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Saturday, October 31, 2009

Routledge Leads Championship in "Assists"....Jay Simpson Profiled and Interviewed

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- Visit also the combination messageboard and quasi-blog QPR Report Messageboard. If you're interested in constantly-updated news re anything QPR-related (not infrequently not found on other QPR sites)and also QPR nostalgia, the QPR Report Messageboard has both - along with assorted eclectic non-QPR football material. All opinions welcome!

- UPDATED THROUGHOUT THE DAY.... QPR REPORT Available on TWITTER!


- Post Saturday games: Updated Table
West Brom 15 16 28
Newcastle 14 12 27
Leicester 15 6 27
Cardiff 14 15 26
Bristol City 15 4 25
Middlesbrough 15 6 24
Blackpool 15 6 24
Preston 15 3 24
QPR 14 11 23
Nottm Forest 14 3 23

- Saturday's Games: Latest Scores & Live Table - Helguson on the Watford Bench today after several weeks out.

- Liam Miller: Bargain Signing

- Earlier Compilation of QPR vs Leicetser Match Reports and Post-Match Comments [See below for additional reports]

- Updated Table: ---- Comparing QPR's Current League Position With Past Three Seasons - Virtually same as last season at this point.

- "Slight" Error on the Football Hooligan Front!

- Cardiff Offer Five Year Season Ticket Price Freeze Deal

- Year Flashback: Briatore's QPR "Involvement" and Ainsworth for QPR Manager

- Tommy Docherty's First QPR Signing Turns Fifty-Three

- BBC's Chris Charles Review of The Week


Football League - STAT ATTACK – ASSISTS
- It's the scorers who steal the headlines and usually take all the credit but today we take a look at the often unsung heroes, those who have been the providers of so many goals in the Coca-Cola Football League.
- CHAMPIONSHIP
- Queens Park Rangers have scored 12 goals in their last three games, with four apiece against Preston North End, Reading and Derby County so it's no surprise that one of their wingers currently top the assists chart.
- Wayne Routledge has provided eight goals so far this season and has also scored six, although three of them did come in the Carling Cup against Exeter City.-
Cardiff City's Chris Burke is currently second with six assists, while West Bromwich Albion's Graham Dorrans has five. Another player with five is Tommy Smith, who actually left Championship side Watford in August, to sign for Portsmouth....""
. Football League

- [Latest Actim Index Rankings has Routledge Ranked 9th in Championship]


Interest in Buying QPR?...Charles Sale/Daily Mail - Dennis Wise and sidekick Tony Jimenez on the prowl again - 31st October 2009
- Football double act Tony Jiminez and Dennis Wise,... have since become favoured advisers for a Middle East tycoon stalking the English leagues for takeover possibilities.- Mohammed Al Hashimi, executive chairman of diversified Dubai investment group Zabeel, has twice tried to buy Charlton before withdrawing at the last moment with a deal in place...Hashimi, who ironically considered buying Newcastle before turning to Charlton, is understood to be looking now at QPR and West Ham. And the one certainty is that Wise and Jiminez will be part of the package. Mail


Skysports - The Loan Ranger
As part of skysports.com's Championship Spotlight, Chris Burton catches up with QPR loan star Jay Simpson.

- It can be tough for any up and coming whippersnapper to catch the eye at a Premier League club, with the youth ranks becoming increasingly detached from the senior side.
- Success has become the be all and end all, meaning many managers are reluctant to give potential an opportunity to shine when they can go out and buy a ready-made option for any given area of their side.
- This makes it increasingly difficult for youngsters to make the step-up into the big time, with their route often blocked by experienced internationals.
- The current economic unrest may have opened the door slightly, with clubs keen to tighten the purse strings, but it is yet to be kicked down.
- One of the few clubs who are willing to give the stars of tomorrow an opportunity in the spotlight is Arsenal, with Arsene Wenger renowned for his ability to polish rough diamonds and make them sparkle.
- Think Ashley Cole, David Bentley, Cesc Fabregas, Gael Clichy and Nicklas Bendtner.
- In the years to come expect to add to that list the likes of Carlos Vela, Craig Eastmond, Fran Merida, Sanchez Watt, Mark Randall and Jack Wilshere.
- Refreshingly, four of those mentioned above will be eligible for England should they go on to scale the heights, helping to break the widely held opinion that Arsenal only produce foreign stars.
- Another Englishman who will be hoping he can make the grade at Emirates Stadium is local lad Jay Simpson.
- Born a stone's throw away from White Hart Lane, the jet-heeled frontman is a true North London native.
- Nothing would give him greater pleasure than turning out in the red and white of his beloved Gunners on a regular basis, and he is determined to do just that.
- Encouraging
Now 20 years old, Simpson has spent much of the last three seasons working on his trade away from the Gunners, taking in loan spells at Millwall, West Brom and Queens Park Rangers.
- He will spend the entire 2009/10 campaign at Loftus Road, and has already made quite an impression in the second tier.
- Skysports.com's Chris Burton recently caught up with the former England U18 international to gain an insight into his ambitions for the future and check on his progress under the guidance of Jim Magilton.
- "I want to play regularly and the manager (Wenger) told me that I wouldn't be playing regularly. He gets my respect for that and encouraging me to go out on loan," Simpson said.
- Wenger has, however, assured him that he remains part of his long-term plans.
- "From what he says I am," added Simpson.
- "He wanted me to go out and get used to scoring goals regularly and take in another season out on loan. I don't know what will happen when I go back to Arsenal, but I'm just focused on what I'm doing here for now."
- Simpson was hot property over the summer when it became apparent he was available for another loan stint.
- Numerous clubs courted his services, but he felt ambitious QPR would provide him with the ideal opportunity to showcase his considerable talent.
- He said: "There were a few clubs interested but I went down and met with Jim Magilton and John Gorman and I was impressed by what they had to say, the direction they want to take the club. They sold the club to me and it was a plus that there were a few players here already that I knew.
- "It can be difficult changing clubs every year, but a lot of the boys are from the same sort of area of London as me. I knew that before I came here. They have helped me to settle in - people like Fitz Hall and Patrick Agyemang have really helped."
- Simpson accepts that he cannot wait patiently for an opportunity to come along at Arsenal forever, though, as eventually there will come a time when he has to think about the direction his career is heading.
- Positive
However, for now, he is happy to be playing regular first-team football at a club competing towards the top of the Championship table.
- "I agree," he said when asked whether he may be forced to look elsewhere in the future.
- "But if the manager is telling me that he wants me there, then I want to play. If he had said to me that he didn't think it was going to work, I would have looked for another club.
- "From my experiences of going out on loan it's a very positive thing to do. You get to play every week in the first team, playing for points. It's a really good opportunity to go out and see what football is all about.
- "The last two times I've been out on loan it's been with teams fighting for survival, but at QPR we are fighting for success. It will definitely be a positive experience and I think it will do me the world of good."
- Simpson admits he faced a steep learning curve during his time at West Brom last season.
- He joined the Baggies for the second half of the campaign, with the Midlands-based outfit already seemingly doomed for the drop.
- He was unable to produce his best at The Hawthorns, but admits he is stronger for the experiences he gained.
- "It was difficult," he said.
- "I went in there when they were bottom of the table. It was a tall order, but we played some good football considering where we were in the table. Tony Mowbray gave me the opportunity to play in the Premier League, so it was great experience for me."
- His time with West Brom certainly appears to have helped improve his game, with his flying start to the new season drawing plaudits from across the football fraternity.
- Playing for a side overloaded with attacking talent has certainly helped, and Simpson is relishing the opportunity to figure in such a forward-thinking side.
- Expectations
He said: "Playing in that team, I know I'm going to get at least one opportunity every game. We have got a lot of creative players, like Wayne Routledge and Adel Taarabt, so you know they are going to provide chances for you. I'm enjoying it at the moment.
- "It's great to be scoring goals (six in ten league outings to be precise). It breeds confidence. I'm playing my part in getting the team up the table. It's great at the moment."
- Promotion is now the ambition for Rangers, with the club having last plied their trade in the top flight way back in 1995/96.
- Only three defeats so far this season bodes well for Magilton's men and Simpson admits expectations must start being matched at Loftus Road.
- "I think with the structure of the club, a lot of people expected QPR to be up there, at least top six," he said.
- "The players, we all believed that we could be in the top six by the end of the season. We have gone really well so far, and everyone is confident, so I don't see why we can't do that.
- "I haven't been here too long, but the players have a lot of ambition and they all want the same thing - to get promoted and play in the Premier League."
- With goals already under his belt, a promotion push on the horizon and Wenger a keen admirer from afar, Simpson is also hoping to add international recognition to his ever-growing list of achievements.
- Having represented his country at U17 and U18 level, the next logical step for him is to force his way into Stuart Pearce's U21 plans.
- "I hope so. I think that will come with playing well," he added.
- "I have been doing the right things and hopefully if I can keep that up, a call-up will follow. Everyone wants to play for their country, so I will be trying my best to get in there."
- The signs appear promising and should he receive a call from Pearce, that would serve to further strengthen his quest to fulfil his childhood dreams and become a mainstay in the Arsenal first team." Skysports

Dubai Investor Interest in QPR?...QPR vs Leicester Reports...Rowlands Not Finished

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- Visit also the combination messageboard and quasi-blog QPR Report Messageboard. If you're interested in constantly-updated news re anything QPR-related (not infrequently not found on other QPR sites)and also QPR nostalgia, the QPR Report Messageboard has both - along with assorted eclectic non-QPR football material. All opinions welcome!

- UPDATED THROUGHOUT THE DAY.... QPR REPORT Available on TWITTER!


- Earlier Compilation of QPR vs Leicetser Match Reports and Post-Match Comments [See below for additional reports]

- Updated Table: ---- Comparing QPR's Current League Position With Past Three Seasons - Virtually same as last season at this point.

- "Slight" Error on the Football Hooligan Front!

- Cardiff Offer Five Year Season Ticket Price Freeze Deal

- Year Flashback: Briatore's QPR "Involvement" and Ainsworth for QPR Manager

- Tommy Docherty's First QPR Signing Turns Fifty-Three

- BBC's Chris Charles Review of The Week


Charles Sale/Daily Mail - Dennis Wise and sidekick Tony Jimenez on the prowl again - 31st October 2009
- Football double act Tony Jiminez and Dennis Wise, hated on Tyneside for their role in the Newcastle fiasco, have since become favoured advisers for a Middle East tycoon stalking the English leagues for takeover possibilities.
- Mohammed Al Hashimi, executive chairman of diversified Dubai investment group Zabeel, has twice tried to buy Charlton before withdrawing at the last moment with a deal in place
.
- His first bid in 2008 also involved property developer Jiminez, ludicrously employed by Newcastle on the player recruitment front before resigning to move to Charlton with Hashimi.
- The happy couple: Jimenez (second left) and Wise (second right)
But a proposed £50m takeover offer disappeared under pressure from the ruling family of Dubai when the global economic crisis was at its height.
- It’s understood Hashimi was also behind a recent attempt to buy Charlton, especially when it emerged that a mystery Middle Eastern businessman’s takeover terms included the employment of Wise and Jiminez.
- This latest Hashimi bid hit the buffers because proof of funds never materialised and the backlash from fans over the potential arrival at the Valley of the terrible two.
- Both will have a difficult job restoring their football credibility after the hapless Newcastle operation was laid bare by the d***ing tribunal report of former manager Kevin Keegan’s successful claim against the club.
- Hashimi, who ironically considered buying Newcastle before turning to Charlton, is understood to be looking now at QPR and West Ham. And the one certainty is that Wise and Jiminez will be part of the package. Mail


QPR Official Site - Rowland Rubbishes Retirement Reports
- QPR Captain Martin Rowlands has been quick to quash reports today which suggest he is on the verge of retirement as a result of the knee injury he sustained while on international duty with the Republic of Ireland.
- The R's midfielder was ruled out for the season after suffering a cruciate ligament injury in his country's World Cup qualifier against Montenegro earlier this month.
- A newspaper report today indicated the 30-year-old was contemplating hanging up his boots, but that couldn't be further from the truth.
- "That's absolute rubbish," he told www.qpr.co.uk. "Obviously it was a massive blow to pick up the injury but to suggest I am thinking about packing it in is ridiculous.
- "I am more determined than ever to come back from this. The team are really starting to come together now and, having been with the Club through thick and thin, I want to make sure I am part of the next chapter.
- "Anyone who knows me will know how focused I am on getting back and playing for this Club."
- Jim Magilton was quick to back his captain. The QPR Manager said: "Martin will be back, we've got no doubts about that. These reports are completely false."
- Head Physio Paul Hunter added: "The surgeon is completely happy with Martin's progress. He is precisely where we expect him to be at this stage of his rehabilitation." QPR


The Times/Jon West - Leicester claim new heights as Matty Fryatt seizes on Radek Cerny’s mistake
- A moment to forget from Radek Cerny, the QPR goalkeeper, allowed Leicester City to come from behind and claim second place in the Coca-Cola Championship table.
- Cerny will not want to view the television replays that will show him striking a goalkick into the path of Matty Fryatt, the Leicester striker, who strode forward to finish convincingly for his second goal of the night. Fryatt had claimed the Leicester equaliser in the first half after Adel Taarabt had opened the scoring for the London club with a low finish.
- The three points will have softened the blow of Leicester’s failure to sign Edgar Davids, the former Holland midfield player, after personal terms could not be agreed for the 36-year-old player, who is a free agent.
- In the stands last night Fabio Capello, the England manager, took his seat alongside his fellow Italian, Flavio Briatore. Briatore, the QPR co-owner and former Renault motor racing team managing director, continues to fulfil the Football League’s “fit and proper persons” criteria with an appeal pending against his life ban from motor sport after ordering a driver to deliberately crash his car.
- Briatore may have been expecting another goal feast from his team, who had scored four times in each of their three previous league matches, which had all yielded victories.
- It had seemed like business as usual when Taarabt opened the scoring after 33 minutes, but QPR were to hold the lead for just four minutes when a ball from Dany N’Guessan went in off the head of Fryatt.
- After Cerny’s aberration for QPR, Leicester needed a brave display from their own goalkeeper, with Chris Weale requiring a bandage for a cut to the head suffered while saving from Wayne Routledge as QPR pressed for an equaliser. The Times


SPORTING LIFE - FOXES ON THE UP - By Andy Sims, Press Association Sport
- Leicester boss Nigel Pearson saluted his side after they moved up to second - level on points with leaders Newcastle - in the Coca-Cola Championship, with a 2-1 win at in-form QPR on Friday night.
- Matty Fryatt was the Foxes hero with a goal in each half to end his six-game drought.
"You get spells like that. But other people have chipped in, and we have been getting results," said Pearson.
"I'm sure Matty will be delighted to get two goals, but the bigger picture is about results. I thought it was a thoroughly professional performance.
"We are where we are on merit - although we won't be by Saturday evening. We can be satisfied with how the season has gone so far - and we are only a third of the way through.
- "I can see how Rangers have put together a run of good results, so it's a good win for us."
Fryatt was beaming after his two-goal display, and said: "You get those runs, but to come here and get three points is a great performance from the team. Maybe my goals were overdue."
Adel Taarabt had fired Rangers ahead just after the half-hour.
But for once, the free-scoring hosts could not add to their tally - and Fryatt's two goals, the winner courtesy of a howler from home goalkeeper Radek Cerny, secured City's third straight win.
Rangers had put four past Preston, Reading and Derby in each of their last four matches but failed to fire in attack - while watching England boss Fabio Capello would have winced at some at the defending.
"Leicester didn't have to work hard for both goals, although the lad took them very well," said boss Jim Magilton.
"We were second-best all over the field and got our just rewards."
Fryatt's first goal came when he nipped in behind static Rangers central-defensive duo Kaspars Gorkss and Damion Stewart.
But worse was to follow in the second half when Cerny attempted a short clearance but sliced the ball straight at Fryatt, who charged forward and swept it back past the Czech.
Magilton was quick to back his goalkeeper, though, and said: "He's been great for us, and we are not going to hang him out to dry for that. He's a top-class player."
Rangers almost snatched a point at the death, but Chris Weale bravely saved at the feet of Wayne Routledge - and Akos Buzsaky blasted over.
Magilton added: "As much as we didn't get carried away by our recent fine form, I'm not going to go over the top about one loss." Sporting Life


- Helguson Fit Again
- QPR1st Supporters Trust AGM 22nd October 2009: Chairman’s Report
- "Performance of The Week" - NOT QPR's Win at Derby
- Two Year Flashback: Buzsaky Joins (on loan)
- Flashback: Two New Coaches In...Warren Neil Departs
- Ex-QPR Terry McFlyn Happy in Australia
- Today's Birthdays: Lee Harper (38) and Colin Clarke (47)
- The Portugese Philosophy of Coach-Axing
- "The Project" - Not Just a QPR Phenomenon

- Video: Great Britain's Amputee Football Team (Very Inspiring)

- The Threat to News Now (and to fans!)

- Actim Index: Wayne Routledge currently ranked 9th in the Championship...Jay Simpson ranked #42....Radek Cerny ranked #58 Latest Actim Index

- Pat Kanyuka Looking Forward to Northampton Chance
- Jake Cole Thriving at Barnet
- Possible Return to Football League for St. Aimie
- Video Snippet Flashback: QPR's League Cup Quarter Final Game at Maine Road
- Football Tax Increases
- An Explanation for the Football Hooliganism Outbreaks in the Carling Cup Games
- Dave McIntyre Mikele's Milestone
- QPR: Kick Out Racism - Mikele Legitwood (Video: From couple of weeks ago - Before the QPR "Surge!")
- Briatore Supposedly Taking Month Vacation

- Current Odds: To Win The Championship ....To Win PromotionTo Win the FA Cup!
Still Unclear: Who Are QPR's New Partner "Toyo"

- QPR Disciplinary Record: Season-by-Season (for last six seasons)

Friday, October 30, 2009

QPR Slip Up at Home to Leicester - Match Reports and Comments

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- Visit also the combination messageboard and quasi-blog QPR Report Messageboard. If you're interested in constantly-updated news re anything QPR-related (not infrequently not found on other QPR sites)and also QPR nostalgia, the QPR Report Messageboard has both - along with assorted eclectic non-QPR football material. All opinions welcome!

- UPDATED THROUGHOUT THE DAY.... QPR REPORT Available on TWITTER!



QPR Official Site - MAGILTON: NOW WE MUST RESPOND
- Jim Magilton admitted his charges were second best after Leicester City tonight ended Rangers' unbeaten home league record, which had stretched back to March.

The R's had taken a first-half lead courtesy of Adel Taarabt's delightful finish, but Matty Fryatt gave the Foxes victory, netting either side of the break.

And Magilton said that although he was pleased with some of his side's play, they did in the end come up short, revealing to www.qpr.co.uk: "Leicester didn't have to work particularly hard for both goals.

"It was a game where we moved the ball quite well at times, but it's very disappointing overall.

"I think one or two of our lads thought that it was going to be a natural continuation of how we finished the game at Derby, where we were creating chances at will.

"Unfortunately in this game there are no magic switches, you can't switch on or off. Defensively tonight we were second best - and I think we got our just rewards."

An individual error from a Radek Cerny goal kick was ultimately the deciding factor in an end-to-end clash at Loftus Road, but Magilton refused to blame his goalkeeper.

"He has got wonderful self-belief and at the end of the day, he's been great for us," said Magilton.

"We're not going to hang him out to dry.

"Unfortunately when goalkeepers make individual mistakes, the ball always ends up in the back of the net - but he's a top class player."

The R's boss added that he felt the absence of Gavin Mahon - who picked up an injury in training on Thursday - was felt by his side, though Magilton refused to make excuses, citing that his players must now focus on the visit of Crystal Palace to Loftus Road on Tuesday night.

"I think he (Mahon) was a loss without any shadow of a doubt, but we're not going to use him as an excuse.

"Leicester are playing with confidence, their front two worked extremely hard and put our defence under extreme pressure tonight. They're on an excellent run and belief is high within their team.

"It is important that we bounce back against Palace. Hopefully I'm smiling on Tuesday night.

"I'm encouraged by our recent fine form and I'm not going to go over the top with one loss.

"We'll see how we are against Palace, it'll be a real test of character for us - let's see who's prepared to stand up." QPR


Leicester Official Site - Pearson Proud Of His Heroes
- City boss Nigel Pearson was delighted his two games this week not only yielded full points but also hoisted the club level on points at the top of the Championship table with Newcastle United.

Tonight's magnificent battling win at free-scoring and much-fancied QPR capped the week in style and Pearson said: "It was a very good performance. When you look at the two games we have played this week, they have shown different sides to us but what was particularly satisfying tonight was that we knew it would be a tough game.

"They had been playing some excellent football so we had to be at our best. In the first half they did have some chances or some promising situations for them but on the whole I thought we created chances throughout the game and in the second half in particular I thought we looked a particularly dangerous side. But you have always got to do the other side of the game and I thought we defended very well as a team."

It was a very impressive 90 minutes' performance, and it had to be as they were defending their lead right up to the final whistle after a free-kick had been blocked.

Pearson said: "We have had good performances before but it is satisfying becuase tonight's fixture was quite rightly billed as a game that was going to be tough for us. They are a very good footballing side, like I said they score a lot of goals, so we knew it would be tough.

"Whether or not it is our best performance of the season or not I don't know but the point is we have had two tough away games this week, both televised and we have won them both which is nice but it will count for nothing when we turn up on our own patch for another very big game."

That is next Saturday against West Brom at the Hawthorns and Baggies boss Roberto Di Matteo was at Loftus Road no doubt filling a noteboook about the sort of resilience and determination his side will be facing. Leicester


- UPDATED TABLE


QPR Official Site - QPR vs Leicester City 1 - 2

17,082 Referee:
Rangers were unable to continue their recent fine form, as Leicester City took all three points in front of a season's best crowd at Loftus Road.

In front on the live Sky Sports TV cameras, Rangers took the lead when Adel Taarabt finished superbly well when through on goal.

But goals either side of half time from Matty Fryatt put pay to ambitions Rangers had of moving up to second place in the Coca-Cola Championship before kick-off.

The Leicester striker headed home from close range just short of the break, before a mistake from a Radek Cerny goal kick gifted the Foxes hotshot with his second of the game.

MPU Hoops boss Magilton made just one change from the R's side that was victorious last weekend away to Derby County.

After returning from a virus and completing around half an hour as a substitute at Pride Park, Mikele Leigertwood slotted into the centre of midfield in place of the injured Gavin Mahon.

That meant with Cerny in goal, Peter Ramage, Damion Stewart, Kaspars Gorkss and Gary Borrowdale made up the R's backline.

In midfield, Leigertwood and Alejandro Faurlin supported wide men Akos Buzsaky and Taarabt.

Wayne Routledge partnered hotshot Jay Simpson in attack.

The R's - who prior to kick-off boasted the best home record in the Championship with 16 points gained from six matches in W12 - took to the field amidst a firework extravaganza, and it was they who went on the offensive from the off.

Typically, the R's first opportunity of the game was created on the back of a lovely passing move.

Ramage, Buzsaky and Simpson combined well before the latter shot for goal from an acute angle, but Foxes custodian Chris Weale dived to his right to comfortably hold the effort.

Play soon switched to the other end, and when Andy King drilled an effort on goal from 25-yards out, Cerny comfortably caught the ball down low with both hands.

The game was only in its early stages, though chances were aplenty. Only a last-ditch tackle could prevent Routledge finding the target from the edge of the area, after a fine pass from Buzsaky.

Moments later and the R's were again on the attack. Another free-flowing move - this time between Leigertwood, Faurlin and Taarabt - saw the Spurs man through on goal down the left, but Wayne Brown was aware of the danger to slide the ball away for a corner.

Leicester were far from spectators in this already pulsating encounter though, and after a Jack Hobbs header from deep played Martyn Waghorn through on goal, he could only shoot straight at Cerny when under pressure from the Rangers backline.

The visitors were soon on the offensive again, and only a superb intervention from Gorkss could stop Fryatt finding the target from a tight angle down the right.

The R's were now perhaps the better of the two sides in terms of territorial possession, and a Taarabt effort only marginally missed the target when the midfielder blasted at goal from fully 30-yards out.

Rangers goalkeeper Cerny was far from untested in the hosts' goal though, and he did well to single-handedly beat the ball away to safety after Fryatt again found space to drive an effort on target.

Soon after in this end-to-end encounter, Faurlin almost found the opening goal of the game when he fired in a free-kick on goal just short of the area, though Weale was on hand to tip the ball away for a corner.

The Foxes' reprieve was only short lived though, as moments later Taarabt fired the R's into a deserved lead in the 33rd minute.

After originally playing a through ball to Simpson, Taarabt's pass came off the back of a Leicester defender and fell to his feet from 12-yards out.

The Tottenham loanee made no mistake thereafter, coolly slotting the ball home into the bottom corner of the net to hand Rangers the opening goal of the game.

Taarabt, in truth, could have doubled the R's lead just seconds later, but his driven shot was just wide of Weale's left-hand post.

Rangers' joy at taking the lead was short lived though, as just four minutes after Taarabt's strike, the Foxes were level.

After Danny N'Guessan burst down the left, he played a delicious cross to Fryatt. The Leicester forward couldn't miss from three-yards out, as he headed the visitors level going into the interval.

Leicester had proved in the first half just why they sat in 5th place going into this encounter, and soon after the break the Foxes, in truth, started the stronger.

After a mix-up in the R's defence, the ball fell to full-back Robbie Neilson 12 yards from goal, but the Leicester defender could only blast wide of the target.

Moments later, Rangers set about getting a goal that would regain them the lead, and when Simpson touched the ball back to Buzsaky on the edge of the area, the Hungarian international saw his effort curl agonisingly wide of the Foxes goal.

Play then switched to the other end, and Leicester took a 64th minute lead - Fryatt bagging his second goal of the game.

Cerny's goal kick fell only as far as the Foxes frontman, and when through on goal, Fryatt was coolness personified to slot pass the advancing R's goalkeeper.

Rangers weren't too disheartened by the Foxes' second goal of the game though, and Buzsaky again only narrowly missed the target with another fizzing shot from distance.

Now trailing, R's gaffer Magilton acted to try and bring his side back into the match, bringing on Rowan Vine to replace Ramage.

And it was a move that was almost instantly rewarded. After Buzsaky played the ball into the box to Simpson, the Rangers striker dummied for Routledge.

Through on goal, Routledge seemed certain to find the target, before Foxes custodian Weale came rushing out of his goal to thwart him.

Leicester were unlucky not to add a third when Wayne Brown headed for goal from a Waghorn corner, but substitute Fitz Hall was on guard to head the ball off the line.

Buzsaky should have fired home an equaliser for the R's after Routledge centred from the right, but he could only blast high and wide of the target.

QPR: Cerny, Ramage (Vine 67), Stewart (Hall 55), Leigertwood, Routledge, Buzsaky, Gorkss, Faurlin, Simpson, Borrowdale, Taarabt (Agyemang 86).
Subs not used: Heaton, Alberti, Ainsworth, Parker.
Goals: Taarabt (33)
Leicester City: Weale, Neilson, Brown, Oakley, King, Fryatt (Gallagher 75), Berner, N'Guessan, Waghorn (McGivern 90), Wellens, Hobbs.
Subs not used: Logan, Morrison, Howard, Dyer, Kermorgant.
Goals: Fryatt (37 & 64)
Referee: Mr J Moss
Attendance: 17,082 QPR


Guardian - Cerny clanger a gift for Fryatt as Leicester move up to
Mikey Stafford at Loftus Road guardian.co.uk, Friday 30 October 2009

Coming into this match Queens Park Rangers were the league's form side, going out of it Leicester City are joint top – for a few hours at least. England manager Fabio Capello took in a rare Championship match and was treated to a highly entertaining encounter, settled by two goals from Matty Fryatt, with a little help from a vociferous away end.

Leicester's pursuit of Edgar Davids this week died on the vine so it looks unlikely the former Tottenham man will be plying his trade in the Championship this season. One current Tottenham player doing so quite impressively is Adel Taarabt.

With 10 minutes on the clock he brilliantly evaded three Leicester tackles before Wayne Brown put a stop to his trickery with a perfectly timed last-ditch tackle. It is just as well the Moroccan's control is so honed because he loathes to pass the ball.

Thrice he shot from distance to no avail and perhaps it would be prudent of the QPR coaching staff to show him the video of his 33rd minute opener, as it came about when he attempted a rare pass, to Wayne Routledge. Understandably a little ring rusty it instead rebounded off Brown and the attacker finished with aplomb from 12 yards. QPR's lead lasted just five minutes. Damion Stewart lost Fryatt as Dany N'Guessan crossed from the right, allowing the striker to nod home from just four yards.

The visitors began the second half the stronger and it was no surprise they went ahead just past the hour mark, even if the circumstances were a little unusual. Leicester's travelling support contributed to a season-high attendance here and they may also claim an assist on the goal.

Radek Cerny in the QPR goal may have been a little unsettled by the away end's less than subtle taunting at his goal-kicks and in the 64th minute he inexplicably played one directly to Fryatt, who advanced into the area before shooting across the hapless Czech.

Routledge, Jay Simpson and Alejandro Faurlin all went close for Jim Magilton's side but to no avail. Much to Cerny's dismay and his tormentors' delight. Guardian


Telegraph/Sany Mcaskill
Queens Park Rangers 1 Leicester City 2: match report


They might have ridden their luck time and again before mugging Reading for a point at the Madjeski on Monday night, but in bringing Queens Park Rangers' three-match winning streak to an end last night – and their first home defeat this season – Leicester City have demonstrated an important quality as they swept into second place in the Championship with two goals from Matty Fryatt. That of learning from their mistakes.

This performance could not have been more different from Leicester’s draw at Reading, when they were easier to read than a Roald Dahl novel.

Reading need home help while Luigi De Canio linked with QPR return
QPR extend unbeaten run to eight matches against ReadingTrue, the home side were often poor here, but Nigel Pearson’s midfield four were compact and his defence operating on the same frequency. And with the youthful Wayne Routledge and Adel Taarabt intent on making a nuisance of themselves, Taarabt especially, they had to be.

The Moroccan was brought to the country amid much hype by Tottenham, tipped as the next Zinedine Zidane. True, Taarabt was flash, but too much story and no punch-line. But not at QPR, he isn’t.

Dribbling like an dehydrated Doberman, the 20 year-old set course for goal in the 33rd minute, played a one-two with Jay Simpson and swept the ball past Leicester keeper Chris Weale. It was slicker one of Flavio Briatore’s blazers.

Nigel Pearson would have been well within his rights had he been a bit miffed. His side had known what to expect – at least it seemed like they did from the way they started – and what’s more they almost scored in the sixth minute, when Matt Fryatt fizzed a shot across goal which Martyn Waghorn, sliding in to intercept at the far post, and almost reached it.

There were grounds for Leicester optimism, however.

Damion Stewart, the big QPR centre-back, was looking dodgy, leaving the door open for Waghorn in the 14th minute. The defender was mightily lucky that Radek Cerny slammed it in the striker’s face.

But when Dany N’Guessan swung in a cross from the left, Stewart was caught static, leaving Fryatt to head in from close range, completely unmarked.

Waghorn, whose rear end was by this stage in serious danger of friction burns so often was he sliding into the area to strain for a cross, almost got onto the end of a tasty one from N’Guessan as the second half restarted.

But it was Fryatt who was again in the right place at the right time when Cerny fluffed a goal-kick with 25 minutes to go. The ball went straight to the forward, who kept his composure and slotted it into the corner.

Match details

QPR: Cerny, Ramage (Vine 68), Stewart (Hall 55), Gorkss, Borrowdale, Routledge, Buzsaky, Leigertwood, Faurlin, Taarabt (Agemang 86), Simpson.
Subs: Heaton, Alberti, Ainsworth, Parker.
Leicester City: Weale, Neilson, Brown, Hobbs, Berner, King, Oakley, Wellens, N'Guessan, Waghorn (McGivern 90), Fryatt (Gallagher 76).
Subs: Logan, Morrison, Howard, Dyer, Kermorgant.
Referee: Jon Moss (W Yorkshire). Telegraph




Sporting Life - FRYATT AT THE DOUBLE FOR LEICESTER By Andy Sims, Press Association Sport

Matty Fryatt halted QPR's surge up the Coca-Cola Championship as fellow promotion hopefuls Leicester stole a march on the Londoners with a 2-1 victory at Loftus Road.

Adel Taarabt fired Rangers ahead just after the half-hour mark but, for once, the free-scoring hosts could not add to their tally and Fryatt's brace - the winner courtesy of a howler from home keeper Radek Cerny - secured City's third straight win and lifted them up to second, level on points with leaders Newcastle.

Rangers' reputation as the division's entertainers - they had scored four goals in each of their last three games - had clearly spread as England boss Fabio Capello joined fellow Italian Flavio Briatore in the directors' box.

Capello may have winced at some of the defending on show, but two in-form sides produced an end-to-end encounter in front of a season's best crowd of 17,082.

However, the majority went home disappointed after Rangers lost their unbeaten home record and blew the chance to go third.

The teams traded blows in the opening quarter of an hour, with Fryatt twice going close and Jay Simpson and Wayne Routledge threatening for Rangers.

Leicester thought they had taken the lead in the 16th minute when Martyn Waghorn slid in to convert Dany N'Guessan's cross, but the on-loan Sunderland frontman was flagged offside.

At the other end, a free-kick from £3.5million Argentinian Alejandro Faurlin was destined for the top corner until Chris Weale stuck out a palm.

Rangers went ahead in the 33rd minute when Taarabt burst forward, played a one-two with Simpson on the edge of the area and expertly swept his right-foot shot past Weale.

The on-loan Tottenham midfielder had another crack moments later, skipping past Andy King before firing just wide.

But it was Leicester who struck next, the lead lasting just five minutes before Rangers failed to deal with N'Guessan's cross and Fryatt's simple header ended his six-game goal drought.

Waghorn was inches away from putting City ahead after the break when he just missed another N'Guessan centre.

But they were gifted the lead in the 64th minute when Cerny attempted a short clearance which Fryatt read and duly dispatched back past the veteran Czech for his 10th goal of the season.

Weale bravely denied Routledge to protect the lead and Akos Buzsaky missed a gilt-edged chance to snatch a point when he blasted over from 10 yards with five minutes remaining. Sporting Life


LEICESTER OFFICIAL SITE
QPR vs Leicester City
1 - 2
Date:
30/10/2009 Venue:
Loftus Road
Attendance:
17,082 Referee:
J Moss



Two goals from Matty Fryatt, either sside of the break, gave Leicester City a tremendous win over a powerful QPR side at Loftus Road tonight for a second successive away win.

City are now level on 27 points with Newcastle at the top of the Championship table and they had to come from behind to get there in a frantic, all-action clash that had tension and excitement right to the last seconds.

City boss Nigel Pearson made two changes from the side that won at Reading. Back into the side came Bruno Berner and Dany N'Guessan for, respectively, Ryan McGivern and Paul Gallagher who were on the bench. Monday night's goal hero Martyn Waghorn kept his place up front.

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And it was City who were first to show, a Berner pass sending Matty Fryatt in but he was turned back by sound defending. To underline the blistering pace of the action, moments later at the other end a shot on the turn by Gary Borrowdale found the side netting before the see-saw swung again, a Fryatt driven cross just eluding Waghorn in the middle.

The home side then threatened, a Wayne Routledge run ending with a shot deflected to safety then Wayne Brown made a brilliant saving tackle when Adel Taarabt, on a super run, got all the way through into the area but again City were not sitting back.

A cut-back by Fryatt to N'Guessan was only just deflected away from the winger then City did have the ball in the net, from Waghorn's touch off a Fryatt cross from the left but it was off-side and Rangers then came on strong, Peter Ramage getting in on the right for a cut-back only just cleared, Alejandro Faurlin bringing a great top-corner save from Chris Weale from a free-kick and Taarabt twisting and turning but denied a clear shooting chance.

But he was not denied moments later as, in the 32nd minute, he pounced on the ball after it had broken off a tackle and steered the ball home from near the edge of the area.

The same player came close to doubling the lead moments later but sent the ball wide and soon City were back on terms.

Good work by N'Guessan on the left saw his cross headed home by Fryatt in the middle in the 36th minute to level this pulsating encounter, no more than the visitors deserved and both side strived for the advantage but that was how it stood at the interval.

The second half was no less frantic from the start, Waghorn being given just off-side in an early chance then an N'Guessan run and cross was only inches away from being converted by Waghorn in the middle, a Wellens cross then being headed wide by N'Guessan.

Oakley then broke from midfield and when he was checked in the area, the ball broke to Robbie Neilson whose shot was wide of the near post but Rangers replied when a Buzsaky shot flew very close to the target from distance.

But in the 63rd minute, City took the lead. A bad kick out by keeper Radek Cerny went straight to Fryatt and the City man ran in and made no mistake with a cool finish to set up a very tense finish to what had always been an exciting contest.

It was all a bit backs-to-the-wall for City and Weale made a great save from Routledge who had burst into the area, taking a cut on the head for his pains. Bandaged, he continued and City came close to sealing the win when, from a corner on the left, Brown saw his header deflected away from danger by Fitz Hall.

Deep in injury time, City had to defend a free-kick 30 yards out but as soon as the shot rebounded off the wall, the final whistle sounded and the Blue Army roared their approval.

City: Weale; Neilson, Hobbs, Brown, Berner, Oakley, A King, Wellens, N'Guessan, Fryatt, Waghorn. Subs: Logan, McGivern (90 for Waghorn), Morrison, Howard, Dyer, Kermorgant, Gallagher (75 for Fryatt).

Booked: Neilson, N'Guessan, Oakley.

QPR Cerny; Ramage, Stewart, Leigertwood, Routledge, Buzsaky, Gorkss, Faurlin, Simpson, Borrowdale, Taarabt. Subs: Heaton, Hall (54 for Stweart), Vine (66 for Ramage), Agyemang (85 for Taarabt), Alberti, Ainsworth, Parker.

Referee: J Moss
Attendance: 17,082 Leicester


- Helguson Fit Again
- QPR1st Supporters Trust AGM 22nd October 2009: Chairman’s Report
- Comparing QPR's Current League Position With Past Three Seasons
- "Performance of The Week" - NOT QPR's Win at Derby
- Two Year Flashback: Buzsaky Joins (on loan)
- Flashback: Two New Coaches In...Warren Neil Departs
- Ex-QPR Terry McFlyn Happy in Australia
- Today's Birthdays: Lee Harper (38) and Colin Clarke (47)
- The Portugese Philosophy of Coach-Axing
- "The Project" - Not Just a QPR Phenomenon

- Video: Great Britain's Amputee Football Team (Very Inspiring)
- Leigertwood prepares for century
- Various QPR vs Leicester Previews - Referee for the Game: J Moss

- The Threat to News Now (and to fans!)

- Actim Index: Wayne Routledge currently ranked 9th in the Championship...Jay Simpson ranked #42....Radek Cerny ranked #58 Latest Actim Index

- Pat Kanyuka Looking Forward to Northampton Chance
- Jake Cole Thriving at Barnet
- Possible Return to Football League for St. Aimie
- Video Snippet Flashback: QPR's League Cup Quarter Final Game at Maine Road
- Football Tax Increases
- An Explanation for the Football Hooliganism Outbreaks in the Carling Cup Games
- Dave McIntyre Mikele's Milestone
- QPR: Kick Out Racism - Mikele Legitwood (Video: From couple of weeks ago - Before the QPR "Surge!")
- Briatore Supposedly Taking Month Vacation

- Current Odds: To Win The Championship ....To Win PromotionTo Win the FA Cup!
Still Unclear: Who Are QPR's New Partner "Toyo"

- QPR Disciplinary Record: Season-by-Season (for last six seasons)

QPR-Leicester Live-Streaming...Routledge Ranked #9 in Championship...Simpson on QPR and Arsenal...Magilton Ellington Interest?...Rowlands' Future?

-
- Visit also the combination messageboard and quasi-blog QPR Report Messageboard. If you're interested in constantly-updated news re anything QPR-related (not infrequently not found on other QPR sites)and also QPR nostalgia, the QPR Report Messageboard has both - along with assorted eclectic non-QPR football material. All opinions welcome!

- UPDATED THROUGHOUT THE DAY.... QPR REPORT Available on TWITTER!


- No Davids to Leicester

- Helguson Fit Again

- QPR1st Supporters Trust AGM 22nd October 2009: Chairman’s Report

- Comparing QPR's Current League Position With Past Three Seasons

- "Performance of The Week" - NOT QPR's Win at Derby

- Two Year Flashback: Buzsaky Joins (on loan)

- Flashback: Two New Coaches In...Warren Neil Departs

- Ex-QPR Terry McFlyn Happy in Australia

- Today's Birthdays: Lee Harper (38) and Colin Clarke (47)

- The Portugese Philosophy of Coach-Axing

- "The Project" - Not Just a QPR Phenomenon

- Video: Great Britain's Amputee Football Team (Very Inspiring)

- Leigertwood prepares for century

- Various QPR vs Leicester Previews - Referee for the Game: J Moss

- The Threat to News Now (and to fans!)


- Actim Index: Wayne Routledge currently ranked 9th in the Championship...Jay Simpson ranked #42....Radek Cerny ranked #58 Latest Actim Index


MIRRROR/James NurseyJay Simpson eyes Premier League - with QPR or Arsenal
- Jay Simpson aims to be a Premier League hit next season after rediscovering his goal-scoring touch in spectacular fashion.
- Simpson, 20, endured a unhappy spell on loan last term from January at struggling West Brom in the top-flight.
- But the striker remains confident he has a future in the Premier League, having spoken to boss Arsene Wenger, who suggested he goes out on loan once more.
- He has flourished with six goals already for in-form QPR who host Leicester in tonight's televised clash on the back of three emphatic victories in the Championship.
- And Simpson, who has netted in three successive games, hopes he will not be short of options next year with money-bags Rangers chasing promotion and Arsenal watching him closely.
- "Arsenal come to all the home games and they have a copy of all my matches," said Simpson, who supported the Gunners as a boy.
- "I spoke to the manager Arsene Wenger during pre-season and just after.
- "He knew I wanted to play and thought it would be a good idea if I went out on loan to play regularly.
- "I know Arsenal are watching and I have enjoyed it at QPR, it has been good.
- "I am really enjoying playing for Jim Magilton and John Gorman.
- "As long as the team is scoring lots of goals you know you are going to get at least one opportunity in the game.
- "So I go into the games believing I am going to score in every match right now even though on occasions I play upfront by myself.
- "If we can continue our run of form hopefully we can get promoted."
- Simpson netted twice for the Baggies last term and was grateful to boss Tony Mowbray for giving him an opportunity in the Premier League.
- But when Mowbray quit for Celtic in the summer, Simpson was happy to sever his links with the Midlands outfit.
- He added: “West Brom wanted me back but I didn't feel it was the right choice for me.
- "My time there taught me the politics that come with football and made it difficult for the team to play well - especially as we were bottom of the table." - The Mirror


The Star - MAGILTON EYEING ELL OF A SIGNING - QPR boss Jim Magilton is plotting a January move for Watford striker Nathan Ellington.
- The Loftus Road chief is desperate to bolster his strikeforce in the transfer window and has targeted Ellington, 28, who is out of favour at Vicarage Road.
- Ahead of tonight’s visit of Leicester, QPR have confirmed three of their players have been hit by swine flu this season.
- Keeper Radek Cerny, defender Peter Ramage and, most recently, midfielder Mikele Leigertwood have been affected by the virus – but all are over it now.
- Assistant boss John Gorman said: “Even our physio had it. It’s one of those things that is going around and you just have to control it. Let’s not make a big fuss of it.
- “I think we have handled it well and all the lads are back now.”
- Meanwhile, Rangers skipper Martin Rowlands, 30, is poised to announce his retirement due to a series of horrific knee injuries. The Star


Betting Press - QPR v Leicester - Many online bookmakers are streaming the QPR v Leicester game live on 30 October 2009
- Live streaming over the internet has improved dramatically in the last few months and there are thousands of legal, HD quality live feeds you can watch online for free when you sign-up to online sportsbooks who purchase the rights to stream football for their customers.
- Several bookmakers are streaming the QPR v Leicester game live online at 19:45 GMT on 30 October 2009. Regional restictions might mean that you won't be able to see the live feeds. If you are in North America, for example, you'll find that most feeds are blocked although the Omnisport (a PPV feed) will generally work.
- Your five best free streaming options for QPR v Leicester are:
- Ladbrokes which offers a free streaming service at Ladbrokes TV. You'll need to sign-up and register (use the Ladbrokes promotion code MAXIMUMBONUS) when you sign-up and you'll get £25/$40 free
- Bet365 has a superb streaming service that will be showing the QPR v Leicester game live from 30 October 2009 (GMT). New users to bet365 get a £100 free bet
- 188Bet the Asian Handicap focussed bookie is also streaming the feed live at their website. Bettingpress readers get £30 free at 118bet
- SkyBet has the live stream using their Sky Player service and offer all readers £10 free when they sign-up
- William Hill also has the live stream available at their Bet and Watch service which is open to members. Bettingpress readers get £10 free when they sign-up to watch QPR v Leicester. BettingPress


- Pat Kanyuka Looking Forward to Northampton Chance
- Jake Cole Thriving at Barnet
- Possible Return to Football League for St. Aimie
- Video Snippet Flashback: QPR's League Cup Quarter Final Game at Maine Road
- Football Tax Increases
- An Explanation for the Football Hooliganism Outbreaks in the Carling Cup Games
- Dave McIntyre Mikele's Milestone
- QPR: Kick Out Racism - Mikele Legitwood (Video: From couple of weeks ago - Before the QPR "Surge!")
- Briatore Supposedly Taking Month Vacation

- Current Odds: To Win The Championship ....To Win PromotionTo Win the FA Cup!
Still Unclear: Who Are QPR's New Partner "Toyo"

- QPR Disciplinary Record: Season-by-Season (for last six seasons)

Thursday, October 29, 2009

QPR vs Leicester Previews...Leigertwood Speaks....Great Britain's Amputees Football Team

-
- Visit also the combination messageboard and quasi-blog QPR Report Messageboard. If you're interested in constantly-updated news re anything QPR-related (not infrequently not found on other QPR sites)and also QPR nostalgia, the QPR Report Messageboard has both - along with assorted eclectic non-QPR football material. All opinions welcome!

- UPDATED THROUGHOUT THE DAY.... QPR REPORT Available on TWITTER!



- Video: Great Britain's Amputee Football Team (Very Inspiring)

- Marion King Convicted

- Pat Kanyuka Looking Forward to Northampton Chance


BBC - Leigertwood prepares for century
- QPR midfielder Mikele Leigertwood says his two seasons at Loftus Road have been eventful as he prepares to make his 100th appearance for the club.
- The 26-year-old, who joined in September 2007, is one of their longest serving players and will reach his landmark against Leicester on Friday.
- He told BBC London 94.9: "There's been a lot of change in my short time here - managers, players and personnel.
- "It's taken its time but it seems to be paying off at the moment."
- Rangers have won their last three matches, having scored four goals in each of those games -a run which has seen them climb amongst the promotion chasing pack.
- Leigertwood was the first of a host of big money signings to arrive after the club changed ownership in 2007, but when he was bought for £900,000 by John Gregory the club were heading in a different direction.
- "The players have changed, we've changed managers numerous times and they're (the owners) just trying to get the right formula," he said.
- "We're doing well at the moment but most of us now have been here for a little while since the new owners came in.
- "Obviously Gaz (Gareth Ainsworth) is still here, Damion Stewart's still here, a lot of the players signed in the January after the owners came in and we've got Adel (Taraabt) and Wayne (Routledge) who on their day are world beaters.
- "It's nice to go from relegation troubles to potential title challengers.
- "But we don't want to speak about promotion until it's a real possibility, it's still early days yet and we've just got to keep our heads and try not to get complacent." BBC


QPR vs Leicester

SOCCERNET - Watson sits out Foxes visit

QPR will again be without the suspended Ben Watson when they host Leicester.
The on-loan Wigan midfielder serves the second game of his two-match ban for his recent sending-off against Reading - his second red card of the season.

Utility man Mikele Leigertwood returned as a substitute at Derby last weekend following a bout of swine flu and will push for a start either in midfield or at right-back.

Rangers, who will move level with second-placed Cardiff with a victory, are still missing a host of players through injury and illness.

Skipper Martin Rowlands is out for the season with a cruciate injury, defender Matthew Connolly is still missing with glandular fever and midfielder Hogan Ephraim (ankle), winger Lee Cook (knee) and strikers Angelo Balanta (groin) and Alessandro Pellicori (knee) are also sidelined.

Leicester`s squad is unchanged for the trip.

Bulgarian defender Aleksandar Tunchev remains the only absentee as he recovers from another knee operation.

Manager Nigel Pearson is unlikely to make too many changes to his starting line-up following Monday night`s 1-0 win over Reading.

After scoring the goals that saw City return to winning ways at home to Crystal Palace in the previous game, Paul Gallacher was recalled at the Madejski Stadium. The only other change against the Royals saw on loan striker Martyn Waghorn come into the side and the Sunderland teenager responded by netting the winning goal.

Following successive clean sheets, the defence is likely to remain the same so Bruno Berner and Michael Morrison look set for substitute roles once more.

At the other end of the pitch, Dany N`Guessan, Yann Kermorgant, Steve Howard and DJ Campbell provide the options should Pearson want to freshen up his attack. Soccernet


BBC QPR v Leicester
Coca Cola Championship

Venue: Loftus Road Date: Friday, 30 October 2009 Kick-off: 1945 GMT
Coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 live, BBC local radio & highlights on The Football League Show

TEAM NEWS

QPR's on-loan midfielder Ben Watson is serving a two-match suspension, but Mikele Leigertwood is back in contention for a starting place.

Leigertwood has recovered from flu and defender Fitz Hall a groin problem, but Hogan Ephraim and Angelo Balanta are still out injured.

Leicester manager Nigel Pearson has no new injuries or suspensions to worry about ahead of the trip to Loftus Road.

Aleksandar Tunchev and Stephen Clemence remain on the sidelines.

MATCH PREVIEW

There seems to be no stopping Queens Park Rangers and their slick passing football at the moment, but they now face another side that are in good form.

Leicester are fifth - two places above the R's - and, like the west London side, have lost just two league games so far this season.

And while Rangers are strong at home, Leicester have been equally impressive on the road. A victory at Loftus Road would be the Foxes' 11th away league win of 2009.

Leicester could cause Jim Magilton's men problems if they can contain the likes of Akos Buzsaky, Adel Taarabt and Wayne Routledge. But that, as a growing number of Championship teams are discovering, is easier said than done.

MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head

• QPR are unbeaten in four league games against Leicester (2W, 2D).

• Leicester have won twice in 11 visits to Loftus Road over the last 28 years.

Queens Park Rangers

• QPR have won their last three Championship matches, scoring four goals in each of them. They have beaten Preston 4-0, Reading 4-1 and Derby 4-2.

• Jim Magilton's side are second in the Championship's 'form table' with 13 points out of 18.

• Rangers have conceded an average of a goal a game in the Championship this season (13 in 13).

• They have won their last three home league games and are unbeaten in 12 at Loftus Road, winning six and drawing six since losing to Norwich on 3 March.

• Rangers have the best scoring rate in home Championship games, with 16 scored so far this season.

• Mikele Leigertwood is set to make his 100th appearance for the club. And if on the field from the outset, he will also be making his 200th league start.

Leicester

• Leicester are unbeaten in five Championship matches and have won their last two.

• The Foxes last won three successive matches in the Championship in February 2007.

• They have conceded one goal in five matches and kept clean sheets in the last three.

MOST RECENT MEETING
QPR 3-1 Leicester (1 January 2008)

QPR scorers: Stewart 15, Bolder 26, Blackstock 56.

Leicester scorer: Hume 59. BBC


The Times - Rob Wright
October 29, 2009
Rangers the bet at 10-11
QPR look worthy favourites at general odds of 10-11 to beat Leicester in their Coca-Cola Championship match at Loftus Road on Friday evening.

Rangers go into the clash unbeaten in six home starts this season and with confidence sky-high after claiming a third consecutive win when coming from behind to triumph 4-2 away to Derby last Saturday.

While manager Jim Magilton will be keen to eradicate the defensive lapses that led to his side trailing 2-0 in that match, his team’s ability to find goals when required makes them a potent force.

Rangers, who have notched 11 goals in their past three games, find themselves well placed in seventh spot, trailing leaders Newcastle by only four points, and fifth-placed Leicester by a single point. They enjoy a game in hand over each of the teams above them.

Magilton deserves much praise for his shaping of the team since taking the reigns this summer, notably exploiting the loan system to great effect in recruiting Adel Taarabt, Jay Simpson and Ben Watson from Spurs, Arsenal and Wigan respectively.

Leicester, a best-priced 7-2 with Betfred, kept themselves in the picture for a second successive promotion when triumphing 1-0 away to Reading on Monday, extending the home side’s winless run at the Madejski Stadium to 16 games.

However, it was a victory last year’s League One champions barely deserved and an improved performance will be required to upset an in-form Rangers.

The draw is top-priced at 13-5 with Stan James. The Times



Yahoo - Pearson Set to Keep the Faith: Leicester`s squad is unchanged for the trip to Loftus Road to face in-form QPR.

Bulgarian defender Aleksandar Tunchev remains the only absentee as he recovers from another knee operation.

Manager Nigel Pearson is unlikely to make too many changes to his starting line-up following Monday night`s 1-0 win over Reading.

After scoring the goals that saw City return to winning ways at home to Crystal Palace in the previous game, Paul Gallacher was recalled at the Madejski Stadium. The only other change against the Royals saw on loan striker Martyn Waghorn come into the side and the Sunderland teenager responded by netting the winning goal.

Following successive clean sheets, the defence is likely to remain the same so Bruno Berner and Michael Morrison look set for substitute roles once more.

At the other end of the pitch, Dany N`Guessan, Yann Kermorgant, Steve Howard and DJ Campbell provide the options should Pearson want to freshen up his attack. Yahoo


- Various QPR vs Leicester Previews - Referee for the Game: J Moss



- The Threat to News Now (and to fans!)

- Jake Cole Thriving at Barnet

- Possible Return to Football League for St. Aimie

- Flasback: Two Years Ago - Luigi De Canio Appointed QPR Manager (on a 2 1/2 year Contract). Mick Harford Departs QPR

- Video Snippet Flashback: QPR's League Cup Quarter Final Game at Maine Road

- Football Tax Increases

- An Explanation for the Football Hooliganism Outbreaks in the Carling Cup Games

- The "Heresy" at the Proposal to Name St. James Park

- Another Boardroom Change at Derby County

David McIntyre/BBC606 - Mikele's milestone 28 October 2009 BBC606

- QPR: Kick Out Racism - Mikele Legitwood (Video: From couple of weeks ago - Before the QPR "Surge!")

- Brown May be Out at Hull

- Peter Hucker Turns Fifty

- Briatore Supposedly Taking Month Vacation

- QPR Coaches Golfing

- Year Flashback: The QPR Managerial Merry-Go-Around


CURRENT CHAMPIONSHIP PROMOTION ODDS
- To Win The Championship .... To Win Promotion... To Win the FA Cup!

Still Unclear: Who Are QPR's New Partner "Toyo"

- QPR Disciplinary Record: Season-by-Season (for last six seasons)

Assessing and Praising QPR's Mikele Leigertwood...Next Leicester. Ref Announced...Flashback: De Canio Appointed...

-
- Visit also the combination messageboard and quasi-blog QPR Report Messageboard. If you're interested in constantly-updated news re anything QPR-related (not infrequently not found on other QPR sites)and also QPR nostalgia, the QPR Report Messageboard has both - along with assorted eclectic non-QPR football material. All opinions welcome!

- UPDATED THROUGHOUT THE DAY.... QPR REPORT Available on TWITTER!


- Updated: Leicester City at Loftus Road Tomorrow - Previews - Referee for the Game: J Moss

- The Threat to News Now (and to fans!)

- Jake Cole Thriving at Barnet

- Possible Return to Football League for St. Aimie

- Football Tax Increases

- Flasback: Two Years Ago - Luigi De Canio Appointed QPR Manager (on a 2 1/2 year Contract). Mick Harford Departs QPR

- Video Snippet Flashback: QPR's League Cup Quarter Final Game at Maine Road

- An Explanation for the Football Hooliganism Outbreaks in the Carling Cup Games

- The "Heresy" at the Proposal to Name St. James Park

- Another Boardroom Change at Derby County


David McIntyre/BBC606 - Mikele's milestone 28 October 2009
- Mikele Leigertwood could make his 100th appearance for QPR in Friday’s game against Leicester.
- And if Jim Magilton restores him to the starting line-up, it will be Leigertwood’s 200th league start.
- Whether he ought to start in light of Gavin Mahon’s performances in midfield and Peter Ramage’s at full-back is debatable.
- Should Leigertwood, now recovered from flu, go back into the team?
- I think he should.
- Then there’s the issue of where he might play.
- Based on what I’d seen of him at his previous clubs, where he operated mainly as a defender, I’ve long regarded Leigertwood as the best right-back at QPR.
- Since eventually playing in that position for Rangers, his performances have been excellent.
- He has already played at right-back in the Premier League and I believe could do so again to good effect if Rangers went up.
- But in the Championship, I’d always have Leigertwood in Rangers’ midfield.
- That’s not out of some belief that teams need to bustle their way out of the league. It’s more that Leigertwood can be a bit hit-and-miss in midfield.
- He can be sloppy at times, and in the top division that’s much more likely to be punished.
- At one stage last season, the vibe from Rangers appeared to be that they would listen to offers for Leigertwood. It was claimed that a number of clubs were interested in him.
- That seemed ridiculous to me. At a time when more and more clubs are looking for midfielders in the Leigertwood mould, why let him go?
- Thankfully, sense has prevailed and before his recent absence Leigertwood was one of Magilton’s most trusted performers.
- A dynamic, physically strong central-midfield player, who is also a decent footballer, is worth his weight in gold – especially in the Championship.
- Whether Leigertwood would make it as a midfielder at a higher level is open to question.
- In fact, whether he’s cut out for a midfield role even now, given Magilton’s options and strong emphasis on ball retention, is a matter of opinion.
- Anyone arguing that his role should now be as a right-back, even if the likes of Ben Watson are unavailable, has a strong case.
- I’ve always liked Leigertwood as a player.
- I covered Wimbledon a fair bit when he was a youngster just beginning to break into the first team there.
- Back then, he was seen as a top prospect as a centre-back.
- He was prone to switching off and making the odd silly mistake – as many young players are – but he obviously had class and a future in the game.
- Leigertwood, now 26, has the distinction of being Rangers’ first major signing with the money generated by the takeover of 2007.
- At the time, I thought it was £900,000 well spent on exactly the type of player an ambitious Championship club should be spending significant sums of money on; someone who could perform at that level, but also in the division above.
- My issue with Rangers’ spending since then is that, in my opinion, only Akos Buzsaky definitely ticks this box, although Matt Connolly and Hogan Ephraim’s potential means their signings were more than justified. The same applies to the excellent Alejandro Faurlin
.
- As a defender, I’ve no doubt that Leigertwood could step up a level and is a better player than when he last played in the top division with Crystal Palace and Sheffield United.
- But the man himself is very keen to become established as a top-class midfielder.
- And if his game continues to develop, he may well get his wish.
- Whatever his position, Leigertwood deserves to be regarded as one of Rangers’ best and most important players.
- And now they’re paying big wages, QPR need guys like Mikele Leigertwood – good pros who, regardless of their salary, are ambitious and will always give everything.
- There’s no reason why he shouldn’t clock up another hundred appearances for the club.
- And who knows. Maybe, just maybe, most of them will be as a Premier League player.
BBC606

- QPR: Kick Out Racism - Mikele Legitwood (Video: From couple of weeks ago - Before the QPR "Surge!")


- Brown May be Out at Hull

- Stabbed Callum Davenport Charged With Assault

- Portsmouth Hit With Transfer Ban

- Parliamentary Praise for Sheffield Wednesday for donating Shirt Sponsorship to local childrens' hospital

- BBC Gossip/The Star Snippet: QPR Interested in Gillingham's Simeon Jackson?

- Peter Hucker Turns Fifty

- Briatore Supposedly Taking Month Vacation

- QPR Coaches Golfing

- Year Flashback: The QPR Managerial Merry-Go-Around


CURRENT CHAMPIONSHIP PROMOTION ODDS
- To Win The Championship .... To Win Promotion... To Win the FA Cup!

Still Unclear: Who Are QPR's New Partner "Toyo"

- QPR Disciplinary Record: Season-by-Season (for last six seasons)

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

QPR Report Football Snippets Wednesday...Next: Leicester...Army Welcomed at Loftus Road...Kick Out Racism

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- Visit also the combination messageboard and quasi-blog QPR Report Messageboard. If you're interested in constantly-updated news re anything QPR-related (not infrequently not found on other QPR sites)and also QPR nostalgia, the QPR Report Messageboard has both - along with assorted eclectic non-QPR football material. All opinions welcome!

- QPR REPORT Available on TWITTER!



- Brown May be Out at Hull

- Stabbed Callum Davenport Charged With Assault

- Next: Leicester City at Loftus Road

- Portsmouth Hit With Transfer Ban

- Parliamentary Praise for Sheffield Wednesday for donating Shirt Sponsorship to local childrens' hospital

- QPR: Kick Out Racism - Mikele Legitwood (From couple of weeks ago - Before the QPR "Surge!")

- BBC Gossip/The Star Snippet: QPR Interested in Gillingham's Simeon Jackson?

- Peter Hucker Turns Fifty

- Briatore Supposedly Taking Month Vacation

- QPR Coaches Golfing

- Year Flashback: The QPR Managerial Merry-Go-Around

- David Conn on the White Middle Aged Men Dominating the FA Board

- Piece in WSC re Managers' Post-Match Comments

- Hull City's Financial Problems

- Ex-QPR Commercial Manager, Gary Hooper Appointed Brentford's Head of Commercial

- Liam Brady's Brother Dies

- Notts County New Manager: Hans Backe


QPR Official Site - THE TROOPS ARE COMING TO W12
- The R's Championship fixture against Coventry City next month promises to be an extra special occasion for the troops of the 2nd Battalion Royal Fusiliers, based at Hounslow Barracks.
- The Club have agreed to offer 500 FREE tickets to the service men and women who have served our country so well in Afghanistan in recent months.
- Their family and friends will also be invited to the match, as we all unite to show our gratitude and appreciation to the troops from our local Barracks.
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Deputy MD, Ali Russell, told www.qpr.co.uk: "This is something we have been thinking about for some time and we're delighted we've been able to pencil in the Coventry City match for the entire QPR fan-base to show their appreciation and gratitude to these incredible human beings.
- "It puts football into perspective when you consider what these people have been through, but we will be giving them a day to remember at Loftus Road - and what better motivation to win than in front of a group of troops who have given blood, sweat and tears for their country in recent months."
- The Football League recently selected Help for Heroes as their Official Charity Partner for the 2009/10 season and Russell added: "We will be working very closely with Help for Heroes on several initiatives throughout the season, but we're delighted that we've managed to get the wheels in motion with our local Barracks and hopefully it's the start of a really positive relationship."
- As well as watching all the action unveil from Ellerslie Road, the troops - who will be granted the Freedom of the Borough by the Council on Thursday 26th November - will provide a guard of honour prior to kick-off and also take part in a lap of honour.
- Captain Jay Shaw added: "It is great to see the support and appreciation shown to our regiment by the British public and especially on this occasion Queens Park Rangers Football Club." QPR


CURRENT CHAMPIONSHIP PROMOTION ODDS
- To Win The Championship .... To Win Promotion... To Win the FA Cup!


Comparing the Current QPR and the Old QPR
Square Football - A Team In The QPR Tradition Posted by Hugh Larkin
- Watching Queens Park Rangers dismantle Derby County with style on national television brought back the best of memories for supporters of a certain age. Inevitably it brought to mind QPR sides of the past.
- To anyone under 30 it might come as a shock to find that Rangers finished second in the top flight in 1976. That team-with England's Gerry Francis driving them on- played with tremendous style and verve. An accomplished Liverpool only pipped them by a single point in May- and bizarrely were allowed to play their final game after Rangers had completed their programme.
- Dave Thomas was a vibrant force on the wing and Phil Parkes an ultra-solid keeper who England would love to have now.At the back the grizzled ex-Chelsea veteran David Webb provided the steel and Don Givens was a clever forward who later played with big success on the Continent.
- In the middle of it all was Stan Bowles, one of those maverick talents who flourished in the 70s but failed to impress several England managers. His sublime ball skills and vision lit up the team.
- Rangers were the acceptable face of London football to many provincial fans- a smaller club than Arsenal, Spurs and Chelsea, with an air of adventure, a stadium near the BBC and White City, plus a killer strip.
- In the Premiership era Rangers had another terrific side, finishing fifth in the first year of the new competition. This one was based on the all-action striking skills of Les Ferdinand and the subtle promptings of Ray Wilkins late in his career. Andy Sinton's wing play brought him England caps.
- Now QPR have another side- albeit in the Championship- who are fizzing the ball about with style and accuracy. Jim Magilton's team plays with ambition and Wayne Routledge and Adel Taraabt, two Spurs refugees, are full of tricks. It doesn't always come off but it's good to watch.
- QPR have moved to sixth in the table after the win at Pride Park.They are playing the sort of football that could grace the Premiership and pleases Loftus Road fans, but it remains to be seen if they can stick with this fluid style through the winter months. - Also Interesting comments/reactions to article


Bloomberg/Alex Duff - Ecclestone Says He Plans to Retain QPR Stake If Briatore Ousted
- Oct. 27 (Bloomberg) -- Bernie Ecclestone, the Formula One billionaire, said he has no plans to quit Queens Park Rangers soccer team if co-owner Flavio Briatore is ordered to relinquish his stake.
- Briatore faces a ban from the English second-tier club after the former Renault team manager was expelled from Formula One last month in a race-fixing scandal. Briatore is appealing the ruling in a French court. Football League rules say team owners or directors should be barred if they’re subject to a ban from a sports governing body.
- “I don’t have a problem being with the football club” if Briatore leaves, Ecclestone said in a phone interview. “I hope that doesn’t happen.”
- Ecclestone and Briatore bought the west London team for 14 million pounds ($22.9 million) in 2007 and steel billionaire Lakshmi Mittal took a 20 percent stake four months later. Ecclestone said he had “no idea” what would happen to Briatore’s stake if he is required to give it up.
- QPR is seventh in the Championship after 13 of 46 matches this season, having scored 12 goals in winning its last three games.
- The top two teams at the end of the campaign win automatic promotion to the Premier League and a third is determined via playoffs. QPR was demoted from the top division in 1996. Bloomberg


- Flashback: Thirty years ago yesterday: QPR Crush Burnley 7-0 (Video of Goals)

- Still Unclear: Who Are QPR's New Partner "Toyo"

- QPR Disciplinary Record: Season-by-Season (for last six seasons)

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