QPR REPORT: July 2009

Friday, July 31, 2009

Cook's Recovery....Buzsaky Staying?...Vignal Leaving...Marshall...QPR Southampton Squad

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-For a different, genuinely-cutting-edge, continually-updated, football-only - and obsessively-comprehensive! - news about QPR: Visit the QPR Report Messageboard (and quasi blog)! You're welcome to just read. You're also invited to also post your views about the articles (or anything else)! All perspectives genuinely welcomed!

QPR Official Site - COOK GETS GREEN LIGHT
- Lee Cook has been given the all-clear to step-up his rehabilitation following a consultation with his surgeon this evening.
- The 26-year-old midfielder underwent keyhole surgery in May and Head Physio Paul Hunter told www.qpr.co.uk that he is delighted with the results of the scan.
- "It confirmed to us that the operation was a complete success, and we have now been given permission to step up his rehabilitation," he said.
- "Lee is exactly in line with where I anticipated him to be at this stage.
- "I would also like to stress that this is a new injury, and not linked in anyway to Lee's previous surgery."
- "It is always difficult to pin-point a return date following this kind of operation but, needless to say, we will be doing everything in our power to have Lee available to the Manager as quickly as possible."
- Meanwhile, Hunter revealed that injured trio Mikele Leigertwood, Akos Buzsaky and Alejandro Faurlin are making excellent progress as they all look to overcome their respective thing strains.
- "We're very happy with how they're responding to treatment," he said. "They're now at the stage where they're completing functional rehab on the pitch.
- "We will continue to monitor their progress closely." QPR

Dave McIntyre/BBC 606 UPDATE re Cook & Vignal
- All-important surgery on Lee Cook's knee has been declared a success.
- This week’s verdict was seen as crucial for the player, who has been plagued by knee problems.
- And it seems the news is positive and Cook has a realistic chance of getting back to full fitness before long.
- His return would give Rangers more options on the left wing, but the search for a left-back goes on after Gregory Vignal was told he would not be offered a contract following his recent trial.
- Gary Borrowdale is now set to start the new season unless enquiries about a couple of full-backs bear fruit next week.
- And a decision on keeper Andy Marshall will be taken after the friendly against Southampton.
- Marshall, who has also been on trial at Loftus Road, played against Kettering and will get another chance to impress on Saturday.
- It was hoped that Akos Buzsaky would feature against Kettering or Southampton.
- Buzsaky hasn’t been included in the squad for tomorrow, but his thigh strain has improved and he has been cleared to return to full training next week BBC606

BBC - QPR decide against signing Vignal
- Queens Park Rangers have decided not to sign Gregory Vignal following his recent trial at Loftus Road.
The former Liverpool and Portsmouth left-back has been told he can leave French club Lens on a free transfer.
He played for QPR in pre-season friendlies at Wycombe and Kettering but has been told he will not be offered a contract by the club.
Rangers are still giving a trial to former Coventry, Millwall and Ipswich goalkeeper Andy Marshall." BBC

Sky Sport - Buzsaky committed to QPR
Midfielder in dark over Stoke link
By Juha Pal Last updated: 31st July 2009
- Akos Buzsaky has insisted he knows nothing of reports linking him with a move to Stoke.
- Speculation suggested earlier this summer that Potters boss Tony Pulis could be considering a swoop for the Queens Park Rangers midfielder.
- Pulis worked with Buzsaky when the pair were together at Plymouth, but the Hungarian is not sure how much truth is in the story.
- Having spent much of last season on the sidelines with a serious knee injury, Buzsaky is more focused on staying fit and playing well for QPR.
- "I don't know anything about this rumour with Stoke," he told Nemzeti Sport.
- Premier League ambition
"This is true that my former manager Tony Pulis knows me very well and knows what I can do on the pitch.
- "But I don't think that anyone would like to sign a player who missed half-a-year due to injury. After a good season it may be a question."
- Buzsaky added: "I have a three-year-long contract and I would like to stay here until it expires.
- "But sooner or later I'd like to compete in the Premier League and it might be that I must try to reach this challenge at another club if it's not possible with QPR." Sky Sports

QPR vs Southampton
QPR Squad: Ainsworth, Alberti, Agyemang, Balanta, Brown, Borrowdale, Ephraim, Gorkss, Hall, Helguson, Mahon, Marshall, Pellicori, Putnins, Ramage, Routledge, Rowlands, Stewart, Taarabt, Vine.

QPR Official Site - FRIENDS REUNITED
- QPR take on Southampton this Saturday in the final friendly fixture ahead of the start of the new campaign.
- Jim Magilton has seen his men gradually improve as pre-season has progressed, culminating in Tuesday night's highly impressive 2-1 win at Wycombe Wanderers.
- Now the Rangers boss is hoping to see a further step-up in quality when his charges face his former team at Loftus Road.
- "I'm looking forward to this game," he told www.qpr.co.uk
- Southampton is one of the results I always look out for on a Saturday evening.
- "It's a great Football Club, and really it's very sad to see how things have gone down there.
- "But in Alan Pardew they've got a great man in charge who is more than capable of turning things around for them.
- "I expect it to be a tough game for us tomorrow, and it is the right sort of preparation that we need going into Blackpool at home."
- Akos Buzsaky, Alejandro Faurlin and Mikele Leigertwood once again miss out owing to thigh strains while Radek Cerny is also unavailable due to illness.
- QPR Squad: Ainsworth, Alberti, Agyemang, Balanta, Brown, Borrowdale, Ephraim, Gorkss, Hall, Helguson, Mahon, Marshall, Pellicori, Putnins, Ramage, Routledge, Rowlands, Stewart, Taarabt, Vine. QPR

Postings Updated throughout the Day

- AKUTRS Dave Thomas Blog ("Flog") Week #3

- Simon Walton to Millwall?

- QPR Defender Opens Shop

- No Lejsal to Bristol City

- Ex-QPR (Dean) Wilkins Appointed Southampton Assistant Manager

- Former QPR Chairman Bill Power (BP) offers his Season Preview on Vital Football QPR

- Chelsea Awarded Millions in Compensation

- Bobby Robson - RIP

- Reading Interest in Fitz Hall?

- QPR vs Southampton...Southampton Season Ticket Sales

- Ex-QPR Loanee Bob Malcolm, off to Australia

- 1992-1993 Video: QPR vs Manchester United

- Year Flashback: Gorkss and Parejo Join QPR

- Ex-QPR Schoolboy, Michael Bryan now at Watford: Profile/Interview

- Football League Rule re Publicizing Transfer Fees

- QPR Thirty-Five Years Ago: The 1974-75 Season (including video)

- England U-19s Progess vs France

- Livingston Saved...Tranmere for Sale on Ebay...Hearts/Taxes

- Darren Bent Twittering, offers his view

- Brian Glanville on Gerrard Trial (and other), the Wembley Cup, The Erikkson/Notts County Appointment and Crouch to QPR

- Snippet re Briatore/Comment in the Evening Standard.....Another Briatore/QPRsnippet in the Daily Mail

- Blackstock Picks Up a (slight) Injury

- Stern John Signs for Crystal Palace

- Sousa Talks about his Swansea Plans and need for Youth Academy

- Lita in Talks with Sheffield United

- Liam Miller in the Republic of Ireland Squad vs Australia, August 12

- The Growth of Football Gambling

- Fans' Views of Future of the Game

- Some of the Past Official Site statements by Flavio Briatore

- QPR Player Contracts

- Current Promotion Odds

Football Snippets Friday

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Football Snippets Thursday....Pellicori Signs....QPR Interest in Lita?...Wycome's Taylor on QPR...QPR Catering

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-For a different, genuinely-cutting-edge, continually-updated, football-only - and obsessively-comprehensive! - news about QPR: Visit the QPR Report Messageboard (and quasi blog)! All QPR perspectives genuinely welcomed!

QPR Report Updated throughout the Day

- Livingston Saved...Tranmere for Sale on Ebay...Hearts/Taxes

- 1992-1993 Video: QPR vs Manchester United

- Blackstock Picks Up a (slight) Injury

- Stern John Signs for Crystal Palace

- Sousa Talks about his Swansea Plans and need for Youth Academy

- Lita in Talks with Sheffield United

- Liam Miller in the Republic of Ireland Squad vs Australia, August 12

- The Growth of Football Gambling

- Snippet re Briatore/Comment in the Evening Standard

Wycombe's Peter Taylor on Wycombe/QPR Game
"...Rangers are a very attractive team, Balanta and Routledge are two lovely wide players who are going to cause defences all sorts of problems..." Taylor/Wycombe

- QPR's Win at Kettering: Reports and Comments

- Wednesday's QPR Report Items re Vignal, Blackstock, Pellicori, Borrowdale, Faurlin, Campbell, Stewart & Leigertwood and Funday Success

- Fans' Views of Future of the Game

- MLS Stars vs Everton: Match Report

- Flashback 40 Years: QPR's 1969-1970 Season

- Some of the Past Official Site statements by Flavio Briatore

- "Ten Most Embarassing Sporting Mothers"

- The Fall and Rise of Scarborough

QPR Official Site - EXCLUSIVE: R'S SIGN PELLICORI
- Queens Park Rangers Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of Italian striker Alessandro Pellicori.
- The 28 year-old, who has been on trial with Jim Magilton's First Team squad for the majority of pre-season, has penned a three year deal.
- Speaking to www.qpr.co.uk, Magilton expressed his delight at bringing the former Avellino front-man to Loftus Road.
- "Alessandro has done well with us during his trial period," said Magilton.
- "He's a natural goalscorer and we're delighted to add him to the already healthy attacking options we have at our disposal.
- "He'll take time to settle over here, but we're really excited by his arrival."
- Pellicori began his professional career at Cosenza, before moving on to Lecce in 2000.
- He made his Serie A top-flight debut in January 2001, before spending time on loan at a variety of Serie C Clubs, before settling down at Grosseto.
- Twenty-two goals in 52 starts represented a very decent return, but he was soon on the move again, this time signing for Serie B outfit Piacenza.
- However, he made just nine starts for Piacenza and penned a deal with Serie B rivals Cesena in January 2007.
- That summer he moved on to newly-promoted Avellino, scoring an impressive 18 goals in 38 starts.
- Pellicori will wear squad number 12.
- *You can see Pellicori's excellent goal against Kettering Town last night, exclusively on QPR Player later today.
- *To sponsor the R's new striker for the 2009/10 campaign, contact our Sales Team now on 020 8740 2588. QPR

Daily Express/Brendan Abbott - TUG OF WAR FOR LITA
-Leroy Lita is at the centre of a tug of war between QPR, promoted Leicester and Crystal Palace.
- Former England Under-21 striker Lita, 24, is a free agent after leaving Reading last season and has had discussions with all three Championship clubs.
- Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate is also weighing up a move. Express

Daily Mirror - QPR, Leicester and Crystal Palace battle it out to sign Leroy Lita
- Leroy Lita is at the centre of a tug-of-war between QPR, Leicester and Crystal Palace.
- Lita, 24, is a free agent after leaving Reading last season and has had discussions with all three Championship clubs.
- Relegated Middlesbrough are also weighing up a move for the former England under21 international. Mirror

Football and Sports Arena - Azure hits the back of the net with Queens Park Rangers contract
- Azure, the premier Stadia, Sports & Leisure catering and hospitality specialist, has won a five year contract worth £7.5 million to supply catering and hospitality to one of London’s major football clubs, Queens Park Rangers (QPR).
- Starting in June, Azure will provide a wide range of catering facilities from match day hospitality and retail sales to catering for conferences and events at the stadium. As part of the deal, award winning Elior Chef Rory Thompson, will oversee the catering for the Football League Championship club alongside experienced catering and sales manager, Louise Herridge. In addition to providing catering to the stadium, Azure will be responsible for marketing and selling the stadium’s catering for non-match day use.
- Having played in nearly twenty different locations throughout North West London since the clubs formation, fans hold the current stadium at Loftus Road close to their hearts. The catering facilities provided by Azure will include 20 food kiosks and four restaurants, ensuring hunger is kept at bay for the fans. With average crowds of 14,000 and a total capacity of over 18,500, the team at Azure will have a big crowd to please.
- Ali Russell, Deputy Managing Director of QPR, said: “We pride ourselves on offering ‘best in class’ facilities to our fans to ensure the ultimate match day experience. Azure has unrivalled expertise in the sports and leisure arena making them the perfect catering partner for QPR. We are confident that Azure will deliver great food and hospitality services to our fans - from fast food on the stands to fine cuisine in our hospitality areas.”
- Adam Elliott, Azure Managing Director said of the win: “This is a fantastic endorsement of the efforts made by the Azure team in London and the South East. Securing a contract to cater to a stadium of this size has real strategic importance to us as we continue to focus on building our business in the South East and with leading football stadia. With our passion, dedication and expertise we look forward to meeting the high standards demanded by a stadium such as QPR.”
- Michael Audis, Elior UK’s Chief Executive Officer concluded: “It was only last month that we announced a new deal with the Murrayfield Rugby Stadium in Edinburgh and I am delighted to have secured a contract with another hugely reputable stadium so quickly. It is through our proven and continued excellent work that we continue to build new relationships in the stadia market and with sports venues across to the UK. We are passionate about winning new business in this area and continuing to support the diverse catering requirements of businesses in this bespoke industry.”
- With an annual turnover of over £280m, Elior UK owns and operates leading contracts, concession catering and FM services in the UK and employs 12,500 people. Elior UK is backed by its parent company, Group Elior, number three in the European Contracted Foodservice market, with a turnover in excess of €3.4bn. In France, Elior is the number one operator in the Concession Catering market, and number two in Contract Catering.
- Elior UK Tel: 0845 20 35467 www.elior.co.uk = FASArema

- QPR Player Contracts

- Current Promotion Odds

- "On This Day..." Eight Years Ago: QPR crush Chelsea

- "When Pre-Season Friendlies Go Bad" (Including QPR)

- Flashback: Looking Back Sixty Years to QPR's 1949/1950 Season

- Flashback: The QPR of Fifty Years Ago: 1959-1960

- Flashback: QPR Forty-Five Years Ago: The 1964/65 Season

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

QPR Update re Vignal, Blackstock, Pellicori, Borrowdale, Faurlin, Campbell, Stewart & Leigertwood....Funday Success

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For a somewhat different, genuinely cutting-edge, continually-updated, football-only (and obsessively-comprehensive!) news about QPR: Visit the QPR Report Messageboard (and quasi blog)! All perspectives genuinely welcomed!
QPR Report Blog and Board: Updated Throughout the Day

BBC- Vignal keen to secure move to QPR
- Gregory Vignal is hoping to return to English football with QPR.
- The former Liverpool and Portsmouth left-back is on trial at Loftus Road after being told he can leave French club Lens on a free transfer.
- Vignal, 28, said: "I want to come back to England and this is a chance for me to try to do that. I've got to show I've got quality to bring to the team."
- He spent the 2007/08 season on loan at Southampton and had a previous loan spell in Scotland with Rangers.
- The former France Under-21 international is well known to QPR assistant boss John Gorman, who worked at Southampton during Vignal's time at St Mary's.
- "Gregory is a good pro who has been at very big clubs," said Gorman.
- "We spoke and he said he's willing to come here so we can have a look at him, although I don't need to look at him because I know he's a quality player."
- QPR are also giving trials to ex-Coventry and Ipswich keeper Andy Marshall and striker Alessandro Pellicori, who is being assessed ahead of a possible move from Italian club Avellino.
BBC

Dave McIntyre/BBC606- Vignal may fit the bill
- Gregory Vignal will be given another chance to secure a move to QPR.
- Vignal, who is on trial at the club, featured as a second-half substitute at Wycombe and will play in a friendly at Kettering tonight.
- The left-back is well known to assistant boss John Gorman, who was Southampton’s chief scout and later caretaker manager while Vignal was on loan there the season before last.
- Gorman speaks very highly of the player and Jim Magilton is keen to take a longer look at Vignal in action.
- Vignal has plenty of experience of English football, having also had spells with Liverpool and Portsmouth.
- He currently has a year of his contract at Lens left to run, but has been told he can leave on a free transfer.
- The French club are apparently looking to cut costs and Vignal is one of a number of players they are prepared to offload.
- Speaking to Vignal after the Wycombe game, it was clear he misses England and is very keen to return.
- Most trialists fade away pretty quickly but I sense there’s a very good chance Vignal will start the season at Loftus Road.
- He struggled to get into the game after coming on at Wycombe, but should get more time to impress tonight.
- Heidar Helguson, striker Alessandro Pellicori and goalkeeper Andy Marshall will also play at Kettering, and Akos Buzsaky may be involved.
- Buzsaky has been nursing a thigh problem but was due to be assessed on Wednesday morning with a view to giving him a run-out at Rockingham Road, but new signing Alejandro Faurlin is unlikely to make an appearance.
- Marshall is another player on trial at Rangers, while Pellicori is being assessed ahead of a possible move from Italian club Avellino.
- Neither player was involved at Wycombe but both will be playing tonight. BBC 606

Jul 29 2009 London Informer - QPR have the money if Vignal has the form
- GREGORY VIGNAL will soon have a good idea whether he's earned a contract at QPR.
- The French left-back has been trialling with the club and after a cameo in the 2-1 win at Wycombe on Tuesday night, together with being named in the squad to face Kettering last night, boss Jim Magilton will have all the information he needs.
- Vignal has a pedigree back-ground with Liverpool, Glasgow Rangers, Portsmouth and Southampton on his CV, and at 28 is the perfect age to play a key role in the Hoops defence.
- Matt Connolly earned plaudits playing there at the back end of last season, but has always made it clear he would prefer a berth in the centre of defence. And it's clear the other Rs option, Gary Borrowdale, is on, well, borrowed time.
- The former Coventry player hasn't set foot on a QPR pitch as a first-teamer despite Rs shelling out £125,000 to the Sky Blues for him last November.
- Damien Delaney has moved to Ipswich already for close to a £1million, and provided Vignal has done the business at Wycombe and Kettering, the free agent comes at the right price.
- "His wages wouldn't be a problem," an insider said. Ealing Gazette

Ealing Gazette - London Informer/Paul Warburton
Stewart and Leigertwood could stay with QPR until 2012
Jul 29 2009 By Paul Warburton, London Informer
- QPR are ready to offer new deals to both Damion Stewart and Mikele Leigertwood that keeps the pair at the club until 2012.
- The Rangers duo have been coveted by a host of clubs this summer, with the loudest noises coming from Wolves for Leigertwood and Spurs and Newcastle in Jamaican international Stewart.
- Both have only a year left on their contracts, which in effect would be reduced to six months if nothing was sorted by January when the players essentially become free agents.
Wolves were prepared to pay the same near £1million fee for Leigertwood that Rs paid Sheffield United in August 2007 - but boss Jim Magilton doesn't want either player to leave.
- An insider said: "Of course the club doesn't want the double problem of either losing top players in the middle of the season or the transfer fees that go with valuable assets walking out the door for nothing."
- Leigertwood missed out on last night's friendly at Wycombe with a thigh strain, with identical injuries to Akos Buzsaky and new boy Alejandro Faurlin ruling them out of the friendly at Adams Park.
- It's the last of the three that worries the manager most, despite labelling the niggles as only 'minor'.
- Argentinian Alejandro Faurlin, who cost Rangers £3.5m a month ago, is understood to have a tear at the top of his thigh, and will under-go a scan in the next 24 hours.
- Magilton will almost certainly rule the other two out of the only pre-season match at Loftus Road on Saturday as well when Rs take on newly-relegated Southampton....." Ealing Gazette

Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times - Borrowed time... or a second chance?
- FORGOTTEN man Gary Borrowdale is desperate to finally prove his worth after six months of finding the Loftus Road door slammed in his face.
- Borrowdale signed for QPR in a £700,000 move from Coventry midway through last season - only to find himself unwanted by former Rs coach Paulo Sousa.
- Shunted out on loan to Brighton, the left-back's Rangers career appeared over before it had even started - but now he is savouring the opportunity of a fresh start under new boss Jim Magilton.
- "It was a strange one when I came here," Borrowdale told the Times. "I don't really know what happened, but I'm back now and I want to play for QPR and show the fans what I can do.
- "I'm just trying to get my head down - having a new manager is a new chance for me to improve and it's up to me, the same as everyone else, to prove I'm good enough to get in that starting 11.
- "When I went down to Brighton, the objective was to stay up, which we achieved, and it was a good experience. To be playing Saturday-Tuesday, which I hadn't done for about a year and a half, was really enjoyable.
- "A new manager's always got different ideas - certain players might fit, others might not and that's how it always is. Some people like you and some won't think you're their type of player."
- In fairness to 24-year-old Borrowdale, he was by no means the only unsolicited signing foisted onto a QPR boss by the board and sporting director Gianni Paladini last season.
- Having never sought Borrowdale's signature, Sousa was reluctant to hand him a first-team opportunity, preferring to shift Matthew Connolly to left-back to cover for Damien Delaney.
- Delaney's departure to Ipswich earlier this summer left Borrowdale as the only specialist left-back on the Rs' books, but the former Crystal Palace man certainly does not expect that to make him an automatic choice in the side.
-He and Connolly have generally shared the role during Rangers' pre-season programme, while youngster Lee Brown has also been included in the squad at times.
- "Connors played there at the end of last season and did well and I think Fitz [Hall] can go out there if it comes to it, so it's not as if I'm the only one who can play on the left," Borrowdale admitted.
- "If anyone else plays there, I'll give them my support. The way we've been working in training, everyone knows the shape the manager wants to play so, if you're called on, you know exactly what's required of you." Kilbunr Times

Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times - No Dex and no DJ either
- QPR boss Jim Magilton has ruled out a move for Leicester's DJ Campbell as he searches for a striker to replace Dexter Blackstock.
- Campbell, who was born in west London and played for Rangers at schoolboy level, had been touted for a return to Loftus Road after failing to hold down a regular place at Leicester.
- Blackstock's protracted - and rather controversial - £750,000 sale to Nottingham Forest, which finally went through last week, left Magilton with just three specialist strikers at his disposal.
- Italian trialist Alessandro Pellicori has also featured in the Rs' pre-season games and could yet earn a contract but, asked if his shopping list included Campbell, Magilton replied: "Absolutely not.
- "We're constantly on the lookout - obviously Pellicori's come in as well, which gives me more options up front. At the moment we're just having a wee look at him through the rest of pre-season.
- "Adel Taarabt's come in [on loan from Tottenham] as well and again he gives me another option. If we feel someone can add quality to the squad, we'll try and get them."
- But the Rangers manager has made it clear that 27-year-old Campbell, who spent five years in non-league football before breaking into the Football League with Brentford, does not - in his view - come into that category.
- Ironically, Campbell might have been lining up at Loftus Road on the first day of the new season anyway had Blackpool, where he spent a successful period on loan from Leicester last season, been able to match his salary.
- His best season at Championship level came at Birmingham in 2006-07, when he scored 12 goals - the same number that Blackstock managed at QPR last year despite spending lengthy spells on the bench.
- Magilton made it clear earlier this month that he was happy to keep the former England under-21 striker at Loftus Road, but owner Flavio Briatore had been determined to sell Blackstock for some time.
- The move means that Forest have now benefitted twice this summer from Briatore's whims, having already signed goalkeeper Lee Camp for a nominal fee.
- With Jake Cole joining Barnet and Reece Crowther moving to A-League side Wellington Phoenix, QPR are still seeking fresh competition for number one keeper Radek Cerny.
- Andy Marshall, who spent three seasons as a team-mate of Magilton's at Ipswich, is currently on trial at Rangers and is available on a free transfer after his contract with Coventry expired last season.
- Magilton added: "Andy's having a look at us and we're having a look at him. I've got past experience of working with him and I know what he can bring.
"He's an experienced goalkeeper and a good back-up for Radek, but I'll sit down and have a conversation with him soon and see where we go." Kilburn Times

QPR Official Site - FAMILY FUN DAY SUCCESS
- Our inaugural summer Family Fun Day proved to be a glowing success earlier today (Wednesday).
- Over 1,000 Rangers fans turned out in force at Loftus Road, as the feel-good factor ahead of the new season really gathered pace.
- The R's First Team squad, flanked by the entire backroom staff - including R's gaffer Jim Magilton - spent over two hours signing autographs and posing for photos.
- And with the bouncy castle and face painters also proving a great success, both children and adults alike left the ground in great optimism ahead of the new campaign.
- Marketing Manager, Joe Kyle, told www.qpr.co.uk: "We're really grateful to the fans, who once again showed their true passion and support for the Club.
- "They make events like this thoroughly worthwhile and we're all really looking forward to the start of the season now."
- The Club would also like to place on the record its thanks to members of the Official Supporters Club for their support, both in the build up to the event and throughout the day.
- *We'll bring you further reaction from the Family Fun Day on Thursday. QPR

- QPR's Win at Wycombe: Reports and Comments

- Current Promotion Odds

- Ex-QPR John Curtis Joins Northampton

- Season Preview by LoftforWord's Clive Whittingham on Vital Football QPR

- Burnley and Clarke Carlisle Profiled/Interviewed - Carlisle on Ian Holloway "He's a beautiful man, he's very loving and very giving. I'm very proud to have known Ian Holloway."

- Tim Breaker Appointed Assistant Manager of Charlton

- "On this Day..." Two Years Ago: "QPR Chief Paladini to Sell Up"

- "On This Day..." Three Years Ago: QPR Pick up a trophy in Italy

- "On This Day..." Eight Years Ago: QPR crush Chelsea

- "When Pre-Season Friendlies Go Bad" (Including QPR)

- Flashback: QPR Forty-Five Years Ago: The 1964/65 Season

- Flashback: Looking Back Sixty Years to QPR's 1949/1950 Season

- Newcastle Deny Administration Rumours

- MLS All Stars Vs Everton Tonight (Early Thur Morning GMT)

- A Tabloid Apologizes

- Ten Totally-got-it-wrong Transfer Stories (Non-QPR)

- AC Milan/Manchester United Signing Hoax

- "Academy Recruitment Fraud Notice" - Arsenal Official Site

- Flashback: The QPR of Fifty Years Ago: 1959-1960

- Premiership Club-by-Club Transfers In and Out

- "MLS Talent Destined for Bigger Things"

- First Trophy Pick up For Sousa's Swansea

Football Snippets Wednesday...QPR Open Day and Kettering Today

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For a somewhat different, genuinely cutting-edge, continually-updated, football-only (and obsessively-comprehensive!) news about QPR: Visit the QPR Report Messageboard (and quasi blog)! All perspectives genuinely welcomed!
QPR Report Blog and Board: Updated Throughout the Day

- Today: Fan Open Day and Kettering (who also played a game last night)

- QPR's Win at Wycombe: Reports and Comments

- Current Promotion Odds

- Ex-QPR John Curtis Joins Northampton

- Burnley and Clarke Carlisle Profiled/Interviewed - Carlisle on Ian Holloway "He's a beautiful man, he's very loving and very giving. I'm very proud to have known Ian Holloway."

- Tim Breaker Appointed Assistant Manager of Charlton

- "On this Day..." Two Years Ago: "QPR Chief Paladini to Sell Up"

- "On This Day..." Three Years Ago: QPR Pick up a trophy in Italy

- "On This Day..." Eight Years Ago: QPR crush Chelsea

- "When Pre-Season Friendlies Go Bad" (Including QPR)

- Flashback: QPR Forty-Five Years Ago: The 1964/65 Season

- Flashback: Looking Back Sixty Years to QPR's 1949/1950 Season

- Newcastle Deny Administration Rumours

- MLS All Stars Vs Everton Tonight (Early Thur Morning GMT)

- A Tabloid Apologizes

- Ten Totally-got-it-wrong Transfer Stories (Non-QPR)

- AC Milan/Manchester United Signing Hoax

- "Academy Recruitment Fraud Notice" - Arsenal Official Site

- Flashback: The QPR of Fifty Years Ago: 1959-1960

- Premiership Club-by-Club Transfers In and Out

- "MLS Talent Destined for Bigger Things"

- First Trophy Pick up For Sousa's Swansea

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

QPR Win at Wycombe: Reports and Comments

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For a somewhat different, genuinely cutting-edge, continually-updated, football-only (and obsessively-comprehensive!) news about QPR: Visit the QPR Report Messageboard (and quasi blog)! All perspectives genuinely welcomed!

Wycombe 1 QPR 2

QPR Official Site - MAGILTON: MUCH, MUCH BETTER

Jim Magilton wore a wide smile after seeing his Rangers side cruise to a pre-season friendly victory against Wycombe Wanderers tonight (Tuesday).

Goals from Gavin Mahon and Patrick Agyemang put the R's in front, and although the Chairboys pulled a late goal back courtesy of Luke Oliver, Rangers were in the ascendancy from the first minute to the last and thoroughly deserved the win.

Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, Magilton said: "I think we raised it a level tonight.

"We scored two good goals, but our overall play was fantastic at times.

"We restricted them to very few chances of note and the only real disappointment was conceding late on.

"We want to pride ourselves on keeping clean sheets, but the changes disrupted us again, so I have to accept that."

Magilton added: "The work rate was great.

"We've come through injury free again and , since day one, the attitude of the players and their application has been first class."

Despite naming the same starting XI for the second match in a row, Magilton insists nothing is set in stone for the opening day of the new campaign.

"You can read into what you want," he said.

"There's another fixture tomorrow night when other lads will have a chance to impress - that's what pre-season is all about.

"There's great competition for places and that can only be healthy for the Football Club." http://www.qpr.co.uk/page/TheGaffer/0,,10373~1736292,00.html

QPR Official Site - WYCOMBE 1, QPR 2
- Rangers eased to victory at Adams Park, with the final 2-1 scoreline totally flattering the hosts.

Two goals inside the opening nine minutes from, first Gavin Mahon, and then Patrick Agyemang, saw the R's coast into a two goal lead, and but for the heroics of Jamie Young in the Chairboys goal, Jim Magilton's men would have been out of sight at the break.

The R's continued to dominate proceedings in the second period, with some fine free-flowing forward play leaving their opponents chasing shadows.

Wycombe, to their credit, briefly rallied when Luke Oliver struck from six-yards with just seven minutes remaining, but Rangers finished in the ascendancy, to the delight of the travelling 1,200-plus R's faithful.

Magilton was good to his word and selected a strong squad for the trip to Adams Park.

In fact, he named an unchanged side from the eleven who took to the pitch against Oxford United on Friday night.

Radek Cerny started in goal, behind a back four of Matt Connolly, Fitz Hall, Kaspars Gorkss and Peter Ramage.

Recently-appointed skipper Martin Rowlands partnered Mahon in centre midfield, with former Chairboys loanee Angelo Balanta and Wayne Routledge occupying the wide berths.

Rowan Vine and Agyemang continued in attack, with the likes of Adel Taarabt and trialist Gregory Vignal amongst the substitutes.

Former Rangers midfielder Tommy Doherty lined up against his former Club, but he and his team-mates got off to the worst possible start.

Indeed, the match was barely two minutes old when Rangers took the lead.

In the 80th second, Routledge's pinpoint cross was met expertly by the diving Mahon, whose close range header gave home custodian Jamie Young absolutely no chance.

It was a dream start for the R's, following hot on the heels of early goals at Oxford United and Forest Green Rovers in the last seven days.

To their credit, the Chairboys responded quite positively, with Lewis Montrose stinging Cerny's palms with a crisp eighth minute strike.

But the R's were at their free-flowing best and when Balanta broke at pace from inside his own half just seconds later, Wycombe were all at sea.

The Colombian wide-man fed Vine, whose first time cross was only half-cleared, and Agyemang was on hand to drill the ball beneath Young from 12-yards.

Some of the R's football was a joy to behold and when Vine and Balanta combined again on the quarter hour, only a well-timed tackle from John Mousinho prevented the latter from getting another shot on target.

It really was quite delightful stuff from the visitors and following another neat passing move in the final third, Rowlands' fierce drive from distance brought the very best out of Young, who dived full stretch to his left to deny the R's skipper.

Routledge was a constant threat, cutting in from the right flank with regular ease, and combining to devastating effect with the R's front two.

Indeed, it was his back post cross that created the R's next opportunity midway through the half, but on this occasion, Chairboys skipper Michael Duberry was on hand to mop up the danger.

Cerny was a virtual spectator in the R's goal, called upon on just a handful of occasions to clear his lines, as the Rangers back four - marshalled expertly by Hall - stifled the threat of the hosts.

The best the hosts could muster throughout the half was a Stuart Beavon header on 36 minutes, which Cerny gathered with consummate ease.

A half-time penalty shoot-out, which saw all four R's supporting youngsters find the back of the net, brought more screams of joy from the visiting fans, who must've surely been impressed by their sides' first half showing.

Rangers began the second half as they ended the first - in total control.

Mahon's 25-yard rocket flew inches wide of the top corner, before Balanta's opportune curler fell just the wrong side of the post.

It was all one-way traffic and when Vine and Agyemang exchanged passes on the edge of the box to open up the Wycombe back four in the 50th minute, the former saw his right footed drive deflected to safety.

There was a slight worry for Rangers when Connolly appeared to pick up a knock in a challenge - and with just over 10 days to go until the opening day fixture against Blackpool, Magilton opted to introduce trialist Vignal.

That failed to halt the Rangers charge, however, with Balanta and Agyemang both firing wide just before the hour.

Wycombe had an injury scare of their own moments later, with former R's midfielder Doherty forced from the fray following a late Routledge tackle.

Taarabt entered the fray with a little over a quarter of the game to play, joining Agyemang in attack, as the hardworking Vine made way.

Like his team-mates, Vignal was out to prove a point to the R's backroom team, racing into tackles and keeping the ball moving, as the R's ticked down the clock in cruise control.

Taarabt's step-overs almost led to what would have been a deserved third goal for the R's, but half-time replacement Scott Shearer was perfectly positioned to save with his feet.

But it was Wycombe who notched the games third goal, with Rangers briefly switching off from a quickly-taken free-kick.

Oliver was in the right place at the right time to fire home from close range, after the R's failed to pick up their men from the first phase ball into the box.

But it mattered little, with Rangers finishing on top and running out comfortable victors.

Wycombe Wanderers: Young (Shearer 46), Mousinho, Cobb, Duberry, Westwood, Bloomfield (Phillips 58), Doherty (Oliver 61), Montrose, Westlake (Daly 88), Pittman (Harrold 46), Beavon (Zebroski 58).

Subs: Fitchett, Lewis.

Scorers: Oliver (83)

Bookings:

Red Cards:

QPR: Cerny, Ramage, Connolly (Vignal 56), Mahon, Hall, Gorkss, Routledge (Parker 83), Rowlands (Alberti 83), Vine (Taarabt 68), Balanta, Agyemang (German 83).

Subs: Putnins, Brown, Oastler.

Scorers: Mahon (2), Agyemang (9)

Bookings:

Red Cards:

Referee: Mr J Singh

Attendance: 3, 288

http://www.qpr.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10373~1736207,00.html

Wycombe Official Site

LATE OLIVER GOAL NOT ENOUGH
Posted on: Tue 28 Jul 2009

Ben Campbell reporting from Adams Park | hit f5 for updates | email media@wwfc.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wanderers 1-2 QPR
(Oliver, 83) (Mahon 2, Agyemang 9)

Full time here at Adams Park, as referee Singh brings the game to a close. The Championship side head back to London with a 2-1 win but the Blues put in another promising shift.

Granted, QPR did start well and were 2-0 up after 9 minutes through goals from Gavin Mahon and Partick Agyemang but Peter Taylor will be pleased with his side's fightback, which saw Luke Oliver grab his first goal for the club on 83 minutes. Keep it wwfc.com for reaction to this evening's game.

90th min - Can the Blues salvage a draw late on?

88th min - George Daly has replaced Man of the Match Ian Westlake. The former Leeds man showed some nice touches this evening and will prove to be a good addition.

87th min - Rather than heading Matty Phillips' cross on goal, John Mousinho and Matt Harrold head each other and the chance goes begging.

85th min - Instead of looking to deny the Rangers a third, the Blues are on the attack looking for an equaliser. Peter Taylor's men have done well to soak up the pressure in this second half and have got their rewards for their hard work this evening.

83rd min - GOAL! Luke Oliver reduces the arrears here at Adams Park after firing home Matt Harrold's header back across the 6-yard box.

81st min - Taarabt looks like a very good player and talking of the midfielder, he brings a good save from Scott Shearer, after jinking his way into the area.

80th min - The Blues are working their socks off to try and steal the ball from QPR, but at the moment Jim Magilton's side are looking good and able to keep possession with some ease.

77th min - Clever play from Taarabt draws a foul from Lewis Montrose. Vignal's free-kick was poor though and the ball rolls out for a goal-kick for the Blues.

75th min - Phillips took it but it was high and wide of Cenry's goal.

74th min - Superb run from Matty Phillips draws a free-kick for the Blues on the edge of the QOR box. Westlake, Phillips and Cobb are over it...

We've got a celebrity listener tuning in to this evening's clockwatch. Gordon Mousinho, dad of John, is following the game on wwfc.com tonight. You can follow Gordon in contacting the WWFC Media Team by emailing media@wwfc.com.

70th min - Long searching ball from Duberry looks for Matt Harrold down the right channel, but the number 9 is crowded out by Mahon and Hall. Harrold needs more support.

67th min - Rowan Vine is being replaced by Spurs loanee Abel Taarabt. One talented player is replaced by another talented player.

66th min - QPR are playing keep ball again just inside the Wanderers half, as they look to create a third goal.

63rd min - It was Mousinho instead who fired in the cross and Gorkss had to head out for a corner under pressure from Harrold. From the resulting kick, Duberry tested Cerny for the first time in the second half with a header but it was straight down the keeper's throat.

62nd min - Sub Zebroski wins a free-kick in a dangerous area for the Blues. Cobb stands over it...

Keep the emails coming into media@wwfc.com.

60th min - Don't worry guys, he's up and at least able to walk off the field as he is replaced by Luke Oliver.

59th min - Doherty is down and looks in some discomfort. Shay Connolly is on the field and lets hope it's not too serious.

58th min - Beavon and Bloomfield are being replaced by Chris Zebroski and Matt Phillips. We've reverted to a 4-3-3.

57th min - Agyemang goes within a whisper of making it it 3-0. The muscly striker let fly on the edge of the area and the effort went only inches the wrong side of Shearer's post.

54th min - The Blues are enjoying a bit more possession and they look to reduce the arreas. In the Wanderers' latest opening, Doherty found Harrold at the back post, but the target man couldn't test Cerny.

50th min - Routledge is now in on the act and sends a fizzing cross into the Wanderers box. Luckily for the Blues none of the QPR men who had made their way forward could get on the end of it.

48th min - QPR have began the second half like the first - on top. Balanta is the latest Ranger to try his luck from distance but Shearer is able to watch the Colombian's effort past the post.

46th min - Matt Harrold has replaced speed demon Jon-Paul Pittman and Scott Shearer for Young.

Half-time here at Adams Park and at the break the Blues trail 2-0 to the Championship side. Gavin Mahon and Partick Agyemang have got the goals for Jim Magilton's side, both coming in the opening 10 minutes. The Blues have come back into the game in the last 30 minutes though and have gone close through Lewis Montrose and Stuart Beavon. Join me again in 15 minutes.

44th min - Great work from Montrose to block Martin Rowlands' attempted clearance deep in Rangers territory.

43rd min - QPR are playing keep ball at the back as they try and draw the Wanderers onto them. The Blues are finding some more openings.

39th min - Pittman shows excellent pace to leave Fitz Hall for dead down the left-hand side but the problem with so much pace like JP has is that so can catch up him. The only man to support was Bloomfield but he was crowded out.

36th min - Beavon brings a good save from Cerny as the Czech 'keeper dives to his left. Mousinho got forward once more down the right and the former Weymouth man did well to get in front of his marker to test the former Spurs stopper.

34th min - Up the other end, the Wanderers create their best opening of the match. Westlake ran onto the through ball and only a last ditch clearance from Kaspars Gorkss denies JP his fourth goal of pre-season.

32nd min - Jamie Young enjoys his first touch in five minutes as Hall's ball was overhit.

30th min - The Blues have settled down in the last five or so minutes but are still struggling to turn an improved amount of possession into chances here at Adams Park.

28th min - A teasing Ian Westlake cross has won a corner for the Blues, as Matthew Connolly took no chances and headed behind.

26th min - Flowing move from QPR as they look a for a third. The ball came to Balanta, who turned and helped it on to Vine, but the Rangers no.9 slipped and the danger peetered out.

23rd min - Beavon strides forward with the ball but his pass to strike partner Jon Paul Pittman is underhit and QPR are able to bring the attack to an end. The Championship side are showing their class.

21st min - Stunning step over from Balanta on the edge of the area but his deep cross couldn't find Rowan Vine at the back post.

20th min - More encouragins signs from the Blues as they look to push for a goal here at Adams Park, but QPR remain strong at the back.

18th min - Skipper Rowlands brings a decent save from Young, as he lets fly from 25 yards after some nice interchange in the middle of the park.

17th min - Doherty is starting ti impose himself on the game and that is no mean feat against Rowlands and Gavin Mahon.

15th min - Lovely free-kick from Rowlands looking for the big Fitz Hall at the back post. The cross was headed out for a corner and nothing came of the resulting kick.

14th min - QPR are going forward again and only a poor return from Agyemang meant Angelo Balanta couldn't get the ball back and unleash inside the area.

13th min - New skipper Michael Duberry is donning the armband this evening and is playing alongside Chris Westwood at the heart of the Blues defence.

11th min - The game is ebbing and flowing and a great spectacle at the moment.

9th min - GOAL - Patrick Agyemang has doubled the visitors' lead with a clinical finish from 10 yards. Despite the scoreline, it's been a very fair opening.

7th min - First effort on goal for the Blues and it comes from Lewis Montrose. The former Wigan man drew a decent save from Radek Cerny from 20 yards.

4th min - First opening for the Blues and it came about the surge of John Mousinho. Mous got forward down the right and whipped in a dangerous cross, which has to be hacked away by Fitz Hall. Better stuff from Taylor's men.

3rd min - The Blues are sporting their new home kit for this evening's game. You can get your hands on the new kit by visiting the store in Eden or by visiting www.wwfcclubshop.co.uk.

2nd min - GOAL - QPR have taken the lead and the man getting the goal is Gavin Mahon. The former Watford man was left unmarked inside the 6-yard box and the midfielder stooped low to head past Young.

1st min - QPR have a free-kick in the early stages and they've won a corner, following a deflection of Chris Westwood.

Wanderers starting XI: Young, Mousinho, Cobb, Duberry, Westwood, Bloomfield, Doherty, Montrose, Westlake, Pittman, Beavon.

Subs: Shearer, Oliver, Harrold, Zebroski, Phillips, Daly, Fitchett, Lewis.
QPR starting XI: Cerny, Ramage, Connolly, Mahon, Hall, Gorkss, Routledge, Rowlands, Vine, Balanta, Agyemang. Subs: Alberti, Putnins, Brown (GK), Oastler, Parker, German, Vignal, Taarabt.
Hello and welcome to the Clockwatch feature on wwfc.com, as the Blues enterain Championship side Queens Park Rangers at Adams Park. Wycombe

- Tim Breaker Appointed Assistant Manager of Charlton

- Newcsastle Deny Administration Rumours

- QPR's Schedule This Week- Today: Wycombe (A) --- Wednesday: Kettering(A) & Fan Open Day --- Saturday - Southampton (H)

QPR squad vs Wycombe tonight): Alberti, Agyemang, Balanta, Brown, Cerny, Connolly, German, Gorkss, Hall, Mahon, Oastler, Parker, Putnins, Ramage, Routledge, Rowlands, Taarabt, Vine.

- 34th Birthday for Ex-QPR Chris Day

- Flashback: The QPR of Fifty Years Ago: 1959-1960

- Flashback: Looking Back Sixty Years to QPR's 1949/1950 Season

- Ten Totally-got-it-wrong Transfer Stories (Non-QPR)

- "Academy Recruitment Fraud Notice" - Arsenal Official Site

- Premiership Club-by-Club Transfers In and Out

- "MLS Talent Destined for Bigger Things"

- First Trophy Pick up For Sousa's Swansea

- Ian Holloway Preparing Blackpool

- After two draws, England U-19s Win 7-1 and go through

- Bristol City Hoping for Lejsal Loan

- Kevin Phillips Being Linked to Leicester

Football Snippets Tuesday...QPR Wycombe Squad...Gorman on QPR...Tim Breacker Joins Charlton

-
For a somewhat different, genuinely cutting-edge, continually-updated, football-only (and obsessively-comprehensive!) news about QPR: Visit the QPR Report Messageboard (and quasi blog)! All perspectives genuinely welcomed!

- Tim Breaker Appointed Assistant Manager of Charlton

- QPR's Schedule This Week- Today: Wycombe (A) --- Wednesday: Kettering(A) & Fan Open Day --- Saturday - Southampton (H)

QPR squad vs Wycombe tonight): Alberti, Agyemang, Balanta, Brown, Cerny, Connolly, German, Gorkss, Hall, Mahon, Oastler, Parker, Putnins, Ramage, Routledge, Rowlands, Taarabt, Vine.

- 34th Birthday for Ex-QPR Chris Day

- Flashback: The QPR of Fifty Years Ago: 1959-1960

- Flashback: Looking Back Sixty Years to QPR's 1949/1950 Season

- Ten Totally-got-it-wrong Transfer Stories (Non-QPR)

- "Academy Recruitment Fraud Notice" - Arsenal Official Site

- Premiership Club-by-Club Transfers In and Out

- "MLS Talent Destined for Bigger Things"

- First Trophy Pick up For Sousa's Swansea

- Ian Holloway Preparing Blackpool

- After two draws, England U-19s Win 7-1 and go through

- Bristol City Hoping for Lejsal Loan

- Kevin Phillips Being Linked to Leicester

- Peter Crouch Deal With Spurs Finalized

- Brian Glanville on Mark Hughes and Beckham

- Q&A With Ex-QPR Marcus Bignot

- 2009/2010 Championship Season Preview: Part I

QPR Official Site - YOUTH & EXPERIENCE AT WYCOMBE
- There will be a nice blend of youth and experience in the R's squad for tonight's friendly against Wycombe Wanderers at Adams Park.
- With the Chairboys friendly falling just 24 hours prior to the trip to Kettering Town on Wednesday night, Jim Magilton is expected to blood every fit member of his First Team squad over the coming days.
- Angelo Balanta will return to the ground that he performed so well at during a fruitful loan spell last season, whilst R's number two, John Gorman, is expected to receive a great welcome from the Chairboys fans, following his successful managerial spell at the Club between 2004 and 2006.
- Rowan Vine and Patrick Agyemang are also named in the squad, whilst Martin Rowlands - who was named as the R's skipper for the forthcoming season just yesterday - will continue his comeback from an Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury.
- QPR squad (v Wycombe Wanderers): Alberti, Agyemang, Balanta, Brown, Cerny, Connolly, German, Gorkss, Hall, Mahon, Oastler, Parker, Putnins, Ramage, Routledge, Rowlands, Taarabt, Vine. QPR

QPR Official Site - GAFFER - INJURIES ONLY 'MINOR'
- Jim Magilton isn't overly concerned about injured trio Alejandro Faurlin, Akos Buzsaky and Mikele Leigertwood, despite the threesome being ruled out of tonight's trip to Wycombe Wanderers.
- The three midfielders are all currently sidelined with thigh injuries, but the R's gaffer is hopeful they'll be back in the groove sooner rather than later.
- "They're all struggling with small thigh strains and it would be pointless risking them at this stage," he told www.qpr.co.uk.
- "These little knocks can sometimes become bigger issues if you rush the player back, so for the time being, they're in the capable hands of our medical department and we'll continue to monitor the situation."
- Magilton added: "They're minor injuries, but injuries that have to be dealt with in the appropriate manner.
- "We don't want to push them at this stage of the season. We'll take it day by day and hopefully they'll be back with us soon." QPR

Wycombe Official Site - GORMAN RELISHING RETURN
Posted on: Tue 28 Jul 2009 By Ben Campbell
- John Gorman will be reunited with the Wanderers faithful this evening when QPR travel to Adams Park for a pre-season friendly.
- The Rangers assistant manager was handed the reins as Chairboys chief in November 2004 and despite taking over from Tony Adams with the club in a lowly position, the former Spurs man guided the Blues to a 10th placed finish.
- A 21-game unbeaten run at the beginning of the 2005/06 season saw the Wanderers rise to the top of League Two, but following the loss of his wife Myra to cancer and the death of Mark Philo, John took a temporary leave of absence and form understandably worsened.
- John's permanent departure was announced on 26th May 2006 and despite Gorman no longer occupying the Adams Park hot seat, fans will forever remember the great job and brand of football he adopted in Buckinghamshire.
- As much as the fans loved John, he loved the club and the fans just as much, as he recalled when he spoke to the 'Quarters' ahead of this evening's clash.
- "I'm immensely excited about coming back to Wycombe. I can't wait," he said. "Wycombe have just been promoted, they have a great stadium, manager, fans and the staff are very welcoming and friendly. I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone."
- It's not only the return to Adams Park that excites the QPR assistant boss though it's the opportunity to step up the Rangers' pre-season schedule ahead of their Championship opener on Saturday 8th August.
- Gorman said: "We're enjoying a very good pre-season and I'm looking forward to the games coming up.
- "We've got a full squad and it's a big game for us, as we've only got one game after it before we start The Championship season. It's very important to play good opposition just prior to the season starting and Wycombe will provide that."
- To read the full interview with John Gorman, pick up the 'Quarters', priced at only £1.50, at Adams Park this evening." Wycombe Official Site

This is Local London/Dave Peters - Gorman returns to Wanderers tonight 28th July 2009
- WYCOMBE Wanderers entertain Queens Park Rangers tonight in their only home pre-season friendly of the summer (ko 7.45pm).
- The match at Adams Park sees the return of popular former boss John Gorman, who is now number two to Jim Magilton at Loftus Road.
- And it could also see the return of tricky midfielder Angelo Balanta who had a successful time on loan at Adams Park last season.
- The Rangers match represents Wanderers’ toughest test of the summer so far.
- They have been easing their way into the season with a series of matches against non-league opponents so far.
- But they face a double-step up this week with two matches against teams from the Championship.
- After tonight’s encounter they make the trip west to face Gary Johnson’s Bristol City at Ashton Gate on Saturday.
- And the Robins announced today that they will only be opening two stands for the match in a bid to keep costs down.
- But while it appears the match hasn’t fired the imagination of the red half of Bristol it will be a special day at the end of a special week for Blues midfielder Tommy Doherty.
- The former Northern Ireland international served both Bristol City and QPR before teaming up with the Chairboys, for whom he has just signed a two-year contract extension.
- Tonight’s match at Adams Park is free to Wanderers’ season ticket holders, or £10 adults and £5 concessions. This is Local London

Monday, July 27, 2009

Football Snippets Monday...Rowlands Reappointed Captain...Vignal to Loftus Road?

-
For a somewhat different, genuinely cutting-edge, continually-updated, football-only (and obsessively-comprehensive!) news about QPR: Visit the QPR Report Messageboard (and quasi blog)! All perspectives genuinely welcomed!

- Flashback: Looking Back Sixty Years to QPR's 1949/1950 Season

- Bristol City Hoping for Lejsal Loan

- Kevin Phillips Being Linked to Leicester

- Brian Glanville on Mark Hughes and Beckham

QPR Official Site - ROWLANDS RETAINS CAPTAINCY
- Martin Rowlands will again lead QPR in the forthcoming season, after boss Jim Magilton confirmed the midfield maestro will skipper his side for the 2009/10 campaign.
- Rowlands was - in the words of Magilton - 'the unanimous choice' for the role and the R's gaffer has every faith in his captain.
- "We're very fortunate in that, in this group of players, we have a lot of very strong characters," he told www.qpr.co.uk.
- "Martin will wear the armband when selected, but we're lucky to have a lot of leaders all over the park.
- "If Martin isn't around for one reason or another, I know I can rely on other players to step forward and take the armband on, but Martin was the unanimous choice with the entire coaching staff."
- Magilton clearly rates the midfielder's leadership qualities, but also believes he is a 'very, very good footballer,' adding: "Martin has been here a very long time, but he is also a very, very good player.
- "He's someone that people look up to and whilst it's never an easy decision, he ticked all the boxes." QPR

The Mirror - Vignal to QPR?
- "QPR ARE READY TO GIVE FORMER LIVERPOOL AND RANGERS FULL-BACK GREGORY VIGNAL A SURPRISE CHANCE TO COME BACK TO ENGLISH FOOTBALL AT LOFTUS ROAD." Mirror ---- See Gregory Vignal/Wikipedia

- QPR's Schedule This Week
- Tuesday: Wycombe Wanderers (A) -- Wednesday: Kettering Town (A) --- Wednesday - Fan Open Day --- Saturday - Southampton (H)

- Three Year Flashback: A rare statement from then QPR Holdings Chairman, Antonio Caliendo

- Two Year Flashback: Camp and Walton Sign for QPR

- Update: The Manchester-area Masters was held on Saturday: The surprise winners: Bolton, who now get the opportunity to play QPR et al in September: Teams included Fraser Digby's Manchester United and Mike Sheron's Manchester City.

- Mexico Crush USA in the Gold Cup Final...

- "The League Paper" Being Relaunched

- Ex-QPRs Meet: Padula's Columbus Crew Defeats Dichio's Toronto FC!

- Q&A With Ex-QPR Marcus Bignot

- Ex-QPR Dean Sturridge Turns 36

- Paul Furlong Scores (again!) For Barnet

- Sven Eriksson 2 Blackstock and Camp's Nottingham Forest 1

- PFA Pleased With New Rule Regarding Agents

- Prison for Father who Punched Ref

- 2009/2010 Championship Season Preview: Part I

- Armel Tchakounte: QPR's Former Cameroon Midfielder. Post-QPR, seems to have vanished. Looking for "Where Is He Now?" [If any info, please post or email QPRReport@hotmail.com]

- Lee Cook Injury Update

- John Terry Announces He's Staying at Chelsea!

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Football Snippets Sunday...Lee Cook Injury Update

-
For a somewhat different, genuinely cutting-edge, continually-updated, football-only (and obsessively-comprehensive!) news about QPR: Visit the QPR Report Messageboard (and quasi blog)! All perspectives genuinely welcomed!

UPDATED THROUGHOUT THE DAY...

- USA Played Mexico in the Gold Cup Final...

- "The League Paper" Being Relaunched

- John Terry Announces He's Staying at Chelsea!

- Update: The Manchester-area Masters was held last night: Winners get to play QPR et al in September: Teams included Fraser Digby's Manchester United and Mike Sheron's Manchester City.

- Ex-QPRs Meet: Padula's Columbus Crew Defeats Dichio's Toronto FC!

- Q&A With Ex-QPR Marcus Bignot

- Ex-QPR Dean Sturridge Turns 36

- Paul Furlong Scores (again!) For Barnet

- Sven Eriksson 2 Blackstock and Camp's Nottingham Forest 1

- On This Day: One Year ago, QPR lost to Falkirk...Four Years Ago QPR Lost to Charlton

- Decade Ago, Today: Rob Steiner Joined QPR

- PFA Pleased With New Rule Regarding Agents

- Prison for Father who Punched Ref

- 2009/2010 Championship Season Preview: Part I

- Armel Tchakounte: QPR's Former Cameroon Midfielder. Post-QPR, seems to have vanished. Looking for "Where Is He Now?" [If any info, please post or email QPRReport@hotmail.com]

Lee COok Injury Update - Yann Tear/The Gazette
- "Lee Cook faces an anxious meeting with his knee surgeon on Tuesday where he will learn whether he can get his career back on track. The Rangers winger has been resting for 8 weeks since undergoing keyhole surgery on his troublesome left joint at the end of last season. It means he had to play the frustrated spectator while his team-mates get on with their pre-season training and jet off to Slovenia for a pre-season tour.
- But Cook hopes he can pick up his training next week. "I'm hoping to get the all-clear to start rehabilitation on Tuesday with gym work, bikes, weights and running, so it is going to be a very important day for me," said Cook. "It's frustrating because it's a big time of the season and so important especially with the new Manager coming in. Everyone's keen to impress and what you do now sets you up for the season. It's hit me hard missing out so far. You can see everyone buzzing on the training ground and the tempo is frightening. And I'm really sorry to have missed out on the tour because there is so much team-bonding on trips like that. It couldn't have been worse timing."
- Cook added: "I know the new season will come too soon for me, but hopefully it won't be too long before I'm playing again if I get the all-clear this week. I'm hoping you'll see Lee Cook back, doing what he does." By his own admission, Cook failed last term in his bid to recapture the sort of form he showed when he first moved to Rangers a few seasons ago, but you can blame his knee for that. He had missed a large chunk of the previous season and was just getting back up to pace when he suffered a setback in the Autumn.
- A tweak at Cardiff in February further hampered him and he broke down in the final home game against Plymouth, prompting the surgery. "This is going to be a big season for me," Cook said. "It was a bit stop-start last year and the knee was giving me gyp throughout the season, but hopefully this has sorted out the knee once and for all. I'm only 26 and I've still got a lot to do. You didn't see much of the old Lee Cook last year, but Rangers fans will see the best of me again." [As posted on the Indys Site

QPR's Schedule This Coming Week

-Tuesday: Wycombe Wanderers

- Wednesday: Kettering Town

- Wednesday - Fan Open Day

- Saturday - Southampton

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Football Snippets Saturday...Oxford Match Reports...Taarrabt Aims for 15 Goals... Season Preview....Searching for Armel Tchakounte

Friday, July 24, 2009

Oxford Hold QPR - Match Reports and Comments

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For a somewhat different, genuinely cutting-edge, continually-updated, football-only (and obsessively-comprehensive!) news about QPR: Visit the QPR Report Messageboard (and quasi blog)! All perspectives genuinely welcomed - Just without the ad hominems!

QPR OFficial Site - POST MATCH COMMENT - MAGILTON ON U'S
- Jim Magilton was grateful to his former Club Oxford United for providing a good test for his QPR team this evening as it enabled him "to learn about the players".
- The R's boss saw the U's - who he spent four years with in the early 1990s - twice come from behind to earn a spirited 2-2 draw after Gavin Mahon and Wayne Routledge had earlier netted for the visitors at the Kassam Stadium.
- "This was a good test," he told www.qpr.co.uk. "I was pleased with how we played in the first half. I thought our passing and movement were excellent at times.
- "That's what we've been working on in training and it was nice to see it come into our play.
- "But at times we lacked concentration, and obviously fitness plays a part in that.
- "I know the backroom staff at Oxford so I always knew they would test us, and that was good because it enabled me to learn about my players."
- Magilton brought recent loan signing Adel Taarabt on in the second half, and the Moroccan quickly made an impact, setting up Routledge for his goal with a neat through ball.
- "There's no doubt the lad can play," Magilton acknowledged.
- "He's an exceptional talent and he just needs to learn when he can play with it, and when he needs to give it."
- The R's face Wycombe Wanderers next Tuesday in their next pre-season friendly, a game in which Magilton intends to field another strong side.
- "It will be very similar to the side that played tonight," he revealed.
- "And when we go to Kettering on Wednesday I also plan to play a strong team because the lads need game time as we get ready for the opener against Blackpool on 8th August." QPR

Witney Gazette/Jon Murray - Midson makes mark as U's hold QPR
- Jack Midson made a sensational start to his life at the Kassam Stadium by snatching an equaliser just two minutes after coming on as a sub as Oxford United held Championship outfit QPR to a 2-2 draw in their first home pre-season friendly last night.
- Midson, a summer signing from Histon, showed his predatory instincts by nipping in between Matthew Connolly and keeper Radek Cerny, and knocked the ball home.
- It brought the U's a draw they richly deserved in an entertaining encounter watched by more than 3,200.
- QPR boss Jim Magilton paid his old club the compliment of playing his strongest side, and it wasn't long before the R's showed their class.
- They took the lead in the eighth minute when Gavin Mahon slotted home.
- Both sides were playing some good football on an excellent surface, with Wayne Routledge involved in much of the early action.
- As Rangers put neat moves together and threatened to add to their score, it needed vital tackles from centre backs Rhys Day and then Mark Creighton to stop visiting forwards.
- Marcus Kelly, who had produced a lovely bit of skill on the left wing to dispossess Peter Ramage, showed his vision moments later with a gloriously weighted pass to sett Matt Green free for a run at goal. Green raced forwards but his shot was straight at Czech keeper Radek Cerny.
- James Constable was then unlucky not to score when his acrobatic volley at a corner deflected wide off a QPR defender.
- With Billy Turley laid low by flu, Ryan Clarke played the whole match, and the summer signing from Northwich showed his ability with a superb fingertip save from Routledge, after clever play by Patrick Agyemang.
- At the start of the second half, Kelly had the ball whipped off his feet as he shaped to shoot in front of goal, and as the U's began to look more threatening as they attacked the Oxford Mail Stand, as they so often do, Green won his penalty.
- Cutting in from the right, he made space for himself to fire in a left-footed shot, did so, and saw it hit the hand of Latvian defender Kaspars Gorkss.
- Cool as you like, Green then tucked away the spot kick to Cerny's right.
- However, on 63 minutes, the pacy Routledge beat United's offside trap, ran through and, despite Clarke's attempt to drive him wide, finished well.
- United were not to be denied, though, and after Midson had replaced Green, he demonstrated what an asset he could be this season to manager Chris Wilder.
- In the closing minutes QPR sub Alessandro Pelicori hit the inside of a post from an effort with his outstretched leg.
- And Clarke kept his concentration level high by holding on to a fierce last-minute drive from Adel Taarabt..." ). Witney Gazette

QPR Official Site - OXFORD UTD 2, QPR 2
- QPR fought out a thoroughly entertaining 2-2 draw with Oxford United at The Kassam Stadium this evening.
- The R's took the lead twice, through Gavin Mahon in the first half and Wayne Routledge after the break.
- The hosts refused to lie down, however, with Matt Green cancelling out the opener shortly after the half-time break and Jack Midson levelling again late on.
= It was a good work-out fitness-wise for the R's, with the second-half in particular played at quite a pace for a pre-season friendly.
- Jim Magilton will have been disappointed not to win the match, however, as his side dominated for large spells, although the U's certainly came more into the game after the interval.
- Magilton named a strong R's side for his return to Oxford United, a side he made 150 appearances for during a four-year stint in the early 1990's.
- The QPR boss brought Radek Cerny back after being rested in our 2-0 win at Forest Green, while Peter Ramage, Fitz Hall, Kaspars Gorkss and Matt Connolly made up the impressive backline.
- Martin Rowlands continued his recovery with his second start in three days alongside Mahon in the centre of midfield, with Angelo Balanta and Routledge operating down the left and right wings respectively.
- In attack, Magilton opted for the pairing of Patrick Agyemang and Rowan Vine, a duo who seem to have a telepathic understanding whenever they feature together.
- New signing Adel Taarabt had to make do with a place on the bench following his arrival on a season-long loan yesterday afternoon.
- With the big kick-off against Blackpool little more than two weeks away, Magilton approached the game with serious intent.
- Angelo Balanta started the game brightly down the left-hand side, continuing his good pre-season form, and he nearly unlocked the home defence after two minutes following a neat one-two with Rowan Vine on the edge of the box, but Vine's return pass was a little too heavy.
- Vine himself went close moments later, as Oxford were pinned back in their own half.
- QPR's short, quick passing game was very much in evidence once again as the R's looked to make the breakthrough, and they managed it on eight minutes with a fantastic move.
- Following a string of passes, Balanta collected the ball on the left before picking out Agyemang in the centre, and his knockdown fell perfectly for Mahon on the edge of the box, who volleyed home in spectacular style, giving Ryan Clarke no chance in the United goal.
- It was no less than Magilton's men deserved after setting a quick tempo from the start.
- Last-ditch tackles from Rhys Day and Mark Creighton twice denied Vine getting clear as Rangers turned the screw on their Blue Square Premier opponents.
- The opening 15 minutes was spent almost entirely in the U's half, as QPR built attack after attack, with Cerny a mere spectator in the visiting goal.
- Routledge, whose pace was causing the home defence plenty of concern, nearly got the better of the offside trap on 21 minutes, but linesman Mr Redmond ruled he had gone a fraction early. The 893 R's faithful inside The Kassam Stadium clearly felt otherwise.
- The superior quality of the R's was clearly evident, with Routledge, Balanta and Hall in particular standing out, while Connolly and Gorkss were as consistent as ever.
- Gorkss appeared to pick up a nasty knock to the face following an aerial challenge from U's striker James Constable after half an hour.
- But, having seen the head injury the Latvian played on with in our 3-2 win over Sheffield Wednesday at the tail end of last season, it was never going to be serious enough to make him leave the field.
- Moments later, the hosts got in behind the Rangers defence for the first time through Matt Green but, having created space down the left, his shot was tame and easily dealt with by Cerny.
- As the half wore on, Oxford came more into the game and were starting to enjoy a bit of possession but they struggled to penetrate a strong Rangers rearguard.
- At the other end, Balanta went close with an audacious curling effort from 30 yards, which resulted in a loud chorus of "You R's" from the QPR supporters, who seemed to be enjoying the performance.
- On 37 minutes, Oxford had their best chance so far when Adam Chapman's long throw into the box was flicked on by Creighton at the near post.
- Constable was the first to react with an ambitious scissor-kick and his powerful effort seemed to be heading for the top corner, but the ball flicked off the back of Gorkss and away for a corner.
- Routledge should have made it 2-0 on 41 minutes when Agyemang sent him clear with a neat pass following good work by Balanta.
- With time to pick his spot from 14 yards, Routledge hit a low drive towards the far corner, but Clarke was able to get a strong hand to it and tip the ball away for a corner.
- That was the last key action of the opening half and Magilton will surely have been pleased with the display by his men, although QPR would probably have felt they should have held a greater advantage having dominated much of the proceedings.
- At the break, Magilton made three changes, bringing on Gary Borrowdale, Matteo Alberti and Taarabt for Ramage, Rowlands and Agyemang respectively.
- Interestingly, Taarabt partnered Vine in attack while Alberti went into the centre of midfield alongside Mahon.
- Borrowdale took up the left-back position with Connolly switching to the right side of the backline.
- Taarabt had a great chance to open his account barely two minutes into the second half with virtually his first touch of the ball.
- Vine pulled the ball back to the edge of the box from the left for the on-rushing Moroccan international, but his low drive was easily gathered by Clarke.
- On 52 minutes the hosts were given a great chance to draw level when Constable's shot from the edge of the box following a quick counter-attack was harshly adjudged to have hit the arm of Gorkss in the area by referee Mr Farries.
- Matt Green assumed responsibility from 12 yards, and coolly slotted into the bottom left-hand corner, with Cerny going the wrong way.
- The goal certainly lifted the home support and, in truth, sparked the game into life.
- Taarabt quickly reminding us what he's capable of and it was he who created the opening for Routledge to restore QPR's lead on 62 minutes.
- Picking the ball up in the middle of the park, Taarabt waiting for things to develop around him before playing an inch-perfect through ball with the outside of his boot for Routledge to race onto.
- Having missed an early opportunity, Routledge made no such mistake on this occasion, rounding goalkeeper Clarke before slotting home from a tight angle.
- In an entertaining match, Oxford were soon down the other end, and Constable warmed the palms of Cerny with a fierce 20-yard drive.
- Magilton will have been pleased with the way Taarabt quickly got into the swing of things with his new team-mates, especially considering he hasn't even trained with them so far this pre-season.
- Two more changes were made by the R's with little over 20 minutes remaining, Damion Stewart replacing Hall and Alessandro Pellicori coming on for the hard-working Balanta.
- Meanwhile, Oxford pushed for a second equaliser and, in all honesty, they were gifted it on 69 minutes when Connolly attempted to chest the ball back to Cerny in the area.
- Lacking pace, substitute Jack Midson pounced to nick it beyond the R's keeper and into the back of the net.
- Looking to inject some extra passion into the R's display, Magilton threw on Gareth Ainsworth at the expense of Rowan Vine, a decision that was greeted with an almighty roar of "There's only one Gareth Ainsworth" by the travelling Blue and White Hoops.
- He took up his normal position on the right, with Routledge switching to the left flank.
- And it was his deep cross from the right which almost led to Rangers' third goal of the evening. Pellicori was the only one to react, racing to the back post before diving feet first to get a touch.
- With keeper Clarke beaten, the ball bounced agonisingly off the foot of the post before being cleared.
- Moments later, Pellicori again went close, this time heading inches wide following a whipped in ball from the left by the impressive Routledge.
- Clarke scrambled across his goal and was relieved to see it drop just the wrong side of his upright.
- In the closing stages, there was a really competitive edge to this game as both sides went in search of a winner.
- Ainsworth went close with a powerful drive in the final minute but the U's held firm and will have been delighted with this result, while Magilton will consider it another step on the road to preparation for the season opener against Blackpool on August 8th.
- Oxford United: Clarke, Chapman, Sandwith, Bulman, Creighton, Day, Murray (Potter, 78), Clist, Constable (Silver, 82), Green (Midson, 67), Kelly (Rhodes, 78).
Subs: Carruthers, Killock, Deering.
Goals: Green (pen, 52), Midson (69)
Bookings:
QPR: Cerny, Ramage (Borrowdale, 46), Connolly, Mahon, Hall (Stewart, 66), Gorkss, Routledge, Vine (Ainsworth, 73), Balanta (Pellicori, 66), Rowlands (Alberti, 46), Agyemang (Taarabt, 46). Subs: Marshall. Goals: Mahon (8), Routledge (62) Bookings:
Att: 3,246 (893) Referee: John Farries QPR

Oxford United Official Site United 2 QPR 2
- The U's gained a more than creditable draw with Championship side QPR tonight as goals from Matt Green and Jack Midson capped an impressive team performance and once again underlined the potential for what lies ahead.
- United started with Ryan Clarke in goal and a back four of Adam Chapman, Rhys Day, Mark Creighton and Kevin Sandwith. In midfield Adam Murray and Marcus Kelly added width outside Dannie Bulman and Simon Clist, while James Constable and Green led the line. On the bench 17 year old youth team keeper Nathan Silver acted as deputy for the ill Billy Turley.
-It took ten minutes for the breakthrough as Rangers capitalised on a long spell of possession to score with the first chance of the game. Gavin Mahon adds experience in midfield but got forward well to get on the end of a left wing through ball and finish neatly across Clarke into the far corner. Rangers, in their fifth pre-season game, looked sharp and composed on the ball and enjoyed the fine playing surface and excellent conditions to pass the ball around in a style in the mould of their new manager.
- It took two excellent challenges from Day and Creighton to keep them out but gradually United got to the pace of the game and started to show what they can do. Just after the half hour mark Green combined well with the lively Kelly and sprinted clear on the left, but chose to shoot into the arms of keeper with teammates busting a gut to get alongside him in the area. Constable then snatched at a chance and blazed well over when he had more time than he realised, while Green had claims for a penalty waved away on 36 minutes as he turned sharply around Kaspars Gorkss.
-Constable's volley on the turn, from a Chapman long throw flicked on by Creighton, was deflected over the bar by 'one size' Fitz Hall, and after that sluggish opening United had created several good chances despite the undoubted quality of the opposition. Their liveliest player was Wayne Routledge on the right wing but when he got through on 43 he found Clarke equal to his low shot, making an excellent save down to his right.
- With no changes at half time United continued to match their higher league opponents and on 54 they were level from the spot. The excellent Chapman first cleared the danger at one end then sprinted forward to receive a return ball from Adam Murray. He then sent a fine pass down the right channel for Green who took a touch and cut inside before firing in a left footed effort which struck Gorkss as he tried to block. Ref Farries was well placed and decided it struck an arm, allowing Green to thump his penalty into the corner of the net for the first of many goals the returning striker will bag for the U's.
- Credit to Rangers for coming back after that and nine minutes later the excellent Routledge capped a fine game with a well taken goal. Sub Taarabt flicked an exquisite pass through for him in acres of space and he rounded Clarke before finishing neatly from an acute angle to make it 2-1.
- However, United are a squad full of characters and on 69 minutes were level once again. Murray scrapped and battled on the right to find space for a floated cross. Matthew Connolly was caught between heading clear and chesting back to the keeper but took the wrong option instead by chesting it into the path of Midson who tapped it past the keeper and into the net to score his third goal of a very promising pre-season.
- Rangers nearly scored when sub Alessandro Pelicori struck the inside of Clarke's right hand post but their neat passing football often ran into the wall of Creighton and Day who look a formidable pairing at the back. With Bulman and Clist knitting things together in midfield and now with three strikers who look like scoring whatever the opposition or the combination there are serious grounds for optimism for the U's fans
- An enjoyable game between two sides with plenty to play for this season.
United Clarke, Chapman, Day, Creighton, Sandwith, Murray (Potter 78), Bulman, Clist, Kelly (Rhodes 78), Constable (Deering 80), Green (Midson 66) Subs Silver, Deering, Midson, Carruthers, Killock, Potter, Rhodes
Att:3,246 Away: 893 Oxford United

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