Bernie Ecclestone on QPR - Not Got The Football Bug!

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BBC Interview: Ecclestone - on the Olympics, F1 and QPR
"Bernie Ecclestone tells Radio 5 Live's Sportsweek he believes London has a very hard act to follow in staging the Olympic Games after the success of Beijing." Audio [Complete audio 11 minutes]
Most of the interview consists Ecclestone talking about the 2012 London Olympics (and the China Olympics) and Formula One racing and Max Mosley. And then near the end of the interview (about nine minutes into the interview) - Ecclestone talks briefly about QPR.
Relates how he was interested in Chelsea before Abramovich came in...

Then how he bought QPR. Repeats the Briatore/"Pizza Restaurant" story. "It was Briatore that was approached; not me.... He was looking for... a restaurant...I don't think it seemed a good idea at the time to buy"

Asked "Have you got the football bug?"
Ecclestone responds: "No. Not at all"

Asked: "Do you watch them? Do you get any great pleasure going to Loftus Road?
I've been two three times. I obviously I just don't have time to do everything that's the problem"...

Asked: "...Presumably ultimately you'd like Queens Park Rangers to be up there alongside their neigbours Chelsea in the Premier League"
Ecclestone responded: "I don't know if we could afford it....Even if we could whether we would want to...When you get in that league it's a different league. We'll wait and see."

Ex-QPRs in Action and Flashbacks: Wilks' Higbury Goal...Leightertwood Signs...Langley Returns...Lomas Joins

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Gary Waddock, Niki Bull and Scott Donnelly's Aldershot picked up their first League home win in seventeen years. Bull saved a penalty. Match Report

Dennis Oli got the only goal of the game in Gillingham's win over Accrington. Simon Royce in goal for Gillingham - Report

Tony Roberts Dagenham won 2-1 at MorecambeReport

Kevin Gallen came on as sub for MK Dons (and was booked) as they lost 1-2 at home to Swindon - Report

Tommy Doherty's Wycombe won 1-0 at Chesterfield. Report


Forty Years ago today: August 31, 1968...Newly-promoted QPR travelled to Highbury...and narrowly lost 2-1 to Frank McClintock's Arsenal. Alan Wilks came on as substitute and scorred QPR's goal with his first touch of the ball.
Kelly - Clement Hazell Watson Harris - Sibley Keen Leach I. Morgan - Allen Bridges

[And thirty-Seven years ago today, a brilliant Rodney-Marsh inspired QPR won a midweek game at Fulham 3-0. (Frank Saul, Andy McCulloch and a Fulham og)]


One Year Ago Today....
August 31, 2007 - BBC - QPR complete Leigertwood transfer
Queens Park Rangers have signed Sheffield United midfield man Mikele Leigertwood in a £900,000 deal, reports BBC Radio Sheffield.
The 24-year-old joined the Blades last summer but struggled to hold down a regular first team place. He arrived at Bramall Lane from Crystal Palace after a £600,000 development compensation package was agreed. Leigertwood's versatility will appeal to QPR boss John Gregory as he builds his squad. BBC

QPR OFFICIAL SITE - LEIGERTWOOD SIGNS
Queens Park Rangers Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of Sheffield United star Mikele Leigertwood for an undisclosed fee.
The 24 year-old, who can play in defence or midfield, has penned a three-year deal in W12.
Leigertwood, who joined the Blades in July 2006 and has featured in four of United's five League and Cup fixtures so far this season, could be in line to make his QPR bow against Southampton on Saturday.
Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, gaffer John Gregory expressed his delight at Leigertwood's arrival: "Since the unfortunate injury to Simon Walton, the midfield area is one we have been trying hard to fill.
"Mikele is an outstanding athlete and footballer who can come straight into the team in that position and I think he is a real quality acquisition for the Football Club."
Leigertwood, who began his career with Wimbledon before later joining Crystal Palace, said: "QPR only contacted me on Wednesday. I had a word with John Gregory and a look around the place on Thursday and I was very impressed with what I saw.
"I'm happy with the ambitions of the Club and hopefully we can all progress together.
"I'm hardworking, honest, and I am never one to shy away. Hopefully, I can bring some steel into the centre of the park." Leigertwood will wear squad number 32. QPR


Three Years Ago Today: August 31, 2005 (Transfer Deadline Day) Richard Langley returns and Steve Lomas signs

QPR OFFICIAL SITE - AUGUST 31, 2005 ON LANGLEY'S RETURN - HE'S BACK!
Rangers today swooped to re-sign former midfield favourite Richard Langley from Cardiff City.
The 25-year-old returns to Loftus Road, and the club where he began his professional career, after almost exactly two years at Ninian Park.
Langley has put pen to paper on an initial one-year deal, with an option to extend it for a further year, this afternoon, having passed a medical at Rangers' Harlington training ground.
And now, after a weekend break from football, he will be available for the Superhoops' next game at Southampton on September 10th.
Langley has long been rated one of the very best of Rangers' youth products, having burst in to the first team as an 18-year-old in 1998.
A serious knee injury interrupted his progress in 2001 and he missed 12 months of football - by which time Rangers had been relegated to Division Two.
He then missed the play-off final in 2003 through suspension before signing for the very side that defeated the Superhoops at the Millennium Stadium in the first weeks of the 2003-04 season.
His last act in a Rangers shirt was to score a fantastic last-gasp winner at Cheltenham in the League Cup before heading to south Wales.
He made 148 appearances in total for Rangers scoring 21 goals, before racking up a further 63 starts and eight goals for the Bluebirds.
Speculation had linked Langley with a return to Loftus Road ever since Rangers' promotion back to the Championship. Meanwhile, Cardiff's well-documented financial problems only added weight to the rumours.
But the rumours have now become fact and one of Rangers' best-loved and most talented players of recent years is back where he belongs.


QPR OFFICIAL SITE - August 31, 2005 - RICHARD LANGLEY - HOME AGAIN
Richard Langley is delighted to be back 'home' after signing at Loftus Road today.
The 25-year-old midfielder returns after two years at Cardiff and told qpr.co.uk that it was the move he always wanted.
"It's really nice to be back and to see all the familiar faces.
"I've kept in contact with quite a few of the lads. Now I just can't wait to pull on a shirt and start playing.
"There has been talk about a move back almost since I moved to Cardiff! But I'm just delighted to be back here at Loftus Road."
Nevertheless, plenty has changed in the two years Langley has been away from QPR and as far as the player himself is concerned - all of it for the good.
"The club has moved on, the squad is bigger and the training facilites are excellent.
"There is a lot of talent in the squad. But I'd also like to think I have improved as a player.
" I have the same attributes but I've added a few touches to my game."
And now Langley's attentions turn to repaying Ian Holloway's faith and settling back in to life with his home town club.
"QPR has always been a big part of my life. I used to come back and visit when I was at Cardiff.
"I just hope that the fans welcome me back. I'm sure there may be a few sceptics but it is up to me to win them over."


QPR OFFICIAL SITE - AUGUST 31, 2005 - LOMAS SIGNS
Rangers have completed their second deal of the day with the signing of the hugely experienced Northern Ireland midfielder Steve Lomas.
The 31-year-old leaves West Ham for Loftus Road on a free transfer after eight years with the East London club.
In his time at the Boleyn Ground he has made 227 appearances and his first class total is well over 300 having begun his league career with Manchester City.
He made 25 appearances in West ham's promotion season last year, including both league games against Rangers.
Lomas has also played 45 times for Northern Ireland, scoring three times.
He becomes Rangers' second signing of the day following the arrival of Richard Langley from Cardiff City and the player himself is excited by the prospect.
"I know both Ian Holloway and Tim Breacker and they both had excellent things to say about the club. They both know what type of player I am and I'm delighted that its happened.
"This is a challenge that I need after such a long time at West Ham, you find yourself having to prove yourself all over again.
"Sometimes if you stay at one club for too long you can get a bit stale. Now I've got to prove myself to Ian Holloway.
"I think this year the play-offs are what the manager wants and I'm sure that's what everyone here wants to be able to achieve."

QPR's Strong Draw at Bristol City - Reports and Comments

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QPR's draw at Bristol City leaves the club in 9th place with 7 points from 10 games: Two wins, a draw, a loss (plus two Carling Cup victories). Photos from Bristol City vs QPR

QPR Official Site - IAIN DOWIE - AN IMPORTANT POINT'
Manager Iain Dowie was pleased to pick up a point at 'a difficult place to come' as QPR recorded their first draw of the season at Bristol City.
Speaking to www.qpr.co.uk, Dowie reflected on an impressive display from the Hoops. He said: "I thought we shaded it in the first half.
"I know it's only a point but it's an important point. It was two good football sides and they'll cause you problems but other than Dele Adebola's header we were fairly comfortable."
The gaffer picked out goalscorer Dexter Blackstock for special praise after the striker recovered from illness to make the starting line-up.
"Dexter has been on his deathbed all week but he did very well and worked very hard up top on his own."
The main talking point however, was the sending off of Emmanuel Ledesma, a decision that left Dowie bemused.
"I don't know why he got booked in the first half.
"He throws the ball to the man; the man lets it go and its Ledesma's fault. I'll be having a look at the video."
Some of the decisions further baffled our gaffer but he was quick to praise what was an encouraging performance.
"There were a lot of yellow cards flying about, not too many for us. Look how many challenges went in on Dexter.
"But I don't want to detract from what was a resilient performance." QPR


Bristol City Offical Site - GARY PLEASED AFTER A MONTH
Gary Johnson says he is pleased with City's start to the season as the campaign enters its first two-week international break.
This afternoon's 1-1 draw with Queens Park Rangers means the club have yet to win at home, but two away victories leave City in fourth place with eight points from four matches.
Gary told Bristol City World: "All in all eight points in four games is a good return.
"If we were winning our two home games and drawing our two away games then we would all be really pleased but it's been the other way round.
"Unfortunately, we've drawn two home games but there have been parts of both those games that I have been really pleased with."
City were denied three points by a late Radek Cerny save from a bullet Dele Adebola header as ten-man QPR stubbornly held out after the second-half dismissal of Argentine Emmanuel Ledesma.
Asked if he felt it was a good point earned, Gary added: "When a team goes down to ten men, no. But when you are playing ten men they will sit nine behind the ball and keep one up front.
"They proved difficult to break down and let us play in the first two thirds of the field and made sure they defended as best they could. Dele did get the header in but it was a great save by the keeper.
"They decided they didn't want to go out and win the game and it was up to us to try and win it. In doing that we had lots of play on the edge and inside the box and when we did get through their keeper made good saves.
"It wasn't a case of us missing chances we just weren't creating enough chances. "People may wonder why we didn't bring Steve Brooker on but we felt it we needed to open the game out a bit and bringing Ivan Sproule on created more opportunities - two or three times he got in and he was very unlucky.
"I thought it was a good football match actually. I thought they looked a good team, and we looked a good team."
The game turned on the second-half dismissal of Ledesma for a second yellow card, the latter earned for a late tackle on Jamie McAllister, who had been stretchered off with an ankle injury at Crewe just four days previously.
The duo had already clashed in the first half after the Argentine was booked for throwing the ball away. The opposition bench claimed that City left-back McAllister had let the ball go deliberately in a bid to get the player cautioned.
Gary commented: "I thought they were moaning a bit. Macca let the ball go but the lad showed a sign of aggression. Whether Macca catches the ball or not doesn't really matter.
"As far as the tackle was concerned it was on the other side of the pitch so I couldn't see it properly but once he got called over we knew the lad was in trouble. It was a tackle that caused Macca a problem because he doesn't come off easily. It was the same ankle that took a knock at Crewe but he has two weeks to recover... Bristol City


SPORTING LIFE
Bristol City manager Gary Johnson announced the £140,000 signing of striker John Akinde from Ebbsfleet United after seeing his side struggle to create chances in a 1-1 draw against 10-man QPR.
The visitors had winger Emmanuel Ledesma sent off for a second yellow card early in the second half, but showed great resilience to hold out under heavy pressure.
Akinde watched from the stands and Johnson revealed the deal to sign the highly-rated 19-year-old will be completed on Monday.
"It's a big step for John from the Conference, but he is a big lad with bags of pace and we feel he has it in him to become a Championship player," said the City manager.
"He missed pre-season with a slight groin problem so he may need a little while to get fully match-fit. But I expect him to be challenging for a first-team place very soon."
On the game, Johnson said: "I would have preferred it if Rangers had kept 11 players on the field. After the sending-off they got nine men behind the ball and closed all the gaps.
"We had one great chance when Dele Adebola's header brought a fantastic save, but we probably didn't create enough decent opportunities."
Rangers boss Iain Dowie felt Ledesma was unlucky to pick up his first booking for throwing the ball away at the award of a throw-in.
"Their player deliberately jumped out of the way of the ball to make it look worse than it was," said Dowie.
"After that Emmanuel showed his inexperience with a silly tackle to get himself sent off.
"I thought our defending from then on was outstanding. We know we have quality players, but you also need resilience in the Championship.
"In that respect I'm more pleased with this point than our home victory over Doncaster. Bristol City are a very good side and will be up there challenging again."
Rangers took an 18th-minute lead through the determination of striker Dexter Blackstock, who held off Louis Carey and evaded a lunge from goalkeeper Adriano Basso before shooting home from close range while grounded.
The equaliser came seven minutes later when Brian Wilson retrieved a ball that looked to be going out of play and crossed from the left for Adebola to shoot home from six yards.
The other main talking point was the fantastic save by Rangers goalkeeper Radek Cerny two minutes from time when he somehow got down at the foot of a post to keep out Adebola's powerful header.
The striker held his head in disbelief, but City only had themselves to blame for not making their man advantage tell.
They dominated possession after Ledesma's dismissal but came up against a brick wall in a heavily-manned Rangers rearguard. Sporting Life


SUNDAY MIRROR/James Piercy - BRISTOL CITY 1-1 QPR
Qpr showed pluck and grit to hold out for a draw at fellow promotion hopefuls City.
They were forced to play most of the second half with 10 men following Emmanuel Ledesma's dismissal.
Argentine Ledesma arrived at Loftus Road in a hail of publicity and with rave reviews for his lavish skills, but showed the other side of his Latin American character to the annoyance of boss Iain Dowie.
The on-loan signing from Genoa had already picked up two yellow cards in his fledgling Championship career and added to that when he impetuously threw the ball away in the first half.
The legacy of that flash of temper returned to haunt him five minutes into the second when his late challenge on Jamie McAllister poleaxed the City defender and left referee David Deadman with little option but to show Ledesma a second yellow.
Dowie said: "I think the referee had a bit of a problem with that first booking - it was unbelievably harsh.
"I told Emmanuel at halftime not to get a red card and the tackle for his second booking was a bit silly.
"This will be a lesson for the young man. He needs to be a bit more disciplined."
Before his dismissal Ledesma had struggled to get into a game played at a ferocious pace despite the heat.
It was one of Rangers' lesser lights, Dexter Blackstock, who gave them the first-half lead.
Blackstock, a £500,000 signing from Southampton two years ago, has admitted he is under no illusions that Rangers' new-found wealth could put his place at risk.
But more performances like this will ensure his name is first on Dowie's team sheet, as he worked hard in a lone striker's role and provided a constant menace despite being out-numbered.
Blackstock's goal was bizarre but thoroughly deserved.
He chested down Peter Ramage's long diagonal ball and muscled his way past Louis Carey. City keeper Adriano Basso was out bravely to block at Blackstock's feet.
Butwhile the former England Under-21 striker tumbled to the ground, the ball broke kindly for him and he was able to hook it home while lying on his back.
But Rangers' lead lasted just two minutes as they were undone by some sloppy defending.
After clearing the initial danger they switched off as Brian Wilson retrieved a ball that looked to be going out of play and as Rangers defenders snoozed in the sun, his cross picked out Dele Adebola who sidefooted home from six yards.
After Ledesma's dismissal Rangers' gameplan was to hold on for a first away point of the season and they packed defenders behind the ball inviting City to break them down, a task they were unable to do as Damion Stewart and Matt Connolly dealt with all the crosses City worked in.
Gary Johnson's side, unbeaten in the Championship this season, almost snatched an undeserved late winner when Adebola's header produced a superb save from Radek Cerny.
Deadman did little for the FA's Respect the Ref campaign by flashing five yellow cards plus Ledesma's two, mostly for petty offences.
Bristol City: Basso 6 - Orr 6, Fontaine 5, Carey 5, McAllister 5 (Webster, 55mins, 6), Wilson 6 - Skuse 5 (Williams, 58mins, 5), *JOHNSON 7, McIndoe 6 - Adebola 6, Maynard 6.
Qpr: Cerny 6 - Ramage 6, Stewart 7, Connolly 6, Delaney 6 - Leigertwood 5, Mahon 5, Parejo 6 (Agyemang, 75mins), Cook 6 (Rowlands, 55mins, 6) - Ledesma 4, *BLACKSTOCK 8. Referee: D Deadman 5. Sunday Mirror


The Times/Barney Cullum - Ten-man QPR give defensive masterclass
Bristol City 1 QPR 1: City laid siege to the QPR goal in a bid to get the winner but goalkeeper Radek Cerny was in fine form
Emmanuel Ledesma, sent off six minutes into the second half yesterday, can count himself fortunate that he’d built up plenty of credit this season prior to yesterday’s draw at Ashton Gate. Sharing the spoils with last season’s playoff finalists could be interpreted as a valuable point accrued, but had the Argentine stayed on the pitch Queens Park Rangers may well have taken all three points.
Ledesma scored a hat-trick against Carlisle in the Carling Cup on Tuesday and the 20-year-old playmaker was a class apart again in the first-half, running rings around Bristol City’s defenders. The Genoa loanee was booked for dissent just before half-time when challenging a throw-in decision and again after a crude lunge on Jamie McAllister on 52 minutes. Perhaps it was a product of over-exuberance in the week in which the QPR club shop celebrated his undoubted talent by printing 500 Ledesma T-shirts. “It was a lesson for Emmanuel,” said manager Iain Dowie, “But the referee gave himself a problem with the first booking, which I felt was very harsh.”
QPR had played the better football prior to the red card, taking the lead in the 18th minute when Mikele Leigertwood split City’s defence with a hopeful through-ball that Dexter Blackwood made significant with his acceleration. The former England Under-21 international saw his first attempt blocked by Adriano Basso. The Brazilian goalkeeper should have cleared the danger but allowed Dexter Blackstock a second chance. Falling onto his backside, the forward managed to hook the ball over his own shoulder and score at the second opportunity.
Dele Adebola, who tormented Coventry in Bristol City’s rout at the Ricoh Arena last week, was City’s best player again yesterday and was in the right place at the right time to equalise for the Robins against the run of play seven minutes later, firing home from a diagonally flighted cross from left winger Brian Wilson.
Dowie’s side continued playing the more attractive football with the skilful Lee Cook and the occasionally inspired Real Madrid loanee Daniel Parejo pulling the strings. The two almost combined to give Rangers the lead just before the break but Cook’s delicate effort was saved smartly by Basso.
The dismissal altered QPR’s priorities and City boss Gary Johnson claimed it might even have hindered his own side’s chances of collecting maximum points. “With the benefit of hindsight I’d have rathered Ledesma hadn’t have been sent off,” Johnson said, “If he’d stayed on QPR would have continued to try and win the game.”
City’s attempts at a winner were restricted to one firm low header from Adebola that Radek Cerny saved expertly. Johnson will hope that new striker John Akinte, who will complete his £140,000 transfer from Ebbsfleet tomorrow, will give City more options up front.
Star man: Matt Connolly (QPR)
Yellow cards: Bristol City: Orr, Sproule. QPR: Cook, Rowlands, Blackstock, Ledesma.
Red Card: QPR: Ledesma
Referee: D Deadman Attendance: 17,543
Bristol City: Basso 6, Orr 6, Fontaine 6, Carey 7, McAllister 5 (Webster 55min, 5), Wilson 6 (Sproule 77min), Skuse 5 (Williams 56min, 7), Johnson 6, McIndoe 7, Maynard 5, Adebola 7
QPR: Cerny 7, Ramage 6, Stewart 6, Connolly 7, Delaney 7, Parejo 7 (Agyemang 76min), Leigertwood 6, Mahon 5, Cook 7 (Rowlands 54min, 6), Blackstock 7, Ledesma 7.
The Times


Dave McIntyre/BBC 606 A decent point - and a fine save
1-1 and a decent result for QPR given the second-half sending-off of Emmanuel Ledesma and the fact that they always looked vulnerable defensively.
Iain Dowie was right when he said afterwards that Ledesma needed to be more careful after picking up what seemed a very harsh first booking.
Radek Cerny had his best moment for the club so far when he produced a great save near the end to keep out Dele Adebola’s header.
Cerny spoke afterwards about the save and the lukewarm reception he’s had at Rangers because of Lee Camp’s popularity. More on that next week.
Do you think the save will help establish Cerny as the fans' choice?
It was certainly a good stop (although Camp has produced many similar and better saves for Rangers) and secured a deserved draw.
Dexter Blackstock’s goal put Rangers ahead but Adebola capitalised on yet more shoddy defending to equalise.
Ledesma’s dismissal for a second bookable offence made the second half difficult for Rangers, although City lacked a cutting edge.
There were several good performances for Rangers, with Blackstock scoring again and working tirelessly up front, Cerny’s save securing the point, Leigertwood covering loads of ground and Parejo rolling up his sleeves to good effect after the sending off.
Blackstock deserves a lot of credit for a really hardworking performance on such a hot day having felt unwell all week. He almost didn’t appear for the second half.
But my man of the man was Damien Delaney, who I thought played very well at left-back. As always I’d be interested to read your views.
And I did laugh at City manager Gary Johnson’s response when he was asked if striker John Akinde’s presence in the stands wearing a City tracksuit means he has been signed from Ebbsfleet United.
“No, it means he’s nicked one of our tracksuits,” Johnson replied. BBC606


Bristol Evening Post Bristol City 1 QPR 1
Thrashed 3-0 at Sheffield United on their only previous Championship away day, Queens Park Rangers were under pressure to show their class on the road.
They began as though they meant business, dictating the tempo of the game and winning the midfield battle.
Argentina whizz kid Emmanuel Ledesma almost put the visitors in front on eight minutes, forcing his way in front of City captain Louis Carey to meet Daniel Parejo's cross with a first-time shot which flashed just wide.
Rangers went ahead 10 minutes later. Damion Stewart's lofted through-ball was chested down by Dexter Blackstock, who beat of challenges from Carey, Liam Fontaine and Adriano Basso to hook the ball in from eight yards.
City needed a response, and it came in the 25th minute. Brian Wilson did well to keep the ball in play and sent over a pinpoint cross which eluded Gavin Mahon and presented Dele Adebola with the opportunity to volley home his second goal of the season from close range.
After the break, Rangers were reduced to 10 men on 51 minutes, Ledesma lunging at Jamie McAllister on the touchline to earn a second yellow card.
Injured in the incident, McAllister made way for centre-back Andy Webster with Fontaine switching to left back.
Thereafter, City dominated possession without being able to break down QPR, who sought to protect their point.
Nicky Maynard volleyed over, Adebola was off target with a snap snot and Michael McIndoe’s effort from long range was saved by Radek Cerny.
Johnson brought on midfielder Gavin Williams and winger Ivan Sproule in search of a winner and City nearly grabbed victory three minutes from time when Cerny made a great save to keep out Abebola's header. Bristol Evening Post


- See Also: Two Clubs' Official Site Match Reports

Ten Man QPR Draw at Bristol City - Early Reports

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QPR took the lead through Blackstock; saw an equalizer; 1-1 at Half-Time...Saw Ledesma sentoff in the second half...Final score 1-1

Table:
Wolves 4 10
Preston 4 10
Birmingham 4 10
Bristol C 4 8
Sheff Utd 4 7
Reading 4 7
Swansea 4 7
QPR 4 7
Updated Table

REPORTS

Bristol City Official Site
Dele Adebola earned City a point against ten man Queens Park Rangers in a hotly-contested Coca-Cola Championship match at Ashton Gate.

Dexter Blackstock had given the visitors an 18th minute lead when he lashed in from close range - but Adebola responded with a six-yard finish of his own seven minutes later.

Two cautions saw Emmanuel Ledesma dismissed early in the second half but City were unable to capitalise on their numerical advantage, although Adebola almost snatched victory with a guided header that was well saved.

City felt they were denied a penalty inside two minutes when Bradley Orr was manhandled by Matt Connolly as the two challenged to connect with Lee Johnson's corner kick. However, referee Darren Deadman waved away home appeals and QPR were off the hook.

On-loan Real Madrid starlet Daniel Parejo fired a low shot wide moments later, but they had to wait until 18 minutes for the opener.

Michael McIndoe was robbed in midfield by Mikele Leigertwood and the central midfielder lifted a floated ball into the box for Blackstock. The striker beat Louis Carey to the ball and from a grounded position hooked in despite pressure from Liam Fontaine and Adriano Basso.

But City were level within seven minutes as Brian Wilson's left-wing cross was missed by Connolly in the middle and Adebola was on hand to stab in from a couple of yards.

After such a frenetic start, the game quietened after City's equalising goal.

A flashpoint on 43 minutes livened things up once more though - with Ledesma throwing the ball down in anger after a throw-in decision went against him and Deadman issued a yellow card. However, the QPR bench were furious with Jamie McAllister, who they claimed allowed the ball beyond him to get their winger cautioned.

The next clear-cut chance came in first half stoppage time as Blackstock's right-wing cross was stabbed towards goal by Lee Cook and brilliantly saved with one hand by a diving Basso.

Also in added on time a McIndoe free kick was well worked to pick out Maynard unmarked, but the striker's low shot was blocked on its path towards goal.

The players entered the tunnel at the interval with plenty of heated discussions continuing with McAllister, assistant boss Keith Millen and the QPR coaching staff.

And it didn't stop because five minutes after half-time McAllister was clattered late when crossing the ball by Ledesma - earning the on-loan Genoa man a second caution and subsequent red card.

Both sides made changes in the wake of the dismissal. McAllister - who had been doubtful before the game - limped off and Cole Skuse also looked to be injured when withdrawn. Andy Webster and Gavin Williams entered the fray. For QPR, Cook was withdrawn for Martin Rowlands to come on.

Wilson saw a shot blocked and Williams went on a mazy run before testing Cerny with a low shot. Then McIndoe took aim from 30 yards and also warmed the gloves of QPR's Czech keeper.

The R's were content to run down the clock, notably with Cerny wasting time again and again.

Adebola thought he had won it at the death when his headed attempt from Williams' cross was angling towards the bottom corner only for Cerny to keep it out with a fine one-handed save. Bristol City


QPR Official Site
QPR battled to a well-earned point against Bristol City despite having Emmanuel Ledesma controversially sent off.

With the Robins pouring forward in search of the win, the R's backline held their ground to earn the Hoops their first away point of the season.

Rangers started with the same formation that worked so well against Doncaster Rovers and Carlisle United with Dexter Blackstock returning after illness to spearhead the attack.

Elsewhere, Mikele Leigertwood also returned at the expense of Martin Rowlands who dropped to the bench where he was joined by Patrick Agyemang who was hoping for his first appearance of the season after overcoming injury.

Finally, Damien Delaney recovered from the illness that forced him off midweek against Carlisle to retain his left back berth.

Bristol City's line-up boasted new striker Nicky Maynard partnering Dele Adebola up front, with fellow new signings Gavin Williams and Andy Webster taking up position on the bench.

With the large visiting support in full voice, a near capacity Ashton Gate witnessed a lively start as Emmanuel Ledesma was fed down the right and crossed for Daniel Parejo who could only send his volleyed effort wide.

A lull in the tempo suddenly saw the game's opening goal. Leigertwood robbed Michael McIndoe in midfield and played a lofted cross field pass to Blackstock, who only just managed to gather the ball ahead of Louis Carey and, after shrugging aside both Carey and the retreating Liam Fontaine, hooked out a leg to send the ball nestling into the Robins' net.

Just as suddenly as the Ranger's goal, Bristol City equalised. Brian Wilson collected a loose ball down the left and sent in a curling delivery which found the head of Adebola who made no mistake from five yards.

With the game settling into a quiet stalemate, a brief spark of excitement arose when Blackstock escaped down the right and crossed for Lee Cook who had wandered in from the left wing but he could only poke a shot towards goal that was easily dealt with by Adriano Basso.

The second half opened with the worst possible start as Ledesma, already harshly booked in the first half for apparently throwing the ball away petulantly, saw red for a late tackle on Jamie McAllister leaving Manager Iain Dowie with a reshuffle in order. On came Martin Rowlands for Cook.

City were enjoying the lion's share of possession but the plucky Ranger's defence were holding firm.

In a bid to get the R's back into the game, Dowie brought on Agyemang with 15 minutes to go for the striker's first showing of the season.

With the Robins continuing their relentless pressure, Gavin Williams from crossed from the right and Adebola arrowed a header into the bottom left corner only for Radek Cerny to somehow keep it out with a magnificent save.

It was to prove the last real chance for either side as Rangers held on to seal an unlikely point.

Bristol City: Basso, Orr, Fontaine, Carey, McAllister (Webster 54), Wilson (Sproule 78), Skuse (Williams 56), Johnson, McIndoe, Adebola, Maynard.
Subs: Brooker, Weale.
Bookings: Orr (37), Sproule (86)
Goals: Adebola (24)
QPR: Cerny, Ramage, Stewart, Connolly, Delaney, Ledesma, Leigertwood, Mahon, Cook (Rowlands 54), Parejo (Agyemang 75), Blackstock.
Subs: Camp, Gorkss, Balanta.
Bookings: Ledesma (43), Cook (45), Rowlands (59), Blackstock (90)
Sendings Off: Ledesma (50)
Goals: Blackstock (18)
Referee: D. Deadman
Attendance: 17, 543 (1,526 QPR fans) QPR

Teams: QPR Vs Bristol City

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QPR take on Bristol City today.
Today's teams: Cerny, Ramage, Stewart, Connolly, Delaney, Ledesma, Leighterwood, Mahon, Cook, Parejo, Blackstock - Subs: Camp, Agyemang, Gorkss, Rowlands, Balanta.

Teams

Carling Cup Draw: QPR Drawn Away to Aston Villa - Recalling The Two Teams' Last Encounter

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In the Carling Cup Third Round Draw, QPR will play Aston Villa (at Villa!) Matches will be played the week of September 22.

Could be tough, depending who Aston Villa actually play on the night: - Aston Villa's Current First Team Squad!


Aston Villa Official Site - Villa Host QPR Villa will play host to QPR in the third round of the Carling Cup.
The tie will be played in the week commencing September 22.
Villa last played Rangers at home in the competition in September 2004, Darius Vassell, Juan Pablo Angel and Nobby Solano on target in a 3-1 win. Aston Villa

[Match Report of that last time QPR played Aston Villa: September 22 2004: Aston Villa 3 QPR 1 . On that last occasion, Villa had the almost-QPR goalie Postma on the bench; QPR's team, managed by Ian Holloway include Gnohere, Santos, Edgill and Branco. There was also some very unfortunate action leading to the very sad death of an Aston Villa Steward.

The two teams that day:
QPR Day, Bignot, Shittu, Gnohere (Santos 73), Edghill, Rowlands (Cook 74), Johnson (Furlong 46), Branco, McLeod, Gallen, Cureton. Subs Not Used: Bircham, Cole.
Booked: Bignot.
Aston Villa Sorensen, De la Cruz, Mellberg, Samuel, Whittingham, Solano, McCann, Hendrie (Hitzlsperger 74), Barry (Berson 84), Angel, Vassell (Cole 60). Subs Not Used: Postma, Davis. Goals: Vassell 29, Angel 38, Solano 78.


Sporting Life Match Report
Aston Villa overcome a spirited second-half revival from Ian Holloway's side - spearheaded by former Birmingham striker Paul Furlong - to book a place in the third round of the Carling Cup.
Villa had looked to be cruising into the third round after first-half goals from last season's reunited strike force of fit-again Juan Pablo Angel and Darius Vassell.
A soft goal handed Rangers new belief and the half-time introduction of Furlong caused their defence the kind of problems which had not been evident in the opening 45 minutes.
On another day Furlong could easily have been walking away with the match ball as three golden chances fell his way - only for a bad luck and brave goalkeeping by Thomas Sorensen to deny him.
But Villa will be happy to have booked their place in the next round - there is a fierce determination amongst David O'Leary's squad to improve on last season's semi-final appearance.
Gavin McCann impressed in the centre of the park while Ulises de la Cruz and Nolberto Solano posed many of Villa's attacking threats.
Rangers, who kicked off lying eighth in the Cola-Cola Championship, showed six changes from the side which had won at Brighton on Saturday - and they made a positive start.
A throw-out by Sorensen was cut out by striker Jamie Cureton and the Villa goalkeeper was relieved to see the resulting goalbound shot cannon off Jlloyd Samuel - deputising for the ill Mark Delaney in central defence - for a corner.
The first clear-cut opening fell to Rangers striker and skipper Kevin Gallen after 17 minutes when he found himself with time and in space only 12 yards out but he failed to make proper contact with his shot and Sorensen was able to save.
Villa were clearly not firing on all cylinders although Gareth Barry was only just off target with a stooping header at full-stretch at the far post from a Solano free-kick.
But after 29 minutes the Barclays Premiership side went ahead through Vassell's first goal since the win over Southampton on the opening day of the season.
Martin Rowlands gave possession away and some neat one-touch passing by Angel, Barry and Lee Hendrie sliced open the QPR defence before Vassell coolly tucked the ball wide of goalkeeper Chris Day into the corner of the net.
Rangers defender Marcus Bignot became the first player to be booked after 38 minutes for a challenge on Barry - and it was to prove costly for his side.
Solano floated in a free-kick from close to the byline in front of the Holte End and the QPR marking was non-existent as Angel headed home his second goal of the season at the far post.
The tie looked all over at that stage but two minutes into the second half a defensive mix-up gave Rangers an unexpected life-line.
Defender Dan Shittu lofted an innocuous looking ball into the Villa penalty area but Sorensen was not positive enough in coming out to claim the ball.
Villa skipper Olof Mellberg was forced to intervene to try and retrieve the situation but he only succeeded in clipping the ball past Sorensen to leave Kevin McLeod with a close range tap-in.
Villa full-back de la Cruz struck the post with a fierce low effort but Sorensen had to make amends for his earlier error to prevent Furlong hitting the target.
The Dane blocked a close-range header from the veteran striker and also an attempted lob from eight yards out by the same player.
The most impressive save came when Sorensen somehow denied Furlong at point-blank range after he has looked certain to convert a low cross from Jamie Cureton.
Solano wrapped up the game for Villa with 14 minutes remaining with a curling free-kick past Day from 20 yards out.
O'Leary then gave a first taste of senior action to summer signing Mathieu and only the legs of Day denied him a debut goal.
Teams:
Aston Villa Sorensen, De la Cruz, Mellberg, Samuel, Whittingham, Solano, McCann, Hendrie (Hitzlsperger 74), Barry (Berson 84), Angel, Vassell (Cole 60). Subs Not Used: Postma, Davis. Goals: Vassell 29, Angel 38, Solano 78.

QPR Day, Bignot, Shittu, Gnohere (Santos 73), Edghill, Rowlands (Cook 74), Johnson (Furlong 46), Branco, McLeod, Gallen, Cureton. Subs Not Used: Bircham, Cole.
Booked: Bignot.
Goals: McLeod 48.
Att: 26,975 Ref: G Salisbury (Lancashire). Sporting Life




Complete Round Three Draw
Arsenal v Sheffield United
Brighton & Hove Albion / Manchester City v Derby County
Burnley v Fulham
Portsmouth v Chelsea
Blackburn Rovers v Everton
Rotherham United v Southampton
Swansea City v Cardiff City
Ipswich Town v Wigan Athletic
Stoke City v Reading
Leeds United v Hartlepool United
Watford v West Ham United
Manchester United v Middlesbrough
Liverpool v Crewe Alexandra
Aston Villa v Queens Park Rangers
Sunderland v Northampton Town
Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur
- Complete Third Round Draw




Aston Villa's First Team Squad
1 Brad Friedel Goalkeeper
2 Luke Young Defender
3 Wilfred Bouma Defender
4 Steve Sidwell Midfielder
5 Martin Laursen Defender
6 Gareth Barry Midfielder
7 Ashley Young Striker
9 Marlon Harewood Striker
10 John Carew Striker
11 Gabriel Agbonlahor Striker
13 Stuart Taylor Goalkeeper
14 Nathan Delfouneso Striker
15 Curtis Davies Defender
16 Zat Knight Defender
17 Moustapha Salifou Striker
18 Wayne Routledge Midfielder
19 Stiliyan Petrov Midfielder
20 Nigel Reo-Coker Midfielder
21 Nicky Shorey Defender
22 Bradley Guzan Goalkeeper
26 Craig Gardner Midfielder
27 Isaiah Osbourne Midfielder
29 Stephen O'Halloran Defender
48 Nathan Baker Defender

Previewing QPR's Visit to Bristol City

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It's QPR at Bristol City today which should let QPR fans get a chance to assess how strong a promotion challenge this team is going to make and how they do away from home. Things change: A few years back, the two teams were promotion rivals in the (old) Third Division; and this was one of QPR's primary games of the season. Now it's "just" another tough, challenging game in a season full of tough, challenging games.

A couple of memory snippets re Bristol City: (Forget the rivalries of a few years ago!): In 1967/68, QPR beat Bristol City to go top of Division Two (an incredible experience!); in September 1970, Barry Bridges played his last QPR game against (Chris Garland's) Bristol City. Bridges scored with his trademark racing through - chipping the goalie...And in March 1972, Rodney Marsh wore the hoops for the last time in the away game at Bristol City (QPR lost their third in a row) .


Reminder - if any QPR fans need reminding: Coming up in a few hours (just after noon, GMT: The Carling Cup Draw!


Western Daily Press - Ledesma's a danger, warns boss Johnson
Bristol City boss Gary Johnson has warned his side to be aware of the threat posed by QPR 'showman' Emmanuel Ledesma when the two sides clash at Ashton Gate today.
The highly-rated young winger has earned rave reviews since arriving from Serie A side Genoa on loan over the summer.
The Argentinian has plundered four goals in his last two games, including a hat-trick against Carlisle in the Carling Cup on Tuesday night.
And Johnson has labelled the 'little Argentinian' a 'showman' in keeping with the QPR tradition of fielding entertaining players.
He said: "QPR have always had good, entertaining showman-type players and that is what their fans demand.
Rodney Marsh, Stan Bowles and Gerry Francis are that type from a previous era and they are starting to pick up those types of players again.
"The little Argentinian is certainly one of them and we have to be well aware of him.
"He likes to come in off the right and smack the ball and is certainly one of their dangerous players.
"QPR have brought some very, very good footballers over the summer and they will be there or thereabouts come the end of the season."
Johnson has called on his side to bounce back after the disappointment of their Carling Cup exit at Crewe.
City remain unbeaten in the league, however, after banking two away wins and a home draw and Johnson added: "We were disappointed not to beat Derby at home after a really solid first-half performance.
"That we are disappointed to have drawn with a team that was in the Premiership last year shows how far we have come over the last 12 months.
"We want to make Ashton Gate a place where we get the majority of our points because that is where they have to come.
"We were disappointed with what happened at Crewe but we have to bounce back.
"We need to get more quality crosses in and shots on goal because that was something that was poor the other night.
"It will be a great footballing game and we have to make sure that we don't play in a way that suits them.
"They are very good when they have the ball, but so are we.
"It will be up to us to try and wrestle the ball away from them and create opportunities and do better with them than we did at Crewe."
Johnson will see a familiar face from his past when he glances across to the away dug-out.
QPR coach Gareth Ainsworth played under Johnson during his reign at Cambridge United in the early 90s and is not surprised that City have risen quickly under his former boss.
"Sometimes teams who lose the play-off final can find the following season something of a hangover, but I can't see that happening with City," said Ainsworth.
"Gary Johnson was my manager at Cambridge and I know he isn't someone to dwell on the past.
"City are a footballing side and they're a well-supported club with the potential to be a massive force.
"They beat Coventry, who had won all their games up to then and, although they lost in the Carling Cup at Crewe, I know they rested some key players. So we'll certainly be showing them respect.
"We should have won at Ashton Gate last season, so we want to put that right this time and, although I think a point would be a good result, we'll be going there for all three."
City (from): Basso, Weale, Orr, Carey, Fontaine, Webster, McAllister, McIndoe, Johnson, Noble, Skuse, Wilson, Sproule, Adebola, Maynard, Brooker. Western Daily Press


Western Daily Press - We're here to compete, says [Bristol City Chairman, Steve] Lansdown
Bristol City chairman Steve Lansdown has insisted the Robins are not in the Championship to "make up the numbers" and will invest in the club until they reach the very top.
Speaking ahead of the visit of big-spending Queens Park Rangers today, whose new owners Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone have vowed to take them back to the top tier, Lansdown was not shy about his own aspirations - including the new stadium.
He said: "We want to play at the highest possible level with the best possible facilities and that's what I'm going to work towards, and that's what Gary (Johnson) is going to work towards, as well.
"We have our own plan of how we go about doing things. That's not going to change. We go about our job quietly but efficiently. If you look at the record over the last however many years, there's been constant investment in the football club, and that's all you can ask for.
"We are working on opportunities to take the club forward and we're there to compete with (the likes of QPR).
We're not there to just make up the numbers. The idea is to progress as much as we possibly can.
"(The stadium) is progressing satisfactorily. It's a long process, so there are no sudden announcements to make. It's on target at the moment and that's all I can really say. There are lots of difficult decisions to be made and we are working our way through those."
Lansdown was particularly proud of the way Johnson's team have started this year's Championship campaign, showing no signs of "second-season syndrome", despite their opponents having a much better knowledge of the Robins' tactics and armoury..."
." Western Daily Press


Bristol City MATCH PREVIEW: QPR HOME
Read Brendon Mitchell's match preview blog, only on bcfc.co.uk.
Tomorrow throws up yet another fascinating Coca-Cola Championship fixture as the so-called 'Chelsea of the Football League' come to town.
Last time Queens Park Rangers visited Ashton Gate City hadn't played a second tier match for almost a decade. To say both clubs have undergone something of a transformation since that sunny afternoon in August some twelve months ago wouldn't necessarily be an overstatement. Whilst City hasn't seen the same turnover of personnel that Rangers has, the raised expectation levels and belief is parallel between the two clubs.
Both enter the new season amongst the bookmakers favourites to challenge for promotion, when this time last season both sets of fans were probably hoping for little more than consolidation.
QPR will be happy enough with their start to the season too, as new manager Iain Dowie looks to build some early momentum. Comfortable home wins against Barnsley and Doncaster offer cause for optimism, though a 3-0 defeat at Bramall Lane two weeks ago means that Rangers will come to BS3 in search of their first away points of the season. They're also through to the third round of the Carling Cup after a thumping 4-0 win over League One promotion hopefuls Carlisle in midweek.
Their wealthy owners will be hoping for a good cup run as they look to recoup some of the money they've splashed out on a series of impressive summer signings. The loan signing of Daniel Parejo from Real Madrid was the one that caught most people's eye.
The highly-rated midfielder is thought to have an exciting future in the game, and it's considered that legend Alfredo di Stefano rates the 19-year-old as Madrid's brightest prospect. Rangers were particularly fortunate to capture the youngster's signature when you consider European giants such as Arsenal, Deportivo La Coruna and Espanyol were also after him.
The Spaniard joins a squad full of talented players, including Damien Delaney, Fitz Hall and Dexter Blackstock. With former Loftus Road favourite Lee Cook rejoining from Fulham, and Martin Rowlands, who was particularly impressive at Ashton Gate last season, unable to even make the starting eleven, there is clearly quality throughout and the pressure will be on Iain Dowie to deliver instant results.
Scott Murray's last minute wonder-strike was one highlight of many last year and it is sure to be another great occasion at Ashton Gate tomorrow afternoon. If it's anything like last season's meeting you won't be able to take your eyes off it.
Brendon Mitchell Bristol City Official Site


Bristol City - QPR TEST IS BENCHMARK - GARY
Gary Johnson believes tomorrow's clash with QPR will be a good benchmark for his side.
The City manager predicts the R's - who visit Ashton Gate tomorrow at 3pm - will be amongst the top six in the Coca-Cola Championship come the end of the season.
World TV: Gary Johnson video interview
He told Bristol City World: "We knew QPR would spend some money in the summer and bring in some good foreign players.
"With their Italian links they've been able to get in a few from the Italian league, and they've got the lad from Real Madrid. Those players wouldn't normally be coming to the Championship if it wasn't for finances of QPR.
"It happens in other places. At Liverpool, Rafael Benitez has brought in Spaniards, as has Roberto Martinez at Swansea. Arsene Wenger brought a French influence to Arsenal and we've brought a Yeovil influence to Bristol City! I've been very happy with that by the way.
"We've also been spreading the net ourselves and believe we know what's out there. At the right time we'll do the right thing.
"At the moment we're third in the league and want to stay up there. We have to produce the kind of performance we did in the first half against Derby for both halves tomorrow."
Jamie McAllister (ankle) could play despite being stretchered off in midweek at Crewe. Adriano Basso and Chris Weale are competing for the goalkeeping position.
Bristol City


QPR Official Site - THE FRIDAY PREVIEW: ROBINS
After the rollercoaster ride that was last season, Bristol City will look to go about achieving promotion in a slightly easier way this year.
The Robins were only pipped to the post by a spectacular Dean Windass volley last May, as Hull City claimed a place in the Promised Land after overcoming the impressive West Country outfit at the new Wembley Stadium.
A solid start to this season has confirmed them as genuine promotion challengers, with a last-gasp away win at Blackpool and a draw with Derby County setting the benchmark, prior to last weekend's stunning 3-0 victory at previously-unbeaten Coventry City.
Attempts to sign new recruits have been met with varied results, but a new striker was always the top priority and that has been fulfilled with the acquisition of Nicky Maynard from Crewe, who has already opened his account.
The loss of towering centre-half Jamie McCombe has been relieved with the impressive signing of Andy Webster from Glasgow Rangers and the early signs are certainly very positive for the Ashton Gate outfit.
Manager Gary Johnson has enjoyed success at previous Club Yeovil and since his move to the West Country, and whilst he is regarded as a fine Manager, he is also a character off the pitch, something that sees him as a favourite amongst both the fans and his players.
The Robins will be hoping to emulate last season, and it will be down to that man Johnson to get the best out of his side all over again this year.

Team News
Gary Johnson accepted some responsibility for Tuesday's Carling Cup second round at the hands of Crewe Alexandra, later admitting he should have rested some of his senior players.
The Robins boss made just a solitary change from the weekend's victory at Coventry City, selecting goalkeeper Chris Weale at the expense of Adriano Basso.
Johnson told BBC Radio Bristol: "We had worked very hard on Saturday and maybe I should have made some changes, but we wanted to keep the continuity.
"Nobody wanted to be rested, but our mental game wasn't good and the quality wasn't there. We let Crewe dictate and when that happens you get beat."
Jamie McCombe, who was stretchered off during the 2-1 defeat, could return from a shin injury, but Marvin Elliott (knee) is out. QPR


See Also:

- Bristol City Rivals Preview of Bristol City vs QPR

- QPRNet/Ron Norris and Simon Skinner Preview of Bristol City vs QPR

- Clive Whittingham/LoftforWords - Bristol City vs QPR Match Preview

- Clive Whittingham/LoftforWords Memories/Connections Bristol City vs QPR

"Lesema Can become Next Messi or Maradona"

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Yann Tear/Ealing Gazette - Lesesma can become next Messi or Maradona

ASSISTANT boss Tim Flowers did his best to talk up a good defensive display and deflect from what was on everyone's mind after Tuesday night's Carling Cup rout of Carlisle.

Fat chance.

Keeping the lid on the unleashed brilliance of Emmanuel Ledesma may prove to be impossible here on in.A hat-trick on home soil against a League One team really should be no cause for getting carried away, but the manner in which the kid from Quilmes, Argentina, set pulses racing should leave no-one in any doubt that a very special talent has descended on Loftus Road.

Not for nothing did Rangers fans launch into chants of "sign him up" - a reference to the club's option to buy him when his year-long loan spell from Genoa expires.

Team-mate Peter Ramage was moved to observe that the 20-yearold has it in him to follow the most famous of all left-foot wizards from his country.

"Because he's Argentinian, there are going to be comparisons with Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, Riquelme and people like that," Ramage told the Gazette.

"But rightly so, because he can be like that if he wants to be. Hopefully he'll go on and be a superstar. He's got the potential to be one."

Ramage enthused: "I thought he was magnificent tonight and so exciting to watch. Players like that put bums on seats. They fill a stadium.

"He's the type of player you do love to play with because you know there's going to be an end-product from him.

"And you know when you give him the ball that he's going to do something special."

Ledesma was simply irrepressible. He served notice of his intentions with a stinging drive in the first half that Carlisle keeper BenWilliams did well to turn aside, but that was just a taste of things to come.

After delivering the corner to Damion Stewart's head which eased Rangers in front three minutes into the second half, Ledesma went into overdrive.

Seven minutes later, he collected a ball on the edge of the area and found a sliver of space to drill a low shot perfectly inside Williams' left hand post.

Eight minutes more and he was exchanging passes with Dani Parejo to carve open United through the centre before curling the ball wide of Williams' left hand.

But even that dazzling piece of surgery paled in comparison to the masterful coup-de-grace six minutes from time.

He linked up with first Lee Cook, then Angelo Balanta, before racing onto a return pass and clipping the ball over the onrushing Williams with the outside of his left peg.

It was pure poetry.

Added to his fine cameo in the first round of this competition against Swindon, it may not be long before someone pens a Rangers equivalent of Ossie's Dream - the ditty for another famous Argentinian, Oswaldo Ardiles, who made a visit to a Wembley final a personal crusade when he was at Tottenham.

"The thing for him now is to keep his feet on the ground because he's still very young," Ramage said. "But hopefully he can keep progressing the way he is.

"The sky's the limit for him if he keeps going the way he is.

"It's up to us older heads to keep his feet on the ground and to not let the praise and furore around him get to his head. But he's not the kind of kid that will.

"He's the kind of kid that will want to keep improving."

Ramage added: "We've got a team set up to do what he wants basically but he's got to do his job coming back and to be fair, he does.

"He got a bit of criticism recently after the defeat at Sheffield United, but he's taken that on board and he's produced the goods."

Once Flowers had paid lip-service to the defence and midfield which did indeed lay the platform for the 4-0 win, he was happy to admit to the management's admiration.

"I think the fans who came to watch us will have been very very pleased with his performance tonight," Flowers said.

"He's got no restraint on him at all. He's just a young man who wants to go out and play football.

"He's a very gifted kid. He pops up on places that hurt people. He plays wide right but turns up in pockets where defenders don't want to go and pick him up and he's got a decent left peg. His dead ball deliveries and shooting are very very good.

"There might be times this year when he starts to feel the pace but he's doing great and he's a lovely kid.

"It is a surprise how quickly he has settled in, but from minute one he's let it be known that he wants to take corners, penalties, throw-ins, everything. He's a very confident kid but he's lovable with it, so you don't mind.

"We've had to tell him to calm down at times but he listens to you and I think he'll be a very very good footballer." Ealing Gazette


Dave McIntyre and Chris Bevan- Ealing Gazette
Rs won't rush into any long-term Deal

QPR do not have to wait until the summer to buy Emmanuel Ledesma but will nevertheless wait to seal the Argentine's permanent signing.

The club has the option of signing Ledesma for around £2.2m at the end of his season-long loan from Genoa but are free to complete the deal before then.

And they would have been forgiven for looking to do just that after his midweek master-class.

Ledesma is already a fans' favourite at Loftus Road and has netted four goals in two matches having also scored in Saturday's 2-0 win over Doncaster.

But QPR sporting director Gianni Paladini said: "We just want to give him time to settle in and enjoy his football.

"We don't have to wait until the summer to sign him but we have him for a year and don't have to worry about anyone else signing him. There's no need to rush.

"We have a few young players we just want to gel together and be happy here. We're focused on that for now."

Ledesma's devastating performance on Tuesday was no real surprise given some of his earlier displays.

He was also excellent against Doncaster, scoring his first goal for the club after Dexter Blackstock had given Rangers the lead by nudging home Dani Parejo's free-kick.

Blackstock said: "It was a good all-round performance from us against a good Doncasterside, so we're very happy with that.

"At Sheffield United we got caught cold and conceded two early goals. This time that happened to Doncaster and they couldn't get back into the game, which was exactly what happened to us at Bramall Lane."

The goal was Blackstock's second of the season and the forward's confidence seems to be returning after a difficult spell last term.

But individual glory looks like coming second for whoever plays up front for Rangers this season given the number of attacking midfielders the club has.

The role is likely to be about creating space for the likes of Parejo, Ledesma and Lee Cook to get into dangerous areas and Martin Rowlands is also back in the reckoning, coming on as a substitute against Doncaster following a threematch ban.

With Akos Buzsaky on the way back from injury with Rowan Vine eyeing a return from a broken leg later in the season, Rangers will eventually have even more attacking midfield options and the lone striker role Blackstock performed at the weekend is probably a sign of things to come.

That will allow the Parejo, who is adjusting well, and Ledesma, who has made such a big impact, to carry on doing what they do best.

"The Rangers fans aren't stupid - they know a good player when they see one so it's no surprise the fans have taken to them," Blackstock added.

"It could have taken time for them to settle in a foreign country but they've come in - the boys here have helped them along the way - played well and they're going to be a great asset for us this season.

"It's a hard shift on your own up front, everyone knows that, but if I can do the job of two people up there it allows people from midfield to get on the ball more and dictate the game.

"It's for the team. If we can win games with me playing up front on my own, then so be it.

"It's a tough position but I got great support from Dani Parejo, Emmanuel Ledesma and Lee Cook, so at times it was like we had three or four up front. It wasn't like I was isolated.

"Everyone's in the team for their attributes. Some might be more creative than others and some might just be destroyers. It all combines for the team performance.

"The target is promotion and everyone at the club believes we can do it."
Ealing Gazette

Snippets - Bristol City on QPR...Ben Watson?...Eire Call-Up...Ex-Coach Vs Man United & Celtic.. Carlisle React...QPR Beat Bristol City/Go Top...Angell

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BBC - Bristol City manager Gary Johnson told BBC Radio Bristol:
"QPR have some good players. In possession they are very good - especially three or four of the foreign lads - but we are a good team in possession too."
"We'll want to wrestle it off them and create more opportunities than we did at Crewe.
"They will be there or thereabouts because they have enough money to give good salaries to people who would not normally come to the Championship. Martinez did it with Spanish players at Swansea, and I did with Yeovil." BBC


Another Ben Watson to QPR Report - Daily Mirror "QPR set to sign Crystal Palace ace Ben Watson for £2m" - Daily Mirror


Damien Delaney is QPR's sole representative in the Republic of Ireland squad.Republic of Ireland squad (v. Georgia and Montenegro, September 6-10):

Goalkeepers: Shay Given (Newcastle United), Dean Kiely (West Bromwich Albion).
Defenders: Alex Bruce (Ipswich Town), Damien Delaney (QPR), Richard Dunne (Manchester City), Steve Finnan (Liverpool), Stephen Kelly (Birmingham City), Kevin Kilbane (Wigan Athletic), Joey O’Brien (Bolton Wanderers), John O’Shea (Manchester United), Paul McShane (Sunderland).
Midfielders: Stephen Hunt (Reading), Aiden McGeady (Celtic), Liam Miller, Andy Reid (both Sunderland), Steven Reid (Blackburn Rovers), Glenn Whelan (Stoke City).
Forwards: Kevin Doyle, Shane Long (both Reading), Robbie Keane (Liverpool), Andy Keogh (Wolves), Daryl Murphy (Sunderland). Eleven A Side

Also: QPR Official Site on Delaney Call up - QPR "
Irish Eyes Are Smiling"


Ex-QPR Assistant Manager, Bruce Rioch is the coach of the Danish club, FC Aalborg. They are in the same Championship League group (Group E) as Manchester United,Celtic and Villarreal. See Sporting Life


More from Carlisle Manager John Ward re the QPR Game
Carlisle Mad
United boss John Ward spoke to BBC Radio Cumbria's Derek Lacey ...
" I don't regret it all, we have got a tanking in the second-half, there is no other word for it, they have played exceptionally and have given us a bit of a run around. The opportunity to have come here though having won at Shrewsbury has been absolutely vital for the team. I am really pleased for that chance to come and play and see what this level is about at first-hand.
" So whilst I am really disappointed with the result, because we held our own very well in the first period, the first 45 minutes, but in the second we went under. Not because of our own fault but because of good play by the opposition, we saw what a top ten Championship side is full of, what they need and what is required. So take the opportunity, and I'll take that any time, but obviously disappointed with the way that the thing has finished...
" ... I think that our supporters here, there was a terrific number again, they have at least appreciated the effort by the team. They haven't turned their backs on us, they have applauded the boys at the end, and we brought them here, we brought them to Queens Park Rangers to see this place and have the opportunity themselves. So we have got something to be pleased about. "
" We thought that there were good shouts for penalties. There were two or three we just pulled up, there was a pull on the shirt, there was a player go down in the box, there was a handball blocking a cross. So there were two or three shouts there, I don't know, referees see things differently to us obviously. I am obviously a bit biased and you think that there is a good shout for at least one of those going in our favour but it didn't happen.
" It just might have changed things a little bit but their set-play delivery was absolutely first-class tonight. Their delivery from corners is brilliant and whilst we defended it well in the first period, we couldn't defend the first one in the second. Once this group of players, once Queens Park Rangers have got their tails up then they are going to be hard to stop.
" It's quite a huge step up to the Championship I think, this is a big league and this is a big football club going on here. There are 8,000 people here tonight, we didn't get that for our first league game, there were 15,000 here on Saturday and this is not the biggest club in the Championship. The level of performance is exceptionally high and we have seen them twice, we saw them lose at Sheffield United and then we saw them win on Saturday against Doncaster.
" The level of performance was good on Saturday and has been very high again tonight, and they will give a lot of people problems here. So we have got a lot to do to get into this level and to stay in it. So there is a heck of a lot of work to do at Carlisle but we will try very hard to improve the things at our football club the way that we can.
" We have just said in the dressing-room that we have to get back on for Yeovil on Saturday. We are very honest, I have just said to the boys that we have got a bit of a beating in the second-half but in the first-half we played some good stuff. At least we can go away with our heads up and say that on Thursday morning let's come in positive. "
" We know that if we can perform as we did in the first period of tonight's game then we will create some chances and hopefully convert them and give ourselves a victory on Saturday. This will then just get vanished into the memory, but we will maybe smile about it one day but not at the minute, but maybe on Saturday night if we get a good result then...
" I thought that the front line did do very well along that period of the first-half. Michael Bridges and Gary link up very well and the two wide players showed good pace and delivery. We just couldn't keep that going, we lost Simon (Hackney) a bit once the goals had gone against us, so I brought him off to keep him for Saturday. It's just keeping it working, the early first minute goal in the second-half really battered us and gave them a huge lift. They are going into their bank of supporters lifted by that, and they have got some exceptionally good flair players who came to the fore when they got their tails up... Carlisle Mad


Forty-One Years ago today, QPR played Bristol City and went to the top of Division Two...August 29th, 1967 QPR 3 Bristol City 1
Goals from Ian Morgan, Roger Morgan and Les Allen
Goalkeeper Mike Kelly made his league debut for QPR (having previously played in the cup) the precedeing season.
Newly promoted QPR after drawing their opening game, were in the midst of a five game winning streak. And at the end of the season: Another promotion, up on goal aggregate!
QPR's Team vs Bristol City
Kelly
Clement Harris Hazell Hunt
Morgan Keen Morgan
Lazarus Leach Allen
Sub: Ian Watson


And Twenty One Years Ago, QPR back on Top of Division One
August 29, 1987: Southampton 0 QPR 1
Jim Smith's QPR were top!
Seaman
Dawes Mcdonald Parker Fereday
Allen Brock Fenwick
Bannister Coney Byrne


Bolton News - Brett Angell Coaching at Daisy Hill
"AMBITIOUS Daisy Hill manager Ian Street has recruited former Premiership striker Brett Angell to his backroom staff.
Angell, who made more than 500 appearances with 12 league clubs including Southend, Stockport, Everton, Sunderland, Walsall and QPR, is a qualified coach, worked with Street and his assistant, Carl Measey, at Warrington Town and will join the New Sirs set-up next week to help out on the coaching front.
“Brett getting involved is fantastic for myself and the lads,” Street said. “His methods and attitude are second to none. He will add a wealth of experience to the club.”
Daisy, who have won their first two matches in the Vodkat NW Counties First Division, have a tough test at home to Chadderton tomorrow.
“It will be a test of how far we have progressed as a team against a well established, strong club,” Street added..
. Bolton News

Ledesma at QPR and Paladini's Response

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Dave McIntyre - BBC 606 - Only fools rush in

There won't be an early attempt to tie up Emmanuel Ledesma’s permanent signing despite his immediate impact at QPR.
Rangers have the option to buy Ledesma for around £2.2m at the end of his season-long loan from Genoa.
But they do not have to wait until then and are free to try and complete his transfer before the summer.
Few would complain if the club looked to do so now rather than later in the season given Ledesma’s recent displays.
Reading comments from fans after his hat-trick against Carlisle, it’s clear some are worried he could be snatched by another club and feel he should be signed sooner rather than later.
But Rangers are in no rush and so far have not given in to any temptation to try and make the move happen.
His long-term loan means Ledesma’s immediate future is definitely with QPR and the option to buy at an agreed price of three million euros is watertight.
It also doesn’t take a genius to work out that promotion to the Premier League would go a long way to making sure Ledesma is still with Rangers next season.
So nothing has changed since Ledesma’s initial loan was agreed – apart from his profile.
I didn’t see the Carlisle game as I was a away for a couple of days but a colleague who went along was more than impressed – with Ledesma especially.
Two older observers have even told me they haven’t seen a player like him at QPR since the days of Rodney Marsh and Stan Bowles.
As a Roy Wegerle fan I definitely wouldn’t go along with that.
It’s also too soon to judge Ledesma, who has so far run riot in two cup games against lower-division sides and tasted the harshness of Championship football in the defeat at Sheffield United.
Bigger tests lie ahead – one of them being the sheer number of games played in this country.
And the tough away games will be real examinations of both Ledesma and Rangers’ promotion credentials this season.
But he is so exciting – a player every Rangers fan seems to be talking about at the moment.
So exciting that despite knowing, as most of us do, the terms of his move from Genoa and being out of London and away from all things QPR, I couldn’t help wondering if maybe, just maybe, the last few days had convinced the board to get the deal to sign him done.
Unaware that a toddler sitting near me in a coffee shop was warming up for the mother of all tantrums, I called Gianni Paladini to find out if Ledesma was tied to a chair back in west London being deprived of sleep until he signed a 10-year contract.
Paladini confirmed that he wasn’t and that no attempts were being made to get Ledesma signed at this stage. He has after all barely unpacked his suitcase. Paladini has also lived in this country long enough to have been very English in not commenting on what may have sounded like a child or animal being tortured in the background.
Unlike one afternoon when I was speaking on the phone to Ian Holloway downstairs at TV Centre.
It was a Thursday and he was going through the names on a very long list of players injured for the game that Saturday, when Paul O’Grady walked past me talking to some people quite loudly.
At first Ollie ignored this and carried on bemoaning his injury list but as the commotion in the background continued, he finally asked: “Are you with Lily Savage?”
Back to Paladini. We haven’t always seen eye-to-eye but he was in a chatty mood on Wednesday and naturally on a high after the previous night’s game.
Seeing as we were mates all of a sudden, I tried to steer him towards some transfer news but he quickly steered the conversation back to him and Iain Dowie spotting Ledesma playing at a summer tournament in Italy.
Well fielded. But I always know what they’re up to over there, despite their best efforts.
In fact with a good telescope, I reckon I could quite literally see what they’re up to from here. Now there’s an idea. BBC606


[The original BBC story was obviously also by Dave McIntyre]

BBC -QPR in no rush over Ledesma deal
QPR sporting director Gianni Paladini insists the club do not need to rush Emmanuel Ledesma's permanent signing.
Rangers have an option to buy Ledesma for around £2.2m after his season-long loan from Genoa but do not have to wait until then to complete the deal.
The Argentine has made a big impact and scored a hat-trick against Carlisle.
But Paladini said: "We have him for a year and don't have to worry about anyone else signing him. There's no need to rush."
Ledesma, 20, arrived at Loftus Road along with Fiorentina striker Samuel Di Carmine and was followed by highly-rated Real Madrid midfielder Dani Parejo.
"We just want to give him (Ledesma) time to settle in and enjoy his football," Paladini added.
"We have a few young players we just want to gel together and be happy here. We're focused on that for now." BBC

QPR Coach Bobby Ross Retiring - (The Amended Statement)

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And the Official Site ammends its post to characterize Ross's tenure of 20-plus years' but still doesn't quite get it right and for some reason, removes the fact that Ross joined in 1978.

Amended - QPR Official Site - ROSS RETIRES
Bobby Ross has retired from his duties at QPR following 20-plus years' loyal service with the Club.
Ross, who won the League Cup with Scottish outfit Hearts as a player before enjoying nine years with Brentford, joined QPR as a Coach at our Centre of Excellence.
Following the transition to Academy status, Ross was named Schoolboy Development Officer, where he built a fantastic reputation as an excellent coach and mentor to the up-and-coming players.
Ross, a popular figure amongst the R's fans who have met him over the years, also assisted the day-to-day running at our Harlington Training Ground.
After an incredible 50 years in football, Ross has decided the time has finally come to hang up his boots.
Kit Manager Gary Doyle, who worked closely with Ross, told www.qpr.co.uk: "Bob was an absolutely fantastic bloke to have around the place, and it was a privilege to work with him for so many years.
"Players are always a good judge of character, and they all loved Bob, so that tells you everything.
"Bob worked tirelessly for this Football Club, and was always one of the first in and one of the last to leave.
"I have never known anyone to have such enthusiasm and love for football, and it was infectious.
"The training ground is certainly a quieter place without him about, but we'll all be keeping in touch with him, there's no doubt about that. My only concern is that he's got plenty of time to work on his golf handicap now!"
Ross has passed on his best wishes for the Club and is now looking forward to supporting the R's for many years to come.
Meanwhile, Craig Berry has joined the Club as Assistant to Doyle." (Official Site


Original: QPR Official Site - Ross Retires
Bobby Ross has retired from his duties at QPR following 20 years' [sic?] loyal service with the Club.
Ross, who won the League Cup with Scottish outfit Hearts as a player before enjoying nine years with Brentford, joined QPR in 1978 as a Coach at our Centre of Excellence.
Following the transition to Academy status, Ross was named Schoolboy Development Officer, where he built a fantastic reputation as an excellent coach and mentor to the up-and-coming players.
Ross, a popular figure amongst the R's fans who have met him over the years, also assisted the day to day running at our Harlington Training Ground.
After an incredible 50 years in football, Ross has decided the time has finally come to hang up his boots.
Kit Manager Gary Doyle. Doyle, who worked closely with Ross, told www.qpr.co.uk: "Bob was an absolutely fantastic bloke to have around the place, and it was a privilege to work with him for so many years.
"Players are always a good judge of character, and they all loved Bob, so that tells you everything.
"Bob worked tirelessly for this Football Club, and was always one of the first in and one of the last to leave.
"I have never known anyone to have such enthusiasm and love for football, and it was infectious.
"The training ground is certainly a quieter place without him about, but we'll all be keeping in touch with him, there's no doubt about that. My only concern is that he's got plenty of time to work on his golf handicap now!"
Ross has passed on his best wishes for the Club and is now looking forward to supporting the R's for many years to come.
Meanwhile, Craig Berry has joined the Club as Assistant to Doyle. QPR

See Also From Last Year QPR Official Site : Bobby Ross Awarded "Manager's Merit Award"

Bristol City's Captain Snippet - "A lot of money has been spent at QPR..."

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Bristol City Official Site SATURDAY'S GAME WILL BE DIFFERENT
Read City captain Louis Carey's exclusive website blog, only on bcfc.co.uk.
We were gutted to lose our unbeaten run and go out of the Carling Cup at Crewe on Tuesday night.
It came on the back of such a great all-round performance at Coventry. I have seen the match video from Crewe and it's probably not as bad as first thought.
We had a lot possession and got the ball in their box, but we just weren't good enough on the night.
The second goal was from a breakaway, and as the lad broke from wide I was covering my man in the middle. That meant it was hard for me to get across and he nicked in before me to go through and score.
I'm just gald I didn't bring him down because it would have been a needless sending-off at that stage in the game, in the Carling Cup.
The first goal was good link up play by Crewe but perhaps we should have done better to prevent it.
I think Saturday's game will be a lot different against QPR at home, with the crowd behind us.
Crewe played some good football, but I think QPR will play a similar game and be a little more physical.
A lot of money has been spent at QPR. Sometimes that works at football clubs and sometimes it doesn't - only time will tell.

Fan Question: I'm sure the boys are not worried about all the talk outside of our club, about 'second season syndrome', but does this fire up the boys a little extra to show them we are above all that? Andy, Hartcliffe.
We spoke about it at the start of the season and it was one thing we didn't want to happen - second season syndrome. We've already proven a lot of people wrong with our start so far but there's such a long way to go. We haven't talked about where we want to finish this year, which just want to continue this campaign how we played in the last one..... Louis Carey Bristol City

Also: QPR Official Site - Ticket/Travel Details for Bristol City

QPR Not Rushing To Make Ledesma Signing Permanent

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Lets just hope there are no 'escape' clauses in the contract!

BBC - QPR in no rush over Ledesma deal
QPR sporting director Gianni Paladini insists the club do not need to rush Emmanuel Ledesma's permanent signing.
Rangers have an option to buy Ledesma for around £2.2m after his season-long loan from Genoa but do not have to wait until then to complete the deal.
The Argentine has made a big impact and scored a hat-trick against Carlisle.
But Paladini said: "We have him for a year and don't have to worry about anyone else signing him. There's no need to rush."
Ledesma, 20, arrived at Loftus Road along with Fiorentina striker Samuel Di Carmine and was followed by highly-rated Real Madrid midfielder Dani Parejo.
"We just want to give him (Ledesma) time to settle in and enjoy his football," Paladini added.
"We have a few young players we just want to gel together and be happy here. We're focused on that for now." BBC

QPR Snippets - Praise, Snideness and Rumour

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Dave Parker/Brighouse Echo - "The Big Voice of Sport"
Praise for the QPR Operation -
"...I CALLED in last Saturday at Loftus Road in Shepherds Bush, right outside the back door of the BBC Television Centre and the famous White City.
Hardly saw a car once I was off the A40 Western Avenue as there are so many tube stations and this made it easy for getting away afterwards and we were back in Brighouse for 8.45pm.
QPR Holdings Limited is now one of the most solid financial iestablishments in football and has big motor racing magnet Bernie Ecclestone involved along with another top Formula One guy, chairman Flavio Briatore.
Some operation there and sponsored by Gulf Air and the female staff reminded you of air hostesses and they were just as polite and accommodating."..Brighouse Echo


Daily Mail/Sportsmail Reporter - HATCHET MAN: Dowie gives QPR fans a Brum steer over veteran striker Phillips
Iain Dowie has told a few porkies in his time and you don't have to take Hatchet Man's word for it.
A High Court judge said as much when he lost his battle with Simon Jordan.
So what should we make of his latest claim that the richest club in the Championship could not compete with Birmingham for old timer and free transfer Kevin Phillips because of his wages?
City slicker: Phillips has scored three times in five games for Birmingham
QPR manager Dowie said: 'Kevin's a very good player, but there's a certain structure in terms of wages and because Birmingham have the parachute payments, they can fund a two-year deal.
'Our wage structure's fairly sensible and that's the proper way to do it. It was probably a bit outside our remit,' he added, forgetting to mention the club is owned by Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone... ? Mail


Rumour (Update) - London Informer/Paul Warburton - QPR Move in for Campbell
QPR are ready to launch a loan bid for Manchester United starlet Frazier Campbell.
Rangers' focus had been across town at rivals City, with a view to taking striker Ched Evans away from Eastlands as the final piece in the squad jigsaw.
But City boss Mark Hughes has a mounting catalogue of injury woes, and Evans looks like staying put for the time being.
Rangers have since made soundings for 20-year-old Campbell who made his Premiership debut for United against Newcastle - but there are strings attached to any switch, with Ferguson only willing to release Campbell if he gets Berbatov from Spurs by Monday.
A Ranger source said: "With four strikers, including Vine, there is no urgent need for another." London Informer

QPR Injury Update: Buzsaky, Vine and Hall

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QPR Official Site - EXCLUSIVE: BUZ BACK IN TRAINING
Akos Buzsaky has resumed full training and could be in line to make his comeback in Tuesday's Reserve fixture against Charlton Athletic at Loftus Road.
The Magical Magyar underwent surgery on his left ankle at the start of June, but has responded well to recent treatment and returned to First Team training earlier this week.
Head Physio Paul Hunter told www.qpr.co.uk: "Akos is back training and that's a massive boost for everyone.
"We're mindful that he's not had a full pre-season, and as a result, he's doing some extra fitness sessions with John Harbin (Performance Manager).
"All things being equal though, he should be in contention to make the squad for our home fixture against Southampton in mid-September."
Broken leg victim Rowan Vine is also progressing nicely, with Hunter confident the striker will resume full training in the next couple of weeks.
"Rowan's doing really well," he said.
"He's really stepped up his fitness levels in recent weeks and the work he's doing with John is working wonders.
"He's already joining in with the First Team warm-up sessions and it shouldn't be too long before he's involved in the technical sessions too."
Hunter added: "Realistically, we're looking at Rowan returning to the squad in the coming weeks."
Unfortunately, the news isn't quite so positive where Fitz Hall is concerned.
The former Wigan defender limped out of Saturday's 2-0 victory against Doncaster Rovers with a groin injury, and is set to miss this weekend's trip to Ashton Gate - home of Bristol City.
"Fitz sustained an abductor injury in his left groin," said Hunter.
"It's a different injury to the one that kept him sidelined last season, but once again, we'll have to treat it carefully.
"There's never a good time to get injured, but with the international break imminent, the two-week period between fixtures will almost certainly mean he misses far fewer matches than he might have at another stage in the season." QPR

Brian Glanville Perspective of QPR

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Perspective of one of the historically truly great football journalists, Brian Glanville

KICKING AROUND / BRIAN GLANVILLE COLUMN - SPORTSTAR
Funny game
".....And then, there is the curious case of Queens Park Rangers. Hardly analogous, since QPR, the West London club, have been taken over by three very rich men indeed. Among them Lakshmi Mittal, who is one of the richest men in the world. The other two being the millionaire Bernie Ecclestone and the Italian Flavio Briatore, both of them connected with Formula One motor racing. But what, in this new season of the so-called Championship, which not so long ago was known as the Second Division, have they done so far? In the first place, the appointment of the likeable Iain Dowie as new manager in place of the competent Italian, Luigi Di Canio, seemed unadventurous. Last season, Dowie left South East London’s Crystal Palace, saying that his wife wanted to go back north: only to sign for nearby Charlton Athletic. To the fury of the bellicose Palace Chairman, Simon Jordan, who took him to court and won £1 million. But Charlton eventually sacked Dowie, who was then appointed and sacked by Coventry City. What now? By the time you read this, he may not even be at QPR, since he has already fallen out with the combative Briatore.

And while QPR, who missed the real Championship title by a last ditch goalkeeping error and a single point in 1996, can hardly hope to discover the equivalent of those glorious maverick attackers, Rodney Marsh and Stan Bowles, when is the real spending going to start? Dowie pays tribute to Briatore for helping him to find excellent young players on loan such as right-winger Emmanuel Ledesma, an Argentine from Genoa, and Real Madrid’s striker, Daniel Parejo. But actual firm transfers have been of modestly accomplished players. Sportstar


Also: Brian Glanville/World Soccer - August 14, 2008
..We must take as read that QPR have three multi millionaires behind them. Yet what have they bought so far? I reported their opening match of the season, where they scraped through 2-1 against a Barnsley team which, by contrast with themselves, had shelled out £1 million plus for a quick new striker in the shape of Iain Hume, who duly scored the opening goal.
Afterwards, Iain Dowie – a somewhat unexpected managerial choice after his three club Odyssey last season, being sacked by two of them – paid credit to Flavio Briatore, the motor racing man (Bernie Ecclestone being the other) for helping him to sign good young foreign players on loan. On loan! One of them being the highly talented Genoan right flanker, Argentine born Emmanuel Ledesma, who had an excellent game.
But where are all the costly new arrivals? Without whom you can hardly see QPR escaping from the so-called Championship. And why has a once pleasant multi-rowed press box been turned into a cramped one slum at the back of the stand? Report