QPR REPORT

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Hopefully Gareth Southgate is just saying this!

Goal.com/Peter Staunton - Southgate: Johnson Staying Put
Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate has dismissed any rumours linking winger Adam Johnson with a move away from the Riverside Stadium.
The 20-year old has appeared only 44 times for Boro since 2004 and has found himself loaned out over the past two seasons, to Leeds United and Watford respectively.
Johnson enjoyed a degree of success at Vicarage Road this term; he scored five times in only 12 appearances.
He had this week been linked with a transfer to UEFA Cup finalists Rangers and Championship side QPR, however, Southgate sees the wide-man as a part of his plans for next season.
He said: “Despite what has appeared in some papers we have not had a single approach from any club about Adam Johnson, we have had absolutely no contact about Adam from either Rangers or QPR, nor do we expect to have any.
“As I have made it clear, he remains a big part in my plans for the club. Adam is a fantastic talent and I do not want to see him leave. He could be very, very special and I would not want to see him play for another club.” - Goal.com

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UPDATE: Turns out, reportedly due to a misunderstanding, Ali Russell did not meet with the fans groups. But a number of fans groups reps did meet with each other. Obviously the gist of what RUssell would have said remains what he told told QPR1st last week at its AGM.

Fan-Club Meeting: Today is the day of the joint fan groups representatives meeting with the club's Ali Russell, regarding the recently-announced new season ticket prices. A couple of weeks ago, various fan groups sent this joint letter to the club. Earlier this week, one group, QPR1st heard from Ali Russell at its AGM. QPR1st Report. See also QPR Fans Condemn QPR Ticket Price Increases


BBC -Bankole lands Colchester position
Colchester have named much-travelled goalkeeper Ademola Bankole as their new permanent keeping coach.
The former Nigerian international replaces Aidan Davison, who has retired and moved to the United States.
Bankole spent the final three months of last season at Layer Road deputising for Davison, who had a shoulder injury, as well as acting as keeping cover.
The 38-year-old, who played for Crewe, Doncaster and QPR, will now coach Dean Gerken and Mark Cousins. BBC


Colchester Official Site - Bankole Takes On Coaching Role
The U's have taken on goalkeeper coach Ademola Bankole on a full time basis after using his services over the past season.
Nicknamed 'George', the former Nigerian international had been looking after Dean Gerken and co. whilst Aidan Davison underwent, and then recovered from, surgery on his shoulder.
Aidan has now retired and is emigrating to the United States, so boss Geraint Williams has moved to make Bankole his permanent keeper coach.
'George' made ten appearances for his country and was in the squad that participated in the 2002 World Cup Finals in Japan, taking on England in the group stages.
On his appointment, the towering former shot stopper said: "From the first day I came in, everyone has made me very welcome and I've loved every minute of being at the club, I think the sky's the limit for me here."
There will be no rest for George over the summer as he completes the next stages of his coaching qualifications, in goalkeeper coaching as well as general football coaching... Colchester

Best of luck to former QPR Gavin Peacock:

The Times/Tony Cascarino - Gavin Peacock convinced God is on his side

Down a pot-holed lane, hidden deep in the Kent countryside, lies a large detached house. A “For Sale” sign stands out, as if illuminated, against the woodland backdrop. It is such an idyllic existence that Gavin Peacock, the 40-year-old former Queens Park Rangers, Newcastle United and Chelsea midfield player, is forsaking to move to Calgary, Canada. Not to continue his career as a respected media analyst but to study for three years for his Masters degree in divinity. A career in the church awaits. As Peacock leaves the macho world of football far behind, he talks to Tony Cascarino, his former Chelsea team-mate and close friend, about his past, present and future, his hopes and his fears ... and his faith.

TC: Why, Gav? The lifestyle change, giving up work, everything. It involves so much. Why?
GP: Well, I've been a Christian practically all my playing career, from when I was 18, but I've never felt called to the ministry. When I retired from playing six years ago, a very good friend of mine, whom I regard as my spiritual mentor, the Rev Tony Roake [chaplain to the church of St John and St Philip in The Hague, the Netherlands, and chaplain to the British Embassy], said to me: “I think you should go into the ministry.” I said: “No, Tony. I've no calling to do that at all. I'm going to do media work.” There are people who have faith, who are Christians, but who aren't called to lead. But then about two years ago, out of the blue really, I just felt a weight of conviction. I'd forgotten what Tony had said but I just felt: ‘I'm going to do this.'

TC: A calling? Describe it?
GP: Over my football career and life as a Christian, I've always spoken at different things - youth events, dinners, in churches. Over the last eight months, I've actually been preaching in churches. When I do that, I'm happy, it feels right. I enjoy it but, at the same time, I have to do it. I feel compelled to do it. It's twofold. I not only enjoy it and it makes me feel good and it completes me, it's that I have to do it. It's a conviction I have. It's different from doing something just because you enjoy it.

TC: It's a dramatic change. Are you afraid of making the break, the move to Canada?
GP: We [the family] go to Canada quite a lot, we've got a small place there, we love the place. I looked at the seminary that was proposed, it was a good one, I went for an interview and I got accepted. I just feel that that's the right place to be for us for the next three years. To go away, to do this. Sure, anything that takes you out of your comfort zone is a bit scary. It's the unknown but, because I have my faith, the unknown is not as frightening.

TC: You never preached to your former team-mates. Certainly, not to me.
GP: I've always been open about my faith, but it's not as if I went in and bashed the lads over the head with a Bible. It's more a case of: “What did you do on Sunday?” “Oh, you went to church.” And then the conversation strikes up. People get to know. Sure, there's the ribbing. About anything that's different, if you wear a new tie or a new pair of shoes. The lads would take the Mickey. But when they saw I was sincere about what I believe, I think most of them respected it.

TC: You got on really well with Dennis Wise and other lads with, er, reputations.
GP: I just think I'm an ordinary person. I do do things wrong [laughs] and there are lot of other people who I consider as better than me. But that's not really the issue. I just feel that when my faith is there, it is the centre of my life. Football was never central, it was never my God. It was very important, it was my job, I loved it. But it's never been the core of my life.

TC: But, as a footballer, you wanted to win?
GP: Oh, yeah. I wanted to beat you. That was my job, I had to give everything to that. But it wasn't the be-all and end-all. I mean, a lot of people in our industry struggle when they finish football. Their world collapses. What takes that place? Football is transitory; God is permanent.

TC: Life will be different when you return to England.
GP: Sure, we're going to sell this house. Eventually, hopefully. Because I know that when we come back, I won't live in a house like this; it is incongruous with church leadership. So, this will go. But while we've enjoyed nice things, I've never gripped on to it. I've held it lightly, it's just things. Money does not bring happiness and the world of football shows that.

TC: I used to be altar boy, when I was 9, 10, 11, at my Catholic church in Orpington. I had all the church upbringing. You never had any of that at that age?
GP: No, church conflicted with Sunday football. I liked playing on a Sunday. So I didn't go to church nor Sunday school. But I did have the belief that God was up there somewhere but, then, it was more like a superstition. But when I was 18, my mum [Lesley] started going to the local church. I saw a change in her and thought: ‘Let's go along myself and see what it's about'. It was just before I'd broken into the first team at QPR, I had an XR3i, I had money in my pocket and I was an England youth international. But when I met with these other young people, they were speaking about Jesus and it was as if he was real to them. I had everything that the world said was successful but they had someone I didn't.

TC: What do the family [wife, Amanda, son, Jake, 15, and daughter, Ava, 12] think about moving?
GP: They're excited. It's an outdoor life. There's skiing and snowboarding for the kids in the winter; in the summer, there's hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, canoeing. Each member of the family sees something individually for them there as well.

TC: What happens at the end of the three years?
GP: I'll have done all my theological training, I'll have done six months' internship within the church I go to out there, which is Baptist. What denomination I'll be ordained into - Anglican, Baptist, Pentecostal, Catholic - is down to me to choose.

TC: Would you ever come back to help out troubled footballers?
GP: All things are possible. I could be finished with football but I couldn't rule it out completely. It's difficult to look so far in the future. A lot of people thought I might go into coaching but I never felt that calling. I feel that this is what I'm made to do, this is my purpose. For me, there is no higher calling. I know it's the right thing. The Times

Snippets:
Les Ferdinand and Mark Bircham taking part in a fundraiser match for Edgware Town joint manager Del Deanus, who was recently diagnosed with the terminal illness motor neurone disease" -Harrow Observer


Ex-QPR Brett Angell Speaking (about Everton's prospects)


Belated commiserations to ex-QPR's Alan McDonald, whose Glentoran team finished as runners up to Linfield - Final Table

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QPR Official Site - PLATINUM AREAS SOLD OUT

As the countdown continues to the 2008/09 Coca Cola Championship campaign, the Club is pleased to announce that the Platinum areas of the ground have sold out to new Season Ticket holders.

Due to the unprecedented demand for Season Tickets, the Club has extended the opening hours in the Box Office tomorrow (Saturday) from 9.00am-5.00pm.

Alternatively, to renew your Season Ticket, simply call 08444 777 007 - 24 hours a day.

R's fans are also encouraged to take advantage of the option to renew online.

By booking online, you can also pre-order the new R's home shirt, as well as subscribe to QPR World ahead of what is sure to be a season to remember.

If you would like to renew your Season Ticket now, simply log on to https://eticketing.co.uk/qpr

Alternatively, you can also renew by:

*Post - Loftus Road Stadium, South Africa Road, London, W12 7PJ.

*In person.

To download Season Ticket Prices click here

To download a Season Ticket Price Band plan click here

To download an Application Form click here

To download a Zebra Finance Form click here

QPR

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According to some messageboard posts, Ben Watson to QPR was virtually a done deal. This article implies otherwise.

SkySport/Peter O'Rourke - Palace reject Watson bid
Midfielder wanted by former manager Dowie
Skysports.com understands Crystal Palace have turned down a bid from Queens Park Rangers for Ben Watson.
The midfielder is reported to be a target for new QPR boss Iain Dowie, who worked with Watson at Selhurst Park.
Watson came through the ranks at Palace, but only has 12 months remaining on his current contract.
QPR are understood to have made an offer in the region of £1.25million, but the bid has been knocked back by their Championship rivals.
During the January transfer window, the 22-year-old was linked with moves to both Reading and Norwich City.
Palace boss Neil Warnock admitted at the time that the right offer could have led to Watson leaving the club.
Warnock will now have to wait to see if his Loftus Road counterpart Dowie elects to make an improved attempt to sign Watson" Skysports

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Ealing Gazette/Yann Tear- Owners blasted over 'contemptuous' hikes

SEASON ticket holders who are faced with forking out 50 per cent more to watch QPR from next August have accused the club of taking their loyalty for granted.

One supporters' group website has branded the move "an absolute disgrace," saying that ordinary fans were now going to be priced out of renewing tickets.

At a time when even many Premier League clubs like Chelsea have decided to freeze tickets or peg prices to inflation, Rangers fans are being asked to pay far more.

A seat in the upper Loft End last season cost £398. Next season, it will cost £599 and some supporters are threatening to end long associations with the club rather than pay up to keep watching their team.

Rangers' price rise is the biggest in London and comes despite calls from the Government and supporters' groups to address the soaring cost of watching football.
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One 40-year-old fan, who has been a season ticket holder for 13 years, told the Gazette: "I haven't renewed my ticket yet and I honestly don't know that I will.

"It's ironic that at a time when we have the richest owners we have ever had, we are now being asked to pay this huge increase - and there was not even an 'early bird' option this year to keep the cost down.

"I think we are now not far off the average cost of a Premier League season ticket and I don't think fans of any other club in the Championship are being asked to meet such an increase on demand."

Paul Finney of indyrs.co.uk, one of the club's independently-run web messageboards told the Gazette: "When the new owners talked in terms of getting to the Premier League, they didn't mention that the fans would be the ones paying for it.

"Are we there to fulfil their dreams or are they there to realise ours? Frankly, it's an absolute disgrace because they are pricing ordinary fans out of it. Our loyalty is being taken for granted and we are being treated with contempt."

Finney continued: "They have classified the ground into gold, silver and platinum areas but they have to sort out the standard of the ground if they want to justify that - not just the directors' box so Naomi Campbell and the other celebrities can watch in comfort."

Rangers say they are sensitive to the views of their fans but claim the ticket prices are in line with the club's ambitions and the top clubs in the division.

A club spokesman said: "It is the club's aim to achieve promotion to the Premier League and as such we have to generate further income to assist us in our pursuit of that goal.

"Whilst these decisions are never easy or straightforward, the club does need the continued support of the fans to help achieve that.

"It is certainly not our intention to drive away loyal fans who have supported the club through some very difficult times.

"However, whilst the new owners have invested heavily in the squad, as well as improving particular areas of the stadium, the club itself must endeavour to run more cost effectively. As a result, it is necessary for prices to increase.

"We do feel, however, that the new pricing structure has been designed to accommodate the needs of each and every QPR fan."

It is not clear yet whether season ticket sales have been affected by the price rise. Last year, 8,100 tickets were sold but the club have not disclosed how many have been sold so far.

Prices range from £450 to £699 and considering a typical price at Stamford Bridge is £790, Rangers appear close to embracing Premier League status before they are even there.
* Give us your views:Sende-mails to sport@ealinggazette.co.uk Ealing Gazette


Also: The fan group QPR1st heard from QPR's De Facto, CEO, Ali Russell this week -
QPR1st AGM Report. A combination of Fan Groups are meeting with Ali Russell tomorrow (May 31). See Also: Previous Club Statements re Season Tickets and: Season Tickets Hike at Rangers Sparks Outrage"

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Damian Delaney picked up a second cap, playing for Ireland against Columbia - Rating Reports 1 - Report 2


Zesh Rehman in the Pakistan Squad.
Post " Pakistan national football team will leave for Maldives en route Karachi and Colombo today (Friday) from Lahore to take part in the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship being played from June 3 to 14 at Male.
Zahid Hameed will lead the 20-player squad in the eighth national elite tournament of South Asia. The SAFF Championship, known as World Cup for South Asia, will comprise four times champion India, 2003 gold medallist Bangladesh, Pakistan, 1995 champion Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives and Bhutan and Afghanistan....
PAKISTAN'S SQUAD
Goalkeepers (2): Syed Sultan Ali, Bilal Rafiq (PIA). Defenders ( 7): Samar Ishaq, M Ahmed (KRL), Naveed
Akram (Wapda), M Imran (Army), Zeeshan Rehman (Queen's Park Rangers), M Irfan, Nasr Ullah Khan (PIA). Midfielders (8): Farooq Shah, Abdul Aziz (NBP), Adnan Farooq Ahmed (Tranmere Rovers), Atif Bashir (Haverfordwest County AFC), Jadid Khan (Afghan FC, Chaman), Vice Captain Imran Niazi (Wapda), Skipper Zahid Hameed (Wapda), Kashif Siddiqi (Presbyterian College, South Carolina, USA). Strikers (3): Arif Mehmood (Wapda), M Qasim (KRL), Asif Mehmood (Navy).Official : Akhtar Mohiuddin (Coach), M Habib and Sajjad Mehmood (assistant coaches), Noman Ibrahim (GK Coach), Kamran Mehdi (Physiotherapist). The Post


Telegraph/Mark Armstrong - Willie Donachie attempts success with Antigua
"When former Ipswich assistant coach Willie Donachie agreed to take charge of Antigua and Barbuda for their World Cup qualifier against Cuba next month he knew his preparations would be difficult.
A lack of training facilities and a relatively small squad to choose from were always going to be major obstacles for Donachie as he looks to lead the Caribbean island a little closer to the 2010 World Cup.
Donachie didn't expect his plans to be thrown into disarray by goalkeeper Janiel Simon, a landscape gardener, damaging his right eye after a "weed-whacker" left the goalkeeper needing surgery with a "50/50" chance of regaining his sight....
Despite the keeper's injury, Donachie is quietly confident the Antiguans can cause a shock against Cuba and win through to a World Cup qualifying group that would see them up against the likes of the USA and Mexico for a place in South Africa....
" Donachie has been looking to bolster his squad in the build-up to the first leg and is hoping Rotherham defender Marc Joseph will make himself available although efforts to get QPR man Mikele Leigertwood have failed as he has a wedding to attend… as you do... Telegraph


As noted yesterday, Richard Langley is back in the Jamaica Squad And arriving in Jamaica.


And...Today's Mirror on Kevin Phillips:
Mirror/James Nursey - West Brom boss Tony Mowbray slams Kevin Phillips
Tony Mowbray has slammed Kevin Phillips for "hawking" himself to rival clubs and warned he will not wreck Albion's wage structure to keep the former England striker.
Phillips scored 24 times to help the Baggies back to the top flight.
But a stand-off has developed between Phillips - who turns 35 in July - and the club, with the player unhappy at being offered only a 12-month contract.
Phillips, who has 46 goals in 81 appearances since joining from Aston Villa in 2006, is a free agent and wants a two-year deal.
The West Brom boss and Albion's hard-nosed chairman Jeremy Peace refuse to compromise and have also adopted a tough stance with out-of-contract midfielder Zoltan Gera and defender Martin Albrechtsen, who are stalling on new terms too.
Mowbray said: "For me, it should never be about money.
"We're not in the business of them going out and checking the rest of the world, coming back with their best offer and asking us to beat it - we don't operate like that. Our offers will stay the same, but can only remain on the table for a certain amount of time as we have to start knowing if we need to fill places.
"They will be offered the best contract this club can offer. Their agents know that and if they want to hawk them around and get a better price and salary package, we won't be budging."
Phillips has been offered a two-year deal by Championship side QPR and is attracting interest from Premier League rookies Stoke.
That may appeal as he has just bought a house outside Birmingham.
..."The squad is what everyone must respect. We won't be bursting the bank for any single player," added Mowbray, who played and coached at Portman Road. "I've seen it happen and it can be bad for a dressing room.
"We won't be breaking structures, it's that simple as I want to be fair to the other players.
"If they get better packages out of our ball park and want to ply their trade elsewhere for more money, then good luck to them. Mirror

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Selby Times/Charles Gardner - Soccer star's 'kick in the teeth'
Sherburn football star Simon Walton was left disappointed at not being included for the play-off final which saw Hull City win promotion to the Premiership by beating Bristol City 1-0 at Wembley.
The 20-year-old midfielder has been on loan to the Tigers from Queen's Park Rangers for much of the season and, although he has only played ten games, has been on the bench every week barring the play-off final which dad Steve reckons is "a bit of a kick in the teeth". Selby Times



Australian Telegraph/Tom Smithies - Mark Bosnich back in Australia to pay soccer Debts

YESTERDAY morning, Mark Bosnich saw his first Australian sunrise in eight years - finally, after fame, fortune and ultimately infamy, back in his home city.

It's only a fleeting visit, and London now is the place he lives and a place he loves - but back with his parents, walking under the Harbour Bridge, Bosnich is home.

The fact that the sun does rise every morning seems one of the few things he does take for granted, after a fall from grace spectacular even in this celebrity-obsessed age.

From goalkeeper in the most famous club in the world to a well-publicised drug addiction, lurid tabloid headlines over his relationship with a supermodel and even a sex tape, the descent to rock bottom was played out in an unforgiving public eye.

That a goalkeeper of such talent should have been washed up on the rocks of the game's periphery was arguably the biggest shame of all, but months of training with a club in London have reawakened the passion for soccer that first carried him to the upper reaches of the Premier League.

Flown back by Football Federation Australia to be a guest at this week's FIFA Congress, among several other former internationals, Bosnich is ready to lift his head again and look to the future - even if that is still little more than day by day.

"It's the most beautiful city in the world, isn't it," he says, looking out from a hotel room with 30 floors worth of view. "I love where I live, I love London, but when you haven't been back for so long, even to see the family, it's very exciting.

Walking along the promenade this morning, looking at the Bridge and the Opera House . . . that's something London hasn't got.

"But you know, I'm very appreciative of what England, and football in England, has done for me. I don't want to seem bitter or twisted, because I'm not.

"I wouldn't be sat here talking to you if it wasn't for England and the Premier League.

"I had some bad times but I don't want to turn around and complain and moan. That's not a correct way to behave as a man.

"I've got my hunger back. Everything happens for a reason and I'm not complaining because football's been fantastic to me. There's always people worse off than you. There are quite a few options, and I'll explore every one of them."

He is reluctant to be drawn on those options, for fear of appearing presumptuous if they don't happen. But they may include playing - he says he hasn't been contacted directly by any A-League club, though there are rumours that a couple are circling - and you get the sense he wants to retrieve what he can of that once steepling career.

"One thing I did realise in the time I spent at QPR was that I can still do it," he said of the time he has spent on a training ground in west London, shedding kilos and sharpening reflexes.

"And one thing I have to make sure of, for my own self-respect, is that I can do it at a comparable level to before.

"But equally, it's also very much down to whether there are people out there who want me, because I do have a lot of baggage. So I don't want to be presumptuous and say there will be an opportunity.

"If it doesn't happen then I'll understand, my past is nobody else's and I have to accept that."

There is talk that Bosnich may have some role to play with the FFA, one of several former internationals who played at the highest level and who have ideas, contacts and experience to offer.

If the request came, it's clear the answer would be yes.

"I'll help in any way I can. I've taken a lot out of the game, and I'd like to put something back in both countries - but to put something back in your home country would be a privilege and an honour."

He made his commentary debut on the FA Cup final, and media work is one of those options.

"That was fun, I really enjoyed it. Nothing beats playing but it was nice to do. I'm flattered, there were times when I didn't think I would be saying anything to anyone.

"You know, I'm very lucky. There's a lot more to the story than meets the eye but I went down avenues that . . . well, that's the past. The thing to address is that I'm alive, I'm healthy and happy."

And then just as the interview has wrapped up, he bounces back over. "Hey, when's the next Origin game? I can't wait, is it this week?"

In every sense, Mark Bosnich is back." Australian Telegraph

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Updatd: As of June 7, just over 60 days till QPR's 2008-2009promotion season kick off! !

Thus far, there are three pre-season games announced: Non-League, Stevenage; League One, Northampton; and AC Chievo Verona. In addition, there are a couple of QPR XI matches. There are a few other dates remaining to be filled in, such as the dates for any pre-season tour; and any additional friendlies to be played in the UK! Other summer "events" to look forward to: The official unveiling of the new strip; new player signings; presumed player departures; the announcement of squad numbers.

Summer Schedule Thus Far:

JUNE

- June 13 - Carling Cup First Round Draw (QPR have bye into Round 2)

- June 16 - 2008-09 Fixtures Released

- June 30 - First Day of Training

JULY

- July 19, Stevenage, Away (Friendly) 3:00 pm.

-[CANCELLED July 19 - Oxford United ]

- July 22 - QPR XI vs Windsor and Eton - Announcement

- July 23 - Northampton Town - Friendly Away (7:45 pm Kickoff)

- July 25 QPR XI vs Hayes and Yeading (Away) - Report

AUGUST

- August 2, AC Chievo Verona (Loftus Road) (3:00 pm Kick off)

- August 9 - 2008-09 Championship Season Kicks off


UPDATED - From club - KEY [PROVISIONAL] DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Some provisional points of note are:- Season begins on 9th August and ends on 2nd May
- No game on New Year's Day or Eve
- Free international weekends on 6th September, 11th October and 28th March
- Two games over the Easter weekend on Saturday 11th April and Monday 13th
- We enter the Carling Cup at round two and the FA Cup at round three
- The Championship play-off final is back on a Monday again, and takes place on 25th May
- The Football League ends fully three weeks before the Premier League campaign QPR

2008-2009 Championship Teams: Three of Which to Get to Promoted...Three to Get Relegated!
Barnsley
Birmingham City
Blackpool
Bristol City
Burnley
Cardiff City
Charlton Athletic
Coventry City
Crystal Palace
Derby County
Doncaster Rovers
Ipswich Town
Norwich City
Nottingham Forest
Plymouth Argyle
Preston North End
Queens Park Rangers
Reading
Sheffield United
Sheffield Wednesday
Southampton
Swansea City
Watford
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Football League

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Unfortunately not really celebrated or commemorated by the club, but this year marked four major milestone anniversaries of major QPR successes: Four QPR Promotions. (Unfortunately, there haven't been that many triumphs in QPR's history to make the ones we have had, so easy to overlook or ignore.)

It's 60 years - 1948 - since QPR won their first League Championship - and promotion for the first time out of the old Division Three South. QPR's First Championship

It's 40 years - 1968 -since Alec Stock's QPR first gained promotion to the First Division - The Greatest Day in QPR History

It's 35 years - 1973 - since QPR won promotion to the First Division under Gordon Jago, Terry Venables, Stan Bowles, Gerry Francis and Dave Thomas (and all the rest) - QPR's Promotion.

It's 25 Years - 1983 - since QPR's Last Promotion under manager Terry Venables, and Clive Allen, Simon Stainrod, John Gregory, Garry Waddock and Terry Fenwick - QPR's Last Title


What was previously posted on QPR Report re these Four Triumphs


1983: 25 Years Ago: QPR's Last Championship Title (1982-83 Season)

Marking a Quarter of a Century since QPR last won a championship Title: May 14, 1983 when Terry Venables (and Allan Harris') Queens Park Rangers concluded their season with a 1-1 draw at Grimsby to win the then Division Two (now The Championship) title by 10 points. (A season which had begun with a 0-1 loss at Newcastle who had just signed Kevin Keegan).

Video: One of the Highlights: Video from March 5, 1983: QPR 6 Middlesbrough 1 including Clive Allen's Hattrick Video of QPR's Six Goals
Hucker Neil Wicks Fenwick Dawes Flanagan Waddock Gregory Mickelwhite Allen Stainrod

Promoted Teams:
Queens Park Rangers 42 26 7 9 77 36 85
Wolverhampton W. 42 20 15 7 68 44 75
Leicester City 42 20 10 12 72 44 70

A QPR team with Fenwick and Wicks...Gregory and Waddock...Allen and Stainrod (The normal QPR Team: Hucker - Neil Wicks (or Hazell) Fenwick (Roeder) Dawes - Waddock Gregory Flanagan Micklewhite - Stainrod Sealy (or Clive Allen) - Tony Currie mostly injured.)

But most of all, a QPR under the brilliant Terry Venables. (And of course, a QPR playing on the "Controversial artificial/plastic pitch!"). Coming on the footsteps of their two FA Cup Final matches against Spurs, and with a great season in Division to come, QPR's future under Terry Venables looked bright.

QPR's Leading goalscorers that season: Tony Sealy 16, John Gregory 15 Simon Stainrod 9 and Clive Allen 13 (From 26 appearances)

{The only thing that ruined the season: Chelsea JUST failed to get relegated to Division Three that season!)

See QPR's Season: Results and Final Table

- 1982/1983 Table

- 1982/1983 Results

- The famed Guiness Shirt


1973: Thirty-Five Years Ago: QPR Promotion at End of 1972-1973 Season

Thirty-five years ago today (wow!), Gordon Jago's QPR team, with Parkes, Clement, Venables, Francis, Thomas, Bowles and Givens, completed their 1972-1973 promotion season with a 3-0 victory at FA Cup Winners Sunderland. 1972-1973 Results

In that final games at Sunderland, Stan Bowles has spoken and written about how he almost started a riot, by deliberately knocking over Sunderland's newly-won FA Cup with a long range shot.
As someone on Wikipedia has written "Bowles was often regarded as something of a character both on and off the pitch. One notable incident in his playing days involved the famous FA Cup trophy. Having won the FA Cup competition four days prior, Sunderland were parading the trophy at Roker Park on May 9, 1973 when they met QPR in the old Division 2. The trophy had been placed on a table at the side of the pitch when Bowles tore straight across the park and kicked the ball at it full speed, sending the Cup flying through the air.[1] The crowd predictably went ballistic, however Stan had the last laugh by scoring a brace in the match which ended in a pitch invasion. According to Bowles some of the QPR players had laid bets as to who could hit the trophy first." Wikipedia

Although For what it's worth: From the Guardian - November 2006
DID STAN BOWLES TAKE A POT SHOT AT THE FA CUP (2)?
Last week we delved into Stan Bowles's autobiography to discover that, apparently, he once booted a ball at the FA Cup trophy while it was being displayed pitchside at Sunderland during a game. But that's not the end of the story ...
Because reader Brian Halliday sent our article to a friend of his, one Gordon Jago MBE, the manager of QPR at the time of the incident, and who now resides in Dallas. Here's Gordon's view of the events: "The truth is that yes, the FA Cup was knocked off the table during the game against Sunderland, but not by Stan Bowles. It was Tony Hazell, the QPR defender.
"At some time during the game Tony cleared a ball and it knocked the cup flying. This incident really upset the home fans; so much so that the referee took both teams from the field to let tempers cool. The game was eventually restarted and we finished 3-0 winners. Stan had someone write a book for him and he tells the story about a bet and that he deliberately knocked the cup off the table. Fiction! I do not know if Tony or any of the other players have contacted Stan to correct him, but that story is typical of him and no doubt it helped to sell the book." Guardian

DIVISION TWO 1972/1973
Pos Name Pld W D L GF GA Pts
1 Burnley 42 24 14 4 72 35 62
2 Queens Park Rangers 42 24 13 5 81 37 61
3 Aston Villa 42 18 14 10 51 47 50
4 Middlesbrough 42 17 13 12 46 43 47
5 Bristol City 42 17 12 13 63 51 46
6 Sunderland 42 17 12 13 59 49 46
7 Blackpool 42 18 10 14 56 51 46
8 Oxford United 42 19 7 16 52 43 45
9 Fulham 42 16 12 14 58 49 44
10 Sheffield Wednesday 42 17 10 15 59 55 44
11 Millwall 42 16 10 16 55 47 42
12 Luton Town 42 15 11 16 44 53 41
13 Hull City 42 14 12 16 64 59 40
14 Nottingham Forest 42 14 12 16 47 52 40
15 Orient 42 12 12 18 49 53 36
16 Swindon Town 42 10 16 16 46 60 36
17 Portsmouth 42 12 11 19 42 59 35
18 Carlisle United 42 11 12 19 50 52 34
19 Preston North End 42 11 12 19 37 64 34
20 Cardiff City 42 11 11 20 43 58 33
21 Huddersfield Town 42 8 17 17 36 56 33
22 Brighton & Hove Albion 42 8 13 21 46 83 29
Table



1968 Season: Forty Years Ago: 1967-1968 Promotion

While opinions might vary, arguably this was the greatest - and most momentous - day in QPR history: May 11, 1968, the day that "little" QPR won promotion to the First Division (as it was then called) opened up new vistas and a new horizon for a team that was historically "just" a little Third Division Team. To reach the First Division...The feeling for a QPR fan was truly incredible.

The history should be known to all QPR Fans: Promoted the previous season as Third Division Champions and League Cup Winners, QPR had previously spent only four seasons (1948-1952) in the Second Division. Only one other team in history had gone straight through from the Third to the First Division in successive seasons. Basically with a couple of additions and departures, this was the same team that got QPR promoted from the Third Division. Incoming: Ron Springett, Frank Clarke...Outgoing: Peter Springett, Mark Lazarus.

May 11, 1968, QPR travelled to Aston Villa, neck and neck with Blackpool chasing for promotion. (In an era, when there were two points for a win; there was goal aggregate (goals for divided by goals against) rather than goal difference; and only two teams were promoted - with no playoffs for the teams below). The Programme Mick Leach scored QPR's first. Eight Minutes from time, a Bradley Own goal put QPR 2-1 up and that was the final score. QPR promoted with a marginally better goal aggregate than Blackpool.

The QPR team on that day: Mike Kelly in goal. Allan Harris, Bobby Keetch, Tony Hazell and Ian Watson in defense
Ian Morgan, Mike Keen Les Allen, Mick Leach
Rodney Marsh, Frank Clarke

The 1967-1968 Season: If "1967" has become synonymous with QPR's Wembley Victory (and the Third Division Championship!) 1968 was in some ways even more beyond belief.
Managed by Alec Stock...coached by Bill Dodgin...Captained by Mike Keen...Inspired by Rodney Marsh and Roger and Ian Morgan...

The 1967/1968 Players: Mark Lazarus started with QPR and moved on to Crystal Palace. Formre England Goalkeeper, Ron Springett had returned to QPR in a swop, in which his brother Peter Springett moved to Sheffield Wednesday. Alan Harris joined QPR. Rodney Marsh missed the start of the season with a broken foot, but ended the season as top goalscorer with 14 goals. Near the transfer deadline, Frank Clarke joined QPR from Shrewsbury (after QPR failed to sign John O'Rourke)
Les Allen, Frank Clarke, Dave Clement, Alan Harris, Tony Hazell, Ron Hunt, Mike Keen, Bobby Keetch, Mick Leach, Rodney Marsh, Ian Morga, Roger Morgan, Keith Sanderson Also: Mark Lazarus, Bobby Finch, Backup goalie, Mike Kelly, Frank Sibley, Ian Watson, Alan Wilks. Ever presents: Mike Keen, Roger Morgan, Allan Harris.
Leading Scorers: Rodney Marsh 14, Ian Morgan 10, Mick Leach 10, Roger Morgan 8, Les Allen 6, Mike Keen 6, Frank Clarke 3.
And of course the season, when in the League Cup, Alan Wilks scored a record five goals in QPR's 5-1 win over Oxford United.

A couple of team photos from the era: The 1967 squad and Many of QPR's 1967/1968 Squad

Memories of the May 11, 1968 day on the Indepdent Rs Site: Memories I
Memories II

Ex-Blackpool's Tony Green Recalls QPR's 1967/1968 Promotion Pipping
Blackpool Gazette, February 9, 2008 - Legends: Tony Green
"...Signed with Pool already doomed to drop out of the old First Division, Green was sidelined for the '69/70 promotion season and a further ankle injury finished him at 25.
His abiding memory of five years at Bloomfield Road was being denied promotion back to the First Division on goal difference in '67/68, when Pool came third behind Ipswich and QPR.
"We'd won at Huddersfield and thought we were up. Our supporters crowded onto the field and were going daft but we got back in the dressingroom to find that QPR had scored a winner in the last minute against Aston Villa. They'd been losing with ten minutes left," said Green, who lives at Poulton.
"Inside a few minutes the mood went from euphoria to massive disappointment. But we were eventually upbeat because our manager Stan Mortensen was a fairly upbeat character." Blackpool Gazette

See
1967/1968 Table

1967/1968 Division Two Week-by-Week Results,

For further Nostalgia: "Where Are They Now" - See QPRNet's Section for some of the players from the 1960s

1967/1968 - DIVISION TWO TABLE & RESULTS
Pld W D L GF GA Pts
1 Ipswich Town 42 22 15 5 79 44 59
2 Queens Park Rangers 42 25 8 9 67 36 58

3 Blackpool 42 24 10 8 71 43 58
4 Birmingham City 42 19 14 9 83 51 52
5 Portsmouth 42 18 13 11 68 55 49
6 Middlesbrough 42 17 12 13 60 54 46
7 Millwall 42 14 17 11 62 50 45
8 Blackburn Rovers 42 16 11 15 56 49 43
9 Norwich City 42 16 11 15 60 65 43
10 Carlisle United 42 14 13 15 58 52 41
11 Crystal Palace 42 14 11 17 56 56 39
12 Bolton Wanderers 42 13 13 16 60 63 39
13 Cardiff City 42 13 12 17 60 66 38
14 Huddersfield Town 42 13 12 17 46 61 38
15 Charlton Athletic 42 12 13 17 63 68 37
16 Aston Villa 42 15 7 20 54 64 37
17 Hull City 42 12 13 17 58 73 37
18 Derby County 42 13 10 19 71 78 36
19 Bristol City 42 13 10 19 48 62 36
20 Preston North End 42 12 11 19 43 65 35
21 Rotherham United 42 10 11 21 42 76 31
22 Plymouth Argyle 42 9 9 24 38 72 27

RESULTS
1-1 Away v Portsmouth 1967-08-19 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 1
2-0 Away v Bristol City 1967-08-22 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 2
2-0 Home v Norwich City 1967-08-26 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 3
3-1 Home v Bristol City 1967-08-29 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 4
3-1 Away v Rotherham United 1967-09-02 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 5
3-0 Home v Aston Villa 1967-09-05 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 6
0-1 Home v Derby County 1967-09-09 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 7
2-1 Home v Hull City 1967-09-12 Football League Cup, 1967/68, Round 2
2-0 Away v Preston North End 1967-09-16 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 8
2-1 Home v Charlton Athletic 1967-09-23 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 9
0-1 Away v Crystal Palace 1967-09-30 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 10
1-0 Home v Bolton Wanderers 1967-10-07 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 11
5-1 Home v Oxford United 1967-10-10 Football League Cup, 1967/68, Round 3
0-2 Away v Hull City 1967-10-14 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 12
3-1 Home v Millwall 1967-10-21 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 13
1-0 Away v Blackpool 1967-10-28 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 14
1-2 Home v Burnley 1967-10-31 Football League Cup, 1967/68, Round 4
1-3 Away v Carlisle United 1967-11-11 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 15
1-1 Home v Middlesbrough 1967-11-18 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 16
0-1 Away v Huddersfield Town 1967-11-25 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 17
1-0 Home v Ipswich Town 1967-12-02 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 18
0-2 Away v Birmingham City 1967-12-09 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 19
3-1 Home v Blackburn Rovers 1967-12-12 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 20
2-0 Home v Portsmouth 1967-12-16 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 21
0-0 Away v Norwich City 1967-12-23 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 22
1-0 Away v Plymouth Argyle 1967-12-26 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 23
4-1 Home v Plymouth Argyle 1967-12-30 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 24
6-0 Home v Rotherham United 1968-01-06 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 25
2-0 Home v Preston North End 1968-01-20 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 26
1-3 Home v Preston North End 1968-01-27 F.A. Cup, 1967/68, Round 3
3-3 Away v Charlton Athletic 1968-02-03 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 27
2-1 Home v Crystal Palace 1968-02-10 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 28
0-4 Away v Derby County 1968-02-17 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 29
1-1 Away v Bolton Wanderers 1968-02-24 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 30
1-1 Home v Hull City 1968-03-09 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 31
1-1 Away v Millwall 1968-03-16 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 32
2-0 Home v Blackpool 1968-03-23 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 33
1-0 Away v Blackburn Rovers 1968-03-30 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 34
1-0 Home v Carlisle United 1968-04-06 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 35
1-0 Home v Cardiff City 1968-04-12 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 36
1-3 Away v Middlesbrough 1968-04-13 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 37
0-1 Away v Cardiff City 1968-04-16 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 38
3-0 Home v Huddersfield Town 1968-04-20 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 39
2-2 Away v Ipswich Town 1968-04-27 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 40
2-0 Home v Birmingham City 1968-05-04 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 41
2-1 Away v Aston Villa 1968-05-11 2nd Division, 1967/68, Match 42
Statistics Source

QPR's 1967/1968 Statistics.
P W D L F A Home% Away% Total%
All League Matches 42 25 8 9 67 36 90.5% 47.6% 69.05%
F.A. Cup 1 0 0 1 1 3 0.0% - 0.00%
Football League Cup 3 2 0 1 8 4 66.7% - 66.67%
Home 25 20 2 3 54 16 84.0% - 84.00%
Away 21 7 6 8 22 27 - 47.6% 47.62%
August 4 3 1 0 8 2 100.0% 75.0% 87.50%
September 7 5 0 2 12 5 75.0% 66.7% 71.43%
October 6 4 0 2 11 6 75.0% 50.0% 66.67%
November 3 0 1 2 2 5 50.0% 0.0% 16.67%
December 7 5 1 1 11 4 100.0% 50.0% 78.57%
January 3 2 0 1 9 3 66.7% - 66.67%
February 4 1 2 1 6 9 100.0% 33.3% 50.00%
March 4 2 2 0 5 2 75.0% 75.0% 75.00%
April 6 3 1 2 8 6 100.0% 16.7% 58.33%
May 2 2 0 0 4 1 100.0% 100.0% 100.00%

Weekend Match 36 19 8 9 55 36 83.3% 44.4% 63.89%
Midweek Match 10 8 0 2 21 7 85.7% 66.7% 80.00%

Statistics


1948 - QPR's First Title and Promotion (1947-1948)

This year marks the Diamond Anniversary of QPR's First Title and Promotion: Sixty Years ago, the 1947/1948 came to a close and QPR won the Third Division South Championship and promotion to the Second Division for the first time in their history.

QPR's manager that season was Dave Magnall. In goal was Reg Allen (still with QPR before moving on to Man United.) QPR's top scorer with 25 goals was C Hatton followed by D Boxshall with 13. Most appearances: Playing in 47 of the 48 League and cup games: Ivor Powell (who's still active sixty years later.).

From QPR Official Site - A POTTED HISTORY OF QPR (1882-2008)
"...In 1945/46 QPR finished top of the League they were in. They also got through to the Fifth Round of the Cup - the only time it was played on a two-leg basis. In 1947/48 they reached the Sixth Round of the Cup before losing to Derby after a replay, and on 26th April 1948 won promotion for the first time to the Second Division.
QPR spent four years in the Second Division, before they were relegated back to Division Three in 1952. Dave Mangnall left the club and his place was taken by Jack Taylor. In 1953 the first floodlights were installed at Loftus Road at a cost of £5,000, the first floodlit match being against Arsenal on 5th October. In 1959 Alec Stock joined the club as a manager, and signed Brian Bedford from Bournemouth.... QPR

From The Official History of Queens Park Rangers by Gordon acey (2000 Edition)
"1947-1948. "...Rangers made two costly signings. They paid their record fee of £2,000 fo George Smith the Bentford centre-half and the same figure to Wolverhampton Wanderers for Fred Ramscar....
....By now the crowds were into the mid 20,000 range for each game ...the title belong to Rangers who had now won promotion for the first time in their history....
...The increased revenue enable the club to make a very important purchase, that of the freehold of the ground together with the thirty nine houses adjoining in Ellersie and Loftus Roads. The cost of £26,250 was met by the issue of shares, which due to the club's success was fully taken up...
Before the start of the [1948-1949] season, Rangers became the first British club to make an official trip to Turkey..." (pp 67-68)

Brief Video of QPR from that year: In the FA CUP that year: - QPR vs Derby Video
Pathe Description: "Start of the FA (Football Association) Cup 6th round football match between Queen's Park Rangers and Derby County. Ball goes out to Harrison. Bad pass. Powell kicks the ball forward. Goalkeeper of Derby County collects ball as Heath rushes in and clears up field. Various shots of the game. Hartburn scores for QPR. Crowd cheering. Throw-in. Close up shot of cheerful Charlie Chester. Billy Steele (Steel) shoots. Goalkeeper partially saves, but ball goes back to Steele who scores from rebound. Crowd cheering. Steele to Morrison, Morrison to Stamps. Centre to Steele, back to Jackie Stamps (Stamp) and Smith clears. Leuty beats Heath in the air, to Steele to Morrison. Powell tackles and slices across goal area. Carter shoot but goalkeeper Allen clears. Steele collects and dribbles forward. Forward pass. Various shots of the game. Final score Queen's Park Rangers 1, Derby County 1." Pathe -

STILL PHOTOS Stll Photo 1 Still Photo II - The Supporters 1 - The Supporters II

QPR's hoops in 1948 (as opposed to their first season after promotion: QPR's "hoops in 1949") (replaced by Hoops again)


DIVISION THREE SOUTH - 1947/1948

Pld W D L GF GA Pts
1 Queens Park Rangers 42 26 9 7 74 37 61
2 Bournemouth & Boscombe Athleti 42 24 9 9 76 35 57
3 Walsall 42 21 9 12 70 40 51
4 Ipswich Town 42 23 3 16 67 61 49
5 Swansea Town 42 18 12 12 70 52 48
6 Notts County 42 19 8 15 68 59 46
7 Bristol City 42 18 7 17 77 65 43
8 Port Vale 42 16 11 15 63 54 43
9 Southend United 42 15 13 14 51 58 43
10 Reading 42 15 11 16 56 58 41
11 Exeter City 42 15 11 16 55 63 41
12 Newport County 42 14 13 15 61 73 41
13 Crystal Palace 42 13 13 16 49 49 39
14 Northampton Town 42 14 11 17 58 72 39
15 Watford 42 14 10 18 57 79 38
16 Swindon Town 42 10 16 16 41 46 36
17 Leyton Orient 42 13 10 19 51 73 36
18 Torquay United 42 11 13 18 63 62 35
19 Aldershot 42 10 15 17 45 67 35
20 Bristol Rovers 42 13 8 21 71 75 34
21 Norwich City 42 13 8 21 61 76 34
22 Brighton & Hove Albion 42 11 12 19 43 73 43
Table

1947-1948 Results: QPR's 1947-1948 Results:

[Further Memories: If you have any memories of this season - or any links to material or photos from this season, please feel free to post or to email at QPRReport@hotmail.com

It's 25 Years - 1983 - since QPR last won a title - and promotion to the First Division, under Terry Venables - QPR's Last Title

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The QPR supporters Trust Group, QPR1st held its AGM last night. Of particular interest to many supporter is the meeting held by QPR Deputy Managing Director (and de facto, CEO) Ali Russell where the issue of season ticket pricing was heavily discussed.

"QPR1st AGM report - May 28, 2008
"The Supporters Trust AGM meeting took place on the 27th May at the White City Community Centre.A report from the evening can be viewed as a PDF file using the link below." QPR1st

The QPR1st AGM report can be read here

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QPR's new crest was officially unveiled at the club's last game of the season (WBA at Loftus Road). Fan reaction was mixed. Below a couple of other views:

Patrick Nathanson on European football - Telegraph Blog
Badges of honour -Posted by Patrick Nathanson on 28 May 2008
"A badge is not just a badge. It's a family heirloom." Or so says the Adidas advert for the new Liverpool shirt.
New look: The fesh face of the modern Queens Park Rangers
And for once I actually agree with the marketing men. The problem is that in the year 16 A.S. (anno Sky), clubs are changing their badges faster than Chelsea change managers. And it's almost always for the worst.
Take QPR. I have to disagree with my fellow blogger James Higgs - I think the arabesque twirls of the classy old-school design have been traded in for something that looks like a Hogwart's crest, hurriedly designed by a 13-year-old using Paint Shop.
I was half expecting the new motto to be 'Never tickle a sleeping dragon'.
Chelsea, Aston Villa, Arsenal, Bolton and Man City are amongst those clubs to have changed their emblem in recent years. The fools! Forget managers, championships and FA Cup triumphs, the badge is the true mirror of a club's soul and should not be tinkered with willy-nilly.
Millwall fans know the score, successfully lobbying to get the original rampant lion from the 'Lion Comic' re-sewn onto the shirt. Millwall aren't Millwall without the lion, just as the hammers are a crucial part of West Ham's identity and Luton aren't the same without the hat.
Join the campaign to save the endangered species that is the good old-fashioned club badge and send in your own favourites from around the world.
I've found some real beauties. Hats off to Napier City Rovers of New Zealand for their dolphin balancing on a ball.
Then there's the bizarre effort from the Cypriot side Apep Limassol featuring a dove flying through the air holding an envelope in its mouth.
But for me, top prize goes to Luxembourg's Avenir Beggen for the surreal image of a bearded leprechaun clambering over a giant football. Post


Telegraph/James Higgs - Considerably richer than you
"...The new logo is OK, I suppose, at least it's better than the horrible 80s one we've had for the last 20 years or so. What it looks like isn't the point; it's the symbolic nature of the change that's important. Like it or not, in order for us to reach the Premiership, and sustain membership of it, there have to be changes at every level of the club..."Post


Soccerlens/Ahmed Bilal Queens Park Rangers: New Crest
Queens Park Rangers launched their new club crest on Sunday, 4th May 2008, and is perhaps one of the best ‘redesigns’ done this summer.
Flavio Briatore, Chairman of QPR Holdings Ltd, said: “I am delighted with the design of the new crest, which maintains the Queens Park Rangers tradition of blue and white hoops. I know how important it is to the fans that the hoops remain, and that was always going to be the case.”

Briatore explained the rationale behind the new crest, adding: “This is a period of huge transformation at QPR.
“This new crest is stylish, thrilling and authentic and signifies the start of what we hope will become the most successful period in the Club’s history.”
Apart from the PR speak, the crest itself is quite striking although the one downside is the plain / ordinary way the club’s name is printed in the center - it takes the shine away from the rest of the crest.

New QPR Crest:

Old QPR Crest:

Soccerlens
http://shirts.soccerlens.com/queens-park-rangers-new-crest/363/

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Season tickets hike at Rangers sparks outrage
Paul Jiggins, Evening Standard

Fans' group calls for an inquiry into rising ticket costs

Half of London's professional football clubs have chosen to raise the price of season tickets, a Standard Sport investigation reveals today.

The biggest hike is at Queens Park Rangers but directors at Dagenham & Redbridge, Fulham, Millwall, Tottenham, Watford and West Ham have also sanctioned increases.

The moves come despite calls from the Government and supporters' groups for clubs to address the soaring cost of watching football.

While Premier League neighbours Chelsea have frozen their season-ticket prices, QPR have chosen to increase their rates by as much as 36 per cent.

The cost of QPR's most expensive adult season ticket has rocketed from £513 to £699, while the cheapest seat has shot up from £405 to £450.

The change of pricing policy follows this year's takeover by Flavio Briatore and fellow Formula One tycoon Bernie Ecclestone, and the subsequent investment by Indian steel billionaire Lakshmi Mittal. It has outraged many fans and some are pondering their football-supporting futures in W12.

Among them is salesman Mark Todd, 40, who has seen the season-ticket bill for himself and his young sons Lewis, eight, and Oliver, five, increase from £530 this season to £1,599.

Todd, from Bovingdon, Hertfordshire, told Standard Sport: "I have been a season-ticket holder in the South Africa Road stand upper tier for eight years.

"Last season I paid £460 for my ticket and £70 for Lewis's, while Oliver's was free as part of an FA initiative.

"But the club have decided to change the price structure for our part of the ground and call it the Platinum Area.

"That means if we want to continue sitting there, which we do, I'd have to fork out £699 for my ticket and £450 each for both of my boys.

"Rangers keep saying it's a 50 per cent increase, but in real terms to me it's a 200 per cent rise. I'm outraged and my boys are heartbroken. When I told them we wouldn't be able to get season tickets next year they both cried.

"How can you explain finances to eight and five-year-olds? My wife says we should just go ahead and pay the money but it's the principle of the thing. I'm disgusted with the way we've been treated."

But a QPR spokesman denied there had been a backlash from fans. He said: "Looking ahead to next season, it is the club's aim to achieve promotion to the Premier League, and as such, we have to generate further income to assist us in our pursuit of that goal.

"It is certainly not our intention to drive away loyal fans, but while the new owners have invested heavily in the squad as well as improving particular areas of Loftus Road stadium, the club itself must endeavour to run more cost-effectively."

Elsewhere in the capital, some crafty supporters are getting round the hike by sharing the cost of their yearly seat with a friend.

One Tottenham season-ticket holder, who asked not to be named, said: "My ticket has gone up from £708 to £775 and with the rising costs of my mortgage, petrol and food, the only way I can afford to renew is by going half each with my mate." Evening Standard


Evening Standard/Paul Jiggins 0 Fans' group calls for an inquiry into rising ticket costs

A leading fans' group today urged the Government to clamp down on the soaring cost of football season tickets.

The call comes as a Standard Sport investigation reveals that seven of London's 14 league clubs have raised prices for next season.

The increases, which are as high as 36 per cent at Queens Park Rangers, have outraged many supporters.

As a result, the national body which represents their interests want the Office of Fair Trading - the Government department for protecting consumers - to launch an investigation.

Steven Powell, director of policy and campaigns at the Football Supporters Federation, said: "There is no excuse at a time when the game is awash with money. I would be very happy to see an inquiry from the Office of Fair Trading into ticket pricing. It is about time this outrageous exploitation was stopped. It is an abuse of a dominant position in the market and not a necessity.

"In Germany, you can go and watch Schalke 04 - who were third in the Bundesliga - for 11 euros to stand and 15 euros for a seat. I am hacked off with our fans being treated as mugs by clubs. We have got two choices for our national game - either wake up in 10 years' time and ask why all the empty seats, or get a grip now."

Despite being bought by wealthy Formula One tycoons, Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone, a QPR spokesman today defended their price rises saying: "We have to generate further income."

Research by the BBC published yesterday revealed the cost of Premier League season tickets has risen by 7.2 per cent, more than twice the rate of consumer price inflation. Standard

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UPDATED: And a slightly different version in the Ealing Times, with a few additional players mentioned:

David McIntyre/Ealing Gazette- Harewood and Zamora top Dowie wish-list Rs also pursuing Spurs defender Gardner after cooling interest in Shittu

MARLON Harewood, Bobby Zamora and Tottenham defender Anthony Gardner have emerged as QPR's top targets, but the club are ready to abandon their attempt to bring Dan Shittu back to Loftus Road.

Rangers were this week planning to approach Aston Villa ahead of a possible bid for 28-year-old striker Harewood, who has started just one Premiership match since moving from West Ham for £4million last summer.

West Ham forward Zamora, 27, was earmarked as a potential signing some time ago and Rangers are stepping up their interest following the appointment of Iain Dowie as manager.

Dowie is an admirer of the former Tottenham man and would love to sign him if a deal can be thrashed out.

But the longstanding bid to re-sign Shittu from Watford is all but dead.

Watford seem be holding out for around £4million for the Nigerian international - far more than Rangers are willing to shell out and other clubs are targeting him.

Shittu, who left to join the Hornets in 2006, has been linked with Glasgow giants Rangers and Celtic and a number of Premier League clubs have shown an interest.

That now makes it highly unlikely Watford will be forced to settle for a price of around £2million, which the Rs were looking to pay.

The club are now looking elsewhere for a centre-back and Gardner, 26, is currently top of their list.

Gardner has been with Tottenham for eight-and-a-half years and won an England cap in 2004, but he has been plagued by injuries and is expected to leave White Hart Lane this summer. He ended the season on loan at Everton.

With three ambitious signings in mind, Rangers have a contingency plan should their pursuit come to nothing and a number of other players have been lined up, some of whom play abroad.

Those based in England include Blackpool's Latvian centre-back Kaspars Gorkss and Leicester defender Gareth McAuley.

Left-winger Wes Hoolahan, also of Blackpool, has attracted Rangers' interest but the club remain keen on Lee Cook and Plymouth's Peter Halmosi.

Highly-rated wide-man Halmosi has been a target since his fellow Hungarian Akos Buzsaky moved to west London from Plymouth last season.

Plymouth want £2.5million for him and Halmosi is wanted by several other clubs, although QPR still fancy their chances of capturing him.

But another Hungarian Plymouth player, Krisztian Timar, will not be signing. Like Halmosi, the commanding centre-back has been a longstanding target but Timar suffered a fractured forehead during Argyle's final-day match against Wolves and is expected to be sidelined for some time.

As for Cook, Rangers have temporarily ended discussions with Fulham having failed to agree a fee for his return.

Hampered by a knee injury since leaving W12 last year, Cook has not appeared in a competitive match for Fulham and although QPR want him back, they are unwilling to pay the £2.5million price they have been quoted until he proves his long-term fitness.

A season-long loan deal is now their aim but that will not be up for discussion until Fulham manager Roy Hodgson assesses his squad later in the summer.

The same applies with Martin Cranie, who is also wanted on loan if a deal for the England U21 defender's permanent signing from Portsmouth cannot be agreed.

That means Rangers must again wait, this time for Pompey boss Harry Redknapp to decide which players he wants for the new season.

In the meantime, QPR continue to be linked with a host of other players. They include striker Clinton Morrison, who played under Dowie at Crystal Palace, but for now, he is not a target.

Neither is Freddy Eastwood. Rangers did make enquires about the Wolves forward but have since cooled their interest and Dowie is keen to add more of a physical presence up front.

Rangers were at one stage very interested in Nathan Ellington but backed away after making enquires about the Watford striker, who looks set to join Derby. Ealing Gazette





QPR LATEST by DAVE MCINTYRE/Kilburn Times
Dowie chasing top fight trio
MARLON Harewood, Bobby Zamora and Tottenham defender Anthony Gardner have emerged as QPR's top targets, but the club are ready to abandon their attempt to bring Dan Shittu back to Loftus Road.
Rangers were this week planning to approach Aston Villa ahead of a possible bid for 28-year-old striker Harewood, who has started just one Premiership match since moving from West Ham for £4million last summer.
West Ham forward Zamora, 27, was earmarked as a potential signing some time ago and Rangers are stepping up their interest following the appointment of Iain Dowie as manager.
Dowie is an admirer of the former Tottenham man and would love to sign him if a deal can be thrashed out.
But the longstanding bid to re-sign Shittu from Watford is all but dead. Watford seem to be holding out for around £4million for the Nigeria international - far more than Rangers are willing to shell out - and other clubs are targeting him.
Shittu, who left to join the Hornets in 2006, has been linked with Glasgow giants Rangers and Celtic and a number of Premier League clubs are also interested.
That now makes it highly unlikely Watford will be forced to settle for a price of around £2million, which was what Rangers were looking to pay.
The club are now looking elsewhere for a centre-back and Gardner, 26, is currently top of their list.
Gardner has been with Tottenham for eight-and-a-half years and won an England cap in 2004, but he has been plagued by injuries and is expected to leave White Hart Lane this summer. He ended the season on loan at Everton.
With three ambitious signings in mind, Rangers have a contingency plan should their pursuit come to nothing and a number of other players have been lined up, some of whom play abroad.
Those based in England include Blackpool's Latvian centre-back Kaspars Gorkss and Leicester's Gareth McAuley.
Left-winger Wes Hoolahan, also of Blackpool, has attracted Rangers' interest but the club remain keen on Lee Cook and Plymouth's Peter Halmosi.
Highly-rated wide-man Halmosi has been a target since his fellow Hungarian Akos Buzsaky moved to west London from Plymouth last season.
Plymouth want £2.5million for him and Halmosi is wanted by several other clubs, although QPR still fancy their chances of capturing him.
As for Cook, Rangers have temporarily ended discussions with Fulham having failed to agree a fee for his return.
Hampered by a knee injury since leaving W12 last year, Cook has not appeared in a competitive match for Fulham and although QPR want him back, they are unwilling to pay the £2.5million price until he proves his long-term fitness.
A season-long loan deal is now Rangers' best chance of getting Cook back to Loftus Road. The same applies to Martin Cranie if a deal for the England Under-21 defender's permanent signing from Portsmouth cannot be agreed. Kilburn Times

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Mail - Clubs are treating fans like mugs with price rises, blasts fans' group. . . (even moneybags QPR put tickets up by a third)

Football fans hit by soaring season-ticket prices are being "exploited", says a fans' group.

The national body which represents their interests want the Office of Fair Trading - the Government department for protecting consumers - to launch an investigation.

How much? Chelsea fans look like they've just seen their season ticket bill for next season
Steven Powell, director of policy and campaigns at the Football Supporters Federation, said: "There is no excuse at a time when the game is awash with money. I would be very happy to see an inquiry from the Office of Fair Trading into ticket pricing.

"It is about time this outrageous exploitation was stopped. It is an abuse of a dominant position in the market and not a necessity.

"In Germany, you can go and watch Schalke 04 - who were third in the Bundesliga - for 11 euros to stand and 15 euros for a seat. I am hacked off with our fans being treated as mugs by clubs. We have got two choices for our national game - either wake up in 10 years' time and ask why all the empty seats, or get a grip now."

An investigation by the London Evening Standard shows that prices at Queens Park Rangers have risen by as much as 36 per cent.

The Loftus Road club were bought by wealthy Formula One tycoons, Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone, and a QPR spokesman has defended their price rises. "We have to generate further income," he said. Mail

Research by BBC Sport revealed the cost of Premier League season tickets has risen by 7.2 per cent, more than twice the rate of consumer price inflation.

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PFA's Give me Football - Interview with Gary Waddock

Gary Waddock is a busy man as Aldershot Town prepare for life back in the Football League after a 16-year absence. The Shots romped to the Blue Square Premier League title after being wound up with crippling debts and their records expunged in 1992. However, whilst supporters are celebrating the romance of another seemingly doomed club returning to the league just three years after Accrington Stanley's rise, Waddock is concentrating on building a new squad to keep momentum flowing at the Recreation Ground. And as givemefootball discovered, there is no rest for Waddock even as he embarks on his annual holiday.

Q WHAT IS THE LATEST SITUATION WITH THE CONTRACT SITUATION REGARDING PLAYERS' PLAYER OF THE YEAR NIKKI BULL?
AIt's been a bit difficult being away as it appears the situation has been changing from day to day. I did speak to Nikki last week by phone but that is never the same as talking face to face. But I haven't spoken to him since the announcement that no new contract had been agreed and he was leaving. I need to make sure it really is the case. Until he signs for another club, has the door really closed? I don't want to pass comment until there is news that he has signed for another club. I wanted Nikki to stay as he was outstanding for us last season. He's been an important part of the club and one of the major reasons we won promotion. But there has been speculation and rumours regarding Nikki's future for years. So I have already been trying to prepare in case he was to leave. [Note: Nikki Bull has now agreed a new Aldershot contract]

Q YOU HAVE ADDED PLAYERS TO YOUR SQUAD ALREADY HAVEN'T YOU?
A Dean Howell has good quality and is quick and athletic. He ticks the right boxes. I've known about Dean for some time. He is versatile and can play in left midfield or even on the left side of three centre backs. Chris Blackburn is a player I've had my eye on for a while. I watched him a fair bit at Morecambe the season before last, including when they won the play-off final. He then got his move to Swindon, so he's experienced but young too. Chris is a good footballer and will add healthy competition. He's a good passer of the ball but strong and aggressive as well. And he can lead too. He's not a ranter and a raver but he's a good organiser.


Q AREN'T YOU SUPPOSED TO BE ON HOLIDAY AT PRESENT?
A I know you do need a break but I'm not that type of guy. When the phone rings it might be the difference between gaining a good player or not. It's the same on Sundays in the season too, it's non-stop. I wouldn't want it any other way. I had a period after QPR when the phone didn't ring because I was out of work and I know it will stop again when I'm next out of work. That's the nature of it and we just have to make sure we keep developing and moving Aldershot forward and if that means being on the phone on holiday, so be it.


Q HOW DO YOU THINK THE SIDE WILL COPE IN LEAGUE TWO AS LAST YEAR'S CHAMPIONS DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE AVOIDED RELEGATION BY A WHISKER?
A This group of players, if we keep them together, there's great potential. I don't see any reason why we can't go into League Two and do well. We have to add to what we've got and bring in some more quality and tinker with the group. Let's just see where we are this time next year. There is loads of work to do at Aldershot and I'm committed to two years. The club and I have spoken regarding renewing my contract and Im waiting for the club to come back to me. But I'm not the concern; the players are the more important ones. Besides, while things didn't go right at QPR and they have here, I'm no different today than I was then. Does that make me a good or a bad manager? It's more that people thought I couldn't do it, now they think I can.


Q ARE YOU CONSCIOUS OF THE NEED TO BRING IN THE RIGHT PLAYERS TO MAINTAIN YOUR STRONG TEAM SPIRIT?
A The players may be young but they have their feet firmly on the ground. Everybody could sense that this year. They never got carried away; they never spoke of winning promotion or being champions. They just got on with the job in hand. If it was another group, it might have been different. You can't do well, we can't be celebrating come December. You have to move on. The players who haven't been offered new deals were upset and weren't happy, but that is part of my job. I have to do that. All the players are good ones and have played their part. It is a difficult side of the job. Everybody knows the type of players I like, but if I'm after one player, then there will be other managers after that player too. Hence the need never to miss a phone call.


Q WERE YOU EXPECTING PROMOTION SO SOON AT ALDERSHOT AFTER A DIFFICULT SPELL IN CHARGE AT QUEENS PARK RANGERS?
A QPR was a valuable learning experience for me. I've always wanted to be a manager and I really wanted it to work at QPR as it was my club and had been a large part of my life. Unfortunately, it didnt work out. But it didn't put me off being a manager. I just wanted an opportunity to show that I could do it and Aldershot gave me the chance and I thank them for that. It's worked extremely well but it could have backfired, massively. If it had, what would I be doing now? I just don't know. But I think if Aldershot had gone wrong, I might be looking at another career.
PFA

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The Fanzine awards winners have been announced. Congratulations again to AKUTRs for best Championship Fanzine And nice praise for AKUTRs on the QPR Official Site - especially in light of past "issues" between the club and the magazine! See also: More re AKUTRs

The winners are: Fanzine Winners. To view the other finalists in the various categories

In the blog category: No. QPR Report didn't win best blog! That award went to Liverpool's Kopblog. [The other blog "finalists" can be viewed here.]


Fanzine Awards - The Winners
The winning fanzines in the ‘The New Football Pools Fanzine Awards 2008’ powered by the Football Fans Census.
Over 6,000 fans voted in the Awards and comments from the judges, are as follows:

Best Overall Fanzine – ‘A Love Supreme’ – Sunderland AFC
A high standard of design and writing, combined with exceptional levels of fan participation made ‘A Love Supreme’ a hit with the fans and judges. Original, amusing and packed with content, it fully deserves its accolade as the best football fanzine in Britain.

Best Premier League Fanzine – ‘A Love Supreme’ – Sunderland AFC
Short listed in four separate categories and receiving more nominations than any other publication, Sunderland deservedly came first in the Premier League – not a phrase you often hear.

Best Championship Fanzine – ‘A Kick Up The R’s’ – Queens Park Rangers FC
The QPR fanzine took the plaudits in the Championship, praised by the judges for its design and overall presentation, the fanzine provides a terrific read for any football fan.

Best League One Fanzine – ‘Monkey Business’ – Hartlepool United FC‘Monkey Business’ impressed with its unique brand of comedy. The first edition was published back in 1989, with letters, articles, jokes and fan photos making it a very amusing read. It’s very much a fanzine written for the love of football and for those who religiously follow the Pool week in, week out.

Best League Two Fanzine – ‘The City Gent’ – Bradford City FC‘The City Gent’ has now been running for over 20 years, oozes quality and is quite possibly the oldest active fanzine in Britain. Well-written, it contains some excellent articles and is a smart, well-presented fanzine which lives up to its name – a true city gent!

Best Non-League Fanzine – ‘We’re Not Playing on THAT pitch’ – Silsden AFC‘We’re Not Playing On THAT Pitch’ touched the judges with it’s positive approach to its club. Witty, informative and generous in spirit, it encapsulates much of what is good about the beautiful game.

Best League SPL Fanzine – ‘Follow Follow’ on Footymad – Rangers FC
The site received the highest number of nominations from fans of SPL clubs - scoring over 50% of fans nominations in this category.

Best Editor – Jonathan Fear, editor of Vital Villa – Aston Villa FC
Well respected and admired by Villa fans, Jonathan Fear, editor of Vital Villa, is described by his editorial team as ‘fun’, ‘witty’ and ‘having that rare ability to poke fun at the club he loves and at himself’. Judges were particularly impressed by the contribution he has made in improving the relationship between the fans and the club.

Best Writer – Mickey Blue Eyes, writer for Blue Kipper – Everton FC
Michael Durkin or ‘Mickey Blue Eyes’ as he is affectionately known, writes for popular Everton fanzine ‘Blue Kipper’. His original, humorous and personal style of writing, coupled with his articulate approach, earned him the biggest vote from the fans.

Best Blog – Kopblog – Liverpool FC
Another accolade for Merseyside - Kopblog received the most nominations in this award category. Frequently updated with news, match previews, well written articles and reports, Kopblog is a passionate take on the life and times of Liverpool FC.

Each category winner has received a special engraved trophy
Football Fanzine Awards

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Update: Good News About Martin Rowlands. New Scunthorpe deal for Ian Barraclough....Nikki Bull changes his mind and decides to stay with Gary Waddock's Aldershot (just a couple of days after Aldershot Chairman said Bull was going)...International Call up for Richard Langley


QPR Official Site - TALKING WOUNDED
Skipper Martin Rowlands is likely to be fit for the start of the R's pre-season campaign at the end of June.
The 29 year-old was withdrawn from the Republic of Ireland squad last week owing to an ankle injury sustained at their training camp in Portugal, but the scan results were far more positive than previously envisaged, as QPR Head Physio Paul Hunter explained.
"The scan results have shown that Martin sustained a sprained ankle ligament injury," Hunter told www.qpr.co.uk.
"He'll undergo treatment in the coming days, but considering the type of injury he sustained, the results from the scan are as good as we could have expected."
Ironically, Rowlands will miss the first three matches of the 2008/09 campaign, owing to his dismissal against West Bromwich Albion in the R's 2-0 defeat on the final day of the season. QPR


SCUNTHORPE OFFICIAL SITE - BARACLOUGH AGREES NEW DEAL
Ian Baraclough is now the club's first-team coach after agreeing a new one-year contract to stay at Glanford Park.
The deal also has a pay-as-you-play option, but the 37-year-old will focus more on his off-field duties next season.
Andy Crosby will remain as assistant to Nigel Adkins, while Kevin Pressman will also stay as goalkeeping coach.
Baraclough has been with the club since June 2004, and has seen plenty of activity while at Glanford Park - experiencing two promotions and a relegation.
He was a key performer in his first year, forming an excellent midfield double-act with Richard Kell which helped Scunthorpe on their way to a second-place finish, and promotion from League Two.
The next campaign was all about consolidation for the club, and the player - who signed from Notts County - was a key performer, using his vast experience to help Scunthorpe to a safe mid-table finish in the higher league.
The following season was perhaps the highlight though, as not only did he play an important role on the field, but formed part of a new management team alongside Crosby and former physio Adkins following the departure of Brian Laws and Russ Wilcox to Sheffield Wednesday.
Scunthorpe romped to the League One title and had the chance to enjoy Championship football for the first time in 43 years.
He wasn't involved as much as before on the pitch this year, with injuries and a greater focus on off-field duties combining, but was more than reliable when called upon. He found himself playing in central midfield, at centre-back, and in the left-back spot at stages when certain players weren't available. Scunthorpe


BBC - Bull signs new deal after U-turn
Aldershot keeper Nikki Bull has signed a new two-year contract with the club - after saying he would leave last week.
The out-of-contract 26-year-old had turned down a new deal after a season which saw him named player of the year as they won the Blue Square Premier.
Shots chairman John McGinty told BBC Southern Counties Radio: "He's happy and I'm ecstatic about it - my patience has won the day.
"I didn't get everything I wanted - Nikki didn't, but I am delighted."
Shots captain Rhys Day has also agreed to a new one-year contract, while forward Junior Mendes has signed a six-month deal. BBC


Jamaica Observer/Howard Walker - Williamson, Ford among UK-based Boyz arriving yesterday
English-based Reggae Boyz from left Deon Burton, Lee Williamson, Simon Ford, Marlon King and Richard Langley, as they arrived at the Norman Manley International Airport yesterday. (Photos: Naphtali Junior)
New Reggae Boyz Lee Williamson and Simon Ford arrived in Jamaica virtually unknown as they walked through the arrival tunnel.... Jamal Campbell-Ryce and the recalled Richard Langley are the other two players that arrived to join the 29-member Jamaican squad as they prepare for three international friendlies and two World Cup qualifying games....
Richard Langley, 28, who plays for Luton Town, first represented the Reggae Boyz against Nigeria in a friendly international played in London in May 2002.
"I am excited to get back in the team and play international football again. I was injured during the last World Cup qualifying games," said Langley.
"I want to play in this World Cup campaign and hope we progress to South Africa."
Langley has scored approximately 30 goals from over 350 appearances, but he couldn't kelp Luton from being relegated this season.
"It has not been a good season. I was injured and I have been back for the last three months now and I will be looking to increase my fitness. I hope things can finish on a high which would be good for Jamaica," said Langley.
The six players will join the training squad at the Grand Lido Braco Resort in Trelawny, as they begin preparation for a series of friendly international games starting with St Vincent and the Grenadines on June 3.
That will be followed by games against Trinidad and Tobago on June 7 and Grenada on June 10 before hosting World Cup qualifiers against the Bahamas in Jamaica on June 15 and 18. Jamaica Observer

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Oxford Mail: -UNITED: QPR clash highlights need
Oxford United's need to buy the Kassam Stadium was highlighted by the booking clash which has forced them to cancel a potential pre-season clash with Queens Park Rangers.
The U's had pencilled in July 19 to take on the Coca-Cola Championship outfit, but have had to alter their plans because the Kassam Stadium is needed for another event that day - a wedding.
United secretary Mick Brown said: "It was just unfortunate that QPR released the date before we had firmed it up.
"We thought we could work around it, but we couldn't."
Rachel Harwood, of the Kassam Stadium, said: "Oxford United can have up to four dates outside of the season for friendlies, but need to ask us about them first.
"The first we knew of this one was when it had been publicised.
"We asked the bride if she would switch the reception or share the facilities, but understandably she said no." Oxford Mail

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And further Transfer Gossip:
Belfast Telegraph/Stuart McKinley - May 27 - Dowie and Magilton in battle to sign McAuley
Former Northern Ireland team-mates Iain Dowie and Jim Magilton are locked in a battle over a member of the current international squad.
The pair – who were also colleagues at Southampton during their playing days – have both placed defender Gareth McAuley at the top of their summer shopping list.
McAuley looks certain to leave Leicester City after their relegation into League One, with a number of clubs chasing his signature.
Interested parties, however, are likely to have to part with around £1.5 million for the Larne man and that will give the Foxes a handsome profit after siging him on a free transfer from Lincoln City just two years ago.
Dowie, who took over as manager of Queens Park Rangers shortly after the season finished, wants to make McAuley one of his first signings as he aims to mount a challenge for at least a play-off place in the Championship next season.
He has been given the remit of taking the Loftus Road outfit into the promised land of the Premier League and Dowie has set himself a target of getting there within the term of the two-year contract he signed when appointed.
He is believed to see McAuley as the kind of player he needs to add steel to his defence after finishing mid-table.
Ipswich Town manager Magilton chased McAuley during the January transfer window as he tried to beef up his squad for what turned out to be an unsuccessful fight for a play-off place.
New owner Marcus Evans wants to see an improvement next time around and he is prepared to invest in the players that the manager wants.
Twice at the start of the year Magilton had offers for McAuley rejected and he is currently weighing up a fresh bid for the player in the hope that he will be on-board by the time the Tractor Boys arrive in Northern Ireland for a three-match pre-season venture in mid-July.
Any move from QPR may be on hold though after Dowie’s mother Ann died at the age of 71 at the weekend after a long-term illness.
She was well known to Northern Ireland fans at Windsor Park having been a regular attender at matches when Iain led the attack.
Leicester will hold out for as big a fee as possible for McAuley as they are aware that there is plenty of interest from around the Championship..." Belafst Telegraph

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Two forthcoming Fan-Club Meetings:

The QPR group, QPR1st is holding its annual AGM tonight. Scheduled to appear is QPR's Deputy Managing Director (Defacto CEO) Ali Russell.

And it's reported on a couple of fan messageboards that in response to a joint fans group letter to the club re season ticket prices, Ali Russell will meet with representatives of these groups, May 31.

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Six years ago today, May 27, 2002: QPR Exited
Administration - and entered the era of the ABC Loan, with fans wondering why the club had left Administration with a ten million pound debt. Not to mention, fans wondering exactly WHO was behind the ABC Loan. Over the past couple of years especially, there were been repeated reports and statements that QPR were set to refinance this loan at a lower rate than the current 10% (which in theory, could go even higher). Only with the takeover last year, did it appear that things were going up the upswing.

BBC Monday, 27 May, 2002 - Survival boost for QPR
By David McIntyre
BBC Sport - Second Division QPR have been taken out of administration.
The administration order was lifted following a hearing at the High Court on Monday.
Former chairman Chris Wright took a substantial write-off on his loans and handed back a large part of his shareholding in the club a few weeks ago.
We have faced some javascript:void(0)tough decisions and learned some hard lessons
David Davies QPR chief executive
His decision helped enable the repayment of debts to all the Loftus Road club's creditors.
Loftus Road chief executive David Davies said in a statement: "This is wonderful news and the conclusion of one of the darkest periods in our history.
"We have faced some tough decisions and learned some hard lessons.
"These are lessons which many clubs are now having to learn.
"We will come out of this experience in a much stronger position.
Wright retains stake
"Gone are the days when players will be paid excessive wages.
"When we first went into administration, QPR was highlighted as being run on the economics of a madhouse.
"What we have done is bring some sanity to the club."
Wright, the main creditor as well as owner, agreed to accept half of the £6.7m he was owed.
But he has retained a 25% stake in the company as well as ownership of the club's training ground.
Rangers failed to get out of the First Division despite a massive investment resulting from a floatation in the summer of 1996.
They were hard hit the money from 'parachute' payments given to relegated clubs ran out.
With a wage bill already far too big for the First Division the club dropped into Division Two last year and in April 2001 administrators BDO Stoy Hayward were called in.
Transfer embargo lifted
But as many clubs struggle following the collapse of ITV Digital, QPR find themselves in a strong position.
They have not budgeted for television money and have slashed their wage bill.
It has been an awful period for QPR but I'm calling us 'the orange club', because the future is bright
Ian Holloway
QPR manager
Current manager Ian Holloway also has highly-rated players in his squad such as Richard Langley, Clarke Carlisle, Terrell Forbes and Dan Shittu.
Holloway said: "QPR were the first into the tunnel and are coming out of it just as everyone else is going in.
"There must be a lot of worried clubs but we have learned hard lessons and now we are on solid ground at last.
"It has been an awful period for QPR but I'm calling us 'the orange club', because the future is bright."
Holloway will now be looking to add to his squad having been restricted by a transfer embargo, which will be lifted with immediate effect after the club was taken out of administration. BBC

Bucks Free Press - May 31, 2002 On QPR Out of Administration.
QPR on road to cash recovery QPR or to be strictly accurate, parent company Loftus Road plc are out of administration following a High Court ruling on Monday.
The plc and QPR went into administration in April 2001, but following a refinancing package finalised by the directors last week, the company has been able to pay off its creditors.
Chief executive David Davies said: "This is wonderful news and the conclusion of one of the darkest periods of our history. Having the administration order lifted marks the end of more than a year of tough financial decisions and hard work.
"This would not have been possible were it not for the commitment of coaches, players and backroom staff and the hard work of our administrators."
Mr Davies said, however, that one of the major factors in pulling the club back from the brink had been the supporters: "None it would have been possible without the support of the QPR fans. After seeing the club placed in administration, relegated and then lose more than half of our squad, they stuck by us in record numbers and continue to do so."
He went on to say that he felt the hard lessons learned would benefit the club in the future - "gone are the days when players will be paid excessive wages" - at a time when many clubs are on the verge of calling in the administrators. In the past, QPR had been highlighted as being run "on the economics of the madhouse."
But Mr Davies warned that although coming out of administration was a major step forward, much remained to be done on and off the field, although he was optimistic that the hard work of manager Ian Holloway and others would bear fruit.
"We don't suddenly have a magic wand to wave and make everything better. We are not suddenly flush with cash. With hard work and passion, we will improve this club but by bit and season by season.
"Ian Holloway has restored pride to the team and brought together a hungry and talented bunch of players. With the handcuffs of administration finally removed, we can start to build a solid future for QPR." Bucks Free Press

See Past QPR Reports compilations re ABC Loan:

October 27, 2006 - QPR's ABC Loan: What's Known

QPR Statement re Blitz Loan, ABC Refinancing

July 05, 2006 - QPR's Ongoing 10% per-annum ABC Loan & QPR's Efforts to Deal with it

April 14, 2006 - ABC, QPR & Derby County - Looking Back

April 18, 2007 - Approaching the Five Year Mark Since QPR's ABC Loan

Almost Five Years Since QPR's ABC Loan, Exit Administration and Takeover Efforts Ended

See Also:
QPR1st - May 2002
Clubs in Crisis - QPR
Old LSA News
Boardroom Blues

BBC - May 30, 2002 - Blackburn takes charge at QPR
Nick Blackburn has been installed as the new chairman of QPR, following the club's exit from administration last week.
Blackburn was vice-chairman to Chris Wright, and then acting chairman following Wright's resignation last year.
Rangers chief executive David Davies had been strongly tipped to take on the role of chairman, having helped steer the club through its crisis period.
However, Davies will be staying in his current job, while director Ross Jones has taken over as chairman of parent company Loftus Road plc. BBC|


Twenty Six Years Ago: The Cup Final Replay:
Twenty-six Years ago today May 27, 1982: Spurs won the FA Cup 1-0 over QPR in the FA Cup Final Replay at Wembley.
Despite having Captain Glen Roeder suspended; brilliant striker Clive Allen injured; and star Defender Steve Wicks cup tied. Despite being an early goal down to a Glenn Hoddle penalty...STILL QPR deserved to win the FA Cup replay against Spurs at Wembley on May 27th 1982...But bottom line: Spurs beat QPR 1-0.
Hucker
Neil Fenwick Hazell Gillard
Gregory Waddock Currie Flanagan
Mickelwhite Stainrod
Sub: Burke

See: QPR Report re FA Cup Final
Also: Wikipedia on 1982 FA Cup Final

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The article notes he collaborated on a book with Alan Comfort (who also was a one-time QPR winger).

The Times/Tom Dart May 27, 2008 - Gavin Peacock departs for religious journey
The end of Euro 2008 will mark the beginning of a new life for Gavin Peacock. The BBC pundit and former Chelsea and Newcastle United midfield player is moving to Canada to study religion in preparation for a career in the church.
After finishing work at the tournament in Austria and Switzerland next month, the 40-year-old will emigrate with his wife and two children to Calgary in July to begin a three-year Masters course in Divinity at Ambrose Seminary, a leading theological college. Peacock will become a pastor, vicar or minister, depending on which denomination he chooses to follow.
Peacock is a frequent visitor to Canada and has said that he finds the Rocky Mountains to be a deeply spiritual place. Since last September, he has studied for a BA in Theology at Ridley Hall, a college in Cambridge that trains future ministers.
The pundit has been a Christian since the age of 19, when he was with Queens Park Rangers, and hosted a Bible study group for footballers. A frequent speaker at church events, he has preached at his Anglican church in Kent and this year he has combined his football broadcasting duties with presenting Songs of Praise.
Peacock’s faith is far from unusual in football — a number of prominent players are Christians, such as Jermain Defoe and Linvoy Primus, of Portsmouth. Kaká, the AC Milan playmaker, has made no secret of his beliefs. After Milan’s Champions League final victory over Liverpool last year, he unveiled a vest emblazoned with the words “I belong to Jesus”.
In 1994, the year that Peacock famously hit the bar as Chelsea lost to Manchester United in the FA Cup Final, he collaborated on a book — Never Walk Alone — with Alan Comfort, a winger-turned-reverend who is club chaplain at Leyton Orient. The Times


Telegraph - Gavin Peacock departs for religious journey
Gavin Peacock will quit his role as a football pundit with the BBC to pursue a career in the church at the conclusion to this summer's Euro 2008 finals.
The former Chelsea and Newcastle midfielder is emigrating to Canada later this year to begin a three-year Masters course in Divinity at Ambrose Seminary.
The 40-year-old will then decide whether to become a pastor, vicar or minister at the end of his studies.
Since last September Peacock has been studying for a BA in Theology at a college in Cambridge.
The TV pundit, who is a regular on Football Focus and Match of the Day 2, has been a Christian since he was 19 and has combined his religious studies during his footballing career.
While at QPR, Peacock hosted a Bible study group for footballers. More recently he combined his punditry duties with hosting Songs of Praise.
Peacock, however, has decided to begin a new life away from football at the end of Euro 2008 to dedicate more of his time to the church.
After working on the championship in Austria and Switzerland, Peacock, his wife and two children will move to Calgary in July.
Peacock's dedication to his faith is nothing unusual in football. There are plenty of Premier League players who have said that faith has played a part in their careers, including Middlesbrough's George Boateng and Portsmouth's Jermain Defoe.
AC Milan playmaker Kaka, meanwhile, has openly admitted he wants to become a priest when he retires.
After Milan's Champions League final success over Liverpool last year, he unveiled a vest will the words "I belong to Jesus".
Kaka said he become deeply religious when he was 12 and it was strengthened in October 2000 when he slipped on a swimming pool slide and broke a vertebrae.
"The doctors said that I was lucky to be able to walk normally," he said.
"They were talking about luck and my family was talking about God. We knew that it was His hand that had saved me." Telegraph



TRANSFER GOSSIP
BBC Gossip - Norwich are leading the race to sign Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford but Ipswich, QPR and Reading are also interested. (Daily Star)" BBC

Various rumours about QPR/Crystal Palace's Clint Morrison:
From a couple of days ago: Ealing Times - Simon Mail - Morrison linked with QPR switch
Clinton Morrison could be set for a move to Queens Park Rangers after turning down a new contract.
The Crystal Palace striker can leave on a free transfer this summer and would be tempted by a move across London to link up with old boss Iain Dowie again.
Dowie brought Morrison back to Selhurst Park in 2005 and a striker is likely to be at the top of his shopping list this summer.
Reading are also thought to be leading the chase for the Republic of Ireland striker. Ealing Times

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As was noted earlier on QPR Report, it was suggested earlier today in The Mail that Indian billionaire Vijay Mallya was the latest to become involved with QPR: "Indian Formula One high roller joins Ecclestone and Briatore's party at Queens Park Rangers...Vijay Mallya, the Indian Kingfisher lager and airline mogul, paid into the QPR pot, according to insiders in his Force India F1 team...." Mail.

Nothing's been announced by the club or reported elsewhere, so remains to be see how accurate the Mail account is. By chance, this article in Tuesday's Metro focuses on Flavior Briatore and Vijay Mallya in a rather gossipy way!


Tuesday Metro.co.uk - Posted by Adam Hay-Nicholls
"Life in the Fast Lane - F! Inside Gossip" compares Flavior Briatore and Vijay Mallya

King of Bling
We're in Monaco, the playground of the rich and famous. But just who is Formula One's biggest spender? If a man is judged by the size of his assets, then Force India owner Dr Vijay Mallya and Renault boss Flavio Briatore are extraordinarily well endowed. But who has the most toys?

BUSINESS

VIJAY:
Industrialist Vijay’s empire is founded on alcohol, which is why he’s known as the King of Good Times in India. Vijay’s run the firm, which is responsible for Kingfisher beer, Whyte & Mackay whisky and Pinky vodka, since his father’s death in 1983 and now it’s the world’s third largest distiller and the biggest brewer in India.

Kingfisher Airlines is the largest carrier in India, making 218 flights a day. Vijay has plans to go global and in August this year will commence routes to the USA. He’s got five Airbus A380s on order. The fleet is currently at 39 but that’s set to jump to 164 Airbus planes by 2010.

The group also owns India’s second largest pharmaceutical company, Aventis Pharma, which makes prescription drugs and vaccines.

Vijay’s a burgeoning media baron, having bought a share in The Asian Age newspaper and taken over film magazine CineBlitz. And his love of cinema has seen him produce a couple of Bollywood movies – The Forest and the critically acclaimed Dance Like A Man.

BLING SCORE: 4/5
The drinks are always free for Vijay, and owning an airline has made him the Branson of Bangalore. There’s talk of a Bollywood F1 movie – will Vijay be at the helm? Just think how bling an Oscar would look on the mantelpiece.

FLAVIO:
It’s difficult to find greater nouveau riche sparkle than in Sardinia’s Porto Cervo where Flavio is treated as a deity, largely so the party set can get around the 45 Euro cover charge of his Billionaire nightclub. Once there, though, they can easily spend up to 12,000 Euros just on dinner. If you’re not beautiful you’re not getting in. And if you don’t pose for a photo with Flav’s fiancée you get chucked out, as Bruce Willis discovered.

There are plans to open a members-only sister club in London’s Pall Mall, but there have been some licensing headaches. This weekend the Billionaire club has touched down at Monte Carlo’s Fairmont Hotel. Entry is 100 Euros, and that entitles you to one drink.

In addition, Flavio owns the expansive Twiga Beach Club in Tuscany. Here, you’re presented with a cordless phone as you head to your sun lounger, so as you don’t need to catch a waiter’s eye to order a drink. He also owns an uber-luxurious spa hotel in Kenya, but we’ll come back to that later.

Then there’s Cipriani, an Italian restaurant in London’s Mayfair and a favourite of celebrity diners including Madonna who, according to tabloids, sometimes rows with her husband there.

Having sold high street threads for Benetton in the 1980s, Flavio has stepped up a gear and is now in the business of haute couture. Billionaire Couture fans include David Beckham and P Diddy, whose chosen Agnelli-style watch-cuff shirt is known as the ‘Cuff Daddy’.

Flavio also had a major stake in pharmaceuticals company Pierrel, a premier chemist for local anesthetics and industry research, but recently sold his shares. The company generated a 25.7 million Euro profit in 2007, a 90 percent year-on-year increase.

BLING SCORE: 4.5/5
By ditching the profitable but unglamorous pharmaceuticals division, Flav’s bling score goes up – now his entire portfolio is about living well and having a good time. A playboy in the boardroom as well as the bedroom. Not nearly as high-grossing as Vijay’s interests, though.

SPORTS

VIJAY:
The acquisition of Spyker F1 has been, to date, Vijay’s boldest move into sport. In addition, he’s passionate about the most traditional form of horsepower. He purchased his first race horse, Danish Lad, when he was 21 and subsequently purchased the historic Kunigal stud farm, the oldest in India. The company, United Racing and Bloodstock Breeders, have some of the best trainers, jockeys and animals in the world. Vijay is the only owner to win the Indian Derby more than four times.

The Bangalore Royal Challengers cricket team is named after one of UB’s liquor brands and was purchased by Vijay earlier this year for US$111.6 million.

And while, unlike Flavio, he doesn’t own a soccer team, he does get a greater choice of managers’ boxes given Kingfisher sponsor both East Bengal and Mohun Bagon. Both teams are from Calcutta and are fierce rivals. East Bengal’s homeground is the biggest stadium in Asia.

BLING SCORE: 5/5
How do you get more bling that owning an F1 team? You can’t. The only others in the private members club are Frank/Patrick and Dietrich/Gerhard. What’s more, his football teams give his business a major presence in India and if Force India is half as successful as United Racing they’ll be winners.

FLAVIO:
Briatore is now even bigger news in the back pages of British newspapers following his investment in Queens Park Rangers football club. He and Bernie Ecclestone masterminded a £14 million takeover, and then invited Lakshmi Mittal, the fourth richest person in the world, to climb into bed with them. With massive financial clout, many observers expect a spending spree on top name players and are already drawing comparisons to Chelsea FC, the playground of another billionaire.

Since Bernie and Flav took over last August the team has risen from the bottom of the Championship League to mid-table. The Premiership can’t be far away, and when that happens the club’s value will rise massively.

Makes you wonder where he finds the time to run the Renault team.

BLING SCORE: 3.5/5
Unlike Vijay, Flavio doesn’t own his F1 team – he’s merely a well-paid employee, but maintaining that position does his other brands no harm as they benefit from F1 association. Now that he’s sold his stake in GP2 his biggest personal investment is QPR, and his goal is to reach the heights of Abramovich.

HOMES

VIJAY:
Estimates put Vijay’s total property tally at up to 42 homes. These include his main bases in Sausalito near San Francisco, and London, pads in Monte Carlo, Singapore, South Africa, homes in every major city in India, a palatial beach retreat in Goa, an apartment in New York’s Trump Plaza, and a castle in Scotland.

BLING SCORE: 5/5
How do you top that?

FLAVIO:
Briatore prefers to keep his homes to just a couple, and then rely on the presidential suites of Park Hyatt, his preferred hotelier.

Right now, Flav is camped out in a modestly-sized penthouse apartment overlooking the Thames on London’s Cheyne Walk, while he has his large Chelsea house renovated, just around the corner.

Then there’s the Lion In The Sun, his magnificent Kenyan getaway, which is made up of 20 villas, a huge pool and a world-class spa. Originally this was a private place for Flavio and his friends, but now he’s running it as a business. Rooms are available from a very reasonable 200 Euros. Last month Bono booked out the whole hotel.

BLING SCORE: 3/5
Flavio’s property portfolio is very modest for a man with eight figures in the bank, and loses some bling points by allowing paying guests to stay at his Malindi retreat. Then again, give him a bonus for getting the A-list to pay for something.

TOYS

VIJAY:
His flagship yacht, the Indian Empress, is the 15th biggest in the world and was purchased from the Saudi royals. The connoisseur will overlook the 95m length, the monogrammed bed sheets and twin Mercedes stashed on board and concentrate on the art – Dali, Renoir, Chagall and Picasso steal the limelight from the ocean view.

In addition, there’s the Indian Princess, a slightly smaller gin palace, and a new 125m berth on order which will be one of the top five biggest yachts ever built. Vijay takes delivery in 2010.

Then there’s the Kalizma, a 50m Edwardian yacht once owned by Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor.

As well as the art, there are the antiquities – he owns a number of significant artifacts including Tipu Sultan’s sword that was used to fight the British in 1799. Vijay paid £175,000 for it and returned it to India, after it had been seized by British forces 200 years earlier.

To keep up with Vijay you’ll need not one but four private jets. He’s got a Gulfstream, a Hawker, a Boeing 727 and an Airbus which is so loaded with luxurious materials and state-of-the-art toys that it took a year to outfit.

Now for the cars: He’s got about 260 of them! They are stored across ten countries and include a very valuable 1913 Rolls Royce low-slung Silver Ghost, the 1926 Sunbeam Tiger land speed record car, and a bunch of F1 cars from the 1970s which Vijay likes to drive at Sears Point. He also owns a Hummer bicycle and a Rolls Royce garbage truck.

BLING SCORE: 5/5
The toy story by which all other billionaires should be judged.

FLAVIO:
The 68.2m Force Blue is a former ice breaker that has been refitted at vast expense. It features 12 ultra-luxurious cabin suites and its own spa with vapor showers, Turkish bath and gym. It’s currently the 91st largest yacht in the world and has several recreational craft on board as well as a supremely elegant tender.

Flav manages to pack so much into his life thanks to a silver Lear Jet.

He prefers to be chauffeured rather than drive himself in either his Maybach, a classic Bentley or his company car, an Infiniti 4x4.

BLING SCORE: 3/5
Some smart toys there, no doubt, but a lackluster garage for a motor racing chief and in Vijay’s company he’ll have to try harder.

CLOTHES AND JEWELLERY

VIJAY:
He favours clothes from Armani, Lanvin and Ralph Lauren but it’s his jewellery that’s most impressive. Vijay is always adorned by weighty gold bangles and huge diamond earrings. He also owns a knuckleduster encrusted with precious stones.

BLING SCORE: 5/5
Even his underwear draw sparkles.

FLAVIO:
Think that’s team issue kit he’s wearing? You’re wrong, those Renault shirts are custom made by Flav’s personal tailor Angelo Galasso. His entire wardrobe is fitted and personalized. He wears a black diamond around his neck. On his left wrist is a silver bracelet given to him by Mohammed al-Fayed. On his right is a gold-platted bangle given to him by a girlfriend, and a mysterious red cloth band he acquired from a girl in Brazil.

BLING SCORE: 4/5
The link between the pitlane and the catwalk.

CIRCLE OF FRIENDS

VIJAY:
An icon in India, Vijay is mates with all of Bollywood’s biggest stars. Now with a global presence thanks to F1, he’s picking up new friends everywhere he goes. Jay-Z is on the Indian Empress more often than Vijay is! This weekend he entertained Lance Armstrong and Kate Hudson. He’s on his second marriage and has three children. But to promote his aspirational brand he travels the world with the Kingfisher calendar girls.

BLING SCORE: 3/5
With two massive parties planned aboard the Indian Empress this weekend, he’ll have made many more celebrity pals by Monday.

FLAVIO:
Flavio is one of the world’s best connected men, thanks in no small part to his relationships with Naomi Campbell and Heidi Klum, with whom he has a daughter. He’s got Nelson Mandela on speed dial, is great mates with Silvio Berlusconi, and was even credited in U2’s last two album booklets after he helped broker a deal with Italy to cancel Africa’s debt.

BLING SCORE: 5/5
A friend to the starving, as well as the minted. There are, at most, six degrees of separation between Flav and everyone else.

OVERALL BLING:
Vijay Mallya: 28/30
Flavio Briatore: 23/30

Flavio Briatore’s estimated $150 million has gone a fairly long way and won him many admirers in the process. As he establishes himself in football his wealth and fame will rise, but when it comes to flashing his cash he’s met his match in Dr Vijay Mallya, who is worth £1.2 billion according to Forbes. With a bigger yacht on the way and now a global platform, Vijay’s bling will shine even brighter.

- Adam Hay-Nicholls - Metro.co.uk

Metro

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It's interesting, but not sure QPR fans would be so sanguine. It also puts the "moneybags" team under pressure; makes other teams raise their game against QPR. It will be easier to evaluate odds, when see the type of signings made by various teams. And bottom line, at the start of the season, the odds of Hull being promoted (or Bristol City) or Cardiff reaching the FA Cup Final, were not perceived as high. [Flashback: What QPR's odds were before the start of 2007-2008]

Casino Beacon - 26 May 2008 - QPR Favourites For Championship
In Football Betting, newly promoted Doncaster are 4/1 to be relegated, 40/1 to win the Championship and 14/1 to be promoted to the Premiership.
Bookies William Hill offer betting odds of 6/4 that Leeds will gain promotion next year.
QPR and their moneybags are the hot favourites to win the Championship, but we expect Doncaster to struggle." said William Hill's spokesman Rupert Adams.
Championship Betting Odds 08/09: 6/1 QPR, 15/2 Birmingham, 8/1 Reading, 10/1 Sheff Utd, 11/1 C Palace, 12/1 Ipswich, 14/1 Derby, 14/1 Wolves, 14/1 Charlton, 16/1 Watford, 20/1 Cardiff, 25/1 Bristol, 25/1 Nottm Forest, 25/1 Coventry, 33/1 Southampton, 33/1 Norwich, 33/1 Preston, 33/1 Swansea, 40/1 Doncaster, 40/1 Plymouth, 40/1 Burnley, 66/1 Sheff Wed, 80/1 Barnsley, 80/1 Blackpool. Casino Beacon

See Also other Championship Odds
- Odds Checker
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Best Betting Championship 2008-2009 Odds

[Prior to Leeds-Doncaster Final putting up Doncaster)
* Best Odds - * All Odds - * Historic Odds * Info
Compare Coca-Cola Championship 08/09 betting odds from all the leading Internet bookmakers and betting exchanges and always bet at the best odds! To place a bet, click on the (bold) best Coca-Cola Championship 08/09 odds of the outcome you want to bet on in the Best Odds, All Odds or Exchanges tab. For other betting events, browse the menu on the left.

Birmingham City 6 6 7 6 13/2 6 6 15/2
QPR 7 8 13/2 7 6 8 6
Reading 10 8 8 10 8 6 8 8
Crystal Palace 11 10 12 11 12 9 14 11
Derby County 14 14 16 14 16 16 9 14
Sheffield Utd 11 10 9 11 16 12 14 10
Watford 12 14 16 12 14 14 14 16
Wolves 10 16 14 10 14 14 9 14
Charlton Athletic 12 20 16 12 16 18 20 14
Ipswich Town 18 16 16 18 20 20 14 12
Cardiff City 22 20 20 22 22 18 25 20
Nottingham Forest 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25
Norwich City 40 33 33 40 40 40 33 33
Southampton 33 33 40 33 33 33 33 33
Swansea 33 40 25 33 28 33 25 33
Coventry City 33 33 33 33 33 50 50 25
Preston North End 40 33 40 40 50 25 33 33
Burnley 33 66 33 33 50 66 25 40
Plymouth Argyle 33 40 40 33 66 33 50 40
Sheffield Wednesday 40 50 50 40 80 40 50 66
Blackpool 66 100 66 66 100 80 100 80
Barnsley 66 100 50 66 125 66 100 80
Best Bets

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Daily Mail/Charles Sale - Indian Formula One high roller joins Ecclestone and Briatore's party at Queens Park Rangers

26th May 2008

The Formula One consortium who own Queens Park Rangers are understood to have the most free-spending billionaire in the F1 Monaco paddock as one of their members, confirming the Championship club's status as the richest in the country.

High roller: Vijay Mallya (right) and his partner entertain actress Kate Hudson (second left) and former cyclist Lance Armstrong at the Kingfisher boat party before the Monaco Grand Prix

Vijay Mallya, the Indian Kingfisher lager and airline mogul, paid into the QPR pot, according to insiders in his Force India F1 team, as part of the wheeler-dealing that guaranteed him permission to change his GP outfit's name for the fourth time in four years, when regulations allow one alteration in five.

Force India were previously known as Jordan, Midland, and Spyker before Mallya paid £44million for ownership. Certainly the Indian tycoon has his boat moored in the plushest part of the Monaco harbour, in the Loftus Road enclave together with fellow QPR stakeholders Flavio Briatore and Lakshmi Mittal, and Bernie Ecclestone stayed on Briatore's boat.

Mallya has more football experience than his F1 colleagues, owning two Indian teams as well as his GP interest and the £50m Bangalore cricket franchise. In Monaco, he hosted two massive parties on his boat and also splashed out £80,000 on a Chopard watch and £175,000 on a piano owned by Elton John at a charity auction. Mail

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Update:

Condolences to Manager Iain Dowie on the death of his mother - Official Statement


Two goals for Danny Dichio for Toronto against DC United. Unfortunately for Dichio, DC United came back to win 3-2. Washington Post Match report.

MLS "Toronto FC has defended exceptionally well all season except at RFK Stadium. Despite a late surge, D.C. United came from behind to defeat Toronto FC at RFK Stadium, snapping their four-game losing streak. Conversely, the loss ended Toronto's six-game unbeaten streak....
Danny Dichio scored on TFC's only two shots on the first half but they could not hold onto the lead as United converted on a penalty kick and a rebound after spending the better part of the match in the Toronto's end of the field.
Dichio converted his third goal of the season on Toronto's first opportunity, in just the 13th minute. Dichio slipped behind United center back Gonzalo Peralta, nodding home a Jim Brennan cross. Laurent Robert sprung Brennan with a smart ball behind Bryan Namoff down the left flank.....
Equality did not last long however as Dichio quieted the suddenly hopeful United crowd with a clinical finish just seconds before the whistle for the break. Dichio won the ball some 30 yards from goal with a header directly to Amado Guevara and headed straight for the top of the penalty area. Guevara cut inside and easily slotted the ball to the unmarked Dichio whose shot from outside the box slipped just inside the left post.
Of the seven shots that Dichio has taken all season, the four that have been on goal have scored and three of his four goals on the year have come against United, all this week....MLS


Damion Delaney mde his first international appearance for Ireland against Serbia (while also apparently winning a promotion medal with Hull). "
Eleven a Side: "Damien Delaney: The lanky QPR man has been waiting years for his big chance and he was in no mood to let it pass. Left his mark with a few early challenges and decent in possession. Unlucky that McShane’s rash decision-making left him playing the Serbs onside for the goal. 8 " _ Eleven a Side


BBC - Bull parts company with Aldershot
Aldershot veteran goalkeeper Nikki Bull is leaving the club after six seasons.
Bull helped secure their return to the Football league in April, and was recently named both goalkeeper and Non-league player of the year.
Chairman John McGinty told BBC Southern Counties Radio: "I offered him a substantial increase on last year's contract, but it wasn't enough.
"He rated himself at a height we couldn't and wouldn't reach. If I mess up this club, I'll not forgive myself."
"All the other people have signed, why hasn't Nikki Bull? We are not Chelsea or Liverpool. We're a working man's club. No-one is bigger than the club. There is no other way. If there is another way, there's no club".
McGinty admits Bull was tremendous for them: "Magnificent. Quite simply, a really good goalkeeper. We thank him for his services and wish him luck for the future".
BBC


John Beck Turns 54: - Born May 25, 1954.
Former QPR Midfielder John Beck, who made his QPR debut under Gordon Jago in December 1972. Was the Gerry Francis backup for 2-3 years before being sold to Coventry. Became famous/notorious as a manager. See John Beck/Wikipedia --- Beck


Perspective of Paul Parker on the New QPR - Paul Parker


MILLENIUM STADIUM, FIVE YEARS AGO:

BBC - "...1724: Tommy Williams makes a dazzling run from midway inside his own half, but when he finds himself in the Cardiff penalty the defender fluffs his moment of glory and shoots wide of the near post." bbc

May 25, 2003: Cardiff 1 QPR 0
QPR - Day, Kelly, Shittu, Carlisle, Padula (Williams 79), Gallen, Bircham, Palmer, McLeod, Pacquette (Thomson 60), Furlong. Subs not used: Culkin, Angell, Forbes.
Manager: Ian Holloway. Coach: Kenny Jackett: Board's Nigel Blackburn and Ross Jones. CEO: David Davies.

Every single one of the above named is no longer at Loftus Road: Players, Manager and coach and Board! In fact the only person currently at the club, was Cardiff's not-playing Gareth Ainsworth.

BBC Match Report Cardiff seal promotion

Substitute Andy Campbell came off the bench to guide Cardiff past Queens Park Rangers in a nerve-wracking Division Two play-off final.
QPR's defensive partnership of Danny Shittu and Clark Carlisle had managed to shackle Cardiff's 35-goal striker Rob Earnshaw.

But with six minutes to go of extra-time, Campbell proved more elusive.

The former Middlesbrough striker, who had replaced Earnshaw in the second half, shrugged off Shittu and then calmly lobbed Chris Day, to ensure Cardiff returned to Division One after an 18-year absence.

Chances had been few and far between in normal time, but as both sets of players tired, the game opened up in those nail-biting final 30 minutes.

No more so than when Day made a superb one-handed save from a Spencer Prior header after Graham Kavanagh's in-swinging free-kick.

While Cardiff favoured a more patient build-up, QPR were keen to get the ball quickly forward to strikers Paul Furlong and Richard Pacquette.

Key moments
79 mins: Lawrence replaces Earnshaw with Campbell
104 mins: Day superbly saves Prior's header
114 mins: Campbell cleverly lobs Day to score the game's only goal

The experienced Furlong proved a handful for the Cardiff defence, holding up the ball well, though reflecting the tenseness of the occasion, his finishing was too hurried.

Notably after the restart, when the 34-year-old striker found some space in the Cardiff area, but having done the hard work, he blazed over the bar.

Furlong also had the best chance of the first half when he pounced on Danny Gabbidon's error, only to then rush his attempted lob over Neil Alexander.

On the flanks, Kevin McLeod and Kevin Gallen also provided plenty of impetus for QPR.

On 47 minutes Gallen ran on to a loose ball inside the box, but his low eight-yard shot flew straight at Alexander.

Gallen then unleashed a volley, which flew just over the bar.

Despite having plenty of the ball, Cardiff's attacks foundered against QPR's impressive central defensive partnership of Shittu and Carlisle.

Shittu made a superb defensive tackle to stop Gareth Whalley, when the former Bradford midfielder had a clear sight of goal on the edge of the box in the first-half.

As the game wore on, Carlisle's reading of the game time and again came to QPR's rescue.

With 10 minutes to go, Carlisle made a well-timed tackle to thwart Kavanagh on the edge of the penalty area and then produced an even better challenge to deny Andy Campbell.

The England Under-21 defender even found time to saunter forward to out jumped Prior, only to guide his header wide of Alexander's right-hand post.

So indomitable were those two QPR central defenders that in the closing stages of the game, Cardiff manager Lennie Lawrence withdraw the club's leading scorer Rob Earnshaw.

But as the game headed towards penalties, Carlisle conceded possession and as the ball broke forward, Campbell got the better of Shittu to send Cardiff into Division One. BBC


Also: BBC - Minute by Minute Report

The Guardian - Bluebirds soar towards top flight
Cardiff City 1 - 0 Queens Park Rangers
Jon Brodkin at the Millennium Stadium

Never one to set his sights low, Sam Hammam spoke last night of his determination to reach the Champions League. The Cardiff City owner has a long way to go to achieve that ambition but yesterday his club at least moved to within striking distance of the top flight. It is just as well today is a bank holiday because few in the Welsh capital will be in a fit state to work.
The Andy Campbell goal which took Cardiff to a level they last played at 18 years ago was greeted with unrestrained joy in their home city. A forgettable game seemed certain to be heading for penalties after 114 scoreless minutes until Campbell, a second-half substitute, scored with a touch of quality which was out of keeping with most of the match.
The party in Cardiff will continue for days, probably months, but it was impossible not to feel sorry for QPR, who were the more thoughtful side and had the better of the few openings over the initial 90 minutes. The manner of defeat was particularly unfortunate for Clarke Carlisle, who had been excellent at centre-half until his poor pass was cut out for Campbell's strike.

Cardiff will care little about the way victory was achieved. For the most part they were one dimensional, playing too many unsuccessful long balls towards the head of Peter Thorne, and lacked cutting edge until extra-time. Yet, having failed in last season's play-offs, perhaps they were due a change of luck.

Hammam was thrown in the bath afterwards and emerged sounding like he had forgotten the promotion is to the First Division and not the Premiership. The former Wimbledon owner has big hopes for Cardiff and is desperate to get permission for a new 30,000-seat stadium. With that he believes progress up the league could be fast.

"Our aim is not to be in the Premier League but to be in the top echelons of the Premier League and in the Champions League," he said. "That's the only thing that Welsh people will accept. The thing we need is a vehicle and for that we need the stadium.

"If we have [planning permission for] the stadium we can go aggressively and then we would like to take a step forward as quickly as possible. It's in the hands of the politicians but also we have to solve the technical problems of planning.

"With the stadium in place we will expect to give any club in the First Division a run for their money. Once we have the planning for the stadium then the money the financial institutions will give us will be far different. Already we have an excellent nucleus of players. We could augment that with new blood."

Cardiff's manager Lennie Lawrence is not thinking about Real Madrid for the time being, though his mind is set on another promotion. Having reached the top flight with Middlesbrough and Charlton, he said his one remaining ambition was to join the elite band who have guided three clubs to that height.

Lawrence gambled by bringing on Campbell for his leading scorer Robert Earnshaw after 80 minutes. Earnshaw shook his head but Lawrence's instincts were right. Campbell, hardly a prolific scorer, notched his seventh of the campaign at a perfect moment.

Earnshaw had been quiet, a reflection of Cardiff's failure to make much headway. QPR's central defenders, Carlisle and Danny Shittu, were outstanding and Lawrence's players lacked the variety required. After a first half which was nervy and dominated by long balls, QPR found better passing movements. They wasted openings during the 90 minutes and in extra-time but their manager Ian Holloway was rightly proud of what has been achieved on a tight budget.

"When I arrived not that long ago I had no staff and nine players, two of whom had long-term injuries," he said. "We have come a long way. Sadly not far enough and we have to do that next year. We have to keep this feeling in our hearts and get stronger."

QPR's preparations had hardly been helped by the fact that they were woken at about 4.15am after Cardiff fans apparently set off a fire alarm at their hotel. Their goalkeeper Chris Day was still alert enough in extra-time to make a brilliant save from Spencer Prior's header but was powerless when Campbell struck. Not long after QPR's Tommy Williams had shot when he ought to have squared to Paul Furlong, Carlisle's pass was intercepted by Gareth Whalley and Campbell sprinted clear of Shittu and lifted a shot into the net.

"It wasn't a classic match," Lawrence said, "but no one connected with Cardiff will ever forget it." That is certain and, if Hammam has his way, there will be far more to come. Guardian

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It's being reported on the various messageboards that Dave Thomas' Fanzine, A Kick Up The Rs (AKUTRs) has won the Championship Fanzine of the Year Award. Presumably this award was this Fanzine Award for which AKUTRs was on the shortlist for the price. Mazel Tov/Congratulations!

AKUTRs is not currently online - but some old AKUTRs articles from almost a decade ago, can be read online - Old AKUTRS and various "archived" AKUTRs articles

To Contact or purchase a subscription for Dave Thomas/AKUTRS - Contact Dave Thomas

Also: AKUTRs Anthology "But First An Apology"

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Hopefully this won't impact on QPR! More TV Money in 2009-2010. If per chance it does apply to QPR, then hopefully people in the USA will finally get to see how football should be played by a team wearing blue and white hoops!


Football League: LEAGUE CLUBS GET SIGNIFICANT OVERSEAS TV BOOST
The Football League has agreed groundbreaking overseas broadcasting contracts, worth £24m over three seasons, beginning in 2009/10.
The new agreements represent an increase in revenue of almost 300% on existing arrangements and follow the £264m deal, announced earlier this season, with Sky Sports and BBC Sport for domestic broadcasting rights.
For the first time, The League has split its worldwide rights across a number of different partners. The new agreements will see four different broadcasters and agencies holding the rights to show League and Carling Cup matches in Africa and the Middle East, whilst IMG will market The League's rights to the rest of the globe.
In total, The Football League will have 6 overseas broadcasting partners from August 2009. They are:
IMG Worldwide (excluding Africa and Middle East)
Pitch International Middle East
Hi TV Nigeria (part)
Supersport South Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa (part), Nigeria (part)
GTV Sub Saharan Africa (part)
In announcing The League's new overseas broadcasting arrangements Football League Chairman Lord Mawhinney said:
"The Football League prides itself on producing some of the most competitive and exciting league and cup football in the world game.
"These arrangements, which reflect a huge increase in resources for our clubs, demonstrate that the global football audience is increasingly recognising this too.
"I would like to welcome all our new broadcasting partners to working with The League and its clubs." Football League


A possible Australian comeback for goalkeeper Mark Bosnich who spent much of 2007-2008 training with QPR.

Fox Sports/Marco Moterverde - Bosnich return linked to Roar
May 24, 2008 FORMER Australia goalkeeper and self-confessed cocaine addict Mark Bosnich could re-launch his career with Queensland Roar.
Southern sources have confirmed the A-League club has been in discussions with 36-year-old Bosnich about a guest player stint during the upcoming season.
The Roar has denied it has been in discussions.
The career of Bosnich, whose former clubs include Manchester United and Aston Villa, nosedived in 2002 when he was sacked by Chelsea for failing a drugs test.
He later admitted to having a cocaine problem and revealed he was at one stage snorting 10g of white powder each day.
But Roar coach Frank Farina has been a long-time admirer of Bosnich, who played 17 times for the Socceroos.
"There is no question that Mark was one of the best goalkeepers Australia has produced - maybe even the best," the former Socceroos mentor said in his exclusive Courier-Mail column last year.
Farina and Roar chief executive Lawrence Oudendyk denied the club was in negotiations with Bosnich, who has also been linked with a move to Central Coast Mariners.
An overweight Bosnich returned to football last year, training with English lower division club Queens Park Rangers. He quickly lost 15kg and later indicated his desire to again play professionally.
"I think I'm ready to play now, but whether or not staying here (England) or going somewhere else or not playing at all, I haven't really looked that far ahead. That's in others' hands," he told Fox Sports's Total Football. Football

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Perhaps slightly hyperbolic! Anyway this will be the last "Fire Alarm" Commemoration for a while as a certain sense of outrage has cooled and given where QPR are now, it really is a historical footnote.!

Five Years ago Tonight:

The tale is familiar to all QPR fans: Twas the night before QPR's playoff final against Cardiff City....QPR Players were sleeping at the Celtic Mannor hotel...Thn in the middle of the night, the fire alarm went off...All the guests were awoken, including the QPR player...It subsequently transpired that it literally was a false alarm, as the alarm had been set off by one Neil MacNamara, previously a "Security Guard" with Cardiff City (also described as "former minder of Cardiff City Football Club owner Sam Hammam." MacNamara was also in the press described as a "former bodyguard" of Sam Hammam)

Given that QPR (unluckily) lost to Cardiff in extra time, in a game played in Cardiff, there always should be an metaphyiscal asteric paced next to the result!

Subsequently:
"QPR Hotel Alarm - Man Charged"

"Ex-soccer minder admits hoax"

"Fan says he set off alarm in hotel of rival team"

"Ex Minder Gets Five Year Soccer Ban"

Pre-Fire Alarm Story "Key test for war on hooligans" and Story

Hammam minder sent to jail

And later, unrelated to the Fire Alarm incident: From 2006 - "Ex-minder is jailed for tax dodge"


The eve of QPR's Playoff Final against Cardiff at the Millenium Stadium

See QPR Report

And the actual game Defeat: -May 25, 2003: Cardiff 1 QPR 0

QPR Team on that day:
Day, Kelly, Shittu, Carlisle, Padula (Williams 79), Gallen, Bircham, Palmer, McLeod, Pacquette (Thomson 60), Furlong. Subs not used: Culkin, Angell, Forbes.
Manager: Ian Holloway. Coach: Kenny Jackett: Board's Nigel Blackburn and Ross Jones. CEO: David Davies.

Every single one of the above named is no longer at Loftus Road: Players, Manager and coach and Board! In fact the only person currently at the club, was Cardiff's not-playing Gareth Ainsworth.

BBC Match Report Cardiff seal promotion

Substitute Andy Campbell came off the bench to guide Cardiff past Queens Park Rangers in a nerve-wracking Division Two play-off final.
QPR's defensive partnership of Danny Shittu and Clark Carlisle had managed to shackle Cardiff's 35-goal striker Rob Earnshaw.

But with six minutes to go of extra-time, Campbell proved more elusive.

The former Middlesbrough striker, who had replaced Earnshaw in the second half, shrugged off Shittu and then calmly lobbed Chris Day, to ensure Cardiff returned to Division One after an 18-year absence.

Chances had been few and far between in normal time, but as both sets of players tired, the game opened up in those nail-biting final 30 minutes.

No more so than when Day made a superb one-handed save from a Spencer Prior header after Graham Kavanagh's in-swinging free-kick.

While Cardiff favoured a more patient build-up, QPR were keen to get the ball quickly forward to strikers Paul Furlong and Richard Pacquette.

Key moments
79 mins: Lawrence replaces Earnshaw with Campbell
104 mins: Day superbly saves Prior's header
114 mins: Campbell cleverly lobs Day to score the game's only goal

The experienced Furlong proved a handful for the Cardiff defence, holding up the ball well, though reflecting the tenseness of the occasion, his finishing was too hurried.

Notably after the restart, when the 34-year-old striker found some space in the Cardiff area, but having done the hard work, he blazed over the bar.

Furlong also had the best chance of the first half when he pounced on Danny Gabbidon's error, only to then rush his attempted lob over Neil Alexander.

On the flanks, Kevin McLeod and Kevin Gallen also provided plenty of impetus for QPR.

On 47 minutes Gallen ran on to a loose ball inside the box, but his low eight-yard shot flew straight at Alexander.

Gallen then unleashed a volley, which flew just over the bar.

Despite having plenty of the ball, Cardiff's attacks foundered against QPR's impressive central defensive partnership of Shittu and Carlisle.

Shittu made a superb defensive tackle to stop Gareth Whalley, when the former Bradford midfielder had a clear sight of goal on the edge of the box in the first-half.

As the game wore on, Carlisle's reading of the game time and again came to QPR's rescue.

With 10 minutes to go, Carlisle made a well-timed tackle to thwart Kavanagh on the edge of the penalty area and then produced an even better challenge to deny Andy Campbell.

The England Under-21 defender even found time to saunter forward to out jumped Prior, only to guide his header wide of Alexander's right-hand post.

So indomitable were those two QPR central defenders that in the closing stages of the game, Cardiff manager Lennie Lawrence withdraw the club's leading scorer Rob Earnshaw.

But as the game headed towards penalties, Carlisle conceded possession and as the ball broke forward, Campbell got the better of Shittu to send Cardiff into Division One.
BBC


Also: BBC - Minute by Minute Report

The Guardian - Bluebirds soar towards top flight
Cardiff City 1 - 0 Queens Park Rangers
Jon Brodkin at the Millennium Stadium

Never one to set his sights low, Sam Hammam spoke last night of his determination to reach the Champions League. The Cardiff City owner has a long way to go to achieve that ambition but yesterday his club at least moved to within striking distance of the top flight. It is just as well today is a bank holiday because few in the Welsh capital will be in a fit state to work.
The Andy Campbell goal which took Cardiff to a level they last played at 18 years ago was greeted with unrestrained joy in their home city. A forgettable game seemed certain to be heading for penalties after 114 scoreless minutes until Campbell, a second-half substitute, scored with a touch of quality which was out of keeping with most of the match.
The party in Cardiff will continue for days, probably months, but it was impossible not to feel sorry for QPR, who were the more thoughtful side and had the better of the few openings over the initial 90 minutes. The manner of defeat was particularly unfortunate for Clarke Carlisle, who had been excellent at centre-half until his poor pass was cut out for Campbell's strike.

Cardiff will care little about the way victory was achieved. For the most part they were one dimensional, playing too many unsuccessful long balls towards the head of Peter Thorne, and lacked cutting edge until extra-time. Yet, having failed in last season's play-offs, perhaps they were due a change of luck.

Hammam was thrown in the bath afterwards and emerged sounding like he had forgotten the promotion is to the First Division and not the Premiership. The former Wimbledon owner has big hopes for Cardiff and is desperate to get permission for a new 30,000-seat stadium. With that he believes progress up the league could be fast.

"Our aim is not to be in the Premier League but to be in the top echelons of the Premier League and in the Champions League," he said. "That's the only thing that Welsh people will accept. The thing we need is a vehicle and for that we need the stadium.

"If we have [planning permission for] the stadium we can go aggressively and then we would like to take a step forward as quickly as possible. It's in the hands of the politicians but also we have to solve the technical problems of planning.

"With the stadium in place we will expect to give any club in the First Division a run for their money. Once we have the planning for the stadium then the money the financial institutions will give us will be far different. Already we have an excellent nucleus of players. We could augment that with new blood."

Cardiff's manager Lennie Lawrence is not thinking about Real Madrid for the time being, though his mind is set on another promotion. Having reached the top flight with Middlesbrough and Charlton, he said his one remaining ambition was to join the elite band who have guided three clubs to that height.

Lawrence gambled by bringing on Campbell for his leading scorer Robert Earnshaw after 80 minutes. Earnshaw shook his head but Lawrence's instincts were right. Campbell, hardly a prolific scorer, notched his seventh of the campaign at a perfect moment.

Earnshaw had been quiet, a reflection of Cardiff's failure to make much headway. QPR's central defenders, Carlisle and Danny Shittu, were outstanding and Lawrence's players lacked the variety required. After a first half which was nervy and dominated by long balls, QPR found better passing movements. They wasted openings during the 90 minutes and in extra-time but their manager Ian Holloway was rightly proud of what has been achieved on a tight budget.

"When I arrived not that long ago I had no staff and nine players, two of whom had long-term injuries," he said. "We have come a long way. Sadly not far enough and we have to do that next year. We have to keep this feeling in our hearts and get stronger."

QPR's preparations had hardly been helped by the fact that they were woken at about 4.15am after Cardiff fans apparently set off a fire alarm at their hotel. Their goalkeeper Chris Day was still alert enough in extra-time to make a brilliant save from Spencer Prior's header but was powerless when Campbell struck. Not long after QPR's Tommy Williams had shot when he ought to have squared to Paul Furlong, Carlisle's pass was intercepted by Gareth Whalley and Campbell sprinted clear of Shittu and lifted a shot into the net.

"It wasn't a classic match," Lawrence said, "but no one connected with Cardiff will ever forget it." That is certain and, if Hammam has his way, there will be far more to come. Guardian

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Very best of luck to Ian Holloway who did a lot for QPR as both player and manager. Holloway was QPR's longest-serving manager in almost 40 Years (since Alec Stock) All QPR fans should be grateful for what he did for us.

Leicester Official Statement
Posted on: Fri 23 May 2008
Leicester City and manager Ian Holloway have today parted company by mutual consent.
Discussions have been on-going between the two parties since the club were relegated to the third tier of English football for the first time in their history earlier this month.
However, Chairman Milan Mandaric today confirmed that the Foxes and Holloway had opted to go their separate ways ahead of the 2008/09 campaign.
He said: "This has been a very difficult decision for all parties but, after taking stock and holding several constructive meetings, we have agreed that the time is now right.
"I would like to place on record my thanks for the way in which Ian has worked tirelessly over the last seven months to try to bring success to this club.
"I could not fault either his commitment or effort to the cause but the last few weeks have been the most disappointing during my tenure within the game.
"That's why ultimately we both felt it would be in the best interests of Leicester City and its long-term future if we amicably parted company now.
"My energies will now be fully focused on getting the right man, firstly to stop the decline we have suffered in the last few years, and secondly, to take us forward in the future with that level of stability which we all crave."
Holloway took over the reins at the Walkers Stadium last November but was only able to guide the Foxes to nine victories from 32 matches, with their goalless draw at Stoke City on the final day of the season not being good enough to stave off the drop down to League One.
Holloway added: "Leicester City is a marvellous club and I am as devastated as anybody that this great club suffered relegation.
"I gave 100 per cent to the cause but unfortunately we ran out of time.
"The fans here are a different class and deserve a lot, lot better.
"I'd like to wish everyone connected with Leicester City well for the future - the club will always remain close to my heart."
No further comment will be made at this time. Leicester Official Site

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Dave McIntyre/Ealing Gazette, May 23- Brilliant Akos is 'going nowhere'

GIANNI Paladini insists there is "absolutely no way" Akos Buzsaky will leave QPR this summer.
Buzsaky's brilliant performances since his move to Loftus Road from Plymouth last season have attracted the attention of a number of Premier League clubs.
West Ham are the latest top-flight club to show an interest, while Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp is a keen admirer of the Hungarian playmaker.
Portsmouth enquired about Buzsaky, 25, last season and more recently suggested a deal that would see England striker David Nugent move to west London in exchange.
But Paladini said: "Akos is going nowhere. We don't want or need to sell and he has made it clear he is happy here.
There has been interest from some Premier League clubs but I can categorically say there is absolutely no way they will get him. It won't happen, I can assure you of that."
Paladini, who has a dual role of club chairman and sporting director, also dismissed reports Buzsaky has a clause in his contract enabling him to leave if a club bids £2.5million for him.
"There is no clause like that and I don't know where all that came from," Paladini said.
"Akos Buzsaky will play for QPR in the Premier League. In Iain Dowie we have a new manager who really likes him as a player and the player himself wants to play for us.
"Other clubs like him but he's staying here." Ealing Gazette

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The Official Site lists a number of photos one can dowload for your computer. - Wallpaper options "NEW WALLPAPER - New QPR wallpaper is now available for your desktop, including images of Flavio Briatore and Amit Bhatia at the launch of our new crest, along with a number of other choices. Click on your required screen size underneath the wallpaper you wish to download. When the full size picture appears right click your mouse button and select 'Set as Background'. You should now have your desired picture as your wallpaper! Wallpaper options

Of the photo options offered, this photo of Stan Bowles celebrating should be everyone's selection!

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While there's some fan speculation that season tickets haven't yet sold that highly, today, the Official Site reports that: "Season Ticket sales continue to flourish." QPR Official On Wedneday, the club spoke of "the unprecedented demand for Season Tickets..." Wednesday's Season Ticket Appeal-- On Tuesday the club reported: "Season Tickets continue to sell at a growing rate." - QPR Official Site. And on the day the new season ticket prices were announced, the club announced: "RECORD SALES - Season Tickets for the forthcoming 2008/09 campaign went on sale this morning - and already the Queens Park Rangers Box Office is reporting unprecedented demand as Rangers fans embrace the new era in W12...
Deputy Managing Director, Ali Russell. "We're ecstatic with the response," he told www.qpr.co.uk...the reaction from the supporters has been exceptional." QPR -- Original Unveiling/Announcement of Season Ticket Prices


Gareth Ainsworth: QPR Official Site IT'S THE PLACE TO BE'
Newly appointed Player / Coach Gareth Ainsworth is adamant Loftus Road is the place to be next season - and is encouraging R's fans to snap up their Season Tickets early for the start of the new era in W12.
As Season Ticket sales continue to flourish, Ainsworth - who will be embarking on his sixth season as a QPR player - believes the current feel-good factor surrounding the start of the 2008/09 campaign surpasses anything he has previously encountered during his playing days.
"QPR is definitely the place to be," he told www.qpr.co.uk.
"I'm aware that the prices have gone up in certain areas of the ground, and that was to be expected. We've had massive investment and facilities will be drastically improved next season, but ultimately we want to make it worthwhile for the fans coming down.
"I appreciate it can be an expensive hobby following your team, home and away, but the players and staff want to make sure the fans come here and enjoy it.
"We'll be playing an exciting brand of football and hopefully scoring plenty of goals - and accumulating plenty of points in the process.
"We appreciate the support of the fans - and hopefully we can do the business for them next season."
To download Season Ticket Prices click here
To download a Season Ticket Price Band plan click here
To download an Application Form click here
To download a Zebra Finance Form click here
QPR

Season Ticket prices will "probably" be one of the issues when Ali Russell speaks to QPR1st at its AGM next week. Note: The location of the AGM has been moved from LoOftus Road: QPR1st Announcement of location change

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Pre-Season Planner: Pre-Season Schedule

UPDATED: Rowlands Withdraws from Ireland Squad and having Scan.

QPR Official Site - ROWLY WITHDRAWN
Martin Rowlands have been withdrawn from the Republic of Ireland squad after sustaining an ankle injury in training.
The R's midfield maestro, who was recalled to the squad by new boss Giovanni Trapattoni after a four-year absence, has undergone a routine scan and is on his way back to London from Portugal.
R's Head Physio Paul Hunter told www.qpr.co.uk: "I've spoken to Martin and obviously he is disappointed to be leaving the squad behind at their training camp in Portugal.
"He's had a scan on his ankle and we're awaiting the results from the Irish medical team." Fellow R's team-mate Damien Delaney remains with the squad, as Trapattoni and company prepare for forthcoming internationals against Serbia (Saturday) and Colombia (Thursday 29th May) at Croke Park and Craven Cottage respectively." QPR Official Site


Martin Rowlands Injury: Examiner: "...QPR’s Martin Rowlands went down with a heavy knock to the ankle in last night’s session and must now be rated doubtful for tomorrow’s game against Serbia." Examiner
Independent: "The Irish team will train at Croke Park this evening with just one major worry, QPR's Martin Rowlands, who went down with an ankle problem in yesterday's session." Independent


Why Oxford-QPR Cancelled Oxford Mail: "...The pre-season friendly Oxford United had pencilled in against QPR on July 19 has been called off because the Kassam Stadium is needed for another event that day.
United general manager Mick Brown said: "We came back with other dates, but they couldn't rearrange it...." Oxford Mail

UPDATE: NO. Hudson NOT to QPR! Hudson joins Charlton on a free - Announcement

Mark Hudson to QPR?: Strong press speculation (and messageboard rumours) that Crystal Palace defender and Captain, Mark Hudson could be joining QPR

South London Press-Richard Crawley - EXCLUSIVE: Hudson set to quit Eagles
CRYSTAL Palace captain Mark Hudson is set to quit the Eagles - with new QPR boss Iain Dowie leading the chase for his signature.
The former Fulham defender, 26, has rejected two contract offers from the South Londoners and will be free to join another team for nothing at the end of next month.
And Warnock appears to have conceded defeat in trying to keep hold of Hudson, nicknamed Rock, and is already looking for a replacement.
He told the South London Press: "I think Mark has already told people that he’ll not be signing a new contract and he’ll be leaving.
"He’s got one or two offers and money talks - that’s his entitlement being on a Bosman. I imagine it could be Dowie who has offered him the money." South London Press

SPORTING LIFE
Crystal Palace captain Mark Hudson looks set to snub the offer of a new contract at Selhurst Park and could be on his way across London to join QPR.
The 26-year-old centre-half will be a free agent at the end of June and Palace boss Neil Warnock believes ex-Eagles chief Iain Dowie, now in charge at Loftus Road, is leading the chase for his signature.
"I think Mark has already told people that he'll not be signing a new contract and he'll be leaving," Warnock told the South London Press.
"He's got one or two offers and money talks - that's his entitlement being on a Bosman. I imagine it could be Dowie who has offered him the money." Sporting Life

See Mark Hudson Profile - Mark Hudson Profiled


Flashback: 31 Years ago today, Dave Sexton Managed QPR for the last time

May 23rd 1977: QPR's last game of the 1976/1977 season (Season ended late by this season - or any season's standards!). QPR drew that final game 2-2 against Birmingham (Masson and Webb scoring for QPR. QPR's team: - Parkes - Gillard Webb McClintock Hollins - Kelly Leach Masson Thomas - Givens Eastoe - Sub Abbot

Thus ended the 2 1/2 Year Dave Sexton era, in which Sexton basically inherited the Gordon Jago team and first guided to safety; the following season guided QPR to the League Championship (except QPR were 'robbed' at the very end!). And the following season guided the team to the League Cup Semi-Finals and EUFA Cup Quarter-Finals (again robbed!)..
A few weeks later, Dave Sexton was appointed manager of Manchester United (after initially seeming set to coach at Arsenal. And Frank Sibley was QPR's new manager.
Opinions vary among QPR fans whether Sexton was QPR's "Greatest-ever" manager or just one of the top two or three; but he's certainly right up there, along with Alex Stock, Gordon Jago and Terry Venables.

1976-77 League Table

1975/76 League Table

1975-1976 Results

1974/75 League Table

See Also:Dave's Queens Park Rangers Profile of Dave Sexton - Dave Sexton

Dave Sexton's Bio - Wikipedia on Dave Sexton

FA on Sexton - Sexton

PLAYERS FROM THAT ERA INTERVIEWED

Ron Norris/QPR Net's Interview with Don Masson about Dave Sexton Don Masson Interview

Ron Norris/QPR Net Interview with Don Givens - Don Givens Interview

Ron Norris/QPR Net Interview with Frank Sibley - Frank Sibley Interview

Ron Norris/QPR Net Interview with John Hollins - John Hollins Interview


Dave Sexton

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Kieran Lee joins Oldham from Manchester United on a free transfer. Without belittling Oldham, it's a little strange given that QPR's just-departed manager De Canio spoke in March about hoping to sign him (even though he scarcely played him). Lee joined QPR at the end of December on a Six month loan and made his debut in the FA Cup game against Chelsea. What was said when he signed

Oldham Official Site - LEE: OLDHAM ARE PERFECT FOR ME
Latics new boy Kieran Lee swapped Red Square for Sheepfoot Lane as he completed a free transfer from Manchester United earlier today.
The 19-year-old was due to join his team-mates to take in tonight's Champions League final, but canned the trip to pen a two-year deal with Athletic.
Instead of looking out over the Luzhniki Stadium, Lee was taking his first look at Boundary Park as an Athletic player.
But he didn't seem to mind.
"The club have taken a lot of the lads over to see the game - but I've come here to sign instead!" he laughed.
"It was definitely one of my aims to join a local team and when Oldham came along it was perfect for me."
Lee certainly has experience of Chelsea - he faced them for United on the final day of the 2006/07 season.
But a loan move to QPR would follow in January 2008 - a move which would eventually set him up for a switch a little closer to home.
"I got some good experience of first team football [at QPR] and it helped me adjust to life outside Manchester United, which is a totally different environment.
"Now I've come here and hopefully I can get plenty of games. I'm certainly happy with everything I've seen so far."
Lee - United's reserve team Player of the Season in 2006/07 - brings valuable versatility to John Sheridan's squad.
With the deal in the bag, Lee is looking forward to kicking off pre-season training ahead of the 2008/09 League One campaign.
He explained: "Mainly I'm a central midfielder but I have also played at full back. I'm a passing player who likes to get forward from midfield.
"A few goals would be nice, too - my best moment at United was scoring on my debut and I didn't really know what to do when it went in!
"This club is looking to progress and that's the reason I came here - hopefully that can happen next season and I want to be a part of that.
"I can't wait for the football. I'll go away and have a break now and then come back fresh for pre-season training."
Oldham


Twenty-Six Years ago today: May 22, 1982, QPR were playing Spurs in the FA Cup Final. (Game 1!)..... Could have. Should Have! The Programme
QPR: Hucker - Fenwick Hazell Roeder Gillard - Gregory Waddock Currie Flanagan
Allen Stainrod - Sub: Micklewhite
Spurs: Clemence - Hazard Hughton Miller Price - Perryman Roberts Galvin Hoddle - Crooks Archibald - Substitutes: Brooke FA Cup Details Recalled

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Iain Dowie Press Conference.

Clive Whittingham of QPR Loft For Words has produced and provided a full transcript of Iain Dowie's press conference. Iaon Dowie Transcript

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Released by Dagenham

Sporting Life - STILL LETS TRIO LEAVE DAGENHAM
Dagenham boss John Still has released strikers Chris Moore and Shabazz Baidoo along with defender Ross Smith as he continues to trim his squad.
Moore rejoined the Daggers from Brentford 18 months ago but managed only six goals in his second spell with the club, while Baidoo struggled to make an impact after signing a short-term deal in January following his release by QPR.
Canadian-born Smith has also been told his contract will not be renewed despite making 27 appearances since joining from Ebbsfleet last summer.
"I want to place on record my thanks to all three for the service they have given this club," said Still.
"Chris has made valuable contributions over two spells and Ross has been a popular member of the squad this season, while Shabazz picked up an injury in the first few days he was with us and never showed the form that we believed he was capable of..."
Sporting Life

Flashback: "From Hotly-Pursued to Not-Wanted: Shabbaz Baidoo Departs QPR (and Joins Dagenham)"

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And as the club said yesterday "As Season Tickets continue to sell at a growing rate..." QPR Official Site


QPR Official Site-May 21, RENEW YOUR SEASON TICKET - 24/7

Due to the unprecedented demand for Season Tickets for the 2008/09 Coca Cola Championship campaign, the Club have now set up a 24-hour call centre, which allows R's fans to renew their tickets around the clock!
To renew your Season Ticket, simply call 08444 777 007 - 24 hours a day.
R's fans are also encouraged to take advantage of the option to renew online.
By booking online, you can also pre-order the new R's home shirt, as well as subscribe to QPR World ahead of what is sure to be a season to remember.
If you would like to renew your Season Ticket now, simply log on to https://eticketing.co.uk/qpr
Alternatively, you can also renew by:
*Post - Loftus Road Stadium, South Africa Road, London, W12 7PJ.
*In person.
To download Season Ticket Prices click here
To download a Season Ticket Price Band plan click here
To download an Application Form click here
To download a Zebra Finance Form click here QPR

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Reuters - Billionaire soccer club buyers eye southern Europe
, Wednesday May 21 2008 By Elena Moya

LONDON, May 21 (Reuters) - Manchester United and Chelsea will be the centre of attention for millions around the world in Wednesday's Champions League final in Moscow, but soccer bankers have their eyes further south as they seek new opportunities to emulate the English clubs' success and cash in the profits.
Italy and Spain are set to become the next markets for international billionaire investors on a football buying spree, people familiar with the situation told Reuters, after many top English clubs, including the two in Wednesday's final, have already been taken over.
U.S. tycoon George Soros is interested in Italy's AS Roma, while a foreign group of investors talked to Spain's Mallorca last summer about a bid, two sources familiar with the situation said.
Valencia Chairman Juan Soler also met investors earlier this year about a possible sale of his majority stake, the club's second largest shareholder, Vicente Soriano, said publicly in February.
"Following all the interest in English clubs, buyers are looking further afield," said Richard Feigen, managing director at Seymour Pierce, a London-based investment bank that advised on the sale of Chelsea and Manchester City to Russian and Thai billionaires Roman Abramovich and Thaksin Shinawatra respectively.
"Spain and Italy are top of the list of the market that people are investigating," Feigen said.
Soaring television and commercial revenues over the past five years have attracted the fortunes of investment banks such as Morgan Stanley, which holds a stake in Paris St. Germain, wealthy individuals such as the Glazer family at Manchester United and Liverpool's Tom Hicks and George Gillett, and hedge funds such as Sisu Capital, owner of a stake in Coventry City.
MALLORCA
The Mediterranean calm and blue waters of Mallorca lured a group of foreign investors last year for the local top division soccer club, although the offer did not prosper, another person close to the situation said.
Mallorca Chairman Vicenc Grande has said he would not sell the club for less than 80 million euros ($126 million) to a foreign investor -- with a discount of about five million euros for a Spanish national.
Like many Spanish real estate entrepreneurs, Grande is facing falling values of his assets, and banks could force him to sell the club if he missed interest payments, the source said. However, Grande's regular payments have allowed him to gain some waivers on his debts, the source said.
"If the crisis worsens, maybe he'll have to sell," the source said. "Although that hasn't happened yet."
Mallorca F.C. declined to comment, while Valencia officials could not be reached.
BILLIONAIRES WELCOME?
Business owners say they can manage the clubs better than passionate fans as their decisions are less emotional.
"You can't manage sport with a heart, because you then make a mistake," Formula 1 chief Flavio Briatore, co-owner of London championship club Queens Park Rangers (QPR), said in a recent interview with Reuters.
"It's not a toy. As with any project, it requires time and investment, and it's fun to be part of a project," said Briatore, a Juventus fan.
The purchase of local soccer clubs by billionaire investors would be welcomed by Ferran Soriano, F.C. Barcelona's vice president of finance, as long as they did not overpay and create inflation in the market for players.
"There are two types of buyers," Soriano told Reuters. "The Glazer type, who take decisions with a business logic, and the Abramovich type, whose decisions are based on his personal fortune. That's a problem because it's broken the market and has created inflation."
But some fans do not want to see their clubs become a plaything, as banners showed when Manchester City fans protested over the possible dismissal of manager Sven-Goran Eriksson.
"I see (takeovers) as clubs losing their roots," former Barcelona and Chelsea player Albert Ferrer said.
"Clubs can't become toys, football has enough to avoid being turned into a toy. Clubs are feelings, for certain colours, a city, and you can't lose that."
High-profile purchases can bring new wealth, players and fame. "When I was in Spain a couple of weeks ago, I was asked about QPR -- in Spain!" Briatore said.
Through club co-owner Alejandro Agag, another Formula 1 investor, he recently met Real Madrid Chairman Ramon Calderon, and Briatore said, "There will be opportunities to work with Real Madrid," Briatore said.
"Sometimes it's fun, sometimes it's business, sometimes it's both," he added. (Editing by Quentin Bryar) Guardian

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Dave McIntyre/Kilburn Times May 21, 2008 Rangers defend price hike

QPR say they will not back down over the huge increase in season ticket prices that has left many fans furious.
Prices have rocketed by up to 50 per cent and concessionary rates in some areas of Loftus Road have been scrapped.
But Ali Russell, QPR's deputy managing director, insisted the prices were fair given the club's ambitions and money spent on improvements to the squad.
Russell said: "We are spending more on players' wages. Going forward, it was necessary to maximise income from season tickets.
"We kept prices as low as possible, but I understand that for part of the fan base, finances are an issue."
As well as steep increases, supporters have less time to stump up the cash.
The traditional 'early bird' rate, which gave a significant discount to fans renewing before the end of May, has been abolished.
A huge hike in prices for the Upper Loft was justified, Russell claimed, because of the superior view of the pitch from that section of the ground.
The view from some parts of the stand is far from ideal, yet a blanket £599 price has been applied for the entire area.
Russell said: "The reason fans congregate there is the atmosphere, which is spectacular, and because of the view. That has been taken into account as well."
Despite angst among many fans, the club reported 'record sales' on its official website hours after the prices were announced.
Russell stated: "There is a huge amount of interest in QPR and expectation for next season. So many people wanted to be the first to get their season ticket.
"We need the fan base behind us, and I can assure fans that 100 per cent of season ticket money will be spent on the team." Kilburn Times

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QPR have announced that their pre-season friendly against Oxford has been cancelled and that they will instead be playing Stevenage. (The news doesn't seem to yet be on the Oxford or Stevenage official sites.)

Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times - This won't be the last Walts

WEMBLEY-BOUND Simon Walton wants to win promotion this weekend - and do it all over again with QPR in a year's time.
Walton, who is in the Hull squad to face Bristol City in Saturday's Championship play-off final, has an added incentive to shine when his loan spell ends after the game.
He impressed Iain Dowie sufficiently to merit a £500,000 transfer from Leeds to Charlton two years ago - and now has a second chance to play for the new Rangers boss.
"I haven't spoken to him as yet, but I spoke to Gianni Paladini recently," Walton told the Times. "The plan is for me to come back and start afresh and try and make a good impression.
"When I heard the news that the manager had gone, my first thought was 'Oh God, what's going to happen now? But I was pleased when I heard Iain Dowie had got the job.
"I never got the opportunity to play for him at Charlton, so I hope it'll be different this time. But it was a couple of years ago that he signed me and I don't think it really counts for anything now.
"I don't expect any favours from him or anybody else. The fact is that when a new man comes in, everyone's on a blank piece of paper and you have to make sure that when your chance comes you take it.
"I've not played as much football as I would have hoped at Hull, but that's partly because the team's been doing well. When pre-season comes around nobody's fully fit anyway.
"I've got a point to prove. I know I'm capable of being a regular in the QPR team and I'm confident I can do that next season."
Walton has spent most of the past two years on loan - he went to Ipswich for regular football soon after signing for Dowie and then had a spell with Cardiff before his £200,000 move to the Rs last summer.
A broken leg in the pre-season friendly with Fulham ruled him out until Christmas and then, after a handful of appearances for Rangers, he was allowed to go to Hull.
The 20-year-old midfielder was an unused substitute during the Tigers' play-off semi-final success against Watford, but is hoping to be part of a double celebration at Wembley this weekend.
Hometown club Leeds face Doncaster in the League One final on Sunday and Walton added: "Things haven't been that great for Yorkshire football in recent years and that needs to be put right.
"To win a play-off final would be a hell of a finish to the season after the start I had - and it's not something I'd have imagined on that Friday night against Fulham.
"This is the best way to get promoted - if you win - but next year we won't be aiming for the play-offs at QPR. I'm sure we'll be aiming higher than that and no-one will be happy with second best. Kilburn Times


QPR Official Site - BORO' REPLACE U'S
In a change to the previously advertised fixture, QPR will now travel to Conference side Stevenage Borough for a pre-season friendly on Saturday 19th July 2008 (3.00pm kick-off).
The R's were originally scheduled to play fellow Conference outfit Oxford United on that day, but that fixture has now been cancelled.
Under the guidance of former England Under-21 coach Peter Taylor, Stevenage just missed out on the Conference play-off's last season, finishing in sixth place.
That failure ended up costing Taylor his job, with Boro' moving quickly to install former boss Graham Westley at the start of May. QPR


BBC -Bluebirds release winger Sinclair
Cardiff City have released winger Trevor Sinclair after just a year at Ninian Park.
Former England international Sinclair, 35, signed a 12 month deal last summer with a clause for an extra 12 months which the Bluebirds could trigger.
But boss Dave Jones has decided against it, while the futures of Robbie Fowler and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, who were on the same type of deal, are unclear.
Both have been offered pay-as-you-play deals, which they have yet to accept.
Sinclair joined Cardiff last summer from Manchester City and was soon followed by former Liverpool striker Fowler, 33, and Hasselbaink, 36, from Charlton...
BBC


Marcus Bean/Jacob Murtagh - Bean reveals Blackpool blues
Brentford new-boy Marcus Bean wants to put a nightmare two years behind him and help the Bees to promotion.
Bean made just 23 starts in all for the Lancashire-based club, and the former QPR midfielder was quick to fire a parting shot at Blackpool boss Simon Grayson.
He said: "I'm just glad to be leaving to be honest. I felt I wasn't given a fair crack of the whip while I was there.
"I found myself frozen out without much explanation, and the gaffer was never really honest with me.
"Andy Scott phoned me towards the end of the season. I came down and trained for a few days and liked what I saw, and obviously he did too. This is a League One club playing in League Two, and hopefully we can do something about that this season." Hounslow Chronicle

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Gareth Ainsworth was today announced as QPR Player/Coach. This was what going to happen under previous manager Luigi De Canio; but with Iain Dowie replacing De Canio, there had to be questions. Good news. Ainsworth is now in some senses, following the footsteps of Dowie who was himself player coach at QPR And he's now on the Staff Directory of coaches!

QPR Official Site - EXCLUSIVE: AINSWORTH TO ASSIST
R's midfielder Gareth Ainsworth has accepted a Player / Coach role under the new managerial structure at Queens Park Rangers Football Club.
Ainsworth, who worked in an unofficial capacity as Assistant Manager to former First Team Coach Luigi De Canio at the tail end of last season, will work under new boss Iain Dowie and his recently appointed number two, Tim Flowers.
Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, Ainsworth expressed his delight, commenting: "It's a great opportunity for me.
"I'm over the moon about it. I had a taste of it last year and this is another exciting opportunity for me - another step forward in terms of my long-term aspirations.
"I've still got plenty to offer as a player, but I'm delighted that I've been given the chance to learn from Iain and Tim, who I have huge respect for." QPR

From BBC in April - Ainsworth Managerial Goal

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Ex-QPR Dave Needham turns 59: Born May 21, 1949.
Signed by Dave Sexton just before he left, to replace the retiring Frank McClintock, Needham was sold six months later to (about to be) First Division Champions, Nottingham Forest, almost doubling what we paid for him. QPR then went out and bought: Ernie Howe from Fulham and QPR's decline gathered speed. - Needham profile


RUMOURS FROM ITALY (courtesy of/thanks to QPR Italia Blog)

QPR Italia Blog
Duello Napoli-Bologna per l’ungherese Akos Buzsaky
Il suo nome è Akos Buzsaky, classe 82, ungherese centrocampista centrale del QPR: sarebbe questo secondo Resport uno dei giovani scovati dal dg del Napoli Marino che deve però battere la concorrenza del Bologna che potrebbe essere guidato da quel Gigi De Canio che proprio quest’anno ha allenato Buzsaky nella serie B inglese.
Nazionale ungherese, tra le cui fila vanta 11 presenze, ha realizzato la sua unica rete ai magiari contro i campioni d’Europa della Grecia. Radiomercato lo definisce il “nuovo Almiron”. Ad inizio carriera ha collezionato qualche presenza con il Porto di Mourinho.
amonapoli.it
Attendibilità della notizia: 0.
Ma fa piacere vedere che anche fuori dal circuito inglese si inizia a conoscere ed apprezzare i nostri giocatori.
Anche se a definirlo il "nuovo Almiron" non è che gli facciano questo gran complimento... :) QPR Italia

WEB TRANSLATION
May 20, 2008 Duel Napoli-Bologna for Hungarian Akos Buzsaky
. His name is Akos Buzsaky, 82 class, Hungarian midfielder central QPR: this would be the second Resport a youth found by the body of Naples Marino who must beat the competition from Bologna, which could be driven from that Gigi De Canio that this' Buzsaky years has trained in the series B English.
Hungarian National, among whose ranks boasts 11 presences, has achieved its only network to Hungarians against European champions Greece. At the beginning career has collected some presence with the Port of Mourinho.
amonapoli.it amonapoli.it
. Reliability of news: 0.
But'm glad to see that even outside the English circuit you get to know and appreciate our players. Even if define the "new Almiron" is not that make this great compliment ... Web Translation

Also:
Buzsaky between Napoli and Bologna:

Franco Brienza between Atletico Madrid and QPR:

Moris Carrozzieri between Udinese and QPR:

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This year marks the Diamond Anniversary of QPR's First Title and Promotion: Sixty Years ago, the 1947/1948 came to a close and QPR won the Third Division South Championship and promotion to the Second Division for the first time in their history.

QPR's manager that season was Dave Magnall. In goal was Reg Allen (still with QPR before moving on to Man United.) QPR's top scorer with 25 goals was C Hatton followed by D Boxshall with 13. Most appearances: Playing in 47 of the 48 League and cup games: Ivor Powell (who's still active sixty years later.).

From QPR Official Site - A POTTED HISTORY OF QPR (1882-2008)
"...In 1945/46 QPR finished top of the League they were in. They also got through to the Fifth Round of the Cup - the only time it was played on a two-leg basis. In 1947/48 they reached the Sixth Round of the Cup before losing to Derby after a replay, and on 26th April 1948 won promotion for the first time to the Second Division.
QPR spent four years in the Second Division, before they were relegated back to Division Three in 1952. Dave Mangnall left the club and his place was taken by Jack Taylor. In 1953 the first floodlights were installed at Loftus Road at a cost of £5,000, the first floodlit match being against Arsenal on 5th October. In 1959 Alec Stock joined the club as a manager, and signed Brian Bedford from Bournemouth.... QPR

From The Official History of Queens Park Rangers by Gordon acey (2000 Edition)
"1947-1948. "...Rangers made two costly signings. They paid their record fee of £2,000 fo George Smith the Bentford centre-half and the same figure to Wolverhampton Wanderers for Fred Ramscar....
....By now the crowds were into the mid 20,000 range for each game ...the title belong to Rangers who had now won promotion for the first time in their history....
...The increased revenue enable the club to make a very important purchase, that of the freehold of the ground together with the thirty nine houses adjoining in Ellersie and Loftus Roads. The cost of £26,250 was met by the issue of shares, which due to the club's success was fully taken up...
Before the start of the [1948-1949] season, Rangers became the first British club to make an official trip to Turkey..." (pp 67-68)

Brief Video of QPR from that year: In the FA CUP that year: - QPR vs Derby Video
Pathe Description: "Start of the FA (Football Association) Cup 6th round football match between Queen's Park Rangers and Derby County. Ball goes out to Harrison. Bad pass. Powell kicks the ball forward. Goalkeeper of Derby County collects ball as Heath rushes in and clears up field. Various shots of the game. Hartburn scores for QPR. Crowd cheering. Throw-in. Close up shot of cheerful Charlie Chester. Billy Steele (Steel) shoots. Goalkeeper partially saves, but ball goes back to Steele who scores from rebound. Crowd cheering. Steele to Morrison, Morrison to Stamps. Centre to Steele, back to Jackie Stamps (Stamp) and Smith clears. Leuty beats Heath in the air, to Steele to Morrison. Powell tackles and slices across goal area. Carter shoot but goalkeeper Allen clears. Steele collects and dribbles forward. Forward pass. Various shots of the game. Final score Queen's Park Rangers 1, Derby County 1." Pathe -

STILL PHOTOS Stll Photo 1 Still Photo II - The Supporters 1 - The Supporters II

QPR's hoops in 1948 (as opposed to their first season after promotion: QPR's "hoops in 1949") (replaced by Hoops again)


DIVISION THREE SOUTH - 1947/1948

Pld W D L GF GA Pts
1 Queens Park Rangers 42 26 9 7 74 37 61
2 Bournemouth & Boscombe Athleti 42 24 9 9 76 35 57
3 Walsall 42 21 9 12 70 40 51
4 Ipswich Town 42 23 3 16 67 61 49
5 Swansea Town 42 18 12 12 70 52 48
6 Notts County 42 19 8 15 68 59 46
7 Bristol City 42 18 7 17 77 65 43
8 Port Vale 42 16 11 15 63 54 43
9 Southend United 42 15 13 14 51 58 43
10 Reading 42 15 11 16 56 58 41
11 Exeter City 42 15 11 16 55 63 41
12 Newport County 42 14 13 15 61 73 41
13 Crystal Palace 42 13 13 16 49 49 39
14 Northampton Town 42 14 11 17 58 72 39
15 Watford 42 14 10 18 57 79 38
16 Swindon Town 42 10 16 16 41 46 36
17 Leyton Orient 42 13 10 19 51 73 36
18 Torquay United 42 11 13 18 63 62 35
19 Aldershot 42 10 15 17 45 67 35
20 Bristol Rovers 42 13 8 21 71 75 34
21 Norwich City 42 13 8 21 61 76 34
22 Brighton & Hove Albion 42 11 12 19 43 73 43
Table

1947-1948 Results: QPR's 1947-1948 Results:

[Further Memories: If you have any memories of this season - or any links to material or photos from this season, please feel free to post or to email at QPRReport@hotmail.com

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First Matt Pickens released. Now Steve Morrow axed. That just leaves Padula, Spencer and Dichio still active. Along with Gordon Jago

FC Dallas Official Site - FCD relieves Morrow of coaching duties
Marco Ferruzzi takes over as Hoops head coach immediately
FC Dallas Media Relations

Steve Morrow complied a 15-15-8 MLS record during his time as FC Dallas head coach.

FRISCO, Texas -- FC Dallas General Manager Michael Hitchcock has announced that Steve Morrow has been relieved of his duties as head coach, effective immediately. Marco Ferruzzi, in his fourth season as an assistant coach, will coach the team on an interim basis. Ferruzzi will make his debut against Real Salt Lake on Saturday, May 24 at Pizza Hut Park (7:30 p.m. CT).

"We have set high standards, expectations, and goals for this team and organization," said Hitchcock. "I feel that the team was not heading in the direction we had planned, and believe it is in the best interest of the club to make a coaching change at this time."

FC Dallas is currently in fourth place in the Western Conference with a record of 2-3-3 (9 points). The team is riding a four game winless streak, and is 1-2-1 at Pizza Hut Park this year.

"This is obviously a difficult decision for me to make, since it was my choice to give Steve this opportunity," added Hitchcock. "Having said that, Pizza Hut Park is an incredible venue, and our great fans deserve much more from our team for their continued support. We appreciate Steve's contribution to our organization and wish him success in his future endeavors."

Morrow was introduced as the club's fourth head coach on December 11, 2006. In his first season as head coach, FC Dallas posted a 13-12-5 record (44 points) and finished in third place in the Western Conference. The team advanced to the 2007 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup championship game for the third time in team history, falling 3-2 to the New England Revolution at Pizza Hut Park. FC Dallas advanced to the MLS Cup Playoffs for a league-record tying 10th time in history, though was eliminated in the Conference Semifinals by eventual MLS Cup Champions Houston Dynamo.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my six year association with this organization and was proud to be Head Coach of FC Dallas," said Steve Morrow. "I feel I leave the team in a very strong position with a wonderful group of players that are capable of achieving great things. Due to a recent run of poor results, I fully accept responsibility, and, if the team needs to go in a different direction then I wish the players nothing but great success for the remainder of the season and beyond. I'd like to thank my staff, the players, the Hunt family and all the fans for their support."

A Northern Ireland native, Morrow played the final two years of his professional career with Dallas. During the 2002 and 2003 seasons, he scored three goals in 41 career regular season games and once in three playoff matches, playing primarily as a center back.

He was hired as one of the team's assistant coaches on Feb. 3, 2004, and was the first assistant coach during the 2005 and 2006 seasons. FC Dallas

Earlier FC Dallas Profile of Morrow

Steve Morrow enters his second season as FC Dallas head coach. Morrow was appointed as the fourth head coach in team history on December 11, 2006 and led the team to a 13-12-5 record and a third-place finish in the Western Conference in 2007. Under Morrow's direction, the team earned a trip to the MLS Cup Playoffs for the third straight year.

Morrow began his professional playing career at the age of 17, when he was signed by Arsenal of the English Premiership. After being loaned to various clubs, he made his Gunners' debut at the end of the 1991-92 season. The following year, he became a mainstay on the team that won the 1993 FA Cup and '93 League Cup, in which he scored the game-winning goal in the 2-1 victory over Sheffield Wednesday. He also played in the '94 European Cup Winner's Cup 1-0 win over Italian-side Parma, as well as the '95 Cup Winner's Cup final, which Arsenal lost 2-1 to Spain's Real Zaragosa.

After playing one season under current Arsenal head coach Arsène Wenger, he joined Queen's Park Rangers in 1997. Morrow played in 92 games in his four years at Rangers before coming to play for Dallas in 2002. In his two years as a defender with Dallas, he scored three goals in 41 regular season games and once in three playoff games. All four of his goals in MLS were against the Colorado Rapids.

Morrow, who earned 40 caps with the Northern Ireland National Team, was originally hired by Dallas as an assistant coach on Feb. 3, 2004, though he was forced to resign in late May of that year due to personal reasons. He returned to the club on Jan. 27, 2005 and had been the first assistant coach in both 2005 and 2006. He acquired his UEFA "A" coaching license and also received a degree in Sports and Fitness Science from Luton University in England in 2002.

At the time of his hire, Morrow became the 51st coach in MLS history and the 11th that has previously played in Major League Soccer.

He is married to Fiona and has three children, Jonathan, Sophie, and Scarlett.
YEAR TEAM GP GS MIN G A SHT SOG FC FS OFF CK C E
2002 Dallas 24 24 2199 3 0 12 6 26 14 0 0 3 0
2003 Dallas 17 17 1484 0 0 6 2 22 5 0 0 0 0
Totals 41 41 3683 3 0 18 8 48 19 0 0 3 0


YEAR POSTSEASON GP GS MIN G A SHT SOG FC FS OFF CK C E
2002 Dallas 3 3 271 1 0 1 1 4 1 0 0 0 0

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QPR announced they will be playing a mid-week evening friendly against Northampton Town, July 23.

See - QPR's Updated Pre-season Calendar


QPR Official Site - R'S TAKE ON COBBLERS
QPR will travel to the Sixfields Stadium - home of Northampton Town - for a pre-season friendly on Wednesday 23rd July 2008 - kick-off 7.45pm.
Under the guidance of Stuart Gray, the Cobblers finished the League One season in ninth place, lying ten points adrift of the play-off's.
The last time Rangers met Northampton in competitive action, the late Ray Jones bagged the all-important winning goal, as the R's progressed into the second round of the Carling Cup courtesy of a 3-2 victory in August 2006. QPR


NORTHAMPTON OFFICIAL SITE - COBBLERS TO WELCOME RANGERS
Northampton Town will play Championship side Queens Park Rangers in a pre-season friendly at Sixfields on Wednesday July 23rd at 7.45pm.
Rangers, who have a much changed squad since meeting the Cobblers in the Carling Cup in August 2006, are the bookies favourites to win promotion to the Premier League next term.
This game is in addition to the visit from Premier League side West Brom (July 29th) and trips to Brackley Town (July 10th) and Luton Town (July 26th). The Northampton Town first team squad will also travel to Germany from Sunday July 13th to Friday July 18th.
Northampton

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QPR appoint Tim Flowers as Assistant Manager and John Harbin as Performance Manager. New Directory


QPR Official Site - EXCLUSIVE: FLOWERS JOINS
Queens Park Rangers Football Club are delighted to announce the appointment of former England goalkeeper Tim Flowers as Assistant Manager.

The 41 year-old, who won a Premiership winners medal with Blackburn Rovers in 1995, links up again with new First Team Coach Iain Dowie, as well as John Harbin, who has joined the Club as Performance Manager.
Flowers expressed his delight at renewing acquaintances with former Southampton team-mate Dowie, whom he worked alongside in an identical role at Coventry City for 12 months.

"I'm delighted to be here to assist Iain," he told www.qpr.co.uk.

"I like the look of this squad, I've seen QPR play a few times over the last 12 months or so and I'm very optimistic about next season. A squad as talented as this one, with a few new additions added to the mix, can certainly go a long way."

Flowers began his professional career with Wolverhampton Wanderers in 1984, before subsequent spells at Southampton, Swindon Town, Blackburn Rovers, Leicester City, Stockport County and Coventry City.

He made over 520 league appearances in that time, as well as representing his country on no fewer than 11 occasions.

Prior to his arrival at The Ricoh Arena in February 2007, Flowers spent four successful years as goalkeeping coach at Manchester City.

Harbin, who was born in Yorkshire, spent most of his early years in Queensland, Australia.

He moved back to England to coach Rugby League side Wakefield Trinity Wildcats in October 2000, before linking up with Dowie at Oldham Athletic as Fitness Coach, and yet again at Crystal Palace and Coventry City.

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QPR Captain is the latest QPR Player to praise the appointment of Iain Dowie (as if..!). A new manager is of course a challenge for every player. But for Ainsworth who was also serving as an assistant to De Canio and was set to have a more formal role, the new appointment has to open up questions as his playing career is presumably drawing to a close.


QPR Official Site - 'A GREAT APPOINTMENT'
Gareth Ainsworth believes the appointment of Iain Dowie as First Team Coach is 'fantastic' news for Queens Park Rangers Football Club.

Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, the R's Club Captain expressed his delight at the arrival of the former Crystal Palace and Coventry City boss.

"It's a great appointment - fantastic news for the Football Club," he said.

"Iain is a very passionate man, who demands 110 per-cent from his players and staff.

"He is very methodical in his approach and is a forward-thinking Manager.

"His organisational skills and work ethic are exceptional and I'm really looking forward to working under him."

Ainsworth, who is currently working towards his UEFA B licence during a week-long course at Cobham, added: "We've had a taste of the continental Manager and we learnt a lot from Luigi and his staff. But I think an English Manager, who is proven at this level, will prove to be the right man to get us back to where we - as players and supporters of this Club - want to be." QPR Official Site

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Ian Dowie's views as new manager comments were broadcast on QPR World (subscription only). "DOWIE: PRESS CONFERENCE: Part One: Iain on his arrival, his previous spell with QPR, Zinedine Zidane, and much more!"

A couple of News Reports on Ian Dowie Looking Forward

BBC - Dowie targets the Premier League
Queens Park Rangers' new manager Iain Dowie says he knows he has to get the club back in the Premier League in the next two years.
He told BBC London 94.9: "My contract's two years so I hope it's realistic.
"We're going to be a very competitive team and I think within two years I'll have to bring success to this club.
"I want to make sure people at QPR think of me as a manager who knows how to get the job done and also brings attractive football to the club."
Dowie will be under pressure from owners Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone who stated the importance of QPR returning to the Premier League within the next three years when they took charge in September.
In terms of fan base and tradition it's a proper football club and these are exciting times
Iain Dowie
The former Rangers player said: "This job is about pressure, if you buckle under it, don't take the job, so I'll have to embrace that pressure.
"It would be foolish of me to say this is not a job that brings it's own pressure with it, this is a pressurised job, staying in the division."
Dowie, who was sacked as Coventry boss in February, says he is thrilled to be involved at Loftus Road.
"My first thoughts of being manager at the club with the richest owners in the world is 'wonderful', it's better to be that, than at the poorest."
He added: "I'm delighted to be back, it's a great club historically, I think in terms of fan base and tradition it's a proper football club and these are exciting times."
Dowie is already looking ahead to the start of the season and knows what he will be looking for in the squad.
"We'll try and get good young players in here, we'll try, if we need to, get good established players at the club too and hungry players, that's the key element." BBC


SKY SPORTS/James Pearson - Dowie up for the challenge
New R's boss can handle promotion pressure
Iain Dowie insists he is relishing the challenge of getting Queens Park Rangers back into the Premier League.
The West Londoners have not been in England's top flight in 12 seasons following relegation to the First Division at the end of the 1995/96 campaign.
However, following a takeover by Formula One tycoons and multi-millionaires Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore last year, hopes of a Premier League return have been manifest.
Former caretaker manager and R's player Dowie succeeded Italian tactician Luigi Di Canio earlier this month and is excited about taking on the pressure of winning promotion.
Challenge
"It's a fantastic challenge," he told Sky Sports News. "I've played under one of the great legends in Gerry (Francis) so it's a club steeped in history.
"It has great tradition and a huge fan base. It's in a very exciting period in its history. To be challenged with getting them where they want to be is very exciting and is also a great honour."
Dowie is not planning a long-term strategy at Loftus Road; aware that unless he wins promotion he will soon be out of a job again.
QPR have already spent big during Di Canio's time at the helm and Dowie does not think the squad needs to undergo wholesale changes, in order to challenge for the automatic promotion places.
"The idea is (to win promotion) as soon as you can," he continued. "I've signed here for two years and clearly I'll have to bring success during my time here.
"I think it's nice to be coming in as manager of QPR knowing that they have to have success. That positive pressure is something that I embrace.
Progression
"We're going to have to show good progression throughout the year and hopefully be very competitive and I think we will be.
"I think this squad is a decent squad. It doesn't need a major overhaul, just tinkering with. It doesn't need major surgery.
"I would think two or three. It's not in the range of five or six. My view is two or three key personnel would make a huge difference to what is a very good squad.
"It's important I give everyone here a thorough once over and an opportunity to show what they can do.
"I don't know (how much money is available) and I've not asked. We'll sign the players that are right for the club. They'll fit into what the criteria of the club is." Sky Sports


Ealing Times-By Simon Mail - Dowie relishing fresh challenge
Iain Dowie has promised to bring entertainment and winning football to Queens Park Rangers.
The former Coventry City and Crystal Palace manager was unveiled today after his surprise appointment at Loftus Road last week.
Dowie said: "It's a great challenge. I want to bring smiles to QPR. They (fans) want to win but they want to see us playing stylish football."
The R's are expected to splash the cash this summer as they chase a return to the Premiership but Dowie insists there won't be radical changes.
"The squad doesn't need a massive amount of alteration," he said.
"There are one or two areas we need to strengthen and it's about getting hungry players in.
"There is no question there are Premier League sides that QPR can compete with and there are already A list players in this squad." Ealing Times

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Update: As of May 25, just 76 days till the kickoff of the 2008-09 Season! off!

- Last week, as every QPR fan is aware, the price for 2008-2009 season tickets was announced. This coming weekend, the last Championship spot will be filled by either Leeds or Doncaster. There are a few other dates remaining to be filled in, such as the dates for any pre-season tour; and any additional friendlies to be played in the UK!

Other summer "events" to look forward to: The official unveiling of the new strip; new player signings; presumed player departures; the announcement of squad numbers; and the filling out of the QPR Coaching staff.

Summer Schedule Thus Far:

MAY:

A few QPR players (such as Rowlands and Delaney for Ireland) are still involved in post-season internationals.

JUNE

- June 16 - 2008-09 Fixtures Released

- June 30 - First Day of Training

JULY

- July 19, Stevenage, Away (Friendly) 3:00 pm.

-[CANCELLED July 19 - Oxford United (3:00 pm Kick off) Friendly OFF]

- July 23 - Northampton Town - Friendly Away (7:45 pm Kickoff)

AUGUST

- August 2, AC Chievo Verona (Loftus Road) (3:00 pm Kick off)

- August 9 - 2008-09 Championship Season Kicks off

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Two QPR Forwards Share a May 20 Birthday: Dexter Blackstock and Clive Allen.

Current QPR forward, Dexter Blackstock Turns 22: Born May 20, 1986.
Blackstock joined QPR from Southampton in August 2006 and finished his first QPR season as top scorer with 13 goals. This just-ended season was a little less prolific, and ended with 6 goals. QPR Profile See Wikipedia Record

Former QPR star, Clive Allen turns 47
Son of QPR great,Les Allen...Brother of Bradley Allen....Cousin of Martin Allen...
Made his debut in 1978/79 including a hatrick versus Coventry, on his full debut.
The following season was leading scorer in the old Second Division (playing alongside Paul Goddard).
Allen was then Sold to Arsenal...First Million Pound Teenager...
After a month at Arsenal, joined Crystal Palace.
And the following year was back at QPR, where he spent three season (including the Cup Final Season) and played three times for England, before going to Spurs. (Allen was injured early during the Cup Final. Otherwise, who's to say the final result)
Wikipedia Profile

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Brentford Official Site- THIRD NEW BEE PUTS PEN TO PAPER
Bees Manager Andy Scott returned to the Club at the end of last week after a mini break and was immediately able to add to his squad for next season.
Hammersmith born midfielder, Marcus Bean, who started his career at Loftus Road but more recently has been on loan with Rotherham United, signed on the dotted line.
23 year old Marcus is the third new player to pledge themselves to Brentford for next season following swiftly in the footsteps of Moses Ademola and Sam Wood.
Marcus, describing himself as a box to box player who is committed to getting the ball down to play, said he was looking forward to returning to London, having left the capital two and a half years ago when signing for Blackpool. Whilst at the Bloomfield Road club he helped them gain promotion via the Play Offs to the Championship.
Andy said: "He`s a player we have been tracking for a few months now after impressive displays for Rotherham when they were going well earlier in the season. He will be a good acquisition to the squad as he is a good age and brings with him enthusiasm, determination, physical strength and experience of the division".
There will be an interview with Marcus on this Site later on today. Brentford


Setanta/Laurent Picard QPR want Spanish keeper

Setantasports.com can reveal that Real Betis goalkeeper Antonio Doblas has been offered to move to QPR.
The Spanish shot-stopper, who only appeared once in La Liga this season, is currently thinking about his future plans.
Top flight teams Almeria, Deportivo La Coruna, AEK Athens and Besiktas have approached the player, but he could be tempted to move to London.
The Championship side have set their sights on promotion and have already signed Tottenham keeper Radek Cerny.
“I still have not decided about my future,” Doblas declared.
“I will soon, but I am happy with the interests of these clubs.
“Playing abroad is attractive but money will not lead my decision.
“I want a good sporting project and chances to play.” Setanta


QPR Official Site - IN PROFILE: PETER RAMAGE
A versatile and committed defender, Peter Ramage's career began with his boyhood Club Newcastle United, who he joined at the tender age of 11.
Having successfully come through their youth system - Peter captained the Academy U17 side to runners-up spot in the league - he was soon a regular for the Reserves, making 34 appearances in 2003/04.
His much-craved debut for the Magpies came in March 2005, as a substitute against Olympiacos in the UEFA Cup.
It wasn't long before Peter forged a reputation for himself as a whole-hearted and dependable centre-back, who could also operate on the right, and he enjoyed regular run outs for the Geordies in 2005/06 and 2006/07.
A cruciate knee injury suffered in the opening month of the 2007/08 campaign halted his progress, however, and upon Peter's return to fitness, Manager Kevin Keegan chose to stick with the players in the team who were enjoying a good run of form.
With the Newcastle boss unable to guarantee him regular first-team football, Peter opted for a move to QPR. QPR


TEAMTALK - Ramage inspired by Flavio ambition
Defender Peter Ramage has revealed the vision of chairman Flavio Briatore was a big factor in him making the move to QPR from Newcastle.
The 24-year-old was offered a new deal at St James' Park by boss Kevin Keegan but decided to move on in search of regular first-team football.
And, after signing a three-year deal at Loftus Road, he is hoping that he can make a swift return to the the top flight under the stewardship of Briatore and new first-team coach Iain Dowie.
Ramage told the the club's official website: "The chairman contacted my agent and asked if I was interested in coming come down for talks. He outlined his plans for the future, he's got a plan to get this club into the Premiership and he wanted me to be part of that and hopefully I am.
"He expects us to be challenging for the play-offs if not the automatics.
"The calibre of players he is looking to bring in are top quality players to go along with the squad that we've got at the minute and hopefully we can match the ambitions that the owner has got and get this club back where it belongs to be."
Teamtalk

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Ealing Gazette - David Mcintyre And Yann Tear
Iain gets straight down to transfer business

IAIN Dowie and Gianni Paladini met on Thursday to discuss possible transfer targets following Dowie's appointment as QPR boss.
Dowie, 43, was confirmed as Luigi De Canio's successor this week after Rangers' co-owner
Flavio Briatore was persuaded to appoint a British manager having previously favoured recruiting from abroad.
Despite holding De Canio's old title of first-team coach, Dowie's will be an English-style manager in all but name. Dowie, who had spells as a QPR player, coach and caretaker boss and was twice overlooked for the manager's job at Loftus Road, has signed a twoyear contract.
Paladini, with a dual role of club chairman and sporting director, will retain an involvement in transfer dealings.
But whereas De Canio's lack of knowledge of English players left Paladini to oversee signings during the January transfer window, Dowie has experience and extensive contacts of his own and will have a much bigger influence.
Dowie headed the list of British candidates, but his chances of landing the job depended on Briatore being convinced not to look overseas.
And at an all-important board meeting on Sunday evening, Briatore indicated that he was minded to turn to a manager with Championship experience.
Dowie, who started his managerial career at Oldham, led Crystal Palace to the Premiership via the playoffs in 2004.
Although relegation followed in 2005, he was generally feted for his attempts to keep the Eagles up.
Since leaving Palace, he has had short and unsuccessful spells in charge of Charlton and Coventry.
The spell at The Valley was particularly acrimonious, with Dowie accused by Palace supremo Simon Jordan of lying to break his contract at Selhurst Park when he said he wanted to move up north to be with his family.
Jordan was furious when he agreed to release Dowie, only to find that the former Northern Ireland international had cut down his trips up north by a mere seven and a half miles after pitching up at Palace's unloved rivals Charlton.
"I'm very privileged to have been given the opportunity under the new ownership to return to the club where I served my managerial apprenticeship," said Dowie, who was a popular figure during his time at Loftus Road. "QPR is a fantastic club, with a steep and successful history and I'm going to relish the challenge that lies ahead."
De Canio's sudden departure means Dowie is Rangers' fifth manager in the space of less than two-and-a-half years - six if you include caretaker boss Mick Harford.
He is also the ninth former QPR player to manage the club in the past 30 years.
De Canio left the club last week after previously insisting that he would remain in charge for the start of next season.
His exit surprised even the backroom teamhe brought to west London from Italy after his arrival.
The futures of coaches Paolo Pavese and Luri Bartoli are unclear, but scouts Fhilippo Orlando and Gianni de Marzio have indicated that they would like to stay on under the new regime.
Former England goalkeeper Tim Flowers, who played for Southampton along with Dowie and was his assistant at Coventry, is expected to join him at QPR.
Meanwhile, Rangers have formally completed the signing of Newcastle defender Peter Ramage on a Bosman free transfer and sealed the capture of keeper Radek Cerny.
Ramage, 24, has signed a three-year contract while Cerny, 34, (pictured) has agreed a two-year deal.
Cerny, who had been on loan at Tottenham from Slavia Prague, will become the third Czech keeper to play for the Rs, following in the footsteps of Jan Stejskal and Ludek Miklosko.
Rangers were this week also expecting to complete the signing of right-winger Matteo Alberti, 19, from Italian side Chievo and are still talking to Portsmouth about signing Martin Cranie.
Defender Cranie, who had a loan spell at Rangers ended by a broken leg last season, has been lined up for a year-long loan move, but a deal for his permanent signing is still possible.
In other news, both Martin Rowlands and Damien Delaney have been selected by Giovanni Trapattoni for a slimmed-down Republic of Ireland squad that will play two friendlies later this month. Ealing Gazette

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Since taking over the club last September, in tandem with Bernie Ecclestone and Lakshmi Mittal, Chairman Flavio Briatore has made a number of comments outlining the new owners' plans for QPR. With fan unhappiness at the recently-announced season ticket increase and the manner in which it presented to fans, thought it would be interesting to "revisit" what Briatore has said about their plans for QPR. Most of those statements can be read below. (The statements and quotes are in reverse chronological order, with the most recent coming first.) The season tickets controversy comes in the aftermath of the hyped-up presentation of a new crest, which is not universally adored, and the departure of QPR manager, Luigi De Canio and his replacement by Iain Dowie. It's the first serious expression of fan unappiness with developments, since Briatore, Ecclestone and Mittal took over the club, to wild QPR fan excitement as QPR became - in media terminology/hyperbole -"the richest club in the world"


May 2008 - BBC "Inside Sport" Interview " Inside Sport: Flavio Briatore interview
Inside Sport's Des Kelly meets Flavio Briatore to discover what plans the wealthy QPR co-owner has for the west London club." Inside Sport Interview


May 2008 - QPR Chairman Flavio Briatore Outlines His Plans for QPR-
QPR Chairman Briatore Speaks...
Marketing Week - F1 boss on how he will turn QPR into super-brand
"..... Queens Park Rangers FC is Briatore’s new baby. In September last year, he swooped – “an hour before bankruptcy was declared,” he claims – and bought the troubled west London club.
QPR was at a low ebb, languishing at the lower end of the Championship with scandals in the boardroom and a team brawl during a “friendly” match with the Chinese Olympic team. When potential star striker Ray Jones was killed in a car crash and the club faced going into administration, things looked terminal to the fans.
Together with close “we talk 20 times a day” friend, F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, Briatore paid £1m for the club and agreed to clear £13m of its debts. Since then, the pair have been joined by Lakshmi Mittal, Britain’s richest man.
Billed as the world’s richest football club, QPR’s financial footing is now more than secure. Collectively, the trio are worth over £30bn, according to the latest Sunday Times Rich List, making Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich's fortune of £11.7bn look almost paltry.
“Yes, none of us was looking for a job,” Briatore smiles, adding that they are not looking for what he calls “main” money.
But behind the glamour, the unimaginable wealth and the procession of supermodel girlfriends, Briatore is a shrewd operator. Though QPR may seem like an unlikely rival to Arsenal, Manchester United or Chelsea as a “global brand” – its stated aim – Briatore is not prone to investing in unsuccessful ventures.
He took over the Benetton F1 team in 1989 and transformed it from also-rans into world champions within five years. Briatore says what he did at Benetton was “simple”, but it can only have helped that in 1991 he signed a promising young German driver called Michael Schumacher.
The goal is now to pull off a similar transformation at QPR. “In F1 there is a large team behind a product – the car. It is the same at QPR, the team, the football is only the product. In sport, business efficiency is everything,” he says.
Briatore explains: “If I’m going to invest in champagne, I’ll go to France, if I decide to invest in ham then I’ll go to Parma. If you’re going to be in football, you have to be in England. And football is treated like a business here.”
There appears to be no sentiment involved for any of the new owners, in contrast to the likes of Harrods boss Mohamed al Fayed at Fulham, among others. None were avid supporters of the club before the deal, but Ecclestone was linked to buying a number of clubs, including Chelsea before Abramovich beat him to the punch.
The strategy that lies behind QPR’s position in this new chapter is based on “past, present and future”. Drawing on the club’s heroes of old like Stan Bowles and Rodney Marsh, the new regime intends to emphasise the club’s heritage and position the club as a “London jewel”.
Much is made of QPR’s ground Loftus Road being the “closest club to central London” and the club’s essential “Londonness” will be vital when marketing the QPR brand overseas.
A change of ownership and subsequent “change in direction” of a football club is a concern for supporters. Briatore, while not exactly dismissive of die-hard QPR fans, is clear on his position. “The first thing to remember is that without us, there was no QPR. It’s as simple as that.”
He adds: “I don’t want everybody telling me what I need to be doing. People believe the club is owned by the fans but it’s only a few that put their money down. For the rest of the people, it’s easy to criticise [when] they maybe spend £20.”
The plan is for the Championship side to win promotion to the Premiership within three years. Briatore says QPR will develop its own young team that will take the club up and keep it up.
The team’s performance improved dramatically after Briatore installed his friend “Gigi” Di Canio as manager but Briatore believes it would have been a “disaster” if QPR had been promoted this season. “I don’t want to be in an elevator, going up and down,” he says. Di Canio departed “by mutual consent” last week. Everything about QPR is set to be spruced up. Loftus Road will be improved, perhaps with extra seating, while Briatore’s exclusive Mayfair eaterie, Cipriani, will provide catering for the QPR restaurant.
Yet can the club hope to succeed against the odds? Just this month Newcastle United boss and former England manager Kevin Keegan spoke of the vicious circle that drives English football – run almost exclusively by a cartel of the big four clubs, nobody else has either the money or the marketing power to compete. QPR certainly has the cash, and could – eventually – compete in terms of commerce and pulling power.
One of Briatore’s great strengths in F1 has been his ability to attract highly lucrative sponsorship deals. He says he already has agreements with “three of four international companies” for QPR. At the end of March, the club announced it had signed a five-year deal worth £20m, the biggest ever Championship deal of its kind, with Italian firm Lotto Sport Italia as kit manufacturer.
And while the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea seem to be chasing the Asia dream, through Mittal the connection with India will be very important for QPR’s expansion into new markets. Mittal’s son-in-law, Amit Bhatia, has been installed as vice-chairman and says the club is looking to develop its links with India.
While QPR fans will not see an Abramovich-style spending spree this summer, Briatore is less parsimonious in his personal life. In one corner of the room sits a glass-encased model of a very large yacht. Asked if he owns the real thing: “Not yet,” he twinkles. Marketing Week



Briatore Talking About QPR-SportHome Chi siamo - Direttore Responsabile: Giuliano De Risi « ”(AGI/ITALPRESS) - Roma,3 mar. - “......

English Web "Translation" vis Alta Vista's Babel Fish
Sport Home Who we are - Responsible Director: Giuliano De Risi "MOTION: GP QATAR, RED "GREAT SFIDA"BASKET WAITS FOR US ONE: NATIONAL, RECALCATI "I WANT PEOPLE MOTIVATED And DECIDED" "SOCCER: BRIATORE "AGO APPEAL TO TO SEE REOPENED CHAMPIONSHIP" (AGI/ITALPRESS) - Rome, 3 mar. -
"To the Queens Park Rangers we try to learn. When we have acquired the society the transfers were sluices. We have lost the first 10 games, we were to 6 points from the penultimate one. Hour we are qundicesimi, we have recovered on 12 squares and by now we are knows to you. This was our plan, now will be strengthened in order to go up in Premier League ". It has said Flavio Briatore, Co-owner of the Qpr and team manager of the Renault in Formula 1, to the microphones of "Politics in the Football" on Gr Parliament. "we are playing much good - Briatore continues - if we had held the average of the last games we would be in the play-off. De Canio e' a normal person and I have said all. In this world you see people that they earn figures outside from every rule. De normal Canio e' and ago much good. We have need of 22 players, there are many games, then accidents, want two players to us for every role here. Ours e' a difficult championship, much hard one. Tantissime they have left ". On the Italian championship, the day after the first one ko of the Inter, Briatore explains: "I have seen the contest of Naples in tv and creed that dispiace to the interisti tifosi but ago it appeal to to the world perche' reopens the championship. Naples has made the contest of the life, the Inter not. Creed that this does good soccer. They are tifoso juventino and must remember that the arrived Juve e' from the B series for which us puo' also to be to lose with the Fiorentina that has piu' the beautiful plan of Italy, to along sara' winning ". "If in the Juve not there were the old Juve would be from demotion. There e' Buffon, Of the Piero, there e' Trezeguet. The ` nuova' I badly see perche' yesterday creed to it that Buffon has adorned much good. A porter thus you da' 20 points. The old Juventus is playing, of the new not there e' a lot. Giraudo? It does not speak with me about the Juventus but creed that is one what that does not interest to it, a various argument. It is spoken about the Qpr, e' a our tifoso, but of the Juve not if of it it speaks ". Briatore and the salaries of the soccers player. "Entirety we will have to put a limit to the wages of the players, we do not ask moneies with the gun, we are to give them. And the goblets want a gap, useless to increase us to the games. Who piu' earns to us is the players, the societies must always increase the park bench. E' a sport much laborious one to make soccer but is rich persons much for which arrivals to a point that the rich soccers player much run a little less, we spend figures that do not have sense based on turn out to you. Collaboration with Luciano Moggi for the Qpr? Moggi alive in Italy, I do not have null against of he, but if a day returns to make the job that it made I do not have problems. We have 90% of English players to the Qpr, for which there e' politics on the young people. But if there were from collaborating with Moggi I would have zero problems ". Briatore and ennesima "the Cassanata". "E' thus, if it does not succeed to change, must to a sure point to decide what to make from large. Yesterday the gesture was free, the guilt seemed of the arbitrator but I would distinguish the two things ". (AGI/ITALPRESS)
Babel Fish QPR Report


Ealing Gazette/Yann Tear - We won't destroy things that make Rs special
THE NEW owners of QPR have pledged to safeguard the identity of the club - even though they want to transform it into a club of Premier League standing.
Fans will be eager for reassurances that the potentially exciting times ahead for their club and the understandable ambitions of the men who saved the club from debt, do not mean a gradual erosion of everything they value about life at Loftus Road.
That includes the club's name, location and even the famous blue and white hooped shirts - all aspects of the club which are non-negotiable in the eyes of even the most casual of supporters.
Both Flavio Briatore and Amit Bhatia - respectively chairman and vice-chairman of QPR Holdings - claim supporters had nothing to fear.
"The most important thing for us is that we maintain what is quintessentially QPR," said Bhatia on the day the club announced an unprecedented five-year kit sponsorship deal worth £20m with sportswear manufacturers Lotto Sport Italia.
"We want to keep the club's identity intact and the fans have nothing at all to be worried about. They should be excited like we are.
"I most definitely hope the Rangers of the future is one the fans would recognise."
Bhatia, the son-in-law of billionaire steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal, whose almost limitless resources led to Rangers being dubbed 'the richest club in the world' added: "What attracted us to
QPR is everything about it's identity and I don't see any benefit in trying to change it. There's a history behind this club and why damage that?
"When the stadium becomes a concern, we will address it but it's really not a concern now. We love the area, I love the stadium.
"We don't want to move and if we have to move in the future, we'd want it to be in the vicinity." [25a0] Cont page 63
Briatore said: "We want to stay in this area. This is very important. For respect to the fans. We want to be 15 minutes from London. This is the big plus of QPR.
"We don't know where the club is going yet. We are just trying to go step by step. Our goal now is just to stay in the Championship. I'm sure next year we will try to improve.
"We want to consolidate the club and create a good base in the sports side and in the marketing and commercial side."
Briatore this week gave more insight into his vision for Rangers and why he opted for a club in a lower rather than top division.
"Everybody asks me 'Why did you buy QPR?' I say it's because you want to start from the bottom and create a new club," he said.
"This is much more more exciting. This is a good adventure, starting at the bottom to build up a good football club."
"QPR was a good deal," he added, saying he was a fan of English football because it was "not an excuse to fight" as it often is in his native Italy and was enjoyed by children and families.
"It's a club in the centre of London. The location of the stadium is the best location.
"QPR have a nice story behind them and it's a club with a lot of potential.
"We are a bunch of friends together who want to do something in football and we want to start from this kind of division."
Briatore refused to be drawn on type of player he wants at the club or have their eyes on and agreed with Bhatia's assessment that: "We're very happy with what we have now."
"Gigi has done a fantastic job in the last three months," the Italian said. "The club is alive. We play good football and the fans love it. We play some of the best football in this league and this is recognised by everybody."
Sport is complicated, with luck involved, Briatore said.
"Nothing is guaranteed, but we will try to do the best as possible.
"We will not throw away money. We are talking about QPR, we're not talking about Chelsea. It's completely wrong to compare the clubs. We want to do it our way.
"Whenever somebody arrives in a new business, people think this is the new blood to suck, but there is nothing to suck here."
Rangers' deal with Lotto looks like it may be followed by shirt deals and other sponsorship tie-ups. Kingfisher - the Indian lager brand - is one expected soon, although Briatore denies it for now.
The cash will help lay the foundations for promotion next season and may even be used to re-establish a youth academy.
The club lost its set-up a few years ago and it would cost at least £1m to set up the facilities and coaching staff for such a project. But talks are apparently in progress.
"The aim is to bring this club back to the heights of the past and even beyond that," said Lotto president Andrea Tomat.
"It's an important investment for our company, but we know the plans for the club are to go to the highest possible levels and I believe the strengths of the people involved will certainly provide that." Ealing Gazette


March 26, 2008 The Times/Kaveh Solhekol
QPR billionaires will not jump through hoops for agents in bid for success Flavio Briatore did not become a billionaire by throwing his money away and the co-owner of Queens Park Rangers has warned agents that he will not be taken for a ride as he tries to transform the fortunes of the Coca-Cola Championship club.
Speaking at the launch of QPR’s new £20 million, five-year kit deal with Lotto, the Italian manufacturer, Briatore, who is also the managing director of the Renault Formula One team, dismissed rumours that the West London side wanted to sign superstar players such as Luis Figo, the Inter Milan winger and former Portugal captain. “Figo is a fantasy,” Briatore said. “There are lots of rumours in English football - it is even worse than Formula One.”
Briatore bought QPR last November with Bernie Ecclestone and Lakshmi Mittal, two of the richest men in the UK, and the billionaires want to reach the promised land of the Barclays Premier League without lining the pockets of agents.
“Everybody thinks that new people have come in and they can suck our blood, but we have no blood,” Briatore said. “There is nothing to suck here. There is no blood in my body. Just because the shareholders are wealthy, it does not mean that the club is wealthy.”
QPR were in the relegation zone when Briatore and Co arrived at Loftus Road, but they have climbed the table steadily since the appointment of Luigi De Canio and the Italian first-team coach will be given about £10 million to spend on new players in the summer. “We have wish list of who we want, but we won’t be discussing it in public. If I tell you who we want to buy, the price will become ten times bigger,” Briatore said. “We don’t want fantasy players, we need players who will work hard and players who share the same motivations as the shareholders of the club.” Despite being a friend of Roman Abramovich, the billionaire owner of Chelsea, Briatore will not be following the Russian’s lead in the transfer market. Prudence is the watchword at Shepherds Bush. “It is completely wrong to compare QPR with Chelsea,” Briatore said. “Chelsea are Chelsea and QPR are QPR. We will not be throwing our money away.”
Briatore wants his club to be playing in the Champions League in five years and to do so the Italian has accepted that the club will need to move away from their home in West London. Several sites in the London borough of Hammersmith and Fulham are being considered. “At the moment we are facing a problem with the stadium, but we have to change things little by little,” Briatore said. “If you want to build a tower, you have to build it on strong foundations. You cannot build a tower on sand.”
The future of QPR appears to be a lot brighter than Briatore’s Formula One team. Renault have been off the pace in this season’s opening two grands prix and Fernando Alonso, the former world champion from Spain, said yesterday that he may leave the team and join Ferrari next season. “Sport is not easy, it is very complicated,” Briatore said. “It is about the people you put together, it is about luck. You need a lot ingredients to be successful. We will just try to do our best.” The Times


The Guardian/Mike McGrath - QPR sign £20m sponsorship deal
Queens Park Rangers have landed a £20m kit sponsorship deal with the Italian sportswear firm Lotto to add to their new wealth but Flavio Briatore insists the club will not be held to ransom despite their war chest. Briatore believes the five-year deal will help to build a foundation for success in the future although the co-owner is also wary of radical changes.
Should there be a need for a bigger stadium, Briatore wants the club to stay in west London. In the short term, the Championship club are looking for the right transfer targets rather than high-profile signings.
We are not going to throw away money at all," Briatore said. "We [will] try to put the club together in the right way and what we have done now is a demonstration of that. We are not the new blood of football. QPR is QPR, Chelsea are Chelsea - we will do it our way.
"If we say which players we want, the price is 10 times bigger. When somebody arrives in the business people say that it is new blood to suck. There is nothing to suck here. We don't have blood."
Briatore, who runs the Renault grand prix team, owns QPR with the formula one rights owner, Bernie Ecclestone, and the steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal. Their investment has seen the club linked with a host of players. "We have a wish list," said Amit Bhatia, QPR Holdings' vice-chairman.
Ecclestone considered nearby Chelsea before Roman Abramovich took over but Briatore did not want to make comparisons between the clubs. Abramovich brought almost instant success to Stamford Bridge but Briatore says he is merely looking to build foundations.
"We want to consolidate the club and create a base," he said. "This year our goal is to stay in the Championship. We need to do it step by step. We want to build up a club. You want to start from the bottom and create a new club, this is exciting. It's a new adventure. It is a club in the middle of London, probably the best location in the city. The club has a story behind it and a lot of potential, as we've seen already." Guardian


FINANCIAL TIMES - Lotto Sport Italia deal makes QPR continental
By Roger Blitz, Leisure Industries Correspondent
Queen Park Rangers' unlikely connections with international wealth and glamour continued apace with the announcement that Lotto Sport Italia would become kit supplier of the mid-table Football League Championship team in a deal worth £20m ($40m).
The once high-flying west London side attracted attention in November when it was taken over by Flavio Briatore, owner of the Renault F1 team, and Bernie Ecclestone, Formula One Management's chief executive.
After clearing a £13m debt, they added to the club's new-found lustre by attracting investment from Lakshmi Mittal, the billionaire steel magnate, and have now persuaded one of Italy's biggest sports clothing retailers to join the party.
Lotto Sport Italia will provide new kits and training gear and develop fashionable QPR-branded shoes and clothes. The value of the deal, over five years, is dependent on QPR gaining promotion to the Premier League.
Amit Bhatia, vice-charman and Mr Mittal's son-in-law, said the QPR board hoped this would be the first of several deals and that it would attract attention from other corporations.
"We are dedicated to try and make this team a success," Mr Bhatia said. "We have a really solid base of young players."
The vice-chairman sought to disabuse QPR supporters of the assumption that the club's high-profile and wealthy owners would throw money at the team in an attempt to catapult it back into the elite of English football.
"The reality is the opposite. The idea is to be very prudent, not to throw money at the club but to spend wisely," he said. "The shareholders are successful people and they became successful by spending wisely and prudently."
Mr Bhatia added that their aims were neither to lose money running the club nor to profit extensively from it.
"You have to have a nice balance," Mr Bhatia explained.
"Everybody involved loves their football and is a fan first. But do we think QPR has potential? Absolutely." Financial Times


The TELEGRAPH/Mike McGrath - Queens Park Rangers' £20 million deal
Queens Park Rangers have announced a £20 million deal with kit manufacturers Lotto Sport to add to their new wealth - but co-owner Flavio Briatore said the club would not be held to ransom in the transfer market.
Briatore said the five-year deal is part of building a foundation for success in the future, and added that, should there be a need for a bigger stadium, he wanted the club to stay in the same area of west London. In the short term, the club are looking for the right transfer targets rather than high-profile signings.
"We are not going to throw away money at all," he said. "We are trying to put the club together in the right way and what we have done now is a demonstration of that. We are not the new blood of football. QPR are QPR, Chelsea are Chelsea - we will do it our way."
Briatore owns QPR with Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone and steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal - with the new investment leading to the club being linked with a host of players.
"This year our goal is to stay in the Championship. You need to do it step by step. You want to start from the bottom and create a new club, this is exciting. It's a new adventure." Telegraph


This is London/Daily Mail - What a Lotto QPR have got as they cook up a tasty dish
Such is the showbiz buzz around Queens Park Rangers these days that the mere sight of co-owner Flavio Briatore jetting into London from the Malaysian Grand Prix can generate its own micro-climate of rumours.
He arrived in a blizzard, and the word was that the new owners were thinking of changing the club's name to West London Rangers, wanted to build a new stadium, design a new badge and abandon the traditional blue and white hoops.
Playboy: Briatore and vice-chairman Amit Bhatia
Briatore swept into Loftus Road looking every inch the international playboy: suntanned, luxuriantly coiffured, wearing blue-lensed spectacles and a cashmere scarf tucked inside his upturned collar.

He was here to announce a new £20million, five-year kit deal not with Versace but with Italian firm Lotto. There will not be a Roman chariot embroidered into the sleeve and, to the disappointment of sports photographers, it was not about to be super-modelled by Naomi Campbell.
Lotto insist the hoops will remain. In fact, to the relief of those Rangers supporters convinced this is all too good to be true and there simply has to be a catch, there were no terrifying rebranding schemes in the air.
'A new name?' laughed Briatore, shaking his head. 'Maybe we should call it Oxford,' he added, laughing again at his own joke, which no one else could work out.
Renault's F1 team leader Briatore and the sport's overlord Bernie Ecclestone completed their joint takeover of QPR in November, before quickly selling 20 per cent of the shares to Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal, the world's fifth richest man. Between them the trio could dwarf Roman Abramovich's estimated £500m investment in Chelsea without losing much sleep but, yesterday, Briatore was in no mood for fantasy.
'Do not be confused,' said the Italian. 'Although the shareholders are wealthy the club is in a completely different situation, we won't be throwing away money. It is completely wrong to compare QPR to Chelsea. We are doing the thing our way.
'We won't sit here and talk about the players we want to buy because we want to make sure the price is not 10 times bigger. When somebody arrives in a new business, everybody says: “Oh my God, this is the new guy, the new blood to suck”. There's nothing to suck here.'
This is unlikely to extinguish the excitement around Shepherds Bush. The new owners instantly wiped out £13m of debt and bought well in the January transfer window to help new manager Luigi De Canio haul the club up the Championship table.
'When we arrived QPR were not much,' said Briatore. 'We were starting from the beginning. Our first goal was to make sure we weren't relegated. When we took over the club that did not look so easy but the players and Gigi have done a fantastic job.
'The club is alive. QPR is safe. Without us there would be no QPR any more. This is the biggest difference between us being here and not being here. We are 50 per cent safe in mid-table and we are playing good football, some of the best in this league, and the fans love it.
'Everybody asks why we bought QPR. We are a bunch of friends together who want to do something in football and this is the right approach. We wanted to start from the bottom and create a new club. This way it is more exciting.'
The type of glamour-puss friends Briatore and Ecclestone keep will ensure that as many cameras are trained on the directors' box inside Loftus Road as they are on the pitch for the rest of the season.
Then all the attention will be on how Rangers, relegated from the Barclays Premier League in 1996, will behave in the summer transfer market as they equip themselves for an assault on promotion.
'Before I came here I didn't know QPR existed,' said Briatore, who thought he was buying a barbecue restaurant when the business proposition was first put to him by Ecclestone. 'But I was in Kuala Lumpur and three or four people stopped me to talk about QPR. Everybody is talking about QPR.' This is London


MIRROR/Darren Lewis - FLAV: NO RIP-OFF LIKE ROM
Fearless Flavio Briatore yesterday unveiled a new £20million sponsorship deal for QPR then insisted: "I won't get ripped off like Roman Abramovich".
The F1 team owner, who has taken over at Loftus Road with billionaires Bernie Ecclestone and Lakshmi Mittal, refused to say which players the club are targeting to turn them into superpowers. But he said QPR will challenge for the Championship title next season and play in the Premier League the season after that.
"It's between us and our sporting director the players that we are thinking of," said Briatore. "Otherwise when I try to buy players the price becomes 10 times bigger.
"You only have to look at what has happened with Chelsea. We are working to ensure that if we go up we will stay up and not come straight back down."
Since Abramovich took over at Stamford Bridge in 2003, Chelsea have splashed out £17m on Damien Duff then were forced to take a £12m loss on him when he moved to Newcastle for £5m in 2006.
Other players on which they have had to take huge losses include £16.8m striker Hernan Crespo, who left for Inter Milan on a free transfer, and £15m forward Adrian Mutu, who was sacked after failing a drugs test.
But Briatore, who signed a five-year shirt deal with Lotto yesterday, said: "We wi ll not throw any money away. Even though we are wealthy there is no blood to suck. QPR is QPR, Chelsea is Chelsea.
"Next year we will try to improve our position, but right now we want to consolidate the club and provide a good base.
"I chose QPR because the location of the stadium is the best. Its also a club with a lot of potential.
"A few years ago Bernie tried to buy Chelsea and Abramovich paid more for it. So we want to create our own club. It's very exciting. Now we want to build up from the bottom." MirrorQPR Report


Tuesday, March 25, 2008 Briatore Reiterates No Big QPR Spending Plans...Talks About QPR's Future Plans-

AP - Briatore taking things slowly at QPR even after clinching lucrative sponsorship deal-Fans of English club Queens Park Rangers are likely to be disappointed if they are expecting Flavio Briatore to splash big money on players to fund a return to the Premier League.
The Renault Formula One team boss took over the struggling League Championship side in November along with F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone, and announced on Tuesday that the club had negotiated its biggest ever sponsorship deal.
But the 20 million pounds (US$40 million; ?26 million) that Italian sporting goods manufacturer Lotto will pay the club over five years could represent much of the on-field investment for now.
In contrast to Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, who has spent hundred of millions of pounds on Chelsea in the past five years, Briatore says he plans a much more sustainable future for his west London club.
"We will not throw away money at all,'' Briatore said. "Don't be confused. The club is still the club. We'll try to put the club together in the right way. We're talking about QPR. It's completely wrong to compare QPR with Chelsea. We want to do it our way.
"We want to build up a club. We want to start from the bottom and create a new club. It is much more exciting.''
QPR, which has never been champion of England, has struggled since relegation from the Premier League in 1996, at one point dropping into the third tier for three seasons, and also owed tax to Britain's Inland Revenue.
It was in serious financial trouble when the F1 pair arrived, languishing at the foot of the second tier, but a change of coach and a batch of new players in January has helped lift the club into mid table.
Although the club is just seven points off the promotion playoffs, Briatore insists he is happy to take things slowly and stay in the League Championship for another season.
"When we arrived, QPR was bottom of the table, meaning just this year our goal is staying in the Championship,'' Briatore said. "It is step by step. There will be no miracles. We want to consolidate the club.
"We don't live in fantasy, we deal with reality.''
The reality is that, if QPR wants to compete with more illustrious London clubs such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham and West Ham in the Premier League like Briatore hopes it will, a move from the 19,148-seat Loftus Road stadium to a bigger arena could be necessary.
Even so, Briatore promised to stay near to QPR's current home in the Shepherd's Bush region of London.
"It's a club in the center of London, maybe the best location of any stadium in London,'' Briatore said. "It is better for the fans that we want to stay in this area. We want to be 15 minutes from London. This is the big plus of QPR.''
And fans have already seen that Briatore's plans for a stable, successful club doesn't mean some money won't be there when coach Luigi Di Canio wants it.
With the family of the richest man in Britain, steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal, owning a 20-percent stake in the club and represented on the board by his son-in-law Amit Bhatia, Di Canio acquired eight players in the January transfer window.
"In the January window, there was a lot of action, but what we have now is a base that we're very proud of,'' Bhatia said. "The idea is that we're very happy with what we have now. There are other things potentially, but nothing worth discussing now.''
And Briatore is already seeing the boost his presence has given the team.
"When I go around now, everyone is from QPR,'' Briatore said. "Before, I didn't know QPR existed. I was in Karampur (Pakistan) three days ago, and everybody there asks me about QPR.'' AP


REUTERS - BRIATORE
Former champions Renault can still win grands prix this year despite a difficult start to the Formula One season, team boss Flavio Briatore said on Tuesday.
"I think so, yes, in Barcelona we have the new package and absolutely yes (we can win)," he told Reuters.
Briatore was speaking after announcing a new 20 million pounds ($39.85 million) five-year sponsorship deal with Italian clothing company Lotto for his English Championship (second division) soccer club Queens Park Rangers.....
...Briatore would not be drawn on whether he thought QPR would be in the Premier League before Renault were champions again.
"It's difficult to say because nobody expected Renault to win the championships in 2005 and 2006. I don't know, let's see," he said.....
The team boss is a co-owner of QPR with Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone and Indian steel billionaire Lakshmi Mittal.
"Bernie is an incredible asset for QPR and we have fun as well," Briatore said of their partnership.
"In life you need to have fun, but you have fun only if you are successful. I think there is a lot of synergy because we want to be competitive and be the best and this is the same in football as well as Formula One Reuters


Sporting Life/James Pearson - Briatore plays down spending spree
R's supremo says summer plans have not changed
QPR co-owner Flavio Briatore has stated the club's impressive new sponsorship deal will not mean a summer spending spree for Luigi Di Canio.
The West Londoners have struck a five-year sponsorship deal with Lotto Italia that could be worth up to £20million should they win promotion to the Premier League.
Briatore has confirmed QPR will strengthen come the end of the season, although he has hinted it might not be the wholesale changes the media are predicting for the Loftus Road outfit.
"I don't see the sponsorship deal changing our programme," he told Sky Sports News. "We've put a programme together to strengthen the squad, that's independent of the sponsorship.
"Luigi's done a very good job with the players. He's great.
Good job
"I remember when we took over the window was closed. In January we brought so many players together. To amalgamate everybody was not so easy and Luigi's done a good job.
"But credit to the players as well. They've responded as well. Of course we need to improve, but at least we have plenty of time to do that."
Meanwhile, Briatore has put to bed long-standing rumours the club could secure the services of Portuguese legend Luis Figo in the summer.
"Forget it. It's a lot of fantasy. He's good, but there have been a lot of rumours," he concluded. Sky Sports QPR Report


The Guardian - Donald McRae - Tuesday March 11, 2008
Flavio Briatore may just be the smartest man in a business crammed with seriously bright operators and so, on the brink of a new formula one season, it is always worth taking a step back to watch him at work. As the leader of Renault and the personal manager of a disconsolate Fernando Alonso, the deposed world champion, Briatore has brought a struggling team and his favourite driver back together again. And while Alonso re-adjusts to Renault, with whom he won two world championships before his brief and unhappy defection to McLaren, Briatore shrewdly focuses attention on the sport's current acrimony and subterfuge....
The 57-year-old can escape such trials by lingering over his fiancee, Elisabetta Gregoraci, 28, the strutting Wonderbra woman, who represents his latest supermodel conquest after Naomi Campbell, Elle Macpherson, Eva Herzigova and Heidi Klum. In slightly less romantic fashion Briatore has also combined with two billionaires in Bernie Eccelestone and Lakshmi Mittal, the world's fifth-richest man, to buy Queens Park Rangers.
"I never expected this to happen. Each morning I only expect to wake up and shave. The rest I don't know because life is so fragile. Life, for me, is the moment. That's why I don't buy green bananas - who knows what will happen tomorrow? But now that I am with QPR it is amazing. We always have between 15,000 and 18,000 to see QPR - whether they play Colchester or Scunthope. Against Chelsea there were 41,000. That's why English football is fantastic. In Italy if Milan play Lecce you have 2,000 people."
Briatore smiles when asked how he and his billionaire chums and girlfriends have coped with the lack of glamour around the lower reaches of the Championship. "Our stadium is not the best so I'm not shocked. I go to Stoke and all over England and it is very civilised. Hospitality is very nice. We are the same with our fans - very clear and transparent. We aim to be in the Premier League in two more seasons but we will do it efficiently."
So there is little hope for gleeful QPR fans expecting a £40m injection in the summer? "No way. That number is completely wrong. Let's see at the end of the season but with this squad we have super players with a super attitude. You need a certain type of player to get out of the Championship and I think we have them. But, of course, Bernie, Lakshmi and me are as bad as each other when we lose. We want to win with QPR."
Briatore sounds typically determined but, for the moment, he is more consumed by this weekend's opening grand prix in Melbourne than the visit of Blackpool to Loftus Road. "The best two sports in the world are football and formula one and to be involved in both is very exciting. But you must understand one thing - my DNA is formula one. It is not football. Formula one comes first for me." Guardian
QPR Report


Sunday, March 02, 2008 Flavio Briatore and QPR Profiled
-Observer Sports Monthly
'I thought QPR was a barbecue restaurant'
He is a playboy F1 boss. They are an accident-prone Championship football team. How did 'love' blossom between Flavio Briatore and Queens Park Rangers? Given unprecedented access, OSM follows the new chairman.
· Click here for our behind-the-scenes pictures from Loftus Road.

Adrian Deevoy - Sunday March 2, 2008 Observer Sport Monthly

It's not all beer and skittles being a famous international playboy. Sometimes you have to moor the yacht, ignore the supermodel voicemail and get back to what you do best. Making millions.

Forty-eight hours ago, Renault Formula One team principal Flavio Briatore was in Paris outlining his plan for the coming season. 'We're going to have a lot of fun,' seemed to be the central thrust of the campaign.

Yesterday, he tended to his Billionaire Couture clothing company. Clothing for gentlemen who prefer their fly-buttons fashioned from solid gold. He then dealt with Westminster Council regarding opening a nightclub in St James's. Last night, he dined out and relaxed. It always makes a pleasant change to eat somewhere you don't own.

But today, the powerful Italian tycoon must consign inter-pit politics, extortionate underpants and global property concerns to the back burner, for there is a new distraction in his life.

Unusually for the former freelance love machine, this is not a beautiful woman (although he has dated more than most: step forward Naomi Campbell, Adriana Volpe, Eva Herzigova, Elle Macpherson, Heidi Klum - with whom Briatore has a three-year-old daughter - and now fiancée Elisabetta Gregoraci).

But you can be certain that Briatore's latest love will prove as difficult as the most demanding princess and doubtless be just as pricey to run. For the teak-tanned entrepreneur has been seduced by a redoubtable old dame residing in an unlovely pocket of west London.

Like many before him, your correspondent included, Flavio Briatore has fallen, and fallen hard, for Queens Park Rangers football club, currently sitting in lower mid-table in the Championship. And, while appreciating that there may be some rocky times ahead, he is determined to make it work.

'It's true,' he says, dark eyes crinkling behind his ever-present turquoise shades. 'I have come to love the club, the people, the loyalty of the supporters. But we must remember,' and here his expression hardens, 'this is a business. And although you must love what you do, you cannot make difficult business decisions purely with your heart.'

At 57, Briatore has made in the region of a hundred million quid's worth of difficult business decisions. Some have been ground-breaking: his development of the Benetton F1 team in the early Nineties was nothing short of visionary. Some have landed him in hot water: he had to leave Italy hastily in the late Seventies to avoid a four-year sentence for fraud.

Asked to consider his triumphs and transgressions, Briatore shrugs and says: 'I am very happy. I am healthy, thank God. Every day I am just happy to wake up.' He cups his hands as if holding a delicate bird. 'Life is very fragile,' he sighs. 'Very fragile.'

His arrival at Loftus Road this February afternoon, for a game against Bristol City, is signalled by the appearance of an expensively pointy cowboy boot from a sleek, discreet, blacked-out jeep. You know that the boots alone cost more than your car, and the vehicle carrying them is worth, in certain neighbourhoods, more than your life.

Briatore marches briskly - and shadowing him you realise swiftly that he rarely goes below 'brisk' - through the players' entrance. He signs autographs, glowers ruggedly into camera lenses and shakes the hands of fans and staff, offering a gruff 'ciao, ciao' as he goes.

Flanked by two dark-haired and highly attractive women, Briatore takes the stairs up to the directors' suite, mumbling in his melodic mother tongue as he goes. 'Sometimes the logistics of the stadium are difficult,' he apologises, negotiating a tight chicane. 'I still get lost in the corridors.'

The directors' suite operates a strict 'no jeans' policy but, in the case of Signor Briatore, they are prepared to make an exception. He does, after all, kind of own the place.

Before Briatore and his friend, the Formula One overlord Bernie Ecclestone, bought QPR last August the club were going under. Gates were down, performances were poor, morale was close to non-existent and the money had run out. Relegation, and worse, loomed.

The Super Hoops were in a suicidal state. The boardroom burned with accusations of corruption; a 'friendly' against the Chinese Olympic team in February last year degenerated disgracefully into a full-scale fist-fight - 'The Great Brawl Of China'. Then there was talk of reckless gunplay behind the scenes. In August 2005, before a game against Sheffield United, armed police were called to Loftus Road when then chairman Gianni Paladini claimed to have been threatened with a pistol and beaten by a group of men demanding he sign away his stake in the club. But all the accused, including another director of the club, were acquitted at a subsequent trial.

'It was a very bad time for the club,' Briatore agrees. 'All their dreams had disappeared, all their hope. They were hopeless,' he laughs, relishing the word.

But he's right. Rangers were bloody hopeless.

Then, like footballing fairy godfathers, Flavio and Bernie waved their magic wonga; they cleared the club's £13m debt and in October installed Luigi De Canio as the team's new manager, allowing him a generous budget to purchase players and build a squad. The motor racing men have since been joined as shareholders by Lakshmi Mittal, the Indian steel magnate and fifth richest man in the world, who, aptly enough, has bought a fifth of the club.

Their aim: to get QPR promoted to the Premier League within three years and established as a successful brand thereafter. More than that, they want to rediscover the romance and theatre that used to transform a scruffy tin stadium in Shepherds Bush into a place of joy and wonder. 'Football should be an event,' Briatore declares. 'Our mission is to make it entertainment.'

Dramatic changes have already occurred up in the directors' suite at Loftus Road. There's an espresso machine, for one. Then there are the elegant women with their tiny behinds and enormous sunglasses. And the dress-sense has improved immeasurably. It is impossible to calculate the acreage of cashmere in the room.

The suite itself has not changed since the days of 'QPR rule, OK?', those glorious mid-Seventies when Stan Bowles and Dave Thomas humiliated defenders for fun. The anaemic wood panelling is of a hue that would make any airport hotel proud and the royal blue carpet gives off the reassuring spark of man-made fabric. The crowning glory is the fake-log fireplace around which Rangers' new owners and patrons now gather.

Everyone either looks or is Italian. Men sport collar-length hairstyles not seen since Howard's Way ruled the ratings. They drink pink aperitifs and greet each other with kisses. They openly finger the fabric of other men's blazers. There's not a pint of Whitbread or a bookie's Biro to be seen. What would Don Givens, the Irish striker in that mid-Seventies team, make of it all?

At the centre of this perfumed throng stands Briatore. Tall and physical, he thumps backs, slaps shoulders and hugs his male acquaintances. Women are welcomed with body language that says: 'Now you are here, my life is complete.'

He works the room with the ease and authority of an alpha male: large and in charge. You obviously don't get to employ a thousand people without picking up a few man-management tips along the way.

But now Briatore's considerable nerve is about to be challenged. There has been sad news: Gigi De Canio's father has passed away and the QPR manager is on a plane to Italy to be with his family. This means that someone else will need to give the team talk before the game. There is no discussion as to who that will be.

Twenty minutes before kick-off, Briatore stands in a soundless QPR changing room, the young players staring in reverential silence as he delivers the most concise of motivational homilies. 'You are professionals,' he says, establishing unwavering eye contact with every person present. 'We pay you. You know exactly what to do. I want you to go out there and do it. You win. For Gigi. OK, that's all.'

In the lift afterwards, Briatore exhales mightily, his face folding with emotion. 'Gigi is a good man,' he says of his bereaved manager. 'A very good man.' Then, as Italians often do in times of heightened emotion, he eats. Joining friends and business associates - a communications billionaire here, a fat cat from Fiat there - Briatore orders a plate of roast lamb with vegetables (no gravy, steady on the spuds). There is a convivial, almost familial atmosphere, as Chianti is sipped slowly and some distinctly European cheese makes the rounds.

Gianni Paladini eats standing up to one side of Briatore's table. This may be so as not to crease his immaculate navy suit, but ballistics experts will tell you that it's difficult to sit down to lunch while wearing a bullet-proof vest.

Amit Bhatia, Lakshmi Mittal's son-in-law and representative on the QPR board - he is vice chairman - stops by for a chat wearing the most luxuriant camel coat the world has ever seen. With his laughing green eyes and perfectly tossed hair, he could pass for an Indian Robbie Williams. He is overheard saying to Briatore: 'We must do something about the stadium.' He is smoothly reassured that plenty will be done.

There is a nursery planned for QPR toddlers, a DJ will play live before games, a catering overhaul is imminent, luxury seating is to be installed in the posher stands. The entire match-day experience will be re-evaluated and improved. They may even put some air freshener in the lavatories.

One day, of course, if all goes to plan, QPR will have to leave Loftus Road for a more accommodating stadium. 'This is an amazing place,' Briatore says. 'And the history is very important. The club has been part of this community for generations. It would be a pity if we have to move ... but it might be necessary.'

Lunch is barely over and Briatore has another pressing matter to deal with. And it is perhaps an insight into his obsessive character that this one detail occupies him for longer than it reasonably should. While he could be thinking about his hefty property portfolio or healthy hedge funds, he has but one thought on his mind.

One of his gloves is missing. But this is not just a glove. It's a Billionaire Couture glove: made out of several small animals and costing an arm and a leg. And, as Michael Jackson has shown us, gloves worn in the singular just look daft.

Briatore pulls on the widowed one and flaps his arms like a distressed penguin. 'Stupid, huh?' He bangs his palms together, producing the muffled sound of one hand clapping, while repeatedly inquiring: 'Where is it? Where has it gone?'

Perhaps, it is mooted, one of the players filched it when Briatore was in the changing room - a couple of them do look slightly light-fingered. 'If they have did, I'll take it out of their wages,' he says. 'Believe me, I will.'

He leads a surreal conga - including club chairman, clipboard-wielding PR manager, reporter, photographer and assistant - back downstairs in an effort to locate the rogue mitt. He retraces his steps, becoming increasingly perplexed as each revisited venue turns up nothing.

Outside the physio's room, he asks a puzzled player if he has seen the elusive item and, for an instant, it looks like the entire team might be press-ganged into the strange search party.

Briatore shakes his silver mane and utters some earthy Italian oaths. 'One glove,' he harrumphs, sounding as if he may have launched into the familiar Bob Marley song. 'No good to anyone.' Yet by the time the glove is found, Briatore has lost interest and nonchalantly stuffs it into his Puffa-jacket pocket. It was, you suspect, the thrill of the chase that engaged him.

Brief as it may have been, Briatore's pre-match talk works a minor miracle. QPR, who start the match in 19th position in the Championship, play better football than they have in years and methodically take apart a strong, second-placed Bristol City side. Rangers are composed, confident and 2-0 up at half time, thanks to a fine brace of goals by striker Patrick Agyemang, recently signed from Preston and mysteriously known to the club cognoscenti as 'Dave'.

While The Loft (as the home end is known) sings 'Gigi De Canio, Bernie and Flavio' to the tune of Verdi's 'La Donna è mobile', Briatore is speaking softly in English into his mobile. 'Fantastic,' he murmurs. 'Two great goals ... playing so well ... everyone says, "It's like the old days ..." wonderful ... yes ... fantastic.'

The next call is in Italian, during which he more than likely says: 'Playing out of their skins ... a proper tonking ... get in, my son ... top of the league? They're having a laugh.'

It is 3-0 by full time - mercurial Hungarian midfielder Akos Buzsaky having driven home a classy third on the hour - and in the changing room there are wide smiles and high spirits.

Briatore plunges into the fug of steaming socks, soiled shorts, hot food and horrible aftershave to congratulate his gladiators, most of whom, it is hard to ignore, are stark naked. Little Hogan Ephraim is deep in conversation with big Patrick Agyemang. Long-limbed Jamaica international Damion Stewart works his way through a bowl of pasta at an impressive rate, while Buzsaky stands watching the football results on television, absently toying with the family jewels.

Carefully avoiding the danglier aspects of the first XI, Briatore embraces several players before saluting the goalscorers. He bangs Agyemang manfully on the right pectoral and ruffles Buzsaky's hair. The striker glows with pride; the midfielder accepts the praise graciously then gives his penis one last triumphal tug before striding to the showers.

Three days after the victory against Bristol City, I'm invited to Briatore's well appointed London office. You can tell it's an upmarket location - the local corner shop is Harrods.

En route, I decide to buy him a small gift. But what do you give the man who has everything? When you have your own Sardinian nightclub, Tuscan beach club and African spa, what more do you need to soothe your soul? If you sail around the world in a 160-foot yacht, what is going to float your boat?

I settle on a first edition of historical journalism entitled The Heart of London by HV Morton. It goes down surprisingly well.

'A book,' beams Briatore, visibly more relaxed than he was at Loftus Road. He mulls over the title and a light bulb goes on above his head. 'Like Rangers, eh? QPR - the heart of London.'

He settles back in a broad-backed leather chair that, perhaps unnecessarily, bears his initials and gestures towards a lower velvet-covered seat on the other side of a vast glass desk. The espresso comes in dainty cups with engraved silver handles.

Coffee having hit the spot, Briatore talks without a comma for 45 minutes, pausing once to take a call - 'Ciao, Naomi. Are you in New York?' - and later to check his watch, which is the size of an ashtray. He cheerfully admits that he stumbled into football by happy accident. He was in talks to open a 'high-end pizzeria' in London, so when a call came regarding QPR, 'I was still thinking about food. I thought maybe QPR was a barbecue restaurant.'

His business-plan, he explains, is simple. He wants to 'do a Benetton'. That is, take a middling team and make them world-beaters with a positive balance sheet within five seasons. This would sound wildly over-ambitious had Briatore not already done precisely that with Benetton.

The Italian's genius was in understanding that motor racing was not so much about engine technology as the sheer electricity the sport generated. Now, the marketing architect who made F1 the world's most glamorous sport is preparing to focus his formidable attentions on the humble Coca-Cola Championship.

'Bernie was going to buy Chelsea [before Roman Abramovich's takeover],' he recalls. 'But I think buying a smaller club will ultimately be more satisfying. And less of a painful learning curve.' He jokes that whenever QPR's new owners meet for dinner, he is the poor relation (his fellow backers have a combined wealth of £21.4bn). 'I pay the tip,' he winks. 'They take care of the rest.'

When he speaks of other teams in the second flight, he does so with phonetic difficulty. 'Nor-wich' is problematic, 'Sheffield Wed-nes-a-die' is a tricky one and Scunthorpe is a minefield. 'There are some very strong teams in this division,' he says. 'We have to take it slowly, step by step. I don't want to go up to the Premiership and come straight down again like an elevator. Little by little. That's the way to become a protagonist in English football.'

Before taking his next meeting, Briatore announces that he is particularly excited by 17-year-old Colombian winger Angelo Balanta, recently promoted from the youth team. 'Very talented,' he enthuses. 'I think he will be a big star.'

And when the man who discovered Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso makes such a prediction, you tend to listen.

'I work very, very hard,' he says, removing the trademark blue glasses and placing them carefully on the desk. It is a gesture that says: 'I know people think I'm a vain, womanising money-worshipper, with an ego you can see from the moon, but I've worked my tanned Italian behind off to get here.' Point made, he drains his espresso and picks up his new book. 'The Heart of London,' he purrs. 'You know, I like that.'

Rangers' next home game is a tough evening tussle with play-off-chasing Burnley. Once again, the directors' box is a carnival of cashmere and costly cologne. But, this evening, there is a distinct Briatore-shaped hole. Unavoidably detained in a stylish European location.

In his absence Ecclestone holds the fort but, without his charismatic Italian amico, something is missing. Something is missing on the pitch, too: like the inability to hold on to a 2-0 lead.

Rangers lose 4-2, undone by a superior team and an excellent Andy Cole hat-trick. Ecclestone does not look best pleased and can be seen texting furiously, with one thumb like your nan, at full time. In a stylish European location, a message arrives. 'Get your tanned Italian behind back to west London,' it says, 'there's work to be done here.'
A brief history of Queens Park Rangers....
A brief history of Flavio Briatore
1950
Born 12 April in Verzuolo, north-west Italy, to schoolteacher parents
1960s
Studies land surveying; works as a ski instructor before opening a restaurant
1970s
While working at the Italian Stock Exchange, meets and befriends Luciano Benetton, founder of the fashion company. But Briatore later flees to the Virgin Islands after he is sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison for fraud over his involvement in the bankruptcy of Italian company Paramatti
1980
Put in charge of Benetton's expansion into the US, eventually opening 800 stores
1989
Leaves fashion arm of the company to join Benetton's Formula One team, also-rans behind Williams, McLaren and Ferrari. Briatore hires Tom Walkinshaw as chief engineer
1991
Signs a young German driver who has made a strong impression in qualifying as a late replacement for the Jordan team. His name is Michael Schumacher
1992
Schumacher picks up 53 world championship points, more than the team earned in the previous season
1994
Schumacher wins his first Formula One drivers' championship with Benetton
1995
Schumacher retains his title and Benetton win their first constructors' championship
1997
A year after Schumacher leaves for Ferrari, Briatore is fired as managing director
2000
Renault buy the racing team from Benetton and bring back Briatore as team manager
2003
He replaces Jenson Button in Renault's line-up with (then) test driver Fernando Alonso
2004
Heidi Klum, one of many supermodels dated by Briatore, gives birth to his only child, Helene
2005
Alonso wins the F1 drivers' championship and Renault the constructors' championship
2006
Alonso and Renault complete back-to-back drivers' and constructors' championship wins
2007
Briatore becomes joint owner of QPR with fellow F1 magnate Bernie Ecclestone
Observer Sports Monthly
QPR Report


Saturday, March 01, 2008 - Behind the scenes at QPR with Flavio Briatore-
Observer: "Behind the scenes at QPR with Flavio Briatore (8 pictures) -

Flavio Briatore is the new Messiah at QPR. OSM spent a typical matchday with the Hoops' owner, venturing behind the scenes to witness his impromptu team-talk, the authentic Loftus Road cuisine and the post-victory love-in with the players. [Photos by Chris Floyd. [Especially this photo and this photo.]

Photo 1 - Formula one team owner, fashion entrepreneur and supermodel magnet, Flavio Briatore takes on his latest incarnation as the Messiah of QPR.

Photo 2 - At home in the QPR directors' box

Photo 3 - Justification, if ever it was needed, that Briatore was right to consider setting up a London restaurant.

Photo 4- QPR fans are hoping that Flavio's touch of glamour will reflect on the field as well as off it.

Photo 5 - Flavio wonders whether his complex tactical team talk ("We pay you. You win") has worked.

Photo 6 - It has. Flavio celebrates as The Hoops score against Bristol City.

Photo 7 - Briatore welcomes the 3-0 win with a salute for the players.

Photo 8 - Briatore offers some words of congratulations and to Mikele Leigertwood while Damion Stewart goes for brownie points by tucking into a plate of pappardelle.

Observer


Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Flavior Briatore Speaks About QPR (and Other Things) "Why He Loves Loftus Road"-
The Times/Kaveh Sokhekol - February 27, 2008
Fast cars, models and . . . QPR. 'In life, you need to be happy'
The Italian with the playboy image on why he loves Loftus Road
Flavio Briatore wants to get married and settle down one day, but for the time being the 57-year-old is happy running a Formula One team, owning a football club and dating a supermodel. Growing up in northern Italy in the 1950s and 1960s, Briatore never dreamt about owning nightclubs and restaurants and rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous. “I never wanted to be anything,” he said in his Knightsbridge office, overlooking Harrods. “I just wanted to be happy.”

A chance meeting in the late 1970s with Luciano Benetton, the founder of the Italian clothing company, changed his life and catapulted him into a world of fast cars and big business. This year he is planning to open a branch of his Billionaire nightclub chain in Mayfair and a Billionaire boutique is also about to open on Sloane Street in Central London. But when he gets out of bed at 6am every day, he has more than clothes and nightclubs on his mind. There is the Formula One team he has to run and the football club he has bought with Bernie Ecclestone and Lakshmi Mittal, two of the richest men in the UK.

“I wake up very early,” Briatore said. “I wake up when everyone else is going to bed and I start work straight away - why waste two hours reading newspapers? Then I work all day and I never go out during the week. In London, maybe I go out once a month, but only to places I own. I never go to someone else's restaurant or bar.”

February is a busy month for Briatore. The Formula One season is about to start and he is determined to get things right at his Renault team. Last season was a write-off and he winced when talking about finishing a distant third behind Ferrari and BMW Sauber in the constructors' championship (after McLaren's disqualification) thanks to an uncompetitive car that did not get to grips with the Bridgestone tyres that all teams had to use.

According to Briatore, the managing director, this year will be different because Fernando Alonso, the Spaniard who won two world drivers' titles with the team in 2005 and 2006, is back after a miserable year at McLaren and the new R28 car is a vast improvement on last year's model.

“Renault is back and we are confident that we will be protagonists this year and fighting for places on the podium,” Briatore said. “For me, Fernando is the best. He gets bad publicity in England because last year he was fighting with Lewis Hamilton, but it is always like this in England.

“There will be no problems between Fernando and Lewis this season because they are very intelligent. The problem between them was not personal animosity, it was competition and the fact Fernando felt McLaren were not treating him the same as Hamilton. For Fernando it was a team problem not a Hamilton problem.”

The feud between Hamilton and Alonso may have been bad for McLaren, but it has not done Formula One any harm. Propelled by Ecclestone's relentless drive for new opportunities, races are springing up in countries such as Singapore, China, Bahrain and Turkey, and there is talk of an Indian Grand Prix.

“What Bernie has done is sensational,” Briatore said. “When he was talking about going to China ten years ago everyone was laughing, but Bernie has a vision and what he has done to develop Formula One in countries with economic potential is amazing. Next we have to look for opportunities in India, Korea and Russia.”

Briatore made his name in Formula One at Benetton, where he became the manager in 1990 and led the team to two drivers' world titles, with Michael Schumacher at the wheel. Some people get into Formula One because they love cars; Briatore loves the spectacle, but not the cars. “I'm not excited about cars. It takes me 15 minutes to get in and out of a Ferrari or a Porsche,” he said - and in London he is driven around by his chauffeur in an unremarkable Nissan.

Like most Londoners, though, one of his pet hates is Ken Livingstone's dreaded congestion charge, along with the traffic, traffic wardens and pollution. “The charge is very expensive,” Briatore said. “It's a little bit too much. Some people need their cars every day. I don't drive myself because of this. I have a driver. Everyone wants to reduce pollution, but you also have to improve public transport and make sure that the train is on time.”

The way Briatore sees it, London could do with someone who listens to people and then makes decisions, in the same way that he says he does at Renault and Queens Park Rangers, the Coca-Cola Championship club he bought last year with Ecclestone and Mittal. Briatore dismissed the rumour that he thought someone was trying to sell him a restaurant when he took a phone call from an associate who wanted to see if he was interested in buying QPR, but he accepts that the deal has raised eyebrows.

Why buy a struggling Championship club when the gang of three could have bought any club they wanted and be rubbing shoulders with Roman Abramovich, the Chelsea owner, and the other big hitters in the Barclays Premier League? “The centre of football is England,” Briatore said. “If you want to do Formula One you need to be in England. If you want to make champagne you go to France. If you want to make ham you go to Modena. Location is important and at the moment the best football is in England.
“Anyway, I met Mr Abramovich when we played Chelsea in the FA Cup and I have a lot of respect for him. I have known him for a long time and we were joking about why anyone would want to run a Formula One team and a football club.”

But why QPR? Why not Fulham or Reading or any other top-flight club rumoured to be for sale? “We prefer something that is more of a challenge,” he said. “In the last 20 years I speak to Bernie at least five or six times a day. We are in the same business, we travel together, he is my best friend. Whatever I do, Bernie is always part of it. We have a very good understanding and Lakshmi Mittal is also a very great person. He's a very smart businessman. It is great to have these kind of partners, but more importantly it's very important to have these kind of friends. Last year I used to go to ski every weekend, now I stay in London because we all go to watch QPR together with our friends.”

There is a picture of some of those friends at Loftus Road - Elisabetta Gregoracci, the Italian model from the Wonderbra advertisements, to whom Briatore is reportedly engaged, Naomi Campbell and other assorted models and “It” girls - on the wall of Briatore's office next to the Formula One trophies and two old black and white photographs of the 1908 QPR team.

So, is that happy-go-lucky Italian boy, who grew up without a care in the world, happy with his Formula One team, his football club and all those supermodels? “First of all, QPR doesn't belong to me, it belongs to the fans and the shareholders,” he said. “In life you need to be happy with yourself and the job you are doing. Just because you are in F1 is not going to make you happy. Whatever you are doing, if you give 100 per cent then you will be happy. If you are a butler, or a waiter, you have to work hard to have success and then one day you might make it to F1 or have a football team.
“It is important as well that you meet the right girl in your life and fall in love. Maybe for me it has been a little bit more difficult, but you never know.”

Life in the fast lane

Flavio Briatore is the managing director of the Renault Formula One team and the co-owner of Queens Park Rangers. The 57-year-old also owns the Cipriani restaurant in Central London, a pharmaceutical company and holiday resorts in Italy and Kenya, as well as the Billionaire nightclub in Sardinia and Billionaire Couture.

He has been romantically linked with supermodels such as Naomi Campbell and Heidi Klum and, according to Italian newspapers, he is engaged to Elisabetta Gregoracci, the 27-year-old Wonderbra model.

April 12, 1950 Born in Verzuolo, Italy

1968 Leaves school with a diploma in land surveying and works as a ski instructor and restaurant manager before moving to Milan to work at the Italian stock exchange

1979 Appointed director of Benetton’s operations in the United States.

1990 Appointed manager of Benetton F1.

1995 Michael Schumacher wins his second world drivers’ title and Benetton win constructors’ title

1997 Briatore leaves Benetton

1999 Briatore becomes Fernando Alonso’s manager

2000 Briatore becomes managing director of Renault’s Formula One team.

2006-7 Alonso wins world drivers’ championship. Renault win constructors’ title.

2007 Briatore buys QPR with Bernie Ecclestone.

Two cars, one passion

Flavio Briatore is the managing director of the Renault Formula One team, but he is not a fan of fast cars. He is driven around London by his chauffeur in a Nissan and his favourite car is a blue Fiat Cinquecento he bought in 1968...." The Times

Also May 21 2006 Times "The Big Interview" with Briatore

QPR Report


Sunday, February 24, 2008 - Briatore and Ecclestone on QPR-
Telegraph/Derick Allsop - QPR rev up for tilt at the big boys
Flavio Briatore had that countenance of any football fan when his team run out of ideas and almost out of luck. But then, as he says, it has to be a step at a time and at least this was another point. Behind him, in the Queens Park Rangers directors' box, Bernie Ecclestone muttered: "Told you it would be 1-1."
Maybe he was wishing they had bought Chelsea, after all. We'll get back to that. For better or worse,
Briatore and Ecclestone, two luminaries of the Formula One world, have committed themselves and some of their fortunes to the mission of turning Rangers into a force in the Premier League.
They have the track record and Rangers have a pedigree of sorts. Some of the 15,383 who saw them hold on for a draw against Sheffield United will recall a time when this was a cult club: winners of the League Cup as a Third Division team, runners-up in the old First Division. Their style, bordering on arrogance, was epitomised by those Loftus Road icons, Rodney Marsh and Stan Bowles.
There was little evidence of swagger or even hope when Briatore and his chums took over Rangers in September. "Flavio rescued them, make no mistake," Ecclestone said. The pair pledged to pay off £3 million debts and invest in the ailing
Championship team, now managed by Italian Luigi de Canio. "We [Italy] have given England and Ireland their managers but this is just a coincidence," said de Canio's compatriot, Briatore, over pre-match lunch.
Briatore, who led Benetton and their successors, Renault, to Formula One supremacy, and Ecclestone, responsible for transforming haphazard Grand Prix racing into the finely-tuned extravagance it is today recruited three partners, including steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal, whose wealth puts even Bernie in the shade.
But despite the resources of the world's fifth richest man, Briatore insists they won't aimlessly throw money at their football project.
"We didn't waste money at Benetton or Renault and we won't here," Briatore said. "We have a three-year plan to take the club to the Premier League, improve the stadium and facilities, but the focus is the sport."
Briatore, a Juventus fan from boyhood, now has another club dear to this heart, although he admits he thought QPR was a restaurant. "I'd never heard of QPR," he said. "But now I am glad we don't have a restaurant! My job is Formula One. Here we have people in position to run the club properly. Football is an emotional sport and when you are involved, it matters. I get as nervous as any supporter. I don't know what will happen today."
Ecclestone interjected: "I do. We'll win 4-0. I've had a word with the referee." Bernie is renowned for his impish sense of humour as well as his power. He was just joking…wasn't he? He goes on: "For me this is a nice diversion. Trouble is, wherever I go people want to talk about Formula One. At least I don't have to worry about every little detail and nurse-maiding boring VIPs as I do at a race. The thing about football is that it can be uncertain until the last minute of injury time. You don't get that so much in Formula One."
So what is this about Chelsea? "We would have bought them if Roman Abramovich hadn't done," he said. "It would have cost us about £140 million. We'd have done it, but then Abramovich came in."
Briatore said: "I like taking a small club and making it a big club, so I'm happy we're here." Ecclestone came back: "I'd like Chelsea!" Rangers are light years from Chelsea's status but De Canio brought in 10 players during January and they have edged away from danger.
Just as Ecclestone and Briatore head for the directors' box, Birmingham score a late equaliser against Arsenal. "See what I mean," Bernie said.
Briatore studied the team sheet and pointed to No 36, Angelo Balanta. "He is only 16, one of the most talented players we have."
His eye is caught also by United's No 6, James Beattie. "They paid £5 million for him - we bought all 11 players for that." Briatore was soon enthusing about his goalkeeper, Lee Camp. "Bravo, bravo." Both men were up on their feet when Balanta scored after 18 minutes. "It's the kid, it's the kid," Briatore yelled.
Rangers held their lead at the break and Bernie and Flavio retreated to the chairman's suite to study the half-time scores.
United, managed for the first time in a league match by Kevin Blackwell, resumed with greater purpose and Fitz Hall, the Rangers defender, was summoned to work overtime.
Briatore twinged in anxiety and Ecclestone popped out to take a call and was probably grateful for the relief.
He returned to see United claim an inevitable equaliser though the scorer was less predictable. For once Hall was unable to clear decisively and United's centre-half and captain, Chris Morgan, drilled in the equaliser. As Briatore and Ecclestone were aware, it could have been worse. Telegraph
QPR Report


Monday, February 11, 2008 QPR's Financial Situation Under its New Owners: Bernie Ecclestone's Perspective-
The Times/Alex Wade - February 11, 2008
QPR fans give thanks a billion times over
Throw money at Loftus Road? That’s rich, says Bernie Ecclestone (worth £2.24bn)

Bernie Ecclestone does not mince his words. “One thing’s for sure,” he says. “If we owe anything, we pay it back.”

Ecclestone, one of the wealthiest men in sport with an estimated fortune of £2.24 billion, was not referring to his family policy on monthly credit card repayments. The Formula One impresario was alluding to the debts he inherited when, along with Flavio Briatore, another of motor racing’s more colourful characters, he took over Queens Park Rangers.

Their arrival was greeted with rapture by long-suffering fans who in recent years have seen the club teeter from one calamity to another. The subsequent arrival of an even wealthier investor – Lakshmi Mittal, reputedly the world’s fifth-richest man – consolidated a new nickname for the club. With Mittal having bought 20 per cent of Briatore’s shareholding, fans were chanting “1-0 to the billionaires” when their team opened the scoring in a Coca-Cola Championship match against Barnsley last month.

But for all the excitement – even Naomi Campbell, the supermodel, has been seen in the directors’ box – QPR’s recent history is fraught. Since relegation from the top division in 1996, the club have gone into administration and been dogged by a succession of controversies. There have been off-field tragedies involving young players, the infamous “Great Brawl of China” – when a match against the China Olympic team descended into violence – and a remarkable court case in 2006 when seven men were acquitted of charges of conspiracy to blackmail, false imprisonment and handgun possession after Gianni Pala-dini, the chairman, alleged that a gun had been held to his head before a home match against Sheffield United.

But if high noon at Loftus Road seemed, at times, in danger of becoming a weekly event, QPR emerged from administration in 2002 thanks to a £10 million loan from the ABC Corporation. The benevolence of the Panama-registered company came at a price – a cool £1 million in annual interest – and, until the Formula One duo turned up, seemed set to dog any attempt to escape the lower reaches of the second tier.

Yet even as Ecclestone and Co took the reins there were murmurs of disquiet. One newspaper made much of the fact that, some two months into the new regime, the ABC loan had yet to be discharged. Ecclestone is happy to set the record straight.

“We will pay the debt when we can – at the end of June this year,” he says. “That’s when the loan matures, so that’s when we can pay it back.” Likewise, debts to Antonio Caliendo, a former director and major shareholder, reportedly owed £2 million after the takeover. “We’re finalising the balance sheet with Mr Caliendo in order that we can clarify what is owed to him,” Ecclestone says. “When this is completed he will be paid immediately.”

The settling of such obligations will be good news for QPR fans; so, too, Ecclestone’s sense of the club and their future, despite what appeared to be some rather heretical confessions. He cheerfully admits that he was “never all that interested in the domestic game” and that, if anything, QPR’s sworn rivals, Chelsea, were his team, thanks to watching matches at Stamford Bridge with Roman Abramovich.

Moreover, Ecclestone says that QPR “wasn’t on my radar” and that he initially thought that they were not even a football team. “Flavio had been telling me he was looking at buying a restaurant, so when he called me one day to talk about QPR, that’s what I thought he was talking about,” Ecclestone says. Since getting involved, however, he has been delighted by the fans’ response. “They’ve been great,” he says. “They’re incredibly loyal and passionate, a really good bunch of supporters.”

The new owners see this season as one for consolidation, with a push for promotion in 2009. The idea of moving to a new stadium is not on the agenda, although Ecclestone agrees that Loftus Road, with a capacity of fewer than 19,000, is on the small side. “But we can’t move the place so we’re looking at ways to upgrade and refurbish it,” he says. “We need to work out how we can get the maximum use out of the ground.” Money has been spent, with Akos Buzsaky, the Hungary midfield player, Matthew Connolly, the defender signed from Arsenal, Hogan Ephraim, the former West Ham United winger, and Rowan Vine, the striker recruited from Birmingham City, among several players to commit their futures to the club. Luigi De Canio, the Italian manager, has overseen a steady climb towards mid-table safety.

Ecclestone is proud to have “saved the club from going out of business” but adds cautionary words for those who think a bottomless pit of money is available. “QPR isn’t a wealthy club. It’s a club that’s owned by some wealthy people,” he says. “No one is going to be lashing out lots of money. Things need to be done correctly and that’s what we’re going to do.”

After the club’s helter-skelter existence of recent years, a strong dose of pragmatism mixed with a healthy bank balance may be what the doctor ordered. The Times

QPR Report


QPR Plot to Rule The World -
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
QPR Report


Wednesday, January 16, 2008 - Briatore's QPR Spending Plans-
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 QPR Report

Thursday, January 10, 2008

QPR's Owners - "QPR Tycoons Hesitate on Spending Spree"-
Telegraph - QPR tycoons hesitate on spending spree
For a club just two hours from going bust, the transformation in the financial fortunes of Queens Park Rangers is one of the most amazing stories seen in English football since Roman Abramovich bought Chelsea in 2003.
But for those QPR fans hoping that new investor Lakshmi Mittal has joined forces with Formula One tycoons Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore to bankroll an Abramovich-style spending spree at Loftus Road, there is likely to be disappointment.
Despite being worth around £19.25 billion, Britain's richest resident has spent only £200,000 on acquiring his 20 per cent stake in the club from flamboyant Team Renault boss Briatore. He has also pledged £1 million to help cover debts and buy new players. To put that figure into context, Mittal spent £30 million on his daughter Vanisha's lavish 2004 wedding in Paris.
All of which begs the question why the Indian steel magnate, an entrepreneur with more than enough money to buy every club in the Premier League and still have change, chose to spend a relatively tiny sum to buy into QPR, a club languishing at the wrong end of the Championship. Although Mittal has access to an executive box at Chelsea and went to the 2006 World Cup final between France and Italy, he is not a big fan of the game.
A clue to the reason for his interest may be found in the involvement of his son-in-law, Amit Bhatia, himself a wealthy investment banker from a rich Delhi family. Bhatia is to take up a place on the QPR board and is said to be the one with a keen enthusiasm for football.
Bhatia was also the driving force behind the foundation of the Mittal Champions Trust, a £4.5 million funding programme set up to boost India's Olympic team in time for the London 2012 Games.
Vinod Mehta, editor of Indian magazine Outlook, said: "Although he is very rich, Lakshmi Mitall is a very simple man. He is not a man of extravagant taste. He is not star-struck, so buying into this is not to get publicity or to elevate his status. I suspect this is just for the benefit of his son-in-law."
Ecclestone explains Mittal's involvement in more simple terms. "I told him he should come on board and he took my advice," he said last month. The two became close after Ecclestone sold his house in Kensington Palace Gardens to Mittal for £70 million in 2003.
Mittal is understood to be happy to remain a silent investor in the project, leaving Briatore and Ecclestone to drive the push for the Premier League. "It would be wrong to give your readers the impression that Mittal is about to become another Abramovich," said one source.
But even if Mittal decides not to dent his considerable fortune, these are still heady times for long-suffering QPR supporters. Briatore, worth £110 million, and Ecclestone, worth £2.25 billion, have pledged to turn the club into a Premier League force within the next three years.
The pair completed their £14 million takeover in November, spending £690,000 to acquire their 69 per cent majority stake in the club. Ecclestone spent £150,000 on his 15 per cent, while Briatore, through his British Virgin Islands registered company, Sarita Capital, bought 54 per cent for £540,000. He has since sold on 20 per cent of his stake to Mittal.
Another 31 per cent of smaller shareholders turned down the Briatore and Ecclestone offer of 1p a share, choosing to hold on to their stake, perhaps sensing even greater profits in the future. Briatore and Ecclestone have also pledged another £5 million in convertible loan facilities to help buy players and have covered £13 million of debt, taking their total commitment to nearer £20 million.
But so far they have made no attempt to pay off a £10 million loan to the ABC Corporation which carries a punitive £1 million annual interest charge - a massive burden on a team with an annual turnover of £10 million-£15 million a year. Another £2 million is owed to former director and major shareholder Antonio Caliendo who waived £4.5 million of loans he was owed when he sold out to Briatore and Ecclestone.
Although the former football agent Gianni Paladini has been retained as chairman of the football club board for the time being, the business is now being overseen by the QPR Holdings chairman Alejandro Agag. Married to the daughter of Spain's former prime minister Jose Maria Aznar, he has close links to the F1 business and is one of the most powerful men in his country.
Despite talk of a property plan which would see the new owners sell Loftus Road for redevelopment and move to a new ground - perhaps on a BBC-owned site at White City - he has assured fans they have no immediate plans.
He maintains the strategy is to build the club up slowly ahead of funding a major push for the Premier League next season. They have also vowed to refurbish the existing home and use their F1 experience to increase sponsorship revenues. A new chief executive is expected in the next few weeks.
The owners have wasted no time in matching their words with action in the transfer market, signing five players since the window opened 10 days ago, including the £800,000 capture of Hogan Ephraim from West Ham and the £350,000 signing of Preston's Patrick Agyemang. More signings are said to be imminent.
The question now is whether Mittal, Ecclestone and Briatore are prepared to up their investment to put the club on the same level as their Russian-owned neighbours.
Telegraph QPR Report


Saturday, January 05, 2008

The New Super Wealthy QPR - Various Articles Look at QPR Today, Owners and Manager De Canio and Look Back at QPR's Recent Troubled Past-
Guardian/Dominic Fifield - Chelsea v QPR, FA Cup third round
Seconds out for the world's richest derby
QPR meet Chelsea with a wealth and ambition that masks three years of hell
Stamford Bridge hosts the richest club in English football this afternoon, a club whose fans plan to brandish £20 notes and gloat at their relatively impoverished opposition. The club is not Chelsea. Queens Park Rangers, from the wrong end of the Championship, travel the short distance across town to resume a local rivalry that has simmered without engagement for 12 years. These two teams have spent most of that time moving in opposite directions, yet many among the swaths sporting blue and white hoops in the away end will hope for not just an FA Cup giant-killing but perhaps a glimpse of the shape of things to come.
West London is experiencing a second footballing revolution. Roman Abramovich may have shifted the landscape of the Premier League by pouring millions into Chelsea, establishing glamorous underachievers as a real force among the elite, but the wealth boasted by the QPR owners sitting in the directors' box dwarfs the Russian's considerable fortune. Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore, the formula one magnates who purchased a club struggling at the foot of the second tier in September for £1m and guaranteed debts of £13m, last month sold a 20% stake in Rangers to Lakshmi Mittal, the world's fifth richest man.
The Indian steel magnate is worth an estimated £19bn. Two years before Abramovich splashed £30m on Andriy Shevchenko Mittal lavished the same amount on his daughter Vanisha's wedding. Some £4m was spent on flowers.
The numbers, presumably like the table decorations, are staggering when Ecclestone's £2.5bn worth is added to Mittal's and compared with Abramovich's £10.8bn-odd. Briatore is valued at a mere £110m and recently admitted he had been seeking to buy a "high end pizzeria or maybe a churrascaria" when he stumbled upon QPR, thinking initially it was a barbecue restaurant. Yet the mind-boggling story slips snugly into the recent history of this club.
Rangers used to be as unassuming as Chelsea were flash. In the years since Simon Barker equalised John Spencer's goal to earn Ray Wilkins' side a point on their last visit to Stamford Bridge, the drama which has enveloped this pocket of Shepherds Bush would have been considered too outlandish for a failing soap opera.
There have been two relegations and a promotion in that time, as well as seven managerial appointments, but that tells only a fraction of the story. There were the allegations of boardroom gun plots, the 30-man brawl with the visiting China Olympic team, a player accused of rape, the murder of a bright youth team hope and, most recently, the death of a hugely promising striker, all played out in the shadow of administration. Any putative "Westenders" would need a broadcast slot after the watershed.
"It's been a long tunnel and there was never any light at the end of it, until now," said the midfielder Gareth Ainsworth. "To go from those dark days to this is unbelievable. Chelsea in the FA Cup is suddenly a game between potentially two of the biggest clubs in the world."
Ainsworth is this team's longest-serving player, having joined from Cardiff in 2003, and he has since witnessed the best and worst of the club. QPR, then in League One, had already suffered one spell in administration with the stop-gap loan negotiated with ABC Corp - at an eye-watering 11.59% interest - stunting the board's attempts to recover fully. The chairman, Gianni Paladini, did well to stave off the administrators. "We were promoted at Sheffield Wednesday four years ago but none of us knew whether we'd be paid the next week," said Ainsworth. "Mr Paladini deserves credit for keeping us going but the threat of administration was always there. When we heard about Mr Ecclestone and Mr Briatore we thought it might be another false dawn. Then again, that's understandable as we've had our fair share of things going wrong."
The ugly scrap with the Chinese during a friendly at the club's Harlington training complex - the visiting player Zheng Tao was knocked unconscious and had his jaw broken in two places - was embarrassing, though other traumas were more unsettling. Paladini was allegedly held up at gunpoint after being ambushed by a fellow director, David Morris, in the boardroom in August 2005. Morris and six other men were later cleared but the scandal was pursued by tragedy.
The stabbing of the youth-team player Kiyan Prince, who had intervened to prevent the bullying of another boy outside his school in Edgware, sent shockwaves through the club. Six months later Tu Quang Hoang Vu, a Vietnamese student, died at Earl's Court tube station after falling under a train. It was claimed at the time that Harry Smart, a 17-year-old QPR youth-team player, had been on a friend's shoulders and fell, knocking the bystander on to the track. Police later deemed the incident to have been an accident but Smart himself was badly hurt.
"At times it was practically unmanageable," admitted the former head of youth, Joe Gallen. "A combination of the China brawl, the Harry Smart incident and the stabbing of Kiyan meant I was dealing with police every day. There was a stage where the police did not leave the building for about three weeks and all I seemed to be doing was giving statements, making sure the players weren't getting into further trouble and arranging solicitors to represent them. I wondered at times whether I was still a coach and not working in a young offenders' institute or a police station."
Then, last August, the 18-year-old forward Ray Jones was killed in a road accident after his VW Golf collided with a double-decker bus in East Ham. Two other teenage passengers in the car also died. Jones's death demoralised a threadbare squad, perhaps contributing to a dismal start which saw John Gregory's side take three points from their opening eight games. "What happened to Ray was devastating," said Ainsworth. "Losing a friend like that put football into perspective: his locker's still downstairs and we still think about him all the time. But Ray will be looking down on us and he'll be really pleased by what's happening now at QPR. We've come out of the dark days and there's a massive aim for all of us now."
This afternoon it is Chelsea although, ultimately, the aim is a return to the Premier League. Briatore and Ecclestone have been hugely enthusiastic - the latter was in the dressing room after the New Year's Day victory over Leicester - but utterly realistic in their expectations since assuming control. "We were going to buy Chelsea, then Roman came along," admitted Ecclestone recently. "But there's no point buying Ferrari. The only way is down. At QPR we're in Formula Renault. Next we want to move up to GP2 and then GP1."
That is putting this sport into a context the 77-year-old perhaps better comprehends, though already huge strides are being made. The former Udinese and Napoli manager Luigi de Canio took over in October. The Italian speaks little English and is still coming to terms with the Championship, but he signed seven new players of genuine pedigree at this level last week with others to follow.
"I took a step back to join this club and, hopefully, realise the dream," said De Canio. "The owners told me it was about laying foundations that can be built on in the future. There is a very long road ahead. They are excellent entrepreneurs and they know how to invest their money and take this team to the level they are aiming for. It is nice to be starting out on this journey with everyone here but I'm not equipped to perform miracles: Chelsea may be suffering in terms of numbers at the moment but they are still a team of champions and we are a Championship team."
They are an improving side with De Canio having hoisted them to 18th place, three points from the cut-off, with one defeat in seven. Watford, the division's leaders, were beaten 4-2 at Vicar- age Road last week and the arrivals of youngsters such as West Ham's Hogan Ephraim and Matthew Connolly from Ars- enal, allied to the experience recruited in Watford's Gavin Mahon, Fitz Hall from Wigan and Patrick Agyemang from Preston, bodes well. All will revel in the creative supply-line offered by Akos Buzsacky, who completed a £500,000 move from Plymouth this week having scored six fine goals in a 13-match loan. The Hungarian played alongside Ricardo Carvalho and Paulo Ferreira, and under Jose Mourinho, at Porto. He is a player who could grace the top flight.
"There is a real sense of optimism that we are growing and going forward, and I wanted to be part of a big club," said Buzsacky. "When I arrived we were bottom of the league but everyone knew things were going to change. We've improved since but the investors here are not thinking about instant success. They first want us to maintain our league position and stabilise, then move forward. If that is to the Premiership, so be it. If it is further, great."
"Mr Ecclestone and Mr Briatore have told us in no uncertain terms that the Premier League's where QPR have got to be within two or three years," added Ainsworth. "They're winners. We've got to be winners with them. They've invested emotionally as well as financially in this club, so we know what's expected of us. The fans deserve this game at Chelsea. They've put up with some really bad days and it must have been like a scene out of The Football Factory in some pubs when the draw was made."
Rangers have had very little to crow about while their local rivals have been propelled by Abramovich's millions to the pinnacle of the Premiership yet, with the backing this club now boasts, there is hope that they can be caught. "At the moment the chance of QPR being bigger than Chelsea out on the pitch is still a dream," added De Canio. "But there is no law against having dreams." Too much of this club's recent past has been a nightmare. Better times lie ahead.

Troubled times and takeovers
July 2004
Terrell Forbes, with five other men, is accused of rape. After a lengthy trial, he is cleared at Kingston Crown Court
August 2005
The chairman, Gianni Paladini, alleges he was held at gunpoint by his fellow director David Morris and ordered to sign documents that would see him relinquish the club. At the trial, Morris and six other men were cleared
May 2006
The promising youth player Kiyan Prince is stabbed to death outside his school in Edgware
November 2006
Tu Quang Hoang Vu, a 25-year-old Vietnamese student, dies at Earl's Court station after falling under a Piccadilly Line train. It was claimed that the QPR youth player Harry Smart fell, knocking Hoang Vu with him on to the track. Smart was badly hurt but police later said the incident was accidental
February 2007
Rangers' reserves are involved in a 30-man brawl with the Chinese Olympic team. Rangers are fined £40,000
August 2007
The striker Ray Jones is killed in a road accident in the early hours of Saturday, August 25 in East Ham
September 2007
Formula one magnates Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone complete their £14m takeover at Loftus Road
December 2007
Lakshmi Mittal, an Indian steel magnate worth some £19bn, buys a 20% stake in the club
December 2007
Bob Malcolm, the Derby defender on loan at Loftus Road, is charged by police with drink-driving - Guardian




Chelsea £10.8bn, QPR £21.8bn: Why Abramovich is overshadowed today
Chelsea
* ROMAN ABRAMOVICH: Russian oil billionaire, orphaned at three; began selling plastics on a market stall. Spent £500m-plus on Chelsea, £155m on his divorce. Estimated worth: £10.8bn

Queen's Park Rangers
* LAKSHMI MITTAL: India-born steel magnate; describes himself as a 'son of the desert', but followed his father into the business. Spent £30m on his daughter's wedding. Estimated worth: £19.25bn
* BERNIE ECCLESTONE: Son of a Suffolk trawler captain, he made his fortune selling TV rights and spin-offs to F1. Estimated worth: £2.25bn
* FLAVIO BRIATORE: Former ski instructor who was sentenced to jail for fraud early in business career. Made his fortune through Benetton clothing then moved into F1. Has had a string of supermodel girlfriends. Estimated worth: £80m
Independent

THE TIMES Nouveau riche Rangers urged to go easy on poor relations -Matt Hughes
Queens Park Rangers travel to Stamford Bridge for their FA Cup third-round tie today having surpassed Chelsea as the richest club in world football and keen to let Roman Abramovich know what it feels like to be the poor neighbour. However, Paul Finney, of the QPR supporters group, Independent R’s, has given warning to fans who were intending to wave £20 notes at their Chelsea counterparts that they have yet to earn the right to gloat.
“We’ve always been morally better than Chelsea, but we should wait until we are above them in the league before we do that,” Finney said. “It might only be a couple of years before that happens, so let’s save it up for when we give them a thrashing in the Premier League.”
Avram Grant, the Chelsea first-team coach, is well placed to tell Luigi De Canio, his opposite number at QPR, how to deal with a billionaire backer. The combined fortunes of Flavio Briatore, Bernie Ecclestone and Lakshmi Mittal, the Coca-Cola Championship club’s owners, far outweigh that of Abramovich, giving QPR a competitive advantage over their Championship rivals that could result in the return of this West London derby as a regular fixture.
The thrust of Grant’s advice to De Canio is to treat his employers as normal human beings and concentrate on his areas of responsibility. In keeping with his penchant for charming the rich and famous, Grant is also close to Ecclestone and Briatore and is sympathetic towards QPR’s bid to keep up with their neighbours.
"I know Bernie and the other guy and I wish them all the best. If QPR become a big club and there’s another derby, then fine,” Grant said. “Just do your job. It doesn’t matter [how rich they are]. We’re managers and we need to do our best for the team. We need to know the vision and targets for the club and then to do it on and off the pitch in the right way. Owners, like everyone else, are human, not monsters.”
While Grant is waiting to complete the signings of Nicolas Anelka and Branislav Ivanovic, De Canio has embarked on a spending spree reminiscent of Abramovich’s first summer in charge of Chelsea in 2003. Fitz Hall became the seventh player to arrive at Loftus Road in the past four days yesterday when he completed a £1 million move from Wigan Athletic and more will follow, with Rowan Vine, the Birmingham City striker, Stefan Postma, the Den Haag and former Aston Villa goalkeeper, and Sebastián Rusculleda, of Tigre, the Argentine club, expected to sign in the next few days.
De Canio’s team have won four of their past six matches to climb away from the relegation zone and Grant is expecting a difficult afternoon. “They have bought a lot of players in the last few days and they have won a lot of games,” he said. “They will be difficult opponents.”
Grant had little to report on the proposed signings of Anelka and Ivanovic that are expected next week, though one mischievous soul at the club’s training ground yesterday saw fit to write the name of Anelka, the France and Bolton Wanderers striker, in the visitors’ book. “[Dimitar] Berbatov and Kaká were also in there [in the book],” Grant said. “Maybe Anelka’s here, I don’t know. We’re following many players, but not just thinking about the next two months or four months. We’re thinking about the next few years, and maybe beyond. I’ll always look for players who can make the team better.”
West London spending sprees
Chelsea stunned football by spending £110 million on ten players in six weeks five years ago, but Queens Park Rangers are doing their best to catch their neighbours.
Here are QPR’s first signings of their new era . . . Kieran Lee, Man United, loan; Gavin Mahon, Watford, loan; Akos Buzsaky, Plymouth, £500,000; Hogan Ephraim, West Ham, £800,000; Matthew Connolly, Arsenal, undisclosed; Patrick Agyemang, Preston, £350,000; Fitz Hall, Wigan Athletic, £1m
. . . and this is how they compare to Chelsea’s first seven signings Glen Johnson, West Ham, £6m; Gérémi, Real Madrid, £7m; Damien Duff, Blackburn, £17m; Wayne Bridge, Southampton, £7m; Juan Sébastian Verón, Manchester United, £15m; Joe Cole, West Ham, £6.6m; Adrian Mutu, Parma, £15.8m - The Times

Telegraph/Sarah Edworthy - QPR and Chelsea billionaires at the Bridge
Bernie Ecclestone is a familiar figure in the directors' box at Stamford Bridge, just as Roman Abramovich had clocked up a number of Formula One grid walkabouts.
Today Ecclestone is again a guest of his Russian friend, along with QPR co-owner Flavio Briatore and investor Lakshmi Mittal.
Their attendance not only renders the Chelsea box with Guinness Book of Records potential — the highest density of millions per man per square foot — but also marks a new era in sporting rivalry: the battle of the billionaires.
Chelsea have enjoyed a glorious renaissance under Abramovich. Now it is the turn of their former West London rivals to relive glory days.
A measure of the excitement engendered by the investment of Ecclestone, Briatore and Mittal is that long-suffering QPR fans are already referring to new signing Akos Buzsaky (the Hungarian international) as 'the new Stan Bowles'.
"Excitement is the key word after the uncertainty of years of administration and lack of money," acknowledges Gareth Ainsworth, the much-travelled midfielder now in his fifth season at Loftus Road.
"I joined QPR just after the club had missed out on the First Division play-offs in 2003. Administration hung over us and we used to worry. Were we going to get paid? Were we not going to get paid? I was part of the team that got promotion to the Championship at Sheffield Wednesday. It was probably one of the club's greatest hours in recent years and yet we still had the financial issue hanging over us.
"Suddenly, now, to have some of the richest men and best business brains invest in the footballing future of the club has removed the worries. It's just total excitement in the dressing room. The new owners are winners. Their target is to get to the Premier League. The expectation is massive and it's great to be a part of that. It's buzzing."
As they have proved in Formula One, Ecclestone and Briatore are hands-on with their sporting interests. "Mr Briatore came in, introduced himself to us all and said, 'Lads, this club is going to go to the Premier League.' When you see what he's done in Formula One – creating world champions in probably the biggest sport in the world – to have him backing you is fantastic,'' added Ainsworth.
"They're in the dressing room before a match. Mr Ecclestone was in before the Leicester game last Saturday, just to make the lads aware that they are behind us."
As the new manager, Luigi de Canio, says, it is "a long, long road" for the club to go from 18th in the Championship to considering themselves equals to Chelsea.
Today's FA Cup third-round tie is more of an emotional symbol of their prospective renaissance than a marker in footballing terms.
"It's a welcome distraction from the league," Ainsworth said. "Our aim is to get to the Premier League. The FA Cup has never been mentioned. This game is fairytale time for us and our fans."
De Canio has added a catalogue of new players in the January transfer window: Hogan Ephraim from West Ham, Arsenal's £1million defender Matt Connolly, Manchester United loanee Kieran Lee, Watford's Gavin Mahon, Preston striker Patrick Agyemang, Buzsaky and Fitz Hall from Wigan.
"The new manager has power. If you're not doing it for him, he can bring in new players. It's good, it's creating competition for places."
Ainsworth says the gelling process is not a concern, though he admits De Canio's arrival was not an instant assimilation.
"The transition period took longer than anyone expected. The language thing is a big issue. The England set-up will find this out – though that's a bit more part-time. But we've got to know Gigi better and he's got to know us better. Telegraph


DAILY MAIL/Matt Barlow
'Paupers' Chelsea to host the jet set as QPR make the short trip to Stamford Bridge
Bernie Ecclestone tapped a friend on the shoulder after QPR had lost at home to Crystal Palace and demanded to know the identity of the loud man across the room.
More to the point, he wanted to know what he was doing in his boardroom.
Whether it was Ecclestone's mischievous sense of humour or blissful ignorance of Palace chairman Simon Jordan is open to question. Either way, the Formula One supremo seems to be settling into his new environment.
Today, he will be a guest of Roman Abramovich in the Chelsea boardroom, alongside his fellow recent investors at Loftus Road.
The combined wealth of Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore shot Rangers towards the top of football's rich list when they joined the club in September.
But the introduction of Lakshmi Mittal last month gives them a potential pool of resources greater than Abramovich, who has spent more than £500million on Chelsea in less than five years.
Mittal is Britain's richest man, the fifth wealthiest in the world, with an estimated £19.25billion.
The excitement is hard to disguise after years of gloom on the pitch and drama behind the scenes.
A gangster power struggle hit the boardroom in August 2005 when chairman Gianni Paladini was allegedly held at gunpoint and ordered to sign letters of resignation during a game against Sheffield United.
Less than a year later the club suffered the loss of Kiyan Prince, a promising 15-year-old who was stabbed to death.
When it seemed the club could take no more, tragedy struck again in August last year when striker Ray Jones, 18, was killed in a car crash.
"Football meant nothing in the days after Ray had gone," said winger Gareth Ainsworth, who joined the club from Cardiff in 2003 and has seen the soap opera unfold.
"His locker is still at the training ground and there are pictures of him. We think about him all the time. In a way, Ray will be looking down now on us and he'll be really pleased the way it's going at QPR."
Ainsworth, 34, remembers when a 3-1 win at Sheffield Wednesday clinched promotion to the Championship but the players left the pitch unsure whether they would be paid their wages, never mind their bonus, as the threat of administration loomed.

"We've come full circle," said Ainsworth. "We've got Chelsea in the Cup and it's potentially the two biggest clubs in the world playing each other. It's amazing." Mail


MIRROR - AINSWORTH: LAST TIME I PLAYED THERE IT ENDED IN A 16-MAN BRAWL
THE FA CUP e-on CHELSEA v QPR, STAMFORD BRIDGE, TODAY, KICK-OFF 3PM My battle of the Bridge John Cross 05/01/2008
Gareth Ainsworth has colourful memories of Stamford Bridge and one of the most notorious tunnel bust-ups ever.
The Queens Park Rangers midfielder was a member of Wimbledon's Crazy Gang when they were involved in a 16-man brawl at Chelsea in February 2000.
It left former Wimbledon boss Egil Olsen with a pair of broken glasses and ex-assistant manager Mick Harford taking on the world as the Crazy Gang lived up to their reputation.
But even that mad day cannot compare to the soap opera which 34-year-old Ainsworth has observed at Loftus Road in the past five years since he joined QPR.
Rangers have lurched from one financial crisis to another, chairman Gianni Paladini was famously threatened at gunpoint in the boardroom, and then there was the training-match bust-up with the Chinese Olympic team last season.
But now Ainsworth is seeing light at the end of the tunnel after Formula One tycoons Bernie Ecclestone, Flavio Briatore and Indian billionaire Lakshmi Mittal took over the club in a £14million buy-out.
Ainsworth (below) was injured and did not play when Wimbledon went down 3-1 at Stamford Bridge in 2000 and, he insists, a spectator of the tunnel bout. He said: "I played with the Crazy Gang in 1998, against Frank Leboeuf and Marcel Desailly.
"Things have changed, though not that much - they've still got World Cup winners in their side - but I'll be getting every lad up for it just as we did 10 years ago.
"There was also that little incident at the end where we accidentally went into the home dressing room at the end and had a few words.
"But those days have gone. I'm one of the older, more experienced guys. I'll just be trying to win the battle on the pitch.
"We'll give a good account of ourselves and we'll be up for it. Our fans deserve this. They've put up with some really bad days at QPR.
"It must have been like a scene out of The Football Factory in some pubs when the draw was made.
"It's a real rivalry. The money adds spice, but we're only thinking about getting a good result."
Ainsworth - lead singer of his own rock band Dog Chewed The Handle - is now relishing the better times under the club's new owners.
And the midfielder aims to make the most of a rare FA Cup adventure under new boss Luigi De Canio.
Ainsworth added: "I've seen a complete change here - from the real dark days to the unbelievable days today.
"I remember getting promoted at Sheffield Wednesday in 2004 and still realising administration was hanging over us, with none of us knowing whether we'd be paid the next week and that we might not be getting our bonuses.
"We've come full circle since then. We've got Chelsea in the FA Cup and suddenly it's potentially two of the biggest clubs in the world playing each other.
It's amazing.
"Now, with new faces and a big game coming up, it's fantastic to be at QPR. The players were over the moon when we heard what was happening in the boardroom.
"The guys who have come in are total winners in business and in sport, so we know what's expected of us now. We want to be winners.
"They haven't just invested their money, they've invested their time and their hearts. "They've been in the dressing room before games - Bernie Ecclestone was in the dressing room before the Leicester game, and Flavio's been in the dressing room before a few games, not talking football but just shaking hands with the lads, wishing us the best and backing us.
"That's fantastic to know, that they're supporting us emotionally as well as financially.
"It's not a hollow thing. Look at them up in the stands when we score and it means as much to them as it does to us."
Qpr have not won away at Chelsea since a League Cup game in January, 1986 Mirror

MIRROR (2nd article) BOSS AVRAM: THESE FANS LOVED MOURINHO . . BUT I'M WINNING THEM OVER
THE FA CUP e-on CHELSEA v QPR, STAMFORD BRIDGE, TODAY, KICK-OFF 3PM My battle of the Bridge Martin Lipton Chief Football Writer
Avram Grant last night told the Chelsea fans still pining for Jose Mourinho that the start of his managerial reign has been a "dream" for the club.
Grant is still struggling to develop a rapport with the supporters nearly four months after replacing Mourinho at the helm.
But on the eve of the beginning of the club's defence of the FA Cup they won at Wembley in May, he pledged to bring silverware in a more eye-catching manner than his predecessor - and insisted he had surpassed all reasonable expectations.
Grant, who has an outside chance of welcoming Didier Drogba back for one game before he flies off on African Nations Cup duty, said: "When I took over the team, if I'd said we'd win 16 of our first 23 games, that would have been kind of a dream for me and the supporters.
"Our target in the next few months is to try to keep our position in the league, stay in the cups, and then the other players will come back from Africa and injury. Then, anything can happen.
"Yes, the target is to win trophies. But what's most important for me is the way to the trophy. But I want to do it in the right way.
"The way to win them is very important for me.
"What we've done up to now shows that better than anything I can say.
"Okay, so those magic words 'three points' are very important, but just as important is how we do it.
"In want us to do it through good character, good spirit, good style and a good atmosphere in the camp. Then in May you can ask me whether we've had a successful season."
Chelsea take on neighbours QPR in a battle of the west London megarich, with the Loftus Road side reaping the instant benefits of the investments from Bernie Ecclestone, Flavio Briatore and steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal.
But where Mourinho's rift with Roman Abramovich became too cavernous to be healed, Grant - still without nine first-teamers - had some advice for opposite number Luigi De Canio.
"What would I say to him?" asked Grant. "Do your job. Nothing else matters.
"We need to know the vision and targets for the club, and then to do it on and off the pitch in the right way. Owners, like everyone else, are human, not monsters.
"I enjoyed working with the previous manager. I needed to do my job, he did his. I don't compare myself to other managers."
Defeat would be unthinkable for the Blues but Grant counselled against his players thinking they only have to turn up to win.
"In other sports 90 per cent of what you expect to happen, does. But in football only 60 per cent actually happens," he said. "Like fans, excited about FA Cup third round day." Mirror QPR Report


Friday, December 21, 2007 Briatore and Ecclestone Speaking About QPR - How and Why They Bought QPR and Their Plans for QPR
-
Mirror - Football - Ecclestone and Briatore exclusive
Exclusive by Oliver Holt Chief Sports Writer 21/12/2007
Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore are sitting in a backstreet pub in Knightsbridge, west London.
They're talking teams. Not Renault or McLaren, but QPR.
They're talking team players. Not Lewis Hamilton or Fernando Alonso, but Rowan Vine and Michael Mancienne.
They're talking venues. Not Monaco or Monza, but Loftus Road and Deepdale.
As usual, Briatore bubbles with enthusiasm. But he stops gabbling, just for a second. Ecclestone is speaking and, generally, when Bernie speaks, you stop.
"One hundred per cent, we were going to buy Chelsea," Ecclestone says. "Seriously. One million per cent we'd have bought it. No argument. It was ready to be done. Then Roman came along."
There was a putative bid for Roma, too, but the deal was too complicated. Then there was Arsenal. That came to nothing.
So why Queens Park Rangers? Flavio looks round the pub and answers in the infectious spiel that makes him the marketing genius he is. But Ecclestone stops him again. "Tell him the truth, Flavio," Bernie says.
Flavio gives him a thanks-for-nothing look, then tells the story of how two of the most charismatic and powerful men in sport came to buy a west London institution.
"Ok," Briatore says. "I've a friend who wanted to open a restaurant with me in London. We'd been talking about opportunities, discussing opening a high-end pizzeria or maybe a churrascaria.
"Anyway, a couple of weeks went by and this guy phoned me out of the blue and said there was an opportunity to buy QPR. I was still thinking food. QPR? I thought maybe it was a barbecue restaurant."
But Briatore, boss of Formula One team Renault, quickly found out what he needed to know about QPR and in September, he and F1 billionaire Ecclestone paid £1m for the Championship club and agreed to clear £13m of its debts.
They saved it from going out of existence and are now planning for the Premier League. "I don't want to buy players for QPR just because they've a big name," Ecclestone says. "We don't need to massage our egos like that. Our egos are big enough to look after themselves."
Some fans are sceptical. They think Ecclestone and Briatore might be in it for the real estate.
But why would a bloke worth £2.4bn be bothered about a bit more loose change?
Truth is, things are looking brighter for QPR than they have for a long time. With the investors they have, they're the envy of every club in Englan Industrialist Lakshmi Mittal, the world's fifth richest man, joined Ecclestone and Briatore as a major shareholder yesterday.
Qpr are bottom of the table but with Ecclestone around, won't be for long. "Abramovich, watch out," Ecclestone said with a wicked grin.
A few weeks ago, the 77-year-old watched QPR play Sheffield Wednesday. It was a cold afternoon and Briatore's friends sat in the Loftus Road directors' box with cashmere blankets spread on their knees.
When QPR missed a chance, Ecclestone looked around disdainfully at pained expressions on people's faces.
"Nothing happened," he says. "We're not playing the pools. We're only looking for a result."
In the second half, he made the occasional dart back to the directors' room to check on the racing from Lingfield Park.
But he and Briatore have caught the football bug, like Abramovich, like Mittal, just like a lot of awfully rich men.
"Most guys with a few quid, whether they've thieved it or whether they've earned it, are competitive people," Ecclestone says. "It's the needy and the greedy. Most of all, it's about trying to prove they're right."
Ecclestone said he was upset when he saw the state of the facilities at Loftus Road. Things are going to change fast.
Boss Luigi di Canio has been given money to bring in a host of players in January to help push the club clear of trouble.
Old sponsors will go. New ones will come. Briatore has plans for top London restaurant Cipriani to do the VIP catering, and to hire a leading DJ for the pre-match entertainment.
They want to get fans to the game earlier, get them more involved in the club. Revenue, it is fair to say, will increase. Briatore and Ecclestone, after all, have always been rather good at that side of things.
"Look," Ecclestone said, "football's something that goes on when Formula One's in its off season. Getting QPR back on top would be like buying Spyker and building that up.
"There's no point buying Ferrari. The only way is down. At QPR, we're in Formula Renault at the moment. Next, we want to move up to GP2 and then GP1.
"If we hadn't bought the club, there wouldn't have been any singing or anybody complaining about anything because there wouldn't have been any club to sing about.
"Now Flavio is doing his best to make sure the club succeeds so the fans should be very happy. We'd both like to do things that haven't been done in football before. Everyone seems to follow the same format. Maybe what we do will be wrong but there's only one way to find out.
"Everyone's copied what I did years ago in Formula One."
What if things only improve slowly and the crowd starts to sing rude songs about him and Briatore? "We'll sing along with them," Ecclestone says.
"But they'll have to have good voices if we're going to listen to them," added Briatore.
The grand plan goes like this. Stay up this season, consolidate next season, promotion to the Premier League the season after.
"We need to work on the stadium, the sponsors, the team, everything," said Briatore.
"This isn't a case of throwing money at something. Bernie invests in an efficient way and when I won championships in Formula One with Benetton, I won with lower budgets than a lot of the other teams."
In January, QPR visit Chelsea in the FA Cup. Ecclestone, a Chelsea fan and a mate of the owner, is relishing it.
"I go to Chelsea with Roman now and again," he says, "so we might have to go easy on them, put out a weakened team and give them a bit of a chance."
New Stars Of The R's
Flavio Briatore
Age: 57. Women: Engaged to model Elisabetta Gregoraci. Business: Managing director of Renault Formula One team. Worth: Is thought to have £70million fortune.
Bernie Ecclestone
Age: 77. Women: Married to former model Slavica, has two young daughters, Tamara and Petra. Business: Supremo of F1 Racing. Worth: Estimated at £2.2bn.
Lakshmi Mittal (left)
Age: 57. Women: Married to Usha and has two children. Business: CEO of Arcelor Mittal, world's largest steel company. Worth: World's fifth richest man worth £50bn.
Mirror
QPR Report



Setanta Briatore sets promotion target by Chris Stanton, 19 November 2007
Queens Park Rangers’ joint owner Flavio Briatore has targeted promotion to The Premier League within the next four seasons.
By Briatore’s own admission QPR seem more likely to be battling it out at the wrong end of The Championship during this campaign.
However the ambitious Formula One supremo believes Luigi De Canio’s side, who have been out of the top flight since 1996, will regain their status by 2011.
“The objective this season is survival but in the next three years we will be aiming for promotion,” said Briatore.
Far-fetched speculation has linked Rangers with Briatore’s countrymen Alessandro Del Piero and Francesco Totti but the Loftus Road club are unlikely to be welcoming any big names to Shepherds Bush just yet.
“The transfer market is closed and it is useless to speak about it,” said Briatore.
“At this moment, purchases do not interest us - it would be like putting Schumacher behind the wheel of a machine that does not work.” Setanta QPR Report


September 2007
Thursday, September 06, 2007

What Briatore Expects From - and Offers To - QPR
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Sporting Life - BRIATORE'S CASH PLEDGE
Potential new QPR owner Flavio Briatore has pledged to make January transfer funds available to boss John Gregory but has pleaded for fans to be patient as he bids to turn the club's fortunes around.
Renault Formula One team boss Briatore, in conjunction with motorsport magnate Bernie Ecclestone, has had a takeover bid in the region of £14million recommended by the current chairman Gianni Paladini and the QPR board.
Earlier in the week Briatore revealed his four-year promotion plan, but despite promising full financial backing he knows there is a long way to go before he can realise his Premier League ambition.
"They (QPR) are a club with a fantastic history but as well they have had fantastic trouble in the last three years," he told the club's official website.
"We want to make sure the fans understand that something is not just going to happen overnight because the situation we found was not fantastic and the club was already in deep trouble, but we have saved it.
"It's not only players that we need to address but also organisation and everything that has built up at QPR.
"We arrived at the last second and it was impossible to buy players because everything closed on the Friday.
"But now we will save up until January but in the meantime we need to motivate everyone at the club from the coach to Gianni (Paladini) to everybody because we know that finance is needed to support the team. That is our duty and we expect everyone else to fulfil theirs." Sporting Life

Briatore's comments can be heard on the QPR Official Site (for subscribers to World)

QPR Report

Further Press Reports re Brigatore Plans for QPR-
QPR Official Site DESTINATION PREMIERSHIP!
Flavio Briatore wants Premiership football within four years.
The 57 year-old, who alongside Bernie Ecclestone has had his offer for the Club recommended by the Board, has wasted no time in setting his stall out at Loftus Road.
In an exclusive interview with QPR World - to be screened tomorrow (Wednesday) - the Italian speaks candidly about his hopes and dreams with the R's.
"We are very happy to be part of QPR," he said.
"We have already taken the first good step because the Club is still here. I am very sure that without our involvement QPR would not exist this week.
"We know what we need to do to be competitive. We are involved because we are serious. I didn't do this because I've got nothing to do on a Saturday.
"We have already saved the Club and that's a good way for us to introduce ourselves to the fans."
Briatore added: "We have put a programme together to reach the Premier League in four years. Whenever we (Bernie and I) have set a target in our history, it has been reached and I can't see why that will not happen this time too.
"I want everyone to be proud of Queens Park Rangers Football Club."
You can join QPR World now for just £3.99 - click here for further details!QPRBasically the same story being reported in the different papers. But not too arduous to keep rereading!

The actual BBC London Interview with Brigratore can be heard at BBC London/Brigatore

BBC London - Flavio Briatore on QPR
Renault Formula One boss Flavio Briatore spoke to BBC London 94.9 about his plans for Queens Park Rangers - listen again to the interview
Flavio Briatore has revealed he and Bernie Ecclestone have devised a four-year plan to get QPR into the Premier League.
The two Formula One magnates are poised to complete their takeover of the Coca-Cola Championship club and Briatore, head of the Renault F1 team, believes the duo can fulfil all the ambitions of the Loftus Road faithful.
Asked how long it might take to set Rangers promoted, the Italian told BBC London 94.9: "You set a target and when we take over we're talking about four years' time. If it happens earlier, it happens earlier. "You need a strong base and the moment you arrive in the Premier League you stay there."
He added: "When we started at Benetton (now Renault), we said we wanted to win the championship in five years. Afterwards, we had our champion in three years."
You can listen to the full interview with BBC London 94.9's Kevin Hand below:
03.09.07 Listen to the Flavio Briatore interview >
Saturday saw the club reveal Briatore and F1 supremo Ecclestone had made "a recommended offer", believed to be about £14million. The club are reportedly in debt to the tune of £13million.
Briatore would not be drawn on the figures involved but insisted sufficient funds would be made available to strengthen the team in January.
He added: "I won seven championships in Formula One and I won the championship with a barely good budget proportional to the results. "We won't do anything crazy. What's more important is the programme you are doing, step by step, and it's impossible to change everything in one year. "You need the money to do the job but what is more important is the total organisation of the club."
Briatore claimed he became interested in Rangers "a long time ago" and insists he and Ecclestone are not buying the club simply to make a profit selling it on. "We take it to keep it," he said. "It's not a real estate investment, it's a sport investment."
He added: "QPR have the potential to be at the top again. "It's a great team, a great club. They have a lot of fans who support the club. "I believe it's a good opportunity." Briatore drew comparisons between football and F1. "Sport is sport and there is a lot of similarity between football and Formula One," he said. "The Formula One investment is nearly 10 times bigger than a football team."
Chairman Gianni Paladini and manager John Gregory are expected to stay in place if the takeover succeeds. "Paladini has done a job with small resources and John as well," Briatore said. However, the 57-year-old admitted his various business interests would make it impossible for him or Ecclestone to attend every Rangers match.
He said "We have different activities as well, not only in Formula One. It's a question of management, it's a question of the people you put in charge. "Myself and Bernie understand very well what you need to be competitive. "If I'm there or not, the club is not better or not." Meanwhile, Gregory has warned supporters Briatore and Ecclestone will struggle to bring immediate success.
He said: "The investors can really help this club move forward, but, as always, it will take time. "We can't do it overnight and the transfer window is closed, so it will take time to make the transition." BBC

Telegraph - F1 bosses have a Premier plan for QPR
By Jeremy Wilson and Alistair Grant
Queens Park Rangers might lie in the relegation zone of the Championship, but Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone have wasted little time in outlining their aim of taking the club into the Premier League by 2011.
"Gianni [Paladini, the club's chairman], Bernie and I are all determined to see the club return to the Premier League within the next four years," said Briatore, who is the managing director of the Renault Formula One motor racing team. Under the proposed takeover deal, Briatore's Sarita Capital company will gain control of just under 50 per cent of the shareholding. Ecclestone, the billionaire ringmaster of Formula One, has bought 15 per cent of the shares and will work in unison with Briatore.
Four more years: Flavio Briatore has promised the funds to return QPR to the Premier League by 2011
Their offer for QPR values the issued share capital at approximately £1 million and the duo will take on £13 million of the west London club's debt.
They will also loan QPR £5 million, which will be partly made available to the manager John Gregory for strengthening the club's squad.
The proposal was yesterday welcomed by Gregory. "The investors can really help this club move forward but, as always, it will take time," he said. "We can't do it overnight and the transfer window is closed, so it will take time to make the transition."
Under the proposed new structure, Paladini will remain as chairman while Briatore, Bruno Michel and Alejandro Agag will join the board with Antonio Caliendo and Franco Zanotti both resigning as directors.
In recommending the offer to shareholders, the club's board predicted that the ownership of QPR by Sarita Capital and Ecclestone could be the catalyst to promotion into the Premier League.
"Sarita Capital has provided assurances to the board of QPR that Sarita Capital and Bernie Ecclestone intend to commit further significant sums to fund the current and continuing working capital requirements of the club and, in particular, to fund the development of the club's first-team squad, its academy and its scouting system," said a statement.
QPR have also confirmed the departure of former assistant manager Richard Hill following his part in the brawl that erupted during a friendly match against the Chinese Olympic team earlier this year.
Rangers dismissed Hill during the summer but have only just stated it publicly, a club spokesman saying: "Richard Hill's contract was terminated in mid-July." Hill was found guilty of violent conduct by the FA, who banned him from football for three months. He has appealed against the verdict.
QPR were fined £40,000 for their involvement in the incident, £20,000 of which has suspended until May 31, 2008.
The China team were seven days into a two-week visit to England when the brawl, which was alleged to have erupted when China's striker Gao Lin aimed a punch at defender Patrick Kanyuka, took place at QPR's training ground in West Drayton.
Both the police and the London ambulance service had to be called to the scene. Defender Zheng Tao suffered a broken jaw in the melée which involved about 30 players, including QPR first-team regulars. Telegraph

The Sun - Flav four-year target for QPR
FLAVIO BRIATORE revealed he and Bernie Ecclestone have a four-year plan to get QPR into the Premier League.
The Formula One magnates are poised to complete their £14million takeover of the Championship club and Briatore — head of the Renault F1 team — believes the duo can fulfil the fans’ ambitions.
The Italian said: “You set a target and, when we take over, we’re talking about four years’ time. If it happens earlier, it happens earlier.
“When we started at Benetton — now Renault — we said we wanted to win the championship in five years. We had our champion in three years.”
But Rangers manager John Gregory has warned supporters not to expect Briatore and Ecclestone to bring immediate success to Loftus Road.
He said: “The investors can really help this club move forward — but we can’t do it overnight.” The Sun

Guardian - Briatore reveals plan for QPR to join the elite Ben Rumsby
Flavio Briatore has revealed that he and Bernie Ecclestone have devised a four-year plan to get QPR into the Premier League. The two formula one magnates are set to complete their takeover of the struggling Championship club and Briatore, head of the Renault team, believes the pair can fulfil all the ambitions of the Loftus Road faithful.
Asked how long it might take to get Rangers promoted to the top tier, the Italian said: "You set a target and when we take over we're talking about four years' time. If it happens earlier, it happens earlier. You need a strong base and the moment you arrive in the Premier League you stay there."
Briatore added: "When we started at Benetton [now Renault], we said we wanted to win the championship in five years. Afterwards, we had our champion in three years."
The club had revealed on Saturday that Briatore and Ecclestone had made "a recommended offer", believed to be about £14m for Rangers. The club are reportedly in debt to the tune of £13m.
Briatore would not be drawn on the figures involved but insisted sufficient funds would be made available to strengthen the team in the January transfer window.
He added: "I won seven championships in formula one and I won the championship with a barely good budget proportional to the results. Guardian

Mirror - Rangers up four it
Flavio Briatore has revealed he and Bernie Ecclestone have devised a four-year plan to get QPR into the Premier League.
The Formula One magnates are poised to complete their takeover of the Coca-Cola Championship club and Briatore, head of the Renault F1 team, said: "QPR have the potential to be at the top again."
And asked how long it might take to get Rangers promoted, the Italian said: "When we take over we're talking about four years' time. If it happens earlier, it happens earlier."
Saturday saw the club reveal Briatore and F1 supremo Ecclestone had made "a recommended offer believed to be about £14million. The club are reportedly £13m in debt. Mirror

See Also: Earlier Reports re Brigatore/Ecclestone Plans and comments QPR Owner Talk About Their Plans
QPR Report


Monday, September 03, 2007 QPR's New Owner Talks About Their Plans
-Sporting Life - Ben Rumsby, PA Sport - BRIATORE PLANS TO REVIVE RANGERS

Flavio Briatore has revealed he and Bernie Ecclestone have devised a four-year plan to get QPR into the Premier League.
The two Formula One magnates are poised to complete their takeover of the Coca-Cola Championship club and Briatore, head of the Renault F1 team, believes the duo can fulfil all the ambitions of the Loftus Road faithful.
Asked how long it might take to set Rangers promoted, the Italian told BBC London 94.9: "You set a target and when we take over we're talking about four years' time. If it happens earlier, it happens earlier.
"You need a strong base and the moment you arrive in the Premier League you stay there."
He added: "When we started at Benetton [now Renault], we said we wanted to win the championship in five years. Afterwards, we had our champion in three years."
Saturday saw the club reveal Briatore and F1 supremo Ecclestone had made "a recommended offer", believed to be about £14million.
The club are reportedly in debt to the tune of £13million.
Briatore would not be drawn on the figures involved but insisted sufficient funds would be made available to strengthen the team in January.
He added: "I won seven championships in Formula One and I won the championship with a barely good budget proportional to the results.
"We won't do anything crazy. What's more important is the programme you are doing, step by step, and it's impossible to change everything in one year.
"You need the money to do the job but what is more important is the total organisation of the club."
Briatore claimed he became interested in Rangers "a long time ago" and insists he and Ecclestone are not buying the club simply to make a profit selling it on.
"We take it to keep it," he said.
"It's not a real estate investment, it's a sport investment."
He added: "QPR have the potential to be at the top again.
"It's a great team, a great club. They have a lot of fans who support the club.
"I believe it's a good opportunity."
Briatore drew comparisons between football and F1.
"Sport is sport and there is a lot of similarity between football and Formula One," he said.
"The Formula One investment is nearly 10 times bigger than a football team."
Chairman Gianni Paladini and manager John Gregory are expected to stay in place if the takeover succeeds.
"Paladini has done a job with small resources and John as well," Briatore said.
However, the 57-year-old admitted his various business interests would make it impossible for him or Ecclestone to attend every Rangers match.
He said "We have different activities as well, not only in Formula One. It's a question of management, it's a question of the people you put in charge.
"Myself and Bernie understand very well what you need to be competitive.
"If I'm there or not, the club is not better or not."
Meanwhile, Gregory has warned supporters Briatore and Ecclestone will struggle to bring immediate success.
He said: "The investors can really help this club move forward, but, as always, it will take time.
"We can't do it overnight and the transfer window is closed, so it will take time to make the transition." Sporting Life

See Also: Clive Whittingham/QPR Rivals Report of the Radio Interview Brigatore Speaks

See Also BBC Radio London QPR Report


Saturday, September 01, 2007 QPR's Completed Takeover by Eccelstone and Briatore - Press Reports-
AP -Ecclestone, Briatore set to buy Queens Park Rangers after board recommends bid

Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone and Renault team principal Flavio Briatore are set to buy Queens Park Rangers after the English soccer club's board recommended the pair's offer.
QPR, which plays in the second-tier League championship, announced the move Saturday.
The takeover has been mooted at 30 million pounds (US$60.5 million; ?44.4 million) by British papers and should mean the west London team can now plan without the threat of financial administration.
QPR has struggled since relegation from the Premier League in 1996, at one point dropping into the third tier for three seasons, and also owed tax to Britain's Inland Revenue.
Had the club entered financial administration - continuing operations without selling off assets to pay debts - it would have had 10 points automatically deducted from its league total under Football League rules.
Gianni Paladini will carry on as chairman, with Briatore, Bruno Michel and Alejandro Agag joining the board in place of Antonio Caliendo and Franco Zanotti.
"This offer provides much needed investment and an excellent opportunity to move the club forward, which in turn, we are sure, will be translated into positive results on the pitch,'' Paladini said.
QPR was a regular in English soccer's top division and was a founder member of the Premier League in 1992. Winner of the League Cup in 1967, the closest QPR ever came to winning the English championship was in 1976, when it came within one point of edging powerhouse Liverpool.
"We are fully aware of the history of QPR and the loyal fan base that it has,'' Briatore said. "We are therefore totally committed to bringing future success back to the club.''
Ecclestone had been linked with a move for Arsenal, but his chances of buying into the Premier League powerhouse seemed to end Thursday when former vice chairman David Dein sold his 14.58 percent stake to a consortium led by Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov. AP

BBC - F1 magnates to take over at QPR
QPR have confirmed that Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone have made a recommended offer for the club.
Gianni Paladini will remain as chairman but Antonio Caliendo and Franco Zanotti have agreed to resign from the board.
Briatore told the club website: "Bernie and I were delighted to receive a recommendation from the QPR board for our bid for the club.
Paladini said: "This offer provides much needed investment and an excellent opportunity to move the club forward." BBC

Guardian - Ecclestone and Briatore take control of QPR
QPR have confirmed that Formula One magnates Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone have "made a recommended offer" for the Coca-Cola Championship club. Briatore, head of the Renault F1 team, and Ecclestone will now take control of the club although current chairman Gianni Paladini will remain in position.
Briatore told the club's official website http://www.qpr.co.uk: "Bernie and I were delighted to receive a recommendation from the board of QPR for our bid for the club and we look forward to working alongside Gianni Paladini and his team. We are fully aware of the history of QPR and the loyal fanbase that it has and are totally committed to bringing future success back to the club."
Paladini said: "This offer provides much needed investment and an excellent opportunity to move the club forward which will be translated into positive results on the pitch. I am delighted that Flavio and Bernie have asked me to remain on the board and I hope to play a large part in the future of QPR."
The news was announced prior to the Championship clash with Southampton at Loftus Road, where all 11 Rangers players donned shirts carrying Ray Jones' name on the back. The 18-year-old striker was killed last weekend in a car accident and the club confirmed that no further comment on the takeover would be made today.
A statement said: "The club will be making no further comment at this stage, as our focus today remains on celebrating the life and times of Ray Jones, who tragically died in a motor accident last weekend." Guardian

PA Sport, Tom Rostance - ECCLESTONE IN AT QPR
QPR have confirmed that Formula One magnates Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone have "made a recommended offer" for the Coca-Cola Championship club.
Briatore, head of the Renault F1 team, and Ecclestone will now take control of the club although current chairman Gianni Paladini will remain in position.
Briatore told the club's official website www.qpr.co.uk: "Bernie and I were delighted to receive a recommendation from the board of QPR for our bid for the club and we look forward to working alongside Gianni Paladini and his team.
"We are fully aware of the history of QPR and the loyal fanbase that it has and are totally committed to bringing future success back to the club."
Paladini said: "This offer provides much needed investment and an excellent opportunity to move the club forward which will be translated into positive results on the pitch.
"I am delighted that Flavio and Bernie have asked me to remain on the board and I hope to play a large part in the future of QPR."
The news was announced prior to the Championship clash with Southampton at Loftus Road, where all 11 Rangers players donned shirts shirts carrying Ray Jones' name on the back.
The 18-year-old striker was killed last weekend in a car accident and the club confirmed that no further comment on the takeover would be made today.
A statement said: "The club will be making no further comment at this stage, as our focus today remains on celebrating the life and times of Ray Jones, who tragically died in a motor accident last weekend." Sporting Life

SKY - F1 Bosses Take Over QPR
QPR have confirmed that Formula One magnates Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone have "made a recommended offer" for the club.
Briatore, head of the Renault F1 team, and Ecclestone, who runs Formula One, will now take control at Loftus Road.
Current chairman Gianni Paladini will remain in position.
Briatore said: "Bernie and I were delighted to receive a recommendation from the board of QPR for our bid for the club and we look forward to working alongside Gianni Paladini and his team.
"We are fully aware of the history of QPR and the loyal fanbase that it has and are totally committed to bringing future success back to the club."
Paladini said: "This offer provides much needed investment and an excellent opportunity to move the club forward which will be translated into positive results on the pitch.
"I am delighted that Flavio and Bernie have asked me to remain on the board and I hope to play a large part in the future of QPR." Skynews QPR Report



August 14, 2007

Flavio Briatore's 2005 Perspective re Successful Management
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The Guardian - Martin Rose Tuesday October 4, 2005
Ecclestone wanted to buy Chelsea, says Briatore
"Chelsea may never have been purchased by Roman Abramovich had negotiations to sell the London club to the formula one pair Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore moved at a faster pace. The Italian Briatore has revealed that he and Ecclestone had lined up Chelsea until the Russian arrived on the scene.
"We had a big programme to take over the club when Abramovich arrive by boat," said Briatore, the team principal of Renault. "He buy Chelsea from under our noses while me and Bernie are in the middle of negotiations to do the deal. It is funny. Abramovich and Bernie are very big friends - and I meet him many times. We were on our way with Chelsea, me and Bernie, and Abramovich put a stop to it."
Abramovich has ploughed unprecedented millions into Chelsea, an investment that helped them win the Premiership last season. But Briatore is convinced they would have enjoyed similar success had he got his hands on the club.
"The techniques of management are the same whether you run a clothing company or a football club. Management is the way you produce your product - your efficiency, your creativity, and the people you choose to make the dream come true," he said. "Now I stick to what I love for the moment - formula one. When I no longer have that love maybe I try football again. Guardian

See Also: Donald McRae - The Guardian - October 4, 2005
The life, loves and loneliness of formula one's champion maker
Flavio Briatore reveals the secrets of Fernando Alonso's success, the 'family' he feels closest to and how he almost bought Chelsea Profile QPR Report

BRiatore's website


ECCLESTONE's PERSPECTIVE
April 2008 - Briatore and Ecclestone's QPR Success Story-
The Times/Kevin Eason - April 25, 2008 Insider: April 25 - Cristal and caviar at QPR

As Bernie Ecclestone surveys his domain today, he can be content that his business model is working at full power, no matter how many times it has almost been derailed by events away from the Formula One track. Ecclestone pioneered the concept of corporate hospitality with his Formula One Paddock Club, which attracts well-heeled patrons prepared to pay as much as £1,000 a head.

That idea could be translated to football and Queens Park Rangers, the club he co-owns with Flavio Briatore, the Renault Formula One team principal. If the Coca-Cola Championship club are to spin money like the top sides and push for promotion to the Barclays Premier League, the problem of Loftus Road, QPR's cramped home on and off for about 90 years, will have to be solved. Ecclestone has not identified a potential alternative ground and a capacity of fewer than 20,000 is too small for the top flight.

But Ecclestone and Briatore plan to drive the QPR audience upmarket with more and better corporate seats. There are rumours that the price of hospitality boxes will soar, but Ecclestone is anxious to get the product right first. “We are not going to drive out the existing fans, but we need to generate more income,” he said. “We did it in Formula One and we can do it in football.”

The QPR directors' box is already a repository for famous visitors such as Naomi Campbell, the supermodel. With Ecclestone (worth £2.5billion) bringing in Lakshmi Mittal (worth £14.5billion) as an investor, the pies and Oxo could soon be replaced by champagne and caviar. Kilburn Times

-
Repeating what was in the midlands paper over the weekend: "QPR want to sign West Brom striker Kevin Phillips and Wolves forward Freddy Eastwood. (Daily Mirror)" BBC Gossip Mirror story - "QPR Keen to Land Phillips "Moneybags [NB: hate that characterization] Queens Park Rangers are chasing West Brom's former England striker Kevin Phillips and transfer-listed Wolves' forward Freddy Eastwood. Phillips (above), 34, is out of contract and he wants a new two-year deal at the Hawthorns. But Albion are offering only one." Mirror


Fulham's German player, Moritz Volz tries out as a journalist by visiting Loftus Road:
Moritz Volz/The Times - Monitoring the reporters
I should have known better. I wrote a column about football and the media a couple of months ago and I inadvertently did the one thing I was warning players not to do. I opened my gob in public. And where did it get me? In hot water . . . well, lukewarm anyway. It seems that those nice people at Sky Sports were tickled by my general panning of their trade so they offered me the opportunity to experience it from their side by covering a game for them.

Always one for new experiences, I took them up on the offer - especially when Arsenal v AC Milan was mentioned. Imagine my surprise when the driver dropped me at Loftus Road to cover QPR v West Brom on the last day of the Championship season . . .

As a player I’m used to going straight to the dressing-room but as a roving reporter I headed for the press box to mingle with the journos and pundits. It’s common knowledge that press rooms live or die by the reputation of the food on offer; so how did Loftus Road fare? Let’s just say it’s on a par with Gerry Francis’s barnet.

Once sat in my seat I immediately realised how lacking I was in the tools of the trade. Packet of sweets? No. Pen? No. Pad? Er . . . no. All I had was a team-sheet, but given that the game was nothing more than an end-of-season jolly-up, there wasn’t a whole lot to write down.

Just as well really. I now know that at least half of the reporters in press boxes spend the whole game craning their necks to watch Sky Sports’ goal-flashes on the TV monitors instead of focusing on what’s going on in front of them.

Then when they miss something significant they all start asking each other what happened, relying on the version of events from the one fella who did see it. It’s no wonder some match reports read like the writer wasn’t even at the game.

On the final whistle it was down to the pitch while the players did their lap of honour. I assumed a press officer would bring players over to us for interviews. No such luck. You want a player, you grab him. And by the time I’d figured this out, most of them were back in the dressing-room.

But I had to get a player or I’d have failed in my job, so with no explanation of what I was doing on the dark side, I grabbed Jonathan Greening as he walked past. I thought I’d try to set myself apart from the rest by avoiding obvious questions about the game. So I brought up the subject of the dodgy vest thing his gaffer was wearing that day. But true to form in the world of postmatch interviews, the answer bore absolutely no relation to the question.

He just heard the word “gaffer” and as soon as a footballer hears that it’s autopilot time – “great manager, crackin’ job, love the training, great spirit, blah blah blah . . .” Maybe it was to do with my German pronunciation. He probably wondered what I was on about when I mentioned the gaffer’s “west”.

We still needed a QPR player, so I went for the easy option and grabbed Gareth Ainsworth, who I used to play with at Wimbledon.

He had his two young kids with him, and lovely kids they were, too. But note for future reference. Don’t pick the player with the little ’uns. They think the fluffy mike is a cuddly toy. I didn’t bother asking him about the match either and went down the route of QPR’s ambitions and whether the present squad is good enough to reach the Premier League.

As much as it was a perfectly relevant question from my side of the mike, I knew from a player’s perspective that he’d never be able to give me a genuine answer.

Don’t get me wrong, Gareth is as honest a bloke as you’ll get but he played it safe as houses – just as I would have done in his position.

But as I sat on the bus on the way home, patting myself on the back having got through my day deep behind enemy lines, it slowly dawned on me that in my role as a reporter I’d contradicted myself again yet again. Having spent a column preaching to journos that they should stick to asking us players about the game, I’d been trying to get answers about the situation at QPR and Tony Mow-bray’s vest.

Oh well, if you can’t beat them, join them . . . and the way my career’s going I might have to soon. The Times


Rowlands and Delaney for Ireland

Independent/Ireland/By Daniel McDonnell - Overnight miracle not evident for Trap debut - Portimonense 1 Ireland 1

Monday May 19 2008

THE religious amongst you -- or even those others who are not -- will be familiar with the repetitive hymn 'He Is Lord', which got an airing yesterday with the Italian taking the role of Jesus, rising from the dead amid a plethora of bowed knees and confessing tongues to save us all.

As the man himself took the opportunity to say earlier on in the week -- Trapattoni that is, not God -- he is no saint and won't be performing miracles overnight. This Irish team will not suddenly become a terrifying force; the road to progress will be gradual and requires further endeavour on the training ground.

Still, this friendly game with Portuguese Second Division side Portimonense gave the 69-year-old an early opportunity to see if some of the points he has been trying to get across in the past four days have hit home.

The verdict? It's probably going to take a little bit longer to fully implement what he wants. That was the resounding tone of the comments of both the manager and his players who spoke in the aftermath of a 1-1 draw where either side could have won it -- substitute Andy Keogh was on target to equalise for the Irish after they went in one goal behind at the interval.

He was one member of the bench who consistently got a tutorial from an irate Trapattoni in the first-half, responding to everything he was unhappy with by turning around to his youthful subs with his arms expressively explaining his observations.

It wasn't clear if he was looking for a response, or if anyone was brave enough to offer it. By all accounts, his actions are speaking louder than his words at this juncture in the 'getting to know you' process.

"Football is one language and you get the gist of what he's saying in terms of what he wants us to do," said Stephen Hunt. "But it will take time for us to get used to it too. Obviously Liam (Brady) is there to help him if needs be."

Much of the interest surrounding this game, and indeed the Trapattoni regime as a whole, is speculation over the various formations that he might deploy. From the outset though, it was a relatively rigid 4-4-2 here, although he later said that wasn't the plan. Frontmen Kevin Doyle and Daryl Murphy were not operating as flexibly as he would have preferred.

Details

Only five defenders have made this journey, with Kevin Foley sitting out this game as Stephen Kelly at right-full, Damien Delaney on the opposite flank and Alex Bruce and Paul McShane in the centre played all 90 minutes, with the latter pair failing to convince as a partnership.

In midfield, Liam Miller and Martin Rowlands started in the engine room, with Hunt on the left and Damien Duff on the right. Alas, the Newcastle man hasn't had much luck with black and white stripes, the chosen strip of yesterday's opposition.

He was withdrawn at the interval, not feeling 100pc fit according to Trapattoni. In fact, it was the least heralded of that quartet, QPR man Rowlands, who shone, although he did concede the needless foul which led to Portimonense's Gonzalo drilling an early free-kick through the wall and past the returning 37-year-old Dean Kiely. Such concessions are clearly the little details to which the new gaffer keeps referring. Afterwards, in a cramped room above the dressing rooms in the compact stadium, he delved into an early analysis of his charges. It's not their mentality that needs changing, he explained, it's their habits.

"I don't want to change their mentality," he said. "I like their mentality. But it's important to correct the younger players on basic mistakes, there is room for improvement in this respect. There are 7,000 square metres on the pitch and we need to use the space.

"There are some old habits which may need twitching", he continued, before expanding on this area with the use of water bottles to emphasise his point. "We need to be able to change the direction of attack, to find the player in space rather than running straight at the defence.

"A few times today we had the possibility to pass the ball but we tended to go one on one. Sometimes, the strikers are in too straight a line. They can go 4-4-1-1 rather than 4-4-2."

So is that why he appeared so wound up during the game? He smiles before answering.

"I clarify things for the players, I play with them. I have to help them. Go! Now! Quickly!" he says, raising his voice slightly, to bemused stares.

"For example a player is looking down at the ground from a throw in. I shout 'Turn and look at the ball'. There isn't money on the pitch. Keep your eyes on the ball. You can improve your position immediately if you keep your eye on the ball. What is there to look at on the pitch? Grass?"

Training

They will be the fundamental lessons to be learned in training this morning, ahead of another useful match tonight against Lagos at 8pm. It'll be another day spent with his players who now accept that this is a very different environment compared to what they're used to.

"He's trying to change the mentality in terms of the way we play, bits and pieces," said Hunt, when asked about the behind-closed-doors training sessions. "We're all learning and it will be a different way of playing, that's for sure, we'll be hard to beat.

"I don't want to say too much as I'll get myself in trouble. You'll figure it out for yourselves. And it will take time, a new manager and a new style and a new regime, it's fresh."

Alex Bruce was a little bit more straightforward in his analysis: "He's just big on the organisation of the team and making sure that everyone knows our jobs, you don't win what he has won in the game if you don't know what you are about."

Goalscorer Keogh was singing from a similar hymnsheet, acknowledging that the wide players, a position he often fills for Ireland and Wolves, will have to shoulder significant responsibility in a typical Trap system.

"He wants the wingers coming in and helping the forward, but he wants us to track back to try and get the ball when opposition wingers have it," stressed the Wolves star, whose equalising goal was a close-range volley in the 49th minute.

"It's really a case of getting used to his strategies and formations. He wants us to press and play a high intensity game and also to let the ball do the work, one touch, two touch. But it's still early days."

Early days indeed, and both the new boss and the squad know that there's still plenty of work left to do.

Ireland: Kiely (Murphy 62); Kelly, McShane, Bruce, Delaney, Duff (Keogh 45), Miller (Whelan 71), Rowlands (Potter 73), Hunt (Hoolahan 71); Doyle (Scannell 75), Murphy (Long 57).

- Daniel McDonnell - Independent (Ireland)


And a sad tale from former QPR player, Kenny Sansom re his time as an Arsenal player as part of the "Drinking Culture":
"Kenny Sansom: I lost my wife, drank away my money and almost died like my old pal George Best" - Daily Mail

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- Playoff defeat for Tommy Doherty. In the second leg, Doherty's Wycombe lost 1-0 to Stockport to lose 2-1 on aggregate. Match Report And Stockport manager Jim Gannon made these pre-match comments about Doherty: Gannon on Doherty


At Gillingham: Simon Royce wants to stay...Danny Cullip doesn't and Leroy Griffiths in limbo:

Leroy Griffiths one of six Gillingham players released not offered a new contract but Kentonline reports "Striker Leroy Griffiths has notbeen offered a new deal but has been invited back for pre-season training." Kentonline


Kentonline/Luke Cawdell- Cullip rejects Gills offer
Danny Cullip was only offered a one year deal
Danny Cullip has rejected Gillingham’s offer of a contract to play in League 2 next season.
The defender played 11 games for the Gills at the end of the season on an appearance-related basis but turned down the club’s offer of a one-year contract.
Cullip, 31, said: “I wanted a two-year contract but the club were only prepared to offer a year.
“I enjoyed my time at the club. I liked the fans and I think they took to me. I really wanted to stay and help the club get back to where they wanted to be. But that wasn’t to be – that’s football.
“I am now looking forward to going on holiday and seeing what happens.”
Manager Mark Stimson said: “We put something across to him but he asked for something else and we just have to move on.
“He did have an impact but we were playing three at the back and that’s not my way. We did it to get results and those results did improve and Danny was a big part of that.
“Next year I want to play four at the back and attack more. It would have been a plus to sign him but we just have to move on now.
“We’ve still got Garry Richards and Simon King as well as Mark Bentley who can play there. We’re not light in that position...”
.” Kentonlne


Kentonline/Luke Cawdell - Royce snubbed Championship move Simon Royce stayed loyal to Gills
Simon Royce has revealed he snubbed a move to the Championship in favour of another season playing under the management of Mark Stimson at Gillingham.
The veteran goalkeeper, who signed a new one-year deal last week, admitted he may have left the Gills if it wasn’t for Stimson.
“I’m pleased to sign and I’ve signed for Mark Stimson really,” said Royce. “If it was anyone else I might not have signed, and I could have gone somewhere else.
“He’s staying and I get on really well with him so that’s the main reason I signed.
“The other reason is the fans. I want to thank them for everything they’ve done for me and the way they’ve really made me feel welcome at the club.
“I would have gone somewhere else and I would have had no problem getting another club. I spoke to a Championship club and was waiting to see what they were doing – there would have been something else too.
“I like playing for him (Stimson) and I’ve been playing regularly.
“I didn’t fancy travelling up and down the country, sitting on the bench and playing reserve team football at my age. When you get to 36 you want to be playing regular football and you can’t beat it.
“I feel next year we have the chance to win promotion and the club is only 45 minutes down the road for me.” Kentonline


In the United States of America, MLS:

Even without Gino Padula, out injured, Columbus Crew still stopped Danny Dichio's Toronto with a 0-0 draw in Canada. Dichio played the first hour for Toronto - Match Report

John Spencer's Houston Dynamos (Spencer is Assistant Coach) defeated former QPR's Matt Pickens Chicago Fire, to remain top - Match Report

And for Steve Morrow's Champions, FC Dallas play David Beckham's LA Galaxy today. Match Preview

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Nice Club RemOfficial Site - REMEMBERING KIYAN PRINCE
Today (Sunday 18th May 2008) marks the second anniversary of the untimely death of former QPR starlet Kiyan Prince.
Prince, 15, was stabbed to death following an altercation with another student outside the gates of the London Academy in Edgware in May 2006.
Everyone at Queens Park Rangers extends their deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Kiyan at this sad time.
The Club would also like to place on the record its appreciation to all the supporters that have sent good-will messages and tributes to the Club since Kiyan's untimely death. May he rest in peace QPR


One Year Ago: Gary Waddock appointed Aldershot Manager. Seems to have worked out quite well!

Aldershot Official Site - Official Club Statement
We are pleased to announce the appointment of the new manager of Aldershot Town Football Club and new official club sponsors too.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF NEW TEAM MANAGER AND OFFICIAL CLUB SPONSOR
Aldershot Town Football Club are delighted to announce the appointment of Gary Waddock as their new manager.
The 45 year old joins on a two year agreement and will have overall responsibility on first team, reserve and youth team football matters at the club in addition to providing a guidance and overview to the junior section too.
He will be responsible for all football related budgets.
Gary arrives after an extensive football career where he made over 500 senior appearances. The former midfielder includes periods at QPR, Luton Town, Millwall, Bristol Rovers and at Charleroi (Belguim). In addition he made 21 international appearances for the Republic of Ireland.
When former QPR manager Ian Holloway took charge of the west London side he appointed Gary to head the Academy section of the club and, eventually, Gary took responsibility of the reserve and youth team structure too. He also served as first team manager at the Championship club.
It is also confirmed that Martin Kuhl will remain at the club reverting back to his role as First Team Coach after serving a period as Caretaker Manager.
Chairman John McGinty commented, 'We are delighted that Gary has agreed to join the club as our manager.
"I apologise to supporters for the delay in naming the appointment but hope that they are enthused with the announcement.
'Gary was impressive in interview and his enthusiasm for the job shone through with a desire to succeed so obvious.
"He has extensive experience in developing young players and we believe that is a vital ingredient for our future.
'I would like to thank Martin Kuhl for fulfilling the role as Caretaker Manager since the departure of Terry Brown and I am pleased that Martin will be first team coach in our new set up.
'I thank the supporters for their patience and am sure that they will welcome Gary to Aldershot Town as we look ahead positively to the future'.
Continuing Mr McGinty also confirmed the announcement of the new club sponsors of Aldershot Town Football Club...." Aldershot

BBC - Waddock becomes Aldershot manager
Gary Waddock has been appointed as the new manager of Aldershot with caretaker boss Martin Kuhl reverting to his role as first team coach.
The 45-year-old ex-Republic of Ireland international has signed a two-year deal to replace Terry Brown, who stepped down at the end of March.
Waddock had a seven-month stint in charge of QPR in 2006 after a number of coaching roles at Loftus Road.
He also played over 500 games for QPR, Luton, Millwall and Bristol Rovers.
Aldershot chairman John McGinty said: "I apologise to supporters for the delay in naming the appointment but hope that they are enthused with the announcement.
"Gary was impressive in interview and his enthusiasm for the job shone through with a desire to succeed so obvious. BBC
"He has extensive experience in developing young players and we believe that is a vital ingredient for our future."
Aldeshot have also revealed that local firm Ezylet will become the club's new sponsors in a two-year deal. QPR Report


Stressful Times for Ian Holloway

BBC Mandaric sets Holloway deadline
Leicester City chairman Milan Mandaric will decide by the second week in June whether to sack manager Ian Holloway following their relegation.
Holloway's job is under threat after he was unable to stop the Foxes dropping into the third tier for the first time.
Mandaric told the Leicester Mercury newspaper that he would also review his own position at the club.
"I am looking (at a decision) no later than the first week in June, the second at the latest."
Holloway recently admitted he was fearful of his job at Leicester and Mandaric has now revealed he will review the whole management structure at the club.
He added: "I am not even giving total support to myself. Am I a good chairman or not? It starts with me, and then goes all the way down - including the manager.
"I think I am entitled to look at that. I am in the firing line, I am responsible.
"I am the one who is going to support the club financially so I will do what is best for the club; not necessarily for Ian Holloway or Milan Mandaric.
"You need time to give your manager chance to review the staff and players." BBC

Leicester Mercury/STRIKER CALLS FOR MILAN TO KEEP THE FAITH IN OLLIE
Veteran forward Barry Hayles has backed Ian Holloway to continue as Leicester City manager.
Holloway's position has been under question following City's unprecedented relegation to the third division on the final day of the season at Stoke.
Chairman Milan Mandaric has set a June deadline to decide on his future following City's drop into League One.
Hayles said he hopes Mandaric "sticks" with Holloway, adding that the club needs stability as it prepares for life in the third division.
Hayles said: "The boss was devastated at the end. He was lost for words and if you know Ian Holloway you know how bad he must have been feeling.
"So far it looks like the chairman is sticking with him and I hope that continues.
"I've spoken to a number of people in and around the club and they are all saying what we need is a bit of stability."
Hayles blamed a lack of goals for City's relegation, pointing to the 0-0 home draw against Bristol City when chance after chance went begging as "symptomatic of the season".
And the 36-year-old forward said he shared the responsibility for the situation.
"That has been our problem," he said. "Putting the ball in the back of the net.
"Against Bristol City we had something like 20 shots, 10 on target, and it ended 0-0. That was symptomatic of the season.
"As a striker I have to take a lot of that responsibility on my shoulders and I do."
Hayles has experience of League One football after playing there for Bristol Rovers and Fulham.
And the forward, who was signed by Holloway in the January transfer window, warned City face a cup final every week by teams who will see them as a big scalp.
Hayles said: "League One will be very tough and very physical but we have to burden ourselves to the task.
"We should never have gone down, so now we have to believe we are more than good enough to come straight back up.
"I don't have any worries about the physical side of it and we all know that we'll have to adapt a bit, while not totally abandoning our style of play.
"We are going to be one of the sides that everybody will want to beat and so we know that every game will be like a cup final. That's good because it will keep us on our toes."
Writing on his website at icons.com, he urged the club to hold on to its "quality young players" to send out a message to the rest of the League One teams.
And he insisted the players were determined to turn around the disappointment of relegation next season.
Hayles said: "We have some quality young players and obviously there will now be a lot of speculation as to whether we can hang on to them.
"It's important that we do that and make it clear that our only intention is an immediate return to the Championship."
He added: "Already I'm eager to get back and start putting things right at Leicester.
"We know there is huge disappointment at what has happened but all we can do is try to turn that around and everyone is really determined to do that.
"We believe this time next year we will have totally different feelings to the ones we are feeling now and I just pray the fans stick by us and believe in us." Leicester Mercury

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For what it's worth....

Wolves Express and Star -Black country duo on QPR list
Black Country strikers Kevin Phillips and Freddy Eastwood are on the target-list of the Championship’s new money-bags club QPR.
Albion promotion hero Phillips has been offered to the fast-changing Loftus Road club if they will meet his agent’s demands for a two-year £20,000 a week deal.
At the same time, new QPR head coach Ian Dowie is considering a move for Eastwood, the £1.5m Wolves striker transfer-listed after his season of frustration at Molineux. Wolves Express and Star


Ex-QPR Paul Murray Signs for Shrewsbury

Shrewsbury Official Site - Paul Murray

Paul Murray's move to Town was confirmed this afternoon and see's the experienced central midfield player joining on a two year deal.

Murray has played over 300 games in a career that has seen him play for the likes of QPR, Southampton, Oldham, Carlisle and Gretna as well as picking up a couple of England caps along the way.

The 31 year old knows Paul Simpson from their time together at Carlisle and that connection helped to bring about the move: "I've known the gaffer since when I was at Carlisle and he's seen me training, seen me play and we have a good relationship.

"I got a phone call from him asking if I'd be interested in coming to the club and that was it."

Paul was asked to describe what type of player he is and what he thinks he can add to the Town side: "I'm a central midfielder and in my younger days I was much more of an up and down player, now I like to mix it up a bit more, have a lot of energy and like to get stuck in.

"The gaffer's brought me in to add that bit of experience to the side which is quite a young one.

"There are a lot young lads here with good ability and hopefully I can add that bit of knowledge and experience as I've been around a bit.

"It's a new challenge for me and one that I'm really looking forward too."

Paul has played against Town during his spells at other clubs but doesn't' really know much about this side. He's seen the stadium and heard the ambitions of the chairman and the manager and believes that success could be on the cards for next season: "I didn't know that much about Shrewsbury to be honest other than playing a few times at the old stadium by the river.

"I came down to see the gaffer about a month ago and saw that the stadium is fantastic. I spoke to the chairman and can see the club is set-up for big things and hopefully get promotion.

"Promotion is the key, there are four teams who go up and I would think we will be there or there abouts."

Last season saw Paul playing in the Scottish Premier League for Gretna. It was a great move to make that step up but as the season went on Gretna's problems off the field began to affect the players. The clubs move towards bankruptcy meant hard times for the players but it's something that he feels has made him tougher: "It was tough but it has stood me in good stead, not getting paid and what was going on meant it was mentally tough.

"I worked hard all season despite those problems and I feel that I did well and think I've deserved this move.

"Quite a lot of players moved on but we were getting paid in the end and I think they should have a buyer very soon."

The new challenge is now one with Shrewsbury Town and helping the club to match the ambitions of everyone: "I'm really looking forward to this challenge and am raring to go when we return for pre-season.

"I'm 31 years of age but still have got a lot of life in me and a lot to offer so we will see how it goes next season.

"The key things for me are to carry on playing and to get promotion with the club."
Shrewsbury

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Post-seasons are meant to be boring as another football season comes to an end; players go off on holidays; and fans count down the days till the players report back for training. No boredom yet this year! It's been a rather eventful, stressful even somewhat disillusioning first couple of weeks for QPR fans since the season drew to a close.

Two weeks ago, QPR fans were eagerly awaiting the final game of the season at home to WBA, excited by Club captain Gareth Ainsworth's cryptic comment on the Official Site "Dawn of a New Era" that fans should "take their seats early ... It's got all the ingredients of being an afternoon to remember...Sunday promises to be a day every QPR fan, old and young, remembers for the rest of their lives." There was even media speculation about Zinedine Zidane was set to be appointed as QPR's new manager.

What actually occurred of course, was the unveiling of the new QPR Crest - and talk of a "New Era" opinions about which were definitely mixed.

Thanks and goodbye to Sponsors CarGiant, Sellotape and Le Coq Sportif.

Just on the footballing side, QPR ended their season with a 0-2 defeat at home to WBA and finished the season 14th in the table with 58 points.

Following the final game, came the Player/Supporters Dinner and Awards with Martin Rowlands voted Player of the Year. And no published suggestions that De Canio would not be remaining.

Then just days after the end of the season came the announcement that Manager Luigi De Canio was leaving "by mutual consent" - "Queens Park Rangers Football Club have parted company with First Team Coach Luigi De Canio by mutual consent with immediate effect.

Rumours of the new manager, Dowie, Allardyce, McClarren and Ince were the most cited in the press along with some more outlandish names. But from the onset, the press had Dowie as the most likely appointment. This was confirmed when the club announced that Ian Dowie was the new manager (Official Title, First Team Coach) on a two year contract.)

Departing as expected but still never officially announced, De Canio's two Italian assistant coaches: Iuri Bartoli and Paolo Pavese.

Also never officially announced, but just slipped in: Chairman Gianni Paladini was given the new title of "Sporting Director."

Signings: Unrelated to Dowie's arrival (even though he has now said that he will be in charge of signings), QPR have thus far signed Newcastle defender Peter Ramage and Spurs/Slavia Prague goalkeeper Radek Cerny. Two Signings. As was being touted a week earlier at the Players/Fans Dinner, QPR announced they were signing A.C Chievo Verona's 19 year old, Matteo Alberti.. QPR have reportedly signed the non-league defender, Joe Oastler, but there has been no official announcement.

Departure Announcement that five players were being released including American goalie, Matt Pickens, without ever playing a first team game. (The other four released: Sean Thomas, Aaron G