that we are not in the top half of the table". Wealdstone

The Sun Gossip:"QPR are set to make Sheffield Wednesday a final offer of £1million for defender TOMMY SPURR, 20.
The Owls have already turned down the R’s first approach of £750,000. The Sun

Yorkshire Post - Sheffield Wednesday Brian Laws on Sales
"...Laws had to sell French midfielder Yoann Folly to Plymouth Argyle last week in order to fund the acquisition of West Bromwich Albion midfielder Ronnie Wallwork and a proposed move for Derby County defender Michael Johnson is currently on hold until someone else leaves Hillsborough.
The Owls have rejected bids from both Burnley and Plymouth for Glenn Whelan, but Laws is unable to rule out his departure before the end of the January transfer window.
"You don't want to lose players, but everyone has their price," he said. "Bolton did not want to lose their best player (Nicolas Anelka) but for that kind of money (£15m), he had to go.
"I am sure there will come a time when we will really be tested (over Whelan). Until that time, there is nothing I can do. If other clubs don't get players they want, they will probably come back in again."
The Owls have also rejected two bids from Queens Park Rangers for defender Tommy Spurr and Laws is determined not to lose the youngster on the cheap.
"We are trying to build for the future and players like Tommy Spurr and Mark Beevers are players for the future of this club. Tommy wants to be here. He has plenty of time on his hands and a big future in football," said Laws.
"We have not heard anything from QPR since the weekend and I don't expect to see them again unless they want to part with a hell of a lot of money."..
Yorkshire Post


Birthday Today: QPR's Czech International Goalie, Jan Stejskal turns 46 - Born January 15, 1962 Signed from Sparta Prague by Don Howe as a replacement for David Seaman. Made his debut in October 1990, in "THE" game at Leeds in which QPR came from 0-2 down to win 3-2 and Roy Wegerle scored a wonder goal. Stejskal Played for QPR for four seasons...
Wikipedia Profile - Profile

Ron Norris/QPR Net Interview with Skejskal - Interview

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Hearts Commercial Manager, Ali Russell, is now officially at QPR. His position: Deputy Managing Director. (Alejandro Agag holds the position of "Managing Director. Gianni Paladini is QPR FC Chairman).

QPR Official Site Directory

QPR FC Chairman - Gianni Paladini

Managing Director - Alejandro Agag

Deputy Managing Director - Ali Russell

Stadium Director - John MacDonald

Financial Controller - Gavin Taylor

Club Secretary - Sheila Marson

QPR Official Site

Reposting from a couple of days ago: Perspective from Hearts Fan Blogger: "Ali Russell Leaves Hearts for QPR" - A Hearts Fan Perspective "Hearts commercial director Ali Russell has left the building.
"The former SRU executive has quit Tynecastle for the chief executive hotseat at QPR reputedly at least quadrupling his salary at Hearts. Either way, there will be mixed emotions for fans...." Full Assessment of Ali Russell's time at Hearts

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Victory star Ward rethinking European plans

January 13, 2008
Olyroos midfielder Nick Ward is considering staying in the A-League and scrapping a return to Europe after playing a key role in the Melbourne Victory's late season resurgence.
Ward, who spent a difficult 18 months battling it out in the English lower divisions before being thrown a career lifeline by the Victory last month, had initially signalled he wanted to use his stint at the Victory as a springboard to another European deal.
He is on a six-month contract with Melbourne to stay until the end of the Asian Champions League.
But the 22-year-old, who has made a marked difference to the Victory and been a key in them stringing together three successive A-League wins, admits he is re-thinking whether to give Europe another try.
"I haven't written that (staying at the Victory) off at all," Ward said.
"The biggest thing is for me to get back to full fitness and I'm playing regularly now.
"I'm enjoying my football again. I had a tough time overseas and I just want to get back to loving football."
Ward's signing has been a perfect fit for the Victory - giving them a box-to-box midfielder capable of getting beyond their strikers and taking the pressure off midfielder Carlos Hernandez.
Ward netted his first goal for Melbourne in their impressive 3-0 win over Wellington at Telstra Dome on Friday night and his workrate and vision was a key element in allowing Hernandez to star in the match.
Victory coach Ernie Merrick admitted he would love Ward to stay beyond the Champions League.
"If we sell the club to Nick, then he'll stay," Merrick said.
"I think he's enjoyed himself and the supporters and the quality of the football and he's scoring. If he scores goals every week he won't want to leave."
Former Perth Glory player Ward was the A-League young player of the year in the competition's first season, before his ill-fated move to Queen's Park Rangers.
And it would appear if he is going to remain in the A-League, his preferred club would be the Victory.
"It's definitely different playing with Melbourne. It is a lot more professional than when I was at Perth. We didn't have the facilities, the backing or the crowds and the players as well," Ward said.
"It's easy when you've got good players, like Carlos and Archie (Thompson)." The Age


The AGE/Michael Lynch -Ward's taste for Victory
OLYROOS midfielder Nick Ward is considering staying in the A-League and scrapping a return to Europe after playing a key role in the Melbourne Victory's late-season resurgence.
Ward, who spent a difficult 18 months battling it out in the English lower divisions before being thrown a career lifeline by the Victory last month, initially wanted to use his stint at the Victory as a springboard to another European deal.
He is on a six-month contract with Melbourne to stay until the end of the Asian Champions League.
But Ward, who has made a marked difference to the Victory and been a key in it stringing together three successive A-League wins, admits he is re-thinking whether to give Europe another try.
Having lost attacking midfielder Fred after last season, Victory will be hoping the 22-year-old from Western Australia wants to stick around.
Ward's mobility, touch, clever link play — especially with Archie Thompson and Carlos Hernandez — and his physical presence have helped him become an important figure in a revamped Victory team.
Had the champion been able to secure his services earlier than mid-December and play with a more attacking midfield line-up than it did for much of the season, who knows how the campaign would have gone.
As coach Ernie Merrick pointed out on Friday night, his team had lost just six of its 19 games going into round 20, the same number as table-topping Central Coast Mariners. The difference has been that the Mariners had over the same period been able to kill off enough games to register nine wins in 19 matches compared to Melbourne's then total of five from 19.
With Ward and Adrian Caceres in attacking midfield roles linking with the always lively Thompson and Hernandez, finally fully fit and showing all the touch, guile and passing range that his World Cup pedigree had promised, Victory once again looks a slick and potent outfit, one that can embark on its initial Asian Champions League campaign with a fair degree of confidence.
Will Ward, who notched his first goal for the club in the 3-0 win over Wellington on Friday, be part of it? A member of Australia's Olympic squad, the inaugural winner of the A-League's young player of the year award left Perth Glory after the competition's first season and sought to make a breakthrough in Europe.
His time at English Championship club Queens Park Rangers was an unhappy one, although he admits it did make him a tougher character, and late last year he signed for the Victory on a six-month contract that will keep him with the club until the end of June, when the ACL's group phase is completed.
Ward admits he could be tempted to stay with the Victory longer than his initial deal.
"It's easy (to play here) when you have got good players like Carlos and Archie making good runs. Archie makes great runs, you know he's always there. He might pull off to an angle wide so you play him because you know he's got great pace and he is going to get past players," Ward said.
"It's more professional (here) than when I was playing at Perth (and) I haven't written off staying beyond six months.
"The biggest thing for me is getting back to my full fitness but I am playing regularly now and enjoying my football again.
"I had a tough time overseas and I just want to get back to loving the game again. I will take two or three months to get fully fit, but I think I am in the right place for that."
Merrick says he is delighted that Ward and Hernandez are rapidly developing such a potent combination.
"I think Nick is just a good all-round player, I think Carlos is adapting to our level of football and our style of play and he has accepted he has got to work an awful lot harder and he did that."
"He's just developing as a player and the combinations of all of the boys are working out much better."
Will the club do all it can to keep him for at least another season?
"We will see what happens," said Merrick. "If we sell the club to Nick, then he will stay." The Age

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QPR Official Site BIGNOT DEPARTS
Fans favourite Marcus Bignot has left Queens Park Rangers Football Club and has entered into negotiations with two unnamed Clubs.
The ever-popular defender, who skippered the side to Championship survival under the guidance of John Gregory last season, made 193 appearances in all competitions for the R's during his two spells in West London.
Speaking on his departure, Bignot told www.qpr.co.uk: "I'm disappointed to be leaving QPR, but I do so with many fond memories.
he promotion party at Hillsborough is a day I will remember for the rest of my life, while it was also tremendously satisfying to skipper the side to Championship survival last season.
"I've thoroughly enjoyed my time here and I wish the Club, and its fantastic fans, every success in the future. You are the Rangers boys, stand up and make some noise."
The Club would like to place on the record its thanks to Marcus for his contribution to Queens Park Rangers Football Club and wish him all the best for a successful future. QPR

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UPDATED: QPR Deny Making Offer for Routledge

Sky - QPR deny Routledge bid
And future offer unlikely for Spurs winger
Queens Park Rangers have denied making a bid for Tottenham Hotspur winger Wayne Routledge.
Reports had claimed that the Championship club had offered £1.8million for the former Crystal Palace starlet.
But QPR have rejected the rumours, and also suggest they are unlikely to lodge an offer for the 23-year-old.
Routledge has struggled to have an impact at White Hart Lane after making just five Premier League appearances since joining from Palace in 2005.
He spent last season on loan at Fulham and finished the 2005/06 campaign on loan at top-flight rivals Portsmouth.
Midlands duo Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion have also been linked with January bids for the ex-England Under 21 international. SKYSPORTS


Being widely reported.
Sky Sports - Lewis Rutledge QPR make Routledge bid
Spurs receive £1.8million offer for winger

Queens Park Rangers have made a bid for Tottenham winger Wayne Routledge.
Routledge has not been able to establish himself in the Spurs side since moving to White Hart Lane from Crystal Palace in the summer of 2005.
He has been loaned out to Portsmouth and Fulham, but has now been told he can leave on a permanent basis.
Birmingham and West Brom have both been linked with Routledge in recent weeks but QPR have now made the first move.
Luigi de Canio has been busy strengthening his squad since the start of January and has offered £1.8million to Tottenham for Routledge.
Spurs have yet to respond but Juande Ramos is believed to value the 23-year-old at closer to £3million. SkySports

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Also being reported on messageboards. Not yet officially announced by either Millwall or QPR

Millwall Mad- Bignot signs Story by The Merry Lion 2008-01-14
Millwall have signed fullback Marcus Bignot from Queens Park Rangers after Lions boss Kenny Jackett was able to thrash out a deal for the player after weeks of egotiations.
The 33-year-old, who has signed an 18-month contract, is expected to go straight into the side to face Walsall in tomorrow's FA Cup replay.
Bignot was enjoying a successful loan spell at The Den until his parent club pulled the plug on the deal in January and recalled the player back to Loftus Road. Inital talks about signing a permanent deal seemed to have broken down but Jackett perservered and finally completed the move this afternoon. Mad

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Ex-QPR Adam Miller makes League One Team of the Week [In the championship, no one from QPR - or Sheffield United - in this week's Championship Team of the Week


Gillingham Official - EXCLUSIVE: CONTRACT UPDATE ON FOUR GILLS STARS
Gillingham quartet Stuart Thurgood, John Nutter, Adam Miller and Leroy Griffiths have all extended their deals at KRBS Priestfield. Thurgood, who signed initially on loan from Grays Athletic, has now penned a permanent deal until the summer of 2009. John Nutter, who moved initially on loan from Stevenage Borough, has now signed a permanent agreement until the end of the 2009 season while Adam Miller has put pen-to-paper on a deal that will run until the end of the 2010 season. Crowd favourite Leroy Griffiths has extended his stay and he will now be here until the end of the season.
Gills boss Mark Stimson told the official website, www.gillinghamfootballclub.com: "I'm glad everything is now complete. I have a lot of faith in the four players that I have brought to the club. They all have bright futures and I'm glad that will be here at Gillingham."
Gillingham Official

Also: Gillingham to appeal Miller's sending off


re Marc Bircham - Somerset County Gazette/Steve Sowden -More to come from Yeovil Town midfielder
YEOVIL Town manager Russell Slade is confident that there will be 'more to come' from midfielder Marc Bircham.
The former QPR midfielder went off in the first-half of Saturday's 1-1 Coca-Cola League One draw at Southend after suffering a nasty head wound.
"He's had five or six stitches in what is quite a deep wound," said Slade.
"I got the message very quickly that he wouldn't be back before half-time.
"There was still about 11 minutes to go and that was no good to me so we made the decision to make the change straight away and send on Paul Warne.
"I'm sure it proved to be the right one, because Birch has got a nasty gash there.
Bircham has had terrible luck with injuries since arriving at Huish Park last summer and Saturday's match at Roots Hall was his first 'start' for the Glovers.
Slade admitted after the game that Bircham was not having much luck.
"It was his first game and it was a difficult place to have your first game, but he was doing okay," he said. "But there will be more to come from him."
Bircham's head injury could make him a doubt for Saturday's clash with Oldham Athletic at Huish Park.
But the combative midfielder will more than likely do everything to ensure that he will be available for selection. Gazette

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Ealing Gazette/Yann Tear: Perspective of Gavin Mahon: Cash alone will not guarantee success

GAVIN Mahon has warned that cash alone will not take Rangers to the Premier League - it will also take bundles of hard work and team spirit.
The former Brentford and Watford midfielder is one of seven new players to have arrived at the club so far in the January window and is as excited as any of them about what it means to the club.
The Mittal billions, allied to the not inconsiderable contributions from fellow-owners Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore are expected to fast-track Rangers to the promised land within three years.
But Mahon is keen to remind fans not to get ahead of themselves in assuming the surreal cash injection will automatically bring success.
"We know it's a hard league to get out of, everyone knows that," the midfielder said.
"Flavio talked to me of a three-year plan but I know deep down he wants to get up before three years. I think next season he's going to really go for it.
"That's why he's spending big in January and that's why he wants to get a squad of players together to keep picking up points this season and see where that takes us.
"You don't come to a club that's struggling and spend a few million pounds expecting it not to work out. He really wants to go for it and I want to be part of that.
"That said, it's not just about money. You don't necessarily need to spend millions to go up to the Premiership because other qualities are equally important. Look at what we did at Watford.
"We didn't have a big budget. We had quality play-ers but also hard work and team spirit. You need that and the lads have definitely got it here and the future's looking good.
"The boss is bringing in players who are also hungry for success. I'm one of those and if I can bring my experience to the squad, that will help..." Ealing Gazette

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Ealing Gazette/Yann Tear -
Luigi admits he knows little about his new recruits

LUIGI De Canio admits he is totally guided by his advisors when it comes to new signings, writes Yann Tear.
Rangers have recruited seven new players since the turn of the year so far, but none have been identified by the head coach.
"We work as a group. As I'm still not very familiar with English football, I have to trust people who are close to us and I send scouts to see as many games and as players as possible," he said.
"I basically gave instructions about several positions we needed and those players came on the recommendations of my assistants.
"There were more than just these players who we looked at but in the end decided not to get but we have done a lot of work over the past two months. There will possibly be more to come..." Ealing Gazette

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Marking two years ago, today, January 14, 2006, that Ian Holloway chalked up his his final victory for QPR. QPR played Southampton at Loftus Road. QPR won 1-0 through a Richard Langley penalty in what was Walcott's last game for Southampton before joining Arsenal. After their Southampton victory, QPR were 5 points out of a playoff spot.
After this match, QPR lost their next three games: (Luton, Away; Leicester, home and Leeds, away and Holloway was placed on Gardening Leave, having interviewed for the Leicester job being the given reason by Chairman Paladini.
The two teams:
QPR: Royce, Bignot, Shittu, Rose, Ainsworth, Santos, Cook, Baidoo, Furlong, Lomas, Langley. Subs: Milanese, Evatt, Moore, Donnelly, Taylor.
Southampton: Smith, Lundekvam, Powell, Oakley, Quashie, Higginbotham, Kenton, Blackstock, Balmadi, Walcott, Dyer. Subs: Bialkowski, Fuller, Jones, Cranie, Prutton.
See Times Match Report Times Match Report

January 14, 2006: QPR Official Site - Holloway's Post Match Comments
Ian Holloway heaped praise on comeback king Steve Lomas, after the Hoops beat Southampton 1-0 at Loftus Road.
Returning to the Rangers line-up after a three month absence due to injury, Lomas was instrumental as Rangers jumped to 11th in the Championship.
"We played really well. I thought we were terrific from start to finish.
"Steve Lomas made a huge difference and we looked a lot more solid with him in the side. He's the voice that the team needs.
"He's a fantastic leader and alongside Richard Langley, the pair of them were absolutely fantastic.
"It was a big result for us and we worked very hard to get it.''
Rangers, who have now registered 10 points from their last four matches, are just five points adrift of the play-off's and with the addition of two new players in the last 24 hours, Ollie is in buoyant mood.
"We had a good balance today and that was key.
"We've got young kids knocking on the door and it's nice to have some genuine, young quality in the squad now.
"All my players worked their socks off today and I'm delighted with the three points.
"We've got a huge list of transfer targets. I'm really grateful to Blackburn for giving me Andy Taylor. He looks quality and the addition of the Polish lad, who can play right back or centre back, is a huge signing.
"He's 21, big, strong and quick and we've beaten a lot of clubs to his signature so I'm delighted.' QPR

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TELEGRAPH - Richard Holdsworth - Revived Bryan Robson yearns for play-offs
Sheffield United (0) 2 Queens Park Rangers (1) 1
"Something good to watch for a change, eh?" He might have been starved of good football for a while at Bramall Lane, but the Sheffield United fan who walked past the press area after the final whistle on Saturday summed this match up reasonably well.
Enthused by his team's stirring second-half performance in which they overcame a 1-0 deficit, they were sentiments shared by manager, Bryan Robson, who said: "There's not been much to cheer about at home recently but I feel like we've turned a corner today. Under the circumstances, the lads showed great character to come back and win the game."
An impressive first half from the in-form QPR culminated in a rocket from six yards out by new signing Patrick Agyemang. With only one win in their last six at home, the boos that met the United players at the half-time whistle were understandable.
An aerial barrage on the QPR goal finally paid off though when Martin Rowlands' clearance rebounded off Damion Stewart and into his own net.
Five minutes later another melee in the QPR box led to an open goal for Lee Hendrie and the midfielder scored his first league goal for the club with an acute finish off the near post.
Rob Hulse should have scored a third but put his volley wide. "We are still aiming for a top six place," added Robson. "It's been a very good last week for us and we have to use this as a springboard for the rest of the season." Telegraph


MIRROR - ROBSON'S BLADES GROWING SHARPER
Bryan Robson's revolution is finally starting to take shape at Sheffield United, according to Lee Hendrie.

The United midfielder is backing Robson as he attempts to change the direct style favoured by former boss Neil Warnock.

"We are almost there," insisted Hendrie who sealed victory with their second goal in the 69th minute.

"It's been frustrating for the gaffer because we are so close to being the team he wants us to be.
"But we have some great footballers here and we pass the ball around well."
United have kicked off 2008 with two wins and a draw to ease the pressure on Robson after their disappointing start to the season.
Robson said: "It's always good to win, but I think it's especially important now.
"We are at the start of a little unbeaten run and this win is a big boost ahead of Saturday's derby against Sheffield Wednesday."
United were in trouble at the interval, however, after a goal from Rangers' Patrick Agyemang in the dying seconds of the firsthalf. An own goal from Damion Stewart drew Robson's team level in the 63rd minute before Hendrie's winner delighted new skipper Gary Speed who was making his home debut for the Blades.
Speed said: "It was very, very satisfying. The lads showed a lot of character to come back and win after going 1-0 down.
"Our form at home hasn't been great and it would have been easy for us to get nervous, but we really rolled up our sleeves and got what we deserved."
Rangers were adamant, however, that they should have had a penalty in the last minute when Matt Kilgallon appeared to handle Martin Rowlands' shot on the line.
Coach Joe Dunbar said: "I've seen the video and it's a penalty.
"The ball was going into the top left-hand corner and Kilgallon turned it away with his hand.
"He was laughing about it afterwards and that tells you all you need to know." Mirror

Also: - Earlier Reports and Comments on QPR vs Sheffield United

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Houston Chronicle/Bernardo Fllas - Jan. 10, 2008, Dynamo aide Spencer turns down Fire's offer Salary offered for head job was similar to compensation in Houston
With the MLS combine and SuperDraft fast approaching, the Chicago Fire still plan to announce the hiring of a new head coach by week's end.
And his name won't be John Spencer.
Spencer, the Dynamo's assistant coach for the past two MLS championship seasons, said Wednesday night he rejected an offer to become the Fire's head coach because the pay was not up to par.
"(Tuesday) I got offered the job in Chicago, accepted it and sat down to try and negotiate a contract, but we couldn't come to terms,'' Spencer said. "It wasn't much more money than I (was making) here with the Dynamo, and I felt that to move my family to another state and all the upheaval and such, I just didn't think it was worth it, so I turned it down.''
Spencer declined to go into details of the offer or his salary, but said he will be signing a one-year extension with the Dynamo today.
"Another piece of the puzzle for '08 has fallen into place,'' Dynamo chief operating officer Chris Canetti said. "We're more than happy to have (Spencer) back, although at some level, personally, sorry for him that he wasn't able to get his first head-coaching job, which will happen some day.''
Spencer was a finalist for the job vacated by Juan Carlos Osorio last month, along with longtime Fire assistant Denis Hamlett, who now appears in line for a promotion.
Osorio, who coached the Fire to an impressive turnaround since arriving in July, left to sign with the New York Red Bulls.
Reports last week also had former Dallas Burn assistant and current Duke assistant Mike Jeffries in the hunt for the position.
Turning down the offer was a no-brainer for the former Scottish international and MLS star.
"I value myself a lot more than what they offered,'' said Spencer, who was interviewed multiple times. "They obviously felt I was the right guy for the job and offered me the position, so I must have done something right in the interviews, because I sure had enough of them.
"Things happen.''


AP = Fire assistant promoted to coach
Costa Rica native Hamlett moves up with Dynamo assistant out of the running
By ANDREW SELIGMAN
CHICAGO — The Chicago Fire promoted longtime assistant Denis Hamlett to head coach Friday, ending a long search to find a successor to Juan Carlos Osorio.
Hamlett, a 39-year-old Costa Rican, is the Fire's fourth coach. He had been an assistant since the Fire's inaugural 1998 season.
"I'm excited to have an opportunity to take my career to the next level with the team I started with 11 years ago," he said. "There is no other place I'd rather have this opportunity with than the Fire."
Hamlett served as interim coach after Dave Sarachan was fired in midseason, but instead of getting a promotion at the time, he got passed over.
The Fire hired Osorio and went 6-3-7, going from last place in the Eastern Conference to within one game of the MLS Cup after a season as manager at Millonarios in Colombia. The arrival of Mexican star Cuauhtemoc Blanco in July helped turn around the season, but Osorio left abruptly a month ago to coach the New York Red Bulls.
"The goal from the beginning was to make sure we got the right guy, and if it took a little bit extra time to do that, then so be it," Fire president and general manager John Guppy said. "We have the right guy."
Hamlett's promotion came after Houston Dynamo assistant coach John Spencer reportedly accepted and rejected the job. Spencer told the Houston Chronicle that the Fire offered the position on Tuesday, and he initially decided to take it. He then turned it down because the pay wasn't enough. Guppy would not comment.
Hamlett said he never considered leaving as coaches came and went through the years. Chicago won the 1998 MLS Cup and four Eastern Conference championships (1998, 2000, 2001, 2003).
"It speaks volumes in terms of the many championships we've won, the commitment to winning, the tradition, the honor, the great players that have come through here," Hamlett said. "I've been part of that. That's something special."
Guppy said Hamlett was always "at the forefront" of the Fire's thinking during the process.
"He is somebody that I've had the great pleasure of working with for the past three years," Guppy said. "I've seen firsthand all of the tremendous qualities and talents that he has as a coach." (AP)


Meanwhile another ex-QPR man,remains Head Coach at Dallas FC - Steve Morrow


And another ex-QPR man...
BBC Waddock targets FA Trophy success
Aldershot boss Gary Waddock is hoping his team continue to progress in the FA Trophy after they won 4-2 at Woking to reach the last 16.
Waddock said: "The FA Trophy is a fantastic competititon and we want to do well whatever competition we are in. The players want to achieve here."
"We remained calm and composed even when we went behind in the second half.
"Woking played extremely well and put us under pressure. We knew what to expect though and saw it through." BBC


And in the English non-Leagues, ex-QPR youth, Michael Rutherford (played a couple of games for QPR in 1989) has a new job.Dolby the new man in United hot seat
imon Newstead
Tony Dolby is the new manager of Hastings United Football Club, with Mike Rutherford joining as his assistant.
The pair struck up an excellent working relationship during a four-year spell in charge of Tonbridge Angels, which was brought to an end a couple of months ago as the Kent side struggled near the foot of the Ryman League Premier Division table.
They will be facing a similar challenge at Hastings, with last season's Division One South play-off winners currently languishing in the relegation zone, leading to the departure of Nigel Kane from the manager's hot seat at the end of December.
Since then United have been under the caretaker control of reserve team management duo John Lambert and Wayne Farrier.
Dolby had initially joined Tonbridge as a player ahead of the 2003/04 season, but at just 29 years of age, found himself elevated to the role of player-manager within a matter of months, appointing Rutherford as his right hand man shortly afterwards. They led the Angels to a third place finish in the Southern League Eastern Division and a place in the Ryman Premier following the restructuring of the non-league game.
Relegation to Division One South followed in their first full season at the helm, but Tonbridge bounced straight back the following season, again finishing third, winning promotion via the play-offs, and went on to secure a comfortable mid-table finish in the 2006/07 campaign.
Both men started their playing days in the Football League, Dolby with Millwall, and Rutherford with Queens Park Rangers, although both went on to spend the majority of their careers in the upper echelons of non-league football.
But while Dolby appeared for the likes of Barnet, & Northfleet and Welling United, amongst others, Rutherford was more of a one club man, making over 300 appearances in an eight-year spell with Welling, before joining Chelmsford City and subsequently being forced into semi-retirement by a niggling knee injury.
Still only 33, it is hoped that Dolby will also add some much-needed experience to a youthful United playing squad, with Hastings chairman Dave Walters also promising to provide his new manager with additional funds to further strengthen the squad, as the club strives to retain its Premier Division status.
Walters said: "We are delighted to secure the services of Tony Dolby as our new first team manager, along with Mike Rutherford as his assistant.
"Although we advertised the post, there were a couple of people targeted who we wanted to speak with, Tony being one of them.
"He is only 33 but has managed at this level with Tonbridge and secured promotion for them a couple of years ago. He has extensive contacts in the game and will be looking to strengthen the squad immediately.
"We are convinced that Tony and Mike are the right men to give us the best possible chance of avoiding relegation this season and to build for the future.
"We would like to thank John and Wayne for their considerable efforts in holding the fort since Nigel's departure, and are very pleased that they have agreed to carry on doing the extremely valuable job of looking after and nurturing our very good reserve side."
Dolby was introduced to the players before United's home game with AFC Hornchurch this afternoon, and then watched from the stands as Hastings played out a rather tedious goalless draw.
He will now officially begin the task of keeping the club in the Premier Division, with the visit to East Thurrock United next Saturday being his first match in charge.
HAstings Observer

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SUNDAY TIMES/Alan Combes - Penalty row riles QPR
A THRILLING game at Bramall Lane came down to a critical decision in the game’s final minutes. It was hard to see how Akos Buzsaky’s blasted shot could not provide Rangers with a late equaliser, but Sheffield United centre-back Matt Kilgallon threw himself the length of the goalline and appeared courageously to head it clear. Rangers’ performance manager, Joe Dunbar, speaking in the absence of manager Luigi de Canio, was incensed by the incident. “I’ve seen the video and it was clear-cut hands,” he said. “Kilgallon caught it with his hand and then moved his head. I saw him laughing about it afterwards.”

It was a shame that such a fabulous advert for Championship football reached such a contentious conclusion, but in the end it was probably the right result. Buzsaky gave notice of a stellar performance in the offing when he tested out Paddy Kenny with a drive along the ground the keeper did well to hang on to. Kenny’s acrobatic save from Buzsaky’s free kick just outside the area was pure class, but gave further proof that Rangers were calling the early shots.

Gary Speed and David Carney were influential in restoring the Blades’ edge and when Fitz Hall brought down Rob Hulse, Lee Camp’s crossbar was narrowly cleared by Carney’s free kick.

Just before the break, the game came alive. First a cross by Matthew Connolly was trapped by Leigh Bromby, only for the ball to land at the feet of Rangers striker Patrick Agyemang. From five yards out, scoring was inevitable.

In the 64th minute United’s industry got its just deserts. A Lee Hendrie corner was driven goalwards by Bromby and produced a fantastic save from Camp. Martin Rowlands drove the loose ball against Damion Stewart and the rebound saw United level.

The excitement level was maintained as Carney and Billy Sharp combined down the right to create a strike that Hall brought to ground and held there between his thighs. Hendrie snaffled the ball away and from an oblique angle slotted it under the crossbar to snatch the lead.

For United manager Bryan Robson, this game was his sweetest taste of Sheffield life so far. “The fans made a fantastic atmosphere, the best since I’ve been here. Last year was a bad year but now we’ve turned the corner. Having Hulse and Hendrie back was like having two new signings. If we keep a fully fit squad we should have a surge. My target is still the top six.” The signing of Speed looks a masterstroke. The Speed effect galvanised Carney and Derek Geary in particular to produce service any striker would die for.

Star man: David Carney (Sheffield United)
Player ratings.
Sheffield United:Kenny 7, Bromby 7, Hulse 5, Hendrie 7 (Stead 69min), Carney 9, Speed 7, Kilgallon 8, Tonge 7, Armstrong 7, Sharp 7 (Shelton 90min), Geary 8 (Gillespie 84min)
QPR:Camp 6, Barker 6 (Blackstock 73min), Mahon 7, Stewart 6, Buzsaky 8, Rowlands 8, Connolly 7, Agyemang 7, Lee 6, Vine 7, Hall 7 Sunday Times


People/Tim Worsnop - BLADES LEAVE QPR SO CUT UP
Matt Kilgallon made a dramatic last-gasp goal-line clearance to earn United the points.
But QPR's players were certain Hungarian international Akos Buzsaky's stinging effort was handled and pursued referee Neil Miller after the final whistle to make their point.
The team's performance manager Joe Dunbar, who attended the after-match press conference instead of his Italian boss Luigi De Canio, was certain his side had been denied a penalty.
"Kilgallon has got away with it. He was laughing about it afterwards," said Dunbar. "Take a look at the video. I've seen it and it's fairly clearcut. We feel disappointed not to have come away with a draw."
Feisty midfielder Lee Hendrie hit the winner after 68 minutes. The former Aston Villa man pounced on a mistake by Fitz Hall before firing in a blistering shot from a tight angle.
Rangers went ahead late in the first half. Matthew Connolly, on loan from Arsenal, made a fabulous break and his cross caught out defender Leigh Bromby for debutant Patrick Agyemang to fire the ball home.
United's equaliser came when Rangers keeper Lee Camp failed to deal with a shot and an attempted clearance from Damion Stewart deflected in off Martin Rowlands.
United boss Bryan Robson said: "We have hopefully now turned a corner and it was a terrific response for us to come back after going a goal down."
Sheffield United: Kenny 7 - Geary 8 (Gillespie,
84mins), Bromby 6, Kilgallon 7, Hobbs 6 - *CARNEY 9, Tonge 6, Speed 7, Hendrie 7 (Stead, 69mins, 6) - Hulse 6, Sharp 7 (Shelton, 90mins).
Qpr: Camp 7 - Connolly 7, Stewart 6, Hall 6, Barker 6 (Blackstock, 73mins, 6) - Lee 6, Mahon 6, Rowlands 7, Vine 6 - *BUZSAKY 8, Agyemang 7. Ref: N Miller 6. People


MAIL - We’re back on right track, claims relieved Robson
Bryan Robson believes his side have turned the corner after ending a dismal run. Sheffield United, with one league win in seven games, hit QPR with two goals in five minutes to cancel out Patrick Agyemang's opener seconds before the break.
United equalised in bizarre fashion in the 64th minute. After Michael Tonge's long-range strike was pushed away by Lee Camp,Martin Rowlands tried to clear but lashed it against Damion Stewart as the ball spun over the line. Lee Hendrie scored the winner in the 69th minute.
Robson said: "2007 has been a bad year for this club but we have got off to a good start this year and hopefully we have turned the corner."
Rangers were fuming at an 88th-minute goal-line clearance by Matt Kilgallon, who they claimed had stopped Akos Buzsaky's shot with his hand, not his head.
Performance manager Joe Dunbar said: "It's clear cut. Kilgallon got away with it and he was laughing afterwards." Mail


SHEFFIELD UNITED OFFICIAL SITE - Robbo applauds fans first
Bryan Robson insisted on giving the Blades fans in the crowd top billing after his team came back from a goal down to register a 2-1 home win:
"I thought the fans were absolutely brilliant today, made a fantastic atmosphere - the best since I've been here - and really helped the lads' confidence which grew throughout the game."
The Blades boss praised the team effort and was not afraid to tackle the two main talking points about the contest. The referee's failure to stop the game when Rob Hulse was lying injured occurred when Rangers opened the scoring, and Matt Kilgallon made a great goalline clearance from Buzsaky which the visitors thought was handball:
"Play should have been stopped and that's why I was a bit annoyed with the referee because Rob wasn't down for just a few seconds with a head injury, it must have been over a minute and they scored when he was down.
"Killa made a superb clearance and if it had been a penalty which they went on to score from I think it would have been a great injustice to us because we fully deserved to win.
"We haven't had much luck so far this season so I will be quite happy if that proves to be a turning point for us. 2007 was a bad year for Sheffield United, but that's two wins and a draw in an unbeaten start this year and we have shown what we can do - we have to do that week in, week out."
And Robson wasn't slow to single out individuals for their contributions to United's first home win since beating Barnsley last month:
"David Carney had a great game in the second half and Gary Speed was excellent, not just in his play but with the way he talks to people and organises them.
"Lee Hendrie can always conjure up or score a goal when he is fully fit and although Rob Hulse is still looking for a goal, you can see the danger he poses with the position he takes up.
"With a bit of luck he could have had four goals this afternoon, but he works very hard in training and when his match sharpness is right up to speed he will be knocking the chances away.
"Derek Geary was terrific, he showed great drive and his quality of pass, especially in the second half, was first-class. When he went down injured just in front of me he said 'Gaffer, my legs have gone', and that's what you need from your players - he was absolutely shattered from the effort he put in but told me so that we could make the change.
"We've had more than our fair share of injuries and I feel that if we can get those players back into contention we can still mount a play-off challenge. I am quite pleased with the way things are coming together." Sheffield United

Also: Earlier Reports and Comments on Sheffield United vs QPR