Football Fan Census: Last Day For QPR Nominations...Three Years Since Holloway Placed on Gardening Leave and Waddock Took Over...Stan Bowles Reposted

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- Visit the "Boutique" QPR Report Messageboard: A board that aspires to be different (as suggested by the Messageboard's Honorary Moderators) and with a focus solely on QPR and football. Beyond its discussions, the board also includes a daily smattering of ("Macmoish-style") posted articles of general football interest, which are not posted on this blog. Among items posted today:
- Gambling, Corruption and FA Powerlessness
- Platini Proposal to Equalize Clubs re Spending and Finances
- A Look at England's Competitors to Host the 2018 World Cup
- An Examination Whether Three Points For A Win Made a Difference
- Four QPR Goalies in "Best 50 Goalkeepers List"

- Also posted late yesterday on QPR Report blog: A previously-not posted, Stan Bowles Profile and Interview; and report that Tommasi is considering playing in China


Today is the last day for QPR fans to nominate their favourite publication, onlne site, writer and blog.

From Football Fan Census
"- Dear QPR fan
- A quick reminder that today is the last day for making nominations for the New Football Pools Fanzine Awards 2009.
- There are categories for best print, online, editor, writer and blog so if you haven't nominated anyone yet.... time’s a running out!
- This is the link straight to the nominations page...
- The New Football Pools Fanzine Awards 2009 - Nominate Now- and all the details about the awards can be found here;
- The New Football Pools Fanzine Awards 2009

2009 FOOTBALL FANZINE AWARDS - FANS NOMINATONS CLOSE TODAY (FRIDAY)

"Vote for your favourite fanzine, blog, editor or writer.... - Please nominate who you would like shortlisted by entering their name(s) in the relevant boxes below..."
- Q1. Best Print Fanzine (name + team):
- Q2. Best Online Fanzine (name + team):
- Q3. Best Blog (name + team):
- Q4. Best Editor (name + publication + team):
- Q5. Best Writer (name + publication + team):
--- VOTE HERE

[A List of QPR Sites from which people can select their nominations]


The AWARDS PROCESS

Round 1 - Nominations
- You can nominate fanzines for any one or more of the categories up until Friday 6th February. The more nominations a fanzine has, the more chance it has of progressing to the next Round....So if you want to put forward your favorite Fanzine all you need to do is simply click the following link NOMINATE NOW and add it to the nominations list.
We will draw up a longlist from the fanzines with the most nominations who will go forward to Round 2.

Round 2 - Assessment
- Fanzines nominated for the longlist will be listed on the FFC site from Monday 9th February and fans will have the chance to evaluate the fanzines in a number of ways including: design, forum, writing style, regularity of updates etc.

Round 3 - Judging
- The Judging Panel will decide the winner of each category as well as the overall winner – “The UK Football Fanzine of the Year 2009. The Process

Year FLASHBACK - The 2008 FANZINE AWARDS
- QPR Report

- MARCH 18, 2008 The "FINALISTS" - Fanzine Awards Shortlists - THE QPR Inclusions
-
2008 FANZINE AWARDS SHORTLIST CATEGORIES - THE QPR NOMINEES

2008 BEST CHAMPIONSHIP FANZINES -SHORTLIST
The QPR Sites included in the shortlisted entries for the Championship category:
- QPR A Kick Up The R's
- QPR Loft For Words

2008 BEST EDITOR SHORTLIST
The QPR sites in the shortlisted entries for the Best Editor category:
- QPR Clive Whittingham, Loft For Words

BEST BLOG SHORTLIST
The QPR Blog included in the shotlist:
- QPR QPR Report
QPR Report


May 2008: And the Eventual 2008 Winners - Including AKUTRS for Best Championship
Fanzine - Football Fanzine AwardsQPR Report
- See: The Winners 2008


MARKING THREE YEARS SINCE HOLLOWAY PLACED ON "GARDENING LEAVE"

February 6, 2006 - Official: Holloway on "Gardening Leave" ...Waddock Caretaker Manager
- And the team for Holloway's last game in charge, away to Leeds: Barnes 7, Kus 5 (Langley 86min, 6), Lowe 6, Shittu 6, Taylor 7, Ainsworth 5 (Youssouf 66min, 6), Bignot 6, Lomas 6, Cook 7 (Nygaard 66min, 7), Moore 5, Clarke 5


OFFICIAL SITE CLUB STATEMENT - February 6, 2006
- QPR have announced that Ian Holloway has been placed on 'gardening leave.'
Gary Waddock has been appointed as caretaker manager and will be taking first team training as of today.
- Waddock is currently being consulted about a potential caretaker assistant manager to join him in the next few days.
The move follows speculation about Holloway joining Leicester City as their new manager.
The club is keen to avoid any distraction to the playing side and to move forward with the rest of the season as speedily as possible.
It has therefore put Ian Holloway and his managerial staff, Gary Penrice and Tim Breacker, on gardening leave with immediate effect.
- Gary Waddock started at work on Monday morning in training with the players and in preparation for next Saturday's derby game against Millwall.
Gianni Paladini said: "QPR has not sacked Ian, but we are concerned about recent performances and the effect the speculation about Ian joining Leicester City might have on the players.
- "I hope we can sort something out with Ian as soon as possible. QPR will always be enormously grateful for the contribution he has made over the past five years, in particular gaining promotion for us in 2004.
- "However, it is crucial the team are focussed and able to move forward, which is why we have appointed Gary as Caretaker Manager. I hope the fans will get behind Gary for the home derby against Millwall on Saturday."
http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10373~779128,00.html-

BBC - QPR suspend Foxes target Holloway
- Ian Holloway could now take over at Leicester CityQueens Park Rangers have suspended manager Ian Holloway because of speculation linking him with the vacant manager's job at Leicester City.
Holloway has been placed on "gardening leave" with recent bad results also contributing to his downfall.
"QPR has not sacked Ian," chairman Gianni Paladini told the club website.
"But we are concerned about recent performances and the effect speculation about Ian joining Leicester City might have on the players."
Rangers have slumped to 15th in the Championship table and Holloway has faced mounting criticism from fans.
- He was told by Paladini on Sunday night that he was being relieved of his duties at Loftus Road whether or not he lands the Foxes job.
Rangers will now try to work out a compensation package with the ex-Bristol Rovers chief, who signed an improved contract last year.
- And, with Holloway facing competition for the Leicester job from caretaker boss Rob Kelly and Luton's Mike Newell, the west London club have suspended him on full pay along with coaches Tim Breacker and Gary Penrice. BBC

QPR coach Gary Waddock has been placed in temporary charge.
Paladini added: "I hope we can sort something out with Ian as soon as possible.
"QPR will always be enormously grateful for the contribution he has made for the past five years, in particular gaining promotion for us in 2004.
"However, it is crucial the team are focused and able to move forward, which is why we have appointed Gary as caretaker manager."
Waddock was a hugely popular figure in his playing days at QPR and is credited with improving the club¿s youth system in recent years.
The former Republic of Ireland midfielder is likely to be assisted by youth coach Joe Gallen - brother of club captain Kevin - for this Saturday's game against Millwall.
Paladini is also keen to install ex-Rs boss Jim Smith as director of football.
Smith led QPR between 1985 and 1988 and has since managed Newcastle, Portsmouth and Derby.


Monday, February 06, 2006 Waddock Talks about What he Expects from his Team
OFFICIAL SITE - WADDOCK SPEAKS
- Gary Waddock took charge of his first training session on Monday morning and was happy to get it out of the way.
"It's been a hectic morning, I spoke to the players regarding the situation then we split the lads into two groups. The guys who played on Saturday did a cool down and then a weights session with Scott Rushton. The other group played in a football session overseen by myself and Joe Gallen."
"I also spoke to many of the senior players on a one to one basis to get my points across."
Waddock is known around the club as a nice guy but he knows he will have to get tough to fulfil his role.
"I'm a nice guy and I'm an honest guy and I know I'll only keep eleven players happy. I'm here to do a job, I'm a professional person and I will get the players and the team ready that will win the next match for the club. Yes I will have to make hard decisions but I am not frightened or afraid to make them."
Waddock played in a Rangers side with plenty of flair and would like to continue that with his own side.
"The style of play will change overnight. Everyone has their own football philosophy and I have mine."
"I want the players to be able to express themselves and enjoy the style of play. We will pass it and there will be lots of movement."
"I want them to be creative and express themselves as well .I will encourage them to play out from the back but I'm not naive, I know we also need to get results - but with a certain brand of football.
Having been in charge of the reserve team Waddock knows about most of the players but no-one will get into his side on reputation only.
"Everyone starts from scratch today. Some senior players will play play for the reserves tomorrow in order to help with their fitness ahead of Saturday's game."
"I will need the crowds help and support. I want my team to excite them and get the noise back to Loftus Road. When it's in full voice it makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up and I want it to be our fortress." QPR


Jim Smith Returning to QPR - Guardian - February 7, 2006
- Jim Smith may make an unlikely return to Queens Park Rangers as director of football, more than 20 years after he first took over at the west London club as manager. The 65-year-old is understood to have been lined up to take on an advisory role at Loftus Road as Rangers prepare for the inevitable departure of Ian Holloway, who was yesterday suspended from his duties.
Smith, who managed at Loftus Road between 1985 and 1988, is known to be a close friend of the QPR chairman Gianni Paladini and although the Championship club would not comment on his possible arrival yesterday they refused to rule out a move for the former Derby County manager, whose last employment was alongside Harry Redknapp at Southampton.
Holloway has been sent on "gardening leave" for an indefinite period after he was linked with the vacant managerial post at Leicester City at the weekend. Leicester have denied reports that an appointment is imminent but even if Holloway does not replace Craig Levein, who was dismissed two weeks ago, it appears unlikely that he will return to QPR.
The former Bristol Rovers manager signed a three-year contract extension 12 months ago but his relationship with Paladini has been strained for some time. Paladini, though, will be keen to avoid any financial settlement with Holloway because it is believed the manager has a rolling one-year deal which would entail a 12-month pay-off if he were sacked.
Holloway, who has been in charge at Rangers for five years, learned that he would no longer be in charge of team affairs on Sunday night. Paladini said that the combination of a poor run of results and the Leicester rumours had prompted his decision to seek a change. Gary Waddock, previously the first-team coach, has been appointed as caretaker manager.
"QPR have not sacked Ian but we are concerned about recent performances and the effect the speculation about Ian joining Leicester might have on the players," said Paladini. "QPR will always be enormously grateful for the contribution he has made over the past five years, in particular gaining promotion for us in 2004."
Waddock is likely to be assisted by the Rangers youth coach Joe Gallen for Saturday's match against Millwall. However two other members of Holloway's backroom staff, Tim Breacker and Gary Penrice, have been temporarily relieved of their responsibilities Guardian

Telegraph - QPR suspend Holloway over Leicester linkBy Tom Cary
Queens Park Rangers have suspended manager Ian Holloway on full pay, ostensibly because of speculation linking him with the vacant manager's post at Leicester.
But a series of bad results and behind-the-scenes problems have undoubtedly contributed to the decision of chairman Gianni Paladini to place the eccentric Holloway on "gardening leave" along with coaches Tim Breacker and Gary Penrice. Coach Gary Waddock has been installed as temporary manager.
A statement from Paladini read: "QPR have not sacked Ian but we are concerned about recent performances and the effect the speculation about Ian joining Leicester might have on the players.
"QPR will always be grateful to the contribution he has made over the past five years, in particular gaining promotion in 2004.
"However, it is crucial the team are focused and moving forward, which is why we have appointed Gary as caretaker manager. I hope the fans get behind Gary for the home derby against Millwall on Saturday."
Waddock, a popular figure in his playing days at QPR, is credited with improving the club's youth system in recent years. The former Republic of Ireland midfielder is likely to be assisted by youth coach Joe Gallen, brother of club captain Kevin, for the clash with Millwall.
Paladini is also keen to install former manager Jim Smith as director of football. Smith led QPR between 1985 and 1988 and has since managed Newcastle, Portsmouth and Derby.
Cash-strapped QPR will now try to work out a compensation package with Holloway, who signed an improved contract last year. Meanwhile, Leicester, who dismissed Craig Levein last month and are in danger of dropping out of the top two divisions for the first time in their history, denied any agreement had been reached with Holloway.
A spokesman said: "The process of finding a new manager is still taking place. We won't be commenting on speculation."... Telegraph


Waddock - QPR OFFICIAL SITE - WADDO'S WORDS
Rangers' Caretaker Manager Gary Waddock met the national press for the first time this afternoon.Flanked by Chairman Gianni Paladini and Club Captain Kevin Gallen, Waddock expressed his delight at being handed the reigns while Ian Holloway is on 'gardening leave.'
"I'm here as a Caretaker and just to be given the opportunity to manage this wonderful club is fantastic. I'm here to do the job asked of me by the Chairman and I'll do it to the best of my ability."My job is to coach and I'm focusing entirely on Millwall at the weekend. I'm really looking forward to Saturday and I'm sure the players will put on a performance that will excite the crowd."Anybody who has played the game or has coached at any level would love to be a full time manager. My strengths are out on the training ground - training and coaching players.
"The players look hungry and everyone has an opportunity to prove their worth."The staff at QPR have been fantastic with me. Everyone has been a great help and we've all mucked in together. We all want to get a positive result and performance on Saturday.''
Waddock also revealed he is looking at bringing in another coach and an experienced advisor to assist him in his quest to push the Hoops up the table."We spoke about Jim Smith coming in; he has the type of experience and list of contacts I'm after. But that's finished now and I'll look at other avenues."We need another coach and an experienced man and I'm working on it.''
The new man at the helm also took time to spare a thought for Ian Holloway."Ollie's done a fantastic job here and I've learnt a lot off him, but unfortunately it's the nature of the business. His loss is my gain and I've been given a great opportunity to prove my worth. I'm only looking at it on a game-to-game basis and getting the team prepared for Millwall on Saturday.''
Waddock also revealed he is determined to alter the style of football Rangers will play - starting with the visit of Millwall on Saturday."The players know the style of football I want to play. My footballing philosophy is to get the ball down and play; be creative. It's all about passing and movement and getting into the final third; having an end product in terms of shots on goal. I want to change the style of play and hopefully that will start on Saturday.''
SEE THE PRESS CONFERENCE ON QPR WORLD QPR


Paladini on Holloway, Waddock & Smith - Reports of Today's Press Conference
Clubcall Paladini on Holloway departure07 Feb 2006 16:23
Queens Park Rangers chairman Gianni Paladini has spoken of his reasons behind placing Ian Holloway on gardening leave and revealed the decision was taken after an approach from the Foxes for Holloway to take over at the Walkers Stadium.
Paladini was speaking at a press conference on Tuesday where he confirmed that caretaker boss Gary Waddock is likely to remain in charge until the end of the season at Loftus Road and that the former Rangers player is a serious consider for the job on a full-time
Waddock has taken over from Holloway after the Rangers boss was the subject of an approach from Leicester last week and Paladini felt it was affecting the team: "I had a phonecall from Leicester the day after we played them last week asking for permission to speak to Ian," said Paladini.
"I told Ian and his agent and they wanted to speak to Leicester, so they did. It was very difficult because Ian has been fantastic for QPR over the last five years and it has been a privilege to work with him
"My feeling was that if you are happily married why whould you look for another woman? I felt that it was better for us to move in a different direction and for him to maybe move on after a long time here. But I have nothing but praise for the man."
Jim Smith has been linked with a role of Loftus Road but Paladini revealed he was only spoken to about the possibility of coming in to help out Waddock: "The idea was for Jim to come in on a consultancy basis. What we asked him to do for us he couldn't do it because he job was never offered to him as the manager," said Paladini.
"We felt he could come and help Gary but we could not offer him what he wanted and he has moved on. We wanted him to come in without a contract and to help it but things never happened." Clubcall


PA Sport/Sporting Life - HOLLOWAY WILL NOT BE SACKED
By Andy Sims, PA Sport
QPR chairman Gianni Paladini has admitted there is no way back for Ian Holloway at Loftus Road as he unveiled reserve-team coach Gary Waddock as the club's new caretaker manager.
Holloway was put on 'gardening leave' by Paladini after asking permission to speak to Coca-Cola Championship rivals Leicester, who are in search of a new manager after sacking Craig Levein.
Paladini also revealed he will not sack Holloway even if he is not offered the manager's role at Leicester, and if necessary would continue to pay the 42-year-old for the duration of his two-year contract.
"If a man is happily married why would he look for another woman?" said Paladini.
"If you get the opportunity to speak to someone it's your choice whether to go, or to stay.
"But maybe it's better for him to move, maybe he's been here too long. I don't blame him for looking.
"Once he applied for the job at Leicester we felt he couldn't concentrate on our team. Ian has had a rollercoaster time here under very difficult circumstances. He's done a tremendous job.
"But I spoke to Leicester on Wednesday, then spoke to his agent, and he went to see them.
"But he hasn't been sacked. We will honour his contract until the end."
Paladini also revealed that Jim Smith had been offered a role at the club, but only in a consultancy capacity.
Smith, who led Rangers to the Milk Cup final in 1986, turned down a position at Loftus Road, claiming it would be "politically incorrect".
"Gary is caretaker manager and knows Jim well," Paladini added. "It was mainly consultancy that we asked him to do, we never asked him to be manager.
"It's a big job for Gary to take on, so getting Jim to come in might have been the right thing to do but we never discussed a position.
"But this is an opportunity for Gary to take charge. Hopefully he will do well."
Waddock admitted he would like the role on a permanent basis and will be looking to make an instant impact.
"My immediate thoughts and focus are Saturday's game with Millwall," said Waddock, who made 240 appearances for Rangers in the 1980s.
"I've been put in charge on a caretaker basis and I'll get on with the job in hand.
"The players know my style of play and they know my coaching methods."
Waddock is still on the lookout for a "Jim Smith-type character" to oversee the daily matters at the club, although he and Paladini refused to confirm or deny that former Aston Villa boss John Gregory was being considered.
"If someone like Jim Smith were to come in, with their experience, knowledge and contacts, then that would help because the phone hasn't stopped ringing and my strength is coaching," he added.
"Olly (Holloway) has done a fantastic job here, and he gave me the chance to coach, but it's the nature of the business."
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/06/02/07/SOCCER_QPR_Nightlead.html


BBC - QPR chief says no Holloway return
Holloway has two years left on his contract at QPRQPR chairman Gianni Paladini says there is no way back for former manager Ian Holloway at Loftus Road, but is adamant he will not sack him.
Holloway was suspended on Monday for asking to speak to Leicester City about their vacant manager's job.
"Once he applied for the Leicester job we felt he could not concentrate on our team," Paladini said.
Paladini added that Holloway will be paid for the rest of his two-year QPR contract if he does not get a new job.
He added: "He hasn't been sacked. We will honour his contract until the end."
Paladini felt Holloway's mind was no longer on the job at Loftus Road, saying: "If a man is happily married why would he look for another woman?
"If you get the opportunity to speak to someone it's your choice whether to go, or to stay.
"Maybe it's better for him to move, maybe he's been here too long. I don't blame him for looking."
Holloway cannot speak about his departure from QPR for legal reasons, but BBC Sport has tried unsuccessfully to contact his agent. BBC


SKY - Paladini: No way back for Ollie
By Andy Clarke - Created on 7 Feb 2006
...And he says he is prepared to pay Holloway for the remainder of his contract if necessary and will not be sacking the former Bristol Rovers manager, even if Leicester do not offer him the job.
"If a man is happily married why would he look for another woman?" said Paladini.
"If you get the opportunity to speak to someone it's your choice whether to go, or to stay. But maybe it's better for him to move, maybe he's been here too long. I don't blame him for looking.
"Once he applied for the job at Leicester we felt he couldn't concentrate on our team. Ian has had a rollercoaster time here under very difficult circumstances. He's done a tremendous job.
"I spoke to Leicester on Wednesday, then spoke to his agent, and he went to see them. But he hasn't been sacked. We will honour his contract until the end."
Smith has turned down Paladini's approach, at least for the time being, but could yet be back at the club he managed for three years in the 80s.
"Gary is caretaker manager and knows Jim well," Paladini said. "It was mainly consultancy that we asked him to do, we never asked him to be manager.
"It's a big job for Gary to take on, so getting Jim to come in might have been the right thing to do but we never discussed a position."


Holloway's Last Match Independent - Leeds Utd 2 QPR 0:

Sunday Times
"...This was a workmanlike victory over a Queens Park Rangers side depleted by injuries. QPR manager Ian Holloway solved a goalkeeping crisis by registering Phil Barnes’s loan from Sheffield United less than four hours before kick-off. Both goals came from headers and both came from passes from the left foot of Eddie Lewis, the United States international who had a terrific game on the left wing. His skill enlivened a drab, listless opening as he tormented QPR’s new Polish full-back Marcin Kus and after 27 minutes he beat the defender to the byline and forced Barnes into a save.
But Barnes was at fault for Leeds’s opener. Lewis swung over a free kick, the keeper called for the ball but could not reach it before Cresswell, whose back header looped into the empty net.
Neil Sullivan was not called on to make a save until nine minutes into the second half when Keith Lowe, another QPR debutant, won the ball in the air but headed straight at him. At the other end Liam Miller struck a stinging shot from 20 yards that brought a fine save from Barnes before Cresswell had an opportunity to score Leeds’s second. Lewis’s cross found the former Preston man unmarked, but he headed wide.
With Lewis unstoppable and Shaun Derry an anchor in midfield, Leeds were dominant. After 77 minutes Lewis did well to reach a Cresswell cross but when he pulled the ball back, no attacker followed up.
Six minutes from time Leeds put the result beyond doubt. Lewis sent over another perfectly weighted cross and Butler dived to head the ball powerfully past Barnes.
STAR MAN: Eddie Lewis (Leeds)
Player ratings. Leeds: Sullivan 7, Kelly 7, Butler 7, Gregan 6, Crainey 6, Douglas 6, Miller 7, Derry 7, Lewis 8, Healy 6 (Blake 71min, 6), Cresswell 7 (Hulse 77min, 7)
QPR: Barnes 7, Kus 5 (Langley 86min, 6), Lowe 6, Shittu 6, Taylor 7, Ainsworth 5 (Youssouf 66min, 6), Bignot 6, Lomas 6, Cook 7 (Nygaard 66min, 7), Moore 5, Clarke 5
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2093-2025426,00.html

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