QPR Report Twitter Feed

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

QPR Report Tuesday: Trasnfer Day?...CEO Beard Talks Derry Staying...Flashback: Ecclestone & Briatore Buy QPR

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(From The Bushman Archives. Thanks)
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- Throughout the day, the QPR Report Messageboard has news updates, comments and perspectives - even links to other board comments of interest re QPR matters (on and off the field) along with football (and ONLY football) topics in general....Also Follow: QPR REPORT ON TWITTER
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Lots of media reports and posts about deals virtually done. Presumably today at least one or two (or more!) will be officially announced.


- Four Years Ago: Briatore & Ecclestone Buy QPR - Announcement & Report


- Ron Phillips: QPR Club Secretary of the 1960s, 1970s, and early 1980s - and the man who designed the Checkered QPR Programme (and removed the apostrophe from Queen's Park Rangers!) Looks back


TRANSFER WINDOW CLOSES AT 11:00 PM WEDNESDAY
- The Transfer Window closes on Wednesday, August 31st, at 11:00 pm (Eleven O'clock) in the evening. NOT Midnight. - See Premier League: "...The transfer window shuts at 23:00 (BST) on Wednesday 31st August..." Premier League
(As Neil Warnock said on Saturday: “I’m disappointed Luke [Young] wasn’t playing today,” said Warnock. “I worked three days to try and get it done only to find out we don’t know the rules and regulations at the club just yet.)


QPR CEO PHILIP BEARD TALKING - TALKSPORT/Michael Wade "QPR are talking to a lot of people
"New QPR chief executive Philip Beard insists the club are working all hours to bring in new signings and wants to bring in two or three new faces before the transfer deadline on Wednesday
- Click to Listen


- 42 Years Ago: Hateley Destroys QPR - Ends their Unbeaten Start to Season

- Malaysian Players to QPR?

- Reminder: September 3rd is "Non-League Day"

- Video: QPR Fan Interview With Neil Warnock: Subject: npower's What's Your Goal winner - Luke Harris

- At Nottingham Forest, Steve McClaren Starting to Sound like Billy Davies!

- Manchester City's BILLION Pound "Investment"

- Tosic Joining Real Betis


UPDATE: QPR OFFICIAL SITE

EXCLUSIVE: DERRY PENS NEW DEAL
Posted on: Tue 30 Aug 2011

QPR midfielder Shaun Derry has penned an extension to his current contract at Loftus Road.

The popular 33 year-old, who played such a pivotal role in the R's promotion to the Barclays Premier League, has been rewarded with a new deal which runs until the summer of 2013.

Derry joined QPR last summer on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract at Crystal Palace. The midfielder went on to make 47 appearances in all competitions for the R's, as Neil Warnock's men coasted to the npower Championship title.

Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, Derry expressed his pleasure at penning the deal, commenting: "I'm absolutely chuffed to bits.

"The stage the Club is at with the new owners and the calibre of players we're attracting to the Football Club is something special and I'm just delighted to be part of it."

A clearly delighted Warnock added: "Tony (Fernandes) has been so impressed with Shaun since his arrival at the Club and this is just a show of faith for what he does for the Club.

"He's got a few ideas about going into coaching when he finishes playing and at a Club like ours, where the new owners have got so many long-term plans, there will undoubtedly be a role for him.

"He's still got a massive impact to make as a player here first and foremost and that's what I want him to focus on at the moment, but I think he can start having an input off-the-field too."

Derry added: "It's no secret that I want to get into coaching and then hopefully management when my playing career finishes.

"Hopefully I'll get the opportunity to do that at this fantastic Football Club."
http://www.qpr.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10373~2431326,00.html


SKYSPORTS - Derry agrees QPR deal
QPR veteran agrees two-year extension


Skysports.com understands Queens Park Rangers midfielder Shaun Derry has agreed a new deal at Loftus Road.

Derry played a key role in helping Rangers to promotion to the Premier League last season and he was promised a new deal by QPR boss Neil Warnock.

The 33-year-old is in the final year of his contract, but he has now agreed a two-year extension to keep him at the club.

Derry has arguably been QPR's best performer in their opening three Premier League games so far this term and he has been rewarded with fresh terms. Skysports


- Play "Spot The Ball"
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Monday, August 29, 2011

A QPR Odyssey - QPR Club Secretary of the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, Ron Phillips Looks Back at QPR and Chairman Jim Gregory

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- Throughout the day, the QPR Report Messageboard has news updates, comments and perspectives - even links to other board comments of interest re QPR matters (on and off the field) along with football (and ONLY football) topics in general....Also Follow: QPR REPORT ON TWITTER
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A QPR ODYSSEY - QPR's RON PHILLIPS REMEMBERS

- Click to View: Ron Phillips Remembers
or...









QPR Report Monday Update: Transfer Gossip...(Reminder Transfer Window Closes 11:00 pm Wednesday)

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See "On This Day, QPR Games" Including QPR in the Charity Shield against Manchester United!
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- Play "Spot The Ball"
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- Throughout the day, the QPR Report Messageboard has news updates, comments and perspectives - even links to other board comments of interest re QPR matters (on and off the field) along with football (and ONLY football) topics in general....Also Follow: QPR REPORT ON TWITTER
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- Ron Phillips: QPR Club Secretary of the 1960s, 1970s, and early 1980s - and the man who designed the Checkered QPR Programme (and removed the apostrophe from Queen's Park Rangers!) Looks back


TRANSFER WINDOW CLOSES AT 11:00 PM WEDNESDAY
- Just to avoid any possible misunderstandings or errors: A reminder that the Transfer Window on Wednesday, August 31st, closes at 11:00 pm (Eleven O'clock) in the evening. NOT Midnight.
- See Premier League: "...The transfer window shuts at 23:00 (BST) on Wednesday 31st August..." Premier League

(As Neil Warnock said on Saturday: “I’m disappointed Luke [Young] wasn’t playing today,” said Warnock. “I worked three days to try and get it done only to find out we don’t know the rules and regulations at the club just yet.)


- Malaysian Players to QPR?

- Video: QPR Fan Interview With Neil Warnock: Subject: npower's What's Your Goal winner - Luke Harris

- Reminder: September 3rd is "Non-League Day"

- Wigan Match Reports and Comments

- Wigan's Goals vs QPR


DAILY MAIL/SAMI MOKBEL -QPR lead chase for Dann after Liverpool and Arsenal pull back from Blues defender
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Scott Dann has been offered to QPR after Liverpool and Arsenal declined to follow up their interest.

Liverpool are set to seal an £8million move for Uruguay international Sebastian Coates, while Dann is only viewed as a contingency plan by Wenger should moves for Phil Jagielka, Gary Cahill, Chris Samba and Per Mertesacker fail to materialise.
QPR now have the financial backing of Tony Fernandes while Birmingham are desperate to offload high earner Dann before the transfer window closes. Daily Mail


MIRROR - Warnock hands trial to Burkina Faso striker "QPR boss Neil Warnock is giving a trial to Burkina Faso striker Habib Bamogo" Mirror


Guardian/Alam Kham

QPR need Joey Barton to deliver after Wigan defeat, says Neil Warnock

• QPR hope to sign 'old pal' Shaun Wright-Phillips
• Franco Di Santo hits double for Latics

Many deemed it too much of a risk but Neil Warnock, the Queens Park Rangers manager, had no hesitation in signing Joseph Anthony Barton. Four years ago Warnock planned to spend £4m on the midfield player if Sheffield United had not controversially lost their place in the Premier League.

And despite Barton's "baggage" – past indiscretions that include a six-month jail sentence for assault and affray – Warnock has already noticed him trying to help QPR while yet to kick a ball for them.

Having also signed Luke Young, the Aston Villa full-back, QPR are now trying to land Shaun Wright-Phillips. A fee has been agreed with Manchester City for the winger and Warnock said: "I think the big draw for Shaun is going back to London and we have to try to convince him. I think Joey has spoken to him – they were room-mates when they were at Man City so that might help.

"I want to go everywhere in the Premier League and know that my team has got a chance. To get four or five quality players in an already decent squad – we know we will have [a chance]."

QPR's cause will be helped by Young and Barton, who Warnock is convinced would have been an England regular and at a top-four club but for his off-field problems. He added: "I think when he looks back a lot of what's happened, he will regret. But I've said and done a few things and when I look back, it was a bit silly. You have to learn from that. Joey wouldn't be signing for us if he hadn't got some baggage, but I don't worry about that."

The acquisition of Barton on a free transfer from Newcastle may even prove to be the bargain of the season, according to Paddy Kenny. The QPR goalkeeper said: "People have to give him a chance. You know what you are going to get from Joey, a 110% every week, and that's what we need."

Yet keeping Barton out of trouble may prove to be an equally challenging task for Warnock as keeping QPR in the Premier League; that task highlighted by Saturday's disappointing defeat against the perennial strugglers of Wigan. Two goals from Franco Di Santo settled the outcome but Rangers struck the woodwork three times, twice through Adel Taarabt, before Bruno Perone headed against the crossbar.

Roberto Martínez, the Wigan manager, was relieved, in more ways than one. While Argentinian players have generally flourished at neighbouring clubs, the Spaniard has not been as fortunate.

Mauro Boselli arrived for £6m from Estudiantes and returned to them on loan in the summer with a sole Carling Cup goal to his name for the Latics. And Di Santo has been similarly profligate, but mention of his goalscoring record – now four in three years – irks Martínez.

"I have seen articles that judge him on his scoring records at previous clubs and I think that is unfair. We know the potential Franco has," he said. "He has good decision-making, he knows when to bring players into the game, when to use his strength, when to take people on – his decisions were really mature [against QPR]. Now it's about being consistent." Guardian


TELEGRAPH/Ian Whittell
Franco Di Santo set about correcting his embarrassing career goals return tally although even his two efforts, and three points for Wigan Athletic, could do little to dampen the unbridled enthusiasm currently coursing throughout Queens Park Rangers.

Manager Neil Warnock praised the efforts of his depleted team while simultaneously criticising his club’s administrative department for failing to push through the registration of Aston Villa full-back Luke Young in time for him to make his debut at the DW Stadium.

However, it was the pending arrival of Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton, watching from the stands as his side lost for the second time in three games to date this season, that filled Warnock with most optimism.

“I’m disappointed Luke wasn’t playing today,” said Warnock. “I worked three days to try and get it done only to find out we don’t know the rules and regulations at the club just yet.

“I didn’t think we’d get Joey. I’m amazed one of the bigger clubs hasn’t had a gamble on him. If he concentrates on his football, I don’t think there is much better around in this country. At 1-0 today, you needed somebody to grab people by the throat – in a nice way! – and say, 'Let’s go’.”

Warnock was also swift to point out that Di Santo’s two goals had taken deflections, adding: “If you were Di Santo, you’d fill in a lottery ticket tonight, wouldn’t you?”

He also alluded to the fact that his side hit the woodwork three times. Twice, they hit the post via amazing pieces of skill from Adel Taarabt before a Bruno Perone header was kept out by the bar.

Unfortunately, they also encountered a Di Santo who finally found the route to the goal after scoring just once in a little under a calendar year with the club. In the 40th minute, he exchanged passes with Hugo Rodallega before teeing up the ball to volley into the right-hand corner of the goal.

Then, midway through the second half, as Perone half-cleared Emmerson Boyce’s cross directly to him on the edge of the area, Di Santo was allowed to take his time before curling a perfect finish into the top corner of the goal via a deflection off the unfortunate Perone.

“Sometimes I feel we have been a bit unfair to assess Franco,” said Wigan manager Roberto Martinez. “He came to Wigan at a young age, he is still only 22 and has had very few experiences. The way he works, the way he understands the game, now he has the rewards he deserves. He has a long way to go to fulfil his potential but he has everything. This could be a springboard for him. To see him smiling and celebrating his goals was a worthwhile feeling.” Telegraph

Sunday, August 28, 2011

QPR Report Sunday Update: Wigan Loss

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- Further Photos from Wigan-QPR

- Throughout the day, the QPR Report Messageboard has news updates, comments and perspectives - even links to other board comments of interest re QPR matters (on and off the field) along with football (and ONLY football) topics in general....Also Follow: QPR REPORT ON TWITTER
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Chairman Tony Fernandes Tweet:
- All qpr fans. We now closed 2 great signings Joey Barton and Luke Young. 2 more hopefully monday where we need them. Also by newcastle our strike force return. Neil ad previous owners built a good sqaud 4 - 5 players will build on that. Thought team did very well against wigan with so many reserve players. Liked our youg guys." Fernandes Tweet

- Reminder: With no Game next weekend, Saturday September 3rd is "Non League Day"

- "On This Day" August 28: Past QPR Games

- Updated on The Official Site: QPR Club Honours List

- Re Transfers and Football Agents

- Fulham's Al Fayed's "Idiosyncracies"


SPENDING ON AGENTS: QPR TOPPPED THE FOOTBALL LEAGUE

The latest Football League report on clubs spending on football agents (covering 2010-2011) shows QPR topped the spending in the Football League. QPR £1,770,000+
QPR
New Registration Transfer 34
Updated Contracts 12
Cancelled Contracts 0
Loans 19
Total transactions 65

1)QPR ............£1,770,262.00
2)BORO.......... £1,598,228.00
3)LEICESTER...£1,280,200.00
4)HULL ...........£993,026.00
5)READING.......£946,425.00
6)LEEDS............£788,630.00
7)NORWICH .....£683,200.00
8)POMPEY.........£674,920.00
9)BRISTOL C .....£653,900.00
10)CARDIFF.......£613,510.00

- SUMMARY
- FULL REPORT

Agents Fees paid top 10 Clubs in the Champs last year.
Total spent on Agents -24 Clubs
£14,089,702
Average spent on Agents per Club £587,070.
Average transactions per Club= 46
QPR spend at £1,770,262 .00was around 12.5 % of the total agents fees paid in the Championship.

PEOPLE - Celtic boss Neil Lennon is making a £1million move for QPR’s out-of-favour striker Rob Hulse.
- Lennon hopes to agree a deal with the Premier League new boys for the experienced forward, 31, who has dropped out of Neil Warnock’s side.
- Hulse only joined QPR from Derby a year ago and would jump at a crack at the SPL.
- Lennon needs to bolster his striker options and Rangers will allow Hulse to leave if they can land a new striker or two before the transfer deadline. PEOPLE


QPR OFFICIAL SITE - WARNOCK: 'WE'LL FIGHT ON'
Posted on: Sat 27 Aug 2011

Neil Warnock refused to be too downbeat after the R's went down to a 2-0 defeat at Wigan.

Franco Di Santo scored twice for the Latics, who defeated Rangers despite an encouraging display from the West Londoners.

Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, Warnock said:"I'm so pleased with the effort that the lads put in.

"All you can ask is for them to do their best and with the team we had out today, I thought they were fantastic.

"I can't ask for any more than that. If we'd have scored the first goal then we would have won the game.

"Both goals were going miles wide before taking deflections. The second one was worse than the first.

"That's the difference between winning and getting nothing. Even with the team that we had out, I thought we were super."

Warnock continued: "We hit the crossbar and post three times and I thought we should have had a penalty.

"Apart from the last 35 minutes against Bolton, where we were a bit shell-shocked, I think we've been excellent.

"It's Wigan's day today but we'll live and fight on."

The summer transfer window slams shut at 11pm on Wednesday evening and, with Joey Barton and Luke Young already in at Loftus Road, Warnock insists all hands will be to the pump to make further additions to his squad.

He added: "I've been speaking to Tony Fernandes most evenings and he's been fantastic. I've never had that kind of support anywhere.

"I've come up with the names and he's told me to go for them. You can't ask for any more than that, really.

"To know that we're going to supplement the squad with five or six new players is exciting.

"You've got to have a squad where you've got players that are good enough to slot into a number of positions, and that's why we're looking at a number of players." QPR


FULHAM CHRONICLE/Tim Street - Warnock: QPR have nothing to fear in Premiership
-QPR have nothing to fear in the Premiership – according to boss Neil Warnock – despite two defeats in their first three games.
- Warnock reckons his troops, who hit the woodwork three times in their 2-0 defeat at Wigan, were unlucky not to get a share of the spoils.
- And the Rs boss have seen nothing in those first three games to suggest his side will struggle, apart from half an hour of madness which saw them capitulate against Bolton.
- Warnock said: “I reckon (Wigan striker) Franco Di Santo will be getting himself a lottery ticket tonight, as both his goals took deflections in.
- “I was just pleased with the effort we put in with the team we had out – all I ask is we give our best – and we hit the bar and post three times.
- “Apart from 25 minutes against Bolton, when we were shell-shocked, we have done all right so far, and I'm pleased with how we have coped.
- “I think we will continue to do well, we came to Wigan and we created chances.” Fulham Chronicle


WEST LONDON SPORT/Paul Gregory - QPR - Barton watches as unlucky QPR lose

Joey Barton watched as former Chelsea forward Franco di Santo scored twice to beat a QPR side that were denied by the woodwork three times.

Barton, whose move to Loftus Road from Newcastle was sealed on Friday afternoon, saw his new team-mates undone by a superb goal and a fortuitous one from a player who had previously scored only once for Wigan.

The good news for Rangers is that as well as capturing Barton, they have confirmed the signing of another England international in Luke Young, whose transfer from Aston Villa for an undisclosed fee has been completed.

Young has agreed a three-year contract and his arrival is a massive boost for the R’s, whose limited defensive options were underlined when Fitz Hall went off injured against his former club.

Hall’s exit on the hour-mark meant Rangers, already without the suspended Clint Hill, were forced to bring 18-year-old right-back Michael Harriman on for his league debut.

Having started at right-back, Danny Gabbidon moved into the centre to partner Bruno Perone, who was also making his first Premier League appearance.

Rangers looked short at the other end of the pitch too, with DJ Campbell, who has had a virus, again missing and Jay Bothroyd having to settle for a place on the bench with Patrick Agyemang starting up front.

Perone almost scored on his Premier League debut
Agyemang ran himself ragged as Rangers worked tirelessly in the first half only to fall behind four minutes before the break.

There seemed little danger when di Santo controlled Hugo Rodallega’s pass, but he then let fly with a spectacular volley that flew past helpless goalkeeper Paddy Kenny and into the top corner of the net.

Victor Moses had wasted two chances to put Wigan ahead, first by dragging wide after riding two challenges, and then by shooting straight at Kenny after being found by Rodallega’s perfect through-ball.

But otherwise, Rangers were comfortable and had looked the more likely team to score.

Shaun Derry had an early effort tipped away by Ali Al Habsi, before Adel Taarabt beat the Wigan keeper with a curling 25-yarder that bounced back off the post.

And summer signing Perone missed the visitors’ best chance of the half by heading over from the impressive Akos Buzsaky’s fine cross.

Rangers were made to pay for that miss when di Santo lashed home, and Wigan were rescued agan by the woodwork when Al Habsi prevented an equaliser by pushing Taarabt’s free-kick onto the post.

Another piece of good fortune for the Latics led to them going further ahead midway through the second half.

Rodallega was not amused when di Santo took the ball away from him near the edge of the penalty area, but the Argentine justified his cheekiness with a shot that deflected past Kenny.

Rangers’ luck was summed up when they hit the woodwork yet again, this time when Perone headed Taarabt’s corner against the bar." West London Sport


QPR OFFICIAL SITE Wigan 2 QPR 0

Franco Di Santo's deadly double saw the R's fall victim to a 2-0 defeat at the DW Stadium, despite a positive display.

In front of the watching Joey Barton - who completed his move to QPR from Newcastle United on Friday afternoon - as well as close to 2,000 travelling supporters, Rangers were undone courtesy of goals either side of the half-time break from Di Santo.

Wigan took the lead on 41 minutes, after Di Santo's bullet effort from the edge of the box left Paddy Kenny with no chance.
And that's before the Latics front-man grabbed a crucial second goal on 66 minutes, after his effort - again from outside the penalty area - took a cruel deflection off Bruno Perone.

R's gaffer Neil Warnock handed Perone his first league start for QPR, after Bradley Orr missed out owing to a groin problem.

Patrick Agyemang continued in attack following last weekend's memorable victory at Everton, while Fitz Hall was also named in the starting XI against the side he left to move to W12.

Kenny was in goal for Rangers, behind a back four of Danny Gabbidon, Fitz Hall, Perone and Matt Connolly.

Shaun Derry and Ali Faurlin were in defensive midfield.

Further forward, Akos Buzsaky, R's skipper Adel Taarabt and Tommy Smith operated just behind Agyemang up front.

Wigan were first to go close on three minutes.

Perone was penalised for a foul 25 yards from goal, before Jordi Gomez stepped up to curl an effort just over the bar.

There was nothing to separate the two sides early on in what was fast becoming a hard-fought encounter, although it was the Latics who again went close on nine minutes.

Emmerson Boyce rode three different tackles and, when he fed fellow former Crystal Palace man Victor Moses, he skipped past Perone down the left before firing a cross-come-shot along the six-yard box that somehow skipped across the face of goal without a touch.

A minute later, it was Rangers' turn to go close. Derry picked up possession around 25 yards from goal, before the midfield general let fly with a magnificent effort that forced an equally superb save from Ali Al Habsi.

Three minutes later, QPR went as close as you can do without finding the net.

After neat link-up play with Buzsaky, Taarabt found space on 25 yards before unleashing an effort that thundered back off the right-hand post and, from the follow up, Agyemang could only drag an effort wide of the target.

The R's were edging closer. On 25 minutes, Faurlin picked up the loose ball after a weak clearance from a corner and, when he fed Buzsaky out wide on the right, the Magical Magyar sent over a pinpoint cross on to the head of Perone, who somehow headed wide when unmarked.

Di Santo forced a smart save from Kenny just a minute later, after dispossessing Connolly from 10-yards out.

Kenny pulled off a comfortable save from Moses soon after, before Wigan took the lead in the 41st minute - harsh, it has to be said, on Rangers, after their more than satisfactory performance in the first half.

Maynor Figueroa found Di Santo in space on the edge of the box, before the former Chelsea man took a touch and smashed an unstoppable shot into the top right-hand corner, leaving Kenny with no chance.

Rangers went within inches of equalising on the stroke of half-time.

Taarabt's stinging free-kick took a wicked deflection off the Latics wall with Al Habsi having to scurry across his line to wonderfully tip the ball on to the right-hand post, before Wigan cleared their lines.

The R's started the second period just like they performed for much of the first.

It wasn't long before Buzsaky ran at the Latics defence and slid a pass to Taarabt on 20 yards, who fired an effort just wide of the right-hand post, albeit under pressure from his marker.

At the other end, Figueroa disposed Hall before eventually finding Gomez, whose deflected effort went just wide of Kenny's left-hand post on 58 minutes.

The R's number one was called into action just a minute later, pulling off a smart stop after Di Santo's blast from 10-yards out.

But the R's were on top and appeared to be the most likely to score next.

As it turned out that wasn't to be the case, as Rangers found themselves two down on 66 minutes.

Di Santo received possession on 25 yards and, when he shifted his feet to find space, the Latics attacker's resultant shot flicked up off the boot of Perone before the ball flew past Kenny and into the top left-hand corner.

It was tough luck on the R's but they still pressed for a goal, with substitute Jay Bothroyd, Perone and Taarabt all going close on separate occasions.

But, ultimately, it wasn't to be, as the home side preserved their unbeaten home record, which stretches back to February.

Wigan Athletic: Al Habsi, Caldwell, Watson, Di Santo (Sammon 68), Moses (McArthur 68), Gomez (Stam 86), Boyce, Rodallega, Diame, Lopez, Figueroa.

Subs: Kirkland, McCarthy, Thomas, Jones.

Goals: Di Santo (41 & 66)

Bookings: Lopez (33)
QPR: Kenny, Derry, Hall (Harriman 61), Gabbidon, Taarabt, Faurlin, Buzsaky (Bothroyd 72), Perone, Connolly, Agyemang, Smith (Andrade 80).
Subs: Murphy, Helguson, Ephraim, Hewitt.
Referee: Mr M Oliver
Attendance: 17,225 QPR


BBC/Phil Dawkes

BBC Sport


Di Santo has now scored three goals in 32 matches for Wigan Wigan extended their best start to a Premier League season to three unbeaten games as Franco Di Santo's brace gave them victory over QPR.

The Argentine volleyed home in the first half and found the top corner with a deflected drive in the second to give the Latics a deserved win.

They didn't have it all their own way, though, as QPR's Adel Taarabt twice struck the same post in the first half.

Bruno Perone also hit the woodwork from a second-half Taarabt corner.

Wigan's victory brings a successful end to their early-season trilogy of games against the newly promoted sides, following draws with Norwich and Swansea.

Martinez delighted with 'great win'
For the large part this was an intriguing contest between two closely matched sides.

The difference between the two, and what may ultimately prove decisive over the course of the season, is that Wigan have a broader and more incisive threat in attack in the form of Victor Moses, Hugo Rodallega and goalscorer Di Santo, who was busy throughout and brilliant when it mattered.

His first goal, four minutes before the break, was a masterclass in technique as he flicked up a pass from Moses and hammered a volley, which grazed Shaun Derry's hand en route, past Paddy Kenny from 25 yards.

For his second he initially frustrated strike-partner Rodallega by taking the ball off his foot on the edge of the area, but then wipe away the Colombian's chagrin by planting a drive in the top corner courtesy of a decisive deflection off Perone's back.

Moses was equally busy and almost scored himself early in the first half courtesy of a mini-demonstration of his own skill, as he jinked past two defenders before flashing his shot across goal.

Guy Mowbray,
Match of the Day commentator
"I particularly enjoyed Wigan's football. Fourteen passes in the build-up to the first goal. Di Santo, Rodallega & Moses a front-three handful."
In contrast to their hosts, QPR rely primarily on the threat of the mercurial Taarabt.

The Moroccan led the Hoops' fight at the DW, twice hitting the post in the first half - firstly from a superb 20-yard curling shot and then via a deflected free-kick from 35 yards, which Ali Al Habsi palmed onto the woodwork - but they cannot rely on him alone.

New signing Joey Barton was consigned to the stands after he signed too late to feature, but it is clear to see how his drive will improve Rangers' midfield.

In a tame second-half performance, the visitors managed only a handful of meaningful efforts, the best of which Perone headed against the bar from a corner.

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez:

"It's important to get that first win. We knew we needed a good start and it's been pleasing to see how we're working and the competitive edge we have.


Click to play
QPR boss Warnock desperate to bolster squad
"In football you should never be happy with what you've got and there are things we need to work on. But it's pleasing that our three performances have shown us getting stronger.

"It's more than just the goals with Franco. He is going through a maturity process but the way he works for the team is very valuable. The front three are starting to show good association between them."

QPR manager Neil Warnock:

"I think Di Santo should buy a lottery ticket tonight, having both goals going in off deflections.

"We've had a bit of short change but I can't fault the lads, they given me everything today. It just didn't go for us.

"I'm pleased with the effort they put in today. I thought they were fantastic and I told them I couldn't ask for more. If we'd scored first we'd have won the game." BBC


WIGAN OFFICIAL SITE - 'WE CAN GET BETTER' - MARTINEZ
Posted on: Sat 27 Aug 2011

Gaffer praises team win over QPR and expects development to continue

Roberto Martinez praised the performance of his team in overcoming Queens Park Rangers at the DW Stadium and recording their first win of the new season.

It was a comfortable afternoon for Latics with Franco Di Santo scoring the all-important goals, one either side of half-time to secure a tidy 2-0 victory.

Afterwards the Gaffer explained how his side had some tough challenges to overcome in order to maintain their unbeaten start to the season:

"We knew how difficult today's game was going to be but I felt the players approached the match in the right way and as a team we were strong and competed well," said Martinez.

"At times QPR played with great freedom in the final third and created a lot of problems, but overall our performance was very pleasing and that first win of the season always helps to settle the squad.

"We deserved three points today but what was important was how we earned them.

"In the build-up to the game there was much talk about the new players Neil Warnock has brought to his squad, and that can be the most dangerous time to play the opposition; all their players are out there with a point to prove as to how they can help the team and keep their place.

"However, we handled their freedom very well, created chances that concluded with two outstanding finishes from Franco Di Santo - a just reward for the hard work he's put in over the last three games.

"We showed patience which is very important at home; sometimes having grown in confidence throughout previous games you can go into a new game too eager to win.

"We knew it was a must-win game and that can be difficult to approach, but Franco's first goal represented what we had to be - patient and confident."

Jordi Gomez
PLATFORM GAME - Martinez believes there is a solid base now for Latics to continue improving upon

With no game now for two weeks as an international break disrupts the calendar, Martinez is delighted with the foundation laid in the opening three games by everyone at the club and the desire of the squad to continue improving:

"There are certain players who have been working very hard on the pitch and in training who perhaps haven't had the rewards in games, but there was a real appreciation shown to all of them today from the fans and hopefully this is the platform for them to continue developing at Wigan Athletic.

"We need to keep creating that environment at the DW Stadium which can be really hostile to visitors and inspire our players at the same time.

"We've been working for around 20 months to find that consistency and stability in our play and now you can see there is a real desire to be on the pitch and play as a team.

"All the ingredients are there to make what we have the ideal platform to build upon, and there is a set of players proud to play for Wigan Athletic hungry for success.

"We always want to be better and improve, so we'll look back at games like Norwich and Swansea to understand why we didn't come away with maximum points and correct those fine points.

"There are going to be difficult phases during the season when we'll need to have as many points as possible behind us, ready to stick together and come through as a group."
Wigan


WIGAN OFFICIAL SITE


Franco Di Santo's deadly double saw the R's fall victim to a 2-0 defeat at the DW Stadium, despite a positive display.

In front of the watching Joey Barton - who completed his move to QPR from Newcastle United on Friday afternoon - as well as close to 2,000 travelling supporters, Rangers were undone courtesy of goals either side of the half-time break from Di Santo.

Wigan took the lead on 41 minutes, after Di Santo's bullet effort from the edge of the box left Paddy Kenny with no chance.

And that's before the Latics front-man grabbed a crucial second goal on 66 minutes, after his effort - again from outside the penalty area - took a cruel deflection off Bruno Perone.

R's gaffer Neil Warnock handed Perone his first league start for QPR, after Bradley Orr missed out owing to a groin problem.

Patrick Agyemang continued in attack following last weekend's memorable victory at Everton, while Fitz Hall was also named in the starting XI against the side he left to move to W12.

Kenny was in goal for Rangers, behind a back four of Danny Gabbidon, Fitz Hall, Perone and Matt Connolly.

Shaun Derry and Ali Faurlin were in defensive midfield.

Further forward, Akos Buzsaky, R's skipper Adel Taarabt and Tommy Smith operated just behind Agyemang up front.

Wigan were first to go close on three minutes.

Perone was penalised for a foul 25 yards from goal, before Jordi Gomez stepped up to curl an effort just over the bar.

There was nothing to separate the two sides early on in what was fast becoming a hard-fought encounter, although it was the Latics who again went close on nine minutes.

Emmerson Boyce rode three different tackles and, when he fed fellow former Crystal Palace man Victor Moses, he skipped past Perone down the left before firing a cross-come-shot along the six-yard box that somehow skipped across the face of goal without a touch.

A minute later, it was Rangers' turn to go close. Derry picked up possession around 25 yards from goal, before the midfield general let fly with a magnificent effort that forced an equally superb save from Ali Al Habsi.

Three minutes later, QPR went as close as you can do without finding the net.

After neat link-up play with Buzsaky, Taarabt found space on 25 yards before unleashing an effort that thundered back off the right-hand post and, from the follow up, Agyemang could only drag an effort wide of the target.

The R's were edging closer. On 25 minutes, Faurlin picked up the loose ball after a weak clearance from a corner and, when he fed Buzsaky out wide on the right, the Magical Magyar sent over a pinpoint cross on to the head of Perone, who somehow headed wide when unmarked.

Di Santo forced a smart save from Kenny just a minute later, after dispossessing Connolly from 10-yards out.

Kenny pulled off a comfortable save from Moses soon after, before Wigan took the lead in the 41st minute - harsh, it has to be said, on Rangers, after their more than satisfactory performance in the first half.

Maynor Figueroa found Di Santo in space on the edge of the box, before the former Chelsea man took a touch and smashed an unstoppable shot into the top right-hand corner, leaving Kenny with no chance.

Rangers went within inches of equalising on the stroke of half-time.

Taarabt's stinging free-kick took a wicked deflection off the Latics wall with Al Habsi having to scurry across his line to wonderfully tip the ball on to the right-hand post, before Wigan cleared their lines.

The R's started the second period just like they performed for much of the first.

It wasn't long before Buzsaky ran at the Latics defence and slid a pass to Taarabt on 20 yards, who fired an effort just wide of the right-hand post, albeit under pressure from his marker.

At the other end, Figueroa disposed Hall before eventually finding Gomez, whose deflected effort went just wide of Kenny's left-hand post on 58 minutes.

The R's number one was called into action just a minute later, pulling off a smart stop after Di Santo's blast from 10-yards out.

But the R's were on top and appeared to be the most likely to score next.

As it turned out that wasn't to be the case, as Rangers found themselves two down on 66 minutes.

Di Santo received possession on 25 yards and, when he shifted his feet to find space, the Latics attacker's resultant shot flicked up off the boot of Perone before the ball flew past Kenny and into the top left-hand corner.

It was tough luck on the R's but they still pressed for a goal, with substitute Jay Bothroyd, Perone and Taarabt all going close on separate occasions.

But, ultimately, it wasn't to be, as the home side preserved their unbeaten home record, which stretches back to February." Wigan


1 Liverpool 3 4 7
2 Chelsea 3 3 7
3 Wolves 3 3 7
4 Man City 2 5 6
5 Man Utd 2 4 6
6 Aston Villa 3 2 5
7 Wigan 3 2 5
8 Newcastle 2 1 4
9 Bolton 3 1 3
10 Everton 2 0 3
11 QPR 3 -5 3
12 Stoke 2 0 2
13 Sunderland 3 -1 2
14 Norwich 3 -2 2
15 Swansea 3 -4 2
16 Arsenal 2 -2 1
17 Fulham 2 -2 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

18 West Brom 2 -2 0
19 Tottenham 1 -3 0
20 Blackburn 3 -4 0

Friday, August 26, 2011

QPR Report Friday: Transfer Waiting!...Malaysian Players to QPR...QPR Top Agents Spending

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The latest Football League report on clubs spending on football agents (covering 2010-2011) shows QPR topped the spending in the Football League.

QPR £1,770,000+

SUMMARY

http://www.football-league.co.uk/publications/20110826/league-publishes-agents-fees-report-for-season-201011_2293631_2432068


FULL REPORT

http://www.football-league.co.uk/staticFiles/8f/8c/0,,10794~167055,00.pdf



http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/klnd123/Article/

New Straights Times -Devinger Singh

Football: Safee looks set for QPR trial

NEW Queen's Park Rangers owner Tan Sri Tony Fernandes will hand two Malaysian national players, including Safee Sali, a trial at the English Premier League club.
Fernandes said QPR manager Neil Warnock was impressed with Safee after watching tapes of the Pelita Jaya striker, who was instrumental in Malaysia's AFF Cup triumph last year.

"Neil Warnock saw tapes of Safee and he was very impressed. We're hoping to bring him and one other over for a trial after the transfer period closes," Fernandes told radio station Hitz.fm yesterday.

"The potential for a Malaysian (player) to be noticed is much bigger now that we are here (in England)."

Safee, who joined Indonesian Super League side Pelita from Selangor early this year, would not be the first Malaysian to go on trial at an English club.

Kedah winger Baddrol Bakhtiar and Selangor's Bunyamin Umar attended a two-week training stint with Chelsea in 2008 while Sabah's Liverpool-born goalkeeper Syed Adney Syed Hussein had trials with Middlesbrough and Darlington.

But if Safee is to have any hope of playing in England, QPR would need to overcome stringent British work permit requirements as Fernandes acknowledged.

"We have some issues with the ranking (of the national team) and work permit. We'll deal with it when the time comes," added Fernandes.

To qualify for a work permit, a non-European Union player must feature in at least 75 per cent of his national team's 'A' level matches and his country must have averaged at least 70th in Fifa's world rankings.


While Safee is a first choice for Malaysia, the country's ranking of 146 works against him.

It was the same fate that befell former national midfielder Lim Chan Yew in 2005 when he was about to sign with Bournemouth, then in the English Third Division, only to fail to obtain a work permit.

Safee will return to Selangor, albeit for a one-off outing, at the annual Sultan of Selangor's Cup clash with Singapore in Shah Alam on Oct 1.

Safee will be one of four guest players, including three Britons, who will turn out for Selangor to level the playing field against a Singapore side dominated by naturalised players.

"We hope to have three players from Britain and Safee to balance the Selangor team against a strong Singapore side," said organising chairman Datuk Abdul Karim Munisar on Wednesday.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Video: QPR Fan Interview With Neil Warnock

Thursday, August 25, 2011
VIDEO: Brief QPR Fan Interview with Neil Warnock

npower's What's Your Goal
.
Subject: npower's What's Your Goal winner - Luke Harris

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gblf7uQ3rhw&feature=youtube_gdata_player



QPR Report Thursday: Ray Jones (RIP)...Fernandes: 4 or 5 Players...Joey Barton?...Taarabt?...Ticket Prices...Gorkss

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-
- Four Years Ago Today: Ray Jones RIP....Tributes...Further Tributes
-
- Throughout the day, the QPR Report Messageboard has news updates, comments and perspectives - even links to other board comments of interest re QPR matters (on and off the field) along with football (and ONLY football) topics in general....Also Follow: QPR REPORT ON TWITTER
_____________________________________________________________________________________

- Flashback QPR Video from a Decade Ago (How Things Have Changed)

- Leeds Fans and Ken Bates

- Spurs Getting 8.5 Million Pounds from The Mayor?

- What's Gone Wrong With Scottish Football?

- NOT QPR/Football directed, but interesting:"Tipping Point" author Malcolm Gladwell of "Psychic Benefits" of owning a Sports Team

- Gorkss Joins Reading...Flashback to the "controversy" with Blackpool re Gorkss Joining QPR!


TALKSPORT/Alex Varney: Exclusive – Fernandes: ‘We’re looking to sign four or five players’ o Wednesday, August 24
New QPR owner Tony Fernandes is hopeful the club will make up to five new signings by the close of the transfer window.
The Premier League newcomers have been linked with the likes of Joey Barton and Scott Parker since Fernandes completed his takeover of the club last week and the Malaysian tycoon hopes to wrap up a number of deals in the next week.
“We’re looking at about four or five players and in due course hopefully we’ll have some good announcements to make,” he told Drive Time. “It’s going to be a tense few days as we try to get the players we want but God willing we’ll be able to get them.
“My goals at the moment are short-term to ensure survival and do something that the fans will be proud of”Tony Fernandes
“We haven’t really got a budget but it depends on the type of player we get, whether he fits in. We’re fairly flexible on it but obviously we’re not in the same league as Man City and any of those teams.”
Fernandes has refused to make any bold predictions about the future of the club, with survival still the target for this term.
“The main aim is to stay up but the second aim is to build a good infrastructure that will endure many, many seasons and I think it’s critical that we invest in an academy and a good training ground,” he added.
“I’m not one to make big predictions. We’ll have to take it one step at a time. My goals at the moment are short-term to ensure survival and do something that the fans will be proud of.
“I believe every business must be run sensibly. We’ll do it sensibly. I don’t think it’s all about money, it’s about building a good infrastructure and having the right people.” Talksport


JOEY BARTON REPORTS

SKY - Barton impressed by QPR Midfielder impressed by QPR's plans

Last Updated: August 25, 2011 9:06am

Joey Barton's agent has revealed QPR boss Neil Warnock has been chasing the Newcastle midfielder ever since they won promotion.

Barton is on the verge of a move to Loftus Road after holding talks and undergoing a medical at the Premier League new boys.

Former Manchester City star Barton is available on a free transfer from Newcastle after he was placed on the transfer list following his outspoken remarks about the club on social networking sites.

Barton's representative, Willie McKay, confirmed the player was impressed by QPR's plans after speaking to new owner Tony Fernandes about the move.

"After Queens Park Rangers got promoted Neil Warnock called me and asked me the situation with Joey and of course when Joey was rewarded with a free transfer by Newcastle he came on right away," McKay told Sky Sports News.

"Joey spoke to (chief executive) Phil Beard and spoke to Tony Fernandes, via phone and liked what he had to say and I am sure there is going to be a few more signings for Queens Park Rangers.

"Obviously it is a big wrench for Joey [to leave Newcastle] as he loved it up there and obviously he will miss all the supporters and all his team-mates.

"Time moves on, you just have to move on. Newcastle have got their plans and Joey has got his.

"Joey is very confident he can do very, very well for Queens Park Rangers I think he is a top signing for them." SKY


Telegraph

Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton on brink of joining Queens Park Rangers on a free transfer


Joey Barton has agreed an astonishing £80,000-a-week three-year deal to join Queens Park Rangers on a free transfer and was undergoing a medical on Wednesday night as the newly-promoted Premier League club also prepared to submit an improved £7 million offer for another midfielder, West Ham’s Scott Parker.

By Jason Burt

11:00PM BST 24 Aug 2011

The moves in the transfer market came as Tony Fernandes, who took control of the London club last week, fulfilled a promise to review ticket prices by offering a “significant” refund to season-ticket holders, an announcing that children under eight will be able to attend matches at Loftus Road for free.

Manager Neil Warnock is planning to sign five new players before the transfer window closes with West Ham having already rejected a bid of £4 million, plus £1 million if QPR avoid relegation, for Parker on the day of takeover.

QPR are also discussing offers for the City pair of Shaun Wright-Phillips and Nedum Onuoha as Warnock works to strengthen his squad given the club’s new-found stability and the backing he has received. It is understood, however, that they may miss out on both signings with other clubs in the running.

Fernandes has made around £10 million available and the Malaysian entrepreneur is keen to make at least one marquee signing to boost the club’s profile as well as the chances of survival.

Barton is available for free from Newcastle and the 28 year-old travelled to London on Wednesday for talks after being granted permission to speak to QPR and being told he was not needed for his club’s Carling Cup tie against Sc**thorpe Thursday night.

Barton signed for Newcastle for £5.8 million in 2007 but no fee is being demanded for a player who currently earns £60-65,000 a week. He has started both of Newcastle’s league games so far this season but that has not changed the club’s stance that they would like him to leave.

It may well be that talks with QPR were designed to flush out further interest but there have been few genuine inquiries for Barton and, as things stand, it’s believed he will join the west London club.

The review of ticket prices, meanwhile, will be well-received by supporters angered at the huge hikes announced following promotion.

QPR’s new chief executive Phil Beard confirmed on Wednesday that the club will write to season-ticket holders to outline the extent of the refunds on offer. Tickets for QPR’s next home game against Newcastle, for example, are now £35-60 rather than £40-65. Refunds will be given to those who have bought tickets at the old prices.

Beard announced that the club would be reducing match-day ticket prices, introducing a third match-day pricing category and letting children under eight attend home fixtures for free in specified areas of the stadium, so long as they were accompanied by a full paying adult. Telegraph


GUARDIAN Guardian/Louise Taylor

Joey Barton has medical ahead of proposed Queens Park Rangers move

• Barton close to agreeing a deal with Loftus Road club
• Newcastle unlikely to strengthen in midfield if he departs


Joey Barton has held talks with QPR after the Newcastle United board decided he was allowed to leave

Joey Barton was undergoing a medical ahead of a proposed move to Queens Park Rangers on Wednesday night after Newcastle United made it clear they were not prepared to do a U-turn and offer him a new contract at St James' Park.

The midfielder, available on a free transfer but with one year remaining on his contract at Newcastle, had hoped that the QPR manager Neil Warnock's move would force a change of heart in the Tyneside club's boardroom. But Mike Ashley, Newcastle's owner, and Derek Llambias, the managing director, still feel that Barton has burned his bridges after refusing to sign a contract extension offer last season and then criticising the club's transfer policy on Twitter this month.

That latter outburst saw him handed a free transfer. The former Manchester City midfielder, who earns close to £70,000 a week, initially maintained he would leave only for a "top team", ideally one involved in the Champions League. With no club expressing serious interest in signing him until QPR's intervention, his options have receded dramatically.

On Wednesday night Barton wrote on Twitter: "Going for a medical now, still no contract offer from NUFC.......think that just about makes my mind up." He added: "Don't want to leave Newcastle........I've made that clear but my hands are tied."

Warnock, no stranger to controversy himself, has long admired Barton but until the past few days he lacked the funds to sign him. Tony Fernandes's takeover at QPR has now provided the cue for Loftus Road officials to make their approach to Barton's agent. Although the player was initially cool on the idea of joining a newly promoted side, Willie McKay pointed out that QPR were offering a lucrative long-term deal and persuaded Barton to board a Kings Cross-bound train.

That departure left Alan Pardew harbouring mixed feelings. Although Newcastle's manager has found Barton distinctly "high-maintenance" at times, he values the midfielder's ability and aggression. Guardian


INDEPENDENT As Newcastle dither, QPR move in for Barton


By Glenn Moore

Thursday, 25 August 2011

Joey Barton said that the lack of a new offer at St James' Park helped convince him that a switch to Queen's Park Rangers was the right move

Queen's Park Rangers are close to signing Joey Barton, Newcastle United's tempestuous, Nietzsche-tweeting midfielder, holding off interest from Tottenham Hotspur, Everton, Stoke City and Sunderland. Barton will leave Newcastle reluctantly, but will be welcomed in west London enthusiastically, not least by manager Neil Warnock.

Barton met Warnock in London yesterday and subsequently tweeted: "Going for a medical now, still no contract offer from NUFC... think that just about makes my mind up." He also added: "Don't want to leave Newcastle... I've made that clear but my hands are tied."

Spurs would seem to have offered the most high-profile platform for the once-capped Barton, but are only prepared to offer a one-year deal. Barton, 29 next week, would like longer. Sunderland's interest is equally intriguing given Barton's current club, but also an unlikely destination after the praise he has heaped upon Newcastle's fans.

Newcastle paid £5.7m in 2007 when Sam Allardyce was manager. He is still under contract but the club said Barton could leave on a free transfer after a pre-season row with manager, Alan Pardew, and criticism on twitter of the club's decision to allow Kevin Nolan to leave for West Ham.

Warnock would not be drawn on his chances of confirming Barton's signature but said: "It is great that we are even talking to players like that." Warnock, who yesterday sold central defender Kasper Gorkss to Reading, hopes to make two more signings before the weekend. A full-back is high among his priorities with Clint Hill suspended and Bradley Orr suffering a muscle injury in Tuesday's Carling Cup defeat to Rochdale. As well as Barton he has also been chasing two other England internationals, West Ham United's Scott Parker and Manchester City's Shaun Wright-Phillips.

In a further sign of the new possibilities at Loftus Road since Tony Fernandes took over, the club announced they are cutting ticket prices. They are also giving "significant" refunds on season tickets which are only one match old. Rangers' previous co-owner Bernie Ecclestone increased season ticket prices by almost 40 per cent this season. It is understood Ecclestone wanted to double prices but was persuaded not to by Warnock who feared playing in front of an empty stadium – and Amit Bhattia, the vice-chairman. Bhattia subsequently resigned but has returned under Fernandes

The club's new CEO, Philip Beard, said: "These changes show how serious we are about taking the fans' views on board."

Beard also announced that the club would allow free entry for under-eights in specified areas, if with an adult paying full price. Lowest ticket price will be £25. "I'm delighted," said Warnock, "because I know how difficult it is for a lot of our supporters to make ends meet and still support their beloved Hoops." Independent




Evening Standard/Ian Gibb - Adel Taarabt's in trouble after getting shirty


Adel Taarabt seems certain to be on a collision course with manager Neil Warnock after his dreadful display of petulance capped an awful night for Queens Park Rangers as they slipped out of the Carling Cup to Rochdale.

Rochdale's Nicky Adams approached Taarabt to swap shirts only for the Moroccan to rip off his top, turn away and toss it behind him before stalking off.

Warnock then conducted a bizarre press conference, where he praised the midfielder - courted all summer by Paris St-Germain - and said he needed to improve his match sharpness.

The Rangers manager said, surely with tongue fixed firmly in cheek: "I was really pleased with Taarabt's attitude.

"He doesn't train very well, so he has to play. I was very pleased he came through because he does need three games in a week to just push him on. He looked good fitness wise, the best he's been, apart from the last 15 minutes.

"And if we can get another game out of him on Saturday [at Wigan] before the international break, then he promises to be back to what he should be for the Newcastle match. That's quite good, really."

Asked why Taarabt doesn't train well, Warnock retorted: "Because he doesn't like training!"
That's an extraordinary state of affairs for a player who was made captain last season and led the charge to the Premier League.

A year after the capitulation to League Two Port Vale, Warnock tried to brush off the consequences of last night's defeat as an inferior competition he is not much interested in with top flight survival all important.

Last season's defeat came amid a 19-game unbeaten League run but this reverse to a League One side, even with multiple changes to the line-up, has to be damaging for the club's morale.

In the first home game since Tony Fernandes's takeover, Rochdale deserved the win with goals from former Toulouse and Grimsby striker Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro after five minutes and then a glorious chip by veteran Gary Jones after 81 minutes.

Warnock added: "Yes, I'm pleased we're out; the competition needs revamping."

But Rochdale manager Steve Eyre countered: "He didn't say that before the game. Any competition in League or Cup that has a front line of Taarabt and [Jay] Bothroyd tells me he was taking it quite serious, pre-game.

"Post-game he has wished us all the best and said he hopes that we get the tie we want. He's a fantastic man and you're looking at 1,000 games and more he's managed in - I've not done even a 1,000 minutes yet.

"And he's someone I can call on, someone I respect. He's done plenty more than I have."

Warnock's mood will not have been lightened by news that, after losing right-back Bradley Orr to injury last night, Fulham have joined the chase for Aston Villa's Luke Young, who is on QPR's wanted list.

The former Tottenham and Charlton defender, who can play either side, favours a move to Craven Cottage as Villa target Spurs' Alan Hutton.

Warnock knocked back moves for Joe Cole and former Rangers striker Peter Crouch even though Fernandes will be hoping to bring in up to four new players. "I'd love them both but I can't see they'll be at QPR if I'm honest," said the manager. "We couldn't afford one of Crouch's shoelaces! It's easier said than done, bringing players in, even if you've got money. It's not easy to get four or five good players here in a week.

"How busy will I be? Too busy. I'm doing 12 weeks' work in eight days and I'm finding it difficult - and tiring!

"I hope we get at least one in by the weekend to start it rolling and then push on, Monday and Tuesday. The chairman is really trying his hardest. I spoke to him in Malaysia and he's as excited as I am. But he wants to sign them yesterday." Standard


QPR Official Site EXCLUSIVE: TICKET PRICES REDUCED
Posted on: Wed 24 Aug 2011

We are pleased to announce significant changes to our pricing structure for the current 2011/12 Barclays Premier League campaign.

Following a full evaluation of our prices across all areas and having taken into account feedback from our loyal supporters, we are delighted to confirm the following changes:

- Significant refunds on Season Tickets*

- Significant top-line reductions on matchday prices and the continuation of the £5 Adult members discount

- Introduction of a third matchday pricing category, representing excellent value for money for QPR supporters

- Under-8's go free - all children under the age of eight will now be able to attend every QPR home fixture (subject to availability) free of charge, when accompanied by a full paying adult, in the silver and bronze areas of the stadium

Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk about the changes, newly-appointed CEO Philip Beard, said: "These changes show how serious the owners are about taking the fans' views on board.

"Ticket prices are imperative to the business structure and we are confident the supporters will react positively to the news and help make Loftus Road a fortress on matchdays.

"I would personally like to thank the QPR staff, in particular those directly affected by the previous ticketing structure, for their professionalism and patience in responding to the fans' complaints."

Supporters who have purchased a ticket at the original pricefor our home fixture against Newcastle United on Monday 12th September will be entitled to a refund voucher, which will be sent out in due course.

This voucher can be redeemed for a full refund from the Box Office; used to purchase future tickets; or used in the QPR Superstore on all items.

Box Office Manager, Jenny Elliott, added: "The Box Office staff are delighted Tony Fernandes and his fellow Board members have acknowledged all of our concerns regarding ticket prices and have reduced the prices accordingly.

"It's fantastic news and I'm sure the fans will embrace the new pricing structure.

"This is a major step forward in terms of re-building the bond between the Club and its supporters and we look forward to welcoming our loyal fans to Loftus Road this season."

*All current Season Ticket holders will be eligible for a refund. The Club will be writing to each and every Season Ticket holder individually in the coming weeks to explain the refund process.

Matchday Prices

Category A (6 matches) - Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool.... QPR


QPR Official Site EXCLUSIVE: GORKSS IS A ROYAL
Posted on: Wed 24 Aug 2011


Kaspars Gorkss has joined Championship outfit Reading for an undisclosed fee.

The Latvian centre-half, who was a regular in the R's Championship winning team of 2010/11, has penned a three year deal at the Madejski Stadium.

Gorkss joined QPR from Blackpool in the summer of 2008 and made 124 appearances in all competitions during his three year spell at Loftus Road.

R's gaffer Neil Warnock told www.qpr.co.uk: "Kaspars has been a tremendous servant to the Club and was instrumental in helping us reach the Premier League.

"I'm delighted that he's going to a good Club like Reading." QPR

The Club would like to thank Kaspars for his services to QPR and wish him all the best for the future.

*The deal is subject to Football League approval.



- Next: Wigan - QPR-Wigan Stats

- Six Years Ago Today: The "Shock" Boardroom Coup as Gianni Paladini, Dunga and Caliendo ("Consultant") Overthree Chairman Bill Power & Axed CEO Mark Devlin.

- "Spot The Ball!"

- QPR Report Q&A: The Rochdale Perspective of Rochdale and QPR (Interview Conducted by QPR Report Correspondent, Maudesfishnchips)

- Next: Wigan - Stats, Past Encounters

- Past QPR-Malaysia Connections: Allan Harris


- QPR Documentary "Four Year Plan" - To Marbella Festival in October

- A Statistical Guide to Points Needed to Stay Up

- "Spot The Ball!"

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

QPR Report Wednesday: Rochdale Loss: Reports and Comments..."Boardroom Coup" Flashback

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-
- Photos from QPR-Rochdale

- Throughout the day, the QPR Report Messageboard has news updates, comments and perspectives - even links to other board comments of interest re QPR matters (on and off the field) along with football (and ONLY football) topics in general....Also Follow: QPR REPORT ON TWITTER
_____________________________________________________________________________________

- And the Official Site has posted one of its "Be the First to Know" re its SMS Subscription Service. Often a harbinger of a transfer announcement. (Although this time, of course, could be "just" the expected announcement today regarding a reduction in ticket prices.

- Next: Wigan - QPR-Wigan Stats

- Six Years Ago Today: The "Shock" Boardroom Coup as Gianni Paladini, Dunga and Caliendo ("Consultant") Overthree Chairman Bill Power & Axed CEO Mark Devlin.

- 43 Year Flashback: Barry Bridges Makes his QPR Debut!

- "Spot The Ball!"

- QPR Report Q&A: The Rochdale Perspective of Rochdale and QPR (Interview Conducted by QPR Report Correspondent, Maudesfishnchips)


Reading Evening Post/Jonny Fordham - Reading FC chase QPR and Latvia defender Gorkšs
- Reading have been linked with a £900,000 move for Queens Park Rangers defender Kaspars GorkÅ¡s.

The Latvia international is deemed surplus to requirements at Loftus Road, despite being an almost ever-present in their Championship winning season.

Gorkšs is also wanted by Southampton and a possible swap deal with their winger Jason Puncheon is also still up in the air.

The 29-year-old would be a welcome addition to Brian McDermott’s squad who need a boost following their three defeats on the spin.

Royals failed with a £700,000 bid for Millwall centre-back Paul Robinson on Monday and are desperate for an experienced centre-back to command their back four sooner rather than late Reading Evening Post



QPR ROCHDALE REPORTS & COMMENTS

- Last game for the Hoops?


QPR Official Site - WARNOCK: 'GOOD EXERCISE'
Posted on: Tue 23 Aug 2011

Despite the disappointing result, Manager Neil Warnock looked at the positives that emerged from the R's early Carling Cup exit.

Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, the Rangers gaffer said: "I'm obviously disappointed, but I'm not surprised.

"It's been a good exercise for the squad this evening.

"I thought the young lads did well and I'm pleased with the attitudes of Bothroyd and Taarabt.

"Taarabt does need games, but he looked good on Saturday. If we can get another game out of him before the international break, then I think he will be back to his best.

"It's obvious we haven't got the depth amongst the squad, but we're working on that."

With just over a week before the transfer window closes, Warnock added: "We are looking to bring good players into QPR, but it's not easy even if you've got money.

"Tony is really trying his hardest. He rang me tonight and is as excited as I am.

"He wants me to sign them yesterday and you don't get many chairmen like that."

Warnock continued: "I'm quite hopeful that we will get one in before the weekend, but it won't be the end of the world if we don't.

"Next week is going to be busy.

"I'm hoping to get four or five in before the deadline."

http://www.qpr.co.uk/page/TheGaffer/0,,10373~2429884,00.html


York Press

Eyre rejects Warnock's cup stance

Wednesday 24th August 2011

© Press Association 2011

Rochdale manager Steve Eyre has refuted Neil Warnock's claim that he was pleased QPR had been dumped out of the Carling Cup.

Npower League One club Rochdale departed Loftus Road with a surprise 2-0 victory through goals by Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro and Gary Jones in each half. Warnock, frustrated by the groin injury sustained by Bradley Orr, responded by saying he had was happy they were no longer in the competition and that it should be revamped.

"Neil didn't say before the game that he doesn't take it seriously," Ayre said. "To field a front line that has Adel Taarabt and Jay Bothroyd tells me it was taken quite seriously."

He added: "It's still a fantastic competition. Wembley is an amazing place to play football.

"We're not going to start saying we're going to the Carling Cup final, but I can't believe a player wouldn't want to play at Wembley. I spoke to Neil after the game and we shook hands. I think he's a fantastic man. I know he's someone I can call on and respect.

"What he says goes because he's done plenty more than I have. I'm very proud of my players and we're delighted to be in the next round."

Warnock showed his regard for the competition by making eight changes to the side that won at Everton and was frustrated to see one of survivors, Orr, depart injured in the first half.

QPR supporters seemed to share their manager's low opinion of the Carling Cup as only 4,775 turned up.

"I don't think people do care about the competition and you've got to look at why," said Warnock.

"We've lost an influential player who played really well on Saturday in Bradley Orr. For what? We're not going to win the cup." York Press


David McIntyre - West London Press

Rangers dumped out by Dale

QPR yet again made an early exit from the League Cup, this time at the hands of Rochdale, who are in the third round for the first time since 1962.

Rangers have now failed to reach that stage of the competition in six of the last eight seasons, and the writing was on the wall once John-Louis Akpa Akpro put the League One side ahead after only four minutes.

Gary Jones’ late strike sealed a great win for Dale, who defended resolutely and were always dangerous on the counter attack.

Neil Warnock is no fan of the tournament and the R’s boss will not have to worry about it for another year after his team fell meekly at the first hurdle for the second successive season.

He made a number of changes and they included a full debut for teenage winger Bruno Andrade as well as starting places for outcasts Martin Rowlands and Lee Cook.

There were also QPR debuts for summer signings Bruno Perone and Brian Murphy.

And goalkeeper Murphy quickly found himself picking the ball out of the net.

The Irishman produced a fine save to deny Ashley Grimes but the loose ball ran straight to Akpa Akpro, who had the simple task of scoring from close range.

Rangers received another setback when Bradley Orr limped off on the half-hour mark, paving the way for right-back Michael Harriman to come on for his first senior appearance.

Dan Shittu had a header cleared off the line, while Andrade and Matt Connolly had efforts saved by Dale keeper David Lucas as Warnock’s men tried in vain to find an equaliser before half-time.

Jay Bothroyd did find the net with a header seven minutes after the restart, but an offside flag denied him his first QPR goal.

With Rangers having plenty of possession but failing to seriously trouble the Rochdale defence, Warnock sent on Troy Hewitt for his debut – six months after the striker’s move from Harrow Borough.

Hewitt and Shaun Derry replaced Cook and Rowlands, but any prospect of a fightback was crushed by Jones’ excellent finish nine minutes from time.

Jones latched onto Nicky Adams’ pass and superbly chipped Murphy from the edge of the penalty area.

Akpa Akpro should then have made it three, but spared Rangers even more embarrassment when he dragged his shot wide of the target.
http://www.westlondonsport.com/qpr/rangers-dumped-out-by-dale/


Paul Warburton/Fulham Chronicle

QPR get two bad injuries as well as cup humiliation

QPR boss Neil Warnock was counting the cost of first-round elimination in the Carling Cup - and not just the embarassment of a defeat by Rochdale.

Bradley Orr (pic) is a major doubt for Wigan on Saturday after limping off with a first-half groin injury. And any chance of selling Martin Rowlands in the transfer window also appears dead after the midfielder suffered a hamstring strain.

Warnock had hoped to put both Rowlands and Lee Cook in the shop window - but a 2-0 reverse to a League One outfit blew an ill wind down Loftus Road on Tuesday night.

The manager reckoned he was forced to use six of the team that beat Everton on Saturday to make up the squad for this one - such was the scarcity of numbers. And with Keiron Dyer facing another week on the sidelines, Warnock now has no recognised right back.

He said: "I didn't want to play the ones I did - but we've got no one else, which shows the depth we've got -and Orr's injury is what you get."

That's my cover you saw tonight, and you can make your own assumptions. That's why we need five or six new players in the window to supplement what we've got."

Rangers famously won the League Cup in 1967 and reached the final in 1986, but their current manager was glad he was done with it for another year.

Warnock said: "The competition needs revamping. Am I pleased we're out? Yes - it's sad but there it is. But I do want to give the FA Cup a go."
www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/london-qpr/2011/08/23/qpr-get-two-bad-injuries-as-well-as-cup-humiliation-820 29-29291634/#ixzz1VvtxxxSF


Rochdale Official Site

Rochdale eased their way through to the third round of the Carling Cup beating Premiership outfit QPR by two goals to nil at Loftus Road.

It's the first time Rochdale have reached the third round of the competition since the last time back in 1962, the year Dale went on to become finalists.

Rochdale boss Steve Eyre made three changes to his side, two enforced and one tactical. On loan goalkeeper James Kean without cup clearance by his Blackburn side was replaced by David Lucas while Neal Ttrotman was banned after his sending off on Saturday at Boundary Park.
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Jason Kennedy was preferred in midfield with Joe Thompson sidelined as a change in formation called for a sturdy look to the centre of midfield.

QPR manager Neil Warnock made eight changes to the side that beat Everton 1-0 on Saturday but even so it was a strong side as though called into play were on the bench at Goodison on Saturday.

It couldn't have started any better for Steve Eyres side as they took the lead with four minutes played. Rochdale edged their way forward down the left wing with Captain Gary Jones and Joe Widdowsoninstrumental in the move.The ball arrived at the feet of Ashley Grimes and his shot from just inside the box was parried by 'Keeper Murphy into the path of Akpa Akpro and he made no mistake from just inside the six yard box.

The goal rocked the home side who seemed shell-shocked and Dale went on to enjoy plenty of the ball without much risk on David Lucas' goal.It took another 20 minutes before the stand-in 'keeper was called into action.Lucas made a comfortable save from a right sided shot by Bothroydd before Rochdale went down the other end just two minutes later looking to extend their lead.

It was an excellent break down the right as Dale and Jean Louis Akpa Akpro looked to double their lead after a good break down the right.Skipper Gary Jones popped the ball out to the Frenchman who cut inside but his low shot was weak and Brian Murphy wasn't going to be beaten again.

The pressure perhaps expected from the first whistle by the Premiership side arrived with ten minutes to go before the break.Warnock's side had Dale on the back foot as they searched for the equaliser and went close to finding it in the final minute of the half.An excellent move forward by QPR ended with a fierce shot by Lee Cook bringing a save from Lucas who threw himself to his right to parry.The loose ball dropped in the box and anxious times for Dale fans were ended as the ball was hooked clear by Balkestein.

Judging by the start to the second period made by Warnocks men it looked as though the manager had his words of advice still ringing in their ears. The home side certainly meant business but Rochdale's defence stood firm repelling the London side's advances.

QPR's Adel Taarabt was busy in the first five minutes since the restart trying his luck at every opportunity.Shots rained in but to be honest none troubled Lucas in the Dale goal.

Eyre's side soaked up the pressure extremely well and the frustration of failing to break through the Rochdale rearguard led to a quiet spell in terms of chances as both sides cancelled each other out for a time.

That was until Ashley Grimes saw a shot saved by Murphy and that seemed to spark a flurry of good attacking from both sides.QPR's Jay Boothroyd managed to head the ball past Lucas into the back of the net, but a linesman's flag ended the home side's celebrations.

With 64 minutes played a long ball forward that found the run of Ashley Grimes and his appeal for a penalty after Shittu held him back fell on deaf ears.

QPR substitute Michael Harriman almost capitalised on a weak defensive header by Balkestein but his half volley just inside the penalty area found the hands of Lucas.

With 15 minutes to go Rochdale looked to double their lead after a good ball by Grimes found Akpa Akpro down the left flank.The Frenchman centred only to see his cross flash across the box just ahead of the on rushing Nicky Adams.

With nine minutes to go Rochdale doubled their lead after soaking lots of pressure from the home side.Dale broke through Gary Jones chipped Murphy to send Rochdale supporters mental and QPR fans heading for the exit.

QPR continued to press and a fantastic double save from Lucas put the cherry on his performance towards the end.After four minutes of added time the official put the home side out of their misery and Eyre's side celebrated an excellent win.
http://www.rochdaleafc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10441~61014,00.html


QPR Official Site

Rochdale knocked QPR out of the Carling Cup with a 2-0 victory in a lacklustre affair in W12.

R's boss Neil Warnock made sweeping changes to his side that clinched a memorable weekend victory at Everton - and that ultimately told on the night.

Indeed, with the focus firmly on the Premier League and this Saturday's trip to Wigan, the Dale knocked Rangers out at the second round stage thanks to goals either side of the break, with Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro and Gary Jones both on target for the visitors.

Warnock made wholesale changes for the visit of Rochdale. There were starts for summer signings Brian Murphy and Bruno Perone, with the pair making their full R's debuts.

Under-18s boss Steve Gallen would no doubt have been the proudest man in W12 tonight (Tuesday), with no less than four players that have come up through the ranks at QPR included.

Of that quartet, Bruno Andrade was named in the starting XI, while Jordan Gibbons, Michael Harriman and Antonio German began from the bench.

Murphy was in goal for the R's in a 4-2-3-1 formation, behind a back four of Bradley Orr, Danny Shittu, Perone and Matt Connolly.

Hogan Ephraim and Martin Rowlands patrolled the defensive midfield area, with Andrade, Adel Taarabt and Lee Cook deployed just behind lone striker Bothroyd.

On a rainsoaked evening in the capital, the R's enjoyed the majority of possession in the opening exchanges but would find themselves behind on five minutes.

Ashley Grimes found space on the left-hand side of the box and, when his fizzed effort was palmed by Murphy back in the direction of Akpa Akpro, he muscled past his marker to slide the ball home into bottom right-hand corner from six-yards out.

Undeterred, the R's responded on 11 minutes when Ephraim's corner from the right was headed goalwards by Orr, who saw his effort cleared off the line by a Dale man.

Two minutes later, Rowlands found Shittu on 35 yards before the big defender let fly with an effort that sailed past the right-hand post.

The tie entered into a period of lull midway into the first period, with only an Andrade effort - that went handsomely wide of the target - the only opportunity of any note.

Rangers created arguably their chance of the half yet on 24 minutes.

Ephraim, Bothroyd, Taarabt and Connolly all combined and, when the latter's effort from 20 yards skipped across the lush surface, David Lucas scurried towards his right-hand post to excellently tip the ball wide.

QPR were forced into a change on 31 minutes, after Orr made his way over the near touchline with a limp.

The defender's injury didn't look serious although the R's gaffer Warnock took no chances, bringing on Harriman at the expense of Orr in what appeared to be a precautionary switch.

The remainder of the half never really got going, although Andrade did provide some threat when in possession.

Indeed, the lively winger cut in from the right on the stroke of half-time before unleashing a powerful drive that forced a smart stop from Lucas, who parried the effort away before the ball was cleared from danger.

The R's started the second period strongly. Taarabt's free-kick from the right raced agonisingly across the six-yard box without a touch, before the Moroccan attacker was again involved, with his curling effort from distance going just inches wide of goal.

Moments later, Bothroyd had an effort chalked off for offside, after powering home Taarabt's centre from the right.

The story of the second half was almost symmetrical to that of the first, with hardly anything to note in terms of clear-cut opportunities around the midway point.

Substitute Harriman would force Lucas into a smart take on 67 minutes, blasting a stinging drive on the half volley straight at the Rochdale keeper following Connolly's in-swinging centre from the left.

Warnock was forced into another switch in the 71st minute, bringing on Shaun Derry for Rowlands - who appeared to have taken a knock - before former Troy Hewitt replaced Cook two minutes later.

Rangers threw bodies forward at every possible opportunity in the closing stages.

And that would ultimately cost them, as the R's were undone on the counter attack when Rochdale added a second on 81 minutes.

A ball from deep sparked a chase between Harriman and Grimes and, when the latter held play up and laid a pass back to Jones, he executed a delightful lob to put the Dale in the hat for round three.

QPR: Murphy, Orr (Harriman 31), Taarabt, Bothroyd, Perone, Connolly, Ephraim, Shittu, Andrade, Cook (Hewitt 73), Rowlands (Derry 71).

Subs: Cerny, Buzsaky, Gibbons, German.

Rochdale: Lucas, Darby, Grimes (Thompson 82), Kennedy, Widdowson, Tutte, Jones, Akpa Akpro, Balkestien, Adams, Holness.

Subs: Edwards, Gray, Marshall, Twaddle.

Goals: Apka Akpro (5), Jones (81)

Bookings: Widdowson (79)

Referee: Mr O Langford

ATT: 4, 755
http://www.qpr.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10373~61014,00.html



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