QPR's Week In Review

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If you want constantly updated news about QPR: Visit the combination messageboard and quasi-blog: The QPR Report Messageboard. QPR and other football news; nostalgia; and posters' views: No focus on politics, films, music, etc. No ad-hominem attacks on fellow posters. Just an (usually) intelligent focus on QPR and Football

Highlights of The Week: Assessments of Magilton and QPR's Prospects...Incoming Magilton Assitant,Lee Cook reportedly had an operation...A new pre-season friendly announced (but not by QPR)...A World Cup Medal for Ron Springett....Seven Subs on the bench next season...And the Fixtures and the Carling Cup First Round Draw will be released next week....And a new Satire Series, "The Magilton Diaries"

- The Comprehensive Listing of QPR Websites


QPR Vice Chairman Bhatia re Magilton and QPR Prospects
- QPR Official Site -
"...-- Turning his attentions to the recent appointment of Jim Magilton, Bhatia said: "We were very hands-on with this.
- "We believe we have learned from our mistakes over the last year, and I hope that experience has taught us some good things.
- "Jim is very positive and bullish, and I believe he is the right man for the job.
- "When everyone in the squad is fit we have a pretty formidable team, so I am really excited about next season.
- "This is a very important year for us and we understand that." QPR


Kilburn Times - Ali Russell 'Right man to take the club forward'
- QPR are hoping the arrival of new manager Jim Magilton will win over sceptical fans who have yet to sign up for next season.
- Fewer than two thirds of last year's season ticket holders had renewed their seats ahead of last week's announcement that the former Ipswich boss would succeed Paulo Sousa at Loftus Road.
- But that uncertainty has been eased by the appointment of Magilton, who is expected to confirm John Gorman, the ex-England assistant manager, as his number two later this week.
- Rangers' deputy managing director Ali Russell told the Times: "The board feel that Jim is the right man to take the club forward. He's got experience and a good understanding of this league and we're really excited that he's joined us.
"I think there's no doubt that confirming who the manager is, what shape the team's going to be in next year, who's coming and who's going, are aspects of the game that excite fans.
"That excitement, we're hoping, will build and build towards the start of the season and people will want to go out and make their commitment to getting involved next year.
"This time last year we'd only just launched season tickets for the season ahead and we're now far ahead of where we've ever been at this stage of the summer.
"I personally appreciate the commitment people are making - the support we're getting from season ticket holders helps us to remain ambitious and go for what we want, which is promotion to the Premier League.
"One of the first things Jim will do is sit down with the board, look at the team and look at his needs and talk through that very logically with them."
Rangers finally settled on their man almost two months after Sousa's sacking and the 40-year-old Ulsterman becomes the eighth person to take charge of the team since Ian Holloway was dismissed in 2006.
Interestingly, Magilton - who played for Oxford, Southampton, Sheffield Wednesday and Ipswich - is the first of them since John Gregory to hold the title of manager rather than coach.
A key player in the Ipswich side that won promotion to the Premier League under George Burley and qualified for Europe in successive years, Magilton hung up his boots to take over the manager's role from Joe Royle back in 2006.
The Tractor Boys finished mid-table in each of his three seasons at the helm, narrowly missing the play-offs in 2008 and failing to improve on that last year, which resulted in his sacking in April.
Passing football was always one of the hallmarks of Magilton's Ipswich sides, though - and the new boss should find it easier to reproduce that at Loftus Road once the new pitch is completed.
"QPR have always played attractive football and a key part of that is having a good surface," added Russell. "But we had some horrendous weather conditions last year.
"That, coupled with heavy usage, is bound to affect the pitch. So we're spending significant funds on having it redeveloped and dealing with some components that have been problematic over a number of years.
"We need to get the surface up to scratch and protect it - and we have moved the reserves away from Loftus Road for the coming year to give the pitch as much of a break as possible.
"We want to be able to use the pitch at the end of the season for different organisations and fan groups and that's all part of being a club for our local community, giving people an opportunity to play there. Kilburn Times


The London Informer/Paul Warburton
I'm the gaffer... so stay out of the dressing room' says Magilton
JIM Magilton only agreed to become QPR boss if chairman Flavio Briatore agreed to give him full control of team matters.
The new man at the helm insists he will brook no interference in team selection or even take advice - and thus demanded the title 'manager' rather than 'coach' when he took over last week.
The difference marked an important shift of emphasis for the former Ipswich s upremo, who was well aware Briatore often wanted a say in team matters with the three previous coaches over the last two seasons.
It's an open secret that the chairman even gave a team talk when then manager Luigi Di Canio was absent on compassionate leave, and the issue was a stumbling block that delayed the appointment of the ex-Northern Ireland international until last Wednesday.
Briatore even demanded half-time team changes in a match last season when he was away on Formula One duty - but Magilton will have none of that during his tenure.
Instead, he and new assistant John Gorman will have total control of team selection - although it may be too late to stop the sale of £2m Dexter Blackstock to Nottingham Forest.
An insider close to the Rangers forward said: "Dex wants to go there because he felt very much at home - and also, he's going to get a pretty decent pay rise."
Rangers will shop in Europe for a new striker as all others on the domestic want-list are out of Rangers' price range.
A source said: "Practically every manager candidate said there was not much wrong with the squad they might inherit - and Jim was one of those.
"Rangers do need another forward, however - and when you see that former target Fraizer Campbell has gone to Hull for £6m - the club may need to look abroad."
It's also on the cards that Magilton will offer Gareth Ainsworth a loan deal elsewhere - and allow the ex-caretaker boss to enjoy a last season on the pitch while studying for his coaching badges and a permanent job as a manager in the future. London Informer


Dave McIntyre/BBC 606 - Change in the air- John Gorman’s expected arrival as assistant manager is likely to be one of several changes Jim Magilton makes during his first weeks at QPR.
- Gorman worked alongside Magilton at Ipswich and will be offered the chance to join him at Rangers when the Scot returns from a trip abroad.
- Best known for working as Glenn Hoddle’s right-hand man with England, Gorman also brings a wealth of experience as a coach and manager at various clubs.
- He is one of the most well-liked people in the game. Everyone I’ve heard speak about him likes the man very much.
- His personality could be an asset for Rangers and make him a popular figure among players and fans.
- Former Rangers player Simon Barker, who almost signed for Swindon when Gorman was their manager, is just one of many people who have talked about him in glowing terms.
- Gorman’s imminent appointment means Gareth Ainsworth’s future at the club is in doubt.
- Whether Ainsworth is offered a place among the coaching staff remains to be seen.
- He still has a year of his contract as a player left to run and one option is a loan move to another club, where he could undoubtedly still perform.
- But Ainsworth also has a definite taste for management after filling in following the sackings of Iain Dowie and Paulo Sousa. He clearly faces an important decision in the near future.
- Ainsworth is a big favourite with fans and the board, and has often been a useful bridge between the two.
- The top brass were keen to keep him in a prominent role when a new manager/coach was appointed. There was even talk that he would effectively be in joint charge if Gigi De Canio returned.
- But during four meetings with Magilton, he made it clear to them that he wanted Gorman alongside him.
- Despite Ainsworth’s popularity, Magilton’s insistence that Gorman be appointed made a good impression.
- The reason is simple. Sousa’s sidekick, Bruno Oliveira, was not popular with some inside the club, and his youth and perceived inexperience was the cause of some consternation.
- It meant Magilton pushed the right buttons by saying he wanted to work with the experienced Gorman.
- Magilton was also adamant that his title – and more importantly his agreed role – was to be manager and not coach, unlike his three predecessors.
- Many people will want to know if this means taking over responsibility for signing players from sporting director Gianni Paladini.
- The answer, strictly speaking, is yes.
- But this itself will not necessarily mean a major change of direction. More on that another time.
- There is also an agreement – in principle at least – to help the manager improve the club’s weak youth and scouting systems.
- This would be the biggest indication that Briatore and co are now willing to let a British-style manager have overall control of football matters.
- But it isn’t just a question of control. There’s also the question of funding, because any significant behind-the-scenes changes would cost money without an obvious short-term return.
- Persuading owners who know little about football and are looking to limit costs to now invest in neglected areas of the club may not be easy.
- Time will tell what changes Magilton and his backroom team are able to make.
- He should at least get the opportunity to bring in a chief scout, which would be a significant and long overdue step forward.
- Rangers were already discussing the possibility of installing a chief scout or head of recruitment prior to Sousa’s exit, and a number of possible candidates were spoken to.
- It was later thought the appointment would be particularly relevant if De Canio returned or another foreign coach was hired, given their limited knowledge of British-based players.
- And even if there isn't another addition to the staff, Rangers should be stronger on the scouting front following Gorman’s arrival.
- Gorman’s background, which includes a spell as Southampton’s chief scout, means he is well connected and very much part of the football network QPR have too often been detached from in recent years. BBC606


EADT/Elvin King - Gorman Talking About QPR
- JOHN Gorman will be confirmed Queens Park Rangers' assistant manager within the ....- “I have not signed a contract yet, but have a meeting at the club on Monday,” said Gorman, who was shown around Loftus Road yesterday. “Jim Magilton deserves to be back in management, and I am delighted to be continuing My Tuchusociation with him.
- “We are looking ahead with confidence to the 2009/10 campaign and will be making a big note of the matches against Ipswich when the fixture list is published next week It was disappointing the way things ended for me - and Jim - at Ipswich, and I was back in the town on Wednesday picking up my belongings from the house where I was living.”
- And looking ahead to his new challenge, Gorham added: “Things are ticking at Rangers already.
- “It is a famous club that I have always rated and Loftus Road is a wonderful stadium for football.
- “Whether we can finish above Ipswich is something we shall have to wait and see, but I wish Ipswich well.
- “They are a lovely club with lovely fans, but now it is time for me to move on.”
- Gorman would not be drawn on whether QPR would be coming in for any current Ipswich players, but those who new manager Roy Keane is happy to release will no doubt come under the Magilton/Gorman spotlight.
- “After my world came crashing down, it is nice to be back,” said Gorman, an ex-Celtic player.
- “But I can't get my head round being at a club called Rangers. It will always be QPR for me!” EADT


Coventry Evening Telegraph/Andy Turner - Chris Coleman turns down QPR offer
-COVENTRY CITY boss Chris Coleman has laughed off suggestions that he is favourite to take over as manager of home town club Swansea City FC - after turning down moneybags QPR.
- City chairman Ray Ranson revealed last night that Coleman also turned down the opportunity to switch to Queens Park Rangers.
- The billionaire London club last week asked permission to speak to Coleman about the vacancy at Loftus Road.
- But Coleman said he was wasn’t interested in a return to London and Rangers opted for former Ipswich manager Jim Magilton instead....
- Ranson said: “QPR’s chairman Gianni Paladini approached us last week and asked for permission to speak to Chris and I said ‘no’. I spoke to Chris and he said he wasn’t interested in going anywhere....


The Mirror: Lee Cook Operation?
- "...QPR want Danny Rose on a season-long loan from Spurs after learning Lee Cook will be out for four months.
- Winger Cook, 26, had an operation on his knee last week to clean up a niggling injury and is likely to be sidelined until October.,,,


Forest Green Rovers Official Site- 11/06/2009 - Queens Park Rangers confirmed for Pre-season Match
- Further to the earlier press release regarding our pre season programme, we are now pleased to confirm that Queens Park Rangers will be the Championship side to visit the New Lawn, either on Tuesday 21st or Wednesday 22nd July. Final details of the date will be confirmed in the next 7 days.


Seven Substitutes on The Bench Next Season
Football League -." - Clubs also approved a proposal from Derby County to increase the number of substitutes for Coca-Cola Football League matches to seven (from the current five), of which three may enter the field of play.


QPR's 2009/2010 SCHEDULE
JUNE
June 16: Carling Cup First Round Draw (QPR in the First Round)
June 17 - Release of 2009-2010 Fixtures
End of June - QPR Players Return to Training
JULY FRIENDLIES
July 11 - Aldershot (Away)
July 21 or 22 - Forest Green Rovers (Away)
July 24 - Oxford United (Away)
July 28 - Wycombe (Away)
July 29 (Wednesday) - "QPR Family Fun Day"
AUGUST
August 8 - QPR's Championship Season Kicks Off
August 10th (w/c) Carling Cup Round 1
August 24th (w/c) Carling Cup Round 2
September 21st (w/c) Carling Cup Round 3
October 26th (w/c) Carling Cup Round 4
November 30th (w/c) Carling Cup Round 5
January 2 - FA Cup Third Round
January 4th (w/c) Carling Cup Semi-Final (Leg 1)
January 18th (w/c) Carling Cup Semi-Final (Leg 2)
February 28th Carling Cup Final
May 2 - Championship Season Finish
May 8th-17th - Play-Off Semi-Finals
May 22 - Championship Play-Off Final


Ron Springett Finally gets his 1966 World Cup Medal

QPR OFFICIAL SITE - ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS- Ron Springett described picking up his World Cup winner's medal from Downing Steer yesterday as an "absolutely fabulous" moment.
- The former R's goalkeeper - who started and finished his career at Loftus Road - was a member of England's successful 1966 squad, but didn't receive a medal as, up until 1974, they were only handed to the 11 men who played on the victorious side in the final itself.
- Springett joined 10 other members of England's squad to pick up their medals yesterday from the Prime Minister after Fifa changed the ruling.
"Gordon's a lot smaller than I thought he was," Springett said with a chuckle.
"I told him that I could get him in my local side, but he would need to start on the subs' bench, and work his way into the team. He roared laughing!"
"But it was absolutely fabulous to finally get a medal, it was even more special than I hoped it would be.
- "Gordon said well done, and told us we fully deserved this recognition."
So what does Springett intend to do with his medal, now that he has got it after 43 years of waiting?
"I'm going to have to put it into hiding," he joked.
"My wife Barbara is very protective of it. I wanted to take it out today to show some friends but she wouldn't let me!
"But it's beautiful, and I am very, very proud."
Springett remains an avid follower of the R's, missing only three home matches last term. And he intends to be a regular in W12 once again next season.
"Our aim has to be the play-offs," he added. "It is going to be very tough because some big teams have come down from the Premiership.
"But fingers crossed, this will be our year. QPR


QPR 2008-2009 STATS
- QPR's 2008/2009 Stats
-(The club scored just two away goals in their first ten games)

- 2008-2009 Championship Attendances: Club by Club
QPR Attendance
2008/09 14,003
2007/08 13,958
2006/07 12,936
2005/06 13,440
2004/05 16,055
2003/04 14,784 (Promotion season)
2002/03 13,206
- 2008-2009 Championship Discipline: Club by Club
- Number of Players Used: Club-by-Club
- QPR Previous Season Stats


THE COMPLETE LIST OF QPR WEBSITES

Below: A list of those QPR fan sites. Please send any corrections or additions (such as facebook or Twitter links) to qprreport@hotmail.com] If site owners want to provide a sentence or two describing your site, the description will be added to an ammended compilation.]

- QPR Official Site
- QPR Dot.org
- Loft For Words
- We Are The Rangers Boys
- QPR Report
- QPR Report Messageboard
- Battletank's QPR.ORG
- QPRNet.com
- A Kick Up The R's (AKUTR'S)
- Dave's Queens Park Rangers FC
- QPR Vital Football
- LSA
- QPR 1st
- Independent R's Review (Indys)
- QPR Rivals
- QPR Mad
- QPRFans
- QPR Fansonline
- QPR Fans Online
- Queens Pod Rangers
- QPR Today
- Boardroom Blues
- Paul's QPR Website
- Gamblog QPR

QPR OVERSEAS
- QPR Italia
- QPR FANZ
- Irish QPR - IQPR
- QPR USA LSA
- Big Soccer/QPR (USA)
- QPRUSA
- Swedish Hoops
- QPR/Sweden
- QPR Supporters Norway
- Loyal Russians

OTHER QPR SITES
- QPR Kent LSA
- QPR FC Fans in Essex
- Lofty Heights-Hooped Dreams
- Accrington Stanley Bowles (ASB)
- My Space/QPR FANS
- Superhoopsqpr

"ARCHIVED"/NO LONGER ACTIVE ONLINE
- Old AKUTRs articles are and others "archived" AKUTRs articles
- Battletank's Original QPR.Org
- QPR 48-67
- In The Loft
- QPR UK
- Rangers Till I Die
- Hoops Online
[CORRECTIONS and ADDITIONSPlease Send any corrections or additional sites to qprreport@hotmail.com ]


QPR's Top Five Seasons - The New Football Pools - Football Fever Five - Your Ultimate Season WHAT WAS THE ULTIMATE SEASON?
- Queen’s Park Rangers
1975-76
- Rangers have never been closer to the League Championship than in 1975-76, when the side containing QPR legends such as Gerry Francis, Stan Bowles and Dave Thomas finished runnersup to Liverpool.
With three games to play, Dave Sexton’s side – lauded for their free-flowing football, which helped boost average gates by over 16 percent – led the table by a point, but defeat at Norwich gave Liverpool a slight advantage. Although Rangers won their final two games – against Arsenal and Leeds – Liverpool matched them to hang on. The Rangers players watched on TV as the Reds beat Wolves to take the title.

1966-67
Rodney Marsh scored 30 goals in 41 appearances as Alec Stock’s QPR side marched to the Third Division Championship and won their first major trophy, the League Cup. They set a club record of 67 points to win the title by 12 points, and scored 103 goals in the process. The R’s beat West Brom 3-2 in the League Cup Final – the first at Wembley. They were the first Third Division side to win the tro phy, and they did so by coming from two goals down, with Morgan, Marsh and Lazarus scoring second-half goals.

2003-04
Ian Holloway led Rangers to promotion to the Championship after a nerve-jangling climax to the season. Promotion wasn’t secured until the very last game, when goals from Kevin Gallen and Paul Furlong, plus an own goal from Chris Carr, gave QPR a vital 3-1 win at Hillsborough against Sheffield Wednesday. It meant they finished runners-up, just a point ahead of Bristol City, who had to settle for the play-offs.

1982-83
Terry Venables’ side achieved a club record points total (85) in winning the Second Division title and returning to the top flight after a four-year absence. Rangers – with a squad that included the likes of Clive Allen, Terry Fenwick and Gary Micklewhite – finished 10 points clear of runners-up Wolves. QPR, FA Cup finalists the previous year, were knocked out in the third round at West Brom

1992-93
The first Premier League season was one of Rangers’ most memorable. Managed by Rangers legend Gerry Francis, they finished 5th, ahead of the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea. Les Ferdinand scored 20 league goals and average gates at Loftus Road were up 11 percent on the previous season. The New Football Pools Club-by-Club