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Monday, January 31, 2011

QPR Report Monday Snippets and Flashbacks...Lita Interest?

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QPR Playing at the White City in 1962/63-Enlarged Photo
QPR Assess Their White City Failure (Enlarged to Make it Readable!)

-Throughout the day, updates, comments and perspectives re QPR and football in general are posted and discussed on the QPR Report Messageboard...Also Follow: QPR REPORT ON TWITTER
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- It's Transfer Window Deadline Day (although the loan window remains open for a few more weeks) - QPR Report Thread: Transfer Deadline Day News, Views and Rumours


- Lita/QPR Interest Update
Northern Echo/Scott Wilsom - Boro close in on double deal as Lita edges to QPR

- Monday 31st January 2011
- MIDDLESBROUGH are poised to complete a deadline-day double with the capture of Merouane Zemmama and Maximilian Haas, but Tony Mowbray could be looking for a third signing if QPR lodge an improved £3m offer for striker Leroy Lita. Midfielder Zemmama and central defender Haas will both join until the end of the season, but it is Lita's position that could cause most confusion before the transfer window closes tonight. QPR officials discussed Lita's position with their counterparts at the Riverside at the end of last week, with £2m mentioned as a possible valuation.
- Middlesbrough will not allow the 26-year-old to leave for that sum, as Mowbray would struggle to secure an adequate replacement before the transfer window closes. However, sources in London claim QPR boss Neil Warnock has identified Lita as the possible difference between a successful Championship promotion campaign and a drop into the play-off places between now and the end of the season, and an increased offer is anticipated as a result. Should QPR return with a bid of £3m later today, Boro would almost certainly sell, and Mowbray would be forced into a rapid assessment of his options..." Northern Echo


- Video Snippet of Taarabt's Behaviour at Hull


- Hull-QPR Match Reports and Comments
- Video Snippet from Hull vs QPR


- Championship Form over past eight games...and Championship Table at this time of year past few seasons.


- Five Years Ago Today Ian Holloway's last home game in Charge: QPR Lose to Leicester: Report & Comments


- Ten Years ago Today: Heading-for-Relegation (and Administration) QPR lose at home to Fulham and Langley and Carlisle are Out for the season


- Ninety Years and a Day: QPR's Bert Addinall Born


- Amulya Loan/Stadium Ownership? Deadline Day (Unless already resolved)


- Two Indian Youths who Trained at QPR Reflect


- Manchester City Complain about Notts County Sexism


- An Analysis of Chelsea's New Spending


- Year Ago Yesterday: "Red Nose Day Protest" at Loftus Road as QPR lose again (1 win and 7 points from last 11 games).


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- Photo of QPR Mascot of 1909, Vera Aris (Williams). Her father Maurice Aris played for QPR. If Any Family members should read this and would like to contact this QPR Report Board...?


Enlarged Photo

Sunday, January 30, 2011

QPR Report Sunday: Compilation of Hull Reports and Comments...Lita?...Taarabt Talks Manchester United...Crouch Turns 30...Bert Addinall

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-Bert Addinall would have been ninety today. Born January 30, 1921. Died May 2005. (Back row: Left to Right: Lew Clayton John Poppitt Harry Brown George Powell Des Farrow Reg Chapman. Front Row Seated: Left to Right: Billy Waugh Conway Smith Bert Addinall Harry Gilberg Ernie Shepherd).
- Flashback: QPR Official Site May 12, 2005 BERT ADDINALL It was with great sadness that the Club learned of the recent passing of former player Bert Addinall. Bert played up front for Rangers with distinction between 1943 and 1953. He made 156 appearances for the club, scoring 61 goals, having joined during the latter stages of the Second World War.Bert then moved on to Brighton and Crystal Palace before ending his career playing for non-league side Snowdon Colliery." See Also: Addinall Wikipedia ProfileLeft to Right: Bill Heath, Reg Allen, Arthur Jefferson, Bert Addinall, Des Farrow and John Pattison

-Throughout the day, updates, comments and perspectives re QPR and football in general are posted and discussed on the QPR Report Messageboard...Also Follow: QPR REPORT ON TWITTER
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- Photo of QPR Mascot of 1909, Vera Aris (Williams). Her father Maurice Aris played for QPR. If Any Family members should read this and would like to contact this QPR Report Board...?
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- Video Snippet from Hull vs QPR

- Lita/QPR?: Another paper saying QPR Interest in Signing before Monday Deadline Sunday Sun/Steve Brown "MIDDLESBROUGH are bracing themselves for a last-minute bid from QPR for Leroy Lita – and could be tempted by an offer anywhere near £2 million.
The Teessiders were reported to have rejected Wigan Athletic’s £1million attempt to land the 26-year-old last week. But the Sunday Sun understands QPR are weighing up a move before the January transfer window closes tomorrow night. Sunday Sun


- Championship Form over past eight games...and Championship Table at this time of year past few seasons.

- Year Ago: "Red Nose Day Protest" at Loftus Road as QPR lose again (1 win and 7 points from last 11 games).

- Peter Crouch Turns 30 Today

- "What the Transfer Window Really Means to everyone from chairmen and players to fans" - Terry Butcher/The Mirror


PEOPLE/Dean Jones - Spurs flop Adel Taraabt says Manchester United want to sign him
- COCKY Adel Taarabt reckons he is on his way to Manchester United – a week after claiming his agent was in talks with Real Madrid. The Moroccan did not make the grade at Spurs as he failed to convince boss Harry Redknapp that there was an end product to his stepovers, so joined QPR this season for £500,000.
- Taarabt said: ”Nothing is official yet. I had discussions about my transfer after my performance against Coventry City. I’m ready to go to Manchester United. “We’ll see later in the season, as I’m hoping to reach the promotion target with my current club QPR. I like England, so I am not against the idea of continuing my career at United.” People


HULL 0 QPR 0: REPORTS & COMMENTS

QPR 28 28 53
Norwich 28 9 48
Cardiff 27 12 47
Swansea 28 9 47
Nott For 26 14 46
Leeds 28 7 45
Watford 26 13 42

- Warnock Audio


QPR Official Site - Warnock's View - GAFFER ON TIGERS
Neil Warnock felt his side's inability to be more clinical in front of goal denied them of all three points, despite dominating for long periods at Hull City.

Indeed, QPR had a number of chances to win it, namely through Kaspars Gorkss and Bradley Orr on two occasions.

And Warnock told www.qpr.co.uk: "We've come away and got a point against a side that will probably be delighted with the 0-0.

"I thought we dominated the game for 80 minutes.

"We could have done better in the final third. Bradley Orr had a couple of great chances to score.

"Maybe it was a bit too comfortable for us.

"The urgency wasn't there from us to go and get a goal because we were that comfortable.

"And that's when you'll sometimes end up losing one nil.

"But that's the Championship."

Towards the end of the first half, the home supporters got on the back of frustrated R's talisman Adel Taarabt who, at times, had no less than three players marking him.

But Warnock was quick to defend his top scorer, commenting: "I didn't see much wrong with Adel. He was just frustrated because he was not getting much of the ball.

"He's great to have around and is a smashing lad."

He added: "If we would have scored a goal it would have been a great game but we couldn't do that."I'm disappointed, but a clean sheet away from home is fantastic.

"Teams have to work hard to get opportunities against us.

"We've got Portsmouth on Tuesday, followed by Reading on Friday, so it's going to be a busy week!"
http://www.qpr.co.uk/page/TheGaffer/0,,10373~2279814,00.html


SPORTING LIFE - ASHBEE HANDS IN TRANSFER REQUEST
Ian Ashbee's future at Hull hangs in the balance after manager Nigel Pearson revealed he had received a written transfer request from the club captain.

Ashbee was linked with a switch to Preston on Friday as part of a loan move that would see him reunite with former Tigers boss Phil Brown.

And manager Pearson - speaking after his team's 0-0 draw at home to QPR - said he was "disappointed" by the development.

Ashbee, a Hull servant of nine years, was left out of the match-day squad following the surprise revelation and the City boss told reporters: "I'll give you the facts as they are.

"Yesterday he came in and before training, told me a club had offered him a contract - make of that what you will.

"In the afternoon, we had a written transfer request. Apart from that, I'm not making any more statements on that situation.

"Those are the facts as they are. I'll see how that one develops."

Pearson fended off further questions about the situation but did reveal he was upset at Ashbee for asking to leave the club a day before their encounter with the Championship table-toppers.

He went on: "The biggest thing for me, what I'm disappointed about, is the timing - on a Friday morning when you're preparing for the game, I'm disappointed."

"Having said that, it's something that happens in football.

"The club have received a written transfer request from the player. Full stop."

On the 0-0 stalemate at the KC Stadium, the 47-year-old felt his team his side could have sneaked victory.
"I was pleased with our discipline and I thought we worked very hard as a team," he said. "As the game wore on, we were more likely to nick it."

QPR counterpart Neil Warnock disagreed with his opposite number, insisting his promotion-chasing side had bossed the encounter.

Rangers did edge shades of a scrappy affair and created a handful of half-chances, the most notable of which was debutant Ishmael Miller's disallowed effort for offside.

But it was Hull who had had the best opening and only Matt Fryatt's profligacy in extra time kept the affair goalless, although Warnock would have felt aggrieved to have lost out - and claimed only his men were chasing the three points.

"I'm disappointed and frustrated," said Warnock. "I think you've got to say you're happy when they have a clear chance like they had at the end.

"But, no, I'm really frustrated. I was surprised how Hull set the stall out - put the bus in front of the goal.

"I felt we dominated the game for 80 minutes. I just thought the last 10 minutes they had a little bit. We could have done a lot better in the last third. We didn't test the keeper enough." Sporting Life


Hull Official Site -Tigers Hold League Leaders
Hull City and league-leaders Queens Park Rangers played out a 0-0 draw at the KC Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

In an even contest with limited chances, both sides cancelled each other out with City claiming a second clean sheet in three games.

Corry Evans made his first start for the Tigers in place of Ian Ashbee as the only change to the starting eleven.

New signing Tijani Belaid was on the bench while Andy Dawson captained the side.

Some slack defending from QPR in the early moments almost let Aaron Mclean in for the first chance of the afternoon, but visiting goalkeeper Paddty Kenny was able to sweep up before the City striker could take advantage.

Good work from Tommy Smith created a chance for Adel Taarabt to hit a shot from 30 yards, the effort flying just over Brad Guzan's bar.

City had looked the brighter side in the opening 15 minutes, but the best chance fell to QPR when Guzan couldn't hold Taarabt's corner, but Kaspars Gorkss volleyed over from ten yards.

QPR thought they had the lead when Ishmael Miller slotted past Guzan in the 29th minute, but the effort was ruled out for offside.

City's first shot on target came six minutes later as Cameron Stewart took aim from the edge of the box, but Kenny went to his right to make a smart save.

QPR's Taarabt and Shaun Derry then had an on-field arguement and as the City crowd got at Taarabt he signalled to his manager that he wanted to come off. His plea fell on deaf ears, though, and he spent the remainder of the half sulking in the centre circle much to the amusement of the home fans.

Half Time: Tigers 0-0 QPR

City won a corner early in the second half when Mclean's low cross was sliced over his own bar by Bradley Orr. Dawson delivered the corner and when it was cleared to the edge of the box, Robert Koren saw his shot blocked.

James Harper then tested Kenny with a 25-yard drive that the keeper had to turn over for another City corner. Dawson worked it short with Evans, but when the ball came into the box, it was cleared by the visiting defence.

City made their first change on 65 minutes as Nick Barmby replaced Mclean.

A fantastic set-piece delivery by Taarabt to the back post picked out Orr on 68 minutes, but the full back could only volley high and wide from close range.

Harper was booked a minute later for a challenge on Matt Connolly.

City's second change saw Jamie Devitt come on for Stewart.

Devitt brought a fine save out of Kenny seven minutes from time, the QPR keeper blocking at his near post following a tricky run from the winger.

City's golden chance arrived deep into added time when Liam Rosenior's clever ball sent Fryatt racing away. But although the striker lifted the ball over Kenny, he cleared the bar as well.

There was still time for Evans to go close with a shot from 30 yards, but in the end there was no way through.

Tigers: Brad Guzan, Liam Rosenior, James Chester, Anthony Gerrard, Andy Dawson, Robert Koren, James Harper, Corry Evans, Cameron Stewart (Devitt 73), Aaron Mclean (Barmby 65), Matty Fryatt.

Subs: Matt Duke, Paul McShane, Tom Cairney, Tijani Belaid, Jamie Devitt, Nick Barmby, Jay Simpson.
QPR: Paddy Kenny, Bradley Orr, Clint Hill, Shaun Derry, Adel Taarabt, Alejandro Faurlin (Vaagen Moen 68), Kaspars Gorkss, Wayne Routledge, Matt Connolly, Tommy Smith (Hulse 73), Ishmael Miller (Ephraim 85).
Subs: Radek Cerny, Fitz Hall, Rob Hulse, Petter Vaagen Moen, Hogan Ephraim, Pascal Chimbonda, Danny Shittu.
Referee: Mr K.D. Hill.Attendance: 20,601.
http://www.hullcityafc.net/page/NewsDetail/0,,10338~2279661,00.html


QPR Official Site - QPR shared the spoils with Hull City at the KC Stadium.
The goalless scoreline was probably just, on an afternoon when neither side created a hatful of opportunities to win it.

Bradley Orr missed the R's best chance to take three points back to W12, when he fired Tommy Smith's teasing centre over the bar from 12-yards out after the break.

The Tigers also had their chances to take a maximum return, namely when Matty Fryatt blazed over the target when one-on-one with Paddy Kenny in second-half stoppage time.

Nevertheless, the draw maintains QPR's five-point cushion at the summit of the npower Championship.

The R's made one change for the trip to Humberside, as Ishmael Miller came into the side to make his first start for the Club and replace the injured Heidar Helguson.

Meanwhile, recent signings Pascal Chimbonda and Danny Shittu were named on the bench for QPR.

Kenny was in goal for Rangers, with Orr, Matt Connolly, Kaspars Gorkss and Clint Hill ahead of the R's shot-stopper in defence.

Shaun Derry and Alejandro Faurlin were in defensive midfield, behind the attacking trio of Wayne Routledge, Adel Taarabt and Smith.

Miller led the line for QPR.

Hull were enjoying a sustained period of early pressure, but it was Hoops top scorer Taarabt who almost notched his fourteenth goal this term on eight minutes.

Good work from Smith enabled him to break away from his marker down the left and, when the R's attacker squared the ball to Taarabt 25-yards out, the Moroccan magician fired a rasping shot just over the top left-hand upright.

Moments later, QPR could - and probably should - have been ahead.

Taarabt's sweeping corner from the left was spilled by Tigers keeper Brad Guzan, before Gorkss somehow smashed an effort over the target with the goal at his mercy from six yards.

The R's had evidently ridden the initial Tigers storm and, midway into the first half, the possession count was firmly in QPR's favour.

Opportunities to score were few and far between as the half came to a close.

However, Kenny was forced into a smart save to keep the R's level at the break - holding on to Cameron Stewart's stinging, low drive on 20 yards.

The R's came out for the second period in positive fashion.

Hill and Smith exchanged passes on the left-hand edge of the box, before the latter's looping cross only just evaded the head of the incoming Orr on 12 yards, who had made a late, bursting run into the penalty area.

Play soon switched to the other end, where Kenny was forced into a fine stop to tip James Harper's 30-yard drilled effort over the bar.

QPR brought on Petter Vaagan Moen in the 68th minute to replace Faurlin.

And, hot on the heels of his introduction, the R's almost snatched a lead.

Taarabt's beautifully struck free-kick from the left-hand channel evaded everyone but the onrushing Orr at the back post, whose side-footed effort agonisingly looped over the target.

The closing minutes of the second half were very much like the first, with neither side giving an inch in their attempts for supremacy.

Nonetheless, Kenny still had to be at the top of his game to keep the Tigers out on 83 minutes, as he tipped Jamie Devitt's low blast from 20 yards around his left-hand post.

Hull missed a fabulous chance to snatch victory in stoppage time, only for Fryatt to blaze an effort over the target when one-on-one with Kenny.
http://www.qpr.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10373~52165,00.html


SKYSPORTS - Tigers and Hoops share stalemate
Last updated: 29th January 2011
Tigers and Hoops share stalemate

Hull City and Queens Park Rangers ground out a 0-0 stalemate in their Championship encounter at the KC Stadium on Saturday.

Rangers boss Neil Warnock will take his team back to London the happier of the two thanks to a point that keeps them five points clear at the top of the table.

However, it was a frustrating afternoon for the promotion favourites as they were worked hard by an equally well-marshalled Hull team, who missed out on the chance to make up vital ground on the play-offs.

Ishmael Miller had one ruled out for offside in the first half and Matty Fryatt spurned a sitter at the death for Hull, but there was little to separate either side.

Hull chief Nigel Pearson made one change to his team, leaving out club captain Ian Ashbee as the midfielder's loan move to Preston nears completion.

Corry Evans came into midfield in his place as QPR handed a debut to on loan striker Miller, who deputised for the injured Heidar Helguson.

The early exchanges were sluggish - setting the agenda for a dull opening half.

Adel Taarabt then gave a glimpse of why he is so widely publicised when his nimble feet evaded a few challenges before lashing a shot just over.

Rangers had an even better chance 12 minutes in as Brad Guzan's flap at a corner presented defender Matt Connolly with an unattended net, however he could only clear the crossbar.

Miller was guilty of being wasteful - shooting straight at Guzan - when he shrugged off Anthony Gerrard in a foot race to a long ball.

The West Brom loanee thought he had made amends when he prodded home on the half hour but his joy was tempered by the linesman's offside flag.

City finally broke the shackles of QPR's territorial hold to create a chance as a Liam Rosenior pass found Cameron Stewart in space on the 18-yard line.

The winger was promptly shut down, though, and Paddy Kenny was quickly down to his right to smother as the game limped to a welcome breather.

The hosts began the second period brightly as Fryatt and Aaron Maclean's exchange of passes released the latter down the right, but no-one could cash-in on the former Peterborough's man teasing centre.

Bradley Orr did nearly slice into his own net from the delivery, although he directed it over the bar to safety as the Tigers slowly built momentum.

They forced Kenny into a neat save minutes later from Harper's long-range effort but Rangers - with 14 clean sheets to their name going into the clash - regrouped to keep Hull at a safe distance.

Orr should have capitalised on a napping Hull backline when he ghosted in unattended to meet Wayne Routledge's free-kick but the right-back fired over as both managers made changes in search of a winner.

One of those, Devitt, came nearest late on when he jigged past two before testing Kenny, but Fryatt spurned the best chance - blasting over in stoppage time with just the keeper to beat.
http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,19764,11065_3354934,00.html


Paul Warburton/Fulham Chronicle - Taarabt strop as QPR gain point

THE most exciting action of this bore draw was the amazing sulk thrown by Adel Taarabt nine minutes from the end of the first hald.

A pass intended for the QPR Moroccan was wayward, but the midfielder then incredibly stood in the centre of the pitch while berating his team-mates.

He then signalled to the bench that he wanted to come off – as Hull fans jeered to the rafters of the stadium – and only got involved again after a number of others in hoops cajoled him back into the game.

Consoling arms around the shoulder from Shaun Derry and Tommy Smith appeared to calm down the Rs captain – and a fair bit of man-management in the dressing room saw Taarabt out for the second period.

However, neither he nor anyone in Rangers blue-and-white could break the deadlock. Bradley Orr came closest just past the hour when he scooped over after stealing up on the blind side

And Kaspars Gorkss has not been at his best in front of goal recently – and the defender got no luckier when he contrived to side-foot over the bar in the box as he latched on to an early corner.

Matty Fryatt should have won it in the last minute for Hull – but apart from Taarabt’s strop, the most worrying thing for boss Neil Warnock was suffering Smith limping off with what looked like a hamstring problem on 72 minutes.
http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/london-qpr/2011/01/29/taarabt-strop-as-qpr-gain-point-82029-28078190/


SUNDAY MIRROR
The off-field drama overshadowed anything on it yesterday, as the battling Tigers checked Championship leaders QPR in a dull affair.

Hull skipper Ian ­Ashbee’s future hangs in the balance after boss Nigel Pearson revealed his captain had a put in a written transfer request.

Long-serving Ashbee was linked with a switch to Preston on Friday as part of a loan move that would see him reunite with former Tigers boss Phil Brown.

Ashbee, nine years with the club, was dropped out of the squad following the surprise revelation.

“In the afternoon, we received a written transfer request. Apart from that, I’m not making any more comment.

“Those are the facts. I’ll see how it develops.”

Pearson fended off further questions about the situation, but did say he was upset at Ashbee for asking to leave the club a day before their encounter with QPR.

He said: “The biggest thing for me, what I’m disappointed about, is the timing – on a Friday morning when you’re preparing for the game.”

“But it happens in football.”

On the match Pearson felt his team could have sneaked victory.

“I was pleased with our discipline and I thought we worked very hard as a team,” he said. “As the game wore on, we were more likely to nick it.”

No surprise that QPR manager Neil Warnock disagreed with that analysis, insisting that his side had bossed the encounter.

Rangers, who stay five points clear at the top, did edge shades of a scrappy affair and created a handful of half-chances, the most notable of which was loanee Ishmael Miller’s disallowed effort for offside.

But it was Hull who had the best opening of the game, and only Matt Fryatt’s profligacy in second-half added time – he blasted over the bar with only keeper Paddy Kenny to beat – kept the affair goalless.

“I’m frustrated,” said Warnock. “We dominated the game for 80 minutes but could have done a lot better in the last third. We didn’t test the keeper enough.”
Mirror


EXPRESS
HULL CITY 0, QPR 0: Adel Taarabt spat his dummy out as draw specialists QPR were forced to settle for a point.

Neil Warnock forced the moody Moroccan to stay on after Rangers’ 13-goal top scorer demanded to come off – even though he clearly wasn’t injured.

Taarabt’s tantrum was sparked when the midfielder’s claims for a first-half free-kick were waved away by referee Keith Hill.

To the delight of Hull fans, the winger’s wish to come off was ignored by Warnock.

Taarabt’s skilful side shone through before the sulks as he sent a dipping 25-yard effort just over early on.

Rangers keeper Paddy Kenny was forced to tip over James Harper’s 25-yarder early in the second-half.

It was a rare opening carved out by the shot-shy hosts who have scored just 11 goals in 14 homes games this term. Express

THE STAR - HULL 0 - QPR 0 - IT'S HELL FOR ADEL TAARABT IN HULL
Adel Taarabt spat out his dummy as draw specialists QPR again settled for a point
30th January 2011 By Peter Griffin

ADEL TAARABT spat out his dummy as draw specialists QPR again settled for a point.

Neil Warnock forced the moody Moroccan to stay on after the 13-goal top scorer demanded to come off – even though he clearly wasn’t injured.

Taarabt’s tantrum was sparked when the midfielder’s claims for a first-half free-kick were waved away by referee Keith Hill.

The miffed 21-year-old simply downed tools and spent the next minute walking around ignoring the ball – and the bemused Rangers players.

Advice from two or three of his team-mates to cool it failed to stop the sulking and things came to a head just before the break when Taarabt gestured to the QPR bench that he’d had enough.

His plea fell on stony ground and to the delight of Hull fans, the whingey winger’s wishes were ignored by his no-nonsense boss Warnock, who refused to haul his talisman star off.

The straight-talking Yorkshireman made sure Taarabt came out after the break – no doubt with a choice word or two ringing in his ears – to play his part in earning another point towards the Londoners’ Premier League push.

QPR manager Warnock said: “I’m disappointed and frustrated with a point. I was surprised how Hull put the bus in front of the goal and we dominated for 80 minutes but didn’t test the keeper enough.

“The final pass was poor and we didn’t make enough in and around the box. If Hull had won at the end it would have been a travesty. I didn’t see much wrong with Adel other than him not getting the ball. He’s like that every day.

“He wasn’t injured, it was just his pride, he can’t play to the level he wants to every game. I thought he might be injured but he wasn’t.

“That’s how he is, he’s a smashing lad to have around and we’re going to get times like that.

“When he gets the ball he always looks like he’ll do something.

"If he wanted to come off he could have come off.

“The urgency wasn’t there in the team to go and score that goal.”
Hull stretched their impressive run to just one defeat in 13 games to keep them on the coat-tails of the play-offs, but Nigel Pearson’s workmanlike side failed to create enough chances to deserve all three points.

Captain Ian Ashbee was left out of the side following his transfer request, with Preston his likely destination to link up with old boss Phil Brown.

Pearson said: “We looked more likely to win it towards the end than them.

“I was pleased with our discipline, we worked hard a a team and as it wore on we looked likely to nick it.”

On Ashbee’s, future he said: “We’ve received a written transfer request. We’ll see how it develops.
“The biggest thing for me is that I’m disappointed with the timing but it’s something that happens in football.” The Star


TWO YOUTHS FROM INDIA WHO TRAINED AT QPR - Mid Day- Just Back from Beckham land
By: Rudayna Bahubeshi Date: 2011-01-30 Place: Mumbai

Two 14 year-old winners of the Milind Deora Junior Soccer Challenge speak of the experience of coaching at the famous Queens Park Rangers Football Club (QPR )

Shaun Fernandes and Hussain Vahanvaty are one step closer to their dream of being professional football players. The two boys were the first winners of the Milind Deora Junior Soccer Challenge, a competition launched in 2009 in an effort aimed at giving passionate, young football players the opportunity to hone their skills, with a six-week coaching clinic at the famous Queens Park Rangers Football Club (QPR) in London.

Up against 1,700 other players, the two 14 year-olds could not believe their luck when they were declared winners.

"I was shocked!" said Fernandes. For, Vahanvaty, who was in Delhi playing for Maharashtra at the time of the Junior Soccer Challenge, it felt like destiny was playing out his wishes. "I asked to come to Mumbai for the tournament because I had the feeling that I could get it."

The programme held a rigorous schedule that included an early start on the field, matches, exposure to a new city, and of course, staying on top of academics.

But both boys agree that the greatest challenge was the game. "The training was very tough," admitted Fernandes.

On the difference between playing at home and in London, Vahanvaty said, "It's more physical. It's way faster. They run faster, and they move the ball faster."

The shift in environment also challenged them. And of adapting to playing in the English elements, Fernandes said, "It was drizzling, wet, and cold. I was freezing out there!"

For the boys, the challenge was worthwhile, since the programme allowed them the opportunity to develop strong techniques, meet senior team players, and play with and against an international team.

Watching his games from the bleachers, Vahanvaty's parents can see the improvement the opportunity has offered him. "There's significant improvement in his game, and in his thinking process. He realised what it was to compete on a world stage. In England, he was exposed to the highest quality of football," said his father Huzaifa Vahanvaty.

With the last Milind Deora Junior Soccer Challenge having taken place last month, and the winners recently announced, Vahanvaty has some advice for the next lucky few to go to QPR: "They should do their best, try to build up their speed so that they can adjust faster, and try to work out a bit before taking off."

Having shared the experience together Vahanvaty and Fernandes are now close friends with a common goal: to continue improving their football skills, and strive to play professionally.

Shauna Fernandes and Hussain Vahanvaty, winners of the Milind Deora
Junior Soccer Challenge, at Cooperage for the Mir Iqbal Hussain Trophy
for West Zone. Pic/ Atul Kamble - MID DAY



(Left to Right) Bill Heath, Reg Allen, Arthur Jefferson, Bert Addinall, Des Farrow and John Pattison"

Saturday, January 29, 2011

TEAMS: Hull vs QPR

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Throughout the day, updates, comments and perspectives re QPR and football in general are posted and discussed on the QPR Report Messageboard...Also Follow: QPR REPORT ON TWITTER
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- "Match Live Chat on QPR Report"

HULL vs QPR - TEAMS

Hull City:
- Guzan, Dawson, Harper, Fryatt, Chester, Koren, Gerrard, Evans, Rosenior, Stewart, McLean.
- Subs: Duke, McShane, Cairney, Barmby, Devitt, Simpson, Belaid.

QPR:
Kenny, Orr, Hill, Derry, Taarabt, Faurlin, Gorkss, Routledge, Connolly, Smith, Miller.
-Subs: Cerny, Hall, Hulse, Vaagan Moen, Ephraim, Chimbonda, Shittu.


- Year Ago: Plummeting towards the "Third Division" - 7 points from 14 games

- Hull Previews & Stats

- Hull Fan Perspective of Hull and QPR

- Former QPR Physiotherapist, Prav Mathema, Off to Wales

- Two Ex-QPR Birthdays: Mark Stein & Steve Yates

- Southampton's Youth Development programme - and three-year old Ben Kosky piece re QPR's lack of youth Development

- West Ham Owners Declare Never Considered Axing Grant!

- Ledesma's Brighton Trial: No Decision Yet


- QPR Discipline
- : Football League "Queens Park Rangers continue to lead the way in the Championship table, and it's refreshing to see that the Hoops are also still a fair way down the bad boys' table. Neil Warnock's men have 273 fouls to their name to earn them 42 yellow cards and four reds." - Discipline Table


- January 31st Amulya/Stadium Deadline....Although maybe things just haven't been announced

QPR Report Saturday Update

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Year Before: Enlarged Photo
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Throughout the day, updates, comments and perspectives re QPR and football in general are posted and discussed on the QPR Report Messageboard...Also Follow: QPR REPORT ON TWITTER
_____________________________________________________________________________________

- Mail Snippet: QPR/Lita
- "Queen's Park Rangers boss Neil Warnock is ready to make a £2m bid for Lita" Mail


- Year Ago: Plummeting towards the "Third Division" - 7 points from 14 games

- Hull Previews & Stats

- Hull Fan Perspective of Hull and QPR

- Former QPR Physiotherapist, Prav Mathema, Off to Wales

- Two Ex-QPR Birthdays: Mark Stein & Steve Yates

- Southampton's Youth Development programme - and three-year old Ben Kosky piece re QPR's lack of youth Development

- West Ham Owners Declare Never Considered Axing Grant!

- Ledesma's Brighton Trial: No Decision Yet


- QPR Discipline
- : Football League "Queens Park Rangers continue to lead the way in the Championship table, and it's refreshing to see that the Hoops are also still a fair way down the bad boys' table. Neil Warnock's men have 273 fouls to their name to earn them 42 yellow cards and four reds." - Discipline Table



MIRROR - QPR new boy Miller looking forward to the magic touch of Warnock


Ishmael Miller is ­confident he will soon be the latest man to have his career turned around by Neil Warnock.

Hoops boss Warnock has carved out a ­reputation for rescuing players other gaffers had written off – with summer signing Adel Taarabt the perfect example.

Striker Miller, 23, endured a frustrating, injury-hit time at West Brom but now hopes his loan spell at Loftus Road will be the start of a new, happier chapter.

He said: “Neil Warnock was ­probably the main factor in me coming here.

“I’ve spoken to him a few times and he said he’d give me an ­opportunity to play regular football, which is what I want.

“I did well a few seasons ago and since then I’ve had some terrible injuries. Hopefully they’re in the past.”

The Hoops are five points clear at the Championship summit and can extend that if they win at Hull as second-placed Cardiff are not in action.

Miller made his Rangers bow as a second-half substitute on Sunday in the 2-1 win over Coventry and was hopeful of being handed a start at the KC Stadium.

Warnock revealed he would be proving a few people wrong if he could help Miller hit the heights again.

He said: “I think Miller needs someone like me. Some people told me never to touch Clint Hill with a bargepole because of his injuries before I took him to Palace.

“You can’t believe everything people tell you.”

Miller is not the only loan Ranger with something to prove as Wayne Routledge is back at Loftus Road.

The Newcastle winger spent 2009 with the Hoops before heading for the North East a year ago. It hasn’t worked out there but the former Aston Villa man bagged the winner against Coventry and left-back Hill was impressed.

He said: “I’d rather have him on my team than play against him. You always knew you were in for a tough game against him.

“He’s lively, quick and a quality finisher, so it’s great to have him on board.

“If the club can continue to bring in players of that calibre, that’s got to be good.

“Promotion’s what we’re trying to aim for and you need that ­competition to help the squad.” Mirror


Neil Warnock/Independent

Neil Warnock: Female officials aren't as good as men – they're better. I think it's a respect thing


What I Learnt This Week


If you had asked me 20 years ago if I ever thought a woman would be running the line in the Premier League, or refereeing in the Football League, I would have said "not in a million years as they have not got a clue about football".

Before you all write in to have me sacked I'd like to say things have changed, including my opinion. Not only have women achieved those positions, I find them better than their male counterparts. Maybe it is because players give them a little bit more respect.

To give you an idea of how accustomed to female officials I have become, when the story broke I remembered we had a female referee's assistant at one of our recent games. But I couldn't remember which game, or who she was. I had to have it looked up. It was Sian Massey, at Burnley a couple of weeks ago. It was the second QPR game she had done this season. I've never had a problem with Sian and I found her forerunner, Wendy Toms, more than acceptable. While I'm sad to see Richard Keys lose his position, because I've always found him very easy to deal with, if there is anything good to come out of this week's furore it is that the cause of women officials has been given a big boost.

I think women are in football to stay and I can honesty envisage the day when we have a female referee in the Premier League.

In a similar vein, if you'd told me I'd have a female physiotherapist working for me I would have said something sarcastic, but at Palace I was introduced to a young lady in Sangi Patel. When she was made redundant in the summer I didn't hesitate in offering her the assistant physio position at QPR.

There might have been raised eyebrows around the staff room, and indeed the players, when she turned up but myself and Nigel Cox, the head physio, can't praise her enough for the job she does in a really tough man's world. I think it helps having her around at times, though there have been one or two away games when I have felt like apologising to her on the bus after an angry post-match post-mortem.

Why should us men be surprised that women are capable of doing these jobs? Many have been doing a fantastic job at home for years, and I don't mean that as a joke. Every now and again I'm reminded of how difficult it is, like this week when Sharon has been away for the last four days so I have been looking after the kids. Getting William up, washed, dressed, breakfasted, cleaning his teeth, finding his shoes, wondering where his tie has gone, leaves me exhausted by the time I drop him off at school.

2. Muscat's madness brought back a lot of painful memories

A name from the past brought back a lot of unhappy memories this week. Kevin Muscat had been sent off for a horrific challenge playing for Melbourne Victory. It was as bad a challenge as I have seen. I must have been fined at least a couple of times for having a go at him regarding injuries to my players. Some of the incidents with him I have never been able to understand why.

The daft thing is I have always thought he would have been one of the best full-backs in the country if it was not for this red mist. He's got an eight-game ban which takes him to the end of the season and, I hear, the end of his career.

3. I know how Harry felt, I've been robbed across the world

I read last weekend about Harry Redknapp being robbed of everything in his pockets when he went to see Atletico Madrid play. It can happen, and I know. When I was at Sheffield United I went to Istanbul to see a centre-half playing for Turkey against Switzerland in a World Cup play-off about five years ago. His name was Alpay, Aston Villa fans will remember him.

As we were queuing up there was a big surge. I'd kept my hands in my coat pockets, but I took them out for a second to steady myself and my phone was stolen. I suspected this guy in front with a big overcoat. I had a Turkish guy with me and he grabbed the bloke but the thief opened his coat to show he had nothing. I was told he would have passed it to an accomplice. What can you do?

I could understand how Harry must have felt, when you lose your phone you feel sick. My night didn't get much better. Inside it was very tense as Switzerland lost 4-2 but went through on away goals. I was sat amid thousands of Turkish fans and by the end I was waving a red-and-white scarf above my head to blend in.

At full-time, there was a mass brawl on the pitch with the Turkish lads kicking and punching the Swiss. Alpay was right in among it throwing a few good right-hooks for which he got a long ban. I actually met him after the game in the hotel and I was surprised to find he was a nice guy, I suppose he said that about me as well.

I also got done in Vietnam when I went to watch China play, also for Sheffield United. I was walking down the street and a little old lady, she must have been about 80, stopped sharply in front of me. I had to check and bumped into her. I apologised and off she scuttled, only for me to find within a couple of minutes all my money had gone out of my pockets.

4. The ref denied a penalty to keep the game interesting

Of all the games this week the one I enjoyed most was Blackpool v Man United. At 2-0 it was fantastic, what a scoreline, what a shock was on the cards. Then just after half-time the commentator said Peter Walton, who was referee, had had Man United 18 times and they had never been on the losing side. I had to smile at that and, sure enough, within 60 seconds Luke Varney was brought down for the most obvious dead cert penalty you could imagine. If converted I'm sure Blackpool would have gone on to win the game. A couple of papers wondered what the decision would have been had it been at the other end. We'll never know, but Blackpool didn't get it and United went on to stage that incredible comeback to stay unbeaten.

Sir Alex made his presence felt when, in front of the dug-out, there was a tackle made by Charlie Adam. The referee was obviously not going to book him when up jumped Sir Alex saying his player had been booked for a tackle. What does Walton do? He makes a late decision to issue a yellow card.

United's comeback, after surviving that penalty appeal, took me back to when I was playing at Sc**thorpe and reffing in the local leagues. One Sunday I did a game at an RAF camp in horrendous conditions. One team, despite kicking up the slope, got into a 3-0 lead. Just before half-time they had a certain penalty. I thought to myself, "if I give this it'll be 10-0 in the second half and I won't enjoy it all". So I didn't give it. You all know what happened next. In the second half the other team scored four goals to win the game. I went quickly and quietly to my car after the game. I remember telling the home club secretary to keep my expenses for the club coffers. He was grateful, but it was the only way I thought I could compensate for what I had done.

5. What's wrong with Ollie taking a transfer cut? I did

What a hullabaloo over Ian Holloway taking a percentage of transfer fee sales. There's nothing new about that. I had it in my contract at Notts County two decades ago. In my case it was because my basic salary was low compared to everyone else in the division, that's possibly the same with Ian.

If he has an incentive to get the highest possible fee for his players it not only helps the club, it satisfies the chairman and board, too. It doesn't mean you are going to want to sell players because it weakens your team and if your team isn't strong enough eventually you'll be out of a job altogether.

Ian's certainly been in the news. I'd love to speak to the committee that fined Blackpool £25,000 for "fielding a weakened team". I'd ask them why, when Liverpool played 10 reserves at Fulham a few years ago – enabling Fulham to get the result that kept them up – they didn't fine Liverpool.

6. Nothing like a trio of star turns to get you on your feet

Amy was in a performing arts night at school. She recited a poem and sang the Peter Pan song: "The Second Star to the Right." It brought a tear to Sharon's eye. It does when they're your kids.

Will's highlight was on the rugby pitch on Wednesday. He got the ball right in front of me. I said "go on son", and he ducked and dived through tackle after tackle to score a try. I jumped up to celebrate just like I did when Wayne Routledge scored our winner against Coventry last Sunday.

7. Some players have lost sight of values Lofthouse stood for

What a wonderful send-off for Nat Lofthouse this week. It was great to see how well-attended his funeral was. He was always a gentleman whenever you met him. Nat was in the same mould as Bobby Robson, Bobby Charlton and Jimmy Armfield. It's hard to think of many others like them.

And talking of much-admired centre-forwards, I see Emmanuel Adebayor is saying Real Madrid is the best club in the world. I bet that's endeared him to fans of Manchester City and Arsenal
INDEPENDENT


Football League/Chris Charles Blog
In the week one football double act talked themselves out of a job, another was reborn at Loftus Road.

QPR's Adel Taarabt has arguably been the player of the Championship this season and he combined with the returning Wayne Routledge to devastating effect against Coventry.

Taarabt flicked a sublime 40-yard pass with the outside of his foot into the path of Routledge, who controlled and finished with aplomb to seal a 2-1 victory that sent Rangers five points clear.

"If that had been Xavi and Messi they'd be showing it for years," said the bloke next to me, followed by about 20 texts saying much the same thing.

Even Rio Ferdinand was moved to tweet: "I'd pay to watch Adel Taarabt. The kid's got silks in abundance." Silks?

Not everyone was in awe of the Moroccan, however, with visiting manager Aidy Boothroyd admitting: "I was tempted to run on and kick him myself!"

The Sky Blues' Midlands rivals Nottingham Forest are the form team of the Championship with four wins on the bounce, including a victory in the Derby derby.

Former Ram Robert Earnshaw got the winner at Pride Park and celebrated by conducting the Forest fans in a lengthy singalong, earning him a caution for his troubles.

The division's other form horses, Watford, came unstuck at second-placed Cardiff, who ran out 4-2 winners in a thrilling see-saw contest.

The Bluebirds recently strengthened their squad by bringing in Arsenal's Jay Emmanuel Thomas, whose initials give him a ready-made nickname.

Over on the Cardiff City Message Board they were trying to think of songs for the new boy, with little success. I'm no songsmith but can I humbly suggest Wings' 'Jet' might do a job?

Chant of the week came from Ipswich fans in north London for the second leg of their Carling Cup semi-final.

After the first encounter, Gunners skipper Cesc Fabregas accused the Tractor Boys of being a 'rugby team', prompting the travelling faithful to respond with several choruses of 'Swing Low'.

Ipswich manager Paul Jewell said before the game: "I'd fancy beating Arsenal at rugby - perhaps if we were playing at Twickenham we might stand a chance."

Sadly they found themselves at the Emirates playing football and after holding out for an hour the Gunners eventually triumphed 3-0.

At least Jewell got his first league win under his belt with a 3-2 triumph over Doncaster, while neighbours Norwich kept their dream of successive promotions alive with victory at Sheffield United.

Swansea are just behind the Canaries in fourth after leaving it late to snatch a point at Barnsley - Scott Sinclair levelling from the spot for goal number 17 this season.

The Tykes were without leading scorer Adam Hamill, following his move to Wolves, although new signing Danny Haynes stepped up to the plate three days later with a debut double to give Barnsley the points at Doncaster.

Hamill marked his Oakwell farewell by throwing his shirt into the crowd and when boss Mark Robins was asked if there was any significance in that, he drily replied: "The significance is he will be getting a £100 fine for it."

Leeds kept themselves in the promotion hunt with a 2-2 draw at Portsmouth. At one stage the floodlights went out at Fratton Park, prompting the visiting fans to politely inquire whether the owners had paid the electricity bill.

At the bottom, Preston earned another valuable point at Middlesbrough and there's talk boss Phil Brown may repeat his infamous Hull centre-circle sing-a-long if North End stay up.

Assistant manager Brian Horton said: "I'll put up with another Sloop John B if it means staying up. In fact I'd join Phil out there - although my voice is even worse than his." Surely not?

Crystal Palace remain in the bottom three and there was a nice piece about co-chairman Martin Long in London's Evening Standard, where he confirmed his passion for the Eagles by revealing he'd named his daughter Crystal Alice.

It took me back to the time I suggested calling my first born Stanley Bowles, until my other half persuaded me it was not the ideal name for a girl.

Over on Palace messageboard Holmesdale, 'Sandy Eagle' was looking for amusing names for his five-a-side team. He toyed with 'Real So-so-bad', while other glorious suggestions included Deportivo Lackatalent, Borussia Teeth and So Solid Crewe.

The straight-talking award of the week goes to Reading's Ian Harte, who told journalists "I think the phrase you are looking for is cock-up" after he gifted a goal to Hull's Martin Corry before making amends from the spot.

From Corry to EastEnders and news that Stevenage have nicknamed bleach-blond captain Mark Roberts 'Shirley' because of his similarity to the fearsomeAlbert Square character.

Staying with hair and you may remember last week that Bristol Rovers fans were planning to wear blond wigs for their League 1 game with Swindon, in tribute to leading scorer Will Hoskins.

It certainly did the trick as Hoskins obliged by scoring one and making another in the 3-1 win.

Afterwards he admitted: "I'm eccentric. I change hair colour whenever I'm bored. The missus and our eldest just groan and shrug it off but our five-month old is confused!"

Staying at the bottom and Tranmere sprung a major surprise with a 2-0 defeat of Southampton, which included a stunning goal from highly-rated teenager Dale Jennings.

Leaders Brighton slipped up at Bournemouth - where Liam Feeney's cracking volley sealed victory for the Cherries - but got back to winning ways three days later against Colchester.

Seagulls fans on the North Stand Chat forum have been particularly impressed with Kiwi striker Chris Wood and decided it was time to honour him with his own chant.

'Twowheelsbest' came up with "Isn't he good, New Zealand Wood" to the tune of the Beatles classic, while 'Gazwag' suggested a reworking of Ebeneezer Goode - "Eza good, Eza good, Ahhh, Eza Chrissy Wood'. (Might need a little work on that one, Gaz.)

Peterborough moved into the top six with a 4-0 thrashing of Hartlepool - and it's nothing if not entertaining being a Posh fan this season, with their 24 league games producing 96 goals.

Chris Powell celebrated his return to Charlton with a win over Plymouth and even had his own walk-out song as the PA announcer played Peters and Lee's Welcome Home. Nice touch.

In League 2, Chesterfield consolidated their lead by winning in the rain at Gillingham - a victory celebrated by four topless gentlemen doing the conga.

Wycombe are second after 37-year-old Gareth Ainsworth (it's compulsory to mention his age) gave them the points against Rotherham, while Crewe moved into third.

But the game of the week was at the bottom, where an Ashley Grimes hat-trick inspired Lincoln to a 4-3 win at Stockport, leaving the Hatters rock-bottom.

One Hatters forum user groaned: "We're the strongest team in the league - we're holding everyone else up." The old ones are the best.

Northampton beat Oxford and while new boys Shaun Harrad and Francis Laurent did not get on the scoresheet, they were attracting musical tributes on Cobblers messageboard The Hotel End.

Sean O'Donovan adopted the Sham 69 punk classic to "Hurry up Harrad, come on!" while 'marvo's suggestion for Laurent was: "Ooh, aah, he's not Cantona."

Oxford bounced back from the defeat with a 3-1 win over Shrewsbury - James Constable scoring twice against his old club - but the real story involved the defacing of the club's ox statue outside their stadium, which was sprayed bright pink by vandals.

When I heard about the incident, my thoughts instantly turned towards my pink-obsessed daughter, but if any other constables are looking in, I can assure you she was safely tucked up in bed on Saturday night. Honest.

To contact Chris with an interesting story/quote/chant to share, then email him on chris.charles@football-league.co.uk or contact him via Twitter at http://twitter.com/chris__charles. Charles/Football League



- Danny Shittu Flashback: Sold to Watford

- Year Flashback: Harford Talking about Quashie and Ikeme

- Year Flashback: QPR reportedly Going for Hulse...Sign Priskin on Loan

- Italian police seize 1.5m alleging Briatore tax fraud

- Interesting (Serious)Survey on Professional Footballers in Europe


- January 31st Amulya/Stadium Deadline....Although maybe things just haven't been announced

Friday, January 28, 2011

QPR Report Friday: Next Hull and Hull Perspective...Then Portsmouth...Cooke and Clarke?...New Job for Ex-QPR Physiotherapist

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The Springett Brothers, Ron and Peter: Enlarged Photo I Enlarged Photo II
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Throughout the day, updates, comments and perspectives re QPR and football in general are posted and discussed on the QPR Report Messageboard...Also Follow: QPR REPORT ON TWITTER
_____________________________________________________________________________________

- Note this is the 35th Anniversary of QPR's 1975/76 Season (Hopefully QPR will Commemorate the anniversary)

Daily Mail/Jeremy Butler: "QPR run rule over Nice guy Cantareil-QPR boss Neil Warnock has taken Nice left-back Alain Cantareil on trial. The 27-year-old defender is available on a free transfer. Mail

- Hull Previews & Stats

- Holloway Gets a Cut and defended by Marc Bircham


A HULL FAN PERSPECTIVE OF HULL & QPR

Matt Wilson from Vital Hull () very kindly agreed to answer my Q&A prior to the Hull-QPR game. Very many thanks to Matt

Starting simply: How long have you supported Hull? And how long have you been involved with the Vital Hull Website? (How do you get on with the other Hull fan sites: Are there any serious inter-Hull Messageboard conflicts (as there certainly are between certain QPR boards)?
I have been the editor of Vital Hull for just over 5 years, it's a fantastic network that has grown steadily over the years and provided competition to the more established sites. There are 5 established Hull forums, each catering for a different type of fan. There is inevitable rivalry but I think all users get along in the most part. I started supporting City following from my Dad so have followed the club all my life, regularly attending from the age of 8.

Do Hull have one (or two) special rivals? If so, Is it a mild dislike or a viceral hatred? (and do supporters of those clubs feel the same way about Hull)?
Our local rivals are Sc**thorpe United and Grimsby Town, but our main rivals have always been viewed as Leeds United or Sheffield United. Only Sc**thorpe have a real interest in Hull as a rival - the other Yorkshire clubs focusing on each other instead, Robert K

What do you think of your current manager? What did you think of his predecessor?
Nigel Pearson has steadily imporved an inhenrently poor squad after the Brown / Dowie relegation campaign. He has worked astutely in the transfer market, bringing the likes of Koren and Rosenion in on free deals while ensuring high earners were taken off the wage bill. Six months in, a good job as City manager so far.

What do you think of the current Hull Chairman and Board of Directors? WHY are they involved with Hull? What do you expect? Could they realistically have done more to have kept you up last season (after a remarkable first season)?
Our Chairman sold the club in November and the new owners Assem and Ehab Allam have moved quickly to invest in the playing squad. We spent above our means in the Premier League, offering poor players too good deals. Greater financial control should have been exerted to avoid the troubles we had this season, which nearly led to administration.

Are you disappointed with how Hull are doing this season? In your heart of hearts, did you really expect promotion this season? Do you expect to improve? (You seem to be surging now; Simpson is scoring finally...and you just bought a couple of additional strikers)
I expected us to be challenging nearer the top but after the poor start and off the field struggles, we've steadily improved as new faces have been brought in. I am quite content at this moment in time, but wins against QPR and Leeds in the space of three days will give hope of a late play-off push. Two defeats, and mid-table may await.

Who are you Dangermen/Most valued/most overrated/most underrated players?
Robert Koren can be our creative spark in midfield, while Matty Fryatt has impressed since joining from Leicester City. Both are key figures in City's attacking play, while Cameron Stewart provides an additional threat on the opposite flank.

Prediction for season promotion/relegation places - And how would that compare with pre-season prediction?
Promotion: QPR & Forest / Play-off's: Watford.
Relegation: Preston, Sc**thorpe & Derby County

What is your view and the general Hull view of QPR (If we even feature in your consciousness)?
There have been slight undertones in our matches since we met in 2005 but there is little feeling otherwise.

Over the years: A few shared players including Simpson.
Jay Simpson struggled for goals when he arrived, failing to score in 15 appearances and then netting 4 in two games. He has lost his place to Mclean and Fryatt in recent weeks and is now on the bench, being used sparingly. He is yet to really impress in the black and amber shirt of The Tigers.

I think back to QPR and Hull of the mid and late 1960s. Hull were the first game of the season after our humiliating relegation from the old Division One. (QPR won 3-0) against Terry Neil's Hull! I guess the one especially jarring moment for QPR fans was a couple of years back, when some Hull fans seemed to be mocking the London bombing (7/11)
My recent memories always involved QPR having a new manager when the teams met at Loftus Road. At the KC, we seem to have a decent record, including a late and memorable 2-1 victory thanks to late goals from Stuart Elliott.

What are your past Encounter Memories - Best Memory/Worst Memory of PastHull-QPR Encounters? Who is your favourite QPR Player over the years? (And your least favourite)? Ditto any view of Neil Warnock?
Neil Warnock is a good manager but does not endear himself to the opposition; over recent years, I was a fan of Akos Buzsaky and wouldn't have minded his attacking prowess in a City side.

We've both had narrow by the teeth survival - QPR were in administration and in the (old) Third Division...Hull were in the (old) Fourth Division and then climbed back up. Do you think that gives a certain sense of perspective re the importance of success vs Failures versus just surviving?
It makes you appreciate the better times more often; having watched City nearer the bottom of a table more often than the top, it made me appreciate the Premier League years and the successes of the years prior to that.

Are you looking forward to playing QPR?
I'd have rather played you in December as arranged but, if we get off to a good start; I think we can find the victory we need.

SCORE PREDICTION for QPR-Hull?1-1

- Where, realistically, do you think Hull will be in five years time?
- Do you have any advice for QPR fans, in the event that we do go up? (Spend more/spend less; keep the manager; change the manager, etc)
- What do you think of your new stadium? Who actually paid for it? Who actually owns it? It seems that your attendance went up with the new stadium. (There's been talk of QPR moving to a new stadium, so there's an interest in the experience of others)

Once again, very many thanks Vital Hull's Matt Wilson



Skysports - Clarke poised for Preston loan

Skysports.com understand Preston are set to sign Leon Clarke on loan from QPR until the end of the season.

Clarke has been linked with a move away from Loftus Road during this month's transfer window, with the striker thought to be seeking regular first-team action.

The 25-year-old has found playing time limited at high-flying Rangers this season, taking a back-seat to the likes of Heidar Helguson and Tommy Smith.

A number of Championship clubs have been linked with a move for the former Sheffield Wednesday man and it now seems North End have emerged as the frontrunners to secure his signature.

Clarke, who arrived at Rangers from Hillsborough last year, has made just two league starts for the Championship leaders this season, and has failed to find the back of the net. Skysports


The STAR - Wednesday face fight in loan bid for QPR winger
Fri Jan 28

ALAN Irvine has admitted that he faces competition in his attempt to borrow QPR winger Lee Cook.

He has also revealed that he would like to sign Cook on loan for the rest of the season.

That would mean a deal having to be done before next Monday’s closure of the January transfer window.

The loan market reopens a week after that but only emergency loans are allowed then and there would be a possibility of the Owls not being able to keep the player for the whole of their remaining campaign.

“There are a number of clubs who have made inquiries,” said Irvine, who has made one of his own. “They’ll be looking at it to see how good a deal they can get.

“He’s on quite big wages and they [QPR] will be looking to recoup that as much as they can. There’s a certain level we would go to.”

The Owls boss spoke of his admiration for the 28-year-old’s ability: “He’s an unfortunate lad; he’s had some bad injuries; it’s a real shame, because he’s a talented footballer.

“He’s intelligent, with a sweet left foot, he’s a nice crosser of the ball, with good delivery from set-pieces.

“Without the injuries, he would have had a very successful career.”

Irvine has also been linked with Portsmouth’s Richard Hughes. He says he is aware of the experienced midfield player’s situation but has not made an inquiry.

He explained: “He’s in a strange position: if he plays one more game or appears on a team sheet, I think, he gets a new contract at a fairly high level.

“We’re aware of him. I know his dad - he did a bit of scouting for Everton in Italy. He [the player] is on wages we can’t afford. I’ve not contacted anybody at Portsmouth about him...” The Star


New Appointment for QPR's Former Physiotherapist, Prav (Parabhat) Mathema

Welsh Rugby Union Appoints National Performance Medical Manager
Prabhat (Prav) Mathema -
The Welsh Rugby Union has appointed the former British & Irish Lions physiotherapist Prabhat (Prav) Mathema as their new National Performance Medical Manager.

Mathema will assume full time responsibility for the running of the Wales national squad medical department as one of three physiotherapists and also oversee medical matters throughout WRU teams.

He is appointed after an Elite Performance and Medical Review conducted last season and he takes up the position on Monday, 14 February.

He joins the Wales national set-up from his position as head physiotherapist of London Wasps, but first worked with the majority of the Wales national coaching team and a significant number of the players on the 2009 British & Irish Lions tour of South Africa.

Before joining Wasps in the summer of 2007, when he saw the club win the Guinness Premiership title in his first season, Mathema worked as a physiotherapist for Queens Park Rangers Football Club for eight years and during that time experienced a play-off final and promotion.

The 33-year-old career medical professional graduated from Brunel University in London and holds a BSc in Physiotherapy amongst a variety of other relevant qualifications.

“Prav made an impression on everyone on the Lions tour with his professional manner, his energy and his expertise,” said Wales coach Warren Gatland.

“A number of the Welsh players built a close working relationship with Prav on that trip and he comes to us highly recommended from many sources and he will be an asset to the team.”

Mathema said: “I’m really looking forward to the challenge of joining the WRU and working not just with the Welsh national squad but at all levels in Welsh rugby.

“My experiences on the 2009 British & Irish Lions tour was a really positive one and the Welsh players were probably the group I worked the most with and related to most.

“From that point of view I’m excited about working with what was a great bunch of players again and maintaining and developing the high standards of physiotherapy and medical treatment in Welsh rugby. Welsh Rugby Union


Portsmouth Official Site - Rangers Report

by Mark Storey


A trip to league leaders QPR on Tuesday may not seem ideal for a Pompey side without a win in eight games.

But it could be just the kind of encounter to lift the Blues out of their slump, because the tougher the games this season, the better they seem to do.

Pompey have won seven times against sides in the top half of the Championship – but beaten just one team in the bottom dozen.

Steve Cotterill’s side have lost at three of the bottom four clubs – Preston, Crystal Palace and Sheffield United.

But they won 2-0 at third-placed Norwich and 2-1 at fourth-placed Swansea and have also triumphed over Nottingham Forest, Watford, Millwall, Leicester and Hull.

The trend was encapsulated by two games in four days at Fratton Park in November.

On the Tuesday night Pompey were outstanding against table-toppers QPR, who only scraped a 1-1 draw thanks to a controversial Tommy Smith penalty in injury-time. But they followed that up on the Saturday with a 3-2 defeat at home to Doncaster.

This season Pompey have made the better sides in the division look ordinary but looked ordinary against the strugglers.


Pompey’s visit to Loftus Road is their first since a goalless draw in November 2000, the last game Andy Awford, the Blues’ new academy manager, played before retiring.

Awford cleared one off the line that day as an orange-shirted Pompey side took home a point that proved crucial that season, with relegation only avoided thanks to a 3-0 win over Barnsley on the final day.

QPR went down, returning to the Championship in 2004 and only emerging as a force this term after several seasons of underachievement.

The appointment of Neil Warnock in March last year has been the key to their upturn in fortunes.

Rangers have been top all season with just one defeat at home, to Watford in December, a result that ended a 19-game unbeaten start to the league campaign.

If Warnock has been the motivating force off the pitch then Adel Taraabt has been the inspiration on it.

At times the Moroccan may be over-indulgent and give the ball away in dangerous places, and Pompey certainly smothered him at Fratton Park.

But Taraabt does possess the brilliance to win games almost single-handedly. In QPR’s last home match, against Coventry, the midfielder scored the equaliser, his 13th of the season, before setting up the winner for Wayne Routledge with a pass with the outside of his foot that Warnock described as one you would struggle to see bettered anywhere in the world.

Taraabt cost a bargain £500,000 from Spurs in the summer as Warnock strengthened his squad with the clutch of signings including Tommy Smith from Pompey and former Blues midfielder Shaun Derry.

This month QPR have been just as busy. Routledge – another ex-Pompey player – and striker Ishmael Miller have arrived on loan from Newcastle and West Brom, with defenders Pascal Chimbonda (Blackburn) and Danny Shittu (Millwall) signing permanent deals.

Pompey, however, have done their own strengthening with Ritchie De Laet and Jonathan Hogg arriving on loan from Manchester United and Aston Villa.

And their resources will be boosted at Loftus Road by the return from suspension of Dave Kitson and Aaron Mokoena.
http://www.portsmouthfc.co.uk/LatestNews/news/Rangers-Report-1847.aspx


Daveid McIntyre's Blog - Miller time? Maybe not.

Rangers have brought in defensive cover, but they might be short of options at the other end of the pitch this weekend.

Ishmael Miller is ill with a virus – so much so he’s apparently been confined to bed for the last couple of days – and Heidar Helguson is carrying a knock. Both are a doubt for Saturday’s game and will be assessed before the squad leaves for Hull tomorrow.

If neither player is available, Warnock won’t have much room for manoeuvre. Maybe that justifies his reluctance to let Leon Clarke leave on loan.

Warnock has circulated the names of four players for loan transfer – and Clarke isn’t one of them. Neither is Hogan Ephraim, who has been monitored by Millwall and one or two other clubs.

Martin Rowlands, Lee Cook, Gary Borrowdale and Antonio German have been made available. No surprises there. All four are almost certain to go elsewhere in the near future and a long-term loan would effectively end Borrowdale’s time at QPR, as his contract expires this summer.

A number of clubs asked about Clarke earlier in the season, and there’s been more interest of late. But Warnock has spoken to the player and told him he does not want him to go.

That’s not quite the same as not being prepared to let him go, which seems to be his stance on Ephraim at the moment. Whether that remains the case should a club make a firm offer remains to be seen.

It’ll also be interesting to see how quickly Dan Shittu is seen as a viable first-team selection. Not that it matters too much at the moment, as he’s been brought in purely as cover.

Shittu has already played in his first game since returning to the club. He took part in a full-scale practice match today. So did Pascal Chimbonda. And Fitz Hall.

There’s no doubt though that Shittu is behind the rest of the players in terms of fitness, and his hamstring problem will need to be carefully managed.

So too will Akos Buzsaky, who was this morning told that he can return to full training on Monday morning. He’s now being lined up for a reserve game.

I’ve taken a bit of stick for some earlier comments about Buzsaky – particularly in light of Adel Taarabt’s spellbinding performances.

I still believe Buzsaky, fitness permitting, is the best player in the division. That was my view when he wasn’t even an automatic choice at Plymouth, and it’s my view now. And I still think he’s head and shoulders above every other QPR player in terms of being equipped for the Premier League.

That said, after three bad injuries in quick succession – two of them knee injuries – only time will tell how much of an impact he can make, and how he might fit into a team that’s been successfully built around Taarabt.

Last season he struggled badly for sharpness and form, and since then had a decent go at replacing Alejandro Faurlin in a deeper role, but was never comfortable.

Yet, even when he lacked sharpness and was desperately low on confidence last season, look at how many goals he scored and created. And that was Buzsaky at his worst.

If he can get some sharpness back, he can play at the top level. I don’t doubt that for a second.

But the team’s done more than well without him, has a new hero in Taarabt, and Buzsaky can’t afford another setback. For those reasons alone, it may take months rather than weeks to ease him back in.
http://davidmcintyre.wordpress.com/2011/01/27/miller-time-maybe-not/


- Danny Shittu Flashback: Sold to Watford

- "Former QPR stars helping out St Neots Town"

- QPR Scout at Bournemouth vs Brighton Game

- Year Flashback: Harford Talking about Quashie and Ikeme

- Year Flashback: QPR reportedly Going for Hulse...Sign Priskin on Loan

- Italian police seize 1.5m alleging Briatore tax fraud

- Interesting (Serious)Survey on Professional Footballers in Europe

- Two Year Flashback: Report -More Sponsorship/Adverts to Female Fans

- Zesh Rehman was in Manchester this Week

- January 31st Amulya/Stadium Deadline....Although maybe things just haven't been announced

Thursday, January 27, 2011

QPR Report Thursday Update: Shittu Rejoins QPR...Ledesma Trialing at Brighton...On This Day QPR FA Cup Flashbacks

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Throughout the day, updates, comments and perspectives re QPR and football in general are posted and discussed on the QPR Report Messageboard...Also Follow: QPR REPORT ON TWITTER
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- Danny Shittu Flashback: Sold to Watford

- "Former QPR stars helping out St Neots Town"

- QPR Scout at Bournemouth vs Brighton Game

- Year Flashback: Harford Talking about Quashie and Ikeme

- Year Flashback: QPR reportedly Going for Hulse...Sign Priskin on Loan

- Italian police seize 1.5m alleging Briatore tax fraud

- Interesting (Serious)Survey on Professional Footballers in Europe

- Two Year Flashback: Report -More Sponsorship/Adverts to Female Fans

- Holloway Gets a Cut

- Zesh Rehman was in Manchester this Week

- January 31st Amulya/Stadium Deadline....Although maybe things just haven't been announced


QPR Official SIte - EXCLUSIVE: SHITTU RETURNS

R's fan's favourite Dan Shittu has returned to the Club on a short term contract.

The big defender - who made 182 appearances for the R's during a five year spell at Loftus Road between 2001 and 2006 - has put pen to paper on a deal that runs until the end of the 2010/11 season.

Shittu's 93 day contract at Millwall reached a conclusion earlier this week and R's boss Neil Warnock is looking forward to welcoming the Nigerian international in to his table-topping squad for the all-important run-in.

He told www.qpr.co.uk: "I just felt that with the injuries Fitz has had this season that we were maybe one body light in the central defensive area.

"We've got to look at every avenue for the last 19 games of what could be the most important period in the Clubs recent history.

"Dan wanted to come here and I wanted to get him, so it was a no brainer in that respect."

Warnock added: "Dan knows the Club inside-out and can't wait to get started.

"I've not signed him just because he's a Club legend, I've brought him in because I feel he's very capable of doing a job for us.

"I'm ever so grateful to the Board for backing me again, as they have done throughout the transfer window."

Shittu - who featured in the 2010 World Cup last summer for his native Nigeria - expressed his delight at returning to Loftus Road, commenting: "I'm excited and emotional to be back here.

"Everyone knows this is my home. I've got a lot of friends here and the fans know how I feel about them.

"I've been through a lot of highs and lows at QPR, but the place is buzzing at the moment and I can't wait to pull on the Rangers shirt again and give my all."

Shittu - who could be in line to make his QPR bow at Hull City on Saturday - will wear the number 41 shirt. QPR Official Site


LEDESMA TRIALING AT BRIGHTON

The Argus -Trialist scores for reserves

Trialist Emmanuel Ledesma scored for Albion Reserves as they won 2-1 at Wycombe in a Combination fixture last night.
The 22-year-old attacking midfielder from Argentina was previously with QPR as well as several Italian clubs.
He recently returned to QPR on a trial spell.
Ledesma dragged Albion level after the hosts had gone ahead from the penalty spot.
James Smith hit a 71st-minute winner while Steve Cook, back from loan at Mansfield, played the 90 minutes. http://www.theargus.co.uk/sport/albion/8814768.Trialist_scores_for_reserves/


BRIGHTON OFFICIAL SITE Reserves Win at WycombePosted on: Wed 26 Jan 2011 By Luke Nicoli
Triallist Emmanuel Jorge Ledesma was on target as Albion's reserves came from behind to win 2-1 at Wycombe.

Scott Donnelly netted an early penalty for the hosts, after he was tripped inside the box, but Ledesma - recently released by QPR - made the perfect start by netting from close range on 16 minutes.

Albion bossed the second half, bringing a number of saves out of Wanderers keeper Steve Arnold, before substitute James Smith fired home the winner with 19 minutes remaining.
The victory is the third win on the bounce for Albion's unbeaten second string this season and development coach Luke Williams was delighted with the performance.
He told seagulls.co.uk, "It was a superb all-round performance. With the difficult conditions and the more physical approach of the opposition, everything was set up to make life difficult for us, but the lads gave the perfect response.
"We controlled the game, especially in the second-half, and James Smith's goal ensured we got the victory our performance deserved."
Ledesma was a stand-out performer on the night and Williams is keen to see more in the coming weeks.
"He did very well, worked really hard and it was a great finish for his goal. He's training with us at the moment and we certainly want to have another look at him in our next reserve outing."
Albion: (4-4-2) Poke; Cook, Dunk, Strong, Redwood (Ryan Thomson 41); Kasim, Battipiedi, Caskey (James Smith 23), Baz; Hart, Ledesma (Agdestein 75). Subs: Simmonds, Woodley, James (GK).
http://www.seagulls.co.uk/page/Latest/0,,10433~2277565,00.html


ON THIS DAY: January 27 - QPR in The FA Cup

Ten Years Ago... January 27, 2001 - FA Cup QPR 0 Arsenal 6

QPR Lee Harper, Ludek Miklosko, Ian Baraclough, Clarke Carlisle, Jermaine Darlington, Steve Morrow, Christopher Plummer, Matthew Rose, Sam Koejoe, Richard Langley, Gavin Peacock, Mark Perry, Karl Connolly, Peter Crouch, Chris Kiwomya, Michel Ngonge
- Arsenal Alex Manninger, David Seaman, Tony Adams, Ashley Cole, Lee Dixon, Gilles Grimandi, Igors Stepanovs, Nelson Vivas, Etame Mayer Lauren, Stefan Malz, Ray Parlour, Robert Pires, Patrick Vieira, Dennis Bergkamp, Thierry Henry, Sylvain Wiltord - Venue: Loftus Road Attendance: 19,003
- Corners: QPR 3 Arsenal 10 Goal Attempts: QPR 4 Arsenal 20 On Target: QPR 2 Arsenal 12 QPR 0 Arsenal 6 - Match Reports
http://qprreport.blogspot.com/2007/01/remembering-our-last-4th-round-fa-cup.html
- VIDEO

Eighteen Years ago: January 27, 1993: Gerry Francis' QPR drew in the League: QPR 1 Chelsea 1 (Non-FA Cup Game)
QPR: Roberts - Bardsley Mcdonald Maddix Brevitt -- Wilson Barker Holloway Impey --Allen Ferdinand - Sub: White (Bradley Allen goal)

Twenty-one Years ago: January 27, 1990: Arsenal 0 QPR 0Don Howe's QPR drew 0-0 at Arsenal in the FA Cup Fourth Round (before winning the replay 2-0 at Loftus Road). QPR's team at Highbury: Seaman - Bardsley Maddix McDonald - Parker Barker Wilkins Sinton Clarke Wegerle - Wright

Forty-ThreeYears Ago: January 27, 1968: FA Cup 3rd Round: QPR 1 Preston 3 Springett - Harris Keetch Hazell Clement - Morgan Sanderson Keen Morgan - Marsh Leach
Goal Keen.
(The previous week, QPR had played and beaten Preston 2-0 at Loftus Road. In the next round, Preston were drawn against the FA Cup holders Spurs)


Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times - QPR boss wants Miller to stay long-term Wednesday, 26 January, 2011

NEIL Warnock wants loan signing Ishmael Miller to remain at QPR next season – and says he has no concerns about the striker’s injury record.
The pacy West Brom forward signed for Rangers on a three-month loan last week, making his debut as a substitute in Sunday’s 2-1 win against Coventry.

And Warnock is eager to keep Miller on a permanent basis, even though the player missed more than a year with cruciate ligament damage and has struggled to hold down a regular place in the Albion side since his return.

“I think Miller needs someone like me, if I’m honest, and I’m looking forward to working with him,” Warnock told the Times. “I hope it’s a long, long-term contract.

“I’ve always liked him a lot – because he’s so big and so quick he needs to do a lot of prep work during the week, but our physios are very good at that type of thing.

“So we’re optimistic we can get him fit and keep him fit. Other players have been offered to me over the last few weeks, but I’ve always wanted Miller really.

“Say what you want, some people told me never to touch Clint Hill with a bargepole because of his injuries before I took him to Palace. You can’t believe everything people tell you.”

Miller, 23, who began his career with Manchester City, burst onto the scene during a loan spell at West Brom in 2007 – including a starring role in their 5-1 demolition of Rangers to end John Gregory’s reign as manager.

He later made a permanent move to the Baggies and helped them to win promotion, but a collision with Portsmouth goalkeeper David James later that year and subsequent complications ruled him out for over a year.

Miller, whose contract at The Hawthorns expires this summer, now has his sights set on regaining both match sharpness and the prize of Premier League status.

He told the Times: “Neil Warnock was probably the main factor in me coming here. I’ve spoken to him a few times and he said he’d give me an opportunity to play regular football, which is what I want.

“I did well a few seasons ago and since then I’ve had some terrible injuries, but hopefully it’s in the past now. I’ve got a lot more to come and I want to get some goals for the team.

“We’re clear at the top and we want to keep the momentum going. The main thing is going up and hopefully we can do that.”

West Brom initially agreed only to a one-month loan, but eventually consented to let Miller stay with QPR until April 24 – the day after what could be a crucial Championship clash with Cardiff.

Miller’s arrival at Loftus Road completed a busy few days for the Rs, who also brought Wayne Routledge back on loan from Newcastle and signed French full-back Pascal Chimbonda on a short-term contract. Kilburn Times


Ex-QPR Pat Kanyuka Signs Lincoln Deal

Lincoln Official Site - Centre-Back Kanyuka Agrees Deal


Congolese centre-back Patrick Kanyuka is set to become Steve Tilson's first permanent signing as City manager with the former QPR defender agreeing a deal which will run until the end of the season.

The paperwork involved in Kanyuka's signing will be submitted to The Football League and The Football Association on Thursday, although international clearance will be required before he will be able to feature as he was most recently playing in Romania with FC CFR 1907 Cluj and FC Unirea Alba Iulia.

The 23-year-old started his career as a youngster with Leyton Orient before joining QPR, making his League bow as a teenager against Burnley in April 2005. He went on to play 22 times for the London side before joining Swindon Town in January 2008.

Released by Swindon at the end of the 2007/08 season, the 6'4" defender later spent three months with Northampton Town following a successful trial before moving to Romania.

Kanyuka has been training with the Imps during the course of the past week and once the paperwork has been completed and international clearance granted he will be handed City's number 40 squad shirt. http://www.redimps.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10440~2277506,00.html


How QPR halted Birmingham City in their Carling Cup quest in 1967
* by Brian Halford, Birmingham Mail * Jan 26 2011

FOUR years after lifting the League Cup, Blues knocked out Nottingham Forest, Ipswich, Grimsby and Sheffield United to find themselves one step from another final in 1967.

But then they ran into one of the country’s brightest emerging teams – and one of the most dynamic players around.

Queens Park Rangers were storming towards the Division Three title with fast, skilful football which was to bring them more than 100 goals in the league alone that season.

And the leader of their orchestra was Rodney Marsh.

While George Best was lighting up the north with his ineffable skills at Manchester United, down in west London the flamboyant Marsh matched him. Poor Blues were swept away in the semi-final.

Wary of a tough-looking second-leg assignment at Loftus Road, Blues manager Stan Cullis insisted that “nothing less than a two-goal advantage would be good enough” for his team from the first game at St Andrew’s. Blues 1 QPR 4 was not quite what he had in mind.

For 45 minutes, Blues were in command. They took a fourth-minute lead through Barry Bridges and kept the visitors’ roving midfielders reined in to lead 1-0 at the break. Then Rangers ran riot.

Marsh equalised with a 56th-minute glancing header. Nine minutes later, Mark Lazarus, tormenting the Blues defence, set up Ian Morgan who made it 2-1. Marsh then twice unlocked the back-line for Lazarus to add a third and Les Allen a fourth to virtually settle the tie a minute from time to the dismay of most in the 34,295 crowd.

“We were well-beaten by a side without any apparent weaknesses,” admitted Cullis, though there was some consolation in the form of generous post-match words from his QPR counterpart Alec Stock.

“First of all I must say how impressed we all were with the sportsmanship of the Birmingham people,” he said. “Our aim is to become a club like Birmingham City. They have the right approach to the modern game.”

Rangers’ supporters turned up for the second leg ready to party and, though Blues fought hard to keep the tide at bay, eventually the floodgates opened again. After 54 minutes Marsh’s cross-shot looped over a static Jim Herriott.

Eric Barber gave Blues a crumb of consolaion with a cleverly taken goal ten minutes from time but within seconds Mike Keen’s header had the home fans in full voice. When, two minutes later, Malcolm Beard’s slip allowed Marsh in to make it 3-1 – 7-2 on aggregate, the blue-and-white hooped party got into full swing, especially among those of their supporters who had backed Josh Gifford that afternoon as he rode a treble, all trained by Ryan Price, at Plumpton.

Blues had been well-beaten but by one of the coming forces in English football – and Rangers’ party was to carry on at Wembley where Marsh was on target again in a thrilling 3-2 final win over Albion. Birmingham Mail



- Orient's Future as Spurs and West Ham "compete" over a New Stadium
- QPR/Rudolph Austin reportedly Rejected
- Update re Former QPR Youth Player, Jacob Child
- QPR Ladies Lose..to Cardiff and are now bottom

- Thirteen Years Ago: QPR Announce Trevor Sinclair Moves to West Ham. QPR bring in Dowie, Rowland and Mark Kennedy
- Eleven Years Ago: The New QPR Official Site Chat Board Launched
- Four Year Flashback: Paying The St Johns Ambulance Brigade
- Year Ago: Matt Hill Joins QPR on Loan
- Taarabt Makes Championship Team of the Week...In League Two, Gareth Ainsworth Makes Team of the Week
- Next: Hull Stats & Details
- Reposted Article from last year re Club, Owners, Fans "It’s time for the fans to fight back
- Sheffield Wednesday Call in the Police over Fan Hoax
- Old QPR Video Snippets vs Swindon, Swansea (Cup Humiliation), Newcastle

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