QPR REPORT

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For genuinely cutting-edge, continually-updated, news about QPR (and football in general): Visit the combination messageboard and quasi-blog QPR Report Messageboard. QPR and football. And only QPR and football! All posters and all views welcome!

- Top Ten Loan Players Available

- Southampton in Trouble

- Flashback: Linked-to-Swansea John Harbin's Column "One More Round"

- The 1969/1970 Season- Memories

- QPR Official Site on QPR Lotto Sportswear at Wimbledon Tennis

- Delaney to Ipswich? "Ipswich boss Roy Keane is close to completing a £1m deal for QPR full-back Damien Delaney." BBC Gossip/(Daily Star)

- Di Matteo Supposed WBA Frontrunner

- Nottingham Forest sign McCormack AND Adebola....Nott F Still Supposedly Want Blackstock

- Notts County "Secret" Takeover Accepted

- Barnsley: Information Wanted by Police: Update

- Flashback: Then QPR Chairman Bill Power & CEO Mark Devlin Q&A re Ticket Prices and QPR Finances

- Flashback: New Manager Waddock and Chairman Paladini Press Conference

Zesh Rehman Blog - June 30 - World Cup Bid Ambassador
- "I am delighted and honoured to accept an offer from Lord David Triesman at The FA to become an ambassador for Englands bid to host the 2018 or 2022 World Cup. I hope to help the campaign in whatever that I can and hope its a success. England is one of 9 competitors bidding to host the 2018 or 2022 tournament. My role will enatail attending and participating in selected bid functi0ns that will take place over the course of the campaign" Zesh Reman Blog


QPR Official Site Back in Training -
THE BOYS ARE BACK ON WEDNESDAY
- Jim Magilton will oversee his first training session as the new QPR Manager when the R's First Team squad report back for pre-season training on Wednesday morning.
- With the exception of Damion Stewart who is on CONCACAF Gold Cup duty with Jamaica, the entire squad will be put through their paces at Harlington - and the new R's gaffer can't wait to get started.
- "There are butterflies in the stomach," Magilton told www.qpr.co.uk.
- "I'm buzzing and so are the rest of the staff. It's the realisation that the summer is over and the new season is upon us."
- Magilton is a firm believer in making a big first impression - and that applies for him, as well as the players.
- "We need to set the tone from the very first session," he said.
- "First impressions are massive for me and that applies for all of us. I want to make an impression on the boys and I'm sure they'll want to do the same to me.
- "As players, you want to know where you fit into the Manager's thought process - where you are in the pecking order if you like. For that reason alone, all the lads will want to lay down a marker."
- And if the R's players needed reminding of the hard work that a pre-season campaign brings, Magilton added: "It's time to get the sand out of their flip-flops and get to work. QPR


- The QPR Accounts
- Excerpts from the 30+ page QPR Annual Report - Including Chairman (Briatore's) Report
- Discuss the Accounts I or Discuss the Accounts II

- Ex-QPR Players: Where Are They Now?
- Summer Transfers: A Club-by-Club List of Transfers Ins and Outs (thus far)
- Key QPR Dates for 2009-2010
- Pre-season Friendlies: Ticket Prices
- QPR Pre-Season in Croatia?
- Fulham Fans Still Hate QPR: (A lot less than they hate Chelsea, but just a little less than they hate Manchester United!
- The London Football Fan Census Findings re QPR
- Video: QPR 0 Arsenal 6!
- The 2008-2009 QPR Squad (as announced last July)
- Liverpool Area Masters Tournament Held: Liverpool Not the Winners!
- Ex-Derby CEO + Two Ex-Derby Directors Found Guilty - Updated
- Cardiff Set to spend a Million on Defender Dowie tried to Sign Last Year
- Ex-QPR Dean Parrett in England U-19 Championship Squad
- Remembering the England U-18 Team of 1993 (including the brilliant Day and the prolific Kevin Gallen)

-
For genuinely cutting-edge, continually-updated, news about QPR (and football in general): Visit the combination messageboard and quasi-blog QPR Report Messageboard. QPR and football. And only QPR and football! All posters and all views welcome!

- Top Ten Loan Players Available

- Delaney to Ipswich? "Ipswich boss Roy Keane is close to completing a £1m deal for QPR full-back Damien Delaney." BBC Gossip/(Daily Star)
- Di Matteo Supposed WBA Frontrunner
- Nottingham Forest sign McCormack AND Adebola....Nott F Still Supposedly Want Blackstock
- Notts County "Secret" Takeover Accepted
- Barnsley: Information Wanted by Police: Update
- Flashback: Then QPR Chairman Bill Power & CEO Mark Devlin Q&A re Ticket Prices and QPR Finances
- Flashback: New Manager Waddock and Chairman Paladini Press Conference


The 1969/1970 Season- Memories
- Restoring our panache/morale after the humiliating 1968/69 relegation. Four wins and a draw from first five games....Eight wins, one draw and a loss from first 10 games.
- The two cup runs, reaching the Quarter Finals of the League and FA Cup before going out to the two winners...The highscoring Barry Bridges...The pre-season friendly vs Glasgow Rangers (and Rodney Marsh)...The pre-Season sale of Alan Glover
The record signing of Terry Venables (70K) and the return of Clive Clark (who was then sold to Preston a few months later). The signing of Vic Mobley(without the Sheff Wed manager being aware)...The signing of Mike Ferguson....The month suspension of Rodney Marsh...Gerry Francis starting to come to the fore...Final game of season debut of 16 year old Martyn Busby. The sale of Frank Clarke. Rodney Marsh being considered for the 1970 Mexico World Cup.

- Memorable victories: 6-1 over Blackpool at Loftus Road...the 1-0 FA Cup Win over Brian Clough's Derby County and over First Division Wolves in the League Cup.
- Some amazing losses: 6-4 at Bolton and 0-4 at home to Bolton.

- Players of the 1969/1970:- Mike Kelly, Ian Watson, Vic Mobley, Ron Hunt, Tony Hazell Dave Clement, Terry Venables, Barry Bridges, Frank Clarke, Rodney Marsh
- Others Mike Ferguson, Mick Leach, Ian Morgan, Clive Clark, Alan Harris, Framl Sibley, Alan Wilks, Turpie, Alan Spratley, Dave Metchick.

- PHOTOS & FURTHER MEMORIES of 1969/1970 - POST YOUR MEMORIES!

QPR 1969/1970 Results
(From Soccerbase)

LEAGUE CUP RUN
English League Cup Mansfield 2-2 QPR --
English League Cup QPR 4-0 Mansfield --
English League Cup QPR 6-0 Tranmere --
English League Cup QPR 3-1 Wolves --
English League Cup Man City 3-0 QPR --

FA CUP RUNEnglish FA Cup QPR 4-1 South Shields --
English FA Cup Charlton 2-3 QPR --
English FA Cup QPR 1-0 Derby --
English FA Cup QPR 2-4 Chelsea --

DIVISION TWO
English Division 2 (old) QPR 3-0 Hull 09-08-1969
English Division 2 (old) Preston 0-0 QPR 16-08-1969
English Division 2 (old) Watford 0-1 QPR 20-08-1969
English Division 2 (old) QPR 3-2 Millwall 23-08-1969
English Division 2 (old) QPR 6-1 Blackpool 26-08-1969
English Division 2 (old) Birmingham 3-0 QPR 30-08-1969

English Division 2 (old) QPR 4-2 Huddersfield 06-09-1969
English Division 2 (old) Portsmouth 1-3 QPR 13-09-1969
English Division 2 (old) Blackburn 0-1 QPR 17-09-1969
English Division 2 (old) QPR 2-0 Swindon 20-09-1969
English Division 2 (old) Cardiff 4-2 QPR 27-09-1969

English Division 2 (old) QPR 4-0 Middlesbro 04-10-1969
English Division 2 (old) QPR 0-0 Preston 07-10-1969
English Division 2 (old) Norwich 1-0 QPR 11-10-1969
English Division 2 (old) Carlisle 3-2 QPR 18-10-1969
English Division 2 (old) QPR 1-1 Charlton 25-10-1969

English Division 2 (old) Aston Villa 1-1 QPR 01-11-1969
English Division 2 (old) QPR 2-1 Sheff Utd 08-11-1969
English Division 2 (old) QPR 2-1 Watford 11-11-1969
English Division 2 (old) Bristol C 2-0 QPR 15-11-1969
English Division 2 (old) QPR 1-1 Leicester 22-11-1969
English Division 2 (old) Bolton 6-4 QPR 29-11-1969

English Division 2 (old) QPR 1-2 Oxford 06-12-1969
English Division 2 (old) QPR 2-0 Portsmouth 13-12-1969
English Division 2 (old) Millwall 2-0 QPR 26-12-1969
English Division 2 (old) QPR 2-1 Birmingham 27-12-1969

English Division 2 (old) Swindon 0-0 QPR 10-01-1970
English Division 2 (old) QPR 2-1 Cardiff 17-01-1970
English Division 2 (old) Huddersfield 2-0 QPR 20-01-1970
English Division 2 (old) Middlesbro 1-0 QPR 31-01-1970

English Division 2 (old) Hull 1-2 QPR 14-02-1970
English Division 2 (old) QPR 4-0 Norwich 17-02-1970
English Division 2 (old) Sheff Utd 2-0 QPR 24-02-1970
English Division 2 (old) QPR 4-2 Aston Villa 28-02-1970

English Division 2 (old) QPR 0-4 Bolton 14-03-1970
English Division 2 (old) Oxford 0-0 QPR 21-03-1970
English Division 2 (old) QPR 0-0 Carlisle 27-03-1970
English Division 2 (old) QPR 2-2 Bristol C 28-03-1970
English Division 2 (old) Charlton 1-1 QPR 31-03-1970

English Division 2 (old) Blackpool 1-1 QPR 04-04-1970
English Division 2 (old) QPR 2-3 Blackburn 14-04-1970
English Division 2 (old) Leicester 2-1 QPR 18-04-1970
Soccerbase

1969/1970 Stats

FA CUP FIFTH ROUND: 1970 QPR vs Derby County

Click to Play http://www.britishpathe.com/record.php?id=46026

Pathe News - QPR V DERBY 1970
Queens Park Rangers V Derby County. Loftus Road, London.

SV Queens Park Rangers kicking off, right to left, in shirts blue and white hoops and white shorts, against Derby County all red, at Loftus Road. Angle shot of QPR. attacking. GV No. 7 of Rangers shoots. Goalie makes good save. Goalkeeper throws out. SV Midfield play. GV Derby attacking. No. 3 of Derby pushes ball out to left wing. SV No. 11 of Derby on the wing. He centres. Pan across to show players running about in front of goal. SV No. 10, Rodney Marsh, of Rangers dribbling the ball towards Derby goal. M/S Rodney Marsh dribbling ball across field. GV Marsh loses the ball and Derby start an attack. CU Derby attacking No. 7 with the ball. He loses it, ball runs free to etc. Rangers player who starts another attack.

GV Rangers attacking. Ball pushed out to right wing. Angle shot Rangers player shoots, goalie saves, (N.M.) He doesn't hold the ball. It runs free to Derby defender. GV Derby clear. CU Mid field play. Derby in possession. Rangers player kicks up field. LS As ball moves towards Derby goal, beats goalkeeper but hits cross bar. It bounces back into play. Two players fight for the ball. CU Two players fighting for ball. Rangers come away with it. Angle shot Player coming down right wing for Rangers. Ball is crossed. GV As ball comes across It's headed on by Rangers forward. Marsh runs in and hits it into net, but goal disallowed. CU Cheering crowd.

GV Crowd at half time. Angle shot second half. Derby attacking. In front of goal. Ball bobs about in front of goal going from player to player. It's eventually headed towards goal. Goalie dives and saves. GV As goalie gets up and players run back up field. Low AS Goalie kicks up field. SV Midfield player, Rangers attacking. Balls pushed up field. GV As player runs onto the pass and pushes it towards goal. Ball deflected by Dave Mackay and runs into net. Zoom in to players jumping about and Dave Mackay picks ball out of net. Angle shot Players with their arms in air congratulating each other. GV Mass crowds cheering. GV Players walking off, with people running onto field.


Board Items Recently Posted

- The QPR Accounts
- Excerpts from the 30+ page QPR Annual Report - Including Chairman (Briatore's) Report
- Discuss the Accounts I or Discuss the Accounts II

- Ex-QPR Players: Where Are They Now?
- Summer Transfers: A Club-by-Club List of Transfers Ins and Outs (thus far)
- Key QPR Dates for 2009-2010
- Pre-season Friendlies: Ticket Prices
- QPR Pre-Season in Croatia?
- Fulham Fans Still Hate QPR: (A lot less than they hate Chelsea, but just a little less than they hate Manchester United!
- The London Football Fan Census Findings re QPR
- Video: QPR 0 Arsenal 6!
- The 2008-2009 QPR Squad (as announced last July)
- Liverpool Area Masters Tournament Held: Liverpool Not the Winners!
- Ex-Derby CEO + Two Ex-Derby Directors Found Guilty - Updated
- Cardiff Set to spend a Million on Defender Dowie tried to Sign Last Year
- Ex-QPR Dean Parrett in England U-19 Championship Squad
- Remembering the England U-18 Team of 1993 (including the brilliant Day and the prolific Kevin Gallen)

-
For genuinely cutting-edge, continually-updated, news about QPR (and football in general): Visit the combination messageboard and quasi-blog QPR Report Messageboard. QPR and football. And only QPR and football! All posters and all views welcome! Recent articles/items of interest:

Updated Throughout Day:

- In Swansea, Sousa Gets a No Show

- Cardiff Set to spend a Million on Defender QPR Missed out on Last Year

- Dexter Blackstock/Nottingham Forest Talks Supposedly Continuing

- Ex-QPR Dean Parrett in England U-19 Championship Squad

- Swindon's Simon Cox to WBA for Two Million.

- Remembering the England U-18 Team of 1993 (including the brilliant Day and the prolific Kevin Gallen)

- Especially for those who spend their time more productively over the weekend!

Released on the Official Site over the Weekend:

- The QPR Accounts
A few snippets (from a 30-page report)
- Group operating losses exceeded £6.0 million, an increase of 27% on prior year
- Net debt as at 31 May 2008 has increased to £19.9 million (2007 – £18.0 million).
- The Group’s administrative expenses grew to £5.9 million (2007 - £3.5 million). In order to support the growth of the business next year, the number of non-playing staff increased by 10 during the year and is expected to rise further.
- Football staff salaries also increased by 15% due to costs connected with termination of John Gregory and Luigi De Canio contracts."
- Included within long termcreditors are the following unsecured convertible loans:
A £8,600,000 loan from Sarita Capital Investments, interest bearing at 7% and is repayable on demand.
- A £500,000 loan fromValentin Ehmer, interest bearing at 8.72%and is repayable on 29 April 2010.
- A £2,000,000 (interest free) loan owing to Mr A Caliendo is repayable on 28 February 2011 and redeemable at any time prior to that date at the sole discretion of QPR.
- The highest paid director received £196,670 during the year.
During the year, the company paid consultancy fees amounting to £75,000 (2007: £73,750) to Moorbound Ltd, a company in which O Paladini, the wife of G Paladini, a director, is the only shareholder.
- In addition the company provided an interest free loan of £140,000 (2007:£nil) to G Paladini.

- See: Excerpts from the 30+ page QPR Annual Report - Including Chairman (Briatore's) Report

- Discuss the Accounts I or Discuss the Accounts II


Ipswich Fanzine/TWID - No QPR Plans to Target Town
- "....John Gorman says .....“We have no immediate thoughts about bidding for any Ipswich players. But you cannot rule it out. “We are back training on Wednesday and have what we believe is a really good squad. They will get a chance.
But we will be looking at a couple of additions, and of course we know the Ipswich players...” TWID


OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST

- Fulham Fans Still Hate QPR: (A lot less than they hate Chelsea, but just a little less than they hate Manchester United!

- Video: QPR 0 Arsenal 6!

- Summer Transfers: A Club-by-Club List of Transfers Ins and Outs (thus far)

- The 2008-2009 QPR Squad (as announced last July)

- Flashback 1: QPR announced the hiring of two youth coaches and a Physiotherapist

- Flashback 2: QPR Announced Signing of John Curtis

- Flashback III: Waddock Appointed...Gallen Axed

- Terry Venables' First QPR Signing Turns 57

- Liverpool Area Masters Tournament Held: Liverpool Not the Winners!

- Ex-Derby CEO + Two Ex-Derby Directors Found Guilty - Updated

- The End of Signing Players from South East Asia?

- Scolari Criticizes Chelsea Trio

- Johann Cryuff Tribute Video

- Britain's Most Boring Club: QPR!

- Ex-QPR Players: Where Are They Now?

- The Selling of Michael Owen: The Complete Brochure

- QPR Pre-Season in Croatia?

- The London Football Fan Census Findings re QPR

- Key QPR Dates for 2009-2010

- Pre-season Friendlies: Ticket Prices


QPR OFFICIAL SITE - YOUNGSTERS BACK IN THE GROOVE- The R's young-guns were straight back into the groove on the first day of pre-season training at Harlington earlier today (Monday).
- Under the watchful eye of managerial duo Keith Ryan and Steve Gallen, the 23 youngsters were put through their paces in the sweltering mid-morning sunshine, undergoing a series of running and football drills.
- Ryan told www.qpr.co.uk: "It's great to be back.
- "The lads have come back in good condition and that's credit to them.
- "The first few weeks of pre-season will be tough, but it's arguably the most important time of the season for all the players.
- "A good, injury-free pre-season can really bear fruit later on in the campaign and for that reason alone, the lads understand the importance of it all."
- The Rangers First Team squad will follow in the footsteps of the R's teenagers on Wednesday morning, when Jim Magilton oversees his first training session since becoming the new QPR Manager.QPR


QPR Official Site - SPONSOR A PLAYER...
- Have you ever wanted to sponsor a player? Well, this season could be your chance!
- First Team stars including wing-wizard Wayne Routledge, current Player of the Year Damion Stewart, and versatile defender Peter Ramage are all still available for sponsorship, and what's more, the incentives to sponsor a player are endless.
- Not only will you get your name up in lights in every matchday programme, but you'll also get the chance to meet the player in question at the annual Kit Sponsors Evening, where you'll be presented with your piece of kit by the player himself.
- 2009/10 Kit Sponsors prices
Full Kit £750 + VAT
Home or Away Shirt £300 + VAT
Shinpads or Gloves £100 + VAT
Boots £150 + VAT
*To enquire further, please contact Julie Newman in our Commercial Department on 020 8740 2588. QPR

-
For genuinely cutting-edge, continually-updated, news about QPR (and football in general): Visit the combination messageboard and quasi-blog QPR Report Messageboard. QPR and football. And only QPR and football! All posters and all views welcome! Recent articles/items of interest:

- See: The QPR Accounts
- Excerpts from the 30+ page QPR Annual Report


Queens Park Rangers Annual Report - 2008
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT - YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2008

- On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am delighted to present the annual financial statements and report for the year ended 30 May 2008 with a review of what has been a historic year for Queens Park Rangers Football Club. In November 2007, we saved the club from certain administration and completed the takeover of QPR Holdings Limited, with the clear aim of seeking promotion from the Championship to the Premier League. Shortly afterwards, we were pleased to announce that we had secured a 20% investment from the Mittal family.

We understand the QPR heritage and our role as fans, owners and custodians of the Club. We believe in being courageous in the development of the Club and in taking managed risks. At the same time we remain committed to developing the long-term sustainability of the Club through maintaining a business that pays its own way.

An important part of this development was the launch of a new club crest. The crest was designed to combine elements of the past, present and future of the Club. The new crest features the famous blue and white hoops, which appeared on the Club’s badge before it was redesigned in the early 1980s. The change is to be representative of our aim to re-launch the Club into a global brand.

On the Field
The 2007/08 season unfortunately commenced with the tragic death of rising star Ray Jones. The impact of this had a clear knock-on effect to the team performance at the start of the season, with no wins and 6 losses in the first 9 games. Following this poor start, we decided to part company with the first teamcoach, John Gregory. As an interim measure we appointed Mick Harford as Caretaker Manager before installing Luigi De Canio as first team coach. Luigi managed to guide QPR to 14th place, which represented an improvement on the previous season, when we finished 18th.

Following the end of the season Luigi De Canio departed bymutual consent and we appointed Iain Dowie as first teamcoach. However, after 15 games in charge achieving a points total of 18 and guiding QPR to the 4th round of the Carling Cup, we gave Iain notice to terminate his employment. Gareth Ainsworth took on the role of Caretaker Manager.

Disappointingly, we were knocked out of the first stages of the Carling and FA Cups by Leyton Orient and Chelsea respectively.

Player transfers
The key barometer of our success is the on-pitch performance and thus we intend to pursue a policy of investing surplus cash into team development. In the January 2008 transfer window, we invested heavily in the first team squad bringing in 8 new players – Patrick Agyemang fromPreston, Akos Buzsaky from Plymouth, Matthew Connolly fromArsenal, Hogan EphraimfromWest Ham, Gavin Mahon from Watford, Fitz Hall fromWigan, Rowan Vine from Birminghamand Damien Delaney fromHull.

Although such sweeping changes to the teamwill take a period of adjustment, these additional player signings to the first teamimproved our win ratio from24% pre-January to 38% post January.

During the summer transfer window, we took a prudent and measured approach to player signings by bringing in players through free transfers and loan deals, notably Kaspars Gorkss from Blackpool, Samuel Di Carmine from Fiorentina, Emmanuel Ledesma from Genoa, Daniel Parejo from Real Madrid and Lee Cook from Fulham. In addition, Simon Walton and Chris Barker were sold to Plymouth Argyle and 6 players were released fromtheir contracts.

Finally, five players were sent out on loan – Chris Barker to Plymouth (subsequently transferred), Lee Brown to AFC Hornchurch, Lee Camp to Nottingham Forest, Jake Cole to Oxford United and Zesh Rehman to Blackpool.

Commercial partners
The current financial year witnessed the end of many commercial arrangements including shirt sponsor, Car Giant and kit sponsor, Le Coq Sportif. After the year-end, we were delighted to welcome Gulf Air as our official shirt sponsor on a
two brands that have mutual objectives and desires tomove forward and embrace a global audience. In addition we attracted Lotto Sport Italia as our official kit sponsor on a five-year deal – a partnership that will benefit QPR on and off the pitch.

We also attracted a two-year sponsorship from Abbey, who will become the Club’s financial partner. The partnership will provide the financial group with a bespoke programme including joint branding at Loftus Road, access to players and senior staff and the use of the Club facilities throughout the year. Finally, we announced that leading producer and distributor of watches, Chronotech will be the official time keeper on a one-year deal. Their ethos on quality complements our desire to build an exciting and stylish future for the Club.

These deals will allow QPR tomove towards our objective of ensuring that QPR is financially self-sustaining.

In the close season, we invested heavily on refurbishing key areas of the stadium. We refurbished the VIP boxes, hospitality suites, club superstore, ticket office and seating, as well as improving disabled access and the viewing experience for fans by installing a jumbo screen and scoreboard.

As part of this major transformation, we re-branded our hospitality areas. The C Club is an exclusive club available to only 100 members, allowing members tomix with some of the highest profile business people in the world. The W12 club is a premiummembers club, available to a limited number, providingmatch day
hospitality unrivalled at other clubs.

Catering
We were excited to confirm that renowned international restaurateur Cipriani’s would provide the catering at the Loftus Road stadium for the coming season. The Cipriani empire boasts some of the best restaurants, bars and hotels in theWorld and QPR will be joining this illustrious list, providing our corporate guests with some of the finest food available. Cipriani’s will cater for the C and W12 members clubs, as
well as our VIP boxes.

Prospects
With 39 games played so far in the 2008/09 season, we have accumulated 53 points and sit in 11th place with a win ratio of 33%. In addition, we reached the 4th round of the Carling Cup drawn against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Off the field, our season ticket sales for the 2008/09 season were extremely encouraging. In fact, we took the decision to cap season ticket numbers at 10,000 before the start of the season. We also launched a new membership scheme
which has gone extremely well and we plan to launch a new quarterly magazine soon.

Our community scheme, which seeks to engage children through themediumof football, has reached over 50,000 individuals in the current year and the target next Season is to reach 100,000. The scheme aims to encourage physical activity whilst also tackling crime and anti-social behavior.

Subsequent to the year-end, the ABC Corporation loan that attracted an interest rate of 11.76%was repaid and refinanced in July 2008 with a loan fromAmulya Property Limited, a company with which Amit Bhatia and I are connected. The interest rate under the Amulya Loan is 8.5%.

The transformation in this Club since we completed the takeover has been immense. The
changes to the Club have been very important and will allow us to ease our transition to the Premier League.

I would like to pay tribute to the shareholders, fans and commercial partners for their continued support and dedication and I look forward to welcoming you to Loftus Road to what I hope will be a successful season

Flavio Briatore - Chairman [pages 6-8 Report]
The QPR Accounts

-
For genuinely cutting-edge, continually-updated, news about QPR (and football in general): Visit the combination messageboard and quasi-blog QPR Report Messageboard. QPR and football. And only QPR and football! All posters and all views welcome! Recent articles/items of interest:

QPR ANNUAL ACCOUNTS
- Click Annual Accounts 07/08 to view the Annual Report and Financial Statements for the period 31 December 2008 - QPR - QPR Holding Accounts ----- Some Exended Excerpts re Finances


Sunday Mirror/Graham Otway - SUR-FIRE SAINTS SALE
- Southampton could this week be forced to sell exEngland Under-21 midfielder Andrew Surman this week just to meet the club's wage bill.
- Qpr are expected to head a queue of clubs willing to pay a cut-price £400,000 for the 22-year-old who has made 133 appearances for the Saints.
- Administrator Mark Fry was unable to pay any of the club'staff their June salaries on Thursday after a takeover deal with the Matt Le Tissier-fronted Pinnacle Group broke down.
- And while a group of Swiss investors are now considering a £15million bid for Saints, Fry is under pressure from two directions to complete a deal in the week.
- While they remain unpaid, any member of Saints staff or players could call in the receivers to close the club down. And time is fast running out for Saints to convince the League that they have a new owner in place and the finances to compete in League One when the new season starts in August.
- And there was a hint of desperation from Fry.
- He said: "If towards the end of the week we are in a situation where no bids for the football club are forthcoming, then I will meet with the directors of the club to discuss options Mirror


Rod Liddle/The Times on The BBC Executive's Expenses Issue, Makes Passing QPR Comment!
"I was a little bit disappointed by those expenses charged by BBC executives and revealed by the corporation last week in another of those sudden outbursts of “openness and transparency”. ....I yearned for disclosures about houses, zoynes and yachts, but all we got was claims for half a handbag and a book about Britain’s most boring football club, QPR (this latter for the rather weird Mark Byford, deputy DG)....."
"- Rod Liddle left his post as editor of the BBC's Today programme in 2002....As well as writing for The Sunday Times, he contributes to The Spectator and Country Life and presents current affairs documentaries on television - The Times


Two Years Ago Today: June 28, 2007 - QPR Youth Head, Joe Gallen Axed
QPR Official Site - GALLEN DEPARTS
- After being called to a meeting with Manager John Gregory at the Club's Harlington Training complex this morning, Head of Youth Joe Gallen has left the Club with immediate effect. - Gallen, 34, joined the Club in October 1998.
Commenting on Gallen's departure, Gregory told www.qpr.co.uk: "We thank Joe for the contribution he has made to the Club during his time here and wish him every success in the future.'' QPR
- [Gallen is now Assistant Manager at Millwall, under Kenny Jackett. An older QPRnet Q&A with Joe Gallen]


Flashback Three Years ago, today: Waddock Officially Appointed --
Gary Waddock OFFICIALLY appointed Manager of QPR (after lengthy "Acting Manager") while Ian Holloway was appointed manager of Plymouth. All wished him well but many found Waddock's appointment a little strange given that the club had not had had a great record in his temporary time in charge.

QPR OFFICIAL SITE - June 28, 2006: WADDOCK APPOINTED
- QPR have announced Gary Waddock as first team manager following the appointment of Ian Holloway at Plymouth Argyle.
- The new role for the former QPR boss means that Waddock, who was named as Caretaker Manager in February, will now be able to officially take up the title of QPR manager.
- Ian Holloway was in charge at Loftus Road since February 2001 and oversaw 266 games in his time at QPR, experiencing relegation and then promotion.
When he was placed on gardening leave earlier this year, Waddock stepped up from his position as first team coach to oversee the managerial side and has since instilled a 'no nonsense' work ethic at Harlington.
- Waddock first recruited Alan McDonald as a first team coach before restructuring the scouting network and transfer listing and releasing 14 players in a bid to freshen up the squad and bring in his own men.
- The new QPR boss said: "I'm delighted that QPR have finally been able to officially announce my position as first team manager.
- "Now I'll feel a lot more confident in my role and I'm looking forward to implementing further changes behind the scenes as well as on the pitch.
"I've got a great back room staff here and we've been planning the coming season all summer.
- "The work ethic and training methods will be subjected to a complete overhaul and we're looking forward to seeing the results on the pitch."You can see Gary Waddock's first interview as QPR manager on QPR World tomorrow." QPR


- Also Three years ago today: "THE TRIAL" came to a close with "Not Guilty" Verdicts


SOME POSTED ITEMS

- Mancienne/Reading Loan?

- Johan Cruyff Video Tribute

- Portsmouth Takeover/Portsmouth Finances

- Updated: Ex-Derby CEO and Two Ex-Derby Directors Found Guilty...ABC!

- Sousa on Coaching Ronaldo; and what Sousa can do

- Summer Transfers: A Club-by-Club List of Transfers Ins and Outs (thus far)

- The Selling of Michael Owen: The Complete Brochure

- Mark Yeates Joins Middlesbrough - Flashback Mark Yeates's QPR Loan Halted by Injury

- QPR Pre-Season in Croatia?

- The London Football Fan Census Findings re QPR

- Key QPR Dates for 2009-2010

- Pre-season Friendlies: Ticket Prices

-
For genuinely cutting-edge, continually-updated, news about QPR (and football in general): Visit the combination messageboard and quasi-blog QPR Report Messageboard. QPR and football. And only QPR and football! All posters and all views welcome! Recent articles/items of interest:

QPR ANNUAL REPORT
- Click Annual Accounts 07/08 to view the Annual Report and Financial Statements for the period 31 December 2008 - QPR

- QPR Holding Accounts Accounts

- Some Exended Excerpts re Finances


SOME POSTED ITEMS

Ipswich Goalie Might Have Quit if Magilton Had Stayed

- Video Flashback: De Canio's QPR FA Cup Tie vs Chelsea

- Summer Transfers: A Club-by-Club List of Transfers Ins and Outs (thus far)

- Mark Yeates Joins Middlesbrough - Flashback Mark Yeates's QPR Loan Halted by Injury

- Flashback I: One Year Ago Today: Ledesma Joins QPR

- Flashback II: Two Years Ago Today: Nardiello Joins QPR

- Flashback III: Two Years Ago today: Warren Neil Signs up and Three Years ago today: Justin Skinner in as coach while Manager Waddock looks forward with new signings Paul Jones, Damion Stewart, Nick Ward and Armel Tchakounte

- The Selling of Michael Owen: The Complete Brochure

- Burnley Fans Refuse Cash Refunds

- Six Defunct Cup Competitions

- Ex-Derby CEO and Two Ex-Derby Directors Found Guilty...ABC!

- QPR Pre-Season in Croatia?

- The London Football Fan Census Findings re QPR

- Key QPR Dates for 2009-2010

- Pre-season Friendlies: Ticket Prices

-
For genuinely cutting-edge, continually-updated, news about QPR (and football in general): Visit the combination messageboard and quasi-blog QPR Report Messageboard. QPR and football. And only QPR and football! All posters and all views welcome! Recent articles/items of interest:
- Ipswich Goalie Might Have Quit if Magilton Had Stayed
- Video Flashback: De Canio's QPR FA Cup Tie vs Chelsea
- Summer Transfers: A Club-by-Club List of Transfers Ins and Outs (thus far)
- Mark Yeates Joins Middlesbrough - Flashback Mark Yeates's QPR Loan Halted by Injury
- Flashback I: One Year Ago Today: Ledesma Joins QPR
- Flashback II: Two Years Ago Today: Nardiello Joins QPR
- Flashback III: Two Years Ago today: Warren Neil Signs up and Three Years ago today: Justin Skinner in as coach while Manager Waddock looks forward with new signings Paul Jones, Damion Stewart, Nick Ward and Armel Tchakounte
- The Selling of Michael Owen: The Complete Brochure
- Burnley Fans Refuse Cash Refunds
- Six Defunct Cup Competitions
- Ex-Derby CEO and Two Ex-Derby Directors Found Guilty...ABC!


- Fulham Fans Still Hate QPR
"....[b]In a survey of the capital's supporters conducted by Football Fans Census, Chelsea topped the list as the team London fans love to hate.
[b]FULHAM
1st - Chelsea 66 per cent
2nd - Manchester United 12 per cent
3rd - QPR 11 per cent[/b] Fulham Fans Still Hate QPR


Daily Mirror/Football Spy - RANGERS TEMPT 'RETIRED' TUGAY
- Queens Park Rangers are trying to talk veteran Turkish midfielder Tugay (above) out of retirement.
- Tugay, 38, hung up his boots at the end of his Blackburn career last month, but QPR are discussing a one-year deal.
- He is currently starting his coaching badges and has an offer to work with the Ewood backroom staff. Mirror


Borrowdale or Connolly to "Replace" Delaney?
From The London Informer/Paul Warburton "....A [QPR] source said: "It appears Magilton thinks he already has a good left-back in Matt Connolly. And although every one has forgotten him, Gary Borrowdale has never been given a chance of a first-team place - and he's still a QPR player? - Article/Discuss!

David McIntyre/606 - If Delaney doesn't go, who will?
- QPR's attempt to sell Damien Delaney is a test of how easy it will be for them to offload players.
- For some of us, the concern has been that signing unspectacular players on lucrative long-term contracts is a worrying development and a case of repeating a previous regime's mistakes.
- Rangers found in the late 90s that wanting to sell players is one thing, actually selling them is another.
- To do that you usually need to find a club that will match the player's current wages, and once again QPR are in a position where this will not be easy.
- A number of those signed during the Chris Wright era fell out of favour and stayed until their contracts expired, despite various attempts to offload them.
- The financial repercussions were well documented, and the danger of the same happening again is real.
- But a few factors are in Rangers' favour this time around. Selling certain players will be difficult, but not impossible.
- There are Championship clubs with money and it's no accident that three of them - Ipswich, Newcastle and Cardiff - are being enthusiastically mentioned by QPR sources with regard to various players.
- These are the clubs Rangers need to show an interest, because not many outside of the Premier League are going to be able to offer their players anything like the kind of deal they're on at Loftus Road.
- Just as importantly, the likes of Delaney, Fitz Hall and Mikele Leigertwood - players Rangers would sell for the right price - are not Keith Rowland, Steve Slade or Sammy Koejoe.
- The current crop are mostly proven performers in the Championship and of genuine interest to various managers who have money to spend.
- This interest might be vastly exaggerated by QPR, but it does exist.
- The question is whether such managers could convince these players to move.
- In Delaney's case, Ipswich and Roy Keane surely can.
- Delaney is a good pro - not the type to let his career stagnate for the sake of a few quid - and Ipswich is an attractive club at the moment.
So if Rangers cannot offload him, it won't bode well for the club as it looks to recoup some cash to then improve the squad.
- The word from Rangers is that they have accepted a bid from Ipswich for Delaney, but Ipswich haven't confirmed this.
- Reports that Delaney is moving are mostly based on what is coming out of QPR, where Cardiff - who have money to spend after agreeing the sale of Roger Johnson - are now being touted as another interested club. We shall see.
- Keane doesn't tend to comment on such matters and while I've always found Delaney good to talk to, I don't know the guy so don't know how close he is to moving.
- I do know that Keane is definitely interested in him and has money to spend on a left-back, and that Rangers are willing to sell for an initial £750,000 rising to around £1m if Ipswich are promoted.
- And aside from wages, without going into specifics it seems from talking to various parties yesterday that this deal may not be a straightforward one. There could be obstacles that need to be overcome before Delaney can move on.
- There's also the issue of a replacement.
- Paulo Sousa wasn't popular with some for ignoring Gary Borrowdale, who is more likely to play at least some part this season.
- But a number of other left-backs are also being considered and a signing is likely if Delaney goes. BBC606


East Anglia Daily Times/Elvin King - Keane agrees fee for Rangers star
- IPSWICH Town manager Roy Keane faces competition from Cardiff City in his attempt to bring left-back Damien Delaney to Portman Road.
- The Blues are believed to have agreed a fee of around £700,000 with Queens Park Rangers over the 27-year-old who was born in Keane's home town of Cork.
- Delaney appeared set to put pen to paper before the weekend, but it now looks as though it will be next week before Keane makes his first Town purchase.
- And then they will have to overcome interest from a Cardiff club bolstered financially by agreeing a £5million move for central defender Roger Johnson to Birmingham City.
- Keane's predecessor at Portman Road, Jim Magilton, was an admirer of Delaney and showed interest in bringing him to Suffolk last season.
- It is understood that the deal to bring the defender to Ipswich was well on the way to being buttoned up before Magilton took over as Rangers manager earlier this summer.
- Magilton would have liked to have kept Delaney, but after being placed on the transfer list last season the player's future has been set to be away from Loftus Road for some while now.
- The former Town boss is on a coaching course this week, and it may now be Monday before any further moves concerning Delaney are made.
- Ipswich will not comment, but it is known that Keane sees left back as a priority as he seeks four players to strengthen his squad for the start of the 2009/10 campaign....
- Delaney started his career at Cork City and had spells with Leicester, where he would have been known to current Town coach Tony Loughlan, and Hull before joining QPR.
- He won two Republic of Ireland caps last year with the player replying when asked about Ipswich interest: “It's one thing to be wanted, it's another for clubs to agree a transfer.” East Anglia Daily Times


London Informer/Paul Warburton - Delaney set for Ipswich after U-turn
- QPR have made an about turn as they agreed last night (Wednesday) to sell Damien Delaney to Ipswich.
- The fee could eventually rise to £1million.
- Hoops weren't originally going to play ball with the club that sacked new manager Jim Magilton in April - as well as one who could thwart their own ambitions.
- But once Ipswich boss Roy Keane pressed home his case to take the man born in the same Irish city as him, Rangers agreed to take the money and run all the way to the bank.
- Delaney's deal will see Hoops get £750,000 up front, with a further £250,000 should his new club make it to a final top six place during his time there.
- It marks the end of a 17-month stint at Loftus Road for the 27-year-old, who has yo-yoed between rave reviews after becoming a £1m signing from Hull in January 2008, to being dropped as left-back last season in favour of Matt Connolly.
- Despite the Irish connection, Delaney barely knows Keane, even though they both hail from Cork.
- Earlier, when your favourite local paper broke the news to the man capped twice by his country that Ipswich were interested, Delaney described Keane as 'a legend' - and the man on the cusp of a switch to Portman Road had lost favour in west London.
- A source said: "It appears Magilton thinks he already has a good left-back in Matt Connolly. And although every one has forgotten him, Gary Borrowdale has never been given a chance of a first-team place - and he's still a QPR player." London Informer


London Informer - Ainsworth linked with switch to Port Vale
- PORT VALE are eyeing Gareth Ainsworth as their new player-assistant boss.
- Vale manager Micky Adams is considering a move for the 36-year-old, who enjoyed the first big move of his career when he was bought by the League Two club for a record £500,000 12 years ago.
- Ainsworth (pictured) enjoyed two stints as caretaker boss at Rangers last season and admitted he's got a taste for life on the touchline.
- He said: "As far as I know, I'm wanted as a player next season if Rangers want to keep me. But I had a great 13 months at Vale.
- "And it's not for me to comment further - but of course I would like to be involved in coaching in the future."
- Ainsworth was put in charge at Rangers when Iain Dowie was sacked in November and again when successor Paulo Sousa was shown the door in April.
- The winger is not thought to be a part of new boss Jim Magilton's plans on the coaching staff - especially as the new manager has already brought in John Gorman as his number two.
- Ainsworth, who at one time fronted a rock band playing gigs around Hammersmith pubs, has a year to go on his playing contract with Hoops. But he fondly remembers his playing days with Vale - and in particular a testimonial match when he was substituted at the same time as Vale fan Robbie Williams and hundreds of screaming girls rushed over to mob them.
- Ainsworth joked: "This was when Robbie was at his height - but I've always figured the screams were really for me in anticipation of my career as the front man of my own band." London Informer


- QPR Pre-Season in Croatia?

- The London Football Fan Census Findings re QPR

- Key QPR Dates for 2009-2010

- Pre-season Friendlies: Ticket Prices

-
- For truly cutting-edge, continually-updated, news about QPR (and eclectic items re football in general): Visit the combination, quasi-blog and messageboard QPR Report Messageboard. QPR and football. Only QPR and football! All posters; all views welcome!
- QPR Pre-Season in Croatia?---- The London Football Fan Census Findings re QPR ----- Briatore's F1 Focus ------- Key QPR Dates for 2009-2010 ----- Two Ex-Derby Directors Found Guilty...A...B...C! ------ Ex-QPR Simon Barker Member of the Sports Betting Integrity Panel


Stoke Sentinel/Michael Baggaley - Port Vale: Old boy Ainsworth could become Adams's assistant
- FORMER Port Vale star Gareth Ainsworth is on the shortlist to become the club's player coach.
- Vale manager Micky Adams has confirmed the QPR winger is among the candidates.
- Landing Ainsworth would be a popular move with fans as the 36-year-old is still revered for his performances in a Vale shirt under former manager John Rudge.
- Ainsworth has a year on his contract at Loftus Road, but Rangers are unlikely to stand in his way should he be offered the player-coach job at Vale Park.
- Adams said: "Nothing has been decided yet. There have been a lot of people express an interest in the position, but it will be up to me to decide who to fill it.
- "Gareth Ainsworth is one of a number of people I could be speaking to next week."
- Ainsworth doesn't have his full coaching badges, but had two spells as caretaker manager at QPR last season. Although he didn't play a first-team game last season, he is keen to play on for at least another year.
- Adams is prepared to take on an inexperienced coach in order to appoint someone who can also play. He said: "I will be doing the majority of the work anyway, but it is important that, whoever gets the job, wants to develop."
- Ainsworth confirmed he would like to move into coaching, but said his future depended on QPR.
- He added: "As far as I know, I'm wanted as a player next season. But I had a great 13 months at Vale and I would like to be involved in coaching in the future."
- Ainsworth became Vale's record signing when John Rudge paid Lincoln City £500,000 for him in September 1997.
- The right winger played 59 games, scoring 11 goals, before a £2m move to Wimbledon a year later." Stoke Sentinel

-
- For truly cutting-edge, continually-updated, news about QPR (and eclectic items re football in general): Visit the combination, quasi-blog and messageboard QPR Report Messageboard. QPR and football. Only QPR and football! All posters; all views welcome!
- QPR Pre-Season in Croatia?
- The London Football Fan Census Findings re QPR
- Briatore's F1 Focus
- Key QPR Dates for 2009-2010

- Two Ex-Derby Directors Found Guilty...A...B...C!
- Ex-QPR Simon Barker Member of the Sports Betting Integrity Panel
- The Notts County "Secret" Takeover
- The World Of the Sporting Director
- Ebbsfleet/Fan Ownership Update
- Iran Bans Protesting Players. FIFA Examining
- Horrible Strips


- Pre-season Friendlies: Ticket Prices


Delaney to Cardiff or Sheffield United? - South Wales Echo/Terry Phillips - Dave Jones poised for battle with Keane
- DAVE Jones is steeling himself for a million pound tug-of-war with Roy Keane.
- Ipswich Town manager Keane was poised to takeDamien Delaney from QPR – until Cardiff City expressed their interest in the Irish defender.
- Jones is also being linked with moves for Manchester United’s highly-rated young Irish defender Craig Cathcart on loan and Birmingham City’s Liam Ridgewell,.
- With Roger Johnson’s £5m sale to Birmingham completed yesterday, City moved quickly for Delaney, inset, who can play at left-back or centre-back.
- “Delaney was on his way to Ipswich Town, it looked certain the deal would go ahead without a hitch,” said a QPR insider. “That’s on hold while talks progress with Cardiff City.”
- Keane’s offer, which was accepted by QPR manager Jim Magilton, was £750,000 plus another £250,000 if Ipswich qualify for the Championship play-offs.
- Another £100,000 would be paid after Delaney’s 50th appearance.
- The Bluebirds are also keen on Cathcart, who has had loan spells with Royal Antwerp and Championship club Plymouth Argyle.
- The 6ft 3in Cathcart, a player Sir Alex Ferguson believes can make the grade, had a solid campaign with Argyle last season.
- Ridgewell’s place with Birmingham is under pressure now they have signed Johnson from City and Scott Danns from Coventry City. This is South Wales

Or Ipswich..." Lowestoft Journal - Ipswich agree fee for QPR star
- IPSWICH Town manager Roy Keane faces competition from Cardiff City in his attempt to bring left-back Damien Delaney to Portman Road.
- The Blues are believed to have agreed a fee of around £700,000 with Queens Park Rangers over the 27-year-old who was born in Keane's home town of Cork.
- Delaney appeared set to put pen to paper before the weekend, but it now looks as though it will be next week before Keane makes his first Town purchase.
- And then they will have to overcome interest from a Cardiff club bolstered financially by agreeing a £5million move for central defender Roger Johnson to Birmingham City.
- Keane's predecessor at Portman Road, Jim Magilton, was an admirer of Delaney and showed interest in bringing him to Suffolk last season.
- It is understood that the deal to bring the defender to Ipswich was well on the way to being buttoned up before Magilton took over as Rangers manager earlier this summer.
- Magilton would have liked to have kept Delaney, but after being placed on the transfer list last season the player's future has been set to be away from Loftus Road for some while now.
- The former Town boss is on a coaching course this week, and it may now be Monday before any further moves concerning Delaney are made.
- Ipswich will not comment, but it is known that Keane sees left back as a priority as he seeks four players to strengthen his squad for the start of the 2009/10 campaign.
- Ben Thatcher will miss the start of pre-season training on Thursday as he recovers from a medial knee ligament injury, but he should be fit for the start of the season on August 8.
- But there are no other regular left-backs in the Town squad although David Wright, Pim Balkestein and Tommy Smith can all play there.
- Delaney started his career at Cork City and had spells with Leicester, where he would have been known to current Town coach Tony Loughlan, and Hull before joining QPR.
- He won two Republic of Ireland caps last year with the player replying when asked about Ipswich interest: “It's one thing to be wanted, it's another for clubs to agree a transfer.” Lowestoft Journal


Cardiff City look to replace Roger Johnson
Jun 26 2009 by Terry Phillips, South Wales Echo
- DAVE Jones admits Cardiff City could not stand in the way of Roger Johnson’s move to the Premier League – but now faces the task of filling the considerable hole left at the heart of the Bluebirds defence.

Johnson’s £5m move to Birmingham City – which was completed yesterday – swells the coffers for Jones as he looks to fill the central defensive berths left by Johnson and Darren Purse, who moved to Sheffield Wednesday at the end of the season.

“We’ve been paid £5m for a player who cost us £275,000 when he was signed from Wycombe Wanderers,” said Jones.

“Roger Johnson had signed a new contract and we could have said no, but we could not deny him the chance of Premier League football.”

Now Jones needs to repeat the feat and find another gem to complement left-sided Gabor Gyepes, the Hungarian international plucked from the lower divisions with Northampton Town.

So just who is on Jones’ shopping list?

One option is highly-rated Craig Cathcart, a 20-year-old developing under Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.

Belfast-born Cathcart has had loan spells with Royal Antwerp and Plymouth Argyle, where he made more than 30 Championship appearances last season.

Strong in the air and in the tackle, Cathcart is also comfortable in possession.

Jones may even go back to Birmingham City for talks with Liam Ridgewell.

A regular in Birmingham’s promotion-winning team, having signed in a £2m move from Aston Villa two years ago, Ridgwell could find his path to the first team at St Andrews blocked by Johnson and fellow summer signing Scott Dann, for whom the Blues paid £8.5m.

Jones is a known to be a fan of 6ft 3in Latvian international Kaspars Gorkss.

Gorkss first appeared on City’s radar last summer as a possible replacement for Glenn Loovens, but QPR stepped in to sign him from Blackpool.

It would take a hefty offer to prise the Riga-born centre-half from Rangers after he formed a solid partnership with Damion Stewart at Loftus Road.

Another defender Jones admires is Charlton Athletic’s Mark Hudson.

The Bluebirds moved for Hudson when Purse was keen to sign for Norwich City during the January transfer window, but Charlton wanted him to aid their ultimately doomed fight against relegation.

Out-of-contract Spanish defender Miguel Angel Llera is another potential City target, having played a major part in MK Dons’ chase for promotion last season.

Llera, 29, and Liverpool-born Sean O’Hanlon, 26, were the two main central defenders for MK Dons last season and either could make the step up to the Championship, having missed out in the play-offs last term.

Doncaster Rovers’ Matt Mills remains a target for a number of Championship clubs, including City.

He is among the most coveted defenders in the division and Nottingham Forest made an official bid of £2m.

That was turned down and Forest manager Billy Davies has currently turned to Blackpool’s Shaun Barker instead.

Manchester City’s Tal Ben Haim, plus West Ham United pair James Collins and Callum Davenport would also be players of interest to the Bluebirds, but are unlikely to want a permanent move to the Championship.

Any of the three, though, may agree to a loan move which would mean they stay on their current Premier League wages.

Jones is keen to strengthen his Cardiff City team in all outfield areas.

Paul Quinn (Motherwell) and Damien Delaney (Queens Park Rangers), the Irishman who can play at left-back or centre-half, have been discussed by Bluebirds’ staff, while Liam Miller is a central midfield player out of contract and released by Sunderland.

Former Manchester United player Miller has Premier League and European experience. He is also a free agent.

Manchester City’s young striker Ched Evans remains near the top of Jones’ list.

The £3m asking price is way too high – at least double the fee interested clubs Cardiff City and Sheffield United will pay.

Evans would surely not initially be a first-choice striker with Cardiff City with Jay Bothroyd and Michael Chopra likely to start in the opening league match at home to Scunthorpe United. This is South Wales


Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times - Maddix finally Masters the art of winning trophies
- DANNY Maddix paid tribute to his team-mates following his first trophy as a QPR player on Saturday - eight years after leaving the club.
- The centre-back captained Rangers' over-35 team to their first ever London Masters success as they beat West Ham in a penalty shoot-out at Wembley Arena to reach the national finals.
And the Rs' victory was all the more impressive given that they lost two of their nine-man squad - Steve Palmer and Bradley Allen - to injury early in the evening.
"I take my hat off to the lads," Maddix told the Times. "To do it with seven men shows how much work the others put in. We didn't expect to win it with some of the other teams and the players they had.
"It's a real achievement and it feels great. I said to the lads in the changing room 'that's the first time I've won anything for QPR!'
"Obviously you have pre-season trips where you might win a cup, but it's not the same as when it's televised. I didn't realise the number of QPR supporters that were here until I lifted the trophy.
"It's good to meet up with the boys I used to play with a good 10 or 15 years ago - some of them playing for other teams. Maybe they should have come and played for us instead!"
Rangers' squad will travel to Liverpool in September to contest the national Masters title with the seven other regional winners. Kilburn Times

-
For cutting-edge, continually-updated news about QPR: Visit the combination, quasi-blog/messageboard QPR Report Messageboard. QPR and football. Nothing else! All posters and all views welcome!


- Two Ex-Derby Directors Found Guilty...A...B...C


- QPR Pre-Season in Croatia?




What QPR Fans Think re QPR
[Combining/excerpting the QPR - This is London report by Raoul Simons on the London Football Fan Census) posted in full, below)

- "....There are signs that London's Premier League clubs are showing some empathy with fans hit by the recession. Taking into account ticket prices and other key expenses, fans of all five of the capital's top-flight clubs reported a drop in the cost of watching football. The average cost for a game in London was £55, the same as 2008, which includes a significant hike reported by fans of QPR (11.5 per cent).
- Despite this plateau in costs, 70 per cent fans still believe ticket prices are too high with 20 per cent admitting they will either attend fewer matches next year and/or not be renewing season tickets. Twenty five per cent of Arsenal fans said the price of tickets will mean they go to fewer games next season - the highest of all London clubs - while 20 per cent of QPR fans claim they won't renew season-tickets. ... This is London

Football Fan Census - Part II
- ...Research company Football Fans Census asked more than 2,000 supporters - with a minimum of 100 from each club - to rate their manager's performance last season. The top mark was +5 with the bottom grade -5...
- In west London, Paulo Sousa (-0.6) was not a hit with Queens Park Rangers fans and chairman Flavio Briatore has already acted to appoint Jim Magilton in his place....
- DIRECTORS
- "....- Elsewhere, the bubble appears to have burst for Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone's regime at QPR.
- Gripped by a wave of optimism in the wake of their takeover - along with Indian billionaire Lakshmi Mittal - fans of the so-called "richest club in the world" made Rangers directors the most popular in London in 2008.
- Twelve months later, following a season of underachievement, the same set of directors are bottom of the pile with a rating of -2.9."
PLAYERS
- Only 38 per cent of supporters quizzed thought their players had provided "value for money" last season given the salaries they earn.
- Fans of Charlton (9 per cent), Tottenham (12 per cent), Crystal Palace (12 per cent) and QPR (14 per cent) were the most unhappy with their squads' efforts...."
- RIVALRY
"Chelsea topped the list as the team London fans love to hate with 23 per cent naming the Blues as their most disliked club....". This is London

- The Football Fan Census Questions


Aldershot Official Site - QPR Reserves At EBB 2009/10
We are pleased to confirm that QPR Reserves will play their Football Combination fixtures at the EBB Stadium for season 2009/10.

We are delighted to announce that QPR Reserves will play their home matches at the EBB Stadium next season.

Manager Gary Waddock, a former Ranger player and Manager, spoke to The Shots after the announcement was released and said, "It is great to have QPR Reserves at the EBB for next season.

"It is a similar situation to when we had Reading Reserves a couple of seasons ago. It provides me and Martin [Kuhl] the opportunity to keep tabs with Combination football on the doorstep too.

"Importantly though, it also enables Aldershot as a club to develop good, positive links with a Championship outfit and that is something that is encouraging.

"Our Secretary Graham Hortop, has undertaken a great deal of time and effort as this arrangement has been confirmed and he should be greatly credited for his involvement.

"For QPR though it also enables their Reserve team to play on such a fine surface too and one that we are so proud of here at Aldershot."


Rangers boss Jim Magilton told www.qpr.co.uk: "It's imperative that the First Team have the best possible playing surface next season.


"As a Club, we have invested significantly on the Loftus Road pitch this summer and by only playing First Team fixtures there, we will maximise what we are able to get out of it.

"We want to play an attractive, passing brand of football and to do that to the best of our ability, we need a surface that will stand up to the rigours of a long Championship campaign."

QPR have placed on the record its thanks to Aldershot Town Football Club for their cooperation and assistance with regards to this agreement. Aldershot


QPR OFFICIAL SITE |RESERVES AT THE REC NEXT SEASON
- QPR Reserves will play their home matches at Aldershot Town's Recreation Ground next season.
- The R's have opted to switch their home fixtures to The Rec, in a bid to preserve the Loftus Road playing surface for the 2009/10 Coca Cola Championship season.
- R's boss Jim Magilton told www.qpr.co.uk: "It's imperative that the First Team have the best possible playing surface next season.
- "As a Club, we have invested significantly on the Loftus Road pitch this summer and by only playing First Team fixtures there, we will maximise what we are able to get out of it.
- "We want to play an attractive, passing brand of football and to do that to the best of our ability, we need a surface that will stand up to the rigours of a long Championship campaign."
- Admission for the Football Combination Central Division fixtures at the Recreation Ground will remain the same as last season, whereby Season Ticket holders and Members - upon the production of their cards - will be able to enter free of charge.
- Adults will be charged £3, whilst children and senior citizens can watch the R's second string in action for just £1.
- The Club would like to place on the record its thanks to Aldershot Town Football Club for their cooperation and assistance with regards to this agreement." QPR




Chronicle - Peter Ramage tells NUFC of tough task ahead
Jun 25 2009 by Luke Edwards, Evening Chronicle

PETER Ramage has warned Newcastle United they will be made to fight for every single point in the toughest league in Europe following their relegation to the Championship.

The defender cannot wait to face the club he has both supported and played for, particularly as his Queens Park Rangers side are set for a potentially pivotal final game of the season showdown at Loftus Road on May 2.

But, if Ramage has a personal interest in playing against Newcastle, he claimed every Championship player will be rubbing their hands at the prospect of playing against the Magpies and predicted 46 cup finals for United’s players next season.

Although Newcastle are the early favourites for promotion, Ramage knows his former club are going to be the scalp everyone wants for other reasons.

He said: “Newcastle are going to be a massive scalp. Everyone I’ve spoken to over the summer, at QPR or other Championship clubs, that is the first thing they mention.

“Newcastle are going to be the big boys in the division and that is going to cause them problems.

“It really will be a cup final for them, home and away, every single game. Everyone will want to beat them and every player will raise their game that little bit extra when they are facing them.

“It certainly isn’t going to be easy and I think it’s vital they get a good start.

“Newcastle are arguably the third biggest club in the country if you look at the fanbase and they are in the Championship. Some players won’t get that opportunity to play at St James’s Park again and they will want to make the most of it.

“We actually watched the Aston Villa game out in Las Vegas and as soon as Newcastle lost the game, all the boys could talk about was playing them next season and how great it will be.

“Obviously, as a Newcastle fan, it will mean a lot to me personally and I can’t wait, but it’s the same for every player in the Championship.”


QPR, with their wealthy backers, will be one of the teams who will feel they can offer a challenge to Newcastle for a promotion place, but Ramage also argued it is impossible to know who will emerge as United’s rivals in the race to reach the Premier League.

He said: “For me, the Championship is the toughest league in Europe because every game can be won by either side. It’s definitely the most unpredictable league and that’s why it’s hard to say who Newcastle’s main rivals for promotion will be.

“If you look at last season, QPR were expected to do well and we were disappointed with where we finished. Having said that, we were still only seven or eight points off the play-off places so that shows you how tight it is.

“Everyone can beat everyone else. We beat both Wolverhampton and Birmingham City at our place and we drew with Reading twice.

“If you look at Plymouth, they were in relegation trouble, but they beat Wolves at Molineux and nobody expected Burnley to do well, let alone win promotion.

“I think the three relegated teams will be the ones to beat again, like they are every season, but then there are the likes of ourselves and Sheffield United who should do well. And one team will come from nowhere to challenge, like Burnley did last season.”

Ramage has had a new lease of life in west London, firmly establishing himself as a first-team regular with QPR following five years as a back-up at Newcastle. It is a move he has never regretted.

He explained: “The move has been an excellent one for me on a personal level. When Kevin Keegan told me last summer that I wasn’t likely to be a first-team regular I wasn’t going to gamble and stay.

“In the end, given the lack of cover they had in defence, I may well have played a fair amount of games, but I don’t regret the move at all, despite the fact I played under four different managers last season and QPR didn’t have the season we thought we were going to.

“I played more than 30 games for the first time in my career and the move has been a successful one both on and off the pitch. I’ve really enjoyed living in a new place and meeting new people.”

In an ideal world, Ramage will be able to celebrate QPR and Newcastle going up next May, but what if he is part of the team which denies the Toon Army promotion on that last day of the season?

He joked: “Can you imagine what it would be like if we both need something from the game and QPR go up and keep Newcastle down? It would be intense for me to say the least. I might end up being the new Graham Fenton!”Chronicle


- Holloway Talking

- Some Terrible-Looking Playing Strips

- Flashback: QPR's former CEO Simon Crane (who was replaced by David Davies)

- Flavio Briatore's Websites

- Video: 1969/1970 Fifth Round FA Cup: QPR vs Derby County (Rodney Marsh vs Dave Mackay)

-
- For cutting-edge, continually-updated news about QPR: Visit the combination, quasi-blog/messageboard QPR Report Messageboard. QPR and football. Nothing else! All posters and all views welcome!

- QPR Pre-Season in Croatia?

- Published Yesterday: Part I of the Evening Standard/Football Fan Census

Football Fan Census - Part II
- Evening Standard/Raoul Simons - Support for Arsene Wenger on the wane as Arsenal fans face a test of faith

Arsene Wenger faces the most serious questioning of his leadership since becoming Arsenal manager 13 years ago.

Figures revealed in the Evening Standard's London Football Report 2009 show an alarming slump in the Frenchman's approval rating among Gunners fans following the club's fourth successive season without a trophy.

Wenger is London's least popular Premier League manager in the eyes of his club's own supporters with Roy Hodgson, Guus Hiddink, Gianfranco Zola and Harry Redknapp all polling higher marks for last season.

Research company Football Fans Census asked more than 2,000 supporters - with a minimum of 100 from each club - to rate their manager's performance last season. The top mark was +5 with the bottom grade -5.

Wenger's score of 2.1 is certainly not damning enough to be interpreted as a call for him to go, but it is a significant fall from his previous status and appears indicative of a changing mood among some sections at Emirates Stadium.

When the London Football Report began in 2006, Wenger achieved a near-perfect score of 4.6, making him easily the capital's most popular top-flight boss.

Despite Arsenal's failure to win anything in 2007 and 2008, his rating remained strong with the fans won over by the potential of his young side, the quality of their play and his successful track record.

However, things went far less smoothly for Wenger in 2008/9 and his lower polling coincides with other evidence of discontent.

Fans booed his substitutions at times last season - when the club finished fourth in the Premier League - and the 59-year-old was upset when his decisions were questioned at a fiery shareholders' meeting last month.

Amid rumoured interest from Real Madrid, a group of fans organised a march in support of their boss ahead of the last home game against Stoke, however the report shows unrest among others has not gone away.

But an Arsenal spokesperson said: "We don't think too much emphasis should be placed upon the survey results as proof of our fans' strong and deep bond with Arsene has been demonstrated consistently over the years.

"Most recently, at the Stoke game when a march was undertaken in his honour by the fans and the vocal backing from them was clear."

In contrast to Wenger's troubles, Fulham boss Roy Hodgson has much to celebrate after scoring an outstanding approval of 4.9. The club were written off as relegation fodder at the start of the season and Hodgson's achievement in leading them into Europe is fully appreciated.

Brentford fans are equally delighted with rookie boss Andy Scott who oversaw promotion from League Two, while caretaker Guus Hiddink's strong rating of 4.7 has set a high benchmark for new Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti.

Kenny Jackett, of Millwall, Geraint Williams, of Leyton Orient, and Gianfranco Zola at West Ham also registered impressive ratings in excess of 4.

At the other end of the scale, Phil Parkinson (-2.1) receives little sympathy for failing to avert Charlton's slide towards Championship relegation.

In west London, Paulo Sousa (-0.6) was not a hit with Queens Park Rangers fans and chairman Flavio Briatore has already acted to appoint Jim Magilton in his place.

Neil Warnock was the capital's top- ranked manager in 2007/8 (4.9) after Crystal Palace's surprise play-off charge but a season of mid-table mediocrity has seen his popularity take a considerable nosedive (0.6).

As well as the performances of managers, the report also asked the fans to rate contributions of their directors and players and to name their club's biggest rivals.

DIRECTORS
The feelgood factor at Fulham extends beyond the dugout and into the boardroom, according to the report.

Chairman Mohamed Fayed's popularity has soared after appointing Hodgson and providing the funds for successful signings such as Andrew Johnson and Mark Schwarzer.

The Harrods owner is now head of London's highest-ranked Premier League club board which trail only Brentford in the overall standings.

For their part, the Bees are the capital's only professional side owned by a supporters' trust and their board, led by chairman Greg Dyke, receive a ringing endorsement (4.9) from fans.

Millwall's American chairman John Berylson (3.8) also emerges with plenty of credit for restoring stability to the boardroom after years of turmoil.

Elsewhere, the bubble appears to have burst for Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone's regime at QPR.

Gripped by a wave of optimism in the wake of their takeover - along with Indian billionaire Lakshmi Mittal - fans of the so-called "richest club in the world" made Rangers directors the most popular in London in 2008.

Twelve months later, following a season of underachievement, the same set of directors are bottom of the pile with a rating of -2.9.

The handling of Charlton's ignominious slide down the leagues and the Icelandic financial meltdown at West Ham have not impressed fans of those clubs either.

PLAYERS

Only 38 per cent of supporters quizzed thought their players had provided "value for money" last season given the salaries they earn.

Fans of Charlton (9 per cent), Tottenham (12 per cent), Crystal Palace (12 per cent) and QPR (14 per cent) were the most unhappy with their squads' efforts.

Arsenal's wage bill is in excess of £100million but just 18 per cent of their fans believed the players had justified their pay packets.

There was greater levels of contentment with Chelsea's high-earning players (44 per cent), while footballers received the best reviews from fans of Brentford (96 per cent), Millwall (93 per cent) and Fulham (85 per cent).

RIVALRY

Chelsea topped the list as the team London fans love to hate with 23 per cent naming the Blues as their most disliked club.

But the figures also demonstrate how short-term factors can change the face of football rivalry.

For the past two years, Arsenal fans have named 'Big Four' counterparts Chelsea as their bete noire in preference to traditional foes Tottenham.

But, this year, as the Gunners have struggled, improving Tottenham have come back onto the radar.

Chelsea and Spurs both attract 32 per cent of Arsenal fans' venom.

It is a similar theme among Chelsea fans with Arsenal viewed as less of a threat and, unlike in previous years, they don't feature in the top three of Blues fans' biggest rivals. This is London

The Football Fan Census Questions


- Some Terrible-Looking Playing Strips

- Flashback: QPR's former CEO Simon Crane (who was replaced by David Davies)

- Flavio Briatore's Websites

- Video: 1969/1970 Fifth Round FA Cup: QPR vs Derby County (Rodney Marsh vs Dave Mackay)

-
- For cutting-edge, continually-updated news about QPR: Visit the combination, quasi-blog/messageboard QPR Report Messageboard. QPR and football. Nothing else! All posters and all views welcome!
- Some Terrible-Looking Playing Strips
- Flashback: QPR's former CEO Simon Crane (who was replaced by David Davies)
- Flavio Briatore's Websites


- Video: 1969/1970 Fifth Round FA Cup: QPR vs Derby County (Rodney Marsh vs Dave Mackay)


Mirror Interest in Darius Vassell?
- "QPR are keen to sign former Aston Villa and England Striker from Man City to Boost their Championship promotion push." Mirror
- See Wikipedia Vassell Profile


IMS Scouting Report -[b]Malaga sign Tottenham attacker Adel Taarabt on a year’s loan
- "...Moroccan attacking midfielder Adel Taarabt will move to Spanish side Malaga from Tottenham on a season-long loan for the duration of the 2009/2010 campaign.
- Malaga have an option to sign Taarabt at the end of the season for three million euros, according to reports in the Spanish press[/b]....
- Malaga president Fernando Sanz has pinpointed Taarabt as the natural replacement for Portuguese winger Eliseu who earlier this week joined Lazio.
- Taarabt has long been tipped to make an impact at White Hart Lane since joining from French club Lens in 2007. He made one Premier League appearance for Spurs last season as a substitute in the 0-0 draw with Arsenal.
- The 20-year-old trickster also moved on loan to QPR and played seven games, scoring one goal, for the Championship side, during the latter stages of the 2008/2009 campaign. IMS Scouting


Western Mail/Chris Wathan - Bruno Oliveira backing Paulo Sousa to make big Swansea City impact
- SWANSEA CITY’S new No 2 Bruno Oliveira has backed boss Paulo Sousa to emulate the best in the business as he gets down to work in South Wales.
- Oliveira is set to be named as Sousa’s assistant over the next few days, part of a new backroom staff to accompany the Portuguese manager’s appointment.
- And the right-hand man arrives at the Liberty Stadium having worked under some of Europe’s top managers including Sven-Goran Eriksson, Carlos Queiroz and Sir Alex Ferguson.
- But, as he gets set to begin life with the Swans, Oliveira is convinced Sousa has what it takes to add his own name to that list of luminaries.
- “Paulo was a brilliant player,” said Oliveira, who will link up with the former Portugal international for a second time after working with him at QPR following a recommendation.
- “He was a legend in Portugal. When I was a little boy and when I started playing football he was my hero. He was a national hero because he was one of the first Portuguese players to go abroad when he went to Juventus.
- “When he won the Champions League it was a massive thing for the country because we hadn’t had a Luis Figo or Cristiano Ronaldo at that point. He was a member of our golden generation.
- “But he is someone who invested a lot of time at the end of his playing career because he knew he wanted to be a manager.
- “And he has the will and the knowledge to achieve the same level as a manager as he did as a player.”
- Despite being surprisingly young for an assistant manager at just 31, Oliveira has enough first-hand experience of the elite European game to judge.
- Having seen his own playing career wrecked at just 21 after two cruciate knee ligament injuries, the native of Lisbon set out on a coaching path that took in internships at some of the continent’s biggest clubs.
- That included spells at Manchester United and four months at Real Madrid under Queiroz, who would later team up with Sousa in the Portuguese national side.
- “I had a university background so it was important for me to have this experience,” said Oliveira. “I also spent two years at Lazio because they were the top team in Europe then and that time with Sven was important.
- “Other young coaches there have gone on to Real Madrid and another works with (former Inter Milan manager) Roberto Mancini and are very important people in performance and physical training.
- “These times benefited me as a coach.”
- And it has seemed to have paid off with the young training ground tactician being hailed for his work during the pair’s short time at Loftus Road and tipped to be a major player on the coaching scene.
- Yet Oliveira stressed it is Sousa who can really spark the next stage in Swansea’s development from the dugout, adding he won’t be afraid to go to another of Europe’s top men for advice.
- “We have built up a good relationship,” said Oliveira of his partnership with 38-year-old Sousa. “He is someone who works very hard, is very passionate and very demanding and also thinks about football every minute of the day.
- “His network of contacts is incredible with some very important managers, for example he has direct access to Jose Mourinho.
- “So we can look forward to working together again. We did not have very long at QPR, but it was an experience and a good one because I think we did a good job in the conditions.”
- Another member of QPR’s backroom staff is set to join the duo at the Liberty with veteran performance coach John Harbin lined up by Swans officials. The former rugby league coach has made a name as an expert in conditioning and sports psychology since switching codes and is expected to be appointed on Monday alongside a new European scout and goalkeeping coach. Wales onLine

-
- For cutting-edge, continually-updated news about QPR: Visit the combination, quasi-blog/messageboard QPR Report Messageboard. QPR and football. Nothing else! All posters and all views welcome!
- Club Changes Name to Incorporate Sponsor
- Snippet: Thirty-Nine Years Since the Signing of arguably QPR's greatest-ever goalkeeper
- FA Silence on Panorama Claims
- Setanta Collapse: Biggest Impact on Smallest Clubs
- Horrible Strips: Some Examples of Clubs' Shirts
- Five Years ago Today: QPR Chairman Nick Blackburn Resigns and is replaced by Bill Power.


This is London/Raoul Simons
Fuming fans show referees the red card
- Referees are falling short of the standards expected of them by football supporters.That is the stark message to the game's authorities from the Evening Standard's 2009 London Football Report.

More than 2,000 fans were asked to rate the performance of middle men in matches involving their clubs last season and the results reveal widespread disillusionment.

Only 12 per cent said the referees were "good" or "very good" as opposed to 31 per cent who responded "bad" and a further 13 per cent who said "very bad". The remaining 44 per cent labelled refereeing standards as "ok".

The barrage of criticism follows a season marred by high-profile gaffes from top officials. When the report's results are broken down by club, Chelsea and Watford fans are the most damning with at least 70 per cent in the "bad" or "very bad" category.

It is perhaps no coincidence that the Blues and the Hornets were on the receiving end of two of last season's worst refereeing displays.

Tom Henning Ovrebo's failure to give clear penalties to Chelsea in their Champions League semi-final second leg was widely blamed for the club's away-goal defeat by Barcelona.

Similarly infuriating was the award of Reading's "ghost goal" - when the ball crossed the line wide of the posts - by Stuart Attwell against Watford at Vicarage Road last September.

The report's damning verdict on referees comes at time when their performances have never been under greater scrutiny. Other errors - such as Howard Webb's dubious penalty to Manchester United against Tottenham in April - highlight more deficiencies.

Concerns have also been evident within the game and were highlighted in a recent review by the Professional Footballers' Association and League Managers' Association which called for a referee overhaul to raise standards. As the Football Association and UEFA continue to demand greater respect for referees, the report indicates that fans expect improved performance in return. A minimum representation of 100 supporters from each of London's 14 professional clubs took part in last month's survey, which was conducted online and in person by research company Football Fans Census.

The results are published in two parts, starting today with the fans' verdict on referees, plus four other key talking points - player and fan behaviour, pricing and television coverage.

Tomorrow, part two features approval ratings for London's managers and boards along with the fans' view on whether players are doing enough to justify their salaries.

London fans are savvy enough to know that referees are not alone in shouldering the blame for the game's onfield ills. Players faking fouls to win free-kicks continues to be a big concern. Asked about offenders from their own clubs to produce a more accurate result, 81 per cent admitted seeing their side's players "dive" last season. That compares to 76 per cent in last year's survey and 70 per cent in 2007. By club, 97 per cent of Arsenal fans said their team's players were guilty at least once which was the highest score ahead of Chelsea (90 per cent), Crystal Palace (88 per cent) and West Ham (87 per cent). Most fans believed their players were guilty on one to five occasions, although 19 per cent of Chelsea fans - a London high - put their divers in the highest available category of more than 20 times.

Since its inception in 2006, the report has monitored racism and hooliganism at matches. While neither problem has been eradicated, our results show that incidents of both are declining. Only 22 per cent of fans reported racism or hooliganism last season compared to 25 per cent in 2008. The club with the biggest issue with football violence last season was Crystal Palace with 28 per cent of fans witnessing it.

There are signs that London's Premier League clubs are showing some empathy with fans hit by the recession. Taking into account ticket prices and other key expenses, fans of all five of the capital's top-flight clubs reported a drop in the cost of watching football. The average cost for a game in London was £55, the same as 2008, which includes a significant hike reported by fans of QPR (11.5 per cent). Despite this plateau in costs, 70 per cent fans still believe ticket prices are too high with 20 per cent admitting they will either attend fewer matches next year and/or not be renewing season tickets. Twenty five per cent of Arsenal fans said the price of tickets will mean they go to fewer games next season - the highest of all London clubs - while 20 per cent of QPR fans claim they won't renew season-tickets.

The disappearance of broadcaster Setanta will see few tears among fans. Only four per cent listed it as their channel of choice but that was still more than ITV (two per cent), perpetrator of the year's biggest TV blunder when it went to an advert break and missed Everton's winning goal against Liverpool in the FA Cup. Sky (49 per cent) pipped the BBC (42 per cent) to the top. This is London

Note: These Were the Football Fan Census Questions


Kilburn Times - Rs pass up Parma opportunity
-Action from Southampton's last visit to Loftus Road, when Saints defender Oliver Lancashire was sent off for bringing down Damien Delaney
QPR have surprisingly arranged a home pre-season friendly against a lower league side after passing up on the chance to play Serie A side Parma.

Parma were keen to take on an English side on Saturday August 1, but the proposed game at Loftus Road fell through and the Italians will now face Watford on that date instead.

Rangers, meanwhile, will complete their preparations for the new season - which starts a week later - with an uninspiring home game against relegated Southampton.

The announcement completes a generally drab pre-season line-up for the Rs, with trips to Aldershot, Forest Green Rovers, Oxford and Wycombe to come before the Southampton match. Kilburn Times


Former Everton FC player Andy King thanks fans for best wishes during his illness Jun 24 2009 by Dominic King, Liverpool Echo

ANDY KING has issued a huge thank you to all Evertonians who have inundated him with well wishes after he suffered a heart attack.

As a man who played with carefree zest and energy – and enjoyed making a nuisance of himself in derby games – King retains the affections of all Blues from a certain era.

So it was no surprise that many voiced their concerns after learning that he had fallen ill over the weekend and were anxious to learn of his plight.

King is currently in hospital awaiting to undergo an angiogram that will ascertain the extent of the damage he has suffered but, typically, the 52-year-old is taking a positive outlook.

And his spirits have been lifted by the messages of support he has received, along with a phone call from chairman Bill Kenwright that came out of the blue.

“I’d just like to thank everyone for all their good wishes and it says everything about the kind of football club Everton is,” said King.

“The first phone call I received when I came into hospital was from Bill Kenwright and that was overwhelming.

“Financially he might not be able to match (Roman) Abramovich but he has never made that out to be the case; Bill is a Blue and having a chairman like that means more than having someone with stacks of money who doesn’t care for the club.

“It’s more than 25 years since I last played for Everton yet the chairman still felt compelled to ring me straight away. That symbolises the kind of care and warmth the club has as a whole.”

Signed by Billy Bingham in April 1976, King was a precocious talent when he arrived from Luton Town and quickly made a name for himself on the Gwladys Street thanks to the energy and passion in his displays.

That bond was cemented in October 1978 when he scored the goal that gave Everton their first win over Liverpool in seven years – a 20-yard volley which flew past Ray Clemence – and he was talked of as being a contender to play for England. He was eventually sold to Queens Park Rangers two years later but never made any secret of the affection he held for the Blues and once claimed he would “crawl back over broken glass” to play at Goodison again.

Howard Kendall made that wish come true in 1982 but a string of injuries stopped his progress and he never really established himself in a team that went to become the best in England for a period and he joined the Dutch club Cambuur Leewarden.

In total, the 248 appearances he made during two spells on Merseyside yielded 67 goals and he has been given a warm welcome whenever he has returned to these parts in the time since.

“It’s humbling that people have been concerned about me and it’s just a question of waiting now for the results of the angiogram,” said King, who had a couple of spells scouting for Everton in between managerial jobs with Swindon Town and Grays Athletic.

“Hopefully everything will be ok in the long run and in time, I’ll make a full recovery; with a bit of luck I’ll be fit enough to give Tim Cahill a run for his money!”

-
- For cutting-edge, continually-updated news about QPR: Visit the combination, quasi-blog/messageboard QPR Report Messageboard. QPR and football. Nothing else! All posters and all views welcome!

- Club Changes Name to Incorporate Sponsor

- Snippet: Thirty-Nine Years Since the Signing of arguably QPR's greatest-ever goalkeeper

- FA Silence on Panorama Claims

- Setanta Collapse: Biggest Impact on Smallest Clubs

- Horrible Strips: Some Examples of Clubs' Shirts

- Five Years ago Today: QPR Chairman Nick Blackburn Resigns and is replaced by Bill Power.


Daily Mail - Paulo Sousa unveiled as Roberto Martinez's replacement at Swansea
- New Swansea manager Paulo Sousa says he has unfinished business after being controversially sacked by Queens Park Rangers in April.
- The 38-year-old Portuguese wants to show QPR co-owner Flavio Briatore he made a mistake.
- He said: ‘I thought I did a great job at QPR, but it did not work out for me. I want to be a success in English football.’
- The Portuguese was officially unveiled as the Swans' new manager.
Swans song: Paulo Sousa is the new man in charge at the Liberty Stadium
Sousa, 38, who left Queens Park Rangers in controversial circumstances back in April after just five months in charge, finally put pen to paper today having spoken to - his family after verbally accepting a three-year deal last Thursday.
The former Portugal midfielder and assistant manager replaces Roberto Martinez after he left the Liberty Stadium to take charge of Barclays Premier League side Wigan.
Sousa becomes Swansea's 12th manager in the last 14 years and will bring a brand new backroom team to south Wales after Martinez took his managerial staff to the JJB Stadium with him.
- Sousa is expected to name a multi-national team to assist him with a Portuguese, a Spaniard and an Australian tipped to be by his side...
. " Dail y Mail


Wales Online/Chris Wathan
Paulo Sousa aims to put Swansea City on world map
- PAULO SOUSA swaggered into the Liberty Stadium yesterday and immediately set his sights on becoming Swansea City’s very own Special One.
- Having been officially unveiled as new Swans boss, the Portuguese breezed into his new home with all the confidence and charm you would expect from a close pal of Jose Mourinho.
- Just like when the ex-Chelsea chief first arrived at Stamford Bridge, two-time Champions League winner Sousa wasted no time in outlining his grand plans for his new club.
- And the Portugal playing legend insisted he’s ready to help put Swansea City’s name on the world map . . . despite conceding he knew little of the club not so long ago.
- The 38-year-old coyly chuckled when asked if he had the Swans in his thoughts back when he ran the midfield for a string of Europe’s top clubs including Inter Milan, Juventus and Borussia Dortmund.
- But in his first in-depth interview since accepting a three-year deal for the Swansea post, he stressed: “The history of any club builds with success, with achieving important targets. The recent past is very good and I want to keep that.
- “I want to put the club on the map. Not just England and Wales, but the world.
- “And not by just myself, but with the commitment of everyone here. I want to help the club become something special, something important and I don’t have doubts with the people here we will achieve that.
- “When? Step by step. I don’t care about how long it takes, what I care about is when we get it we keep it and we keep growing all the time.”
- Sousa accepted there are solid foundations on which to build following the work of Roberto Martinez, before his decision to join Wigan.
- Yet, although the spectre of the Spaniard will loom for a long while yet, Sousa’s tangible excitement about his Swansea challenge did much to draw something of a line under the summer saga.
- And, although those tanned shoes could prove big ones to fill, Sousa insisted he feels not an ounce of pressure as he prepares his attempt to do so.
- “I don’t feel it,” the multi-lingual manager said. “And the club, the chairman, hasn’t put me under any pressure. We are looking to continue a philosophy.
- “We know our project, we know the way we want to go, we know what kind of targets we want to achieve and I have the time to do it.
- “The club is bigger than any individual so it will take all of our commitment and will to make sure the club grows bigger than it is today, to be better and better every day, stronger and stronger and not just on the map in terms of Wales and England but everywhere.”
- Still, though his stature remains impressive, the stand-alone statistics from his first spell in management seem to suggest he will have his work cut out.
- At Queens Park Rangers, with some of richest owners in football, Sousa could not make his mark before leaving under a cloud just five months into the job.
- Yet. while not wishing to be drawn too much on the subject of his time in south London, he left little doubt what he values more in a club.
- “Swansea is a club with big foundations, stability and a lot of support for the manager, which are the right things to bring success,” said Sousa, silver-suited for his welcoming parade in front of the cameras yesterday.
- “And that support is more important than money. The most important things are the vision, the identity, the club.“And to know the way to achieve success is the key. Money does not buy you success – but ideas, vision and desire can. We have it and we want to become even stronger in that sense. And because of that I have no doubts we will achieve what we want.”
- Unlike his predecessor, the romanticism is tempered with the realism of a manager who knows last year’s push for the play-offs will be a tough ask to emulate at the first time of asking, especially for a new boss with just weeks to work with his new squad before the campaign kick-off in an increasingly difficult division.
- And while he encouraged fans to fantasise about top-flight football, it came with a plea for patience first.
- What Sousa would promise was a continuation of the continental style that saw Swansea capture the imagination on their first year back in the second tier.
- “The first week I arrived in Britain I spent as much time as I could watching Championship games and one of the first things I said here was that Swansea were one of the best footballing sides in the division,” he said.
- “That’s something I want to continue. It’s my philosophy. During my career I played at a lot of big, important clubs and every one of them we played good football and as a manager it’s the same because I believe it’s easier to win games when you do that.
- “So this is a restarting of things. We want to continue things that have been done well here, but we also want to improve, step by step, to be better and better as a club, as players and as staff.”
- When asked on what targets have been set for the season ahead, he stressed: “The second year is the most difficult year for a club after promotion.
- “This season, in my opinion, is the most difficult season in the last five or six years because we have a minimum of 10 teams who will be looking for automatic promotion. Teams are here can spend a lot of money and have started already spending.
- “But I believe in our squad, in my club, and the people here to keep us among them. And slowly we will understand where we can look further ahead.
- “The chairman has already told me about being in the top division and we want to get back there. And with time we will arrive there. I am ambitious, I want to go to the Premier League.
- “We need to dream, but we must dream with 90% of reality. Dreams are fantastic because they keep us alive trying to follow it. But we need to know the way to follow and we must be clever to recognise that.
- “The project is not about today, it’s about today, tomorrow, and the next three years and more when we can build something stronger. That excites me.”
- So does he see himself as Swansea’s own Special One?
- “I will just be the one who gives all my knowledge, all my commitment to help the club to be more recognised than they are today.” WalesonLine


Wales online - Paulo Sousa: 'I am the right man for Swansea'
- PAULO SOUSA has insisted he is the right man to bring continued success to Swansea City after agreeing a three-year deal to take over the Liberty Stadium hot seat.
- Sousa, who was unveiled as the Swans new manager on Tuesday, believes the club can still challenge for the Championship play-offs next season. And, while determined to lay down his own marker at the club, he claimed it could be achieved by continuing to produce the stylish football that made Swansea such a success under Roberto Martinez.
-The Portuguese legend will meet his new players for the first time when they return from pre-season on Thursday. And, as he prepared for the new campaign, he was already looking forward to working with the talented squad Martinez left behind.
- “I’ve no doubt I can make this work and get the right success for Swansea," he said. "I believe in my knowledge and ability and I know how to apply it for this club.
- “Swansea has the same football philosophy as me and we agreed from the start about how we can get success in the Championship.
- “I already know how much quality the players have. Now I need to see if they have the same will to succeed as last year.”
- Swansea Chairman Huw Jenkins added: “We are very pleased and excited that Paulo has agreed to join us. We are really looking forward to developing the team and pushing on over the next few years.” Walesonline


This is South Wales - Bruno Oliviera and John Harbin
- Sousa's former assistant manager at QPR, Bruno Oliviera, is to join him at the Liberty. The 31-year-old has been involved in coaching for a decade after seeing his playing career ended by a cruciate ligament injury.
- John Harbin, a 68-year-old Australian performance coach who worked for a long time alongside Iain Dowie, is also expected to join the Swansea staff as well as a Europe-based scout. This is South Wales

Also: Swansea Official Site Profile/Comments


- Key Dates for QPR's 2009-2010 Season

- The Complete QPR Websites Listing

-
- For cutting-edge, continually-updated news about QPR: Visit the combination, quasi-blog/messageboard QPR Report Messageboard. QPR and football. Nothing else! All posters and all views welcome!

- Even Stronger Ainsworth Praise for Sousa


Brian Glanville/World Soccer
- WHO would envy Jim Magilton, newly made manager of Queens Park Rangers? One fervently hopes that he will last longer than his predecessors. My own view was that a couple of seasons back Italian Luigi Di Canio was doing a decent job of reviving a then struggling team, but he didn't stay and perhaps he wanted to return to Italy.
- Next up, Ian Dowie which seemed an odd appointment, given his recent ups and downs. Walking away from Crystal Palace asserting he needed to join his family up in the North, then joining next door Charlton Athletic where he lasted little time as indeed he did at Coventry. He wasn't very long at Shepherds Bush either, where Flavio Briatore, an F1 figure known also for his prowess in the fashion field, hardly, as chairman, stays in the background.
- In next came Paulo Sousa, once such a star for Portugal, with to be fair no more than modest results. The revolving door spun again when he was accused of unacceptable behaviour, allegedly because he had revealed that the loan of his striker Blackstock to Nottingham Forest was against his wishes. It hardly seemed a cardinal crime. Now here's Magilton, once an effective Northern Ireland midfielder, not long since jettisoned by Ipswich Town, “guilty,” it seemed of not getting them back into the Premier League.
- How long will he last? And when will QPR begin to splash out the big money – Mittal, Ecclestone – which is presumed to be behind them? World Soccer

-
- For cutting-edge, continually-updated news about QPR: Visit the combination, quasi-blog/messageboard QPR Report Messageboard. QPR and football. Nothing else! All posters and all views welcome!

- Various messageboard rumours that QPR's Delaney has joined Ipswich for between 750K and 1million.

- Even Stronger Ainsworth Praise for Sousa


Planet Swans/Sousa Appointed. Brings in Oliveria« Thread Started Today at 9:00am »
Planet Swans/Lisa Higgins - Sousa Officially Unveiled By Swansea
- Swansea City have unveiled new manager Paulo Sousa this afternoon after the 36 year old signed a three year deal with the club last night.
- Speaking about the foundations that former boss Roberto Martinez left the club in, the Portuguese tactician wants to continue the Spaniards work and be a success at Swansea as he told the BBC, “ I dont have doubt to continue his work to get the right success for the club and believe in my knowledge and what I can for the club.I agreed from the beginning, the philosophy is the same like I have it and we have it very clear to archive our success .”
- Sousa has also brought with him former QPR assistant boss Bruno Oliveria. Planet Swans

Flashback re :
QPR Official Site - April 6, 2009 - OLIVEIRA DEPARTS
- Queens Park Rangers Football Club can confirm Bruno Oliveira has had his contract terminated with immediate effect. - Bruno joined the Club in November 2008 as part of Paulo Sousa's backroom staff. - The Club will be making no further comment at this stage. QPR

What was Said Back in November, 2008
QPR Official Site - EXCLUSIVE: OLIVEIRA JOINS STAFF
- The Club are pleased to announce that Bruno Oliveira has joined Paulo Sousa's backroom staff.
- The 30 year-old (pictured, right) has been named as Assistant Coach, complimenting Gareth Ainsworth and David Rouse, who have retained their positions under the new structure.
- John Harbin will also continue in his role as Performance Manager, but, as revealed earlier today (Thursday), Tim Flowers has left the Club with immediate effect.
- Sousa told www.qpr.co.uk: "Bruno has great knowledge of the game and we have both been working towards this moment for a number of years.
- "He is a great student of the game, has some fantastic, unique ideas and will be a valuable addition to the impressive team we have in place." QPR Official Site


BBC - Swansea unveil new manager Sousa

Paulo Sousa spent five difficult months at Queens Park Rangers
Paulo Sousa has been unveiled as Swansea City's new boss.

The two-time Champions League winner flew back to Wales on Monday after discussing the situation with his family in his native Portugal.

The former Queens Park Rangers manager signed a three-year deal to become Roberto Martinez's successor at the Liberty Stadium.

Sousa is expected to name a fellow Portuguese, a Spaniard and an Australian in his backroom team.

The 38-year-old is Swansea's 12th manager in 14 years after verbally accepting the job last Thursday.

The 51-times capped Portugal international has been out of work since April after his controversial departure from QPR following just five months and 26 games in charge at Loftus Road.

The midfielder, who graduated through the Benfica academy, played for some of the biggest clubs in Europe including Sporting Lisbon, Juventus, Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan and Parma.

He was in the Juventus team that beat Dutch giants Ajax on penalties in Rome in 1996 before moving to Germany and winning the trophy with Borussia Dortmund who beat his old club Juventus in Munich.

Sousa's coaching break came on the international stage as he took charge of Portugal's under-15 team before being appointed assistant to Portugal's first-team coach Carlos Queiroz in 2008.

Sousa's first managerial job was as boss of Championship rivals Queens Park Rangers but parted company when the club claimed he divulged sensitive information.

He beat off competition from former Tottenham assistant manager Gus Poyet, former Wales captain and Sheffield United player coach Gary Speed and ex-Watford boss Aidy Boothroyd.

Sousa is bringing in his own backroom team after Martinez took all his managerial staff with him to Wigan Athletic.

Swans physiotherpist Richie Evans has joined Martinez at the Premier League club, ending a 10-year stay at Swansea, and follows assistant Graeme Jones, chief scout Kevin Reeves, goalkeeping coach Inaki Bergara and masseur Oscar Brau to the JJB Stadium. BBC


QPR Official Site - SAINTS MARCH IN TO W12
- Old friends will be reunited when the Super Hoops welcome Southampton to Loftus Road for the R's final pre-season friendly on Saturday 1st August, kick off 3.00pm.
- Gaffer Jim Magilton and assistant boss John Gorman both enjoyed fruitful spells with the Saints during their careers and the latter welcomed the news of the friendly date in W12.
- "It's a great final fixture for us - against a Club that means so much to both myself and Jim," he told www.qpr.co.uk.
- "Southampton are a Club very close to my heart and it hurts me to see where they are now, especially with their current financial problems.
- "I'm really happy with the fixtures we've got on English soil and I can't wait to see the R's fans come out in force for our final pre-season fixture."
- And the news just gets better and better for R's supporters, who will be able to come and watch the Super Hoops in action at amazing discounted prices.
- Tickets are priced at £15 adults, £10 concessions (seniors and 16-21 year-olds) and £5 under-16's - but all Season Ticket holders and Members will be entitled to a £5 discount if they book tickets in advance!
- Ten loyalty points will also be awarded for this fixture, so R's fans are encouraged to purchase their tickets as soon as possible.
- The fixture will also serve as a dummy-run for the Club, with the recently installed Access Control system being tested for the final time prior to the big kick-off against Blackpool seven days later.
- Operations Manager, Steve Pike, told www.qpr.co.uk: "It was of paramount importance that we organised a home friendly prior to the start of the season, as it will provide a valuable trial run ahead of the first league fixture against Blackpool.
- "The installation of Access Control over the summer months was a huge step in the right direction for us in terms of enhancing the matchday experience on offer to supporters and I am sure the fans will join us in embracing the new technology we're putting in place here.
- "The fans are an integral part of the Football Club and this new venture with Ticketmaster will certainly improve the experience they enjoy on a matchday at Loftus Road."
- *Supporters wishing to organise hospitality for this friendly should contact Julie Newman on 020 8740 2588.


2009/10 PRE-SEASON FIXTURES

Aldershot Town v QPR - Saturday 11th July 2009 (3.00pm)
Forest Green Rovers v QPR - Tuesday 21st July 2009 (7.45pm)
Oxford United v QPR - Friday 24th July 2009 (7.45pm)
Wycombe Wanderers v QPR - Tuesday 28th July 2009 (7.45pm)
QPR v Southampton - Saturday 1st August 2009 (3.00pm) QPR

-
- For cutting-edge, continually-updated news about QPR: Visit the combination, quasi-blog/messageboard QPR Report Messageboard. QPR and football. Nothing else! All posters and all views welcome!

- Various messageboard rumours that QPR's Delaney has joined Ipswich for between 750K and 1million.


QPR Official Site - ANNUAL ACCOUNTS UPDATE
- Tue 23 Jun 2009
- In accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006 and the Articles of Association of QPR Holdings Limited (the 'Club'), the directors of the Club have decided not to hold an Annual General Meeting this year and to make available online to shareholders the Club's annual report and financial statements for the period 31 December 2008 (the 'Financial Statements') at the Club's website www.qpr.co.uk.
- We will notify Club shareholders when the Financial Statements are put up on the website.
- All queries or questions will be handled by e-mail. In this regard, please e-mail agm@qpr.co.uk - QPR


- [In the interim: Accounts Posted]

- Video: Terry Venables' QPR Score Eight

-
For cutting-edge, continually-updated news about QPR: Visit the combination, quasi-blog/messageboard QPR Report Messageboard. QPR and football. Nothing else! All posters and all views welcome!

- QPR Official Site - "Coming Soon: The Annual Accounts"
- [In the interim: Accounts Posted]

- Video: Terry Venables' QPR Score Eight

Wales on Sunday/Blair Wood: Gareth Ainsworth: ‘Swans will be stronger next season with Sousa’
- CHAMPIONSHIP rivals beware – Swansea City will be even stronger with Paulo Sousa at the helm next season.
- That’s the view of QPR player-coach Gareth Ainsworth, who believes the Portuguese legend is exactly the man to pick up where Roberto Martinez left off and lead the club’s Premiership push.
- Having both played for Sousa and worked as part of his coaching team, Ainsworth is perfectly placed to comment on what he will bring to the Liberty Stadium.
- And, worryingly for the rest of the division, he believes the two-time Champions League winner can take the Swans to a whole new level.
- Despite lasting just four months and winning only seven of his 26 games at Rangers, Ainsworth insists Sousa was a huge hit in London.
- With all the politics going on at the club – and claims that Rangers joint owner Flavio Briatore was interfering with team selection – Ainsworth said results on the pitch didn’t reflect the impact Sousa was having off it.
- The former Cardiff winger believes QPR’s loss will soon be Swansea’s gain.
- And he, for one, certainly isn’t relishing the prospect of coming up against his old boss next season.

- “No stone is left unturned with Paulo and it’s bad news for everyone else in the league,” he told Wales on Sunday when asked about the appointment.
- “It means Swansea will be just as good as last year, if not better.
- “I always thought Paulo would be a big success in British football. It looks like Swansea will be the ones to benefit from it.
- “You certainly can’t judge him on what happened at QPR. You can’t judge anyone on four months work.
“It’s the worst situation for any manager to be in and you need at least a season to get your ideas across.
- “It takes time to get everyone singing from your sheet and Paulo never got that with us.
“I’m sure that won’t be the case at Swansea and he could make them serious challengers.”

- If Swansea are to be promotion contenders next season, Sousa – who has been linked with a move for Dutch striker Rob Braber – will first have to win the battle to keep some of the club’s star players. Failing that, he will have to use his wealth of contacts to find replacements.
- With top-scorer Jason Scotland already the subject of a firm offer from Premiership new boys Burnley and the likes of Angel Rangel and Ferrie Bodde being heavily linked with moves to the top flight, the Portuguese certainly has a fight on his hands.
- For many it’s almost impossible to believe he will inherit the exact squad Martinez left behind.

- But Ainsworth has warned those considering a move not to be too hasty in leaving the Liberty. The much-travelled 36-year-old believes they could all benefit in ways they hadn’t even imagined by spending time under Sousa’s stewardship.
- “I know there is talk about some of their big names leaving,” he said.
- “But, if they stay, the players are in for an absolute treat with Paulo.
- “Roberto Martinez has introduced them to the continental flavour and Paulo is definitely the man to keep it going. He knows how football should be played and, with the players they have, he will deliver.

- “Paulo is a phenomenal manager to work for. Some of the ideas he brings in are just fantastic and the way he transformed some players was amazing.
- “Every player improved under Paulo and I learnt more from him in four months than I did in years with other managers.
- “He sees things other managers don’t and he knows how to get the best out of individuals.
- “It’s just a shame we didn’t get to work with him for longer because he is a really nice, genuine guy and a pleasure to work with.
- Without a doubt it’s a great move for Swansea and they are very lucky to have him”

- Added Ainsworth: “I can’t tell you too much about his style because Paulo always likes to keep things close to his chest.
- “It would be unfair for me to reveal his secrets.
- “But what I can say is that his techniques added to people’s games. When you work with a legend like that, you can’t help but be inspired.
- “You don’t win two Champions League medals for nothing. Paulo has got the lot.”
- Even if some of Swansea’s big names do leave, Ainsworth is adamant the club’s fans shouldn’t be too worried.
- Pointing out Sousa’s glittering playing career included spells at clubs like Juventus, Borussia Dortmund, Sporting Lisbon, Inter Milan and Espanyol, he knows the former midfielder has important contacts throughout Europe.
- Ainsworth believes that, like Martinez, Sousa will be able to turn unknown players into stars in Wales.
- And, with lingual talents to match his footballing skills, he has no doubts the 38-year-old will be able to get the best out of the multi-cultural dressing room he is likely to create.

- “The thing about Paulo is that he is fluent in four different languages,” he explained.
- “That is a big help in the modern game, especially in the transfer market.
- “He has got great contacts around the world but there’s no point bringing in foreign talents if you can’t communicate with them. I’ve seen it before and it’s a big problem.
- “Paulo will go round and happily speak in Spanish one minute, English the next and then French.
- “It means he can get across exactly what he wants to say and everyone benefits from it.
- “He is a very intelligent and thoughtful man with a huge knowledge of the game.
- “That would be wasted if he couldn’t share it with the whole dressing room.” Wales on Sunday


- Cardiff Interest in Liam Miller

-
- For cutting-edge, continually-updated news about QPR: Visit the combination, quasi-blog/messageboard QPR Report Messageboard. QPR and football. Nothing else! All posters and all views welcome!

- QPR Official Site - "Coming Soon: The Annual Accounts"
- [In the interim: Accounts Posted]

- Video: Terry Venables' QPR hit Eight

- Three QPR-connected players make The Times's "Arsenal's Fifty Greatest-Ever Players" List

- Two Year Flashback: Gianni Paladini Talking About Selling QPR

- European Draw: Alan McDonald's Glentoran Drawn vs Maccabi Haifa


BBC - Lopez's agent cools Swansea link
- Jordi Lopez's agent has played down speculation that the Queens Park Rangers midfielder is set for a move to Championship rivals Swansea City.
- Alex Bonnot has already stated that the 28-year-old Spaniard is set to leave Loftus Road at the end of his three-month contract.
- New Swans boss Paulo Sousa signed Uefa Cup-winner Lopez during his short-lived reign at Loftus Road last season.
- "No contact has been made from Swansea," Bonnot told BBC Sport Wales.
- "There was a good relationship when Jordi and Paulo were at QPR. Jordi very much liked working with him.
- "If Paulo is still happy to work with Jordi, he will come back to us. I want to let him do what he wants to do."
- Lopez won the Uefa Cup with Sevilla in 2006 when the Spanish side beat Middlesbrough 4-0 in the final.
- Before the switch to Sevilla two years earlier, Lopez made three appearances for Real Madrid.
- He arrived in English football after being released by Real Mallorca last December, joining QPR in February.
- Lopez opened talks after his three-month contract at Loftus Road expired, but was unhappy with the wages being offered and negotiations have ended.
- Sousa, 38, is set to be unveiled by the Swans on Tuesday as the replacement for Roberto Martinez, who left to join Wigan last week. BBC


Zesh Rehman's Blog - Bradford Permanent Deal
- I feel absolutely delighted having put pen to paper on 2 year deal with Bradford City on Thursday (18/06/09) and once again team up with the Stuart Mcall and the bantams faithful following my loan spell last season. My gut feeling told me this was the right club for me despite higher league interest and a better financial package. I have been fortunate enough to have played in all 4 Divisions in England and see this a the next step in my journey to hopefully inspire the next generation of kids and inparticular Asian kids pursuing a career in the game. At 25 I feel I have the best years ahead of me and am looking forward to the start of pre season and settling back into life in Bradford and witnessing the terrific home and away support once again. Zesh Rehman Blog


- Crystal Palace's Warnock: QPR Tried to Hijack Sears Deal"...Even after he shook my hand QPR came in for him but he gave me his word and he stuck to it, which can be rare these days..."

- Top Football Programmes in the country....QPR's Progamme #17

- 1974 Video: West Ham vs QPR

- Sousa Appointing Assistants and Being Given a Free Hand (Updated)

- F1 Updates re Briatore & Ecclestone

- (The Earlier Entries to the Magilton Diaries (Satire)

- Key Dates for QPR's 2009-2010 Season

- The Complete QPR Websites Listing

- "I'm Sorry But Who Would Want to Sign for Chelsea"

- Ken Bates Libel Trial Updated

-
- For cutting-edge, continually-updated news about QPR: Visit the combination, quasi-blog/messageboard QPR Report Messageboard. QPR and football. Nothing else! All posters and all views welcome!

- Crystal Palace's Warnock: QPR Tried to Hijack Sears Deal

- Top Football Programmes in the country....QPR's Progamme #17

- European Draw: Alan McDonald's Glentoran Drawn vs Maccabi Haifa

- 1974 Video: West Ham vs QPR


This is South Wales - Spanish midfielder linked to Swans
- PAULO Sousa could make Uefa Cup winner Jordi Lopez his first Swansea City signing.
- Spanish creator Lopez signed a short-term deal at Queens Park Rangers when Sousa was manager back in February.
- But the 28-year-old looks set to move on during the close season — and Sousa is tipped to make a move.
- Lopez played two games for Real Madrid before switching to Sevilla, where he was part of the side which lifted the Uefa Cup in 2006.
- Then came spells with Real Mallorca and Racing Santander before he decided to try his luck in English football. Lopez had trials with Portsmouth and Blackburn last summer and, after spending the autumn training alone in his homeland, was expected to join Birmingham City in January.
- When that move fell through, Lopez penned a three-month deal at Loftus Road and went on to score once in 10 appearances. Swansea

- Sousa Appointing Assistants and Being Given a Free Hand (Updated)

- "In case you missed it" - Gareth Ainsworth Strongly Praises Sousa
".... Former Cardiff City winger Gareth Ainsworth was on Sousa's coaching staff at QPR and took over as caretaker boss at Loftus Road when he left the club.
- "I don't think you can judge someone on just four or five months in any circumstances," Ainsworth told the Back Page.
- "Fans and players wanted him to stay as they enjoyed the change of style and the learning experience.
- Just to say Sousa will play good football like your ex-manager. He will attract good players and you will keep on improving
- "He's a fantastic man, well-respected, honest and an intelligent guy that comes across super-intelligent tactically.
- "In training he changed players, changed some players' positions and he brought some things out of players that I didn't see and I've been at QPR for seven years!
- "He's a real thinker, he can be a shouter and aggressive in the dressing room but is a very intelligent talker who speaks a lot of languages which is useful thesedays - but I'm not sure how he'll cope with the Welsh accents!
- "Swansea were blessed with Roberto Martinez who got them playing some great stuff and Paulo will add to that style as he was a fan of Swansea's way of playing the game.
"In a way he has a team that suits his footballing philosophies - and I can tell the Swansea fans that they're in for a treat. He'll be a top manager of the future." BBC - Your view re Sousa and his QPR Departure


Portsmouth News/Neil Allen - Rejected Oastler proves he's no average Joe
- Matt Ritchie may be heading the next generation of local talent in their assault on professional football - but Joe Oastler is right on his shoulder.
- For Pompey, he's the one that got away, with the Milton starlet now gunning for the QPR first team.
- Oastler contemplated quitting the game upon his Pompey release last summer following 10 years with his hometown club.
- Yet barely a month later he was snapped up by QPR after impressing at the exit trials.
- Since then the central defender has gone on to captain their reserve team and make two first-team squads, earning him a fresh one-year deal.
Oastler spent a decade alongside Ritchie at Fratton Park.
- Also among their team-mates was Emsworth's Joel Ward, who enjoyed a successful loan spell at Bournemouth last season.
- Now the 18-year-old from Shelford Road is bidding to become the latest local player to break into the Football League.
- He said: 'Being released by Pompey was devastating and afterwards a few times I felt like giving up – but things couldn't have turned out any better.
- 'QPR picked me up at the Exit trials and put me with the youth team.
- 'Two days later I was told to train with the first team, given a squad number and stayed with them for the rest of the season.
- 'Only myself and another youth player, Lee Brown, did that. Gareth Ainsworth – the reserve manager – also gave me the captain's armband for the season.
- 'It's all happened so quick. I cannot remember much of the season, it flew by.
- 'I definitely feel I've improved. I've been on a weight programme which has really built me up and feel much better when playing now.
- 'The next aim is to start making some first-team appearances. We're back to training on July 1 and I'm really excited with a new manager (Jim Magilton) to impress.
- 'I still speak to Matt (Ritchie) and what he has done is phenomenal. I hope, like him, I will make a few appearances next season, on loan elsewhere if need be.
- 'I've just got to get into a first-team somewhere.'
Oastler was spotted by Pompey at the age of eight while turning out for Copnor North End.
- He remained on the Blues' books for the next 10 years until his release at the end of the 2007/08 campaign.
- The Milton Cross schoolboy found himself without a club last summer – then had 13 chasing his signature after starring in the exit trials.
- After opting for QPR, he featured as an unused substitute in the FA Cup Third Round goalless draw with Burnley and as an unused sub in the November 2-1 victory over Charlton.
- And he's backing the R's for a successful season ahead.
- He added: 'There are a few big clubs in there now and I think with the squad we have got we are good enough to get promoted,
- 'If we can get it right we can definitely challenge.' Portsmouth News


Nottingham Evening Post - Forest still keen on QPR keeper Camp
- Nottingham Forest are planning a fresh bid to land QPR keeper Lee Camp.
Reds boss Billy Davies is plotting a new seven-figure offer for the former Derby County player, as he looks to bolster his squad for the new season.
- It had seemed that Forest's interest in Camp (pictured) – who enjoyed an impressive spell on loan at the end of 2008 – had waned after they had failed to agree a fee for the player with the London club in January.
- Furthermore, the change of management at Loftus Road, where Jim Magilton has been appointed following the departure of Paulo Sousa, had prompted speculation that Camp might still have a future with the Hoops.
- But Davies, who managed Camp at Pride Park, is still a big fan of the 24-year-old who played 15 games for Forest and produced some spectacular performances under Colin Calderwood and John Pemberton.
And he is still keen to bring him to the City Ground to challenge Paul Smith for the number one jersey.
It is wrongly believed by many that Davies fell out with Camp during his tenure at Derby.
The Scot was in fact very keen to bring the keeper back to Forest when he initially took over the reigns.
And the Evening Post understands Forest are preparing to test new QPR manager Magilton's resolve with a fresh bid to sign Camp, who is likely to remain behind Czech international Radek Cerny in the pecking order.
- Camp himself remains enthusiastic about a return to Forest, if the club are willing to come close to matching the terms of his current QPR contract, which is believed to have three years left to run. Nottingham Evening Post


QPR MASTERS CHAMPIONS



- Masters Reports


- F1 Updates re Briatore & Ecclestone

- "USA Still Struggling for Global Impact"

- The Guardian's David Conn Wins Sportswiter of the Year Award

- Flashback: Alan Mullery Takes Over at QPR

- The Magilton Diaries (Satire) - Entry V ----- (The Earlier Entries to the Magilton Diaries (Satire)

- Key Dates for QPR's 2009-2010 Season

- The Complete QPR Websites Listing

-
- For cutting-edge, continually-updated news about QPR: Visit the combination, quasi-blog/messageboard QPR Report Messageboard. The place where for QPR and football. Nothing else! And all views welcome! No cliques. No board wars, No ad-hominem attacks on fellow posters
- 1974 Video: West Ham vs QPR
- Numerous other old QPR Video snippets
- Sousa Appointing Assistants and Being Given a Free Hand

QPR MASTERS CHAMPIONS



Screwfix London Masters Cup 2009

Winners: QPR Masters

Pld Pts Gd
QPR 2 4 +3
Chelsea 2 2 0
Fulham 2 1 0

Pld Pts Gd
West Ham 2 6 +4
Spurs 2 1 -2
Arsenal 2 1 -2

Group results
QPR Masters 3 - 0 Fulham Masters Spurs Masters 2 - 4 West Ham Masters
Sinton
Meaker (2)
Caskey
Wilson Brown
Rowland
Horlock
Pearce

Fulham Masters 3 - 3 Chelsea Masters Spurs Masters 3 - 3 Arsenal Masters
Herrera
Hayles (2) Stein
Flo
Lee
Austin
Sedgley
Wilson Selley
Thomas (2)

QPR Masters 1 - 1 Chelsea Masters West Ham Masters 3 - 1 Arsenal Masters
Sinton Barnard
Rowland
Sinclair
Hughes Parlour

Final
West Ham Masters 1 - 1 QPR Masters QPR win 4 - 3 on penalties
Pearce Thorpe

Awards
Man of the Match Tony Roberts Golden Boot Michael Meaker (3)
QPR Masters QPR Masters

Masters

-
- For cutting-edge, continually-updated news about QPR: Visit the combination, quasi-blog/messageboard QPR Report Messageboard. The place where for QPR and football. Nothing else! And all views welcome! No cliques. No board wars, No ad-hominem attacks on fellow posters

- 1974 Video: West Ham vs QPR

- Numerous other old QPR Video snippets


- Sousa Appointing Assistants and Being Given a Free Hand


Marking A Quarter Century Since Alan Mullery Appointed:
Twenty-Five Years ago (yesterday!) Chairman Jim Gregory announced the appointment of Alan Mullery as QPR's new manager. Mullery's task wasn't aided by the fact that he was replacing the very popular and brilliant Terry Venables. Mullery wasn't even the first successor. In the summer Gordon Jago had been hired - and then axed a week later! And QPR had tried to hire David Pleat from Luton. Mullery was at QPR for six months and 17 games before being axed (after a 2-0 home win against Stoke). In his six months, saw the departure of Clive Allen and the arrival of Gary Bannister and John Byrne. It saw the great 1-1 draw at Liverpool; an amazing 5-5 comeback against Newcastle at Loftus Road; and the appalling 0-4 collapse to Partisan Belgrade after a 6-2 "home" win by QPR.
Mullery was axed. The initial replacement was hoped to have been ex-Leeds and England Manager, Don Revie. When that fell through, Frank Sibley took over for the rest of the season - and QPR stayed up by one point - Final Table

The Mullery Record - QPR 1984/1985 Results
English Division 1 (old) QPR 3-1 West Brom 25-08-1984
English Division 1 (old) Watford 1-1 QPR 28-08-1984
English Division 1 (old) Liverpool 1-1 QPR 01-09-1984
English Division 1 (old) QPR 3-0 Nottm Forest 08-09-1984
English Division 1 (old) Tottenham 5-0 QPR 15-09-1984
UEFA Cup KR Reykjavik 0-3 QPR 18-09-1984
English Division 1 (old) QPR 5-5 Newcastle 22-09-1984
English League Cup York 2-4 QPR 25-09-1984
English Division 1 (old) Southampton 1-1 QPR 29-09-1984
UEFA Cup QPR 4-0 KR Reykjavik 02-10-1984
English Division 1 (old) QPR 2-3 Luton 06-10-1984
English League Cup QPR 4-1 York 09-10-1984
English Division 1 (old) Ipswich 1-1 QPR 13-10-1984
English Division 1 (old) QPR 2-1 Coventry 20-10-1984
UEFA Cup QPR 6-2 Partizan Belgrade 24-10-1984
English Division 1 (old) Norwich 2-0 QPR 27-10-1984
English League Cup QPR 1-0 Aston Villa 30-10-1984
English Division 1 (old) Sunderland 3-0 QPR 03-11-1984
UEFA Cup Partizan Belgrade 4-0 QPR 07-11-1984
English Division 1 (old) QPR 0-0 Sheff Wed 10-11-1984
English Division 1 (old) Arsenal 1-0 QPR 17-11-1984
English League Cup Southampton 1-1 QPR 20-11-1984
English Division 1 (old) QPR 2-0 Aston Villa 24-11-1984
English League Cup QPR 0-0 Southampton 27-11-1984
English Division 1 (old) Leicester 4-0 QPR 01-12-1984
English Division 1 (old) QPR 2-0 Stoke 04-12-1984
Soccerbase

See also: - Mullery's website ----
Mullery Wikipedia Profile ----Alan Mullery Speaker


- Congratulations to QPR on Winning the London Masters Cup(beating other ex-QPRs!) - Match Details


- Video: QPR vs Cardiff Playoff Final Video


- The Guardian's David Conn Wins Sportswiter of the Year Award

- The Magilton Diaries (Satire) - Entry V ----- (The Earlier Entries to the Magilton Diaries (Satire)

- Key Dates for QPR's 2009-2010 Season

- The Complete QPR Websites Listing

-
- For cutting-edge, continually-updated news about QPR: Visit the combination, quasi-blog/messageboard QPR Report Messageboard. The place where for QPR and football. Nothing else! And all views welcome! No cliques. No board wars, No ad-hominem attacks on fellow posters
- The Magilton Diaries (Satire) - Entry V ----- (The Earlier Entries to the Magilton Diaries (Satire)
- The Formula One Dispute: Briatore vs Ecclestone (Updated?) ------ Various earlier stories re the Formula One Dispute
- No Jordi Lopez for QPR (Seemingly)
- Leicester Drop Out of Chase for Swindon's Simon Cox

- Video: The QPR vs Cardiff Millenium Final
- Day, Kelly, Shittu, Carlisle, Padula (Williams 79), Gallen, Bircham, Palmer, McLeod, Pacquette (Thomson 60), Furlong. Subs not used: Culkin, Angell, Forbes.
Playoff Final Memories


Gareth Ainsworth on Paulo Sousa
.... Former Cardiff City winger Gareth Ainsworth was on Sousa's coaching staff at QPR and took over as caretaker boss at Loftus Road when he left the club.

- "I don't think you can judge someone on just four or five months in any circumstances," Ainsworth told the Back Page.

- "Fans and players wanted him to stay as they enjoyed the change of style and the learning experience.

- Just to say Sousa will play good football like your ex-manager. He will attract good players and you will keep on improving

- "He's a fantastic man, well-respected, honest and an intelligent guy that comes across super-intelligent tactically.

- "In training he changed players, changed some players' positions and he brought some things out of players that I didn't see and I've been at QPR for seven years!

- "He's a real thinker, he can be a shouter and aggressive in the dressing room but is a very intelligent talker who speaks a lot of languages which is useful thesedays - but I'm not sure how he'll cope with the Welsh accents!

- "Swansea were blessed with Roberto Martinez who got them playing some great stuff and Paulo will add to that style as he was a fan of Swansea's way of playing the game.

"In a way he has a team that suits his footballing philosophies - and I can tell the Swansea fans that they're in for a treat. He'll be a top manager of the future."

Full BBC article below

BBC - Sousa warned of Martinez effect
- Sousa parted company with QPR in April after only five months in the job
Paulo Sousa has been warned of the difficult task he will face to succeed Roberto Martinez as Swansea City boss.
- Paul Lambert, a team-mate when Sousa won the Champions League crown in 1996 with Borussia Dortmund, says to follow fans favourite Martinez will be tough.
- Martinez, who has joined Premier League Wigan Athletic, guided Swansea to the League One title before their eighth placed Championship finish last term.
- "It will be tough to take over from a man who has done great," said Lambert.
- The former Scottish international was Sosua's central midfielder partner when the Portugal great won the second of his European titles against Juventus in Munich.
- Sousa played for the Italian giants the previous season when he won the first of his Champions League medals when Juventus beat Ajax on penalties in Rome in 1996.
- The 51-times Portuguese international joins Swansea after the Welsh club enjoyed its highest league position for 25 years, playing a stylish and attractive brand of football that earned universal plaudits.
- "It will be tough for Paulo," Lambert told BBC Radio Wales' Back Page programme.
- "Paulo is very single-minded, has his own ideas of the game and will show it is not difficult for a top player to become a good manager
- Former Borussia Dortmundteam-mate Paul Lambert
"Just like whoever takes over from Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United will have a difficult ask.
- "But I'm pretty sure that Paulo will get a bit of success and if he gets them out of the Championship, people will forget everything that went before."
- The former Queens Park Rangers manager has "verbally accepted" a three-year deal to become Swansea's 12th boss in 14 years and is set to be unveiled next week.
- Sousa was QPR chief for just five months and 26 games and parted company when the club claimed he divulged sensitive information as the London team claimed they acted to "protect their position."
- The 38-year-old - once assistant to Portugal manager Carlos Queiroz - lost six of his 23 league games in charge at the club hailed one of the richest in the world due to its millionaire owners.
- Sousa departed Loftus Road amid suggestion that he was unhappy with QPR chairman Flavio Briatore meddling in team affairs.
- Briatore denied the claims and even said in a statement on the club's website after Sousa's departure "Paulo picked the team all the time."
- Lambert says that Sousa - a member of the Portuguese national team's golden generation alongside Rui Costa and Luís Figo - is his "own man" and "single-minded."
- "I think it's a great appointment for Swansea," said Lambert, now manager of League One Colchester United.
- "He did a fine job at Queens Park Rangers. It is well-documented that there are problems at that particular football club.
- "Paulo said when he took the QPR job that he'd be his own man and he wouldn't like people telling him what to do."

- Former Cardiff City winger Gareth Ainsworth was on Sousa's coaching staff at QPR and took over as caretaker boss at Loftus Road when he left the club.
- "I don't think you can judge someone on just four or five months in any circumstances," Ainsworth told the Back Page.
- "Fans and players wanted him to stay as they enjoyed the change of style and the learning experience.
- Just to say Sousa will play good football like your ex-manager. He will attract good players and you will keep on improving
- "He's a fantastic man, well-respected, honest and an intelligent guy that comes across super-intelligent tactically.
- "In training he changed players, changed some players' positions and he brought some things out of players that I didn't see and I've been at QPR for seven years!
- "He's a real thinker, he can be a shouter and aggressive in the dressing room but is a very intelligent talker who speaks a lot of languages which is useful thesedays - but I'm not sure how he'll cope with the Welsh accents!
- "Swansea were blessed with Roberto Martinez who got them playing some great stuff and Paulo will add to that style as he was a fan of Swansea's way of playing the game.
"In a way he has a team that suits his footballing philosophies - and I can tell the Swansea fans that they're in for a treat. He'll be a top manager of the future."
Asked about Sousa's limited managerial experience, Lambert added: "It's all very well being a world-class footballer and playing at some unbelievable football clubs but how do you get experience as a manger? By being given an opportunity.
- "And when Swansea gave Roberto Martinez the chance he did an absolutely brilliant job with not much experience and Paulo will be great.
- "Paulo is very single-minded, has his own ideas of the game and will show it is not difficult for a top player to become a good manager" BBC

- Assessments of Sousa at Swansea


- Your opinion about Sousa: As QPR Manager...Should QPR have axed him? How he'll do at Swansea?

-
- For cutting-edge, continually-updated news about QPR: Visit the combination, quasi-blog/messageboard QPR Report Messageboard. The place where for QPR and football. Nothing else! And all views welcome! No cliques. No board wars, No ad-hominem attacks on fellow posters
- The Magilton Diaries (Satire) - Entry V ----- (The Earlier Entries to the Magilton Diaries (Satire)
- The Formula One Dispute: Briatore vs Ecclestone (Updated?) ------ Various earlier stories re the Formula One Dispute
- No Jordi Lopez for QPR (Seemingly)


- Video: The QPR vs Cardiff Millenium Final
- Day, Kelly, Shittu, Carlisle, Padula (Williams 79), Gallen, Bircham, Palmer, McLeod, Pacquette (Thomson 60), Furlong. Subs not used: Culkin, Angell, Forbes.
Playoff Final Memories


The London Masters Tournament
Heat 3: Wembley Arena, London - Saturday 20th June
Teams: Spurs, Arsenal, West Ham, Chelsea, Fulham, QPR

UPDATED QPR SQUAD
Tony Roberts
Steve Palmer
Danny Maddix
Michael Meaker
Bradley Allen
Andy Tillson
Tony Thorpe
Karl Connolly
Andy Sinton

[Ex-QPRs playing for the other Masters teams: The Arsenal squad has Jimmy Carter; Chelsea have Mark Stein and Clive Wilson; West Ham have Rufus Brevett, Steve Lomas, Keith Rowland and Trevor Sinclair!; Fulham have no ex-QPRs in their squad!]
- Doors: 6.30pm - Kick off: 8pm - Event finish: 11pm
Ticket Information: Reserved Seating
Premium seats: £25 - Adult regular: £18 - Concession (U16, over 65): £12
London Masters


Ainsworth View of Sousa

.... Former Cardiff City winger Gareth Ainsworth was on Sousa's coaching staff at QPR and took over as caretaker boss at Loftus Road when he left the club.

- "I don't think you can judge someone on just four or five months in any circumstances," Ainsworth told the Back Page.

- "Fans and players wanted him to stay as they enjoyed the change of style and the learning experience.

- Just to say Sousa will play good football like your ex-manager. He will attract good players and you will keep on improving

- "He's a fantastic man, well-respected, honest and an intelligent guy that comes across super-intelligent tactically.

- "In training he changed players, changed some players' positions and he brought some things out of players that I didn't see and I've been at QPR for seven years!

- "He's a real thinker, he can be a shouter and aggressive in the dressing room but is a very intelligent talker who speaks a lot of languages which is useful thesedays - but I'm not sure how he'll cope with the Welsh accents!

- "Swansea were blessed with Roberto Martinez who got them playing some great stuff and Paulo will add to that style as he was a fan of Swansea's way of playing the game.

"In a way he has a team that suits his footballing philosophies - and I can tell the Swansea fans that they're in for a treat. He'll be a top manager of the future."


BBC - Sousa warned of Martinez effect
- Sousa parted company with QPR in April after only five months in the job
Paulo Sousa has been warned of the difficult task he will face to succeed Roberto Martinez as Swansea City boss.
- Paul Lambert, a team-mate when Sousa won the Champions League crown in 1996 with Borussia Dortmund, says to follow fans favourite Martinez will be tough.
- Martinez, who has joined Premier League Wigan Athletic, guided Swansea to the League One title before their eighth placed Championship finish last term.
- "It will be tough to take over from a man who has done great," said Lambert.
- The former Scottish international was Sosua's central midfielder partner when the Portugal great won the second of his European titles against Juventus in Munich.
- Sousa played for the Italian giants the previous season when he won the first of his Champions League medals when Juventus beat Ajax on penalties in Rome in 1996.
- The 51-times Portuguese international joins Swansea after the Welsh club enjoyed its highest league position for 25 years, playing a stylish and attractive brand of football that earned universal plaudits.
- "It will be tough for Paulo," Lambert told BBC Radio Wales' Back Page programme.
- "Paulo is very single-minded, has his own ideas of the game and will show it is not difficult for a top player to become a good manager
- Former Borussia Dortmundteam-mate Paul Lambert
"Just like whoever takes over from Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United will have a difficult ask.
- "But I'm pretty sure that Paulo will get a bit of success and if he gets them out of the Championship, people will forget everything that went before."
- The former Queens Park Rangers manager has "verbally accepted" a three-year deal to become Swansea's 12th boss in 14 years and is set to be unveiled next week.
- Sousa was QPR chief for just five months and 26 games and parted company when the club claimed he divulged sensitive information as the London team claimed they acted to "protect their position."
- The 38-year-old - once assistant to Portugal manager Carlos Queiroz - lost six of his 23 league games in charge at the club hailed one of the richest in the world due to its millionaire owners.
- Sousa departed Loftus Road amid suggestion that he was unhappy with QPR chairman Flavio Briatore meddling in team affairs.
- Briatore denied the claims and even said in a statement on the club's website after Sousa's departure "Paulo picked the team all the time."
- Lambert says that Sousa - a member of the Portuguese national team's golden generation alongside Rui Costa and Luís Figo - is his "own man" and "single-minded."
- "I think it's a great appointment for Swansea," said Lambert, now manager of League One Colchester United.
- "He did a fine job at Queens Park Rangers. It is well-documented that there are problems at that particular football club.
- "Paulo said when he took the QPR job that he'd be his own man and he wouldn't like people telling him what to do."

- Former Cardiff City winger Gareth Ainsworth was on Sousa's coaching staff at QPR and took over as caretaker boss at Loftus Road when he left the club.
- "I don't think you can judge someone on just four or five months in any circumstances," Ainsworth told the Back Page.
- "Fans and players wanted him to stay as they enjoyed the change of style and the learning experience.
- Just to say Sousa will play good football like your ex-manager. He will attract good players and you will keep on improving
- "He's a fantastic man, well-respected, honest and an intelligent guy that comes across super-intelligent tactically.
- "In training he changed players, changed some players' positions and he brought some things out of players that I didn't see and I've been at QPR for seven years!
- "He's a real thinker, he can be a shouter and aggressive in the dressing room but is a very intelligent talker who speaks a lot of languages which is useful thesedays - but I'm not sure how he'll cope with the Welsh accents!
- "Swansea were blessed with Roberto Martinez who got them playing some great stuff and Paulo will add to that style as he was a fan of Swansea's way of playing the game.
"In a way he has a team that suits his footballing philosophies - and I can tell the Swansea fans that they're in for a treat. He'll be a top manager of the future."
Asked about Sousa's limited managerial experience, Lambert added: "It's all very well being a world-class footballer and playing at some unbelievable football clubs but how do you get experience as a manger? By being given an opportunity.
- "And when Swansea gave Roberto Martinez the chance he did an absolutely brilliant job with not much experience and Paulo will be great.
- "Paulo is very single-minded, has his own ideas of the game and will show it is not difficult for a top player to become a good manager" BBC

- Assessments of Sousa at Swansea



Two June 20 Ex-QPR Birthdays: Rob Steiner (36) and Peter Reid (53)-- Steiner joined QPR initially on loan, signed by Gerry Francis: Helped save QPR and had a good next season before injury ended his career.
- Reid was signed by Trevor Francis on a free...Released by Don Howe. - Background


- Setanta Loses Premiership Rights

- The Selling of Michael Owen

- Brian Glanville on Ronaldo sale; big spending; Joey Barton

- Key Dates for QPR's 2009-2010 Season

- The Complete QPR Websites Listing

- Week-by-Week Championship Fixtures
- Week-by-Week Premiership Fixtures

-
- For cutting-edge, continually-updated news about QPR: Visit the combination, quasi-blog/messageboard QPR Report Messageboard. The site where the focus is only QPR and football. Nothing else! And all views welcome!

- The Magilton Diaries (Satire) - Entry V

- (The Earlier Entries to the Magilton Diaries (Satire)


BBC -Lopez 'unlikely' to return to QPR
- Lopez was brought to QPR by former coach Paulo Sousa
Jordi Lopez's agent Alex Bonnot has admitted the midfielder is "very unlikely" to be at QPR this season.
- Spaniard Lopez, 28, made 10 appearances for the west London club last season and opened talks after his three-month contract at Loftus Road expired.
- But he was unhappy with the wages being offered and negotiations have ended.
- Bonnot, a former QPR player, said: "Jordi really liked it at Rangers and could have stayed if the offer was right, but it wasn't."
Your views on Lopez's future
Lopez had a spell with Real Madrid before winning the Uefa Cup with Sevilla in 2006.
- He was signed by former QPR coach Paulo Sousa after being released by Mallorca earlier this year.
- Sousa, who left Rangers in April, has been offered the Swansea manager's job. BBC


Dave McIntyre/BBC606 - Lopez set to move on
- It seems there is next to no chance of Jordi Lopez being at QPR this season.
- For some weeks the word coming out of Rangers has been that Lopez wanted a three-year contract and that his wage demands were excessive, and he would not be returning.
- This often happens with out-of-contract players and sometimes a compromise is reached even after one or both sides are adamant that a deal is impossible.
- But Lopez’ agent, former QPR player Alex Bonnot, seemed pretty sure when I spoke to him on Friday that there was now no going back.
- According to him, Rangers simply never came up with a reasonable offer.
- Bonnot was previously keen to stress that talks were ongoing and all options were being considered.
- But those talks are now dead.
- Lopez is likely to speak to other Championship clubs in the near future, while Rangers are looking elsewhere having ended any interest they had in the player.
- I wonder if Lopez will end up at Swansea, where Paulo Sousa has been offered the manager’s job.
- Sousa was pleased to sign Lopez for QPR and the two get on very well.
- Coincidentally, the first player Rangers tried to sign this summer was Swansea midfielder Darren Pratley.
- Perhaps they’ll be tempted to try again now Swansea have a new manager, although there’s no reason to think they’d have more luck. BBC606



Guardian - HAMMERS TALK: Sears sworn in to Palace
- CRYSTAL PALACE have beaten off competition from QPR, Sheffield Wednesday and Peterborough to land West Ham striker Freddie Sears on a season-long loan deal, according to the Sun.
- Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola is keen to let the 19-year-old striker leave Upton Park to gain some valuable first-team experience, and it is understood that he has chosen Palace, despite a last-ditch effort by QPR to hijack the deal.
A source close to Sears told the Sun: “Freddie turned them down as he'd already shaken hands with Palace boss Neil Warnock.”
Guardian


- In Formula One Racing: Briatore et al vs Ecclestone et al?


Bradford Official Site - Zesh Rehman agrees two-year deal
- Zesh Rehman signed a two-year deal with City on Thursday after snubbing higher-division interest.
- Luke O'Brien, Joe Colbeck and Leon Osborne are also putting pen to paper as Stuart McCall's squad continues to take shape.
- Talking to the Telegraph & Argus Rehman said: "There were a couple of other clubs from a higher league but this just felt right.
- "My gut feeling told me to sign for Bradford and I've absolutely no regrets.From day one, I felt at home here. I'm fortunate enough to have played in all the divisions and I see this as the next step of my journey.
- "I'm 25 now and still feel the best years are ahead of me."
- McCall revealed that Rehman, like Peter Thorne, has taken a hefty pay cut to commit to the club where he spent the second half of last season on loan.
- He said: "We know the differential from what Zesh was getting paid last season and this season is huge. And I know he could have got more money from a club at a higher division.
- "When that's the case you're never sure you're going to get the player but Zesh has shown great commitment to us and he is desperate to do well here.
- "He's settled into the place and enjoys everything about it. Zesh is certainly not signing for Bradford for money - he wants to be a success here and it will be great to have him on board."
- Rehman made 17 appearances last term right across the back four but McCall intends to utilise the Pakistan international in his favoured central-defensive role.
- The City boss added: "He is versatile and played full back and centre back last season. I thought Zesh was outstanding at left back against Gillingham and had some good games on the right but we're looking at him to be a centre half.
- "Simon Ramsden is adept at playing right back and centre back but we definitely see Zesh playing in the middle." Bradford

- Flashback: Rehman Joins QPR


- Ex-QPR Oli Burgess Update


- 2009-2010 Championship Promotion Odds

- Two Ex-QPR Birthdays: David Kerslake and Paul McGee

- The QPR squads of 2007-2008 and 2008-2009

- Top Ten Sports Brands


- Key Dates for QPR's 2009-2010 Season

- 2009-2010 FA Cup Round Dates - and QPR in Masters Tournament June 20

- Top Twenty Football Club Programmes

- Five Years Ago: QPR's Chairman Blackburn and CEO Davies Depart

- Six Sodjes Playing Together

- The Complete QPR Websites Listing

- Week-by-Week Championship Fixtures
- Week-by-Week Premiership Fixtures


QPR Official Site - KICK IT OUT NEEDS YOU!
- Kick It Out officially launched its 2009 One Game One Community weeks of action earlier this week. This year's campaign will take place from 15th - 27th October, coinciding with Black History Month.
- As well as all 92 professional clubs in England and Wales taking part, the weeks have a strong community focus and play a role in celebrating diversity and inclusion across all other areas of the game.
- Grassroots clubs, schools, community groups and fans join the professional game in coming together in symbolic activities and initiatives, which resulted in over 1,000 events taking place last year.
- There are many ways that you could get involved in this year's weeks of action; you could host an event, run a competition or arrange a football tournament.
- Kick It Out may also be able to help with part funding your event through the One Game One Community Development Grants.
- Kick It Out offers a wide range of resources to support activities taking place, including t-shirts, sweatbands, key rings and badges as well as flags and banners which will help to link your event with football's most established equality and inclusion campaign.
- Visit www.kickitout.org to view the full range of resources and to find out more about the One Game One Community Development Grants. QPR

See also - www.kickitout.org

-
- For cutting-edge, continually-updated news about QPR: Visit the combination, quasi-blog/messageboard QPR Report Messageboard. The site where the focus is only QPR and football. Nothing else! And all views welcome!

- The Magilton Diaries (Satire) - Entry V

- (The Earlier Entries to the Magilton Diaries (Satire)


- In Formula One Racing: Briatore et al vs Ecclestone et al?


- 2009-2010 Championship Promotion Odds

- Two Ex-QPR Birthdays: David Kerslake and Paul McGee

- The QPR squads of 2007-2008 and 2008-2009

- Top Ten Sports Brands

- The Return of The Magilton Diaries - Entry IV (Satire!) --- (Complete set of Magilton Diaries Entries (Satire!)

- Key Dates for QPR's 2009-2010 Season

- 2009-2010 FA Cup Round Dates - and QPR in Masters Tournament June 20

- Top Twenty Football Club Programmes

- Five Years Ago: QPR's Chairman Blackburn and CEO Davies Depart


Western Mail - Paul Abbandonato - Wales Football
Swansea City gamble on Paulo Sousa could pay off
- HAVE Swansea City made yet another left-field, out-of-the-box, totally inspired managerial appointment?
- Eyebrows were raised, remember, when the Swans gave an untried Kenny Jackett the job ... but he made a success of it.
- A couple of years on, Roberto Martinez was leapfrogged ahead of red-hot favourite Dean Saunders and he didn’t do a bad old job, did he?
- This time around, the name of Paulo Sousa was not even as much as whispered as the likes of Gary Speed, Paul Tisdale, Chris Coleman, Ady Bothroyd, Simon Davey and, more recently, Gus Poyet were tipped for the Swans hot seat.
- But the moment the Western Mail yesterday revealed that Sousa was suddenly in the frame, there was a vibe that this was a gamble worth taking.
- The flamboyant Portuguese won’t offer the secure, traditional, good old-fashioned British approach of a Coleman, Bothroyd or Davey.
- But it is the very unpredictability that Sousa brings to the table that should make his appointment exciting for Swans fans.
- He might prove to be an enormous flop. On the other hand, he might just prove to be the nearest thing to Martinez the Swans board of directors could find.
- Fair play to chairman Huw Jenkins (pictured) and the close confidantes of his who made this decision.
- They got it right with Jackett, they got it spot-on with Martinez and they might just have pulled off another blinder with Sousa.
- The challenge for Jenkins and his colleagues was to somehow carry on the Martinez legacy. The alternative, quite frankly, was for them to tread water at best, go back three years at worst.
- Sousa offers them something none of the others would have, in my opinion.
- There is an argument for saying the Swans have moved beyond the Bothroyds and Daveys of this world.
- They had to go foreign again because they need a manager whose continental approach and style of football suits the players Martinez has left behind.
- They had to go foreign because, like Martinez, they need a manager who knows the market abroad and where you can unearth a little gem like Bodde, Rangel or Gomez.
- Sousa may not be a household name to many, but have no doubt of his standing in European football.
- He was a member of the so-called Portuguese golden generation of players, a team-mate of Luis Figo, Rui Costa and Paolo Futre.
- He won the Uefa Champions League twice, with Borussia Dortmund and Juventus. Not too many other people in Welsh football can boast that.
- He was Portugal assistant boss to Carlos Queiroz, the former Real Madrid chief and Manchester United No 2.
- He comes highly recommended to Swansea by Jose Mourinho and 2002 Brazilian World Cup winner Luis Felipe Scolari.
- That is some CV and it is one which will have bowled over Jenkins and his board.
- Of course, the Champions League final, Mourinho and Portugal’s Golden Generation are light years away from bread and butter Championship football against the likes of Doncaster, Rovers Peterborough United and Sc***horpe.
- Sousa’s only experience as a manager at that level was when he failed to set the world on fire with Queens Park Rangers last season.
- It would be wholly unfair, however, to judge his managerial credentials on that.
- Sousa was given a mere 26 games in charge and two things sum up his sudden departure best.
- The first is that he was chairman and co-owner Flavio Briatore’s fourth manager in a year-and-a-half... and that’s not including two caretaker bosses.
- The other is Sousa was said to have been sacked because he divulged sensitive information without permission from the club’s hierarchy, namely Dexter Blackstock’s loan move to Nottingham Forest having been agreed without his knowledge.
- In other words, footballing decisions were being made behind his back, some might argue.
- At the Liberty, Sousa will have complete control – just like Martinez – and he will be backed the whole way by Jenkins.
- It’s a gamble, but it’s one which could well be worth taking.
- And if Sousa wants some advice, Mourinho isn’t a bad sounding board, is he? Western Mail


Western Mail/Blair Wood
Paulo Sousa could be something special at Swansea City
- SWANSEA CITY are set to reap huge rewards from the Jose Mourinho factor with incoming manager Paulo Sousa revealing he takes plenty of advice from the ‘Special One.’
- Sousa, who has verbally agreed a three-year deal to take over the Liberty Stadium hot seat, cites Mourinho as one of the biggest influences on his fledgling managerial career.
- And, with Swansea hoping to officially unveil him as Roberto Martinez’s replacement early next week, it’s his fellow Portuguese’s success with Chelsea that inspires the 38-year-old to test himself on these shores.
- The link with Mourinho will undoubtedly be a huge boost for Swans fans as they look to bounce back from the devastation of Martinez’s departure to Wigan.
- If modern football is about contacts, it seems Sousa has the very best you could ask for.
- “Jose helped me and I speak with him often as he has more experience than me,” says Sousa.
- “But I am going my way and I know what I can do, which is a great job.
- “I am proud because a Portuguese coach has been a winner over here. I want to be one too.”
- Mourinho is not the only big name that Sousa can call upon for help. In fact, when he first moved into management with Queens Park Rangers last season, it was former Brazil, Portugal and Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari that recommended him for the job.
- The charismatic Brazilian worked with Sousa during his time in charge of Portugal. And, when asked by QPR supremo Flavio Briatore, he had no hesitation in backing him as the perfect man for the job.
- With such a high profile and successful brains trust helping him, it’s no wonder Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins views Sousa, a two-times Champions League winner during his glittering playing career, as the ideal replacement for Martinez. And it’s no surprise that, following a hugely impressive interview on Wednesday, the club moved quickly to secure the Portuguese legend’s services.
- Sousa completed talks with the Swans yesterday before returning home to Portugal to discuss the move with his family. And, after two weeks of despair, all involved with the club will be hoping to avoid any stumbling blocks in completing the formalities.
- Jenkins certainly feels he has found the right man. And, while the likes of former Chelsea star Gus Poyet and Wales legend Gary Speed were in the running, he claimed Sousa is best placed to continue the unique culture Martinez cultivated at Swansea over the past two years.
- “As a club we feel strongly that we have created something completely different in the British game,” he explained. “We have become renowned as a quality football team with supporters who really appreciate the way we try and play the game.
- “We are committed to keeping this theme moving forward under the leadership and guidance of Paulo Sousa, who, I’m pleased to say, has verbally accepted the job.
- “Taking into account the development of the football club over the last two and a half years and the image we have portrayed as a footballing side, myself and the board of directors felt it was vital to continue along the same lines. It was felt that Paulo is the right man to do this.
- “He is young, bright, enthusiastic and a visionary with extensive knowledge and contacts, not only throughout Europe, but world football. He will provide Swansea City with a fantastic chance to continue developing and growing over the next few years.”
- After the success yielded by Martinez’s Spanish revolution, it’s little wonder the Swans board find themselves going down a similar route again. As far as Jenkins and his fellow bigwigs are concerned, a foreign policy remains the best one when looking for new managers.
- Like his predecessor, one of the key attributes Sousa brings is a fantastic knowledge of the European market. While Martinez may have found the likes of Ferrie Bodde, Angel Rangel and Jason Scotland, the Portuguese will have his own hidden gems to bring to the Liberty.
- And then there’s the influence he could have on the players already a the club. With Martinez regularly cited as the reason players either joined or stayed with Swansea, it was vital they replaced him with someone that could captivate the dressing room, enthuse the players and convince them their footballing dreams can be realised with the Swans.
- Along with his penchant for stylish football, a must for a large portion of the club’s fans, Sousa ticks those boxes. After all he achieved as a player, his name commands respect and the players are already excited about the prospect of working with him.
- While the same could be said about the likes of Poyet and Speed, both of whom are household names in British football, Sousa is at a different level. For both club and country the former midfielder was regarded as one of the most talented players of his generation.
- As well as winning back-to-back Champions League titles with first Juventus and then Borussia Dortmund, he also represented the likes of Inter Milan, Sporting Lisbon and Parma. And, along with the likes of Luis Figo, Rui Costa and Jorge Costa, he formed part of Portugal’s “Golden Generation” in the 1990s.
- When injury forced him to retire prematurely, it wasn’t long before he was offered a coaching role in the national set-up. He made his bow taking charge of the under-15s before being promoted to assistant head coach when Carlos Queiroz took charge of Portugal in 2008.
- It wasn’t long before QPR came calling. And Sousa was soon being tipped as the new Mourinho.
- It turned out to be a disastrous move though, with Briatore sacking him after just 26 games. In what is currently the only blot on his footballing CV, he was dismissed for “divulging sensitive information without permission from the club’s hierarchy.”
- Sousa’s crime was telling the media that striker Dexter Blackstock had been loaned to Nottingham Forest without his knowledge. Far from being a black mark against his name, it shows the sort of issues he was forced to deal with during his time at Loftus Road.
- Tellingly the club’s fans offer a glowing reference for the style of football he tried to introduce. And, with the board support he will undoubtedly get at Swansea, there’s is little suggestion history will repeat itself at the Liberty. " Western Mail


- Flashback: Rehman Joins QPR

- Six Sodjes Playing Together

- The Complete QPR Websites Listing

- Week-by-Week Championship Fixtures
- Week-by-Week Premiership Fixtures

-
- Reminder: For cutting-edge, continually-updated, news items about QPR: Visit the combination, quasi-blog/messageboard QPR Report Messageboard. The site where the focus is only QPR and football. Nothing else! And all views welcome!

Early Days...But View of one Betting Firm

BET 365 - Coca-Cola League Championship 2009/10

Newcastle 5/4
West Brom 7/4
Middlesbrough 9/4
Ipswich 11/4
Sheff Utd 10/3
Reading 9/2
QPR 5/1
Nottm Forest 13/2
Swansea 13/2
Cardiff 13/2
Leicester 13/2
Crystal Palace 8/1
Sheff Wed 8/1
Derby 8/1
Bristol City 8/1
Preston 8/1
Coventry 14/1
Peterborough 14/1
Watford 14/1
Doncaster 20/1
Barnsley 28/1
Plymouth 28/1
Blackpool 28/1
Scunthorpe 40/1

Bet 365


- Sousa Offered the Managerial Job by Swansea

- Earlier: Sousa Favourite as Swansea Manager

- The Return of The Magilton Diaries - Entry IV (Satire!) ---- (Complete set of Magilton Diaries Entries (Satire!)

- Top Twenty Football Club Programmes

- Five Years Ago: QPR's Chairman Blackburn and CEO Davies Depart

- Another tabloid: Newcastle interest in Delaney, Hall and Blackstock

- Six Sodjes Playing Together

-
For cutting-edge, continually-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


UPDATE: Swansea Official Site - Swans offer Sousa the top job
- Swansea City is pleased to announce that Portuguese legend Paulo Sousa has been formally offered the vacant manager's job at the Liberty Stadium.
- Sousa was offered terms on a three-year contract today and the club hopes to officially unveil the 38-year-old as Swansea City's new manager early next week once all the relevant paperwork has been completed.
- Swans chairman Huw Jenkins has met with a number of high profile managerial candidates over the last few days, but it was the double Champions League winner who impressed him the most.
- "Taking into account the development of the football club over the last two and a half years and the image we have portrayed as a footballing side, myself and the board of directors felt it was vital to continue along the same lines,'' explained Jenkins.
- "It was felt that Paulo Sousa is the right man to do this. He is young, bright, enthusiastic and a visionary with extensive knowledge and contacts not only throughout Europe, but world football.
- "He will provide Swansea City with a fantastic chance to continue developing and growing over the next few years.
- "As a club we feel strongly that we have created something completely different in the British game and become renowned as a quality football team with supporters who really appreciate the way we try and play the game.
- "We are committed to keeping this theme moving forward under the leadership and guidance of Paulo Sousa who, I'm pleased to say, has verbally accepted the job.''
- Huw Jenkins . . . Swans chairman
The 38-year-old completed talks with the club this morning before returning home to Portugal to discuss the move with his family.
- Sousa, who was assistant coach of the Portuguese national team, played 51 times for his country and had spells with Benfica, Sporting Lisbon, Juventus, Inter Milan, Parma and Borussia Dortmund.
- Widely acknowledged as one of the most celebrated and highly-regarded Portuguese footballers in the modern game, he won the Champions League twice as a player, first with Juventus in 1996 and then Dortmund the following year.
- A member of the 'Golden Generation' in Portuguese football, he also won the Serie A title with Juventus and represented Portugal at the European Championships in 1996 and 2000 as a defensive midfielder with the ability to supply a precision pass.
- Sousa was appointed manager of Championship club QPR in November 2008, but parted company with the club in April this year while complaining about alleged interference from the club's owners on playing matters.
- He is highly regarded within football circles. Renowned as a footballing visionary, he also has excellent contacts throughout world football and is a firm adversary of playing an attractive, passing game.
- The club will endeavourer to keep supporters up to date with any developments as and when they happen. Swansea


South Wales Evening Post - Sousa to be named Swans manager- PAULO Sousa will be named the new manager of Swansea City, the Evening Post can reveal.
- The former Queens Park Rangers boss held talks with Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins at the Liberty Stadium on Thursday.
And he has since agreed to take the reins from Roberto Martinez.
Swansea decided another continental manager would be the best way to go after Martinez's exit.
And Sousa has won the race for the job ahead of Gus Poyet.
The 38-year-old's only previous managerial experience came during a difficult five-month stint at Loftus Road last season.
But Sousa previously worked with the Portuguese national side as No. 2 to Carlos Queiroz, the former Manchester United assistant manager.
Sousa enjoyed a glittering playing career which took in spells with Benfica, Sporting Lisbon, Juventus, Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan, Parma, Panathinaikos and Espanyol.
As well as winning 51 Portugal caps, he is the only player in history to win back-to-back Champions League titles." South Wales Evening Post

- As noted earlier: - Sousa Favourite as Swansea Manager

- The Return of The Magilton Diaries - Entry IV (Satire)

- Top Twenty Football Club Programmes

Another tabloid: Newcastle interest in Delaney, Hall and Blackstock

-
For cutting-edge, continually-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

- The Return of The Magilton Diaries - Entry IV (Satire)
- Top Twenty Football Club Programmes

- Sousa Favourite as Swansea Manager
- Another tabloid: Newcastle interest in Delaney, Hall and Blackstock


QPR Official Site - FOREST GREEN FRIENDLY CONFIRMED
- Rangers will lock horns with Forest Green Rovers in a pre-season friendly fixture ahead of the 2009/10 Coca Cola Championship campaign.
- Jim Magilton will take his R's side to the New Lawn on Tuesday 21st July 2009 - 7.45pm kick-off.
- The Blue Square Premier division side are currently managed by Jim Harvey, who was Assistant Manager of the Northern Ireland national side when the R's boss played for his country of birth.
- Entry prices for the friendly fixture are as follows: Adults £10; Concessions £5; Children (under 16 yrs) £2.
- *A further update on our pre-season schedule will follow shortly...
- 2009/10 PRE-SEASON FIXTURES
Aldershot Town v QPR - Saturday 11th July 2009 (3.00pm)
Forest Green Rovers v QPR - Tuesday 21st July 2009 (7.45pm)
Oxford United v QPR - Friday 24th July 2009 (7.45pm)
Wycombe Wanderers v QPR - Tuesday 28th July 2009 (7.45pm)
QPR

- A Reminder of last season's Friendlies


- "Taarabt could leave Tottenham for Malaga"


QPR Official Site - ROWLY LOOKS AHEAD
- Midfielder Martin Rowlands is relishing an opening day reunion with former R's boss Ian Holloway, when his Blackpool charges visit W12 on Saturday 8th August.
- The 30 year-old played arguably some of the best football of his career under Ollie, yet whilst he still holds him in the highest regard, he insists all friendships will be put on hold for 90 minutes when the two Clubs meet on the first day of the new campaign.
- "It's a good start for us and it will be great to see Ollie again," Rowlands told www.qpr.co.uk.
- "I wish him all the best at Blackpool and I hope he's very successful there, but I won't be befriending him on the opening day.
- "You can't underestimate how important it is to get off to a good start. It's massive."
- Rowlands added: "The first few games give us a good chance to get out of the traps early.
- "We want to underline our intentions for the season right from the off.
- "If we can string some good early results together, it would give the team confidence.
- "Of course, no game is going to be easy in the Championship this season, but we've got to be happy with the start."
- Looking towards the very end of the campaign, Rowlands spoke with gusto about the prospect of Newcastle United coming to W12, adding: "Newcastle is a fantastic final game for us.
- "It should be a full house and hopefully we'll go into it with something to play for, or even better, having already achieved something notable.
- "It's a fixture everyone will be looking forward to, because Newcastle are a massive Club, and I'm certainly excited by it being our final game of the season." QPR


[b]The Lowestoft Journal - Ipswich's David Wright Praises Magilton[/b]
- DAVID Wright today insisted that Ipswich Town missed two golden opportunities to win their way back to the Premier League.
- And the experienced full back is predicting that 10 teams will be fighting for the two automatic promotion places from the Coca-Cola Championship next season......
- Wright, 29, also expects Jim Magilton to do well at Queens Park Rangers, and says that the man he still refers to as the 'Gaffer' received a rough deal from some quarters last season at Portman Road.
- “Jim brought me to this club and believed in me, so I feel very loyal to him.
- “The criticism he received snowballed after one or two calls for protests and was crazy. It was well out of order ....." Lowestoft Journal




Blackpool Gazette/Steve Canavan - Burgess Looking Forward to Reunion
- BEN Burgess is looking forward to meeting up with an old mate on the first day of the season.
- The Seasiders striker is close friends with Kaspars Gorkss, who departed Bloomfield Road to join QPR last summer.
- Burgess was gutted he didn't get the chance to play against Gorkss when the sides met last season.
- Gorkss didn't play in the Loftus Road encounter, while Burgess was injured for the return.
- "I watched that home match from the stands – they beat us 3-0 and gave us a bit of a spanking so it's time to get our own back I think," said Burgess.
- "It's mad how it's turned out, with Ian Holloway going back to his old club.
- "But for me it will be good to play against Kaspars because he's a good friend and we got on really well when he was at Blackpool.
- "It will be nice to have a good battle with him for 90 minutes and I'm sure he'll kick me up in the air a few times!"
- The Seasiders have a miserable record at Rangers. They have only ever won once at Loftus Road, in 1972 when a Keith Dyson strike secured a 1-0 victory.
- And with QPR determined to get their season off to a flying start under new manager Jim Magilton, it will be a big ask to kick off with a three-point haul.
- "I wanted a home fixture first up and we've got that," said Magilton.
- "The fact it's Ian Holloway adds a bit of spice to the occasion.
- "Both managers will be really looking forward to it for obvious reasons – it will be a really special day." Blackpool Gazette


- The A-Z of QPR Websites

- Key Dates for QPR's 2009-2010 Season

- QPR in Masters Tournament June 20

-
For cutting-edge, continually-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

- The Return of The Magilton Diaries - Entry IV (Satire)
- Top Twenty Football Club Programmes

- "Taarabt could leave Tottenham for Malaga"

- Blackpool's Burgess Looks forward to QPR Game

- Sousa Favourite as Swansea Manager

- Another tabloid: Newcastle interest in Delaney, Hall and Blackstock


Flashback: The Departure of the "GOT" - David Davies, Nick Blackburn and Ross Jones
Five years ago today: June 18, 2004: QPR CEO David Davies announced his departure. A few days later, QPR's Chairman, Nick Blackburn resigned. With the departure of Davies, Blackburn and also Ross Jones (Chairman of the PLC), the new people in charge of QPR became Bill Power who became QPR Chairman, Kevin McGrath who became QPR PLC Chairman; and Gianni Paladini (whose wife officially became a Director).

June 18, 2004 BBC -Davies leaving Loftus Road
- Queens Park Rangers chief executive David Davies is leaving the club.
The departure of Davies, who has been at QPR for four years, was confirmed after a series of board meetings.
"Whilst I am naturally sad to be leaving, I'd like to place on record my best wishes to the players and the supporters for the future," he said.
QPR Holdings chairman Ross Jones said: "He has worked his socks off for the company and I am personally very grateful for all he has done." BBC

A few days later....
BBC - June 24, 2004 QPR chief stands down
- Nick Blackburn has resigned as Queens Park Rangers chairman.
His future has been in doubt since the recent resignation of chief executive David Davies.
- Blackburn was former Rangers owner Chris Wright's deputy before taking over as chairman when Wright quit the club in 2001.
Davies, Blackburn and company chairman Ross Jones are leaving as part of a shake-up at Loftus Road following disagreements at board level.
Blackburn told the club's website: "I will always be proud that I was chairman of the football club when it achieved promotion.
"And I particularly enjoyed my close personal and professional relationship with manager Ian Holloway."
- Blackburn was effectively at the helm through all of the club's worst times and, while we don't doubt his professed commitment to QPR, we will not miss him
QPR director Bill Power will replace Blackburn, with fellow director Kevin McGrath appointed acting plc chairman.
- Justin Pieris of the QPR supporters' trust, QPR 1st, welcomed news of Blackburn's departure.
- Blackburn angered fans by considering a merger with Wimbledon and was also associated with the club's slide into administration.
Pieris said: "Nick Blackburn was our last link with the years of waste that followed QPR's relegation from the Premiership.
- "As Chris Wright's deputy, he was effectively at the helm through all of the club's worst times and, while we don't doubt his professed commitment to QPR, we will not miss him.
- "His attempt to broker the merger of Wimbledon FC and Rangers was probably the single act that cost him most trust amongst supporters.
"He never regained that trust, deservedly so." BBC

BOARDROOM BLUES - June 21 2004 - END OF WRIGHT ERA APPROACHES
Monday 21 June 2004
- Chief executive David Davies is to leave Loftus Road "by mutual agreement" next month, and it is reported that directors Ross Jones and Nick Blackburn will soon follow. With their departure the QPR boardroom will finally be rid of Chris Wright's appointees.
- The exact reasons for Davies' exit are not yet clear, although QPR's official website refers to a "restructuring" at the club. This is likely to mean that there are plans afoot to convert the plc into a private company and / or that cost-cutting measures off the pitch are underway (even with loan repayments to the ABC Corporation running at £1m a year many QPR supporters are baffled as to how the club, with vastly improved merchandise sales and record attendances, can still be losing money hand over fist).
- During Davies' four years at Loftus Road numerous potential investors have come and gone, and Davies is on record as describing most of them as "men of straw" with two exceptions, both of whom he courted vigorously on behalf of the club. The first was Australian David Thorne, and Davies described it as a "hammer blow" when Thorne withdrew his offer to invest. The second was Milwaukee Wave owner Tim Krause: after 18 months of prevarication QPR have given Krause a deadline of today and there is still no sign whatsoever of his investment materialising.
- Davies assumed more responsibility than most chief executives of league football clubs and was often left to deal with crises alone when you would have expected chairmen or directors to step in and take over or at least provide help. Consequently he leaves big footprints, and it will be interesting to see who fills them over the coming months.
- Boardroom Blues believes that behind the scenes Gianni Paladini has been trying to restructure the club since April when he bought 22% of the plc shares and installed his representative, accountant Mohammed Azeem Malik, on the board of directors. It seems probable that Paladini has now persuaded directors Kevin McGrath and Bill Power to line up with him and outvote the old guard. Boardroom Blues

QPR Rivals - June 19, 2004 DD's D-Day By Ron Norris
- It was announced today that Chief Executive David Davies will leave Loftus Road next month sparking rumours of a possible imminent investment at QPR.
David Davies To Leave QPR
- Davies joined QPR four years ago and leaves the club by mutual consent. He will stay until July at which point you would expect him to be handing over to someone, who that might be remains a mystery.
DD's departure has been met with mixed reactions; there is no doubt that he has done some good for the club. He is clearly a good face for QPR. He is eloquent, media friendly and comes across as an approachable man.
- His impeccable handling of the recent situation with Ian Wright showed just how astute he can be, however he came in for much criticism just before Christmas when his ill timed comments to a local paper about the clubs financial position created wide spread panic.
- Davies moved the club into, through and out of administration, taking out the highly controversial loan with ABC in the process; something he still maintains was unavoidable despite many protestations to the contrary. He leaves the club promoted with record season ticket sales and heading in the right direction.
- He was involved in the decision to bring Ian Holloway to the club, which has undoubtedly been our best managerial appointment of recent years, however it was one the board lucked into having been turned down by all their principal choices.
- His reputation took a major battering the day he decided to take three Rangers fans to court after a leaked boardroom memo was placed on a QPR website.
In a recent interview with QPRnet.com Davies defended this decision by saying "We've come too far to have people treat QPR like it's an amateur club. It's a professional club, it's got good people in it and I'm dammed if I'm going to have people treat it like no name United playing in an amateur league".
- It was a move that left a sour taste in the mouth of many and one that could forever tarnish his legacy at Loftus Road. QPR Rivals - QPR Report

See Also:
- AKUTRS Interview with Chairman, Nick Blackburn
- QPR Net Interview with CEO, David Davies


- A Reminder of last season's Friendlies

- The A-Z of QPR Websites

- Key Dates for QPR's 2009-2010 Season

- QPR in Masters Tournament June 20

-
For cutting-edge, continually-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

- The Return of The Magilton Diaries - Entry IV (Satire)
- Top Twenty Football Club Programmes

- "Taarabt could leave Tottenham for Malaga"
- Blackpool's Burgess Looks forward to QPR Game


Sousa Favourite at Swansea
BBC - Sousa joins frame for Swans job- Paulo Sousa has emerged as the latest candidate to be considered for the vacant Swansea City job.
- BBC Wales understands the former Queens Park Rangers boss has been interviewed by the Swans and is among the leading contenders to replace Roberto Martinez.
- Swansea City's board are due to meet on Friday and a decision is expected "in the next few days".
- Former Tottenham assistant manager Gus Poyet and Sheffield United player-coach Gary Speed are also being considered.
- Sousa, 38, was a member of Portugal's golden generation alongside Luís Figo, Rui Costa, Nuno Gomez and Sergio Conceição and Jorge Costa and won 51 international caps.
- The midfielder, who graduated through the Benfica academy, played for some of the biggest clubs in Europe including Sporting Lisbon, Juventus, Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan and Parma.
Sousa won back-to-back Champions League crowns in the 1990s as a player. BBC

Western Daily Mail/Blair Wood - Sousa
- "....UEFA Champions League winner and Portuguese legend Paulo Sousa has emerged as the hot favourite for the vacant Swansea City manager’s job.
The Western Mail understands the former QPR boss has held talks with the Swans and is at the top of their short-list as the board seek Roberto Martinez’s successor.
Ex-Chelsea star Gus Poyet and Wales legend Gary Speed have also been interviewed for the post.
- However, it is thought that early front-runner Speed has dipped down the pecking order, with Sousa very much the bookies’ favourite for the job.
Rotherham manager Mark Robins, Southend boss Steve Tilson and ex-Watford chief Adiy Bothroyd are also being eyed by the Swans.
- Former Portugal international Sousa, who won the Champions League with Juventus and Borussia Dortmund in the mid-1990s, has a very similar management style to Martinez.
- Like the Spaniard, he has a strong knowledge of the European transfer market, a key credential for the Swans’ board seeking Martinez’s full-time replacement.
Those attributes were clearly evident during Sousa’s short spell with QPR last season.
- But his reign at Loftus Road was abruptly cut short when Sousa was sacked for “divulging sensitive information without permission from the club’s hierarchy” after he revealed striker Dexter Blackstock was loaned to Nottingham Forest without his knowledge.
- Having enjoyed his time in London, it is understood Sousa would be interested in a move back into the Championship. And, as they look to unveil their new manager by the end of the week, he fits the Swans requirements for a young manager who likes attractive football and has good contacts in Europe.
- Even if he does impress chairman Huw Jenkins, Sousa faces strong competition for the job.
- Former Uruguayan international Poyet, who is also a top contender for the job, said: “I would really be interested in the job. I would really like to go there, it would be a great opportunity.”
But whoever replaces Martinez at the Liberty Stadium, the new manager’s first task is likely to be convincing the Swans’ prize assets to remain at the club with Martinez refusing to rule out transfer raids this summer...." Western Daily Mail


South Wales Evening Post - Swans' search for manager down to five
- SWANSEA City's search for a manager is down to a final five which includes double Champions League winner Paula Sousa.
- And the Evening Post understands another of the contenders is a name which has so far not been mentioned.
- Former Queens Park Rangers manager Sousa features on the short list to replace Roberto Martinez alongside Gary Speed, Gus Poyet and Aidy Boothroyd.
- And there is one more candidate who is currently in a manager's job elsewhere.
- But it is understood that man is not Paul Tisdale, who was on Swansea's list of possible targets but has indicated that he will be staying on at Exeter City.
-The likes of Roberto Di Matteo, the MK Dons manager, and Hearts's Romanian boss Csaba Laszlo have been touted as potential Martinez successors.
- But chairman Huw Jenkins is refusing to discuss individual candidates as Swansea edge closer to making an appointment.
- Speed, one of the frontrunners throughout, visited the Liberty for talks with Jenkins on Tuesday and will be allowed to leave his player-coach role at Sheffield United if Swansea go for him.
- Poyet, who is currently out of work, was at the stadium on Monday trying to convince Jenkins that he is the right man for the job, while ex-Watford boss Boothroyd has also visited the city in the last few days.
- It is believed that Sousa, who left QPR in April, met Jenkins yesterday to put his point across.
- The 38-year-old Portuguese lasted just five months at Loftus Road, where he was under pressure from Rangers' outspoken board almost from the off.
- He was sacked with the club claiming he had divulged sensitive information over
the transfer of Dexter Blackstock to Nottingham Forest.
- Sousa, who had previously been No.2 to Portugal manager Carlos Queiroz, enjoyed a glittering playing career which took in spells at Benfica, Juventus, Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan and Espanyol among others.
- Capped 51 times, he is the only man ever to have won back-to-back European Cups after successes with Juve in 1996 and Dortmund in 1997.
- Swansea's owners are conscious that an appointment needs to be made as soon as possible with pre-season training due to start one week today.
- And it could well be that they come to a decision on who is the right man to take them forward at a board meeting which takes place tomorrow.
- "We are hopeful that we'll have some news by the end of the week," Jenkins told the Post.
- "We have had a much better week this week than last and things are going to move on at a pace from now on.
- "We are well aware that the new season is fast approaching and we need to make an appointment."
- Former Swindon, Leeds and Spurs No. 2 Poyet, who played in midfield for Chelsea from 1997 to 2001, has publicly declared his interest in taking the reins at Swansea.
- "I would really be interested in the job," the Uruguayan said. "I would really like to go there. It would be a great opportunity."
- Poyet is one of around 20 potential managers Jenkins has spoken to since it became clear Martinez was heading for Wigan. This is South Wales


From Vital Football Swansea
Manager Candidate Profiles - Paulo Sousa
- "....Paulo Sousa has only been linked to the job because of speculation and rumours with nothing reported about him in the media.
However, he has recently emerged as one of the favourites to take the job with SkyBet dramatically shortening their odds on him, making Sousa favourite at 2/5, followed by Gus Poyet at 5/2..." Vital Football Swansea
- Swansea Managerial Betting Odds


Daily Star -SHEARER 'N KEANO SET FOR A SCRAP
- ALAN Shearer will go head-to-head with Roy Keane for QPR’s Damien Delaney.
- The rival managers are set to battle it out in a summer scramble for the £1.5m-rated Republic of Ireland defender.
- Shearer is finally set to be named Newcastle boss in the next 48 hours, and will make up for lost time in the transfer market by lining up a £5m triple swoop of Loftus Road stars.
- The 38-year-old, whose No.2 Iain Dowie spent five months in charge of Rangers last year, is also eyeing striker Dexter Blackstock and defender Fitz Hall as he looks to rebuild a squad capable of bouncing straight back into the Premier League after relegation.
- But Shearer faces stiff competition from Ipswich boss Keane.
- The Irishman is a long-term admirer of his fellow Corkman Delaney, and has money to spend in his bid to lead the Tractor Boys to promotion in his first full season in charge.
- QPR’s new manager Jim Magilton is keen to hang onto the former Hull player, and will do all he can to keep the 27-year-old, who can also operate in midfield." Daily Star

- A Reminder of last season's Friendlies

- 2009/2010 Premiership Odds

- QPR in Masters Tournament June 20

- The A-Z of QPR Websites

- Key Dates for QPR's 2009-2010 Season

- Week-by-Week Championship Fixtures --- Week-by-Week Premiership Fixtures

-
For cutting-edge, continually-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

- The Slippery Slope: What Happens After Relegation
- Rumour/Report: Scott Sinclair to Bristol City £1.5M Move
- Swindon Announce Policy of Possibly Buying Youth Players
- Video: QPR vs Chelsea (from 1982)
- Video: QPR vs Barnsley (From 1982)
- 1976 Video: Stan Bowles Breaks European Scoring Record vs Cologne
- 1992/93 Video: QPR vs Manchester United & Ryan Giggs goal vs QPR
- QPR's 2009/2010 Fixtures and Reactions


BBC - QPR boss encourages young players
- Jim Magilton says he would like to give QPR's youngsters a chance to establish themselves in the first team.
-The former Ipswich manager, who recently took over at Loftus Road, said: "I believe in bringing young players through.
- "We tried to do it at Ipswich and I'll do the same here whenever possible.
- "In terms of young players, all I can say is that if any youngster is good enough he will definitely get a chance while I'm manager. That's for sure."
- Rangers' Flavio Briatore-led board favoured a continental-style approach following their takeover two years ago.
-Coaches such as Paulo Sousa and Luigi De Canio had limited influence during their brief spells at Loftus Road.
- But Magilton has been installed as manager with overall responsibility for several areas of the club, including identifying transfer targets.
- Everyone rushes around at this time of year and I just look at the squad we have and think 'why panic?'
QPR assistant boss John Gorman
- Magilton said: "Ultimately, managers are judged by results on the pitch. But I'll look at every aspect of the club; scouting, youth development - all of it.
- "As for the players already in the squad, I already know they're good players. I've a group of lads here that I believe are more than capable. I'm confident about that."
- Former England assistant boss John Gorman, who worked alongside Magilton at Ipswich, will be his right-hand man at QPR.
- The west London outfit have had seven managers in three-and-a-half years and five since Briatore took over.
- But Gorman told BBC Sport: "Every club has its up and downs.
- "The people who run this club have given me and Jim their full backing and I'm hopeful we'll do well and be here a long time."
- And Gorman insists Rangers do not need to rush into the transfer market ahead of the new season.
- The Scot said: "Everyone rushes around at this time of year and I just look at the squad we have and think 'why panic?'
- "Our first priority is to work with the players that are already here - and there are some really good players. Then, when the dust settles, perhaps we can have a better look at things and add one or two.
- "You've got quality players coming back from injury. Things are going well for Martin Rowlands and Akos Buzsaky, plus you've got Heidar Helguson too.
- "It's going to be like having new signings when those players are fully fit. It'll be a real boost for us.
- "So we'll have a look at the players here and then further down the line, or if perhaps someone leaves, we'll see what we need." BBC


Dave McIntyre/BBC 606 - Enthusiasm is a must
- Enthusiasm alone won’t be enough for a manager to succeed anywhere, but at QPR it’s particularly important.
- My concern about some of the other men linked with Rangers before Jim Magilton got the job was that although they were capable managers, they seemed like tired ones – and the last thing QPR need is a tired manager.
- The reason for this is that there’s so much to be done.
- Beneath the hot air generated by Rangers and despite them having some very good Championship players, a complete revamp is required.
- Saying this a year or two ago was usually met with derision given the hype surrounding the takeover and image of QPR as a club going places.
- But some of Rangers’ shortcomings have since been well documented enough for that perception to change.
- It is still a troubled club starting from a very low point after a decade of serious problems.
- The team is more than capable by Championship standards, it's the club as a whole that needs to improve and yet another glut of signings won't change that.
- And a mere first-team coach, no matter how talented, was never going to be able to take Rangers beyond a certain point – no matter how much money was splashed out on players.
- It will be at least a few months before we know whether Magilton and John Gorman are the right men to take the club forward.
- But they at least tick that vital box of having energy and enthusiasm for the job, which certainly came across when I spoke to them both on Tuesday.
- They’ll need that enthusiasm – and frankly their sense of humour too – in the weeks and months ahead, because they face a major job.
- Magilton, like many managers, would like to give youngsters a chance and improve the club’s infrastructure but is well aware that ultimately results are everything and a good start to the season is important.
- Like Paulo Sousa before them, Magilton and Gorman are not looking to make major changes.
- They see the return to full fitness of Akos Buzsaky, Martin Rowlands, Rowan Vine and Heidar Helguson as being more important than signing new players.
- All have proven quality at Championship level and would be major assets if they find their best form.
- The sale of Dexter Blackstock – a possibility prior to Magilton’s appointment – could make a new signing necessary.
- But apart from that, there will be no urgent rush into the transfer market. BBC 606


London Informer - Akos Buzsaky: 'underperforming players' got last two QPR managers the boot
- AKOS Buzsaky believes an 'underperforming' QPR team was responsible for getting the last two managers sacked.
- But the Hungarian international is also sure the squad will have learned from their mistakes under the short regimes of Iain Dowie and Paulo Sousa, and reckons a punt on Rs next season will pay dividends.
- Buzsaky also believes his injury woe is over after making just one start in a Hoops shirt last season.
- An ankle injury was followed by a knee problem, but the midfielder is already in training for the start of pre-season on July 1.
- He said: "I don't want to talk about the new man [Jim Magilton].
- "I have no idea what he's like as a man or a coach - although I know when I've played against his teams they always pass the ball well. I don't want to talk about the last two managers either. The past is the past, but it's easier to sack a manager than 15 players - that's football.
- "There were times last season when we underperformed - and should have done better."
- Despite almost losing a year of football, the 27-year-old is sure he's still on track to play in the Premiership.
- He added: "I'm not old, and as long as we are focused we can get into the play-offs. Should you have a bet on us? Absolutely London Informer


Ealing Gazette/London Informer - Yann Tear - Rhodes predicts exciting future under new QPR bossesJun 17- QPR will be in good hands with Jim Magilton and John Gorman at the helm, according to a player familiar with the way they worked together at Ipswich Town.
- Jordan Rhodes, who played on loan at Brentford last season, is convinced Rangers have made a good choice and predicts some thrilling football at Loftus Road next season.
- He also says that contrary to what outsiders might think, no-nonsense Ulsterman Magilton is far from being a scary, two-dimensional boss.
- Rhodes might have been excused for painting a less flattering picture, having never started a game for the ex-Ipswich boss and being farmed out to the Bees, but there is no suggestion that it has coloured his views.
- "I think Rangers have made a great appointment and Jim Magilton proved when he was given money to spend that he can identify very good players," Rhodes said.
- "He knows how to play football in the right way and I think he'll get QPR playing attractive football and will get the fans going again.
- "There should be goals and some 3-2s or 4-3s because he's the type of manager who likes attacking football and likes players to express themselves. He's not one for hanging on for a 1-0 victory with 20 minutes to go."
- If Magilton is thought of as a bullying sort - with Gorman the moderating voice on the training ground - Rhodes is eager to shatter the stereotype.
- He said: "It may be that he comes across as a bit frightening at first but that soon goes. He is a bright, bubbly man and always comes into training with a smile on his face. He also comes up with different things in training and it was never a chore working for him. He loves a laugh and a joke.
- "But there was also a work ethic and a never-say-die attitude at the club, which will work for QPR. They kept their belief in reaching the play-offs until the very end last season."
- Rhodes, who describes Gorman as 'a terrific guy', says of the new Rangers assistant's relationship to Magilton: "They seem to work very well together and although Jim is more fiery, John gets his points quietly across and they bounce ideas off each other.
- "But the thing that impresses me most is that Jim takes you to one side with little observations about your game.
- "It might be about your first touch or your passing - things you might not have noticed yourself - but it's small details like that which add up to a good team." Ealing Gazette




- Week-by-Week Championship Fixtures
- Week-by-Week Premiership Fixtures

- 2009-2010 FA Cup Round Dates - and Reminder of Masters Tournament this Weekend

- QPR Advertising Open Coaching Positions (Ladies' Teams)

- The Complete QPR Websites Listing

- Key Dates for QPR's 2009-2010 Season

- David Conn on Portsmouth's takeover & Finances

- Senior Police Urge Clubs to Assume More Policing Costs

- Hull's City Chairman has Driving Ban because of his football involement

- Football 'Franchises': Right or Wrong?

-
For cutting-edge, continually-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

- The Slippery Slope: What Happens After Relegation
- Rumour/Report: Scott Sinclair to Bristol City £1.5M Move
- Swindon Announce Policy of Possibly Buying Youth Players
- Video: QPR vs Chelsea (from 1982)
- Video: QPR vs Barnsley (From 1982)
- 1976 Video: Stan Bowles Breaks European Scoring Record vs Cologne
- 1992/93 Video: QPR vs Manchester United & Ryan Giggs goal vs QPR
- QPR's 2009/2010 Fixtures and Reactions


KILBURN TIMES - Gorman 'No need to spend big yet'
- NEW assistant manager John Gorman insists QPR do not need to rush into the transfer market ahead of the new season.
- Rangers' protracted appointment of a manager has left them playing catch-up in the search for players.
- New boss Jim Magilton and Gorman, who has been installed as his assistant, took the reins after most clubs have their summer signings in the bag - or at least close to it.
- But Gorman said: "It is a disadvantage in one sense, although in another sense it can be an advantage.
- "Everyone rushes around at this time of year and I just look at the squad we have and think 'why panic?'
- "Our first priority is to work with the players that are already here - and there are some really good players. Then, when the dust settles, perhaps we can have a better look at things and add one or two."
- The new management team are primarily focused on the return of Akos Buzsaky and Martin Rowlands from long-term injuries.
- Both players were badly missed last season, along with Rowan Vine who returned from a broken leg towards the end of the campaign.
- It is also hoped that striker Heidar Helguson, whose fitness was a concern last season, can now be nursed back to his best.
- Former coach Paulo Sousa felt the return of key players would be more important for Rangers than the arrival of new ones, and Gorman clearly feels the same way.
- "You've got quality players coming back from injury," said the Scot. "Things are going well for Rowlands and Buzsaky, plus you've got Heidar Helguson too.
- "It's going to be like having new signings when those players are fully fit. It'll be a real boost for us.
- "So we'll have a look at the players here and then, further down the line or if perhaps someone leaves, we'll see what we need."
- Gorman, 59, brings a wealth of experience to Loftus Road.
- Best known for being Glenn Hoddle's right-hand man when he was England manager in the late 1990s, Gorman has also worked as assistant boss at Tottenham under Hoddle.
- He has had the top job plenty of times too, having managed Swindon, Northampton and Wycombe as well as having a spell as chief scout at Southampton.
- And he is unperturbed by the previous troubles at Rangers, where Magilton is the seventh manager to occupy the Loftus Road hot-seat in just three-and-a-half years.
- "Every club has its up and downs," said Gorman.
- "The people who run this club have given me and Jim their full backing and I'm hopeful we'll do well and be here a long time.
Kilburn Times


Ealing Gazette/Paul Warbutron - Newcastle prepare to swoop on QPR players
- NEWCASTLE are preparing a £6 million swoop for THREE QPR players.
- The fallen Premiership giants want defenders Fitz Hall and Damien Delaney – and are also ready to hijack Dexter Blackstock’s proposed move to Nottingham Forest.
- The Magpies believe the trio will boost their chances of getting back to the top flight at the first time of asking – and are ready to broker a deal once they offload £30m-worth of wages currently picked up by a failing squad.
- However, Newcastle will be challenging Rs’ own ambitions next season, and have been told it would take a ‘mega-bucks’ deal before the two clubs even get around a table.
- "You can imagine selling players to our rivals," said a source, "that’s not the way to get promotion. But money always speaks in football – and it depends on how much Newcastle really want them."
- Blackstock was on his way to Forest – but your favourite local paper can reveal no formal offer has been lodged by the east Midlanders, leaving the way open for Newcastle to come in at the 11th hour.
- Delaney is wanted by Roy Keane at Ipswich as well – but new Rs boss Jim Magilton is reluctant to sell the Irish international to the club that sacked him in April.
- And to prove those in Hoops won admirers despite failing to get into the play-offs of a season punctuated by three managers – West Bromwich Albion are eyeing Matt Connolly.
- The central defender switched to left-back and did a good job keeping Delaney out towards the end of the season.
- But once again, Rs would be reluctant sellers.
- A source said: "Everyone has said the current squad is good enough – and this interest proves it." Ealing Gazette


- Week-by-Week Championship Fixtures
- Week-by-Week Premiership Fixtures

- 2009-2010 FA Cup Round Dates - and Reminder of Masters Tournament this Weekend

- QPR Advertising Open Coaching Positions (Ladies' Teams)

- The Complete QPR Websites Listing

- Key Dates for QPR's 2009-2010 Season

- David Conn on Portsmouth's takeover & Finances

- Senior Police Urge Clubs to Assume More Policing Costs

- Hull's City Chairman has Driving Ban because of his football involement

- Football 'Franchises': Right or Wrong?

-
For cutting-edge, continually-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


- QPR's 2009/2010 Fixtures

- Week-by-Week Championship Fixtures
- Week-by-Week Premiership Fixtures


QPR Official Site - R'S AT HOME ON OPENING DAY
- Jim Magilton's first competitive outing as the new QPR gaffer will see him go head-to-head with R's old-boy Ian Holloway, whose Blackpool side will visit Loftus Road on the opening day of the 2009/10 Coca Cola Championship season.

Ollie, as he is affectionately known, will bring his Tangerines to W12 on Saturday 8th August, before the R's face the long journey to Plymouth Argyle seven days later.

Sandwiched in between those two matches will be the small matter of a 380-mile round journey to Exeter City in the Carling Cup.

Next up for the R's will be a midweek trip to Bristol City, before Nottingham Forest visit Loftus Road on Saturday 22nd August.

"There's never any easy games in this division, but I'm pleased with our opening fixtures," Magilton told www.qpr.co.uk.

"I wanted a home fixture first up and we've got that. The fact it's Ian Holloway's side adds a bit of spice to the occasion too, which is great.

"Both Manager's will be really looking forward to it for obvious reasons - it will be a really special day."

Magilton added: "The timing of the Plymouth away fixture, so soon after our trip to Exeter in the Cup, could have been kinder, but it's just one of those things that the fixture lists always seem to throw up.

"It's a tough start, but I'm pleased with it all the same."

Other eye catching fixtures include a midweek trip to St James Park - home of Newcastle United - in late September, as well as the mouth-watering prospect of a journey to Magilton's former Club, Ipswich Town, on Monday 28th December.

The R's are at home against Bristol City on Boxing Day, whilst Barnsley provide the opposition for the R's final away fixture on the penultimate weekend of the campaign.

To round things off nicely, the Geordies are the visitors to Loftus Road on the final day of the season.

"Let's hope there's plenty riding on that one," added Magilton.

"They'll travel in their thousands and it will be a fantastic occasion. It's one to really, really look forward to, but there's a lot of football to be played between now and then, that's for sure." QPR


Blackpool Official Site - Holloway Reaction

Following the release of the provisional fixture list for the new season, www.blackpoolfc.co.uk caught up with Pool boss Ian Holloway and began by asking him about the season opener at Loftus Road,

"I knew I was going to play some of my ex teams at certain times of the season," said the Pool boss, " but it will be a great time to play them before they spend their mega, mega bucks that they have got. Obviously they have a sparkling interior of the ground now and a new manager but like I said I just can't wait to take the Tangerine army there and give it a right good go."

Holloway played over 150 League games for the Hoops and was manager of the Shepherds Bush outfit for almost five years and Ollie was quick to point out, he will be given a warm welcome by the Loftus Road faithful,

"I won't get stick, I have been back there a few times now and I have always had a very good reception from them," laughed Holloway," I will probably get stick from Leicester and Plymouth and obviously Bristol City but if we ever drew Bristol Rovers, I would get a good reception."

"It was quite emotional last time I took a team to QPR, they were all singing there is only one Ian Holloway and when I left there the supporters were singing my name, but I can't wait to get there and show them what we are all about, it won't be about Ian Holloway and QPR it will be about Blackpool and getting off to a good start."

It isn't the first time the two sides have met on the opening day and Holloway was in the QPR dug out when his team swept the Seasiders aside in a 5-0 battering asked for his memories of the game, Holloway said, "

"I remember it well, Steve McMahon was manager of us then and I remember they had signed a couple of academy players from Blackburn and having watched Blackpool pre-season and in some of the games the season before we knew that Blackpool had a tendency to overplay in midfield and we worked hard in midfield on winning the ball and breaking at pace and three of the five goals came from that, hopefully the score line won't be anything like that for them and who knows it might be a scoreline like that for us."

That game saw the club criticised for wearing a new black kit on the opening day of the season and Ollie said he won't be making that mistake again,

"No matter what the weather I will telling our kit man to make sure the Tangerine kit is packed, it is such a unique kit it won't clash with their blue and white, I am certainly cutting the dash with the Tangerine shorts at home at the minute, my neighbours have all bought sunglasses because the shorts are so bright and my legs are so white and the people across the valley are telling me to get inside because the shorts are so bright! But on a serious note, our Tangerine colours are so unique and the history of the club is so rich and special, I feel honoured to be part of it, when you look at the great players that have played for the club over the years, the likes of Stanley Matthews, Stan Mortensen, Jimmy Armfield, Alan Suddick, Tony Green, I feel honoured to be part of it and I can't wait to try and help take this club forward and make some more great players. We have a great history at the club and I want to be part of making more history."

The first home game of the new campaign sees Pool up against Cardiff City who are managed by Holloway's close friend Dave Jones,

"Dave is one of my best mates in football, he is a fantastic fella and he kept his dignity when he was wrongly treated by Southampton, he likes to play the game the right way and I thought he was desperately unlucky last year not to have got in the play-offs, he has had to sell some his better players because the offers were too good to turn down, but he has a good squad of players and it will be another game I can't wait for, our home form last season was not good and we know we have to put that better and it will be important to get off to a good start at home, but like I keep saying I can't wait, I can't wait to get on the grass and working with the players. I know it is an old cliché and every manager will say it, we have to play everyone at some time so it doesn't matter when, but I wanted to have one of my former teams in the opening few games and I have that so I can't complain..."
. Blackpool


- 2009-2010 FA Cup Round Dates
- Video: QPR vs Chelsea (from 1982)
- Video: QPR vs Barnsley (From 1982)
- 1976 Video: Stan Bowles Breaks an European Scoring Record vs FC Cologne
- 1992/93 Video: QPR vs Manchester United and also Ryan Giggs goal vs QPR
- QPR Advertising Open Coaching Positions (Ladies' Teams)
- The Complete QPR Websites Listing
- Key Dates for QPR's 2009-2010 Season
- Away from QPR Specific: David Conn on Portsmouth's takeover & Finances.....Senior Police Urge Clubs to Assume More Policing Costs.....Hull's City Chairman has Driving Ban because of his football involement....Football 'Franchises': Right or Wrong?

-
For cutting-edge, continually-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

- Video: QPR vs Chelsea (from 1982)
- Video: QPR vs Barnsley (From 1982)
- 1976 Video: Stan Bowles Breaks an European Scoring Record vs FC Cologne
- 1992/93 Video: QPR vs Manchester United and also Ryan Giggs goal vs QPR
- QPR Advertising Open Coaching Positions (Ladies' Teams)
- The Complete QPR Websites Listing
- Key Dates for QPR's 2009-2010 Season
- Away from QPR Specific: David Conn on Portsmouth's takeover & Finances.....Senior Police Urge Clubs to Assume More Policing Costs.....Hull's City Chairman has Driving Ban because of his football involement....Football 'Franchises': Right or Wrong?


2009-2010 FA Cup Round Dates

Third Round - Saturday 2 January

Fourth Round - Saturday 23 January

Fifth Round - Saturday 13 February

Sixth Round (QF) - Saturday 6 March

Semi-Final - Saturday 10 April & Sunday 11 April

FA Cup Final - Saturday 15 May

FA- Note this year: The Playoff final is the week after the FA Cup Final


June 20, 2009 - London Masters Tournament

Heat 3: Wembley Arena, London - Saturday 20th June
Teams: Spurs, Arsenal, West Ham, Chelsea, Fulham, QPR
Doors: 6.30pm Kick off: 8pm Event finish: 11pm
QPR's Squad
Danny Maddix
Steve Palmer
Micheal Meaker
Bradley Allen
Tony Thorpe
Tony Roberts (gk)
Andy Tilson
[David Bardsley?]

[Ex-QPRs playing for the other Masters teams: The Arsenal squad has Jimmy Carter; Spurs have Clive Wilson; Chelsea have Mark Stein; West Ham have Rufus Brevett, Steve Lomas and Keith Rowland; Fulham strangely, have no ex-QPRs!] -See London Masters

QPR Official Site - June 16, 2009 - ROLLING BACK THE YEARS
- Steve Palmer, Danny Maddix and David Bardsley are just three of the QPR old-boys on show at the London Masters this weekend.
- The trio will be joined by Tony Roberts, Michael Meaker, Bradley Allen, Andy Tilson and Tony Thorpe, as the R's lock horns with London rivals Spurs, Arsenal, West Ham United, Chelsea and Fulham at Wembley Arena this Saturday.
- Doors open at 6.30pm, with kick off at 8.00pm.
- Premium seats are £25, regular adult places are £18, with concessions (under-16's and over-65's) available at £10. For further ticket information, click here QPR

-
For cutting-edge, continually-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

- Ex-QPR Loanee Joins Fulham

- 1976 Video: Stan Bowles Breaks an European Scoring Record vs FC Cologne

- Also: 1992/93 Video: QPR vs Manchester United and also Ryan Giggs goal vs QPR

- Bernie Ecclestone's Perspective of Flavio Briatore


BBC - QPR will play with style - Gorman
- QPR's new assistant manager John Gorman believes the club's fans will enjoy watching their team next season.
- The Scot has resumed his partnership with new Rangers boss Jim Magilton after they worked together at Ipswich.
- Gorman, 59, told BBC London 94.9: "I'm just so happy to get back into football so quickly and play the style of football that Jim and I want to play.
- "I'm sure that will suit the QPR fans because they do like to see good, quality football."
- Gorman, who was Glenn Hoddle's right-hand man when he managed England and has also had spells in charge of Swindon, Wycombe and Northampton, is impressed with the players at his disposal at Loftus Road.
- "It's a really good squad here. They might need a couple more players just to strengthen things but, generally, you look at the players and think that's a good squad and any club in the Championship would love to have it.
- "We will play a style of football that Jim played as a player and as a manager. We do pass the ball through the midfield and we like to create chances and get crosses in and I think the fans will enjoy it.
- "I've always been adamant about this, whatever team I go to. I know we want to win but we want to win with a bit of style and, even when I was manager of Wycombe, I proved that even in the lower levels you can play good football."
- Magilton was sacked after three years at Ipswich in April, just a few weeks after QPR sacked their previous manager Paulo Sousa but Gorman is not concerned about the high turnover of managers at at the West London club in recent times.
- "To be fair, I think have realised that [regularly changing managers] is not the way to go. I think they feel that's why they've got people in like us.
- "I'm hoping they give us the chance to really get on with the job. It's not going to be an easy job because everybody's expectations are very high but I really feel that they've said they'll give us a real chance to get our teeth into it." BBC


QPR Official Site - MAGILTON EYES HOME COMFORT
- Jim Magilton is hoping the opening fixtures of the Coca Cola Championship season prove kind to the R's, following the news that Rangers will face a 380-mile round journey to play Exeter City in the Carling Cup in early August.
- The all-important fixtures for the 2009/10 campaign are released at 10.00am tomorrow (Wednesday) morning and the R's gaffer is hoping for a home fixture on Saturday 8th August, with a long trip to the Grecians' St James Park home now penciled in just a few days later.
- "The fixture release day is when everyone really gets buzzing again for the season ahead - and I'm no different," beamed Magilton.
- "Of course, we'd love to start with a home fixture on day one. It would be great for myself and John (Gorman) to kick-start the campaign with a home match, in front of the QPR supporters who have been so supportive to us both in our short time here."
- However, the history books would suggest Magilton is due an away day fixture on the opening day of the new campaign.
- In his three year spell at Ipswich Town, the new R's boss was handed three home fixtures in a row between seasons 2006/07 and 2008/09, winning one and losing the other two.
- But whoever the R's get on the first day of the campaign, Magilton is confident his charges will be fired up for the season ahead.
- "The hard work really starts now for us," he said.
- "Once the fixtures come out on Wednesday, we can really start planning for the season ahead."
- Magilton added: "As a professional, I always kept an eye out for the fixture release day, because it's when you really start focusing your attentions towards the new season again.
- "It's always important to get off to a winning start. All eyes will be on us, but I love that pressure and if we can get off to a winning start, then that will be great."
- Magilton also touched upon the R's Carling Cup first round tie against Exeter, adding: "It's a good game for us.
- "I've known Paul (Tisdale) for quite a while, since our days at Southampton, when he was a very young midfielder.
- "He's a good man and a good Manager, who has got his side promoted two years in a row. He's very highly regarded and we're expecting a very tough game."
QPR


QPR Official Site - GORMAN PREDICTS 'TRICKY' TIE
-New R's Assistant Manager John Gorman believes Rangers will have to be 'thoroughly committed and professional' when they travel to St James Park - the home of Exeter City - in the first round of this season's Carling Cup.
- Tuesday's draw pitted the R's against the League One outfit and Gorman is adamant Rangers won't be taking their lower league opposition lightly.
- Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, Gorman said: "It's a tricky tie, but one we're more than capable of winning.
-"We'll need to be totally committed and professional to get the job done, and we'll be drumming that in to the players from day one of pre-season training."
- Exeter have enjoyed back-to-back promotions in recent years and there's one member of the Grecians set-up that Gorman knows particularly well.
- Former Tottenham Hotspur legend Steve Perryman MBE is the Director of Football at St James Park - and the R's number two is looking forward to locking horns with his old Spurs chum.
- "Steve's a close friend of mine, so it's a nice draw in that respect," he said.
- "It's been a while since I've been to St James Park, but it's a difficult place to go at any time." QPR


Eurosport - Yems relishing Rangers test
- Exeter assistant manager John Yems is looking forward to the newly-promoted Grecians' Carling Cup first round clash at home to Championship side QPR.
- Paul Tisdale's City side will play in League One next season following automatic promotion from League Two, a season after winning the Blue Square Premier play-off final at Wembley.
- Yems said: "It's a great draw for us, against one of the big Championship clubs."
- He added: "I think it shows the level we`ve come to that we can really look forward to a game like this and it's at home so it will be a real early-season treat for our fans.
- "I`m sure on the back of our back-to-back promotions, our fans will really be getting behind us on the night - I imagine the whole club is looking forward to it." Eurosport

- Complete First Round Draw

- Meanwhile, Exeter have appointed: Ex-QPR Defender Appointed First Team Coach at Exter|

- June 16 Key Contract Date for Football League Clubs

- The Complete QPR Websites Listing -

- Key Dates for QPR's 2009-2010 Season

-
For cutting-edge, continually-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

- Stan Bowles scores to break the European scoring record!
- From 1976: Video - QPR vs FC Cologne


QPR Official Site - R'S MEET GRECIANS IN ROUND ONE
- QPR will travel to League One outfit Exeter City in the first round of the Carling Cup.
- Tuesday's draw paired Jim Magilton's men with the League One side, in a tie to be played in the week commencing August 10th 2009.
- Rangers enjoyed a memorable run to the fourth round stage of the competition last season. After disposing of Swindon Town, Carlisle United and Premier League side Aston Villa in the opening three rounds, the R's were handed another plum tie, with a trip to Old Trafford - the home of European Champions, Manchester United - in round four. Despite a brave and gutsy performance, Carlos Tevez's 76th minute spot-kick won it for the Red Devils, who then went on to lift the trophy with victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the Final. More reaction to follow… QPR
- The complete First Round Draw

- Ex-QPR Defender Appointed First Team Coach at Exter

- Bernie Ecclestone's Perspective of Flavio Briatore

- 1992/93 Video: QPR vs Manchester United and also Ryan Giggs goal vs QPR

- June 16 Key Contract Date for Football League Clubs

- The Complete QPR Websites Listing -

- Key Dates for QPR's 2009-2010 Season


Oxford Daily Mail/Jon Murray - Dexter eyes Oxford United reunion
- Dexter Blackstock says he desperately wants to still be at QPR at the end of July so that he can play in the pre-season friendly at his old club Oxford United.
- The 23-year-old striker, a product of Oxford United's youth system who moved to Southampton for £275,000 before he had broken into the U's first team, has been at Loftus Road since 2006.
- However, he was loaned out to Nottingham Forest at the end of last season – in a move that surprised QPR fans – and there has been speculation that Forest want to take him on a permanent basis this summer after he helped them avoid relegation from the Championship.
- But Blackstock, who was in Oxford yesterday to set up his own soccer school starting this autumn, would love to return to the Kassam Stadium for the pre-season friendly on Friday, July 24.
- "I'm really looking forward to playing in that game at Oxford," he said. "I've never actually played at the Kassam Stadium, although I have trained on it a lot!
- "But Oxford United was the club where it all started for me."
- Growing up in Blackbird Leys and Cowley, Blackstock has gone on to become one of the most successful products of United's youth system.
- He played for England Under 18s, 19s, 20s and 21s, scored a hat-trick on his Southampton debut – in a Carling Cup game against Colchester – and then endeared himself to Saints fans by scoring against local rivals Portsmouth.
- After successful loan spells with Plymouth Argyle and Derby County, and then around 30 games for South-ampton, he moved from St Mary's Stadium to QPR for £500,000 and has so far hit 32 goals in 96 starts for Rangers.
- He notched two goals in six games for Forest as they hauled themselves out of the drop zone and City Ground boss Billy Davies has sung his praises.
- Despite spending the final six weeks at Forest, Blackstock finished QPR's leading goalscorer last season, and their new manager, Jim Magilton – the popular former Oxford United midfielder – is reported to be a big admirer.
- Magilton's official first day in the QPR hot seat is today, when he will be assessing Blackstock, who has one year left on his contract, and other squad members, before deciding which summer signings to go after.
- Blackstock's soccer schools, around Oxfordshire, meanwhile, will be for kids aged six-14 with qualified coaches, and he says he's not doing it for the money.
- In fact, he’s donating a percentage of the profits to charity.
- "Many kids know me from doing a lot of presentations in the area," he said. "I will get a real buzz out of doing my own soccer school and if just one kid out of 50 goes on to have a career as a professional footballer, that's a success."
- For more details email info@dexterblackstocksoccer school.com, ring 07794 800804 or see the website www.dexterblackstocksoccerschool.com - Oxford Daily Mail


DEXTER BLACKSTOCK SOCCER SCHOOL ("School" Site)
Your soccer future begins today
Our qualified and licenced coaches are enthusiastic, experienced and live, sleep and breathe football. We offer an in depth soccer course designed to ensure maximum comprehension, stimulation and activity. Regardless of ability or gender we will endavour to harness the natural talents within.

We take great pride in being able to offer a productive, educational and fun way for your children to spend their school holidays. It is an ideal way to develop the social, physical and football skills of these young players.
Teaching you the skills you need
"I will get a real buzz out of running my own soccer school and if just one child out of fifty goes on to have a career as a professional footballer, that is a success."

"We all know that football is the best way of getting kids off the street, and if I can help youngsters in society in any way I can through this, I will be delighted. This will be a positive thing for the kids."

Here at Dexter Blackstock Soccer School we teach youngersters not only the skills they will need on the football pitch, but skill that we help them in life: communication, cooperation and discipline. Dexter Blackstock

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For cutting-edge, continually-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

- Less than twenty-four hours before the Carling Cup Draw is made...Less than forty-eight hours before the 2009/2010 Fixtures are released!


- John Gorman now officially at QPR...Just an informational Snippet: John Gorman and Stan Bowles: Played together for Carlisle in 1971-1972! - Also Interview and Synopsis of his book!


QPR Official Site - EXCLUSIVE: GORMAN JOINS QPR
- Queens Park Rangers Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of John Gorman as the Club's new Assistant Manager.
- The 59 year-old has signed a two-year deal to work alongside Manager Jim Magilton and brings with him a wealth of experience.
- Gorman, who began his playing career at Celtic before going on to represent, amongst others, Carlisle United and Tottenham Hotspur, has coached at the very highest level, having assisted former England Manager Glenn Hoddle between 1996 and 1999.
- Prior to that appointment he was No.2 at Swindon Town.
- Following his spell with the national side, Gorman coached at Reading, Southampton, Spurs and Gillingham.
- Gorman has also enjoyed managerial spells with Swindon, Wycombe Wanderers, Northampton Town and the Saints.
- More recently, he was Chief Scout with Southampton, before being named as Magilton's assistant at Ipswich Town in December 2008.
- Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, the R's new Assistant Manager said: "I am honoured at being given this exciting opportunity and I thank the Club's management for choosing me.
- "QPR has plenty of history and a big following. I know most of the players and have great respect for them. I rate them highly and look forward to working with such good players.
- "The expectations are high and I will do my very best to meet them, assisting Jim and working hard to have our best shot at getting the Club promoted." QPR

[Note: Still no word about the future of Gareth Ainsworth]


- Stewart Called up By Jamaica

- Recalling QPR 2007 AGM (Just weeks before the Briatore/Ecclestone takeover became public)

- Flashback: QPR Chairman Gianni Paladini Says Prepared to Sell QPR

- QPR's Week in Review

- The Complete List of QPR Websites

- QPR's 2009-2010 Schedule (Thus Far)

- "Flashback:" Interesting 2008 profile of Flavio Briatore/QPR F1 Racing - May 2008 - "Inside QPR With Flavio"

-Goal.com Italian Clubs Eyeing Fiorentina’s Samuel Di Carmine – Report - , Goal.com

- Zesh Rehman Taking Paycut to Join Bradford

- England U-21 Squad for The Tournament

- How the Football League Fixtures Are Produced

- Danny Dichio Wins it For Toronto - Report & Video

Note: Just Scroll through for a variety of other posted news items of QPR and general football interest.

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For cutting-edge, continually-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
- Flashback: QPR Chairman Gianni Paladini Says Prepared to Sell QPR
- QPR's Week in Review
- The Complete List of QPR Websites
- QPR's 2009-2010 Schedule (Thus Far)
- Elsewhere: David James Criticizes the Quality of Clubs' Football Treatement......Michael Owen For Sale Brochure......Non-League Club has sold 3,400 Season Tickets, thus far.


- "Flashback:" An interesting profile of Flavio Briatore/QPR from last year F1 Racing - May 2008 - "Inside QPR With Flavio"
- "...We are not a team with star players and we haven't spent big money since we arrived...You know we want to build a team, not just buy individuals. That takes time. But we have a plan and we're sticking to it."
- "My method has always been to put the right people in the right place and give them the freedom to do the job....The priority for me is F1. QPR is like a hobby - but a serious hobby." F1 Racing - May 2008 - "Inside QPR With Flavio"


Goal.com Italian Clubs Eyeing Fiorentina’s Samuel Di Carmine – Report
- The young forward could be set for a return to the peninsula following a positive spell at Queens Park Rangers…
- According to the latest reports from Tuttomercatoweb, Fiorentina-owned striker Samuel Di Carmine could be set for an imminent return home, as a number of Serie A sides look to secure his services for next season.
- Following an impressive loan spell at English Championship side QPR, the young forward is now said to be a concrete target for Cagliari, Chievo and Ascoli who have all expressed a desire to take the forward on board in another loan deal.
- Whilst it is certain that Fiorentina are unlikely to sell their young prospect, it could prove fruitful to move him back to the peninsula, as he looks to gain the necessary experience to step up into the Viola squad for the 2010-11 season.
- Di Carmine is still just 20-years-old." - Stefano Federici, Goal.com


QPR's Bob Hazell Turns Fifty today
- Born June 14 1959 - One of Tommy Docherty's signings for QPR. A star of the 1982 Cup Final Run. See Wikipedia Profile



- A May Express and Star 2008 Interview with Bob Hazell and John Gregory recall the 1982 Semi-Final vs WBA
"...Hazell is now a Birmingham-based 48-year-old Sports Prevention Manager working to help rehabilitate young offenders through sport..."
Express and Star Interview

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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

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Football League - CLUBS APPROVE NEW TAX REGULATIONS
- At their Annual General Meeting, Football League clubs have voted to introduce new financial regulations relating to tax payments.....
." - 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. Football League

[See Also: BBC - "League Clubs Approve Tansfer Ban"]

Also:

- QPR's Top Five Seasons in The Club's History

- John Gorman Talks About Joining QPR

- See Also: The Comprehensive Listing of QPR Fan Sites

- QPR's 2009/2010 SCHEDULE

- Satire: "The Magilton Diaries: Part III"

- Earlier Portions of "The Magilton Diaries" (Satire!)

- Birthdays for Ex-QPRs Tony Scully and Bobby Gould

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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


EADT/Elvin King - Gorman joins Jim at Rangers
- JOHN Gorman will be confirmed Queens Park Rangers' assistant manager within the next few days.
- And he is eagerly awaiting the Londoners' Championships games against Ipswich Town next season.
- The 59-year-old former England coach was sacked by the Blues at the same time as previous manager Jim Magilton in April.
- Now he is poised to link up again with Magilton and take up the role he occupied at Portman Road from last December.
- “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

- QPR's Top Five Seasons

- See Also: The Comprehensive Listing of QPR Fan Sites

- QPR's 2009/2010 SCHEDULE (Known Events as of June 12, 2009)

- Satire: "The Magilton Diaries: Part III"

- Earlier Portions of "The Magilton Diaries" (Satire!)

- Birthdays for Ex-QPRs Tony Scully and Bobby Gould

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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

- See Also: The Comprehensive Listing of QPR Fan Sites

The New Football Pools - Football Fever Five - Your Ultimate Season
WHAT WAS THE ULTIMATE SEASON?

A club-by-club look

Queen’s Park Rangers

[A highly debatable listing considering 1967/1968 is not one of the five!]

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

[Agree? Disagree?]

The New Football Pools - Football Fever Five - Your Ultimate Season- Season 2008/09 provided a gripping climax across the Coca-Cola Football League, but what is the best season ever? It's a debate that football fans have up and down the country and now we have the answer! Official Football League licensee The New Football Pools have release the latest in their series of 'Football Fever' reports that analyse various aspects of the game.
- Following on from reports covering stress, fans, rivalries and achievement, 'Football Fever 5 - The Ultimate Season' reveals which season really is the best in the modern era. Statisticians and football experts have analysed every season in English football since 1966 to come up with a definitive list of the top 10 seasons.
-Football Fever 5 does not stop there however - they have gone even further and looked at each individual club in The Football League to produce a shortlist of their own top 5 seasons. Click on the link below to which seasons the experts have selected for your club!
- To read the main 'Football Fever 5' report click here.
- To find out which seasons made the shortlist for your club click here.


- QPR's 2009/2010 SCHEDULE (Known Events as of June 12, 2009)

- Satire: "The Magilton Diaries: Part III"

- Earlier Portions of "The Magilton Diaries" (Satire!)
- Birthdays for Ex-QPRs Tony Scully and Bobby Gould

- Simon Walton Update

- Ken Bates Libel Case Continues

- Mike Newell Railing re Agents

- QPR's 17 Year Old Professional Signing Max Ehmer Profiled

- Various Old QPR Video Snippets Links

- Old/Nostalgic QPR Photos (Updated)

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QPR's 2009/2010 SCHEDULE

JUNE

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 1 - QPR vs Southampton (H) (FRIENDLY)


August 8 - QPR's Championship Season Kicks Off

August 11- Carling Cup Round 1 - Exeter (A) (7:45 pm)

August 15 - Plymouth vs QPR

August 18 - Bristol City (A)

August 22 - Nottingham Forest (H)

August 24/25 - Carling Cup (Round 2)

August 29 - Scunthorpe (A)

SEPTEMBER & On

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)

January 23 - FA Cup Fourth Round

February 13 - FA Cup Fifth Round

February 28th Carling Cup Final

March 6 - FA Quarter Final

April 10/11 - FA Cup Semi Final

May 2 - Championship Season Finish

May 8th-17th - Play-Off Semi-Finals

May 15 - FA Cup Final

May 22 - Championship Play-Off Final

- QPR's Complete 2009/2010 Championship Schedule


Congratulations Again to Ron Springett

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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 Recently-posted articles include:
- Parejo Backs Ronaldo to Succeed at Real Madrid
- William Hill May Abandon Certain Football Bets
- On This Day: Jim Smith Appointed QPR Manager 24 Years Ago: Remembering the Smith Era
- The Magilton Diaries (Satire)
- 2009-2010 Schedule: Important Dates


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.

This fixture will offer two Northern Irleand born managers to meet up in the shape of Jim Harvey and Jim Magilton. In fact when Magilton used to play for his country of birth Harvey was Assistant Manager of Northern ireland.

Entry prices for each match will be:

Adults £10 Concessions £5 Children (under 16 yrs) £2

Those who purchase Main Stand/Ground Terrace season tickets, Premier Club or Business Club membership before 15th July, will be able to enter for FREE to any or all of the matches.

Saturday 18th July @ 3pm CHARLTON ATHLETIC
Tuesday 21st July @ 7.45pm QUEENS PARK RANGERS
Wednesday 22nd July @ 7.45pm

Wednesday 29th July @ 7.45pm LEEDS UNITED
Saturday 1st August @ 3pm EXETER CITY
Colin Peake Football Secretary & Press Officer
Forest Green Rovers FC Blue Square Premier (Football Conference) Forest Green Rovers

- About Forest Green Rovers


Surrey Herald 11 June 2009: Ehmer is no lone ranger
- A VIRGINIA Water teenager was this week celebrating signing his first professional football contract, with Queens Park Rangers.
- Max Ehmer, 17, has worked his way through the age groups at the Championship side and last year was a star of their U18s.
- And the German-born midfielder is already predicting that he might not be the only Ehmer sibling to make an impact in the world of sport.
- He said: "My whole family are keen footballers. My younger brother, Moritz, plays for the U13s at Reading, and my sister, Franziska, plays on the girls' varsity team at ACS Egham International School.
- "I have played football my whole life, but the first football team I joined was Ascot United when I was around eight.
- "While at ACS Egham I played on the varsity team, which I really enjoyed. But it was when I was playing for Warfield Predators at the age of 11 that I got scouted to play for QPR, and it has been upwards from there really."
- Ehmer was a pupil at ACS Egham, in London Road, near Englefield Green, until last summer..." Surrey Herald

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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 Recently-posted articles include:
- QPR's 17 Year Old Max Ehmer Profiled
- Parejo Backs Ronaldo to Succeed at Real Madrid
- William Hill May Abandon Certain Football Bets
- On This Day: Jim Smith Appointed QPR Manager 24 Years Ago: Remembering the Smith Era
- The Magilton Diaries (Satire)
- 2009-2010 Schedule: Important Dates


QPR Official Site - BHATIA "BLOWN AWAY" BY R'S FANS
- Amit Bhatia was keen to praise the generosity of the R's faithful last night after he completed his first ever triathlon to raise a staggering £21,200 for QPR In The Community Trust.
- The QPR Holdings Ltd Vice Chairman, who is also Chair of the Trust, told www.qpr.co.uk: "I can't get over the level of support I received from the QPR fans.
- "Their generosity and encouragement has blown me away. I try to have as much contact with the supporters as I can and every time I am involved with them, they surprise me.
- "I received loads of messages of support, and I cannot tell you how much that means.
- "I want to thank each and every one of them for their backing and kind donations."
- Bhatia completed the 750m open-water swim, 20km bike ride and 5km run in a time of 1hr 40minutes, after he entered the triathlon with brother-in-law Aditya Mittal and friend Tim Blakey.
- Although it was tough going, Bhatia says it was definitely worthwhile.
- "It was a great challenge for a fantastic cause," he added. "I feel very passionately about the Trust and I saw this as a good way to raise money and awareness.
- "I would like to think this shows the Board's commitment to the community as well as to the Football Club.
- "The community that we're part of is important to us. QPR is a family Club and we want to make a difference."
- 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

- What Vice Chairman Bhatia Was Saying One Year Ago re QPR Prospects

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For a somewhat different approach, visit the football-only, combination messageboard and quasi-blog: The QPR Report Messageboard

THE COMPLETE LIST OF QPR WEBSITES

There are a growing number of QPR-related websites: Some drawing a sizable number of visitors; some less so. Some dating back years; some far more recently-created. But all worthy of praise. 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 ]

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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 Recently-posted articles include:

- Parejo Backs Ronaldo to Succeed at Real Madrid

- William Hill May Abandon Certain Football Bets

- What Vice Chairman Bhatia Was Saying a Year Ago about QPR Prospects

- On This Day: Jim Smith Appointed QPR Manager 24 Years Ago: Remembering the Smith Era

- The Magilton Diaries (Satire)

- 2009-2010 Schedule: Important Dates


The Mirror: Cook Out...Rose to QPR?
- "...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.
- Rangers will now try to sign Redknapp's highlyrated former Leeds trainee Rose, who turns 19 next month" Mirror


CONGRATULATIONS TO RON SPRINGETT AND THE REST OF THE 1966 WORLD CUP SQUAD



- Daily Mail Guide to Who's Who in The Photo

Sheffield Star - A medal at last for Owls' World Cup winner- OWLS



legend Ron Springett has finally been awarded his 1966 World Cup winner's medal – declaring it "one of the greatest days of my life".
- Ron, aged 73, was watched by his proud daughter, Terry, as he received his medal from Prime Minister Gordon Brown in Downing Street.
- He and England squad colleagues who missed out on medals were then guests of the FA at the England v Andorra match.
- When England beat West Germany 4-2 in 1966 only the players were awarded medals. Ron was part of the squad but did not play in the tournament.
- Gordon Brown said: "Justice has finally been done. The medals you deserve are finally being awarded."
- Ron said: "I thought I would be in the cemetery before I got this. It was a wonderful, wonderful day - one of the greatest of my life. There are of course others - signing for Sheffield Wednesday was the other one."
- Terry, who is football secretary at QPR, said: "Dad is so proud. It is a massive honour for him and he has been looking forward to it since he was told he would be getting a medal 18 months ago." Sheffield Star


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

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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

- Ex-QPR, Andrew Howell Joins Braintree Town & Recalling His QPR Days
- Two Year Flashback: "Winding Up Media Reports"
- Nostalgic QPR Photos (Updated)-
- The Magilton Diaries (Satire)
- 2009-2010 Schedule: Important Dates
- Football League Trust Hold its First Conference


Kilburn Times - '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 supremo, 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


Kilburn Times - Magilton must be given time, says Lomas

FORMER QPR midfielder Steve Lomas has backed his international colleague Jim Magilton to guide the Rs into the top six next season.

Lomas (pictured right playing for QPR in 2006), who spent several years alongside the new Rangers boss in the heart of Northern Ireland's midfield, believes Magilton will be a success - as long as the club give him time.

"It's time for someone to get in there and be given at least a couple of years," Lomas told the Times. "There needs to be continuity at the club and I hope the chairman realises all that chopping and changing isn't any good.

"I think you could always see Jim had the right personality - he was a terrific player, passing the ball about, and this is a good opportunity for him.

"If you look at the QPR squad, it's vastly different from when I played there a few years ago and, with the addition of two or three players, they should be challenging for the play-offs.

"They haven't scored enough goals, that's clear, but they've got players like Akos Buzsaky and Martin Rowlands coming back and, if Jim can keep all those boys fit, they'll have a chance. Kilburn Times

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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

- Ex-QPR, Andrew Howell Joins Braintree Town & Recalling His QPR Days
- Two Year Flashback: "Winding Up Media Reports"
- Nostalgic QPR Photos (Updated)-
- The Magilton Diaries (Satire)
- 2009-2010 Schedule: Important Dates
- Football League Trust Hold its First Conference


Football League - AMIT TAKES THE PLUNGE
- Queens Park Rangers vice-chairman Amit Bhatia has been gearing up for his debut triathlon tonight (Wednesday) by swimming in the coldest open-air pool in London.
- Bhatia, 29, will compete in the Triathletes World Mid-Week Triathlon in Windsor to raise money for QPR's In The Community Trust.

He said: "I'm feeling so nervous about it. It's my first triathlon and anything that is new is nerve-wracking although at the same time I am loving it because it is a challenge.

"The swim is going to be the hardest part because it's so much more difficult to get around to putting on a wetsuit and practising in open water.

"It is much easier to run across Hyde Park or Regents Park or just go for a bike ride.

"I have managed to do a few swims in Hampstead in the coldest pool in London, where they keep the temperature of the water at 14 degrees, which is what I believe the temperature will be tonight."

Bhatia, the son-in-law of Lakshmi Mittal and the steel tycoon's representative on the QPR Holdings board, will take part in the triathlon with his brother-in-law Aditya Mittal, 32.

The event includes a 750-metre open water swim in Dorney Lake, a 20-kilometre bike ride and a five-kilometre run.

Bhatia has been training for a year but only decided to take part in tonight's event a week ago after pulling out of another three-sport competition because of business commitments.

He said: "My first goal is to complete it. My second goal is to be as competitive as I can. I'm hoping to do it in under two hours.

"A lot of my friends and family tend to be quite fit and active. I have leaned on my brother-in-law for advice.

"The key is to combine the training with fun things. My wife and I took a vacation last weekend off the coast of Italy so I took my wetsuit and practised open water swimming.

"I have been doing 20-kilometre bike rides two or three times a week and five to seven-kilometre runs a couple of times a week."

Bhatia raised an astonishing £15,500 in his first day of fundraising yesterday.

He said: "Of course, some of that comes from my friends and family and my associates but I have also been overwhelmed by the support I have received from the fans, who have heard about it and have gone on to the page and contributed.

"There is suddenly this expectation and added pressure, which wasn't the case when I decided to do it."

He added: "It is not only a great way of challenging myself but also a great way to raise awareness for our Trust, which is a very good cause and has done so much to help teenagers across London and overseas."

If you would like to make a donation to the Trust through Bhatia's efforts, log on to www.justgiving.com/amitbhatia - Football League


QPR OFFICIAL SITE - SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR AMIT
- QPR Holdings Ltd Vice-Chairman Amit Bhatia is raising much-needed funds for QPR In The Community Trust this Wednesday by taking part in his first-ever Triathlon.
- Incredibly, his fund-raising has already reached five figures and he is calling on the Rangers fanbase to do what they can to add to it. You can make a donation right now by clicking here.
- Bhatia, who will take part in a 750m open-water swim and a 20km bike ride before a 5km run, said: "As Chairman of the Trust I am immensely proud of our charity organisation.
- "On a daily basis the Trust endeavours to connect with young adults across London in order to provide them with guidance and support where needed.
- "Over the past 14 years this work has achieved fantastic results with youngsters changing their opinion on important lifestyle choices, and gaining the confidence to think BIG about their aspirations as an adult.
- "In the past few years the Trust's work has also ventured overseas.
- "From establishing soccer schools in Bahrain to providing important education about AIDS in South Africa, QPR in the Community is committed to reach all teenagers whenever and wherever possible.
- "So with this in mind I would like to invite you to donate to this very good cause and make my blood, sweat and tears on Wednesday worth every penny!"
- If you would like to make a donation to the Trust through Amit's efforts, log on to
www.justgiving.com/amitbhatia - QPR


Four Four Two "The transfers that rocked the world"
- "... to list The 25 Transfers That Rocked The World, as originally seen in ye olde-fashioned magazine version of FourFourTwo. Over the next five days we’ll be bringing you the 25 in five fun-sized instalments – and we’d love to hear which transfers have shocked, riled, and delighted you most over the years..."

"...Clive Allen QPR to Arsenal £1.25 million, May 1980
-In February 1979, Trevor Francis became the country’s first £1 million player when he moved from Birmingham City to Nottingham Forest. If that fee, for a 25-year-old England international, caused eyebrows to rise, then they were virtually hitting the roof just over a year later.
- Nineteen-year-old Clive Allen had scored 32 goals in just 49 league games for QPR when Arsenal stepped in to make him the world’s most expensive teenager in a £1.25 million transfer in June 1980. But 63 days and three friendly appearances later, the youngster was on the move again, this time to Crystal Palace in a swap deal for defender Kenny Sansom.
- Speculation abounded, much of it centring on Palace wanting Allen’s services, but not having the cash to prise him from Loftus Road and using the highly sought-after Sansom as a bargaining chip to get the Gunners to do their bidding.
- “Several different theories were put forward,” recalls Allen. “There was no foundation to any of them, but it was quite an experience to be involved in. I mean, if Arsenal wanted Kenny Sansom why didn’t they just buy him straight from Palace?”
FourFourTwo


Lowestoft Journal - Ipswich release international scout
- ROY Keane has released international scout Simon Hunt.
- Along with Bryan Klug, Hunt was at the Toulon Tournament in France recently but returned yesterday to be told he was no longer required as he restructures his backroom staff.
- It is understood no direct replacement is imminent but chief scout Steve McCall will expand his duties to cover searching abroad.
- McCall and Hunt went to Argentina last year and returned with Luciano Civelli
- Hunt worked with George Burley during his reign as Town boss and left shortly after the Scot was sacked.
- The highly experienced scout was reemployed by Jim Magilton last summer and it could be the duo link up at QPR or Hunt could rejoin Tony Mowbray who is expected to be named Celtic boss within the next few days.Hunt worked with Mowbray at Town and also at West Brom before coming back to Ipswich.
- He also worked with Scotland manager Burley at Derby, Hearts and Southampton.
- Blues chief executive Simon Clegg said: “On behalf of the Club, I would like to thank Simon for his efforts and wish him every success for his future career.”
- Town's search for players continue with Keane linked with a number of former players from Manchester United and Sunderland while it is possible he also makes use of his coach Tony Loughlan's knowledge of players from Leicester City. Lowestoft Journal


QPR Official Site - QUESTIONS FOR JIM
QPR: The Official Magazine is giving its readers the opportunity to question new R's gaffer, Jim Magilton, in issue three of our popular, new publication.

Magilton has agreed to take time out of his busy summer schedule to answer a selection of the best questions from you - the fans - so get your thinking caps on now!

Simply e-mail your question to iant@qpr.co.uk with the subject header 'Questions for Jim,' and remember to include your key contact details. i.e. Paul Smith, Shepherd's Bush.

We want to get to know all about our new boss - so be inventive!

Where did his love of football come from? Who is the toughest opponent he's ever played against? Why is the Hillsborough tragedy so close to his heart? What are his views on the Anfield Boot Room? How does it feel to be labelled as both a Southampton and Ipswich Town legend? What are his thoughts on the future in W12?

Send your e-mails NOW!

*On sale in July, Issue Three will also include exclusive interviews with Ian Holloway, Matthew Rose and Chris Plummer, comedian Bill Bailey, as well as an exclusive run-down of all the key dates for your diary ahead of the new season.
QPR
[Or just post your question on the QPR Report Messageboard thread

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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
- Two Year Flashback: "Winding Up Media Reports"
- Nostalgic QPR Photos (Updated)-
- The Magilton Diaries (Satire)
- 2009-2010 Schedule: Important Dates
- Football League Trust Hold its First Conference


- Sheffield Telegraph/Mark Hookham - Medal at last for Owls World Cup hero

Medal: Ron will be awarded his World Cup Winner’s medal



- ONE of Sheffield Wednesday's all-time greats was today receiving long-overdue recognition for his part in England's 1966 World Cup triumph.
Former England goalkeeper Ron Springett will be finally awarded his World Cup winner's medal at a ceremony in Downing Street 43 years after England defeated West Germany 4-2 at Wembley.
- Until 1974, World Cup winner's medals were only given to the 11 men who played on the victorious side in each tournament's final.
- The rule meant that 73-year-old Ron and 10 other members of England's squad who did not appear against West Germany missed out.
- But after sustained pressure from football fans and Sheffield MP Richard Caborn, Fifa, the world football's governing body, moved to right the wrong and minted a new set of medals.
- Eleven of the set made for England will be awarded to the so-called 'forgotten heroes' of the '66 squad and others will go to the families of team trainer, Harold Shepherdson and team physio, Les Cocker.
- The medals will be awarded by the Prime Minister and FA chairman Lord Triesman. Prime Minister Gordon Brown today said: "I am absolutely delighted to welcome Ron Springett, Norman Hunter and the other players to Downing Street today.
- "It's absolutely right that we recognise their role in England's 1966 World Cup success – one of our finest sporting moments. They are real football heroes and have made this country proud.
- "The 1966 World Cup engaged and inspired the whole country for generations, just as we hope to inspire a whole new generation with our bid to host the 2018 World Cup."
- Ron began his career at QPR before moving to Wednesday for £10,000. He made 384 appearances for Wednesday before returning to QPR in 1967.
- He made his England debut against Northern Ireland in 1959 and became the first choice goalkeeper during the 1962 World Cup in Chile when England reached the quarter finals.
- His final cap was against Norway in 1966 shortly before the World Cup finals.
- Talking at the time of the Fifa U-turn, Ron said: "I am over the moon at the news. I played in the 1962 World Cup and I was a member of the squad in 1966 and a lot of that was down to all my great years with Sheffield Wednesday. It is really pleasing to have that recognition now."
- After the ceremony, the players will travel to Wembley to watch England's World Cup qualifier against Andorra.
- The other England players set to receive medals are Peter Bonetti (Chelsea), (Jimmy Greaves (Tottenham), Jimmy Armfield (Blackpool), John Connolly (Manchester United), Gerry Byrne (Liverpool), Ron Flowers (Wolves), Norman Hunter (Leeds), Terry Paine (Southampton), Ian Callaghan (Liverpool) and George Eastham (Arsenal).
. - Sheffield Telegraph



QPR Official Site - SPRINGETT REWARDED

Former QPR goalkeeper Ron Springett will finally collect his World Cup winner's medal today - 43 years after being part of England's successful 1966 squad.

Springett, who began his career with the R's, will pick up his deserved medal at a Downing Street ceremony this afternoon after Fifa agreed that all squad members should be rewarded for their efforts.

Until 1974, World Cup winner's medals were only given to the 11 men who played on the victorious side in each tournament's final.
Article continues
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The rule meant that 73-year-old Springett and 10 other members of England's squad who did not appear against West Germany missed out.

This will be put right today when Prime Minister Gordon Brown and FA Chairman Lord Triesman present the medals.

Terry Springett, Ron's daughter, said: "Dad is so proud.

"It is a massive honour for him, and he has been looking forward to it since he was told he would be getting a medal 18 months ago."

Terry - who has worked at QPR for the past 30 years and is now the Club's Football Secretary - added: "We are very grateful to Ian Ridley of the Daily Mail who has worked so hard for this cause, doing all he could to make sure Dad and the other members of the squad get the recognition they deserve."

PM Brown added: "I am absolutely delighted to welcome the players to Downing Street today.

"It's absolutely right that we recognise their role in England's 1966 World Cup success - one of our finest sporting moments.

"They are real football heroes and have made this country proud."

Springett made his England debut against Northern Ireland in 1959 and became the first choice goalkeeper during the 1962 World Cup in Chile when England reached the quarter finals.

His final cap was against Norway in 1966, shortly before the World Cup finals.

Following today's ceremony, the players will travel to Wembley to watch England's World Cup qualifier against Andorra.

Everyone at QPR FC would like to congratulate Ron on this fully-deserved moment of recognition.

The other England players set to receive medals are Peter Bonetti (Chelsea), (Jimmy Greaves (Tottenham), Jimmy Armfield (Blackpool), John Connolly (Manchester United), Gerry Byrne (Liverpool), Ron Flowers (Wolves), Norman Hunter (Leeds), Terry Paine (Southampton), Ian Callaghan (Liverpool) and George Eastham (Arsenal). QPR

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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


- Supposed QPR Interest in ACF Fiorentina's Goalie, Vlada Avramov:
- Web Translation
Original Italian See Wikipedia Profile


- QPR Official Site - Carling Cup Seeding
".... QPR will face one of the following unseeded opponents in the opening round:
AFC Bournemouth, Aldershot Town, Barnet, Brentford, Brighton & Hove Albion, Burton Albion, Cheltenham Town, Dagenham & Redbridge, Exeter City, Gillingham, Hereford United, Leyton Orient, Northampton Town, Shrewsbury Town, Swindon Town, Torquay United, Wycombe Wanderers or Yeovil Town" QPR


- Chris Charles/BBC Blog- Comedy Football Awards of Season
"....Gone in Six Seconds Award: Mike Ashley's pint at Arsenal. Runner-up: A QPR manager of your choice..."


QPR Official Site - SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR AMIT
- QPR Holdings Ltd Vice-Chairman Amit Bhatia is raising much-needed funds for QPR In The Community Trust this Wednesday by taking part in his first-ever Triathlon.
- Incredibly, his fund-raising has already reached five figures and he is calling on the Rangers fanbase to do what they can to add to it. You can make a donation right now by clicking here.
- Bhatia, who will take part in a 750m open-water swim and a 20km bike ride before a 5km run, said: "As Chairman of the Trust I am immensely proud of our charity organisation.
- "On a daily basis the Trust endeavours to connect with young adults across London in order to provide them with guidance and support where needed.
- "Over the past 14 years this work has achieved fantastic results with youngsters changing their opinion on important lifestyle choices, and gaining the confidence to think BIG about their aspirations as an adult.
- "In the past few years the Trust's work has also ventured overseas.
- "From establishing soccer schools in Bahrain to providing important education about AIDS in South Africa, QPR in the Community is committed to reach all teenagers whenever and wherever possible.
- "So with this in mind I would like to invite you to donate to this very good cause and make my blood, sweat and tears on Wednesday worth every penny!"
- If you would like to make a donation to the Trust through Amit's efforts, log on to
www.justgiving.com/amitbhatia - QPR


- John Gregory - I love my Aston Villa number plate

- "The Magilton Diaries" (SATIRE!)

- QPR VIDEO Highlights: QPR's amazing win at Liverpool....QPR Destroy Spurs and QPR's credible draw against Manchester United

- The QPR Staff Directory and Playing Staff
- Two Years Ago Today

- Martin Allen Invites Supporters to recommend to him players
http://qprreport.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=general&thread=4280

- Swindon Preparing for Life Without Simon Cox

- Andriy Arshavin Supposedly Wants a Raise because of Tax Increases

- 2009-2010 Schedule: Carling Cup Draw in a week...Leage Fixtures Out in Ten Days...Report back for training in about three weeks...First Game of the season in just over eight weeks

- Updated: 2009-2010 Championship Promotion/Relegation Odds

- Players Now Eligible to Switch International Allegiances?

- Good WSC Article "Moaning Players Steal From Fans"

- WSC Article re Players Fighting to Win Acceptance at a New Club

- Ken Bates Libel Case Continues

- Newcastle for sale on the website...West Ham's New Owners Face Bankruptcy...Liverpool Expenses

- BBC Ostensibly to Name "Bung" Managers


OLDER QPR SNIPPETS

- John Gorman to QPR? An analysis of QPR under Magilton
- Magilton at Ipswich: Updated - Assessment and Flashback
- Posted Earlier: A lookback at QPR in the Summer of 2004
- The Rodney Marsh Question and Answer Thread


Offer your perspectives on the QPR Report Messageboard

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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

- "The Magilton Diaries" (SATIRE!)

- QPR VIDEO Highlights: QPR's amazing win at Liverpool....QPR Destroy Spurs and QPR's credible draw against Manchester United

- The QPR Staff Directory and Playing Staff
- Two Years Ago Today

- Martin Allen Invites Supporters to recommend to him players
http://qprreport.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=general&thread=4280

- Swindon Preparing for Life Without Simon Cox

- Andriy Arshavin Supposedly Wants a Raise because of Tax Increases


QPR STATS in 2008-2009
- 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

Football League Q&A With Simon Royce
..... "Most embarrassing moment in football?
"....The first time I went back to Southend when I was playing for QPR. We got beaten 5-0 and I made the mistake for the first goal when I kicked a back pass against Lee Bradbury and it rebounded into my net. The game was live on Sky and it was in front of all my mates and the fans who once used to chant my name. Football League


- 2009-2010 Schedule: Carling Cup Draw in a week...Leage Fixtures Out in Ten Days...Report back for training in about three weeks...First Game of the season in just over eight weeks

- Updated: 2009-2010 Championship Promotion/Relegation Odds


NON QPR SPECIFIC SNIPPETS

- Players Now Eligible to Switch International Allegiances?

- Good WSC Article "Moaning Players Steal From Fans"

- WSC Article re Players Fighting to Win Acceptance at a New Club

- Ken Bates Libel Case Continues

- Newcastle for sale on the website...West Ham's New Owners Face Bankruptcy...Liverpool Expenses

- BBC Ostensibly to Name "Bung" Managers


OLDER QPR SNIPPETS

- John Gorman to QPR? An analysis of QPR under Magilton
- Magilton at Ipswich: Updated - Assessment and Flashback
- Posted Earlier: A lookback at QPR in the Summer of 2004
- The Rodney Marsh Question and Answer Thread






Offer your perspectives on the QPR Report Messageboard

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

- QPR VIDEO Highlights: QPR Winning at Anfield; QPR Crushing Spurs and QPR drawing against Manchester United

- March 30, 1991: Liverpool 1 QPR 3 Steyskl - Bardsley Maddix Peaco** Brevett - Barker Tilson Wilkins Sinton - Ferdinand Wegerle - Sub: Bradley Allen & Wilson - - Scorers: Ferdinand, Wegerle, Wilson
- October 3, 1992 - QPR 4 Spurs 1- Scorers: Holloway, Penrice 2, Wilkins
Steyskl Bardsley McDonald Peacock Wilson Impey Wilkins Holloway Sinton BaileyPenrice
- January 11, 1989 - QPR 2 Manchester United 2- Scorers: Stein, McDonald
Seaman Pizanti, Maddix, Law, McDonald Parker, Barker Fereday, Kerslake, Stein Coney -Sub: Ardilles, Dennis - Video Highlights


Football League Q&A With Simon Royce
..... "Most embarrassing moment in football?
"....The first time I went back to Southend when I was playing for QPR. We got beaten 5-0 and I made the mistake for the first goal when I kicked a back pass against Lee Bradbury and it rebounded into my net. The game was live on Sky and it was in front of all my mates and the fans who once used to chant my name. Football League


- Updated: 2009-2010 Championship Promotion/Relegation Odds


- Flashback - Three Years ago: Then-QPR Chairman Paladini looking forward to the coming season.


- West Ham Now Under New Ownership

- Setanta in Trouble

- Good WSC Article "Moaning Players Steal From Fans"

- Hillsbrough Memorial Vandalized

- John Gorman to QPR? An analysis of QPR under Magilton

- Magilton at Ipswich: Updated - Assessment and Flashback

- Posted Earlier: A lookback at QPR in the Summer of 2004

- Video: QPR's Last Game of 2001

- "Findings" Shortly: London Football Report: 2009

- The Rodney Marsh Question and Answer Thread

-
Visit the quasi-blog/messageboard for QPR and other football news (and nostalgia) and for posters' perspectives: The QPR Report Messageboard. No discussion about current events or films or music or food. And no ad-hominem attacks on fellow posters. Just a (usually) intelligent focus on QPR and Football
- Hillsbrough Memorial Vandalized
- Magilton at Ipswich: Updated - Assessment and Flashback
- Posted Earlier: A lookback at QPR in the Summer of 2004
- 2001 Video: QPR's Last Game of Season


BBC - Gorman will be offered job at QPR
- John Gorman is to be offered the job of QPR assistant manager following Jim Magilton's arrival at Loftus Road.
- Gorman, 59, was Glenn Hoddle's right-hand man when he managed England and has also had spells in charge of Swindon, Wycombe and Northampton.
- He worked at Ipswich under Magilton, who was recently installed as Rangers boss and is keen for the Scot to join him at his new club.
- Magilton was sacked by Ipswich in April after nearly three years at the helm. BBC


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

Posted on the QPR Report Messageboard.
- 2009-2010: Championship Football Odds
- 2009-2010 Schedule - Thus Far: Ten Days Till Fixtures Released
- Bargain Price to See Wycombe Friendly vs QPR In Style
- Bosnich to Norwich?
- Italian Club Owner Saying Coach Should Have followed His Tactics
- Article: "Standing Up For The Fans"
- A Premiership Club-by-club Look at Finances
- Football Finances: Deloitte's Annual Report - Including re Championship Clubs

-
Visit the quasi-blog/messageboard for QPR and other football news (and nostalgia) and for posters' perspectives: The QPR Report Messageboard. No discussion about current events or films or music or food. And no ad-hominem attacks on fellow posters. Just a (usually) intelligent focus on QPR and Football
No major QPR news or gossip thus far today...So in the interim: Posted on the QPR Report Messageboard

- 2001 Video: QPR's Last Game of Season at Loftus Road: Crushed

- Article: "Standing Up For The Fans"

- Magilton at Ipswich: Updated - Assessment and Flashback

- Bosnich to Norwich?

- Italian Club Owner Saying Coach Should Have followed His Tactics

- 2009-2010: Championship Football Odds

- 2009-2010 Schedule - Thus Far: Ten Days Till Fixtures Released

- A Premiership Club-by-club Look at Finances

- Football Finances: Deloitte's Annual Report - Including re Championship Clubs

- Portugal in Danger of Not Qualifying for the World Cup

- Naming Your Child After a Player

- Analysis of a Football Transfer: The Process

- Bargain Price to See Wycombe Friendly vs QPR In Style


From QPR Official Site - Summer of 2004

Some of the topics on the Official Site in June and July of 2004

LATEST PALACE FRIENDLY
Newly promoted Premiership side Crystal Palace will take on QPR at Loftus Road Stadium in a pre-season friendly in late July

LATEST DAVIES TALKS RANGERS
Rangers CEO David Davies reflects on a memorable season, and looks ahead to life in the First Division

LATEST GET INVOLVED
The QPR Live Editorial team are always trying to improve their offering and here is your chance to get involved, and win a signed Rangers shirt

LATEST FIVE RELEASED
Five players have been released by Rangers, including Steve Palmer, while several other players continue contract negotiations

LATEST OLLIE SIGNS
Ian Holloway will lead Rangers into the Coca Cola Championship in 2004/05

LATEST ROWLANDS REPUBLIC DEBUT
Martin Rowlands has made his international debut for the Republic of Ireland in their 1-0 win over Romania

LATEST RANGERS PREPARE
QPR have added a pre-season tour of Scotland and a friendly against Bristol Rovers to their already confirmed visit by Dutch giants Ajax in the Summer

LATEST FURLONG SIGNS
Rangers striker Paul Furlong has signed a brand new one-year deal, keeping him at Loftus Road until the end of the 2004-05 season

LATEST TOUR OF SCOTLAND
QPR are teaming up with Lonsdale Travel to offer travel packages for the away tour in Scotland in July

LATEST BIRCH AGREES THREE YEAR DEAL
QPR midfielder Marc Bircham has agreed a new three year deal with the club which will keep him at Loftus Road until 2007

LATEST CARLISLE TO LEEDS
Representatives of Clarke Carlisle have informed Queens Park Rangers of the player's intention to sign for Leeds United

LATEST AJAX PRICES CONFIRMED
The Club have announced prices for Rangers' pre-season Loftus Road friendlies against Ajax and Premiership-bound Crystal Palace

LATEST DON'T MISS OUT
Rangers have confirmed that a maximum of 11,300 season tickets will be sold and supporters should purchase early to avoid disappointment

LATEST AWAY SEASON TICKET
Fans are reminded that if they want to purchase an away season ticket they need to send applications to the Box Office by Friday 2nd July

ATEST FIXTURES 2004/05
The fixture list is out and Rangers will welcome Rotherham United to Loftus Road on the opening day of the Coca Cola Championship season

LATEST BLACKBURN & JONES DEPART
Queens Park Rangers Football Club have announced the departure of Club Chairman Nick Blackburn and Plc Chairman Ross Jones

LATEST BEAN SIGNS NEW DEAL
Marcus Bean has signed his first Professional contract with Rangers, putting pen to paper on a one year extension to his existing one year deal

LATEST DAVIES DEPARTS
Queens Park Rangers FC can confirm that David Davies is to leave his role as Chief Executive next month

LATEST SAMANTHA TAYLOR DEPARTS
Commercial and Marketing Director Samantha Taylor has announced that she is to leave the Club

LATEST QPR 0 AJAX 1
Solitary goal wins pre-season friendly for Dutch champions against Rangers at Loftus Road

LATEST QPR WORLD LIVE
Two events for QPR World subscribers to enjoy this evening: a live Q&A with Chairman Bill Power and full commentary on Rangers v Ajax

LATEST BRING ON AJAX
After a gruelling week In Scotland, Ian Holloway can't wait for the game against Dutch champions Ajax

LATEST CAMP OFFER CONFIRMED
Queens Park Rangers can confirm that a formal offer has been made for Derby County goalkeeper Lee Camp

LATEST A FANTASTIC WEEK
QPR Fitness Coach Scott Rushton was delighted with the squad's trip to Scotland and the players' efforts both on and off the pitch

LATEST LINE UPS FROM LOFTUS ROAD
Ian Holloway has selected a strong starting XI as Rangers play host to Dutch Champions Ajax

LATEST TICKETS LATEST
Tickets are on sale for Rangers' first three home games of the season - plus details of the trips to Watford and Sunderland

LATEST LIVE Q&A WITH BILL POWER
Rangers Chairman Bill Power will be answering YOUR questions ahead of the Ajax game on Wednesday

LATEST ICT 1 QPR 1
Holloway 'delighted' after a second half Jamie Cureton equaliser earns Rangers a share of the spoils against Inverness Caledonian Thistle

LATEST CHAMPIONSHIP PROSPECTS #1
We bring you the first of a four-part analysis of Rangers' rivals in this season's Coca Cola Championship

LATEST DEVLIN ON ROTHERHAM TICKETS
QPR Chief Executive Mark Devlin has spoken about the suspension of tickets for the Rotherham game on Saturday afternoon

LATEST ROTHERHAM SALES SUSPENDED
Queens Park Rangers Football Club announce that ticket sales for the game against Rotherham have been temporarily suspended, with immediate effect

LATEST LIVE THE DREAM
Queens Park Rangers offer YOU the chance to receive your very own squad number for 2004/05 - now accepting payment by 'phone!

LATEST CHAMPIONSHIP PROSPECTS #4
The final instalment in qpr.co.uk's preview of Rangers' 23 Coca Cola Championship opponents for 2004-05

PAPER TALK DO THEY MEAN US?
QPR.CO.UK takes a look at the papers' view of Saturday's victory - plus a broadsheet's analysis of Rangers' prospects for the season

LATEST PREDICTION LEAGUE LATEST
The QPR Prediction Competition returns! Join nearly 300 other Rangers fans in predicting the outcome of all QPR's Coca-Cola Championship fixtures.

LATEST OLLIE REMAINS FOCUSED
Ian Holloway was delighted with his side's win over Crystal Palace, but remains focused on the job ahead

LATEST QPR 3 PALACE 0
On a sweltering day in west London Rangers hand out a three-goal drubbing to Premiership new boys Crystal Palace

LATEST LINE UPS FROM LOFTUS ROAD
Richard Johnson returns from injury along with Gareth Ainsworth, while Ian Holloway hands Jake Cole his first start in today's pre-season match against Crystal Palace

LATEST SANTOS SIGNS
Ipswich Town defender Georges Santos has signed a two-year deal with Queens Park Rangers

LATEST NAIRN COUNTY 0 QPR 3
Rangers secure comfortable victory on first game of Scottish tour with goals from Rowlands, Gallen and Thorpe

QPR Squad - July 2004
1 Chris Day
3 Gino Padula
5 Clarke Carlisle
6 Dan Shittu
7 Matthew Rose
8 Marc Bircham
9 Tony Thorpe
10 Kevin Gallen
11 Gareth Ainsworth
12 Marcus Bignot
13 Nicky Culkin
14 Martin Rowlands
16 Wesley Daly
17 Marcus Bean
20 Arthur Gnohere
21 Marien Ifura
22 Kevin McLeod
23 Richard Edghill
24 Jake Cole
25 John Fletcher
26 Ryan Johnson
28 Jamie Cureton
29 Paul Furlong
30 Richard Johnson
32 Jack Perry
40 Andrew Power


How Fixtures Are Prepared - With the fixtures out in ten days....

Originally from May 2007 - the Football League Play off programme, The Observer - Slightly adapted by each club. Change the year and the club and presumably pretty much the same now

How Football League Fixtures are Prepared
Bristol City Official Site - FIXTURES ALREADY BEING PROCESSED - Thu 31 May 2007

The 2006/07 football season may have just come to an end with three exciting play-off finals - but already the fixtures for the 2007/08 campaign are being compiled.

The process of building a season's fixture list is a complicated one, with fans eagerly waiting for their release on June 14th.

Football League fixture secretary David Cookson says: "I know that an awful lot of people wait for the day when the fixtures are released.

"Most of the hard work gets done during late May and June, right after the play-offs, but really it's an all-year thing."

The League begin by contacting FIFA and UEFA for their worldwide match calendar, which includes competitive and friendly international games. After that the Champions League, UEFA Cup and Intertoto Cup dates are pumped into the computer.

Then the League can concentrate on its own games, working backwards from the May Bank Holiday for the play-offs. All other Saturday and Bank Holiday dates are then processed, before finally midweek dates are scheduled.

Cookson adds: "You can't have two neighbours (such as Bristol City and Bristol Rovers) playing at home on the same day, regardless of which divisions they are in."

That's an added complication. Worse follows when the League receives details of annual events such as Reading's V Festival, Shrewsbury's Flower Show, Brighton's Gay Pride and even Bristol's Ashton Court Balloon Fiesta.

These events use valuable police sources in their respective local areas and also cause traffic problems, so this has an impact on when home games can be scheduled.

For example, City are almost certain to be away on the opening day of the new Football League season as the Balloon Fiesta will be held in Ashton on the same day.

Cookson continued: "There are so many requests from clubs. We always try to accommodate any requests from the Police or clubs, but you can't please everybody.

"The requests are increasing each season and the demands are harder than ever to meet."

Fans often complain about having to travel long distances on Boxing Day or midweeks. But it's not always the fixture computer's fault.

"Derby games at Christmas are very much a thing of the past," Cookson admitted. "Often the local Police forces don't want them and the clubs don't want them either.

"While clubs don't want to travel too far, they also don't want to play their neighbours because at Christmas you're always going to get a good crowd, so why have your best fixture on the best day?

"More and more clubs are sending us a list of 13 or 14 clubs they don't want to play at Christmas, which makes our life almost impossible."

The same applies for Bank Holidays where Police forces charge double time. A high profile opponent on a Bank Holiday can send the club's bill through the roof.

Atos Origin are the company that supplies the fixture computer software, while Glenn Thompson is the man who devised the home and away match sequence.

A draft fixture list is produced before release day, which is ratified by The Football League, Premier League, six clubs and - on behalf of supporters everywhere - a representative from the Football Supporters Federation.
- However, with 92 clubs and several millions supporters waiting for the fixtures - you're never going to please everybody.
- "It works as well as it possibly can, bearing in mind all the external pressures," Cookson concluded. "You'll always miss something but I think we do a pretty good job of it, all things considered."
- Sources for this article: Football League play-off programme, The Observer. Bristol City

Flashback: Axing Dowie
"...You give a chance to people who deserve it," said Briatore. "Gareth deserves a chance. I gave Michael Schumacher a chance in Formula One, so it's ridiculous we need someone with experience.
"I was not happy with the football that Dowie was producing, simple as that...."
"Briatore also said Ainsworth is his own man, even though it appears evident that he has pressed for Tommasi, Parejo and Di Carmine to be brought in from the cold.
"The coach is important but the money is coming from us. If we had not made the decision about Dowie, the season could have been a big disaster. I'm not scared to make a decision. Not making a decision is often a bad decision."