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- Visit QPR Report's recently-launched QPR Report Messageboard. With its focus solely on QPR and broader football matters and its its "general football articles-of-interest" postings, the "boutique" QPR Report messageboard aspires to a different kind of messageboard (as suggested by its moderators). Visit the messageboard and judge for yourself! All perspectives welcome! [Brief Registration required to post).
- Recently Posted: Parejo Speaks (Briefly) About His Time in England and His Hopes in Spain.
QPR Official Site - SOUSA: A PLEASING POINT
Paulo Sousa was content with a point against a Reading side he believes have Premier League quality throughout their squad.
Speaking after the goalless draw at Loftus Road, the R's boss said: "It's never easy to play against such a good side as Reading.
"They were very compact and have Premier League quality throughout their squad. This shows our level of performance is very good.
"We made a good performance. We showed good knowledge throughout, controlling the tempo and rhythm of the game.
"We made more chances than Reading over the 90 minutes, but I'm happy to accept a point.
"We know where we want to be and we are moving in the right direction."
Sousa believes Rangers are showing great strides, but admits his side will have to be at their best again on Tuesday night, when in-form Swansea City come to town.
"Swansea play some of the best football in this division and they are on a terrific run," he said.
"They have good quality and a good Manager, so it will be tough.
"We will rest up tonight and then start focusing on the match."
READING Official Site - PERSPECTIVE - Coppell: I thought we edged it
Royals boss Steve Coppell praised his players' workrate at the end of a dogged goalless affair with QPR at Loftus Road this afternoon.
It was the second time the two sides have drawn a blank against each other this season, but Coppell assured our online TV station that it was not for the want of trying on his side's part.
"I think anyone who was here will appreciate the effort we put in, you could see it etched on everyone's face.
"Maybe everyone thought we could have played a bit more, but that was really, really difficult to do.
"The pitch made it tough and the wind was deceptively interfering."
"In many ways I think we edged it but it was just so scrappy.
"QPR had a holding midfielder, and in various games this season we've struggled when presented with that five man midfield set up.
"I didn't feel as if we did so much today, but they made it very difficult to get at their back four.
"I thought a lucky break might settle it, to be honest, and I thought we edged it, but the goal never came."
His players thought that the break might have come via a penalty shout in the second half, when Stephen Hunt was bundled over when looking to latch onto a loose ball in the box, but referee J Moss thoguht otherwise.
"Hunty felt he was blocked getting on the end of a shot, but it was probably a day when the draw was the best outcome," Coppell explained.
QPR Official Site Report
In front of a season's highest attendance of 17,120, QPR extended their unbeaten run to eight matches with a closely-fought draw with high-flying Reading.
For the second time in the season, the free-scoring Royals - English football's highest scorers - failed to find a way past the R's.
In a match of few clear-cut chances, Leroy Lita twice tested Lee Camp, who stood tall to deny the visiting striker, whilst for Rangers, Heidar Helguson came within inches of finding the net on two occasions.
With both sides looking for the winner at the death, there was just time for Damion Stewart to brilliantly deny Kevin Doyle.
But ultimately in remained goalless, with both sides having to make do with a share of the points.
An unchanged Rangers took to the field to face Reading meaning Camp continued to deputise for the injured Radek Cerny.
Matt Connolly and Damien Delaney retained the full back berths, flanking the central defence partnership of Kaspars Gorkss and Stewart.
In the middle of the park, stand-in skipper Gavin Mahon was joined by Mikele Leigertwood and, making his home debut, Liam Miller.
The forward ranks saw Wayne Routledge join Lee Cook in supporting centre forward Helguson.
On the bench, the Italian duo of Matteo Alberti and Samuel Di Carmine joined Hogan Ephraim, Fitz Hall and Dexter Blackstock.
The R's opened with an intensity not seen at Loftus Road for weeks and controlled the early going. Bravery from Helguson allowed Routledge to pick up a loose ball from Duberry's block and when the ball eventually found it's way to Leigertwood, he ha a pop from just inside the box that bounced wide.
Rangers were firmly in the mood and Helguson just needed the faintest of touches to turn home a fantastic right-foot cross from Delaney.
Reading were by no means lying down and were playing their part in the spectacle. Chris Armstrong's hopeful punt fell fortuitously at the feet of Kevin Doyle and when the Irishman turned a shot, Stewart was on hand with a solid block.
The rebound however, fell kindly for Kalifa Cisse, who poked a shot towards goal that took a deflection of a Hooped defender. Despite lacking power, the ball trickled beyond Camp but luckily onto the post instead of inside it.
The home side were dominating possession but Reading were holding firm at the back. Cook tried to break the deadlock with a 30-yard free-kick that flew straight into the grateful arms of Adam Federici.
Despite being something of a spectator for much of the opening half hour, Camp was called into action on the 30 minute mark, beating away a Lita drive from a tight angle.
Lita went close again, in the second half, after delightful chipped through-ball from strike partner Doyle. Latching onto it, the Reading hit-man took a touch and blasted a shot straight at Camp at his near post.
Rangers had let their foot slide off the gas pedal somewhat, but Delaney tried to get the packed in Loftus Road faithful on their feet with a rasping drive on 56 minutes. After Routledge and Cook combined to tee him up however, the Irish left-back could only fire high and wide.
The visitors were very much on top in this second half, and when Chris Armstrong was freed down the left, his teasing cross was put beyond expertly by a lunging Stewart. At the other end, Helguson just failed to connect with an equally inviting centre from Cook.
Control of possession led to Routledge finding space to have a go at Armstrong, and when the winger easily outpaced the Royals defender, he crossed at the by-line. Federici, however, was smart enough to dive off his line and collect whilst airborne.
Helguson was next to try his luck from the edge of the box, curling an effort wide after the excellent Miller had picked him out.
Back came Reading once more and a combination of Mahon and Connolly kept out Cisse and Doyle. Connolly especially did ever so well to deny the Royals striker, positioning himself perfectly to block on the line.
Increasing pressure from the hosts saw Camp come for a cross but end up spilling into the path of Hunt, who, fortunately for the hosts, snatched at the loose ball and poked it wide.
Manager Paulo Sousa looked to add a new dimension to his side in the 77th minute, replacing Mahon with Ephraim.
In a frantic end, Stewart rescued Rangers when Doyle had freed himself in the area and venomously snapped off a left-foot shot that the Jamaican did superbly to block.
On came Blackstock and Di Carmine to try and steal the points, but it wasn't to be, as the final whistle brought an end to the match, with both teams returning to the dressing room with a point apiece.
QPR: Camp, Delaney, Stewart, Mahon (Ephraim 77), Leigertwood, Routledge, Gorkss, Connolly, Cook (Di Carmine 90), Miller, Helguson (Blackstock 84).
Subs: Hall, Alberti.
Bokings: Helguson (81)
Reading: Federici, Armstrong, Cisse, Lita, Doyle, S. Hunt, Kebe (Gunnarsson 90), Harper, Rosenior, Pearce, Duberry.
Subs: Gunnarsson, Matejovsky, Bikey, Long, Andersen.
Bookings: Hunt (41), Duberry (86)
READING Official Site - MIN BY MIN
The Royals take on QPR today and we have live updates here - refresh for the very latest. You can listen to full commentary on Reading World.
QPR: Camp; Connolly, Delaney, Gorkss, Stewart; Leigertwood, Mahon (Ephraim 78), Miller, Routledge, Cook (Di Carmine 90); Helguson (Blackstock 86).
Subs: Hall, Alberti.
Yellow: Helguson
Reading: Federici; Rosenior, Armstrong, Duberry, Pearce; Cisse, Harper (c), Kebe (Gunnarsson 90), S Hunt; Doyle, Lita
Subs: Andersen, Bikey, Matejovsky, Long
Yellow: Hunt
Ref: J Moss
Att: 17,120
Live updates
2:20pm - Teams are in. Leroy LIta starts in place of the Noel Hunt, who has an ankle injury. Liam Rosenior replaces Julian Kelly and Andre Bikey makes the bench.
2:55pm - The two teams are out and trying to warm themselves up again on a bitterly cold afternoon in London. QPR sport the blue and white hoops, while the Royals are in all orange.
2 mins - Michael Duberry is sporting a fetching headband to protect the cut above his eye that he picked up in the win over Wolves on Tuesday night.
7 mins - A scrappy start but Lee Cook is standing over a free kick on the right here. He delivers it into the box but Kalifa Cisse nods it away confidently.
9 mins - Liegertwood has the first shot on goal from the left side of the box. It takes a slight deflection and bobbles wide of the right post for a corner, which is too long for everyone and wasted.
12 mins - A superb cross from Damien Delaney arcs its way towards the far post where Helguson is storming in. He is ahead of his man but can only muscle onto it late and glance it wide of the right post. That was half a chance though and it got the home support excited.
14 mins - Routledge pulls Armstrong out of position and Duberry has to come accross to the left side. He passes it inside to Helguson who shoots from 25 yards out but Pearce blocks it well and the danger fizzles out.
16 mins - No multiball system in place here today so Reading players are having to trudge back and forth to retrieve the ball every time it goes out.
18 mins - Doyle ties to feed Lita in the box but it bobbles back to him off a QPR leg. He shoots, but it is charged down and it falls loose for Cisse to swing a left leg at. He scuffs it but it's heading for the bottom left corner before Camp scambles across and touches it aroound his upright.
26 mins - Reading struggling to string too many passes together and under a bit of pressure.
28 mins - Stephen Hunt is penalised for a foul on Mahon and Cook tries his luck with the 30-yard free kick. Federici has to watch it fizz through a host of bodies and bounce in front of him, but it is straight at him and his handling is good.
32 mins - Lita is slid in down the right side of the box and he fires a firmly struck cross into the middle. Camp can only parry it and it falls to Cisse but he can't bring it down and shoot before being dispossessed.
38 mins - Doyle flicks Pearce's crossfield ball on to Hunt on the left and he crosses deep to the far post. Lita is lurking but Delaney slides in to concede a corner, which Hunt wastes.
HALF TIME - Not a lot for the purist to admire at Loftus Road so far. Wolves lead at home to Watford. Birmingham kick off late at Sheffield Wednesday.
52 mins - Doyle lofts a ball over the top to sent Leroy Lita away down the right side of the QPR box. He takes it towards the byline and tries to fizz a cross in. It takes a big deflection off Gorkss and is heading inside the near post but Camp is alert and parries it wide.
58 mins - Armstrong hits a deep free kick into the box. It's over Doyle and Pearce looks like he might connect with it with his left foot, but a QPR defender intercepts and hacks it out for a corner. The referee gives a goal kick to Pearce's disgust.
63 mins - Harper orders width and gets it as Hunt finds the overlapping Armstrong on the left, he runs onto a one-two with Lita and crosses low into the near post. It is intercepted and QPR concede a corner which they clear.
65 mins - Reading are still sitting very deep and Delaney tries to take advantage of that as he lets rip from 30 yards. It sails over teh crossbar without troubling Federici.
67 mins - Routledge's pace is too much for Armstrong and he reaches the byline and cuts inside from the right. He crosses but Federici leaps out to claim it before it can find Helguson in the middle.
72 mins - Helguson touches it onto his right foot and curls it towards the bottom right corner from 25 yards out. It's not got enough bend on it to trouble Federici though.
73 mins - Armstrong launches it into the box from the left and Kebe wins the header at the far post. He nods it back across and Lita rises yards out to try and force it over the line. Pearce is there too but somehow QPR bundle it away from their right upright. That was a good chance.
75 mins - Camp spills a lofted ball into the box under pressure from Lita. It squirms loose and Hunt races onto it first. He slips and his stabbed effort bobbles wide of the right post and he claims he was tripped. Nothing given by the referee though.
78 mins - QPR substitution. Mahon is replaced by Ephraim.
83 mins - Hunt loses out on the left wing but it falls for the overlapping Armstrong on the byline. He can pick out a cross here, but Camp cuts it out at the near post.
86 mins - QPR substitution. Helguson is replaced by Dexter Blackstock.
86 mins - Kebe nods Rosenior's throw back to Doyle and he lines up a volley. A great block prevents Camp being worked and QPR break and win a corner. Reading clear their lines well.
90 mins - QPR substitution. Lee Cook is replaced by Di Carmine.
90(+1) mins - Kebe is down and needs treatment. We are almost two minutes into the three that are due to be added.
90(+2) mins - Kebe is replaced by Gunnarsson.
90(+3) mins - Kebe turns his man brilliantly by the right corner flag and hammers a cross into the box. But there's no-one there to connect with it and it flies behind on the other side of the goal.
FULL TIME - A dogged point but not a lot of free-flowing football to admire. Honours even and whatever Birmingham do later the Royals will remain in second.
Welcome to QPR REPORT - A completely unofficial and unaffiliated fan site focusing on G-d's Chosen Team, Queen's Park Rangers (QPR) FC. (Visit also QPR Report Messageboard and Follow on Twitter.) QPR Report accepts no sponsorship, advertising or financial contributions. In 2008, QPR Report was named as one of the top two blogs in the Football League
Saturday, January 31, 2009
QPR and Reading End in a Scoreless Draw
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Fanzine Awards REMINDER: - February 6 Voting Deadline: VOTE for the Best QPR Fanzine, Blog, Editor, Writer.
- Visit QPR Report's recently-launched QPR Report Messageboard. With its focus solely on QPR and broader football matters and its its "general football articles-of-interest" postings, the "boutique" QPR Report messageboard aspires to a different kind of messageboard (as suggested by its moderators). Visit the messageboard and judge for yourself! All perspectives welcome! [Brief Registration required to post).
- Updated League Table
Minute-by-Minute
TEAMS: QPR vs READING
QPR: Camp, Delaney, Stewart, Mahon, Leigertwood, Routledge, Gorkss, Connolly, Cook, Miller, Helguson.
Subs: Hall, Blackstock, Alberti, Di Carmine, Ephraim.
Reading: Federici, Armstrong, Cisse, Lita, Doyle, S. Hunt, Kebe, Harper, Rosenior, Pearce, Duberry.
Subs: Gunnarsson, Matejovsky, Bikey, Long, Andersen
Fanzine Awards REMINDER: - February 6 Voting Deadline: VOTE for the Best QPR Fanzine, Blog, Editor, Writer.
- Visit QPR Report's recently-launched QPR Report Messageboard. With its focus solely on QPR and broader football matters and its its "general football articles-of-interest" postings, the "boutique" QPR Report messageboard aspires to a different kind of messageboard (as suggested by its moderators). Visit the messageboard and judge for yourself! All perspectives welcome! [Brief Registration required to post).
- Updated League Table
Minute-by-Minute
TEAMS: QPR vs READING
QPR: Camp, Delaney, Stewart, Mahon, Leigertwood, Routledge, Gorkss, Connolly, Cook, Miller, Helguson.
Subs: Hall, Blackstock, Alberti, Di Carmine, Ephraim.
Reading: Federici, Armstrong, Cisse, Lita, Doyle, S. Hunt, Kebe, Harper, Rosenior, Pearce, Duberry.
Subs: Gunnarsson, Matejovsky, Bikey, Long, Andersen
Liam Miller's Chance to Impress....Annual Dinner...QPR Departures...Kieron St Aimie Update..Walton to Crewe?....Flashback: Holloway's Last Home Game
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Fanzine Awards REMINDER: - February 6 Voting Deadline: VOTE for the Best QPR Fanzine, Blog, Editor, Writer.
- Visit QPR Report's recently-launched QPR Report Messageboard. With its focus solely on QPR and broader football matters and its its "general football articles-of-interest" postings, the "boutique" QPR Report messageboard aspires to a different kind of messageboard (as suggested by its moderators). Visit the messageboard and judge for yourself! All perspectives welcome! [Brief Registration required to post). [Articles posted today include: Video snippet: QPR vs Oldham Playoff------(Other) Clubs' "Community Service"-------The Benefits of Experienced Players-----Crystal Palace's Simon Jordan Interview.]
Reminder of a couple of QPR Report Blog posts from yesterday:
- Mark Bircham, retired: Career Highlight - Playing and Captaining QPR
- Pay to Play at Loftus Road (to Help the Charity, Football Aid)
- UPDATE: QPR is holding its Player of The Year Dinner and Dance, April 25. - Dinner Details
Dave McIntyre/BBC 606 - Miller's chance to impress
- To state the bleedin’ obvious, by Tuesday night we’ll know a lot more about QPR’s promotion credentials.
- Back-to-back away wins means they'll move into the play-off places if they beat Reading on Saturday.
- But home matches against Reading and Swansea could prove to be more difficult than the trips to Derby and Blackpool, where Rangers played with one up front and were able to counter-attack after grabbing the opening goal.
- Breaking down two strong Championship sides at Loftus Road and potentially being more open against some of the division’s best strikers is maybe a bigger test than the recent away games.
- Rangers’ home form has kept them in touch with the play-offs - it’s their away results that needed to improve for a top-six finish to be realistic.
- But under Paulo Sousa, that trend could be reversed. Recent home games have been disappointing and an improvement is needed this weekend and on Tuesday night.
-A lot will also be required from Liam Miller, who has the task of filling in for Martin Rowlands.
- I think the loss of Rowlands is a huge, possibly hammer blow, for Rangers - despite what the last couple of results suggest.- Rowlands has had more of a team role this season, so wasn't the stand-out performer he had been previously and his stock among some fans seems to have dropped.
- But he is still a massively important player and very difficult to replace, especially with Akos Buzsaky and Rowan Vine also out.
- The pinch is more likely to be felt at home than away, so the next couple of games will tell us a lot.
- There has been no real attempt to sign another midfielder while the transfer window is open, although when it closes loan signings will still be an option.
- An enquiry was made about Manchester City’s Michael Johnson, but it never progressed beyond that stage. - So Miller is very much the man Rangers are looking to and it gives him the chance to make a name for himself.
- He had a steady debut at Blackpool, where the likes of Gavin Mahon and Mikele Leigertwood were always likely to have more promiment roles.
- Now with key home games coming up, Miller should get better chances to show what he can do in at least one of them.
- At 28, he has flattered to deceive in his career but showed he was a good Championship player with Sunderland and while on loan at Leeds.
- He needs to find that kind of form again - for his sake and QPR's. BBC606
Two More QPR Reserves were released yesterday:
- Matt O'Brien released
- Josh Ford released
The Argus/Howard Griggs - Rooks get an exotic feel (Kieron St Aimie)
- Kieron St Aimie has arguably the most exotic name in Sussex football.
- Now the on-loan Lewes forward wants people to remember it.
- St Aimie, or Kieron Lloyd Junior Minto St Aimie to give him his full name, scored his first goal for the Rooks in their FA Trophy defeat at Havant 12 days ago.
- He hopes to add a few more in the remaining ten days of his loan, starting with tomorrow’s trip to Oxford United when he is expected to be back up front alongside fellow Barnet loanee Elliott Charles.
- St Aimie played in centre midfield away to York, then left-midfield in the last two games against Mansfield and Torquay.
- He has looked most effective as a striker and he is likely to be asked to play there again at the Kassam Stadium following the decision to allow Josh Klein-Davies to return to Bristol Rovers after his loan spell at the Dripping Pan ended.
- St Aimie said: “I knew the situation with Lewes being second from bottom before I came and I am more than happy to try to help them.
- “I don’t think they should be where they are. They got up to the Conference last year because they are a good team and they should stay in it.
- “My aim is to do well here and then hopefully go back to Barnet and get in the first team.”
- St Aimie started his career with Queens Park Rangers where he scored on his debut with a solo effort in a pre-season game against Celtic.
- He had a loan spell at tomorrow’s opponents Oxford United in October 2007 before joining Barnet a year ago. He has made 13 League appearances for the Bees and was also loaned to Grays and Stevenage before joining the Rooks.
- The versatile 19-year-old is happy to help out Lewes even though he is not playing in his best position.
- He said: “I am quite versatile and I don’t mind where I play but I do prefer centre midfield. I like to get on the ball and be constantly involved.
- “I am trying to make a good impression on the gaffer (Kevin Keehan). Since I came here he has been very positive towards me. He is a nice man to play under.”
- So what about his rather extensive name?
- Minto is part of a double-barrelled surname although he tends to be known as St Aimie.
- As for the rest, he explained: “Lloyd was my dad’s name so he called me Lloyd Junior.
- “It is a long name I know. St Aimie is a French name. My mum is from Dominica and they speak Creole so it is broken down French.” ...The Argus
The Sentinel/Gwyn Griffiths Crewe Alex: Walton on loan radar
- PLYMOUTH outcast Simon Walton is understood to be a loan target again for Crewe.
- The 21-year-old midfielder turned down a move to the Alexandra Stadium in November, shortly before first-team coach Steve Holland was sacked. But the ex-Leeds and QPR youngster has since been told he can leave Home Park.
- Walton, who has a reputation for his tough-tackling, was transfer-listed after being sent off against Barnsley in December for kicking out at the Tykes' Anderson De Silva.
- After capturing experienced defender Marlon Broomes and keeper John Ruddy, Gudjon Thordarson is not ruling out brokering further loan deals before the transfer window closes on Monday...." The Sentinel
January 31, 2006, was Ian Holloway's last game in charge at Loftus Road as QPR lost 3-2 to Leicester.
-The following week, QPR played and lost at Leeds, with five players (three loans) making their debuts. It was announced that Ian Holloway had been placed on "gardening leave," after supposedly - according to Paladini, having expressed an interest in the Leicester City managerial job. (Holloway gave a rather different account)
- (Prior to that Leeds game, Ian Holloway reportedly heard - not directy from QPR - that he was out. The official announcement was made a couple of days later). QPR's Team for Holloway's last Loftus Road game:
Royce
Bignot Shittu Santos, Rose
Ainsworth, Lomas, Langley, Cook
Furlong, Nygaard.
(subs) Moore, Kus, Taylor, Donnelly, Baidoo.
Leicester - Douglas, Stearman, McCarthy, Kisnorbo, Johansson - Maybury, Williams, Gudjonsson, Hughes - Hume, Fryatt. (sub) Hammond, Wesolowski, Gerrbrand, Smith, O'Grady.
Goals: QPR: Ainsworth (6) Shittu (83)
Leicester Fryatt (10), Stearman (79), Hughes (88)
- QPR vs Leicester Match Reports and comments
Fanzine Awards REMINDER: - February 6 Voting Deadline: VOTE for the Best QPR Fanzine, Blog, Editor, Writer.
- Visit QPR Report's recently-launched QPR Report Messageboard. With its focus solely on QPR and broader football matters and its its "general football articles-of-interest" postings, the "boutique" QPR Report messageboard aspires to a different kind of messageboard (as suggested by its moderators). Visit the messageboard and judge for yourself! All perspectives welcome! [Brief Registration required to post). [Articles posted today include: Video snippet: QPR vs Oldham Playoff------(Other) Clubs' "Community Service"-------The Benefits of Experienced Players-----Crystal Palace's Simon Jordan Interview.]
Reminder of a couple of QPR Report Blog posts from yesterday:
- Mark Bircham, retired: Career Highlight - Playing and Captaining QPR
- Pay to Play at Loftus Road (to Help the Charity, Football Aid)
- UPDATE: QPR is holding its Player of The Year Dinner and Dance, April 25. - Dinner Details
Dave McIntyre/BBC 606 - Miller's chance to impress
- To state the bleedin’ obvious, by Tuesday night we’ll know a lot more about QPR’s promotion credentials.
- Back-to-back away wins means they'll move into the play-off places if they beat Reading on Saturday.
- But home matches against Reading and Swansea could prove to be more difficult than the trips to Derby and Blackpool, where Rangers played with one up front and were able to counter-attack after grabbing the opening goal.
- Breaking down two strong Championship sides at Loftus Road and potentially being more open against some of the division’s best strikers is maybe a bigger test than the recent away games.
- Rangers’ home form has kept them in touch with the play-offs - it’s their away results that needed to improve for a top-six finish to be realistic.
- But under Paulo Sousa, that trend could be reversed. Recent home games have been disappointing and an improvement is needed this weekend and on Tuesday night.
-A lot will also be required from Liam Miller, who has the task of filling in for Martin Rowlands.
- I think the loss of Rowlands is a huge, possibly hammer blow, for Rangers - despite what the last couple of results suggest.- Rowlands has had more of a team role this season, so wasn't the stand-out performer he had been previously and his stock among some fans seems to have dropped.
- But he is still a massively important player and very difficult to replace, especially with Akos Buzsaky and Rowan Vine also out.
- The pinch is more likely to be felt at home than away, so the next couple of games will tell us a lot.
- There has been no real attempt to sign another midfielder while the transfer window is open, although when it closes loan signings will still be an option.
- An enquiry was made about Manchester City’s Michael Johnson, but it never progressed beyond that stage. - So Miller is very much the man Rangers are looking to and it gives him the chance to make a name for himself.
- He had a steady debut at Blackpool, where the likes of Gavin Mahon and Mikele Leigertwood were always likely to have more promiment roles.
- Now with key home games coming up, Miller should get better chances to show what he can do in at least one of them.
- At 28, he has flattered to deceive in his career but showed he was a good Championship player with Sunderland and while on loan at Leeds.
- He needs to find that kind of form again - for his sake and QPR's. BBC606
Two More QPR Reserves were released yesterday:
- Matt O'Brien released
- Josh Ford released
The Argus/Howard Griggs - Rooks get an exotic feel (Kieron St Aimie)
- Kieron St Aimie has arguably the most exotic name in Sussex football.
- Now the on-loan Lewes forward wants people to remember it.
- St Aimie, or Kieron Lloyd Junior Minto St Aimie to give him his full name, scored his first goal for the Rooks in their FA Trophy defeat at Havant 12 days ago.
- He hopes to add a few more in the remaining ten days of his loan, starting with tomorrow’s trip to Oxford United when he is expected to be back up front alongside fellow Barnet loanee Elliott Charles.
- St Aimie played in centre midfield away to York, then left-midfield in the last two games against Mansfield and Torquay.
- He has looked most effective as a striker and he is likely to be asked to play there again at the Kassam Stadium following the decision to allow Josh Klein-Davies to return to Bristol Rovers after his loan spell at the Dripping Pan ended.
- St Aimie said: “I knew the situation with Lewes being second from bottom before I came and I am more than happy to try to help them.
- “I don’t think they should be where they are. They got up to the Conference last year because they are a good team and they should stay in it.
- “My aim is to do well here and then hopefully go back to Barnet and get in the first team.”
- St Aimie started his career with Queens Park Rangers where he scored on his debut with a solo effort in a pre-season game against Celtic.
- He had a loan spell at tomorrow’s opponents Oxford United in October 2007 before joining Barnet a year ago. He has made 13 League appearances for the Bees and was also loaned to Grays and Stevenage before joining the Rooks.
- The versatile 19-year-old is happy to help out Lewes even though he is not playing in his best position.
- He said: “I am quite versatile and I don’t mind where I play but I do prefer centre midfield. I like to get on the ball and be constantly involved.
- “I am trying to make a good impression on the gaffer (Kevin Keehan). Since I came here he has been very positive towards me. He is a nice man to play under.”
- So what about his rather extensive name?
- Minto is part of a double-barrelled surname although he tends to be known as St Aimie.
- As for the rest, he explained: “Lloyd was my dad’s name so he called me Lloyd Junior.
- “It is a long name I know. St Aimie is a French name. My mum is from Dominica and they speak Creole so it is broken down French.” ...The Argus
The Sentinel/Gwyn Griffiths Crewe Alex: Walton on loan radar
- PLYMOUTH outcast Simon Walton is understood to be a loan target again for Crewe.
- The 21-year-old midfielder turned down a move to the Alexandra Stadium in November, shortly before first-team coach Steve Holland was sacked. But the ex-Leeds and QPR youngster has since been told he can leave Home Park.
- Walton, who has a reputation for his tough-tackling, was transfer-listed after being sent off against Barnsley in December for kicking out at the Tykes' Anderson De Silva.
- After capturing experienced defender Marlon Broomes and keeper John Ruddy, Gudjon Thordarson is not ruling out brokering further loan deals before the transfer window closes on Monday...." The Sentinel
January 31, 2006, was Ian Holloway's last game in charge at Loftus Road as QPR lost 3-2 to Leicester.
-The following week, QPR played and lost at Leeds, with five players (three loans) making their debuts. It was announced that Ian Holloway had been placed on "gardening leave," after supposedly - according to Paladini, having expressed an interest in the Leicester City managerial job. (Holloway gave a rather different account)
- (Prior to that Leeds game, Ian Holloway reportedly heard - not directy from QPR - that he was out. The official announcement was made a couple of days later). QPR's Team for Holloway's last Loftus Road game:
Royce
Bignot Shittu Santos, Rose
Ainsworth, Lomas, Langley, Cook
Furlong, Nygaard.
(subs) Moore, Kus, Taylor, Donnelly, Baidoo.
Leicester - Douglas, Stearman, McCarthy, Kisnorbo, Johansson - Maybury, Williams, Gudjonsson, Hughes - Hume, Fryatt. (sub) Hammond, Wesolowski, Gerrbrand, Smith, O'Grady.
Goals: QPR: Ainsworth (6) Shittu (83)
Leicester Fryatt (10), Stearman (79), Hughes (88)
- QPR vs Leicester Match Reports and comments
Friday, January 30, 2009
Marc Bircham Officially Retired Speaks: Career Highlight? "Captaining QPR, playing for QPR"
-
- REMINDER - February 6 Voting Deadline: 2009 Fanzine Awards: VOTE for the Best QPR Fanzine, Blog, Editor, Writer.
- Visit QPR Report's recently-launched QPR Report Messageboard. With its focus solely on QPR and broader football matters (with no politics, world affairs, or other non-football topics); with its "general football articles-of-interest" postings; and with its belief that different QPR messageboards can offer different things; the "boutique" QPR Report messageboard aspires to be a little "different" (as suggested by its moderators). Visit the messageboard and judge for yourself! All perspectives welcome! [Brief Registration required to post (but obviously no registration necessary to read).) Today's Video Snippet
- Video snippets of QPR from 1992/1993 as QPR beat Everton 4-2 with Andy Sinton Hatrick
Best of luck to Marc Bircham, forced to retire from injury:
Q: Looking back, what do you see as the highlight of your career.
A: "Captaining QPR, playing for QPR that was always my dream as a boy. It was the only reason I kicked a ball, when I was a kid everything in my room was QPR, curtains, pillows I used to go and watch them home and away so it was the only reason I wanted to play football was to play for QPR, win stuff for QPR and to captain them was just a dream.
YEOVIL OFFICAL SITE - Birch finally has to call it a day
- Yeovil Town midfielder Marc Bircham has been forced to finally give up his playing career after a long fight against back, hamstring and now ankle injuries.
The club has reached an agreement with Marc and the 31 year old midfielder will pursue a media career on both radio and TV.
- Marc joined Yeovil at the start of the 2007/08 season after spells at Millweall and QPR but made only 9 appearances that season.
- This season has been no better and Marc only made 5 starts, but did score 1 goal in the Johnstons Paint Trophy match against Brentford.
- Marc talked to Glovers World exclusively today and the interview is printed below.
Everybody at the club pass on their good wishes to Marc for his future career.
Marc Bircham Interview.
AH: Well I've got a stranger with me today, Marc Bircham, you're back but I gather it might be a slightly sad day.
MB: I've come back to see the rest of the lads and say my final farewells really, it's more of a sad day really as in when I first did my ankle and I couldn't get to see the physio.
He said that I needed this big operation, but because of the crushed nerve he couldn't operate and it needed to heal.
It could have been two months or it could be two years you don't know, so that's a real disappointment but it is nice to get back and see the lads.
AH: You've obviously come to some sort of agreement with regards to your contract with club.
MB: Yeh, I've got to retire. We had to terminate the contract; it's as simple as that.
I've tried to find other avenues to go down to try and get out of retiring. I've tried to see if there are any other little operations I can have, but there is not.
I've been to see the best ankle surgeon in Europe, Mr Hadad, once he tells you that you've got to look at probably finding other employment, you have to.
AH: It's definitely the ankle that is the major concern is it?
MB: Pure and simple, it's the ankle. The problem before was the back of the hamstring, as you know I spent a lot of personal time and money into sorting that during the summer as in going to see Michael Owens personal physio John Green.
I spent hours and lots of money getting over that this summer which I felt I did as it was my first pre-season I had completed in five years. I then had a little setback to do with an old injury, and then when I came back I played against Brentford and Milton Keynes.
Then for me to do my ankle in training the way I did was disappointing. But it's one of those things. I'm always optimistic, the glass is always half full not half empty, I've had a really good career and set out to do nearly everything I've wanted to do in football so fingers crossed.
AH: Looking back, what do you see as the highlight of your career.
MB: Captaining QPR, playing for QPR that was always my dream as a boy. It was the only reason I kicked a ball, when I was a kid everything in my room was QPR, curtains, pillows I used to go and watch them home and away so it was the only reason I wanted to play football was to play for QPR, win stuff for QPR and to captain them was just a dream.
AH: I know is has been a stop-start time at Yeovil, but can you look back with any satisfaction or do you feel frustrated by it all?
MB: I feel frustrated, but I also feel guilty and sorry to the fans, they didn't see the best of me, they only saw glimpses of me but when I did play I was never fully fit.
I was trying to get my fitness and they probably only saw half of what I can do, but I still feel that I played quite well for Yeovil when I did play and when I did get out on the pitch.
I just want to say thanks, it is a lovely club, it's got lovely fans even thought most of the time I have been here I have been injured a good staff of people here that work in the ground, lovely people that work in the ground, the coaches I got on really well with, it's a family run club and I just wish them all the best.
I've got nothing negative to say about Yeovil, as a group of lads, I've got friends that I have made at Yeovil and it think they will be life friends.
I just hope they can get out of the problem and stay in the league, which will be a fantastic achievement.
AH: What do you see in the future for Marc Bircham?
MB: My Future? I've been doing a fair bit of media work and I'm doing my UEFA A licence this summer and may go and coach
when the weather gets better I'll go and play some golf as I never played it during the season as I didn't want it to affect my back. I miss playing golf
AH: Are we likely to see or hear you on TV or radio?
MB: I've done a fair bit for Sky, I've done a podcast for Radio 1, and so if you've got your new iPhone you can download it on that.
I'm doing radio 5 as well, the Eamon Holmes show and there is another little TV show that I've written myself, football wise. Fingers Crossed.
AH:So it's not the male version of Football WAGs is it?
MB: No, no, it's a football idol type show and we've had a lot of interest so fingers crossed that will be taking off.
AH: So it's not going to be a lazy time for Marc Bircham?
MB: You know what; luckily I have had to retire at winter time because if it was summer I would be out buzzing, playing golf, I would never have got anything done.
It was fantastic to spend Christmas at home and thinking about what I should do.
It was my first Christmas with the kids and with the family, so then a week after Christmas it was like "right, I've got to start doing something" I had stuff in the pipeline before and just going out there, talking about football on tele and radio which is an easy job.
But I was just trying to make ends meet I suppose.
AH: In a way it's quite exciting, you've got all of these potential projects, TV, Radio, Press,. You've got a lot to focus on?
MB: Yeh, I was like that as a player, I didn't just go home and rest. I've always had ideas and to be fair I have had to shift my plans forward.
I've had these plans for when I finish playing but over the last couple years when I've had these injury problems it gets to you thinking.
I don't want to be one of those footballers who, when they stop playing, have nothing to do.
I'm quite a hyperactive person, I've always kept busy so I've had all these ideas and have had to put them into the perspective now.
I would like to try and get into coaching somewhere but they are so many ex players and players with the same thinking you're not guaranteed anything.
If that comes along then it's a bonus and if you can fit it in to your work schedule it will be excellent.
AH: Well I'm sure I speak on behalf of all the Yeovil fans, I know we haven't seen much of you, but what we have seen has been great, it's been nice knowing and working with you.
MB: I just thank all the fans and hope that the Yeovil fans get behind the team, because if they stay up it's a great achievement. Yeovil Official Site
- REMINDER - February 6 Voting Deadline: 2009 Fanzine Awards: VOTE for the Best QPR Fanzine, Blog, Editor, Writer.
- Visit QPR Report's recently-launched QPR Report Messageboard. With its focus solely on QPR and broader football matters (with no politics, world affairs, or other non-football topics); with its "general football articles-of-interest" postings; and with its belief that different QPR messageboards can offer different things; the "boutique" QPR Report messageboard aspires to be a little "different" (as suggested by its moderators). Visit the messageboard and judge for yourself! All perspectives welcome! [Brief Registration required to post (but obviously no registration necessary to read).) Today's Video Snippet
- Video snippets of QPR from 1992/1993 as QPR beat Everton 4-2 with Andy Sinton Hatrick
Best of luck to Marc Bircham, forced to retire from injury:
Q: Looking back, what do you see as the highlight of your career.
A: "Captaining QPR, playing for QPR that was always my dream as a boy. It was the only reason I kicked a ball, when I was a kid everything in my room was QPR, curtains, pillows I used to go and watch them home and away so it was the only reason I wanted to play football was to play for QPR, win stuff for QPR and to captain them was just a dream.
YEOVIL OFFICAL SITE - Birch finally has to call it a day
- Yeovil Town midfielder Marc Bircham has been forced to finally give up his playing career after a long fight against back, hamstring and now ankle injuries.
The club has reached an agreement with Marc and the 31 year old midfielder will pursue a media career on both radio and TV.
- Marc joined Yeovil at the start of the 2007/08 season after spells at Millweall and QPR but made only 9 appearances that season.
- This season has been no better and Marc only made 5 starts, but did score 1 goal in the Johnstons Paint Trophy match against Brentford.
- Marc talked to Glovers World exclusively today and the interview is printed below.
Everybody at the club pass on their good wishes to Marc for his future career.
Marc Bircham Interview.
AH: Well I've got a stranger with me today, Marc Bircham, you're back but I gather it might be a slightly sad day.
MB: I've come back to see the rest of the lads and say my final farewells really, it's more of a sad day really as in when I first did my ankle and I couldn't get to see the physio.
He said that I needed this big operation, but because of the crushed nerve he couldn't operate and it needed to heal.
It could have been two months or it could be two years you don't know, so that's a real disappointment but it is nice to get back and see the lads.
AH: You've obviously come to some sort of agreement with regards to your contract with club.
MB: Yeh, I've got to retire. We had to terminate the contract; it's as simple as that.
I've tried to find other avenues to go down to try and get out of retiring. I've tried to see if there are any other little operations I can have, but there is not.
I've been to see the best ankle surgeon in Europe, Mr Hadad, once he tells you that you've got to look at probably finding other employment, you have to.
AH: It's definitely the ankle that is the major concern is it?
MB: Pure and simple, it's the ankle. The problem before was the back of the hamstring, as you know I spent a lot of personal time and money into sorting that during the summer as in going to see Michael Owens personal physio John Green.
I spent hours and lots of money getting over that this summer which I felt I did as it was my first pre-season I had completed in five years. I then had a little setback to do with an old injury, and then when I came back I played against Brentford and Milton Keynes.
Then for me to do my ankle in training the way I did was disappointing. But it's one of those things. I'm always optimistic, the glass is always half full not half empty, I've had a really good career and set out to do nearly everything I've wanted to do in football so fingers crossed.
AH: Looking back, what do you see as the highlight of your career.
MB: Captaining QPR, playing for QPR that was always my dream as a boy. It was the only reason I kicked a ball, when I was a kid everything in my room was QPR, curtains, pillows I used to go and watch them home and away so it was the only reason I wanted to play football was to play for QPR, win stuff for QPR and to captain them was just a dream.
AH: I know is has been a stop-start time at Yeovil, but can you look back with any satisfaction or do you feel frustrated by it all?
MB: I feel frustrated, but I also feel guilty and sorry to the fans, they didn't see the best of me, they only saw glimpses of me but when I did play I was never fully fit.
I was trying to get my fitness and they probably only saw half of what I can do, but I still feel that I played quite well for Yeovil when I did play and when I did get out on the pitch.
I just want to say thanks, it is a lovely club, it's got lovely fans even thought most of the time I have been here I have been injured a good staff of people here that work in the ground, lovely people that work in the ground, the coaches I got on really well with, it's a family run club and I just wish them all the best.
I've got nothing negative to say about Yeovil, as a group of lads, I've got friends that I have made at Yeovil and it think they will be life friends.
I just hope they can get out of the problem and stay in the league, which will be a fantastic achievement.
AH: What do you see in the future for Marc Bircham?
MB: My Future? I've been doing a fair bit of media work and I'm doing my UEFA A licence this summer and may go and coach
when the weather gets better I'll go and play some golf as I never played it during the season as I didn't want it to affect my back. I miss playing golf
AH: Are we likely to see or hear you on TV or radio?
MB: I've done a fair bit for Sky, I've done a podcast for Radio 1, and so if you've got your new iPhone you can download it on that.
I'm doing radio 5 as well, the Eamon Holmes show and there is another little TV show that I've written myself, football wise. Fingers Crossed.
AH:So it's not the male version of Football WAGs is it?
MB: No, no, it's a football idol type show and we've had a lot of interest so fingers crossed that will be taking off.
AH: So it's not going to be a lazy time for Marc Bircham?
MB: You know what; luckily I have had to retire at winter time because if it was summer I would be out buzzing, playing golf, I would never have got anything done.
It was fantastic to spend Christmas at home and thinking about what I should do.
It was my first Christmas with the kids and with the family, so then a week after Christmas it was like "right, I've got to start doing something" I had stuff in the pipeline before and just going out there, talking about football on tele and radio which is an easy job.
But I was just trying to make ends meet I suppose.
AH: In a way it's quite exciting, you've got all of these potential projects, TV, Radio, Press,. You've got a lot to focus on?
MB: Yeh, I was like that as a player, I didn't just go home and rest. I've always had ideas and to be fair I have had to shift my plans forward.
I've had these plans for when I finish playing but over the last couple years when I've had these injury problems it gets to you thinking.
I don't want to be one of those footballers who, when they stop playing, have nothing to do.
I'm quite a hyperactive person, I've always kept busy so I've had all these ideas and have had to put them into the perspective now.
I would like to try and get into coaching somewhere but they are so many ex players and players with the same thinking you're not guaranteed anything.
If that comes along then it's a bonus and if you can fit it in to your work schedule it will be excellent.
AH: Well I'm sure I speak on behalf of all the Yeovil fans, I know we haven't seen much of you, but what we have seen has been great, it's been nice knowing and working with you.
MB: I just thank all the fans and hope that the Yeovil fans get behind the team, because if they stay up it's a great achievement. Yeovil Official Site
Pay to Play at Loftus Road
-
REMINDER - February 6 Voting Deadline: 2009 Fanzine Awards: VOTE for the Best QPR Fanzine, Blog, Editor, Writer.
- Visit QPR Report's recently-launched QPR Report Messageboard. With its focus solely on QPR and broader football matters (with no politics, world affairs, or other non-football topics); with its "general football articles-of-interest" postings; and with its belief that different QPR messageboards can offer different things; the "boutique" QPR Report messageboard aspires to be a little "different" (as suggested by its moderators). Visit the messageboard and judge for yourself! All perspectives welcome! [Brief Registration required to post (but obviously no registration necessary to read).)
Among Articles Posted Today on QPR Report Messageboard
- Video snippets of QPR from 1992/1993 as QPR beat Everton 4-2 with Andy Sinton Hatrick
- Premiership Manager Berates "Pathetic" Fans
- Almost all One-Way: How Few English Players Going Abroad
- Premiership Supposedly Wants to End January Transfer Window
- USA Joining the Bidding for the 2018 (and 2022) World Cup
- Another Italian Match-Fixing Scanadal Alleged - Inter Milan
Football Aid - 21st January 2009 Bid to Play at Loftus Road!
It’s that time of year again: the weather is wetter, money is minimal and New Year’s resolutions are already redundant. But fear not: Football Aid are here to brighten up those January blues with the return of the spectacular annual event, the unique and fantastic Football Aid January Auction!
Together with the support of Queens Park Rangers, Football Aid are looking to raise even more money for a variety of charitable causes, as the launch of the fiercely competitive Football Aid auction gets underway. Imagine the pride in seeing your shirt hanging up in the changing room, the thrill of running through the tunnel and the adrenaline of playing on the pitch that your heroes have graced before you…
A host of club legends including Danny Maddix, Clive Wilson and Gary Waddock have all supported Football Aid in previous years, either managing or playing alongside Super Hoops fans as they graced the hallowed turf.
The 2009 Football Aid Auction at www.footballaid.com is already shaping up to be extremely exciting, with the new Maximum Bid and Buy Now options already proving very popular with bidders! Bidding positions will continue to close at regular intervals throughout the bidding period with the first position closing on the 3rd February and the last available positions closing on the 4th March.
So with bidding starting from only £170, there really is no better time to grab yourself the ultimate January bargain! So if you are fantastic up-front like Blackstock, or a midfield magician like Rowlands, there are positions to suit every player wishing to take part in this event at Loftus Road!
All funds raised from the events are distributed through Football Aid's parent charity Field of Dreams and split between diabetes research programmes, and charities nominated by participating clubs. Football Aid has so far awarded over £1.3M to charitable causes since the company was set up in 2000, and has enabled nearly 10,000 football fans to pull on their favourite club’s colours and grace the hallowed turf of the club they support. Please visit www.footballaid.com or alternatively contact the sales team at info@footballaid.com to find out how you can Live the Dream. Football Aid
CLUB HISTORY & BACKGROUND
QPR joined the Football Aid family in 2001 and have hosted successful games at Loftus Road ever since with Club Legends like Clive Wilson, Danny Maddix, Wayne Fereday and club coach Dave Robinson showing their support. Former Chairman Gianni Paladini even shocked fans by attending the Football Aid game at Loftus Road in 2006, cheering from the sidelines alongside the then management team of Gary Waddock and Alan McDonald. While both teams did themselves proud in the match, amazingly there were no new signings announced for the R's the next day....
As announced back in September on the QPR Official Site
PLAYING LEGENDS & MANAGERS
Legends & Managers are still to be confirmed for this event, please check this page for updates closer to the match.
SPECTATOR TICKETS
There will be a limited allocation of Spectator Tickets provided for each player, available for a £5.00 donation per ticket. Please follow the instructions in the "allocation" e-mail or use the order form in your Player's Pack to order your tickets, numbers available will be confirmed in the Ticket Allocation section below. We recommend that these are ordered as early as possible and at least 2 weeks in advance of the match to guarantee you receive your tickets on time.
EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY & FILMING/DVD
Wherever possible, official Match Photographs and a Matchday DVD will be made available to be purchased on the day. Players will receive a Final Details e-mail to confirm arrangements shortly before the event. Selected Photos and DVD footage from previous years can be found in our Gallery section.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
If you would like to ask us any questions related to this Club's events please use the Contact Us form to get in touch. Games usually take place at the end of the season (from April-June) and dates will be updated when we get them confirmed by the Club.
EVENT PARTICIPATION
This is a male only event.
TICKET ALLOCATION
TBC
HOW TO TAKE PART
BUY NOW
Selected positions are available at a fixed price, choose "DATA VIEW" to display full details or simply click on the position and follow the instructions to purchase online.
SPONSORED TO PLAY
Only available between Aug - Dec. Fixed Price positions are currently only available to Buy Now.
BIDDING
Selected positions are now available for bidding. To display availability, live bid amounts and closing dates just click on a position from the team map or choose the "DATA VIEW".
Football Aid
Note: QPR Report is not endorsing this activity; merely providing information about it!
REMINDER - February 6 Voting Deadline: 2009 Fanzine Awards: VOTE for the Best QPR Fanzine, Blog, Editor, Writer.
- Visit QPR Report's recently-launched QPR Report Messageboard. With its focus solely on QPR and broader football matters (with no politics, world affairs, or other non-football topics); with its "general football articles-of-interest" postings; and with its belief that different QPR messageboards can offer different things; the "boutique" QPR Report messageboard aspires to be a little "different" (as suggested by its moderators). Visit the messageboard and judge for yourself! All perspectives welcome! [Brief Registration required to post (but obviously no registration necessary to read).)
Among Articles Posted Today on QPR Report Messageboard
- Video snippets of QPR from 1992/1993 as QPR beat Everton 4-2 with Andy Sinton Hatrick
- Premiership Manager Berates "Pathetic" Fans
- Almost all One-Way: How Few English Players Going Abroad
- Premiership Supposedly Wants to End January Transfer Window
- USA Joining the Bidding for the 2018 (and 2022) World Cup
- Another Italian Match-Fixing Scanadal Alleged - Inter Milan
Football Aid - 21st January 2009 Bid to Play at Loftus Road!
It’s that time of year again: the weather is wetter, money is minimal and New Year’s resolutions are already redundant. But fear not: Football Aid are here to brighten up those January blues with the return of the spectacular annual event, the unique and fantastic Football Aid January Auction!
Together with the support of Queens Park Rangers, Football Aid are looking to raise even more money for a variety of charitable causes, as the launch of the fiercely competitive Football Aid auction gets underway. Imagine the pride in seeing your shirt hanging up in the changing room, the thrill of running through the tunnel and the adrenaline of playing on the pitch that your heroes have graced before you…
A host of club legends including Danny Maddix, Clive Wilson and Gary Waddock have all supported Football Aid in previous years, either managing or playing alongside Super Hoops fans as they graced the hallowed turf.
The 2009 Football Aid Auction at www.footballaid.com is already shaping up to be extremely exciting, with the new Maximum Bid and Buy Now options already proving very popular with bidders! Bidding positions will continue to close at regular intervals throughout the bidding period with the first position closing on the 3rd February and the last available positions closing on the 4th March.
So with bidding starting from only £170, there really is no better time to grab yourself the ultimate January bargain! So if you are fantastic up-front like Blackstock, or a midfield magician like Rowlands, there are positions to suit every player wishing to take part in this event at Loftus Road!
All funds raised from the events are distributed through Football Aid's parent charity Field of Dreams and split between diabetes research programmes, and charities nominated by participating clubs. Football Aid has so far awarded over £1.3M to charitable causes since the company was set up in 2000, and has enabled nearly 10,000 football fans to pull on their favourite club’s colours and grace the hallowed turf of the club they support. Please visit www.footballaid.com or alternatively contact the sales team at info@footballaid.com to find out how you can Live the Dream. Football Aid
CLUB HISTORY & BACKGROUND
QPR joined the Football Aid family in 2001 and have hosted successful games at Loftus Road ever since with Club Legends like Clive Wilson, Danny Maddix, Wayne Fereday and club coach Dave Robinson showing their support. Former Chairman Gianni Paladini even shocked fans by attending the Football Aid game at Loftus Road in 2006, cheering from the sidelines alongside the then management team of Gary Waddock and Alan McDonald. While both teams did themselves proud in the match, amazingly there were no new signings announced for the R's the next day....
As announced back in September on the QPR Official Site
PLAYING LEGENDS & MANAGERS
Legends & Managers are still to be confirmed for this event, please check this page for updates closer to the match.
SPECTATOR TICKETS
There will be a limited allocation of Spectator Tickets provided for each player, available for a £5.00 donation per ticket. Please follow the instructions in the "allocation" e-mail or use the order form in your Player's Pack to order your tickets, numbers available will be confirmed in the Ticket Allocation section below. We recommend that these are ordered as early as possible and at least 2 weeks in advance of the match to guarantee you receive your tickets on time.
EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY & FILMING/DVD
Wherever possible, official Match Photographs and a Matchday DVD will be made available to be purchased on the day. Players will receive a Final Details e-mail to confirm arrangements shortly before the event. Selected Photos and DVD footage from previous years can be found in our Gallery section.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
If you would like to ask us any questions related to this Club's events please use the Contact Us form to get in touch. Games usually take place at the end of the season (from April-June) and dates will be updated when we get them confirmed by the Club.
EVENT PARTICIPATION
This is a male only event.
TICKET ALLOCATION
TBC
HOW TO TAKE PART
BUY NOW
Selected positions are available at a fixed price, choose "DATA VIEW" to display full details or simply click on the position and follow the instructions to purchase online.
SPONSORED TO PLAY
Only available between Aug - Dec. Fixed Price positions are currently only available to Buy Now.
BIDDING
Selected positions are now available for bidding. To display availability, live bid amounts and closing dates just click on a position from the team map or choose the "DATA VIEW".
Football Aid
Note: QPR Report is not endorsing this activity; merely providing information about it!
Sousa Confident of Success at QPR...Tabb Would Have Welcomed QPR Move...QPR vs Reading Previews...Other Football Snippets
-
- REMINDER - February 6 Voting Deadline: 2009 Fanzine Awards: VOTE for the Best QPR Fanzine, Blog, Editor, Writer.
- Visit QPR Report's recently-launched QPR Report Messageboard. With its focus solely on QPR and broader football matters (with no politics, world affairs, or other non-football topics); with its "general football articles-of-interest" postings; and with its belief that different QPR messageboards can offer different things; the "boutique" QPR Report messageboard aspires to be a little "different" (as suggested by its moderators). Visit the messageboard and judge for yourself! All perspectives welcome! [Brief Registration required to post (but obviously no registration necessary to read).)
Among Articles Posted Today on QPR Report Messageboard
- Video snippets of QPR from 1992/1993 as QPR beat Everton 4-2 with Andy Sinton Hatrick
- Premiership Manager Berates "Pathetic" Fans
- Almost all One-Way: How Few English Players Going Abroad
- Premiership Supposedly Wants to End January Transfer Window
- USA Joining the Bidding for the 2018 (and 2022) World Cup
- Another Italian Match-Fixing Scanadal Alleged - Inter Milan
BBC - Sousa confident of success at QPR
- Queens Park Rangers manager Paulo Sousa has said he believes he can achieve his ambitions at Loftus Road.
- The former Portugal international midfielder was appointed Rangers boss in November 2008.
- And Sousa told BBC London 94.9: "I'm an ambitious person, I'm an ambitious coach and manager and I want to achieve the targets.
- "The team work very hard, they believe in my methods, they believe in my ideas and believe they can grow with me."
- Rangers are now seventh in the Championship after their 3-0 victory against Blackpool on Tuesday.
- And Sousa added: "They [the players] believe and when it's like that you get victories.
- "We are getting better as a team every minute, defending, attacking, and of course I'm happy with that."
- Sousa started his managerial career as part of the coaching staff with the Portuguese national team before joining Rangers. BBC
QPR vs Reading Tomorrow;
- Reading's Away Record: Won 5 Drawn 4 Lost 5 - Socred 21. Conceded 18. Reading Stats This Season
Ealing Gazette - Reading FC's Tabb full of respect for QPR
- BRENTFORD old boy Jay Tabb is determined to show QPR fans just what they missed out on when high-flying Reading visit Loftus Road this weekend, writes Rob Brennan.
- The former Ireland U21 international left mid-table Coventry City to sign a twoand-a-half year deal with Reading for an initial fee of £300,000 which will rise significantly should the Royals secure promotion to the Premier League.
- Speaking to the Gazette, Tabb (pictured) admitted a move to West London would have appealed if the money men in W12 had stumped up the cash.
- "I heard some rumours about other clubs and QPR would have been another great club to
have got a move to, but I believe that Reading is the right club for me and I'm delighted to have got the move," he said.
- It will be Tabb's second visit to Loftus Road this season having been part of the Coventry side that drew 1-1 with the Hoops earlier this month, and the 24-year-old admits he has a soft spot for the stadium.
- He said "I love playing at Loftus Road, it's one of my favourite grounds. It's old school, it's in London, and the fans create a good atmosphere and give you plenty of stick.
- "There are so many new grounds around at the moment, it's nice to have a ground with a bit of character."
- The Tooting born midfielder, who grew up in Motspur Park, believes the loss of Martin Rowlands could have a major impact on the Hoops' promotion ambitions.
- "I played with Martin [Rowlands] at Brentford and I heard that he has done his cruciate which is a shame for him and for QPR. He is a really good player, one of the best in the Championship and it's a real shame that he is going to be out for the rest of the season."
- Tabb was voted Brentford and the Gazette's player of the year in 2004 and still looks out for the Bees' results. He plans to watch his former club as soon as possible.
- He said, "I haven't been to Brentford for a while now. The last time I went to a game was when they drew 2-2 at home to Oldham two seasons ago.
- "I'm definitely going to get down to Griffin Park as soon as possible. I might pop along to a midweek game if we aren't playing. It's just down the road now so that's good.
- "I really enjoyed my time there. It's a real shame that we didn't get promoted in my final season. I think we deserved to."
Tabb has followed a familiar trail of ex-Brentford players who have ended up at Reading and is hoping his career can move to another level under Coppell.
"Steve Coppell was definitely a big factor in me coming here. Look at players' careers when they come here - they take off. Look at the number of players in the Ireland squad as well - that is a big incentive for me.
"There has been a bit of banter going round the changing room that to get a move here you either have to be Irish or ex-Brentford. I'm obviously both and have been lucky enough to get a move here." Ealing Gazette
Lita May be Fit!
Get Wokingham - Noel Hunt aiming to stay a cut above
- Skinhead Noel Hunt will be aiming for another hair-raising performance for Reading at Queens Park Rangers tomorrow (3pm kick off).
- The Royals striker decided to shave his head as a joke ...Stephen’s future is at the centre of transfer speculation. The winger hit out at the club on Tuesday as he felt the truth was being kept from him about possible interest from Wigan, Everton or Spurs.
Reading manager Steve Coppell, though, again insisted that the club has received no bids for the Republic of Ireland international – and Stephen then claimed his after-match comments were borne out of frustration.
Noel, who is expected to recover from a slight ankle injury, insisted: “I only know as much as you guys! He can’t go anywhere because there has been no bid accepted, but he is very professional. He loves the club and until he is told different that will stay the same.”
Reading are now just two points off the top of the Championship after beating leaders Wolves 1-0 on Tuesday night.
Ivar Ingimarsson will remain sidelined tomorrow by a knee problem, but Kalifa Cisse (ankle) should be fit to play.
Liam Rosenior is set to return from suspension at right-back, while Michael Duberry is hopeful of playing despite needing three stitches in a wound above his left eye during the first half of the Wolves match.
New signing Jay Tabb faces a battle just to make the bench. He made his first appearance in a Reading shirt on Wednesday in a behind-doors friendly with Spurs which ended 4-4.
Leroy Lita is also fine despite briefly dislocating his shoulder during Tuesday’s clash.
He revealed: “I dropped and didn’t feel anything and then I got up and my arm was out of place and not moving.
“I called the physio over and he was about to pop it back in, but the ref managed to do when he tried to move me off the pitch.
“It helped me, but it wasn’t a nice feeling. I’ve never felt anything like that before. It was painful but I managed to get through the rest of the game and I’m fine now.”
Despite Lita’s pain, Coppell joked about the striker’s dramatic reaction to having his shoulder popped back into place, by saying: “RADA (Royal Acting and Dramatic Art) took notice. They saw the acting abilities! No, it’s painful. Julian Kelly did it but said when it goes back in quickly it’s not an issue.”
Marcus Hahnemann is back in full training and could be on the bench tomorrow. Get WOkingham
READING CHRONICLE/Anthony Smith - Coppell wary of Rangers threat
- ROYALS boss Steve Coppell anticipates another close contest against Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road this Saturday (3pm ko).
- Rangers held Coppell’s side to a 0-0 draw at the Madejski Stadium in October and have one of the meanest defences in the division.
- Paulo Souza’s team have conceded just once in their last four league games, are unbeaten in seven and have not tasted defeat at Loftus Road since a 2-1 reverse against Burnley on November 15.
- Coppell warned: “They certainly don’t give much away. They showed that when we played them at home earlier in the season.
- “They play a very compact game and they have some strong players capable of winning matches. They haven’t splashed the cash but they have made some very good signings. They’re not buying their way out of the division - even though they are certainly capable of doing that.
- “We will go there and try to win but we know we are in for a tough game.”
- Royals put the recent 2-0 defeat at Swansea well and truly behind them by beating leaders Wolves 1-0 on Tuesday to close the gap to two points.
But Coppell warned: “It means nothing other than three points though it gives us a positive vibe. There was a great atmosphere afterwards because the players worked so hard.
“But it’s not going to make our season any easier or make any significant difference. I thought we had the better chances on the night but, as the home team, I expect us to have the edge.
“Our energy was admirable but it was a good contest between two good teams. The challenge for us now is to push on again...” Reading Chronicle
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - READING PREVIEW
- Buoyed by Tuesday night's 1-0 victory at home to Championship table-toppers Wolverhampton Wanderers, Steve Coppell's Reading outfit seem perfectly poised to mount an assault on the summit of the second tier.
- Indeed, victory against the Molineux men moved the Royals to within two points of top spot, but perhaps just as pleasing for Coppell, saw them bounce back from a rare defeat away at Swansea City just 10 days earlier.
- Neil Collins' own goal after only 61 seconds proved to be the difference, as 23,000-plus supporters packed into the Madejski Stadium on Tuesday evening.
Wolves, to their credit, had chances to level with Andy Keogh stabbing Matt Jarvis' cross wide from close range, but at the other end, Noel Hunt almost increased the lead for the hosts only to see his dipping free-kick well saved Wanderers stopper Wayne Hennessey.
Despite seeing his charges chalk up a 12th home victory of the campaign - the Championship's best home record by some distance - Coppell, who last May committed his future to the Royals in favour of a move elsewhere, refused to talk up his sides' title ambitions.
"I'm not even thinking about the championship. You'll get my bland answer that it's one game at a time," he said,
"The result is all important. The goal was not exactly something we've been working on but you take what you can.
"There wasn't much space for anyone to play football. We are two similar sides in the way we play and the shape we keep so it was always going to be difficult to break the deadlock.
"There is a third of the season to go and it is all to play for. I see it as psychologically important but not significant as to who goes up. It is three points and at this stage it doesn't matter who it comes against."
Whilst Coppell et al refuse to get too carried away, if the likes of Kevin Doyle and Noel Hunt continue to do their talking on the pitch over the coming months, the pre-season title favourites will almost certainly book their place back in the top tier - and Coppell's decision to stay put will seem like a good one.
Team News
Royals boss Steve Coppell could hand a debut to young defender Dan Harding, who yesterday penned a loan deal from Ipswich Town until the end of the season.
Michael Duberry (eye), Leroy Lita (shoulder), Noel Hunt (ankle) and Kalifa Cisse (ankle) are all major doubts, but right back Liam Rosenior is free to return following a recent suspension. QPR
Interesting Observation
Chris Wathon/Western Echo on Cardiff and Swansea's Promotion Rivals:
"...QPR, due to face both Cardiff and Swansea early next month, could yet feel the benefit of their January spending and a new manager as they hang around with intent.
But the Hoops, as with experienced promotion hunters Sheffield United, have to deal with six games each against top eight rivals in the run-in that will serve as true tests of credentials." Western Mail -- [QPR's Remaining Fixtures]
- QPR Stats This season- including vs Top and Bottom Teams
Teamtalk - Blades quash Kilgallon rumours
- Sheffield United assistant manager Sam Ellis has strongly denied the club has turned down a bid from QPR for Blades defender Matt Kilgallon.
It has been reported the Londoners have tabled a £1.5million offer for the 25-year-old central defender, who cost the Blades £1.75million when he signed from Leeds in January 2007.
- Ellis, who worked with Kilgallon during his time as assistant to manager Kevin Blackwell at Elland Road, said: "It's absolute nonsense.
- "It's a good job that the rumour hasn't upset Matt because they can unsettle players.
- "What happens is that a rumour starts and then the media turn it into a 'story'.
- "Sheffield United paid a lot of money for him and he has always been a good player - pace, heading ability and good on the floor. What more could you ask from a centre-back?"
Former QPR, Peter Crouch turns 28 today: Born January 30, 1981. Career Stats
Flashback Two Years Ago - QPR Drop Into The Relegation Trio with a Loss at Barnsley - QPR, were in the middle of a terrible run, From QPR's Last 12 League Games: 10 Losses and 2 wins:
January 30, 2007
17 Norwich 29 -11 34
18 Leicester 29 -9 33
19 Barnsley 30 -15 32
20 Hull 30 -11 31
21 Luton 30 -14 31
22 QPR 30 -12 30
23 Southend 30 -21 27
24 Leeds 29 -22 27
January 30, 2008
Norwich 29 35
Leicester 29 34
Blackpool 29 34
QPR 29 33
Coventry 28 32
Sheff Wed 28 31
Preston 29 30
Scunthorpe 29 27
Colchester 28 26
January 30, 2009
P GD PTS
1 Wolverhampton 29 21 59
2 Reading 29 32 57
3 Birmingham 29 10 55
4 Cardiff 28 13 48
5 Sheff Utd 29 14 47
6 Preston 29 4 47
7 QPR 29 4 45
8 Swansea 29 10 44
9 Burnley 29 -1 43
10 Ipswich 29 11 42
11 Crystal Palace 28 6 40
12 Bristol City 28 0 38
13 Sheff Wed 29 -10 38
14 Coventry 29 -3 37
15 Blackpool 29 -9 34
16 Plymouth 28 -6 33
17 Nottm Forest 29 -7 33
18 Barnsley 29 -10 32
19 Norwich 29 -7 30
20 Watford 29 -9 30
21 Doncaster 28 -12 30
22 Derby 28 -12 29
23 Southampton 29 -18 27
24 Charlton 29 -21 22
(BBC)
- REMINDER - February 6 Voting Deadline: 2009 Fanzine Awards: VOTE for the Best QPR Fanzine, Blog, Editor, Writer.
- Visit QPR Report's recently-launched QPR Report Messageboard. With its focus solely on QPR and broader football matters (with no politics, world affairs, or other non-football topics); with its "general football articles-of-interest" postings; and with its belief that different QPR messageboards can offer different things; the "boutique" QPR Report messageboard aspires to be a little "different" (as suggested by its moderators). Visit the messageboard and judge for yourself! All perspectives welcome! [Brief Registration required to post (but obviously no registration necessary to read).)
Among Articles Posted Today on QPR Report Messageboard
- Video snippets of QPR from 1992/1993 as QPR beat Everton 4-2 with Andy Sinton Hatrick
- Premiership Manager Berates "Pathetic" Fans
- Almost all One-Way: How Few English Players Going Abroad
- Premiership Supposedly Wants to End January Transfer Window
- USA Joining the Bidding for the 2018 (and 2022) World Cup
- Another Italian Match-Fixing Scanadal Alleged - Inter Milan
BBC - Sousa confident of success at QPR
- Queens Park Rangers manager Paulo Sousa has said he believes he can achieve his ambitions at Loftus Road.
- The former Portugal international midfielder was appointed Rangers boss in November 2008.
- And Sousa told BBC London 94.9: "I'm an ambitious person, I'm an ambitious coach and manager and I want to achieve the targets.
- "The team work very hard, they believe in my methods, they believe in my ideas and believe they can grow with me."
- Rangers are now seventh in the Championship after their 3-0 victory against Blackpool on Tuesday.
- And Sousa added: "They [the players] believe and when it's like that you get victories.
- "We are getting better as a team every minute, defending, attacking, and of course I'm happy with that."
- Sousa started his managerial career as part of the coaching staff with the Portuguese national team before joining Rangers. BBC
QPR vs Reading Tomorrow;
- Reading's Away Record: Won 5 Drawn 4 Lost 5 - Socred 21. Conceded 18. Reading Stats This Season
Ealing Gazette - Reading FC's Tabb full of respect for QPR
- BRENTFORD old boy Jay Tabb is determined to show QPR fans just what they missed out on when high-flying Reading visit Loftus Road this weekend, writes Rob Brennan.
- The former Ireland U21 international left mid-table Coventry City to sign a twoand-a-half year deal with Reading for an initial fee of £300,000 which will rise significantly should the Royals secure promotion to the Premier League.
- Speaking to the Gazette, Tabb (pictured) admitted a move to West London would have appealed if the money men in W12 had stumped up the cash.
- "I heard some rumours about other clubs and QPR would have been another great club to
have got a move to, but I believe that Reading is the right club for me and I'm delighted to have got the move," he said.
- It will be Tabb's second visit to Loftus Road this season having been part of the Coventry side that drew 1-1 with the Hoops earlier this month, and the 24-year-old admits he has a soft spot for the stadium.
- He said "I love playing at Loftus Road, it's one of my favourite grounds. It's old school, it's in London, and the fans create a good atmosphere and give you plenty of stick.
- "There are so many new grounds around at the moment, it's nice to have a ground with a bit of character."
- The Tooting born midfielder, who grew up in Motspur Park, believes the loss of Martin Rowlands could have a major impact on the Hoops' promotion ambitions.
- "I played with Martin [Rowlands] at Brentford and I heard that he has done his cruciate which is a shame for him and for QPR. He is a really good player, one of the best in the Championship and it's a real shame that he is going to be out for the rest of the season."
- Tabb was voted Brentford and the Gazette's player of the year in 2004 and still looks out for the Bees' results. He plans to watch his former club as soon as possible.
- He said, "I haven't been to Brentford for a while now. The last time I went to a game was when they drew 2-2 at home to Oldham two seasons ago.
- "I'm definitely going to get down to Griffin Park as soon as possible. I might pop along to a midweek game if we aren't playing. It's just down the road now so that's good.
- "I really enjoyed my time there. It's a real shame that we didn't get promoted in my final season. I think we deserved to."
Tabb has followed a familiar trail of ex-Brentford players who have ended up at Reading and is hoping his career can move to another level under Coppell.
"Steve Coppell was definitely a big factor in me coming here. Look at players' careers when they come here - they take off. Look at the number of players in the Ireland squad as well - that is a big incentive for me.
"There has been a bit of banter going round the changing room that to get a move here you either have to be Irish or ex-Brentford. I'm obviously both and have been lucky enough to get a move here." Ealing Gazette
Lita May be Fit!
Get Wokingham - Noel Hunt aiming to stay a cut above
- Skinhead Noel Hunt will be aiming for another hair-raising performance for Reading at Queens Park Rangers tomorrow (3pm kick off).
- The Royals striker decided to shave his head as a joke ...Stephen’s future is at the centre of transfer speculation. The winger hit out at the club on Tuesday as he felt the truth was being kept from him about possible interest from Wigan, Everton or Spurs.
Reading manager Steve Coppell, though, again insisted that the club has received no bids for the Republic of Ireland international – and Stephen then claimed his after-match comments were borne out of frustration.
Noel, who is expected to recover from a slight ankle injury, insisted: “I only know as much as you guys! He can’t go anywhere because there has been no bid accepted, but he is very professional. He loves the club and until he is told different that will stay the same.”
Reading are now just two points off the top of the Championship after beating leaders Wolves 1-0 on Tuesday night.
Ivar Ingimarsson will remain sidelined tomorrow by a knee problem, but Kalifa Cisse (ankle) should be fit to play.
Liam Rosenior is set to return from suspension at right-back, while Michael Duberry is hopeful of playing despite needing three stitches in a wound above his left eye during the first half of the Wolves match.
New signing Jay Tabb faces a battle just to make the bench. He made his first appearance in a Reading shirt on Wednesday in a behind-doors friendly with Spurs which ended 4-4.
Leroy Lita is also fine despite briefly dislocating his shoulder during Tuesday’s clash.
He revealed: “I dropped and didn’t feel anything and then I got up and my arm was out of place and not moving.
“I called the physio over and he was about to pop it back in, but the ref managed to do when he tried to move me off the pitch.
“It helped me, but it wasn’t a nice feeling. I’ve never felt anything like that before. It was painful but I managed to get through the rest of the game and I’m fine now.”
Despite Lita’s pain, Coppell joked about the striker’s dramatic reaction to having his shoulder popped back into place, by saying: “RADA (Royal Acting and Dramatic Art) took notice. They saw the acting abilities! No, it’s painful. Julian Kelly did it but said when it goes back in quickly it’s not an issue.”
Marcus Hahnemann is back in full training and could be on the bench tomorrow. Get WOkingham
READING CHRONICLE/Anthony Smith - Coppell wary of Rangers threat
- ROYALS boss Steve Coppell anticipates another close contest against Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road this Saturday (3pm ko).
- Rangers held Coppell’s side to a 0-0 draw at the Madejski Stadium in October and have one of the meanest defences in the division.
- Paulo Souza’s team have conceded just once in their last four league games, are unbeaten in seven and have not tasted defeat at Loftus Road since a 2-1 reverse against Burnley on November 15.
- Coppell warned: “They certainly don’t give much away. They showed that when we played them at home earlier in the season.
- “They play a very compact game and they have some strong players capable of winning matches. They haven’t splashed the cash but they have made some very good signings. They’re not buying their way out of the division - even though they are certainly capable of doing that.
- “We will go there and try to win but we know we are in for a tough game.”
- Royals put the recent 2-0 defeat at Swansea well and truly behind them by beating leaders Wolves 1-0 on Tuesday to close the gap to two points.
But Coppell warned: “It means nothing other than three points though it gives us a positive vibe. There was a great atmosphere afterwards because the players worked so hard.
“But it’s not going to make our season any easier or make any significant difference. I thought we had the better chances on the night but, as the home team, I expect us to have the edge.
“Our energy was admirable but it was a good contest between two good teams. The challenge for us now is to push on again...” Reading Chronicle
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - READING PREVIEW
- Buoyed by Tuesday night's 1-0 victory at home to Championship table-toppers Wolverhampton Wanderers, Steve Coppell's Reading outfit seem perfectly poised to mount an assault on the summit of the second tier.
- Indeed, victory against the Molineux men moved the Royals to within two points of top spot, but perhaps just as pleasing for Coppell, saw them bounce back from a rare defeat away at Swansea City just 10 days earlier.
- Neil Collins' own goal after only 61 seconds proved to be the difference, as 23,000-plus supporters packed into the Madejski Stadium on Tuesday evening.
Wolves, to their credit, had chances to level with Andy Keogh stabbing Matt Jarvis' cross wide from close range, but at the other end, Noel Hunt almost increased the lead for the hosts only to see his dipping free-kick well saved Wanderers stopper Wayne Hennessey.
Despite seeing his charges chalk up a 12th home victory of the campaign - the Championship's best home record by some distance - Coppell, who last May committed his future to the Royals in favour of a move elsewhere, refused to talk up his sides' title ambitions.
"I'm not even thinking about the championship. You'll get my bland answer that it's one game at a time," he said,
"The result is all important. The goal was not exactly something we've been working on but you take what you can.
"There wasn't much space for anyone to play football. We are two similar sides in the way we play and the shape we keep so it was always going to be difficult to break the deadlock.
"There is a third of the season to go and it is all to play for. I see it as psychologically important but not significant as to who goes up. It is three points and at this stage it doesn't matter who it comes against."
Whilst Coppell et al refuse to get too carried away, if the likes of Kevin Doyle and Noel Hunt continue to do their talking on the pitch over the coming months, the pre-season title favourites will almost certainly book their place back in the top tier - and Coppell's decision to stay put will seem like a good one.
Team News
Royals boss Steve Coppell could hand a debut to young defender Dan Harding, who yesterday penned a loan deal from Ipswich Town until the end of the season.
Michael Duberry (eye), Leroy Lita (shoulder), Noel Hunt (ankle) and Kalifa Cisse (ankle) are all major doubts, but right back Liam Rosenior is free to return following a recent suspension. QPR
Interesting Observation
Chris Wathon/Western Echo on Cardiff and Swansea's Promotion Rivals:
"...QPR, due to face both Cardiff and Swansea early next month, could yet feel the benefit of their January spending and a new manager as they hang around with intent.
But the Hoops, as with experienced promotion hunters Sheffield United, have to deal with six games each against top eight rivals in the run-in that will serve as true tests of credentials." Western Mail -- [QPR's Remaining Fixtures]
- QPR Stats This season- including vs Top and Bottom Teams
Teamtalk - Blades quash Kilgallon rumours
- Sheffield United assistant manager Sam Ellis has strongly denied the club has turned down a bid from QPR for Blades defender Matt Kilgallon.
It has been reported the Londoners have tabled a £1.5million offer for the 25-year-old central defender, who cost the Blades £1.75million when he signed from Leeds in January 2007.
- Ellis, who worked with Kilgallon during his time as assistant to manager Kevin Blackwell at Elland Road, said: "It's absolute nonsense.
- "It's a good job that the rumour hasn't upset Matt because they can unsettle players.
- "What happens is that a rumour starts and then the media turn it into a 'story'.
- "Sheffield United paid a lot of money for him and he has always been a good player - pace, heading ability and good on the floor. What more could you ask from a centre-back?"
Former QPR, Peter Crouch turns 28 today: Born January 30, 1981. Career Stats
Flashback Two Years Ago - QPR Drop Into The Relegation Trio with a Loss at Barnsley - QPR, were in the middle of a terrible run, From QPR's Last 12 League Games: 10 Losses and 2 wins:
January 30, 2007
17 Norwich 29 -11 34
18 Leicester 29 -9 33
19 Barnsley 30 -15 32
20 Hull 30 -11 31
21 Luton 30 -14 31
22 QPR 30 -12 30
23 Southend 30 -21 27
24 Leeds 29 -22 27
January 30, 2008
Norwich 29 35
Leicester 29 34
Blackpool 29 34
QPR 29 33
Coventry 28 32
Sheff Wed 28 31
Preston 29 30
Scunthorpe 29 27
Colchester 28 26
January 30, 2009
P GD PTS
1 Wolverhampton 29 21 59
2 Reading 29 32 57
3 Birmingham 29 10 55
4 Cardiff 28 13 48
5 Sheff Utd 29 14 47
6 Preston 29 4 47
7 QPR 29 4 45
8 Swansea 29 10 44
9 Burnley 29 -1 43
10 Ipswich 29 11 42
11 Crystal Palace 28 6 40
12 Bristol City 28 0 38
13 Sheff Wed 29 -10 38
14 Coventry 29 -3 37
15 Blackpool 29 -9 34
16 Plymouth 28 -6 33
17 Nottm Forest 29 -7 33
18 Barnsley 29 -10 32
19 Norwich 29 -7 30
20 Watford 29 -9 30
21 Doncaster 28 -12 30
22 Derby 28 -12 29
23 Southampton 29 -18 27
24 Charlton 29 -21 22
(BBC)
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Five QPR Nos - Borrowdale, Bolder, Kilgallaon, Flood and Bogdani
-
- 2009 Fanzine Awards: REMINDER: Friday, February 6, Voting Deadline: VOTE for the Best QPR Fanzine, Blog, Editor, Writer.
- Visit QPR Report's recently-launched QPR Report Messageboard. With its focus solely on QPR (and broader football matters), the "boutique" QPR Report messageboard aspires to be a little "different" and to bypass various QPR board differences! Visit the board for yourself and judge for yourself: You may or may not want to post; but you will (hopefully) want to read! All perspectives welcome! Viewing is open to all [To Post:Brief Registration required.)
On the QPR Report Messgaeboard Today:
- The Recent Club-QPR Fan Groups Meeting: Links to the different, partial reports (prior to the official minutes)
- Video: Richard Langley "Tribute" Compilation
- Interesting article about the problems in the Football Conference ("Division Five")
Paul Warburton/London Informer - QPR defender Gary Borrowdale drops a league to get game
-Gary Borrowdale would rather play for lowly Southend than waste his time at QPR.
- The angry defender made it known after a showdown with club bosses this week when he demanded to know why the club bought him in the first place if they weren't going to give him a chance.- As a result, the disgusted defender is ready to drop down a league and give it a go on-loan with the Shrimpers rather than twiddle his thumbs at Loftus Road
- The irony is Rangers were almost willing to pay around £800,000 last season for the left-back but decided on shelling out another £400k to Hull for Damien Delaney instead.
- And it was the Irishman's form in November and early December at the time QPR signed Borrowdale permanently from Coventry for a knockdown £125k that's seen the 23-year-old begging to get away.
- An Rs source said: "You have to feel for the lad. He thought he would be given a chance, and boss Paulo Sousa was thinking about offloading Delaney before he came back into form.
- "But Borrowdale wasn't match fit when he came to Rangers, and either Matt Connolly or Delaney can fit into the left-back spot, so it could be that Gary will be sold at the end of the season without ever playing for the club."
- Rangers were tying up loose ends last night for a permanent free transfer of midfielder Adam Bolder to Millwall. London Informer
QPR Official Site - Bolder Departs
- Adam Bolder has left Queens Park Rangers Football Club, after the midfielder's contract was terminated by mutual consent with immediate effect.
The 28 year-old, who is expected to put pen to paper on a deal with League One outfit Millwall, joined the R's in January 2007 from Derby County.
He made a total of 42 League and Cup appearances during his time in W12, and captained the Club under the guidance of former boss John Gregory.
The Club would like to place on record its thanks to Adam for his contribution and wish him every success for the future." QPR
News Shopper/Steven Jackson - Lions poised to sign QPR midfielder
- MILLWALL manager Kenny Jackett has told News Shopper he is expecting to complete the signing of midfielder Adam Bolder from QPR on a free transfer.
- Bolder was at the Lions’ training ground this morning for talks and Jackett is hopeful he will be available for the important clash against promotion rivals Scunthorpe on Saturday.
The 28-year-old impressed Jackett during his loan spell at the The Den earlier in the season before being called back to Loftus Road briefly.
Jackett always maintained he would like to bring Bolder back and today’s news is a major boost to the Lions’ promotion hopes.
He said: “We are hoping to sign Adam Bolder today on a permanent deal.
“It is all agreed and he is around the training ground today.
“He is a midfield player and had been on loan with us earlier in the season but went back to Q.P.R two or three weeks ago.
“They have given him a free transfer, so he is coming in on a free today.
“We will use the same squad which was at Hereford, but perhaps with Bolder added too...." News Shopper
CHRIS FLOOD RELEASED QPR Official Site - FLOOD MOVES ON
Young midfielder Chris Flood has left Queens Park Rangers Football Club, after having his contract terminated by mutual consent with immediate effect.
The teenager joined the R's as a free agent in August 2008, and featured regularly for the R's Reserve outift this season, scoring two goals in 10 appearances.
The Club would like to place on record its thanks to Chris for his contribution and wish him every success for the future. QPR
TEAMTALK - No Matthew Kilgallaon
"...QPR have failed in a £1.5m bid for Sheffield United's Matthew Kilgallon with the Blades wanting £4m for the defender" Teamtalk
Sporting Life - BOGDANI SHUNS QPR
Chievo Verona's Erjon Bogdani has reportedly shunned interest from Queens Park Rangers.
However, the Albania international could yet be on his way to England.
The likes of Roma and Lazio have expressed an interest in the 31-year-old, who has been playing in Italian football for 10 years.
But, according to skysports.com, he is now ready to try his luck elsewhere and a move to the Premier League is known to be a big appeal.
Both Hull and Fulham are understood to be keen, while Birmingham could yet try and persuade him to move to St Andrews. Sporting Life
- 2009 Fanzine Awards: REMINDER: Friday, February 6, Voting Deadline: VOTE for the Best QPR Fanzine, Blog, Editor, Writer.
- Visit QPR Report's recently-launched QPR Report Messageboard. With its focus solely on QPR (and broader football matters), the "boutique" QPR Report messageboard aspires to be a little "different" and to bypass various QPR board differences! Visit the board for yourself and judge for yourself: You may or may not want to post; but you will (hopefully) want to read! All perspectives welcome! Viewing is open to all [To Post:Brief Registration required.)
On the QPR Report Messgaeboard Today:
- The Recent Club-QPR Fan Groups Meeting: Links to the different, partial reports (prior to the official minutes)
- Video: Richard Langley "Tribute" Compilation
- Interesting article about the problems in the Football Conference ("Division Five")
Paul Warburton/London Informer - QPR defender Gary Borrowdale drops a league to get game
-Gary Borrowdale would rather play for lowly Southend than waste his time at QPR.
- The angry defender made it known after a showdown with club bosses this week when he demanded to know why the club bought him in the first place if they weren't going to give him a chance.- As a result, the disgusted defender is ready to drop down a league and give it a go on-loan with the Shrimpers rather than twiddle his thumbs at Loftus Road
- The irony is Rangers were almost willing to pay around £800,000 last season for the left-back but decided on shelling out another £400k to Hull for Damien Delaney instead.
- And it was the Irishman's form in November and early December at the time QPR signed Borrowdale permanently from Coventry for a knockdown £125k that's seen the 23-year-old begging to get away.
- An Rs source said: "You have to feel for the lad. He thought he would be given a chance, and boss Paulo Sousa was thinking about offloading Delaney before he came back into form.
- "But Borrowdale wasn't match fit when he came to Rangers, and either Matt Connolly or Delaney can fit into the left-back spot, so it could be that Gary will be sold at the end of the season without ever playing for the club."
- Rangers were tying up loose ends last night for a permanent free transfer of midfielder Adam Bolder to Millwall. London Informer
QPR Official Site - Bolder Departs
- Adam Bolder has left Queens Park Rangers Football Club, after the midfielder's contract was terminated by mutual consent with immediate effect.
The 28 year-old, who is expected to put pen to paper on a deal with League One outfit Millwall, joined the R's in January 2007 from Derby County.
He made a total of 42 League and Cup appearances during his time in W12, and captained the Club under the guidance of former boss John Gregory.
The Club would like to place on record its thanks to Adam for his contribution and wish him every success for the future." QPR
News Shopper/Steven Jackson - Lions poised to sign QPR midfielder
- MILLWALL manager Kenny Jackett has told News Shopper he is expecting to complete the signing of midfielder Adam Bolder from QPR on a free transfer.
- Bolder was at the Lions’ training ground this morning for talks and Jackett is hopeful he will be available for the important clash against promotion rivals Scunthorpe on Saturday.
The 28-year-old impressed Jackett during his loan spell at the The Den earlier in the season before being called back to Loftus Road briefly.
Jackett always maintained he would like to bring Bolder back and today’s news is a major boost to the Lions’ promotion hopes.
He said: “We are hoping to sign Adam Bolder today on a permanent deal.
“It is all agreed and he is around the training ground today.
“He is a midfield player and had been on loan with us earlier in the season but went back to Q.P.R two or three weeks ago.
“They have given him a free transfer, so he is coming in on a free today.
“We will use the same squad which was at Hereford, but perhaps with Bolder added too...." News Shopper
CHRIS FLOOD RELEASED QPR Official Site - FLOOD MOVES ON
Young midfielder Chris Flood has left Queens Park Rangers Football Club, after having his contract terminated by mutual consent with immediate effect.
The teenager joined the R's as a free agent in August 2008, and featured regularly for the R's Reserve outift this season, scoring two goals in 10 appearances.
The Club would like to place on record its thanks to Chris for his contribution and wish him every success for the future. QPR
TEAMTALK - No Matthew Kilgallaon
"...QPR have failed in a £1.5m bid for Sheffield United's Matthew Kilgallon with the Blades wanting £4m for the defender" Teamtalk
Sporting Life - BOGDANI SHUNS QPR
Chievo Verona's Erjon Bogdani has reportedly shunned interest from Queens Park Rangers.
However, the Albania international could yet be on his way to England.
The likes of Roma and Lazio have expressed an interest in the 31-year-old, who has been playing in Italian football for 10 years.
But, according to skysports.com, he is now ready to try his luck elsewhere and a move to the Premier League is known to be a big appeal.
Both Hull and Fulham are understood to be keen, while Birmingham could yet try and persuade him to move to St Andrews. Sporting Life
QPR Interest in Michael Johnson?...Sunderland's Murphy: Sale Only...Gorkss' Motivation ..."Ask Vinnie Jones"...Year Ago: QPR's Situation..Ex-Birthdays
-
- 2009 Fanzine Awards: REMINDER: Friday, February 6, Voting Deadline: VOTE for the Best QPR Fanzine, Blog, Editor, Writer.
- Visit QPR Report's recently-launched QPR Report Messageboard. With its focus solely on QPR (and broader football matters), the "boutique" QPR Report messageboard aspires to be a little "different" and to bypass various QPR board differences! Visit the board for yourself and judge for yourself: You may or may not want to post; but you will (hopefully) want to read! All perspectives welcome! Viewing is open to all [To Post:Brief Registration required.)
On the QPR Report Messgaeboard Today:
- The Recent Club-QPR Fan Groups Meeting: Links to the different, partial reports (prior to the official minutes)
- Video: Richard Langley "Tribute" Compilation
- Interesting article about the problems in the Football Conference ("Division Five")
- Coming Soon: Latest Football League Agents Fees Report (and past Reports re QPR Spending on Agents)
Tabloid: QPR Interest in Michael Johnson?
"QPR have a launched a £2m bid for Manchester City midfielder Michael Johnson. (Daily Star) BBC Gossip"
Jan 29 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal - Ricky has transfer rethink
- RICKY Sbragia has revealed that Sunderland are focusing on a new set of targets after conceding defeat in their bid to lure one of their priority defensive signings.
...Sunderland have had more success lightening their wage bill, with Graham Kavanagh, Ross Wallace and Pascal Chimbonda among the significant outgoings.
- And the Black Cats are hopeful of selling one more before the end of the month. That is believed to be Rade Prica, the subject of £1m bids from Danish sides FC Midtjylland and Aalborg.
- “We might try and get one more out, which would help us. That’s at a crucial stage at the moment – it depends on the player,” Sbragia said.
- QPR have an interest in Daryl Murphy but Sbragia said yesterday that he will not allow the striker to leave on loan.
- “QPR did enquire in the summer. But we won’t let him go out on loan – somebody would need to buy him,” he said. The Journal
EPL Talk - Vinnie Jones Interview: Questions Please
January 28th, 2009 By The Gaffer --> Comments
Deadline, Thursday 5pm ET (10 pm London Time)
- Vinnie Jones will be the next guest on the EPL Talk Podcast. If you have any questions you’d like host Johnathan Starling to ask him on air, please post them in the comments with your name, and we’ll pick out the best ones to ask the former Wimbledon player.
- Jones is an accomplished actor and footballer. As a footballer, he was part of the ‘Crazy Gang’ at Wimbledon which famously won the FA Cup in 1988. He also played for Leeds United, Sheffield united, Chelsea and Queens Park Rangers. In international football, he earned nine caps for Wales and even captained the side.
- He made his feature film debut in “Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels.” And has appeared in many other memorable roles in films such as “Snatch,” “X-Men,” “Swordfish,” “Gone In Sixty Seconds” and many more.
- Please submit your questions before Thursday, January 29 at 5pm ET. Ask Question
Blackpool Gazette/Steve Canavan - I didn't leave for the money - Gorkss
- QPR defender Kaspars Gorkss has claimed his departure from Bloomfield Road had nothing to do with money.
- Speaking for the first time about his reasons for leaving Blackpool in the summer, Gorkss told The Gazette that he had wanted to realise his dream of playing in the Premier League.
- He felt he had more chance of doing that with QPR than with the Seasiders.
- "In your career you never know how many opportunities you'll get to play for a team that is really trying to push for the Premier League," said the 27-year-old.
- "QPR had very big ambitions and that was my main reason for going.
- "I know a lot was spoken about money but it wasn't the most important thing.
- "The thing that's most important to me is my dream to play in the Premier League and the move has enabled the dream to get a bit closer."
- Gorkss had the last laugh when he returned to Bloomfield Road on Tuesday and helped QPR record a comfortable 3-0 victory.
- But the Latvian admitted he was touched by the reception he received from some fans, who at one point began chanting his name.
- "I want to say a big thank you to the supporters who clapped and shouted for me the other night and gave me a nice reception," added Gorkss.
- "Blackpool will always be my first club in England and I think it is the club where I spent my best season so far in my career.
- "I have only warm memories about this place, I enjoyed every day there and I want to thank the fans for that.
- "I still keep in touch with a lot of the Blackpool lads, especially good mates like Ben Burgess.
- "Ben has been telling people I've got a big mansion with a swimming pool in the back garden but he lies. Don't believe a word he says! Every fifth word is true at best.
- "I think the minimum aim for QPR now is the play-offs but I think and I hope that Blackpool can stay up.
- "I think the new managers had done well in the last few games prior to Tuesday.
- "Blackpool are always going to be my second favourite team in the Championship. I have followed their results all season and I hope they do well." Blackpool Gazette
Year Flashback: QPR 19th With 33 Points from 29 Games
- A Year ago, QPR lost 3-1 at Cardiff (Pat Agyemang scoring for QPR. This was QPR's team: Camp, Delaney, Mahon, Stewart, Buzsaky (Ephraim 62), Rowlands, Connolly (Blackstock 45), Agyemang, Vine, Hall (Mancienne 38), Leigertwood. Subs: Lee, Crowther. - Cardiff vs QPR Match Report
QPR were 19th, with 33 points from 29 Games. (This season, after 29 games, QPR have 45 points and are 7th. 45 points)
League Table January 29, 2008
17 Leicester 29 1 34
18 Blackpool 29 -1 34
19 QPR 29 -9 33
20 Coventry 28 -15 32
21 Sheff Wed 28 -5 31
22 Preston 29 -8 30
23 Scunthorpe 29 -17 27
24 Colchester 28 -8 26
Also One Year Ago: Simon Walton "Confusion":
- QPR OFFICIAL SITE - EXCLUSIVE: WALTON'S A LOAN RANGER
- "...Simon Walton has joined fellow Championship side Hull City on loan until the end of February....
HULL OFFICIAL SITE - City Agree Walton Loan
- The Tigers have signed midfielder Simon Walton on loan from Queens Park Rangers.
....[Walton] will be with the club until the end of the season. QPR Report
- And from QPR Report, a Year Ago "The Changing Face of QPR"> "...Much has been made in the press about QPR's "big spending" and signing of some nine or ten players. But QPR have also released a slew of players. Added to the players they released last summer (and the year before), and there's been an ongoing turnover of players at Loftus Road. ..." "The Changing Face of QPR"
Ex-QPR BIRTHDAYS TODAY: Steve Yates and Mark Stein
STEVE YATES TURNS 39
Steve Yates - Born January 29, 1970. Signed by Gerry Francis from Brisol Rovers as a replacement for Darren Peacock. Spent several years with QPR -
Mark Stein Turns 41
Signed by Jim Smith in 1988 from Luton for 300,000 pounds (at the same time Simon Barker joined QPR) Played for QPR from 1988-1989. Was a great scorer for subsequent clubs Stoke and Chelsea!
- 2009 Fanzine Awards: REMINDER: Friday, February 6, Voting Deadline: VOTE for the Best QPR Fanzine, Blog, Editor, Writer.
- Visit QPR Report's recently-launched QPR Report Messageboard. With its focus solely on QPR (and broader football matters), the "boutique" QPR Report messageboard aspires to be a little "different" and to bypass various QPR board differences! Visit the board for yourself and judge for yourself: You may or may not want to post; but you will (hopefully) want to read! All perspectives welcome! Viewing is open to all [To Post:Brief Registration required.)
On the QPR Report Messgaeboard Today:
- The Recent Club-QPR Fan Groups Meeting: Links to the different, partial reports (prior to the official minutes)
- Video: Richard Langley "Tribute" Compilation
- Interesting article about the problems in the Football Conference ("Division Five")
- Coming Soon: Latest Football League Agents Fees Report (and past Reports re QPR Spending on Agents)
Tabloid: QPR Interest in Michael Johnson?
"QPR have a launched a £2m bid for Manchester City midfielder Michael Johnson. (Daily Star) BBC Gossip"
Jan 29 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal - Ricky has transfer rethink
- RICKY Sbragia has revealed that Sunderland are focusing on a new set of targets after conceding defeat in their bid to lure one of their priority defensive signings.
...Sunderland have had more success lightening their wage bill, with Graham Kavanagh, Ross Wallace and Pascal Chimbonda among the significant outgoings.
- And the Black Cats are hopeful of selling one more before the end of the month. That is believed to be Rade Prica, the subject of £1m bids from Danish sides FC Midtjylland and Aalborg.
- “We might try and get one more out, which would help us. That’s at a crucial stage at the moment – it depends on the player,” Sbragia said.
- QPR have an interest in Daryl Murphy but Sbragia said yesterday that he will not allow the striker to leave on loan.
- “QPR did enquire in the summer. But we won’t let him go out on loan – somebody would need to buy him,” he said. The Journal
EPL Talk - Vinnie Jones Interview: Questions Please
January 28th, 2009 By The Gaffer --> Comments
Deadline, Thursday 5pm ET (10 pm London Time)
- Vinnie Jones will be the next guest on the EPL Talk Podcast. If you have any questions you’d like host Johnathan Starling to ask him on air, please post them in the comments with your name, and we’ll pick out the best ones to ask the former Wimbledon player.
- Jones is an accomplished actor and footballer. As a footballer, he was part of the ‘Crazy Gang’ at Wimbledon which famously won the FA Cup in 1988. He also played for Leeds United, Sheffield united, Chelsea and Queens Park Rangers. In international football, he earned nine caps for Wales and even captained the side.
- He made his feature film debut in “Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels.” And has appeared in many other memorable roles in films such as “Snatch,” “X-Men,” “Swordfish,” “Gone In Sixty Seconds” and many more.
- Please submit your questions before Thursday, January 29 at 5pm ET. Ask Question
Blackpool Gazette/Steve Canavan - I didn't leave for the money - Gorkss
- QPR defender Kaspars Gorkss has claimed his departure from Bloomfield Road had nothing to do with money.
- Speaking for the first time about his reasons for leaving Blackpool in the summer, Gorkss told The Gazette that he had wanted to realise his dream of playing in the Premier League.
- He felt he had more chance of doing that with QPR than with the Seasiders.
- "In your career you never know how many opportunities you'll get to play for a team that is really trying to push for the Premier League," said the 27-year-old.
- "QPR had very big ambitions and that was my main reason for going.
- "I know a lot was spoken about money but it wasn't the most important thing.
- "The thing that's most important to me is my dream to play in the Premier League and the move has enabled the dream to get a bit closer."
- Gorkss had the last laugh when he returned to Bloomfield Road on Tuesday and helped QPR record a comfortable 3-0 victory.
- But the Latvian admitted he was touched by the reception he received from some fans, who at one point began chanting his name.
- "I want to say a big thank you to the supporters who clapped and shouted for me the other night and gave me a nice reception," added Gorkss.
- "Blackpool will always be my first club in England and I think it is the club where I spent my best season so far in my career.
- "I have only warm memories about this place, I enjoyed every day there and I want to thank the fans for that.
- "I still keep in touch with a lot of the Blackpool lads, especially good mates like Ben Burgess.
- "Ben has been telling people I've got a big mansion with a swimming pool in the back garden but he lies. Don't believe a word he says! Every fifth word is true at best.
- "I think the minimum aim for QPR now is the play-offs but I think and I hope that Blackpool can stay up.
- "I think the new managers had done well in the last few games prior to Tuesday.
- "Blackpool are always going to be my second favourite team in the Championship. I have followed their results all season and I hope they do well." Blackpool Gazette
Year Flashback: QPR 19th With 33 Points from 29 Games
- A Year ago, QPR lost 3-1 at Cardiff (Pat Agyemang scoring for QPR. This was QPR's team: Camp, Delaney, Mahon, Stewart, Buzsaky (Ephraim 62), Rowlands, Connolly (Blackstock 45), Agyemang, Vine, Hall (Mancienne 38), Leigertwood. Subs: Lee, Crowther. - Cardiff vs QPR Match Report
QPR were 19th, with 33 points from 29 Games. (This season, after 29 games, QPR have 45 points and are 7th. 45 points)
League Table January 29, 2008
17 Leicester 29 1 34
18 Blackpool 29 -1 34
19 QPR 29 -9 33
20 Coventry 28 -15 32
21 Sheff Wed 28 -5 31
22 Preston 29 -8 30
23 Scunthorpe 29 -17 27
24 Colchester 28 -8 26
Also One Year Ago: Simon Walton "Confusion":
- QPR OFFICIAL SITE - EXCLUSIVE: WALTON'S A LOAN RANGER
- "...Simon Walton has joined fellow Championship side Hull City on loan until the end of February....
HULL OFFICIAL SITE - City Agree Walton Loan
- The Tigers have signed midfielder Simon Walton on loan from Queens Park Rangers.
....[Walton] will be with the club until the end of the season. QPR Report
- And from QPR Report, a Year Ago "The Changing Face of QPR"> "...Much has been made in the press about QPR's "big spending" and signing of some nine or ten players. But QPR have also released a slew of players. Added to the players they released last summer (and the year before), and there's been an ongoing turnover of players at Loftus Road. ..." "The Changing Face of QPR"
Ex-QPR BIRTHDAYS TODAY: Steve Yates and Mark Stein
STEVE YATES TURNS 39
Steve Yates - Born January 29, 1970. Signed by Gerry Francis from Brisol Rovers as a replacement for Darren Peacock. Spent several years with QPR -
Mark Stein Turns 41
Signed by Jim Smith in 1988 from Luton for 300,000 pounds (at the same time Simon Barker joined QPR) Played for QPR from 1988-1989. Was a great scorer for subsequent clubs Stoke and Chelsea!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
QPR Season Ticket Marketing...Camp Back?... Cook Suspended...Bircham As QPR Coach?...Mahon Captains and Praises Swansea...Paquette's Perspective
-
- 2009 Fanzine Awards: REMINDER: Friday, February 6, Voting Deadline: VOTE for the Best QPR Fanzine, Blog, Editor, Writer.
- Visit QPR Report's recently-launched QPR Report Messageboard. With its focus solely on QPR and general interest football matters; old video snippets (Today From 1974/75: QPR vs West Ham); and, of course, posters' opinions - the messageboard aspires to offer something a little different. So visit frequently; and post, often! All perspectives welcome! [Posting Registration required.)
Recently-Posted Articles on the QPR Report Messageboard:
- QPR video from 1974/75: QPR vs West Ham
- Gianni Paladini at Blackpool
- "Clubs Facing Losing Next Generation of Football Fans" - "Over half of football fans with children say the increasing cost of attending games is preventing them from taking their kids to matches..."
- Football Clubs Hiring Sleep Experts!
- Hull to Bill Millwall for Stand Damage
- "Real Madrid Tolerate Fascism"
- "The 50 Worst Things About Modern Football"
- Report: Greater sponsorship/advertisements Geared to Female Supporters
MAD.Co.Uk - QPR draws up shortlist for season ticket brief
Source: Marketing Week | Published: 28 January 2009
- Queens Park Rangers Football Club has started a pitch for its season ticket campaign, which will also encompass broader brand positioning work.
- The club has shortlisted Newcastle-based Cravens, Dawson & Partners, B-street, and design agencies ’Cuda and Cre8.
- Two of the shortlisted agencies have already worked with the club. Cravens created QPR’s season ticket drive last year and Cre8 works on the club's matchday programmes and other publications on an ongoing basis.
- The pitch is being led by QPR marketing manager Joe Kyle, who will be joined by deputy managing director Ali Russell for the presentations.
- The club hopes to have completed the process next week and that work on the season ticket campaign will begin immediately.
- Kyle says the campaign will underline QPR’s brand positioning but the core message will relate to season tickets.
- The agency appointment is the latest move in an overarching strategy to position QPR as a global brand, as stated by club chairman and Renault’s Formula One boss Flavio Briatore, who took control of QPR in 2007 when the club was on the brink of bankruptcy.
- The club restructured its sponsorship strategy by terminating local deals and seeking large multinational companies as partners. At the end of March, the club announced it had signed a five-year deal worth £20m with Italian sportswear firm Lotto Sport Italia as kit manufacturer.
- The deal is one of biggest in Championship’s history. In June, QPR signed a seven-figure deal with Abbey as financial services partner and in July, a further multimillion pound deal was signed with Gulf Air as shirt sponsors. MAD - See Marketing Week
London Informer/Paul Warburton- Lee Camp earns QPR keeper place at Blackpool
- Lee Camp has been told he can claim his QPR keeper's shirt back permanently - if he keeps performing like he did in last night's 3-0 win at Blackpool.
- The England U21 custodian has been handed a lifeline by boss Paulo Sousa, partially because first choice Radek Cerny pulled a hamstring in training Ð and partially because want-away Camp has re-committed himself to life at Loftus Road.
- The 24-year-old was bitterly disappointed Nottingham Forest were unwilling to offer anywhere near Rangers £1m valuation for him - despite earning rave reviews while he was on loan at the City Ground for three months.
- But Cerny's injury is the silver lining for the Derby-born player, who was ousted from the number one shirt when the Czech keeper was signed from Tottenham last summer
London Informer
QPR Official Site: DISCIPLINARY UPDATE - COOK SUSPENDED
Lee Cook will serve a one match suspension after picking up his fifth yellow card of the campaign against Blackpool on Tuesday night.
The R's midfielder was booked late on at Bloomfield Road and will now miss our home clash against in-form Swansea City at Loftus Road next Tuesday.
Kilburn Times/Ben Kosky - Mahon admires Swans' graceful movement
- QPR face their sternest test of the season in the coming week, according to Gavin Mahon - but he isn't talking about Reading.
- The tough-tackling Rs midfielder rates the Royals - managed by his former Brentford boss Steve Coppell - very highly, but he reckons FA Cup giant-killers Swansea are even better.
- The Welshmen, who sent holders Portsmouth packing last weekend, visit Loftus Road on Tuesday night, three days after Rangers' showdown with Reading.
- Recalling the Rs' goalless draw at Swansea in October, Mahon declared: "Personally, I think Swansea are the best team I've seen or played against this season.
- "A lot of teams have gone there and lost. I watched them on TV the other week against Burnley and they passed them off the park.
- "Their movement off the ball is so good, especially with Jason Scotland up front. I think Roberto Martinez has done a great job at Swansea and I wouldn't be surprised if he goes on to a bigger club.
- "These are going to be two big games. There aren't many people talking about QPR, but we've beaten some of the top teams in this league and there's no reason why we can't keep doing that."
- Despite Swansea's impressive home record, Rangers' result at the Liberty Stadium was clearly deemed unacceptable by co-owner Flavio Briatore, who dismissed manager Iain Dowie prior to the following game.
- With Gareth Ainsworth at the helm, it was ironic that the team then achieved an identical result at Reading, another ground where few visitors have avoided defeat all season.
- Mahon, who played under Coppell before joining Watford in 2002, said: "Steve's a top manager, especially in this division. He knows a good player when he sees one and his teams always have a solid spine.
- "They've got Ivar Ingimarsson at the back, [James] Harper or [Brynjar] Gunnarsson and Kevin Doyle. Steve was a winger, so he knows how many goals come from crosses, from getting balls in the box and he's got people who can do that out wide.
- "Reading are good going forward - we saw that when we played at their ground earlier in the season.
- "But we're defensively solid, we coped with them well on that occasion and we'll be expecting to get another result against them."
- Along with Preston and Crystal Palace, Rangers are one of the play-off chasing sides who can focus solely on securing that prize without the potential distraction of the FA Cup.
- Cardiff and Burnley both face replays next week, while Sheffield United are already through to the fifth round, meaning all three will fall behind on their Championship fixtures.
- But Mahon dismissed suggestions that QPR could benefit from their traditional early FA Cup exit, saying: "Sometimes you can go up the league on the back of a good cup run.
- "That's because you're winning games and your confidence is high. In this league you play two games a week for long periods, but when you're winning you don't feel tired - you can't wait to get back out there.
- "I think Burnley will blow up this season because they've had a lot of games and they haven't got the biggest of squads. But with that said I'd rather have a cup run as well. Kilburn Times
Ben Kosky/ KILBURN TIMES - Birch aims to go back as boss
- FORMER QPR star Marc Bircham admits he would leap at an opportunity to return to Loftus Road in a coaching role.- Bircham, who called time on his playing career earlier this month after an injury-ravaged spell with Yeovil, is due to complete his UEFA coaching licence in the summer.
- "Football's all I've ever known and I started doing my badges when I was 26," Bircham told the Times. "In the long-term, if a job comes along at whatever level, I'd be interested.
- "Of course I'd love to go back to QPR as a coach or manager one day. I know the club's operating at a different financial level now, but I'd love to do it, whether it was the first team, reserves or whatever."
- The ex-Rangers midfielder is still only 30, but his career was blighted by persistent back and hamstring injuries even before he left Loftus Road in 2007.
- And an ankle ligament injury last September proved decisive as Bircham learned the operation he required would keep him out for the season, with no guarantee of an eventual playing return.
- But he insists he has no regrets about retirement, pointing out: "I had a great career in my eyes because I lived my dream and did everything I wanted to do.
- "I played for QPR, I captained QPR and I won promotion with QPR, so I can't be disappointed - thousands of Rangers fans never get that opportunity.
- "There were lots of highlights - promotion, of course and scoring the winner at Brentford to help make sure we got in the play-offs when Tranmere were right on our tails.
- "I miss the day to day banter, but not the actual training and playing. For the last few years, I played with pain and sometimes I'd be taking four painkillers just to get through a game.
- "I had to think twice about playing golf or even picking up my baby just in case I aggravated the injuries, so in that sense it's a heavy weight off my shoulders."
- Bircham, who made 167 appearances in his five seasons at QPR, is also planning to set up a soccer school in Cyprus once he attains his UEFA licence. Kilburn Times
Kilburn Times/Dave McIntyre - Blackpool 0 QPR 3
- A PEP talk from stand-in skipper Gavin Mahon helped QPR storm to another away victory on Tuesday night.
- Rangers brushed aside Blackpool after Mahon, captaining the side while Martin Rowlands is sidelined, urged his team-mates to prove they were genuine promotion contenders by winning at a rain-soaked Bloomfield Road.
- Mikele Leigertwood, who battled alongside Mahon in midfield, explained: "Gavin made the point in the dressing-room that, if we want to achieve things this season, we've got to go to places like Blackpool and get maximum points.
- "It fired us up and everyone was up for the battle. We'll approach every game in that fashion - that's the way we're looking at it from now until the end of the season.
- "We scored three but it's not an easy place to play and there were definitely parts of that game where we had to scrap. We knew if we could do that we'd have enough quality to go and create chances."
- Back-to-back away wins is a major boost for a side who waited four months for a victory on the road before their recent triumph at Derby.
- A midweek game in miserable conditions away to a Blackpool side that beat Birmingham on Saturday seemed a tough assignment, but one a team capable of sustaining a promotion push must look to win.
- And QPR delivered. Heidar Helguson got their first two goals and Hogan Ephraim rounded the night off with the third, sending the 200 Rangers fans who braved the rain home happy.
- "It's been well publicised that we've struggled away from home, so two away wins on the bounce is encouraging," Leigertwood added. "At the start of the season people were talking about us winning promotion. That's not so much the case now, but we know if we can put a run of games together it's wide open."
- Helguson started and finished the move that led to the opening goal, laying the ball off to Wayne Routledge and then sprinting into the box to head home the winger's fine cross.
- Blackpool then had spells of pressure and keeper Lee Camp made a couple of smart saves.
- Camp was recalled because of Radek Cerny's hamstring problem, while recent signing Liam Miller made his debut in midfield and had a steady game before being substituted in the second half.
- Helguson's second goal - a coolly taken penalty after he had been tripped by former R's defender Ian Evatt - effectively sealed the win for Rangers.
- The Icelander was replaced by Dexter Blackstock, who hit the bar with a deflected shot before Ephraim struck in injury time, collecting Lee Cook's pass and firing into the bottom corner.
- QPR: Camp; Connolly (Hall 88), Stewart, Gorkss, Delaney; Routledge, Leigertwood, Mahon, Miller (Ephraim 54), Cook; HELGUSON* (Blackstock 75). Kilburn Times
Non League Football Paper/John Lyons - Richard Pacquette (Maidenhead United)
- Trying To Build On My Kop Glory Day
- IT’S HARD to believe that a year ago this weekend I was playing and scoring for Havant & Waterlooville at Liverpool in the FA Cup.
The year has flown by, but my memories are still strong. Walking out in front of a massive crowd and hearing the fans singing You'll Never Walk Alone was amazing – and to score in front of the Kop was even better.
A few days ago I was saying to Rocky (Baptiste), now a team-mate at Maidenhead, that this time last year we were looking forward to going to Liverpool and we were having a laugh about it.
People keep reminding me about the game – and I don’t mind. Even last week the referee in our home game against AFC Wimbledon was saying to me ‘Good game against Liverpool’ and I was saying ‘Leave it out!’
The Liverpool match had knock-on effects. I’d played in the League for QPR and it showed that I still had it.
In May I gave up my job as a standards officer at a school in Brent and decided to concentrate on my football. Although Maidenhead are part-time, I’ve been training every day and trying to get as sharp as possible.
I thought I owed it to myself to give it another shot at getting back into full-time football. Being fresh for games and having the chance to focus on your fitness makes a big difference. I’ve got 13 Blue Square South goals this season and I know I’m good enough to be successful as a professional if someone gives
me the chance. I proved I could play in the League at QPR and I’ve got more experience now.
It was a wrench to leave Havant last March after the success we had, but the gaffer Shaun Gale was leaving me out even though I was second top scorer and doing well.
My opportunities were limited and I didn’t want my season to peter out, so I moved to Maidenhead. I know manager Johnson Hippolyte very well and I'm enjoying my football.
We’ve had a blip, but we are still in touching distance of third and fourth place, and are aiming for the play-offs.
Yesterday we were due at Bishop’s Stortford. Not quite Anfield, but you have to treat every game the same. Then we’ve got Havant at home on Tuesday night, the day before my 26th birthday.
The fans at Havant are great and they still message me. I will always have fond memories of them, but I would still like a birthday goal.
Last year’s FA Cup was something I’ll never forget and I just hope the two Non-League sides left in the competition yesterday – Kettering and Torquay – did themselves proud.
I was especially keen to keep an eye out to see how Kettering got on. My old Havant team-mate Alfie Potter plays for them and I’ve got a few mates there. Non League Football Paper
- 2009 Fanzine Awards: REMINDER: Friday, February 6, Voting Deadline: VOTE for the Best QPR Fanzine, Blog, Editor, Writer.
- Visit QPR Report's recently-launched QPR Report Messageboard. With its focus solely on QPR and general interest football matters; old video snippets (Today From 1974/75: QPR vs West Ham); and, of course, posters' opinions - the messageboard aspires to offer something a little different. So visit frequently; and post, often! All perspectives welcome! [Posting Registration required.)
Recently-Posted Articles on the QPR Report Messageboard:
- QPR video from 1974/75: QPR vs West Ham
- Gianni Paladini at Blackpool
- "Clubs Facing Losing Next Generation of Football Fans" - "Over half of football fans with children say the increasing cost of attending games is preventing them from taking their kids to matches..."
- Football Clubs Hiring Sleep Experts!
- Hull to Bill Millwall for Stand Damage
- "Real Madrid Tolerate Fascism"
- "The 50 Worst Things About Modern Football"
- Report: Greater sponsorship/advertisements Geared to Female Supporters
MAD.Co.Uk - QPR draws up shortlist for season ticket brief
Source: Marketing Week | Published: 28 January 2009
- Queens Park Rangers Football Club has started a pitch for its season ticket campaign, which will also encompass broader brand positioning work.
- The club has shortlisted Newcastle-based Cravens, Dawson & Partners, B-street, and design agencies ’Cuda and Cre8.
- Two of the shortlisted agencies have already worked with the club. Cravens created QPR’s season ticket drive last year and Cre8 works on the club's matchday programmes and other publications on an ongoing basis.
- The pitch is being led by QPR marketing manager Joe Kyle, who will be joined by deputy managing director Ali Russell for the presentations.
- The club hopes to have completed the process next week and that work on the season ticket campaign will begin immediately.
- Kyle says the campaign will underline QPR’s brand positioning but the core message will relate to season tickets.
- The agency appointment is the latest move in an overarching strategy to position QPR as a global brand, as stated by club chairman and Renault’s Formula One boss Flavio Briatore, who took control of QPR in 2007 when the club was on the brink of bankruptcy.
- The club restructured its sponsorship strategy by terminating local deals and seeking large multinational companies as partners. At the end of March, the club announced it had signed a five-year deal worth £20m with Italian sportswear firm Lotto Sport Italia as kit manufacturer.
- The deal is one of biggest in Championship’s history. In June, QPR signed a seven-figure deal with Abbey as financial services partner and in July, a further multimillion pound deal was signed with Gulf Air as shirt sponsors. MAD - See Marketing Week
London Informer/Paul Warburton- Lee Camp earns QPR keeper place at Blackpool
- Lee Camp has been told he can claim his QPR keeper's shirt back permanently - if he keeps performing like he did in last night's 3-0 win at Blackpool.
- The England U21 custodian has been handed a lifeline by boss Paulo Sousa, partially because first choice Radek Cerny pulled a hamstring in training Ð and partially because want-away Camp has re-committed himself to life at Loftus Road.
- The 24-year-old was bitterly disappointed Nottingham Forest were unwilling to offer anywhere near Rangers £1m valuation for him - despite earning rave reviews while he was on loan at the City Ground for three months.
- But Cerny's injury is the silver lining for the Derby-born player, who was ousted from the number one shirt when the Czech keeper was signed from Tottenham last summer
London Informer
QPR Official Site: DISCIPLINARY UPDATE - COOK SUSPENDED
Lee Cook will serve a one match suspension after picking up his fifth yellow card of the campaign against Blackpool on Tuesday night.
The R's midfielder was booked late on at Bloomfield Road and will now miss our home clash against in-form Swansea City at Loftus Road next Tuesday.
Kilburn Times/Ben Kosky - Mahon admires Swans' graceful movement
- QPR face their sternest test of the season in the coming week, according to Gavin Mahon - but he isn't talking about Reading.
- The tough-tackling Rs midfielder rates the Royals - managed by his former Brentford boss Steve Coppell - very highly, but he reckons FA Cup giant-killers Swansea are even better.
- The Welshmen, who sent holders Portsmouth packing last weekend, visit Loftus Road on Tuesday night, three days after Rangers' showdown with Reading.
- Recalling the Rs' goalless draw at Swansea in October, Mahon declared: "Personally, I think Swansea are the best team I've seen or played against this season.
- "A lot of teams have gone there and lost. I watched them on TV the other week against Burnley and they passed them off the park.
- "Their movement off the ball is so good, especially with Jason Scotland up front. I think Roberto Martinez has done a great job at Swansea and I wouldn't be surprised if he goes on to a bigger club.
- "These are going to be two big games. There aren't many people talking about QPR, but we've beaten some of the top teams in this league and there's no reason why we can't keep doing that."
- Despite Swansea's impressive home record, Rangers' result at the Liberty Stadium was clearly deemed unacceptable by co-owner Flavio Briatore, who dismissed manager Iain Dowie prior to the following game.
- With Gareth Ainsworth at the helm, it was ironic that the team then achieved an identical result at Reading, another ground where few visitors have avoided defeat all season.
- Mahon, who played under Coppell before joining Watford in 2002, said: "Steve's a top manager, especially in this division. He knows a good player when he sees one and his teams always have a solid spine.
- "They've got Ivar Ingimarsson at the back, [James] Harper or [Brynjar] Gunnarsson and Kevin Doyle. Steve was a winger, so he knows how many goals come from crosses, from getting balls in the box and he's got people who can do that out wide.
- "Reading are good going forward - we saw that when we played at their ground earlier in the season.
- "But we're defensively solid, we coped with them well on that occasion and we'll be expecting to get another result against them."
- Along with Preston and Crystal Palace, Rangers are one of the play-off chasing sides who can focus solely on securing that prize without the potential distraction of the FA Cup.
- Cardiff and Burnley both face replays next week, while Sheffield United are already through to the fifth round, meaning all three will fall behind on their Championship fixtures.
- But Mahon dismissed suggestions that QPR could benefit from their traditional early FA Cup exit, saying: "Sometimes you can go up the league on the back of a good cup run.
- "That's because you're winning games and your confidence is high. In this league you play two games a week for long periods, but when you're winning you don't feel tired - you can't wait to get back out there.
- "I think Burnley will blow up this season because they've had a lot of games and they haven't got the biggest of squads. But with that said I'd rather have a cup run as well. Kilburn Times
Ben Kosky/ KILBURN TIMES - Birch aims to go back as boss
- FORMER QPR star Marc Bircham admits he would leap at an opportunity to return to Loftus Road in a coaching role.- Bircham, who called time on his playing career earlier this month after an injury-ravaged spell with Yeovil, is due to complete his UEFA coaching licence in the summer.
- "Football's all I've ever known and I started doing my badges when I was 26," Bircham told the Times. "In the long-term, if a job comes along at whatever level, I'd be interested.
- "Of course I'd love to go back to QPR as a coach or manager one day. I know the club's operating at a different financial level now, but I'd love to do it, whether it was the first team, reserves or whatever."
- The ex-Rangers midfielder is still only 30, but his career was blighted by persistent back and hamstring injuries even before he left Loftus Road in 2007.
- And an ankle ligament injury last September proved decisive as Bircham learned the operation he required would keep him out for the season, with no guarantee of an eventual playing return.
- But he insists he has no regrets about retirement, pointing out: "I had a great career in my eyes because I lived my dream and did everything I wanted to do.
- "I played for QPR, I captained QPR and I won promotion with QPR, so I can't be disappointed - thousands of Rangers fans never get that opportunity.
- "There were lots of highlights - promotion, of course and scoring the winner at Brentford to help make sure we got in the play-offs when Tranmere were right on our tails.
- "I miss the day to day banter, but not the actual training and playing. For the last few years, I played with pain and sometimes I'd be taking four painkillers just to get through a game.
- "I had to think twice about playing golf or even picking up my baby just in case I aggravated the injuries, so in that sense it's a heavy weight off my shoulders."
- Bircham, who made 167 appearances in his five seasons at QPR, is also planning to set up a soccer school in Cyprus once he attains his UEFA licence. Kilburn Times
Kilburn Times/Dave McIntyre - Blackpool 0 QPR 3
- A PEP talk from stand-in skipper Gavin Mahon helped QPR storm to another away victory on Tuesday night.
- Rangers brushed aside Blackpool after Mahon, captaining the side while Martin Rowlands is sidelined, urged his team-mates to prove they were genuine promotion contenders by winning at a rain-soaked Bloomfield Road.
- Mikele Leigertwood, who battled alongside Mahon in midfield, explained: "Gavin made the point in the dressing-room that, if we want to achieve things this season, we've got to go to places like Blackpool and get maximum points.
- "It fired us up and everyone was up for the battle. We'll approach every game in that fashion - that's the way we're looking at it from now until the end of the season.
- "We scored three but it's not an easy place to play and there were definitely parts of that game where we had to scrap. We knew if we could do that we'd have enough quality to go and create chances."
- Back-to-back away wins is a major boost for a side who waited four months for a victory on the road before their recent triumph at Derby.
- A midweek game in miserable conditions away to a Blackpool side that beat Birmingham on Saturday seemed a tough assignment, but one a team capable of sustaining a promotion push must look to win.
- And QPR delivered. Heidar Helguson got their first two goals and Hogan Ephraim rounded the night off with the third, sending the 200 Rangers fans who braved the rain home happy.
- "It's been well publicised that we've struggled away from home, so two away wins on the bounce is encouraging," Leigertwood added. "At the start of the season people were talking about us winning promotion. That's not so much the case now, but we know if we can put a run of games together it's wide open."
- Helguson started and finished the move that led to the opening goal, laying the ball off to Wayne Routledge and then sprinting into the box to head home the winger's fine cross.
- Blackpool then had spells of pressure and keeper Lee Camp made a couple of smart saves.
- Camp was recalled because of Radek Cerny's hamstring problem, while recent signing Liam Miller made his debut in midfield and had a steady game before being substituted in the second half.
- Helguson's second goal - a coolly taken penalty after he had been tripped by former R's defender Ian Evatt - effectively sealed the win for Rangers.
- The Icelander was replaced by Dexter Blackstock, who hit the bar with a deflected shot before Ephraim struck in injury time, collecting Lee Cook's pass and firing into the bottom corner.
- QPR: Camp; Connolly (Hall 88), Stewart, Gorkss, Delaney; Routledge, Leigertwood, Mahon, Miller (Ephraim 54), Cook; HELGUSON* (Blackstock 75). Kilburn Times
Non League Football Paper/John Lyons - Richard Pacquette (Maidenhead United)
- Trying To Build On My Kop Glory Day
- IT’S HARD to believe that a year ago this weekend I was playing and scoring for Havant & Waterlooville at Liverpool in the FA Cup.
The year has flown by, but my memories are still strong. Walking out in front of a massive crowd and hearing the fans singing You'll Never Walk Alone was amazing – and to score in front of the Kop was even better.
A few days ago I was saying to Rocky (Baptiste), now a team-mate at Maidenhead, that this time last year we were looking forward to going to Liverpool and we were having a laugh about it.
People keep reminding me about the game – and I don’t mind. Even last week the referee in our home game against AFC Wimbledon was saying to me ‘Good game against Liverpool’ and I was saying ‘Leave it out!’
The Liverpool match had knock-on effects. I’d played in the League for QPR and it showed that I still had it.
In May I gave up my job as a standards officer at a school in Brent and decided to concentrate on my football. Although Maidenhead are part-time, I’ve been training every day and trying to get as sharp as possible.
I thought I owed it to myself to give it another shot at getting back into full-time football. Being fresh for games and having the chance to focus on your fitness makes a big difference. I’ve got 13 Blue Square South goals this season and I know I’m good enough to be successful as a professional if someone gives
me the chance. I proved I could play in the League at QPR and I’ve got more experience now.
It was a wrench to leave Havant last March after the success we had, but the gaffer Shaun Gale was leaving me out even though I was second top scorer and doing well.
My opportunities were limited and I didn’t want my season to peter out, so I moved to Maidenhead. I know manager Johnson Hippolyte very well and I'm enjoying my football.
We’ve had a blip, but we are still in touching distance of third and fourth place, and are aiming for the play-offs.
Yesterday we were due at Bishop’s Stortford. Not quite Anfield, but you have to treat every game the same. Then we’ve got Havant at home on Tuesday night, the day before my 26th birthday.
The fans at Havant are great and they still message me. I will always have fond memories of them, but I would still like a birthday goal.
Last year’s FA Cup was something I’ll never forget and I just hope the two Non-League sides left in the competition yesterday – Kettering and Torquay – did themselves proud.
I was especially keen to keep an eye out to see how Kettering got on. My old Havant team-mate Alfie Potter plays for them and I’ve got a few mates there. Non League Football Paper
QPR's Blackpool Win - Match Reports and Managerial Comments
-
- 2009 Fanzine Awards: REMINDER: Friday, February 6, Voting Deadline: VOTE for the Best QPR Fanzine, Blog, Editor, Writer.
- Visit QPR Report's recently-launched QPR Report Messageboard. With its focus solely on QPR and general interest football matters; old video snippets (Today From 1974/75: QPR vs West Ham); and, of course, posters' opinions - the messageboard aspires to offer something a little different. So visit frequently; and post, often! All perspectives welcome! [Posting Registration required.)
Recently-Posted Articles on the QPR Report Messageboard:
- QPR video from 1974/75: QPR vs West Ham
- Gianni Paladini at Blackpool
- "Clubs Facing Losing Next Generation of Football Fans" - "Over half of football fans with children say the increasing cost of attending games is preventing them from taking their kids to matches..."
- Football Clubs Hiring Sleep Experts!
- Hull to Bill Millwall for Stand Damage
- "Real Madrid Tolerate Fascism"
- "The 50 Worst Things About Modern Football"
- Report: Greater sponsorship/advertisements Geared to Female Supporters
BLACKPOOK VS QPR - REPORTS & COMMENTS
Blackpool 0 QPR 3 - QPR Official Site - SOUSA: 'THE BELIEF IS GROWING
- Rangers boss Paulo Sousa hailed his side, as they recorded back-to-back wins in style at Bloomfield Road.
- Heidar Helguson's brace and a well-taken third from Hogan Ephraim capped a first class performance from the Hoops.
- "We all believe, as a squad of players, and when you believe you achieve," he told www.qpr.co.uk.
- "We overcame a big barrier tonight with this win and I am very proud of them all.
- "Of course this form has been coming, anyone who has seen us could tell you that, but I am still ever so pleased with the consistency we are showing now.
- "This is a significant victory, our second away from home in a row. Two cleans sheets and five goals is a very good return and one I am proud of."
- Sousa also reserved special praise for the travelling 202 R's fans who made the trip north, commenting: "I'm delighted for them and for everyone connected to QPR.
- "They, like the team, did everything to the highest level, cheering their hearts out for 90 plus minutes.
- "They were a credit to Club, as were the players, and it's a great night for us." QPR
SPORTING LIFE - SOUSA: WE'RE GETTING THERE
- QPR manager Paulo Sousa believes the players have bought into his methods - with Tuesday night's 3-0 win at Blackpool proof of that.
Heidar Helguson scored a goal in each half as QPR continued their promotion push with a 3-0 win over in the Championship clash at Bloomfield Road, before Hogan Ephraim rounded off the win in the final minute.
And Sousa said: "I was delighted with that performance.
"We were told that it is a difficult pitch and ground but I think my players dealt with it well.
"They believe in what I have been doing my methods and my coaching and things are now beginning to work out for us on the pitch.
"The team is building up well and I think we are improving with each game at the moment.
"I was particularly pleased with the first goal - it showed plenty of skill in the build-up and the finish."
Helguson headed home winger Wayne Routledge's pinpoint cross to give his side a scarcely-deserved first-half lead.
Blackpool started the second period the more lively but soon found themselves further behind when Ian Evatt felled Lee Cook in the area and Helguson coolly converted the resulting penalty.
The hosts' problems increased as second-half substitute Stephen Crainey was forced to hobble out of the action after just 14 minutes on the pitch to leave his side playing with 10 men having used all their substitutions.
On-loan Liverpool striker Kristian Nemeth made a second-half cameo appearance for the home side but it was a rare positive in a night of frustration for the Seasiders.
And QPR proceeded to rub salt in their opponents wounds as Ephraim ran on to Cook's incisive through-ball before slotting home to make it 3-0 in the final minute.
Blackpool caretaker boss Tony Parkes believes the seeds of Tuesday night's performance were sown in Saturday's home defeat of Birmingham.
Parkes explained: "After Saturday's win over Birmingham this performance had all the looks of a hangover.
"We looked tired and looked a different team. There were some players who were just not there.
"We shall have to address this quickly." Sporting Life
QPR Official Site- Heidar Helguson bagged a brace and Hogan Ephraim notched a late third, as Rangers chalked up a vital victory at a rain-soaked Bloomfield Road.
The Icelandic international bagged a goal in each half, the second from the penalty spot, before Ephraim capped a vintage away day with a third in added time.
Following hot on the heels of a stunning 2-0 win at Derby County in their last Championship outing, Rangers registered back-to-back away wins to move within touching distance of the play-off's.
If anything, the final scoreline flattered the hosts, who played second fiddle to Paulo Sousa's side throughout the 90 minutes.
More significantly perhaps, the 3-0 win extended the R's unbeaten run to seven matches in the Championship and level on points with sixth place Cardiff City.
R's boss Sousa was forced into two changes for the trip to Bloomfield Road.
From the side that eased to victory at Pride Park ten days ago, Radek Cerny (hamstring) and Martin Rowlands (knee) were both ruled out, which meant Lee Camp and debutant Liam Miller came into the starting XI.
Teenage goalkeeper Niki-Lee Bulmer was named amongst the R's substitutes for the first time, alongside Fitz Hall, Dexter Blackstock, Samuel Di Carmine and Ephraim.
Former R's front-man Danny Nardiello missed out against his former Club, as loan signing DJ Campbell continued in attack alongside Gary Taylor-Fletcher.
Buoyed by a partisan, if relatively small home crowd, it was the Seasiders who began on the front foot.
The match was only seven minutes old when left sided midfielder Joe Martin got goalside of Matt Connolly, only for DJ Campbell to miscue his effort from an acute angle, flicking the ball in to the arms of the grateful Camp.
Rangers were by no means second best though, with Wayne Routledge linking up effectively with Miller, only for the lush Bloomfield Road playing surface to prevent the roaming midfielder getting the ball out of his feet as Blackpool's back four backed off.
The R's weren't to be denied though, as that man Routledge played provider for Helguson to fire home a 17th minute opener.
The move had Premiership quality stamped all over it, as Helguson fizzed a first time ball into the path of the R's winger, who in turn took one touch to set himself before repaying the compliment with an expert back-post cross.
Icelandic international Helguson did the rest, sending Paul Rachubka the wrong way with a trademark downward header, for his fourth goal in QPR colours.
The Seasiders responded well to the setback, however, with first David Vaughan and then Campbell stinging the palms of the returning Camp.
At the other end, stand-in skipper Gavin Mahon was the next to try his luck from distance, firing wide from 25-yards following another fine forward burst from the lively Miller.
Rachubka was enduring some nervy moments in the Blackpool goal and when Lee Cook's fierce free-kick kicked up off the lush green grass, the Seasiders stopper gathered at the second attempt.
Rangers' out-ball into the path of Routledge was working to devastating effect and when the former Villa ace left three defenders trailing in his wake with a unbelievable burst of pace in the 40th minute, Cook played in Helguson, only for the offside flag to come to Blackpool's rescue.
There was no doubting the R's superiority, as the two sides left the field at half-time with the visitors deservedly in front.
Caretaker Manager Tony Parkes responded by introducing Middlesbrough loanee Graeme Owens at the start of the second period, with the out-of-sorts Joe Martin making way.
But it was Rangers who continued to pose the greater attacking threat, with Mikele Leigertwood's deft chip landing just the wrong side of the post with Rachubka seemingly stranded.
Sousa made his first change a minute later, with Miller - starved of recent First Team football following his January move from Sunderland - replaced by Ephraim.
Just 60 seconds later, the R's made it two.
Helguson's persistence inside the box paid dividends and when former Rangers defender Ian Evatt dived in to send his spiralling to ground, referee Mr Laws was left with little option but to point to the spot.
The former Bolton ace was coolness personified thereafter, as he picked himself up, dusted himself down and sent Rachubka the wrong way with a low right footed strike.
Rangers were rampant and Routledge could and perhaps should have made it three just after the hour mark, as his pace and trickery left Harte again chasing shadows, only for Rachubka to save two identical efforts in as many minutes.
It was vintage Rangers by now and when Cook sprung the offside trap following another excellent burst from Leigertwood, the winger made good ground before dragging his effort narrowly wide.
Man of the moment Helguson made way for Blackstock with a quarter of an hour to go, with the 202 hardy souls who made the long trip north giving him the standing ovation he rightly deserved.
Bad turned to worse for the hosts, when substitute Stephen Crainey came off second best in a challenge with Routledge and having made all three substitutions, the Seasiders were forced to play the final 13 minutes with just ten men.
Undeterred, Taylor-Fletcher fired wide from a tight angle, before Camp expertly from David Fox.
It was Rangers who finished in the ascendancy though, when Blackstock - who just seconds earlier had vocal appeals for a penalty turned down - saw his deflected effort cannon off the underside of the bar.
Seconds later following another free-flowing counter-attack, Ephraim's low effort was tipped away by Rachubka, but he wasn't to be denied.
Cook picked up possession in the middle of the park and slid a perfect through ball into the path of the diminutive winger, who made no mistake, confidently sliding the ball in to the far corner to complete the rout.
- Blackpool: Rachubka, Evatt, O'Donovan (Nemeth 59), Campbell, Vaughan, Taylor-Fletcher, Fox, Martin (Owens 46), Edwards, Barker, Harte (Crainey 66).
Subs: Gilks, Baptiste.
- QPR: Camp, Delaney, Stewart, Mahon, Leigertwood, Routledge, Gorkss, Connolly (Hall 88), Cook, Miller (Ephraim 55), Helguson (Blackstock 74). Subs: Bulmer, Di Carmine.
Scorers: Helguson 17 & 58 (pen), Ephraim 91
Bookings: Cook 62, Routledge 84
Red Cards: Referee: Mr G Laws
Attendance: 6, 656 (202 away) QPR
Blackpool Official Site
PR were the victors at Bloomfield Road on Tuesday evening as they picked up their third away win of the season with a 3-0 win over Blackpool.
The home side appeared to be missing the presence of Keith Southern in the middle of the park as QPR overran the Seasiders in midfield. The team never really got going and didn't really threaten to repeat Saturday's performance against Birmingham.
Two goals from Heidar Helguson and an injury time third from Hogan Ephraim ensured that the visitors secured all three points on a night where Stephen Crainey limped off.
The Seasiders started the game well with DJ Campbell looking to spring the offside trap and run through on goal but he was just hounded out by a scrambling QPR defence.
The link up play between Gary Taylor-Fletcher and Campbell was in evidence again following the Birmingham game as both combined well to open up the R's defence, but the latter just failed to get a clean connection on a great cutback from his strike partner.
QPR took the lead against the run of play as the R's best player in the game so far Wayne Routledge curled a great ball across for HEIDAR HELGUSON to head the ball into the top right hand corner (17).
BLACKPOOL 0 QPR 1
The Seasiders looked to find an immediate response as David Vaughan drew a parrying save from Lee Camp before DJ Campbell looked to poke the ball home from a tight angle but was also prevented by Camp.
QPR had only won two away games all season but as the game progressed it was easy to see that the goal had given them a new lease of confidence in their play. The outstanding Wayne Routledge was a constant thorn in the side and you could sense that any further threat was bound to come from the right.
It was no surprise to see that it was Routledge who did in fact cause more problems with seven minutes to go before half-time. The winger evaded the attempted challenges of both Ian Harte and David Vaughan to race clear down field, but as the attack developed further Heidar Helguson was flagged offside.
After the earlier goal QPR were by far the better team and looked the more likely to score a second goal in the game. It would need a far better effort in the second-half if the Seasiders were to get something from the game.
HALF-TIME SCORE - BLACKPOOL 0 QPR 1
There were two changes at the start of the second-half, one for the Seasiders and also the referee. Graeme Owens replaced Joe Martin to make his home debut for the club and Graham Laws was replaced as the man in the middle due to injury.
Following a pretty low key start to the second-half QPR also made their first change of the game by bringing on striker Hogan Ephraim for midfielder Liam Miller.
Action had been few and far between but the visitors were given a chance to double their lead in the 58th minute after Ian Evatt brought down Heidar Helguson in the area. The Icelandic striker stepped up from the spot to score his and QPR's second of the night.
BLACKPOOL 0 QPR 2
Prior to the second goal being scored new loan signing Krisztian Nemeth was getting himself geared up to make his Blackpool debut. The striker finally managed to get on the field following the goal and replaced Roy O'Donovan.
The R's could and probably should have made it three on the hour as Wayne Routledge flicked the ball past Ian Harte and raced clear on goal. Fortunately for the Seasiders his effort was tame and easily collected by Paul Rachubka.
The threat of QPR's counter attack forced Tony Parkes into his third and final change as Harte was replaced by Stephen Crainey 65 minutes in.
Dexter Blackstock was the next substitution to arrive on the field as Heidar Helguson was replaced following his two goals. The play in the second-half never really got going and the constant changes meant that there was no flow.
Stephen Crainey's bad luck with injury continued after just over 15 minutes on the field following an earlier block collision when attempting to tackle Wayne Routledge. All three substitutions had already been utilised so the Seasiders were forced to play the remainder of a home game with ten men for the second time in the space of three days.
David Fox became the first Blackpool player to have any real notable effort on goal in the second-half when he forced a fine save from Lee Camp with 11 minutes remaining. At the other end Dexter Blackstock saw his drilled effort deflect onto the crossbar and out as the visitors pressed for a third.
The margins between going for a goal and conceding another were becoming ever closer as the Seasiders pressed for a way back into the game. The counter attacking abilities at QPR's disposal were looking ominous.
Former Blackpool player Kaspars Gorkss was never really tested in the centre of the visitors' defence with the Seasiders a shadow of the team that performed so well against Birmingham. The short space of time between games and the effort put in at the weekend appeared to have taken a lot out of the team.
To add insult to injury Lee Cook played in HOGAN EPHRAIM in injury time to give the visitors a three goal advantage.
FINAL SCORE - BLACKPOOL 0 QPR 3
Attendance: 6,656 (202 away) Blackpool
Mirror - ICE AND EASY FOR RANGERS By Jeremy Butler 28/01/2009
ALL LAST NIGHT'S CHAMPIONSHIP ACTION Coca Cola CHAMPIONSHIP Strike star Helguson too hot for Blackpool Blackpool 0 QPR 3
Heidar Helguson turned up the heat on QPR's play-off rivals by killing off Blackpool with a clinical double strike.
The Iceland international banged in a goal in each half with Hogan Ephraim netting a third in stoppage time.
Helguson helped QPR stretch their record to one defeat in 11 league games - a run that has moved them level on points with sixth placed Cardiff. QPR boss Paulo Sousa said: "It's important for Heidar to score and for the team it's fantastic.
"We are building in confidence all the time with the run we are in. My players believe in my ideas and we worked very hard. Our aim is to win promotion because I am ambitious and my team is ambitious as well."
Many more performances like this and the club owned by Formula One magnates Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore will be racing into pole position for a shot at a place in the Premier League.
They left poor Blackpool choking on fumes after caretaker boss Tony Parkes had masterminded Saturday's win over Birmingham.
"I've no complaints with that defeat," said Parkes.
"It was a case of after the Lord Mayor's Show following the win over Birmingham. We spent most of our energy in that game and had nothing left to give."
Helguson benefited from some lapse defending to head QPR into a 17th minute lead.
He laid a ball out to Wayne Routledge on the right and strolled unmarked into the box to nod in the winger's cross. Blackpool fell further behind in the 58th minute when Ian Evatt dived into a tackle on Helguson and only succeeded in chopping him down. The striker kept his cool to send Paul Rachubka the wrong way from the spot.
Parkes' side's hopes of launching a comeback were hampered in the final quarter.
They were reduced to 10 men after Stephen Crainey limped off with all three subs already used. Dexter Blackstock's late deflected shot came back off the Blackpool bar, and in injury time Lee Cook picked out Ephraim with a penetrating pass and the latter slotted home the third. Mirror
Daily Mail/Colin Wood - Blackpool 0 QPR 3: Helguson at the double as Hoops move into the top seven
Heidar Helguson grabbed a double at a damp and misty Bloomfield Road to take Rangers up to seventh place with their second away win in 10 days.
The Icelandic striker made the most of fine work by Wayne Routledge as he met his cross and headed the opener after 17 minutes.
His second came from the penalty spot 12 minutes after the break after he had needlessly been brought down by Ian Evatt.
Goal king: Heidar Helguson celebrates his first strike
The decision - and there was no argument with it - was made by Darren Bond, who stepped up from his initial role on the line to take over at half time from injured referee Graham Laws.
QPR manager Paulo Sousa handed a debut to former Manchester United and Celtic midfielder Liam Miller following his loan arrival from Sunderland while defender
Kaspars Gorkss lined up against his former club.
Substitute Hogan Ephraim made it 3-0 for Rangers with a low shot in added time to make it a miserable night for Blackpool’s caretaker boss Tony Parkes.
He said: ‘This was after the Lord Mayor’s show, nothing like our win over Birmingham on Saturday. I have no complaints. They were much the better side.’
Sousa said: ‘Of course I am happy. We crossed a barrier when we won at Derby in our last game. My players believe in my methods and my ideas and they can grow.
- This is a very important win for us.’ Daily Mail
The Sun/Max Short - Blackpool 0 QPR 3
PAULO SOUSA saluted ice-cool Iceland hotshot Heidar Helguson as QPR strengthened their promotion charge.
Helguson struck either side of the break to leave Sousa’s high-flying Hoops dreaming of the Premier League.
The striker was bombed out of Bolton earlier this month after failing to establish himself in Gary Megson’s first-team plans.
But he showed he still has an eye for goal as he lifted the club owned by Formula One magnates Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone to seventh on the Championship grid.
Sousa said: “It’s important for Heidar to score goals and for the team. It’s fantastic for him.
Clumsy
“My players believe in my ideas and we work very hard. I am very ambitious and I want to achieve promotion.”
Rangers have now lost just once in their last 11 league outings and there was never any doubt about the outcome once Helgsuon broke the deadlock in the 17th minute.
Helguson was in the right place to head home Wayne Routledge’s inch-perfect cross from close range.
Blackpool signed Liverpool’s Hungary strike star Krisztian Nemeth on loan on the eve of the game.
He started on the bench before making a 59th- minute introduction with the Seasiders trailing 2-0 after Helguson had doubled the lead from the spot.
The penalty was awarded after Ian Evatt’s clumsy 57th-minute challenge on man-of-the-match Helguson.
The home side’s miserable night was complete when substitute Hogan Ephraim made it 3-0 in the dying stages. The Sun
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BLACKPOOK VS QPR - REPORTS & COMMENTS
Blackpool 0 QPR 3 - QPR Official Site - SOUSA: 'THE BELIEF IS GROWING
- Rangers boss Paulo Sousa hailed his side, as they recorded back-to-back wins in style at Bloomfield Road.
- Heidar Helguson's brace and a well-taken third from Hogan Ephraim capped a first class performance from the Hoops.
- "We all believe, as a squad of players, and when you believe you achieve," he told www.qpr.co.uk.
- "We overcame a big barrier tonight with this win and I am very proud of them all.
- "Of course this form has been coming, anyone who has seen us could tell you that, but I am still ever so pleased with the consistency we are showing now.
- "This is a significant victory, our second away from home in a row. Two cleans sheets and five goals is a very good return and one I am proud of."
- Sousa also reserved special praise for the travelling 202 R's fans who made the trip north, commenting: "I'm delighted for them and for everyone connected to QPR.
- "They, like the team, did everything to the highest level, cheering their hearts out for 90 plus minutes.
- "They were a credit to Club, as were the players, and it's a great night for us." QPR
SPORTING LIFE - SOUSA: WE'RE GETTING THERE
- QPR manager Paulo Sousa believes the players have bought into his methods - with Tuesday night's 3-0 win at Blackpool proof of that.
Heidar Helguson scored a goal in each half as QPR continued their promotion push with a 3-0 win over in the Championship clash at Bloomfield Road, before Hogan Ephraim rounded off the win in the final minute.
And Sousa said: "I was delighted with that performance.
"We were told that it is a difficult pitch and ground but I think my players dealt with it well.
"They believe in what I have been doing my methods and my coaching and things are now beginning to work out for us on the pitch.
"The team is building up well and I think we are improving with each game at the moment.
"I was particularly pleased with the first goal - it showed plenty of skill in the build-up and the finish."
Helguson headed home winger Wayne Routledge's pinpoint cross to give his side a scarcely-deserved first-half lead.
Blackpool started the second period the more lively but soon found themselves further behind when Ian Evatt felled Lee Cook in the area and Helguson coolly converted the resulting penalty.
The hosts' problems increased as second-half substitute Stephen Crainey was forced to hobble out of the action after just 14 minutes on the pitch to leave his side playing with 10 men having used all their substitutions.
On-loan Liverpool striker Kristian Nemeth made a second-half cameo appearance for the home side but it was a rare positive in a night of frustration for the Seasiders.
And QPR proceeded to rub salt in their opponents wounds as Ephraim ran on to Cook's incisive through-ball before slotting home to make it 3-0 in the final minute.
Blackpool caretaker boss Tony Parkes believes the seeds of Tuesday night's performance were sown in Saturday's home defeat of Birmingham.
Parkes explained: "After Saturday's win over Birmingham this performance had all the looks of a hangover.
"We looked tired and looked a different team. There were some players who were just not there.
"We shall have to address this quickly." Sporting Life
QPR Official Site- Heidar Helguson bagged a brace and Hogan Ephraim notched a late third, as Rangers chalked up a vital victory at a rain-soaked Bloomfield Road.
The Icelandic international bagged a goal in each half, the second from the penalty spot, before Ephraim capped a vintage away day with a third in added time.
Following hot on the heels of a stunning 2-0 win at Derby County in their last Championship outing, Rangers registered back-to-back away wins to move within touching distance of the play-off's.
If anything, the final scoreline flattered the hosts, who played second fiddle to Paulo Sousa's side throughout the 90 minutes.
More significantly perhaps, the 3-0 win extended the R's unbeaten run to seven matches in the Championship and level on points with sixth place Cardiff City.
R's boss Sousa was forced into two changes for the trip to Bloomfield Road.
From the side that eased to victory at Pride Park ten days ago, Radek Cerny (hamstring) and Martin Rowlands (knee) were both ruled out, which meant Lee Camp and debutant Liam Miller came into the starting XI.
Teenage goalkeeper Niki-Lee Bulmer was named amongst the R's substitutes for the first time, alongside Fitz Hall, Dexter Blackstock, Samuel Di Carmine and Ephraim.
Former R's front-man Danny Nardiello missed out against his former Club, as loan signing DJ Campbell continued in attack alongside Gary Taylor-Fletcher.
Buoyed by a partisan, if relatively small home crowd, it was the Seasiders who began on the front foot.
The match was only seven minutes old when left sided midfielder Joe Martin got goalside of Matt Connolly, only for DJ Campbell to miscue his effort from an acute angle, flicking the ball in to the arms of the grateful Camp.
Rangers were by no means second best though, with Wayne Routledge linking up effectively with Miller, only for the lush Bloomfield Road playing surface to prevent the roaming midfielder getting the ball out of his feet as Blackpool's back four backed off.
The R's weren't to be denied though, as that man Routledge played provider for Helguson to fire home a 17th minute opener.
The move had Premiership quality stamped all over it, as Helguson fizzed a first time ball into the path of the R's winger, who in turn took one touch to set himself before repaying the compliment with an expert back-post cross.
Icelandic international Helguson did the rest, sending Paul Rachubka the wrong way with a trademark downward header, for his fourth goal in QPR colours.
The Seasiders responded well to the setback, however, with first David Vaughan and then Campbell stinging the palms of the returning Camp.
At the other end, stand-in skipper Gavin Mahon was the next to try his luck from distance, firing wide from 25-yards following another fine forward burst from the lively Miller.
Rachubka was enduring some nervy moments in the Blackpool goal and when Lee Cook's fierce free-kick kicked up off the lush green grass, the Seasiders stopper gathered at the second attempt.
Rangers' out-ball into the path of Routledge was working to devastating effect and when the former Villa ace left three defenders trailing in his wake with a unbelievable burst of pace in the 40th minute, Cook played in Helguson, only for the offside flag to come to Blackpool's rescue.
There was no doubting the R's superiority, as the two sides left the field at half-time with the visitors deservedly in front.
Caretaker Manager Tony Parkes responded by introducing Middlesbrough loanee Graeme Owens at the start of the second period, with the out-of-sorts Joe Martin making way.
But it was Rangers who continued to pose the greater attacking threat, with Mikele Leigertwood's deft chip landing just the wrong side of the post with Rachubka seemingly stranded.
Sousa made his first change a minute later, with Miller - starved of recent First Team football following his January move from Sunderland - replaced by Ephraim.
Just 60 seconds later, the R's made it two.
Helguson's persistence inside the box paid dividends and when former Rangers defender Ian Evatt dived in to send his spiralling to ground, referee Mr Laws was left with little option but to point to the spot.
The former Bolton ace was coolness personified thereafter, as he picked himself up, dusted himself down and sent Rachubka the wrong way with a low right footed strike.
Rangers were rampant and Routledge could and perhaps should have made it three just after the hour mark, as his pace and trickery left Harte again chasing shadows, only for Rachubka to save two identical efforts in as many minutes.
It was vintage Rangers by now and when Cook sprung the offside trap following another excellent burst from Leigertwood, the winger made good ground before dragging his effort narrowly wide.
Man of the moment Helguson made way for Blackstock with a quarter of an hour to go, with the 202 hardy souls who made the long trip north giving him the standing ovation he rightly deserved.
Bad turned to worse for the hosts, when substitute Stephen Crainey came off second best in a challenge with Routledge and having made all three substitutions, the Seasiders were forced to play the final 13 minutes with just ten men.
Undeterred, Taylor-Fletcher fired wide from a tight angle, before Camp expertly from David Fox.
It was Rangers who finished in the ascendancy though, when Blackstock - who just seconds earlier had vocal appeals for a penalty turned down - saw his deflected effort cannon off the underside of the bar.
Seconds later following another free-flowing counter-attack, Ephraim's low effort was tipped away by Rachubka, but he wasn't to be denied.
Cook picked up possession in the middle of the park and slid a perfect through ball into the path of the diminutive winger, who made no mistake, confidently sliding the ball in to the far corner to complete the rout.
- Blackpool: Rachubka, Evatt, O'Donovan (Nemeth 59), Campbell, Vaughan, Taylor-Fletcher, Fox, Martin (Owens 46), Edwards, Barker, Harte (Crainey 66).
Subs: Gilks, Baptiste.
- QPR: Camp, Delaney, Stewart, Mahon, Leigertwood, Routledge, Gorkss, Connolly (Hall 88), Cook, Miller (Ephraim 55), Helguson (Blackstock 74). Subs: Bulmer, Di Carmine.
Scorers: Helguson 17 & 58 (pen), Ephraim 91
Bookings: Cook 62, Routledge 84
Red Cards: Referee: Mr G Laws
Attendance: 6, 656 (202 away) QPR
Blackpool Official Site
PR were the victors at Bloomfield Road on Tuesday evening as they picked up their third away win of the season with a 3-0 win over Blackpool.
The home side appeared to be missing the presence of Keith Southern in the middle of the park as QPR overran the Seasiders in midfield. The team never really got going and didn't really threaten to repeat Saturday's performance against Birmingham.
Two goals from Heidar Helguson and an injury time third from Hogan Ephraim ensured that the visitors secured all three points on a night where Stephen Crainey limped off.
The Seasiders started the game well with DJ Campbell looking to spring the offside trap and run through on goal but he was just hounded out by a scrambling QPR defence.
The link up play between Gary Taylor-Fletcher and Campbell was in evidence again following the Birmingham game as both combined well to open up the R's defence, but the latter just failed to get a clean connection on a great cutback from his strike partner.
QPR took the lead against the run of play as the R's best player in the game so far Wayne Routledge curled a great ball across for HEIDAR HELGUSON to head the ball into the top right hand corner (17).
BLACKPOOL 0 QPR 1
The Seasiders looked to find an immediate response as David Vaughan drew a parrying save from Lee Camp before DJ Campbell looked to poke the ball home from a tight angle but was also prevented by Camp.
QPR had only won two away games all season but as the game progressed it was easy to see that the goal had given them a new lease of confidence in their play. The outstanding Wayne Routledge was a constant thorn in the side and you could sense that any further threat was bound to come from the right.
It was no surprise to see that it was Routledge who did in fact cause more problems with seven minutes to go before half-time. The winger evaded the attempted challenges of both Ian Harte and David Vaughan to race clear down field, but as the attack developed further Heidar Helguson was flagged offside.
After the earlier goal QPR were by far the better team and looked the more likely to score a second goal in the game. It would need a far better effort in the second-half if the Seasiders were to get something from the game.
HALF-TIME SCORE - BLACKPOOL 0 QPR 1
There were two changes at the start of the second-half, one for the Seasiders and also the referee. Graeme Owens replaced Joe Martin to make his home debut for the club and Graham Laws was replaced as the man in the middle due to injury.
Following a pretty low key start to the second-half QPR also made their first change of the game by bringing on striker Hogan Ephraim for midfielder Liam Miller.
Action had been few and far between but the visitors were given a chance to double their lead in the 58th minute after Ian Evatt brought down Heidar Helguson in the area. The Icelandic striker stepped up from the spot to score his and QPR's second of the night.
BLACKPOOL 0 QPR 2
Prior to the second goal being scored new loan signing Krisztian Nemeth was getting himself geared up to make his Blackpool debut. The striker finally managed to get on the field following the goal and replaced Roy O'Donovan.
The R's could and probably should have made it three on the hour as Wayne Routledge flicked the ball past Ian Harte and raced clear on goal. Fortunately for the Seasiders his effort was tame and easily collected by Paul Rachubka.
The threat of QPR's counter attack forced Tony Parkes into his third and final change as Harte was replaced by Stephen Crainey 65 minutes in.
Dexter Blackstock was the next substitution to arrive on the field as Heidar Helguson was replaced following his two goals. The play in the second-half never really got going and the constant changes meant that there was no flow.
Stephen Crainey's bad luck with injury continued after just over 15 minutes on the field following an earlier block collision when attempting to tackle Wayne Routledge. All three substitutions had already been utilised so the Seasiders were forced to play the remainder of a home game with ten men for the second time in the space of three days.
David Fox became the first Blackpool player to have any real notable effort on goal in the second-half when he forced a fine save from Lee Camp with 11 minutes remaining. At the other end Dexter Blackstock saw his drilled effort deflect onto the crossbar and out as the visitors pressed for a third.
The margins between going for a goal and conceding another were becoming ever closer as the Seasiders pressed for a way back into the game. The counter attacking abilities at QPR's disposal were looking ominous.
Former Blackpool player Kaspars Gorkss was never really tested in the centre of the visitors' defence with the Seasiders a shadow of the team that performed so well against Birmingham. The short space of time between games and the effort put in at the weekend appeared to have taken a lot out of the team.
To add insult to injury Lee Cook played in HOGAN EPHRAIM in injury time to give the visitors a three goal advantage.
FINAL SCORE - BLACKPOOL 0 QPR 3
Attendance: 6,656 (202 away) Blackpool
Mirror - ICE AND EASY FOR RANGERS By Jeremy Butler 28/01/2009
ALL LAST NIGHT'S CHAMPIONSHIP ACTION Coca Cola CHAMPIONSHIP Strike star Helguson too hot for Blackpool Blackpool 0 QPR 3
Heidar Helguson turned up the heat on QPR's play-off rivals by killing off Blackpool with a clinical double strike.
The Iceland international banged in a goal in each half with Hogan Ephraim netting a third in stoppage time.
Helguson helped QPR stretch their record to one defeat in 11 league games - a run that has moved them level on points with sixth placed Cardiff. QPR boss Paulo Sousa said: "It's important for Heidar to score and for the team it's fantastic.
"We are building in confidence all the time with the run we are in. My players believe in my ideas and we worked very hard. Our aim is to win promotion because I am ambitious and my team is ambitious as well."
Many more performances like this and the club owned by Formula One magnates Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore will be racing into pole position for a shot at a place in the Premier League.
They left poor Blackpool choking on fumes after caretaker boss Tony Parkes had masterminded Saturday's win over Birmingham.
"I've no complaints with that defeat," said Parkes.
"It was a case of after the Lord Mayor's Show following the win over Birmingham. We spent most of our energy in that game and had nothing left to give."
Helguson benefited from some lapse defending to head QPR into a 17th minute lead.
He laid a ball out to Wayne Routledge on the right and strolled unmarked into the box to nod in the winger's cross. Blackpool fell further behind in the 58th minute when Ian Evatt dived into a tackle on Helguson and only succeeded in chopping him down. The striker kept his cool to send Paul Rachubka the wrong way from the spot.
Parkes' side's hopes of launching a comeback were hampered in the final quarter.
They were reduced to 10 men after Stephen Crainey limped off with all three subs already used. Dexter Blackstock's late deflected shot came back off the Blackpool bar, and in injury time Lee Cook picked out Ephraim with a penetrating pass and the latter slotted home the third. Mirror
Daily Mail/Colin Wood - Blackpool 0 QPR 3: Helguson at the double as Hoops move into the top seven
Heidar Helguson grabbed a double at a damp and misty Bloomfield Road to take Rangers up to seventh place with their second away win in 10 days.
The Icelandic striker made the most of fine work by Wayne Routledge as he met his cross and headed the opener after 17 minutes.
His second came from the penalty spot 12 minutes after the break after he had needlessly been brought down by Ian Evatt.
Goal king: Heidar Helguson celebrates his first strike
The decision - and there was no argument with it - was made by Darren Bond, who stepped up from his initial role on the line to take over at half time from injured referee Graham Laws.
QPR manager Paulo Sousa handed a debut to former Manchester United and Celtic midfielder Liam Miller following his loan arrival from Sunderland while defender
Kaspars Gorkss lined up against his former club.
Substitute Hogan Ephraim made it 3-0 for Rangers with a low shot in added time to make it a miserable night for Blackpool’s caretaker boss Tony Parkes.
He said: ‘This was after the Lord Mayor’s show, nothing like our win over Birmingham on Saturday. I have no complaints. They were much the better side.’
Sousa said: ‘Of course I am happy. We crossed a barrier when we won at Derby in our last game. My players believe in my methods and my ideas and they can grow.
- This is a very important win for us.’ Daily Mail
The Sun/Max Short - Blackpool 0 QPR 3
PAULO SOUSA saluted ice-cool Iceland hotshot Heidar Helguson as QPR strengthened their promotion charge.
Helguson struck either side of the break to leave Sousa’s high-flying Hoops dreaming of the Premier League.
The striker was bombed out of Bolton earlier this month after failing to establish himself in Gary Megson’s first-team plans.
But he showed he still has an eye for goal as he lifted the club owned by Formula One magnates Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone to seventh on the Championship grid.
Sousa said: “It’s important for Heidar to score goals and for the team. It’s fantastic for him.
Clumsy
“My players believe in my ideas and we work very hard. I am very ambitious and I want to achieve promotion.”
Rangers have now lost just once in their last 11 league outings and there was never any doubt about the outcome once Helgsuon broke the deadlock in the 17th minute.
Helguson was in the right place to head home Wayne Routledge’s inch-perfect cross from close range.
Blackpool signed Liverpool’s Hungary strike star Krisztian Nemeth on loan on the eve of the game.
He started on the bench before making a 59th- minute introduction with the Seasiders trailing 2-0 after Helguson had doubled the lead from the spot.
The penalty was awarded after Ian Evatt’s clumsy 57th-minute challenge on man-of-the-match Helguson.
The home side’s miserable night was complete when substitute Hogan Ephraim made it 3-0 in the dying stages. The Sun
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